Joint UNCT – UNAMID Communique / UN Country Team, UNAMID expand partnership of peace process and development in Darfur

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has pledged to combine their efforts to work together in implementing specific initiatives including: voluntary returns, human rights and justice, institutional capacity development, and peace building and reconciliation.

This important milestone was reached today in the second session of the UNAMID/UNCT Joint Secretariat which concluded today at UNAMID’s headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur.

In the run up to the two-day session, the joint working groups produced matrices setting out the existing activities implemented in collaboration between the UNCT and UNAMID.

The Joint Secretariat expressed their satisfaction with the work produced by the working groups and specifically with the innovative ideas proposed as part of the new joint activities. These proposals, which are now to be developed into more elaborate concept notes, will be submitted to the High Level Committee at the UNCT/ UNAMID meeting, scheduled to take place in February 2013.

The Joint Secretariat was established under the UNAMID/UNCT Vision Strategic Framework to oversee the work of the six UNCT/UNAMID joint working groups created within the framework of the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur.

The concrete implementation of the joint activities will provide an additional opportunity to the parties to increase their collaborative efforts in support of sustainable peace in Darfur.

Lopes re-aligns ECA work to better serve Africa's transformation agenda

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The new Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Carlos Lopes today in Addis Ababa announced a major restructuring of ECA’s work programme to better reflect a “changing world, a new phase of globalization” and the present realities of rapid urbanization in Africa which is recording steady economic growth but few jobs and which needs to accelerate its transformation agenda.

He told hundreds of ECA staff members in a Town Hall meeting that he had consulted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including ECA’s strategic partners and staff members over the past three months, and developed a better and more targeted structure with new business processes designed to serve Africa better.

Today, he announced the creation of Macroeconomic Policy Division, Regional Integration and Trade Division, Special Initiatives Division, Social Development Division and a strengthened and expanded African Centre for Statistics which will be charged with collating and collecting credible data and statistics on African development issues. These Divisions, he said, will take charge of ECA’s renewed focus on “Policy Research”.

To carry out “knowledge delivery”, he announced the creation of an Office of Partnerships and a Capacity Development Division which is composed of an African Union and NEPAD Team as well as a team of highly skilled experts who will serve as Regional Advisers. With this Division, Lopes expects that ECA will better respond to the capacity needs of the African Union and its NEPAD programme as well as benefit from the experience of renowned experts in various capacities around the world.

Since the most significant change has to do with data collection and statistical analysis, Lopes said ECA’s five Sub-regional Offices (SROs) (in Lusaka, Kigali, Rabat, Niamey and Yaoundé) would be strengthened and re-focused to reflect this objective.

Accordingly, the SROs will have the primary task of serving as Data Centres, collecting credible statistics on various development issues and challenges in the countries that they cover. They will also cater to subregional “special initiatives”.

While the new structure is expected to take effect from March 2013, Lopes called on staff to join any of 10 task forces he established in order to ensure that all opinions and recommendations are factored into the operations of the new structure. The task forces will examine wide ranging areas including re-profiling, communications strategy and conferencing. He will adopt some recommendation and “publicly explain why he did not adopt others”

While some Divisions (Food Security and Sustainable Development; ICT, Science and Technology; and Governance and Public Administration Divisions) appeared to have disappeared, Lopes said their programmes had actually been absorbed in other new structures. For instance, Food Security, Agriculture and Land, are now part of the Regional Integration and Trade Division, while the African Gender Center is now part of a wider Social Development Division.

He said no priority of Africa had been overlooked in the present structure, stressing the overall objective of ECA being known for fewer things, but considered to be the best in those things.

“For example, we do not need to get involved in gender advocacy; instead we should develop the tools for others to carry out such advocacy, and when we work on food security, it should have a focus on regional integration” he said.

While the new structure is expected to take effect from March 2013, Lopes called on ECA staff to join any of 10 task forces he established to review and make recommendations that will factor into the operations of the new structure.

The task forces will examine wide ranging areas including re-profiling, communications strategy and conferencing. He said he will adopt some recommendations and publicly explain why he does not adopt others, he promised.

The overall reaction of ECA staff appears to be one of optimism as they get ready to embrace the change.

Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — I. INTRODUCTION

1. The present report is submitted in pursuance of communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.(CCCXXVIII) adopted by Council at its 328thmeeting held on 24 November 2012, and in which it decided to remain actively seized of the situation in Darfur. The report focuses on the following issues: progress made towards the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and activities of the Joint African Union (AU) – United Nations (UN) Mediation; updates on the political, security and humanitarian situation; and deployment and activities of the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). It concludes with observations on the way forward.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOHA DOCUMENT FOR PEACE IN DARFUR

2. During the reporting period, the signatory parties to the DDPD, the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM), continued in their efforts to implement the provisions of the Doha Document, which has already experienced delays. On 18 July, the parties adopted a revised implementation timetable, which extended the respective deadlines by one year.

3. Some progress was however made.The DDPD dissemination exercise by the parties and other stakeholders, which started in January 2012, was concluded in July. A total of 140 dissemination workshops were carried out in Darfur and Khartoum, with about 25,000 participants, 34per cent of whom were women. UNAMID supported the exercise through the provision of technical advice and logistical assistance. UNAMID assessment revealed that,while the DDPD enjoys support generally, there were strong concerns about the slow pace ofthe implementation process and the continued holding out of non-signatory movements. There is also someskepticism about the will and commitment of the parties to fully implement the Agreement.

4. The Darfur Regional Authority(DRA) organized anAll Darfur People’s Conference in El Fasher, from 10 to 12 July. Approximately 900 representatives of a cross-section of Darfuri stakeholder groups participated. Recommendations adopted at the Conference called for strengthened security and the rule of law, the promotion of reconciliation, a donor conference on development, and the speedy completion of the construction of the road linking El Fasher with Khartoum.

5. In testing the ground ahead ofthe Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultation (DIDC), the DRA planned to hold a Conference for Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs)and Refugees in Nyala, on 20 and 21 November 2012, with the objective of identifying and including their concerns in the implementation of the relevant sections of the DDPD, and initiating an agenda for the Darfur Donors’ Conference. However, due to the outbreak of Yellow Fever, the Conference was postponed. In preparation for the Conference, the DRA Voluntary Return and Resettlement Commission (VRRC), in collaboration with UNAMID and UNHCR,organized a number of workshops in Darfur, in October and November 2012, focusing on return, reintegration, provision of basic services and the role of IDPs and refugees in the return process.

6. The verification of LJM forces and strength was conducted by UNAMID between 5 and 9 March 2012. Both parties, the GoS and the LJM, however, contested the outcomes, and despite a number of initiatives coordinated by UNAMID, the verification exercise remains inconclusive. At its second meeting held in Khartoum,on 15 October 2012, chaired by the Acting Joint Special Representative (JSR) and Joint Chief Mediator (JCM) ad interim, the Joint Commission (JC) reviewed the report of the Ceasefire Commission (CFC),as presented bythe Chair of the CFC, the UNAMID Force Commander. The Commission expressed, inter alia, grave concern that the DDPD parties failed to agree on the necessary steps to end the deadlock and conclude the verification exercise, and noted that, consequently, no tangible progress has been made towards the implementation of the most critical aspects of the Final Security Arrangements. The Commission cautioned that any further delay in resolving the stalemate will continue to slow down the process and impede the establishment of thesecure environment needed for the voluntary return of IDPs and refugees and for the execution of reconstruction and development projects. As a way forward, the Commission decided that the verification exercise should be concluded, and a desk review of the outcomes held under the supervision of UNAMID by 15 November 2012. Up till now, no progress was made.

7. The Commission also noted andwelcomed the decision of the GoS to continue to collaborate with and respond to the CFC Chairperson’s observations on earlier proposals of GoS by 12 November 2012, and observed that the full implementation of the provisions related to the disarmament and disbandment of armed militia will mitigate increasing number of security incidents in Darfur. This, also, has regretfully not been implemented.

8. The DRA, in conjunction with international development partners and UNAMID, commenced the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission (DJAM), as provided for in the DDPD, to assess economic recovery, development and poverty eradication needs in Darfur. In September, workshops were organized to assess the needs in 10 cluster areas (agriculture; basic social services; fiscal management; governance; infrastructure development; natural resources management; peace and security; private sector development; return, reintegration and resettlement; and rule of law).Workshops at the state level concluded on 4 October. The DJAM report is being finalized, and will be presented at the Donor Conference for Darfur scheduled to take place in Doha in February 2013.

9. The GoS has not yet transferred the agreed US$200,000,000.00 as seed money to the Darfur Reconstruction and Development Fund (DRDF). The establishment of the micro-finance system for income generating activities through small loans to individuals and groups also remained outstanding, although consultations between the Government, DRA, and the Central Bank of Sudan have been reportedly ongoing. On a positive note, the restructuring of the DRDF has now been completed, and a supervisory committee established by a presidential decree. A team of experts hasalso been constituted to determine criteria of transfers from the National Revenue Fund to the States of Darfur.

10. The 4thmeeting of the Implementation Follow-up Commission was held in Doha, on 12 November. Members of the Commission expressed concern about the slow pace of DDPD implementation, which could seriously undermine the credibility of the Agreement and jeopardize the support of the international community. GoS and LJM representatives at the meeting attributed the lack of progress to the economic challenges facing Sudan. Both parties, however, reiterated their commitment to the full implementation of the Agreement, noting that the challenges were not insurmountable.

III. MEDIATION ACTIVITIES

11. The AU and UN Joint Mediation continued to promote the resumption of talks between the GoS and non-signatory movements. On 2 July 2012, the GoSMinister of State in the Presidency responsible for the Darfur file, Dr. Amin Hassan Omer, reaffirmed to the former JSR and JCM a.i., Professor Ibrahim Gambari, his Government’s willingness to hold talks with the non-signatory movements on political appointments and security arrangements.In meetings with Prof.Gambari, in Khartoum, on 26 July2012,and with Acting JSR and JCMa.i, Ms. AichatouMindaoudou,in Helsinki, on 16 September 2012, representatives of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) restated their commitment to the objectives of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) alliance regarding national political and economic reforms. They nevertheless expressed interest in holding talks with the Government, provided the agenda includes all aspects of the DDPD. Also, during the reporting period, the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA)-Abdul Wahid and SLA-MinniMinawi reaffirmed to the Joint Mediation their commitment to the objectives of the SRF. The Joint Mediation continued to urge the parties to exercise flexibility with regard to the scope of talks.

12. In a statement issued on 9 August 2012, the JEM Chairman, Gibril Ibrahim, announced that the movement’s military commander, Bakhit Abdullah Abdul Karim (Dabajo), had been relieved of his duties on suspicion of collaboration with Government security officials. In a countermove, on 11 September 2012, a group of eight members of the JEM Executive Council, led by Mohammad Bashar, announced that they had dismissed Gibril Ibrahim and other executive members of JEM, and had constituted an interim Military Council. The Bashar JEM group announced their intention to negotiate a peace deal with the GoS on the basis of the DDPD. Leading a delegation of 27 Field Commanders, Gen. Mohamed Bashar arrived in Doha on 17 October 2012, where he signed, on behalf of JEM, a Joint Declaration with GoS on Cessation of Hostilities and Commitment to the Peace Process, on 22 October 2012. Subsequently, a conference of the JEM Interim Military Council that concluded on 20 November 2012 elected a new leadership body, with Mohamed Bashar as Chairperson and General Leader. While reiterating their acceptance of the DDPD as the basis for their negotiations with the GoS, Bashar held that many of the provisions of the Document were not strong enough to bring sustainable peace in Darfur, and that the support and guarantee of the international community was an imperative for any agreement to succeed.

13. On 6 November 2012, in Ndjamena,the JCM a.i. met President IdrissDébyItno. The later assured the JCMa.i. of his continued support to UNAMID and to the collective efforts to achieve comprehensive settlement of the conflict in Darfur.

14. On 14 November 2012, the Military Commanders of JEM Kordofan Sector announced their defection to the Mohamed Bashar-led JEM. They also declared their adherence to the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities and Commitment to the Peace Process signed by the GoSand JEM Interim Military Council as stated earlier.

IV. SECURITY AND FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT OF UNAMID PERSONNEL

15. The security situation has been volatile during the reporting period. North Darfur, in particular, has witnessed intense activities ranging from fighting between GoS and armed movements to attacks on UNAMID troops. Criminality and banditry also continued unabated. The GoS also continued counter insurgency operations through ground and aerial means. All this has led to considerable civilian causalities and displacements across Darfur. North Darfur has become the hot spot of conflict in Darfur, as its economic importance grew with increased activities of traditional gold mining.

16. On 26 October, unverified reports of a rocket attack by armed rebel movements at El Fasher Airport were received. From 27 October to 9 November 2012, large-scale movement of the Sudanese Armed Forces(SAF) troops was noticed, notably in the areas of KhorAbeche, Muhajeria, El Fasher, Nyala, ShangilTobaya, and Abu Zerega.

17. On 2 November 2012, unknown armed men attacked Sigili village (30 km south-east of El Fasher). The attackers allegedly killed 10 civilians and fled the village in what appeared be a retaliatory attack for the killing of 12 Popular Defense Forces(PDF) elements during a clash between the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and PDF/SAF on 17 October 2012, at Abu Delek. On 6 November 2012, UNAMID conducted a verification patrol that confirmed that the village was attacked and properties looted by about 45PDF members on three land cruisers on 1 and 2 November. About 10 civilians were killed, one was abducted, 12 houses were burnt down and the village was deserted.

18. On 12 and 14 November 2012 the GoS forces continued air strikes, targeting SRF suspected locations, notably in Abu Zerega, ShangilTobaya, and Tawilla. The attacks were in retaliation to rebels’ offensives against GoS forces in various locations – the latest of which was the 9 November ambush of a SAF convoy at Abu Zerega. On 17 September 2012, the SRF forces ambushed aGoS convoy escorting fuel trucks moving from El Fasher to Nyala, at Tangara Mountains/Thabit-ShangilTobaya road. Again, on 17 October 2012, the SRF forces attacked a PDF position at Abu Delek (25 kmsouth-east El Fasher), resulting in a number of causalities.

19. In the night of 16 November 2012, suspected SRF coalition members, JEM/SLA-MM, reportedly fired 2 rockets towards El Fasher, which attracted retaliatory fires from SAF artillery positioned near the El Fasher airport. While no casualties or damage were reported, the trend indeed constitutes serious cross-fire threats to the UNAMID. On 23 November 2012, in Kabkabiya Ed Al Nagab (25 km east of Kabkabiya), SAF camp at Ed Al Nagab was attacked by unknown armed men, resulting in a number of causalities. SRF claimed the incident through a press statement.

20. The Mission’s freedom of movement continues to be impeded and air requests denied by Government authorities.Reasons given were invariably lack of prior notification or clearance andsafety and security.UNAMID continued to call on Government authorities to allow it unhindered freedom of movement throughout Darfur.

21. On 8 October 2012, an unknown self-proclaimed “Suicidal Youth from Darfur” group threatened to attack UNAMID and affiliated organizations “in the cities and rural areas of Darfur” on the allegation that the Mission collaborates with GoS and GoS militias in the ethnic cleansing in Darfur. Another formerly unknown group, “Movement of the Correction of UNAMID’s Corruption,” claimed responsibility for the 2 October 2012 attackagiains the peacekeeping force in El Geneina. This group stated that they would conduct further major operations in all states/sectors, if UNAMID’s “corruption/racism”, especially in regard to staff employment, does not stop within 20 days.

22. On 17 October 2012, a UNAMID integrated verification assessment team from Kutum Team Site led by the Deputy Force Commander set out to verify the alleged killing of seventy (70) civilians and destruction of villages by GoS in the Hashaba North general area (21 kmnorth-south-eastKutum), during armed clashes between GoS and SRF, on 25 September 2012. The patrol was ambushed at a location about 20 km south of Hashaba North, by unidentified armed men using mortars, resulting in the death of one (1) peacekeeper and three (3) others wounded.The incident occurred when the team took an alternative route after being denied access by a militia group. This incident is a major concern to the Mission asit was the second of such incidents recorded within 3 weeks, and due to the fact that the perpetrators used mortars, RPGs and AK 47 rifles against the peacekeepers. Furthermore, the attack restricted UNAMID from reachingHashaba, where an attack was reported to have caused substantial casualties among civilians.

23. On 30 October, NISS informed a patrol team from Muhajeria Team Site that about 30 unknown rebels on board 7 vehicles entered Muhajeria area. They therefore advised the UNAMID patrol to remain within the area for security reasons. On the same day, during a security meeting at Shaeria Team Site, GoS Intelligence representative also informed that there was a suspected plan to attack UNAMID personnel and facilities in Shaeria-Labado-Muhajeria general area by an unknown armed group. The team sites were accordingly instructed to be more vigilant in their operational movements.

24. There is now a verifiable shift from criminality as the sole motive in these threats. Such underlying factors as the persistent war environment, improving coordination of the perpetrators’ attacks, their pursuit for logistics, and disaffection within the SAF/allied forces over issues of entitlement, make the multitude of threats against UNAMID ever present and real.

25. Carjacking is still a major security threat and the trend remains a challenge. With the end of the rainy season and improved road conditions, carjacking may be stepped up as it is easy for the perpetrators to escape. UNAMID continues to take appropriate measures to safeguard life and properties. Meanwhile, most cases of banditry recorded in the reporting period, especially in West and Central Darfur, targeted the local civilian population.

V. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

26. During the reporting period, sporadic violence and insecurity resulted in more humanitarian needs for the affected populations in Darfur. Denial and restriction of access by Government authorities and armed movements remained a significant impediment to the humanitarian community’s ability to provide response for population in need of assistance, in Kutum (August and September), Hashaba (September), and Sigili (November).

27. The attack by militia on Sigili village, on 2 November, led to the displacement of 423 people to El Fasher town and to the ZamZam IDP camp. The International Organization on Migration (IOM) has verified that 423 affected people arrived at ZamZam camp from Sigili and its surrounding areas between 6 and 17 November, while it is estimated that a further 380 affected people were displaced to areas around El Fasher town. In addition, sporadic fighting in East Jebel Mara has temporarily displaced people. In Central Darfur, the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC)has reported displacement to Golo (130 km south west of El Fasher) town, due to fighting in the areas of Sortony and Fanga Suk. In East Darfur, there are also unconfirmed reports indicating that some families in Um Baroro have moved from Blue Nile State, due to fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SLPM-N) and SAF.

28. The granting of Darfur travel permits to UN agencies staff and development partners became more difficult as they were prevented from going to some deep field locations, while others were prevented from travelling to Darfur from Khartoum. Access to areas including West Darfur, East Jebel Marra, in South Darfur, and to Hashaba, in North Darfur, remained restricted, while no inter-agency mission has taken place in West Jebel Marra since August 2011. Lack of access also affected the adequate supply of drugs and medical provisions to Rokero and parts of Nertiti in Central Darfur and also in some areas of Kutum locality, in North Darfur. A mass meningitis vaccination campaign in October 2012 in response to a Yellow Fever outbreak in November and December did not cover these locations owing to lack of access.

29. The HAC deregistered seven national NGOs operating in South Darfur, including Sudan Council of Churches (SCC), Al-Manal Charity Organization, SIHA, Fatima Al-Zahra’a for Child Care, Al-MalamKeila, Al-Ban, in October 2012, and Sudan Educational Development Organization, in April 2012. The SCC was accused of operating outside its mandate. This deregistration of local NGOs disrupted education, health and food security activities, estimated to be benefiting more than 30,000 people.

30. Despite on-going conflict, improvements in security in some parts of Darfur have allowed an increasing number of returns to take place. The latest figures show that some 105,471 people have returned to their homes in Darfur during 2012, while over 114,000 new displacements have taken place duringthe same period. Many of these displacements have been of a very temporary nature.

31. In South Darfur and West Darfur, spontaneous and seasonal returns have been reported to a number of localities mainly due to relative improvement in the security situation in those areas. Elsewhere, some returns are still deemed to be temporary in nature and unsustainable. Displaced persons continued to report lack of security and access to basic services and livelihood opportunities as the main obstacles preventing long-term return.

32. A total of 11,405 households of South Sudanese origin are currently living in South and East Darfur. In South Darfur, UNHCR has completed an identification project for extremely vulnerable individuals of South Sudanese origin. UNHCR is planning to return 400 at-risk families who were identified in Otash and Bielel camps, Nyala, to their places of origin in South Sudan.

33. Some displaced persons have reported that their motivation for seasonal return was to cultivate land following a decrease in general food distributions. This reflects the World Food Programme’s (WFP) continued transition from general food aid to targeted food assistance through an expansion of selected safety net activities including food for recovery projects. Despite this process, WFP still provided food aid to some 3.3 million people in Darfur in 2012, with 160,000 metric tonnes of food aid delivered as of September 2012. Following good rains in 2012, there are expectations of a good harvest in most areas of the country. However, Darfur will remain a food deficit area needing seasonal food security support in 2013.

34. On 29 October 2012, the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of an outbreak of Yellow Fever. As of 21 November, a total of 537 suspected cases had been reported in 30 out of 57 Darfur localities, including 127 deaths. Federal and state governments, together with humanitarian partners, worked to contain the outbreak. The MoH received 2.4 million doses of the Yellow Fever vaccine from the WHO to conduct a mass vaccination campaign in 12 priority localities. About $1.7 million was mobilized at the country-level and operational support provided by international NGOs and the GoS. A further $2.6 million of funding was approved by the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund. UNAMID provided logistic support to immunization campaign for Yellow Fever.

35. The 2013 UN and Partners Work Plan for Sudan was finalized in November 2012. Although the Work Plan covers the whole of Sudan, Darfur constituted its main focus. Over 60% of the estimated $983 million required to fund humanitarian activities in Sudan in 2013 is for Darfur. Furthermore, of the total 4.4 million people estimated to require humanitarian assistance in Sudan in 2013, 3.4 million are in Darfur, including 1.4 million people in IDP camps.

VI. RULE OF LAW, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

36. Access restrictions impacted UNAMID’s ability to gather and verify allegations of human rights violations and abuses. In Central Darfur, accessing information on sexual and gender-based violence is increasingly limited due to access issues.

37. UNAMID continues to record incidents of human rights violations. The 17 October and 2 November 2012 armed clashes in the Shawa – Abu Delek area of North Darfur, for instance, accounted for 25 of the 34 victims. Inter-communal armed skirmishes have been on-going in this area since February 2012. Residents who fled the area are now living in the greater El Fasher area, and at the Zamzam and Abu Shouk IDP camps, resulting in an influx of newly arrived displaced persons.

38. Attacks on IDPs and civilians, which are criminal in intent, have continued, resulting in violations of the right to physical integrity, arbitrary deprivation of life and injury to persons. Disputes between farmers and pastoralists over crop destruction and livestock rustling have been oneunderlying cause of these attacks. With the commencement of the harvest season, UNAMID has increased vigilance, particularly in areas where IDPs are engaged in farming activities.

39. UNAMID recorded 22 incidents of sexual and gender-based violence involving 32 victims, nine of whom were minors in two months, from October to November 2012. Of the 22 incidents, 10 occurred as women and girls were engaged in farming activities, three while collecting firewood, while one reportedly happened when the victim was collecting grass fodder. The remaining eight incidents occurred in the home of the victim, the neighbour or on someone’s vacant property.

40. Under-reporting of sexual and gender-based violence incidents, especially to the GoS police, remains a challenge for fear of social stigma against the victims. UNAMID and its partners, both Governments and non-government, have been continuously working on capacity building and outreach events related to sexual and gender-based violence. November 25 to 10December 2012 marked the 16 Days of Activism on Violence against Women campaign to stress the need to eradicate sexual violence against women and girls.

41. The number of arbitrary arrests and detention recorded by UNAMID has declined. As an example, only three incidents involving nine victims were recorded from 1 October to 7 December 2012, compared to 40 incidents involving 46 victims in three months from July to September. In two of the three incidents, however, ill-treatment and torture was reported.

42. UNAMID convened and conducted 19 human rights capacity building activities during this reporting period on key issues such as the protection of women under UN Security Council resolution 1325, transitional justice, fair trials, international human rights and humanitarian law standards and human rights education. The target groups included judges, Government police, the Central Reserve Police (CRP), the Military Intelligence (MI), midwives and nurses, members of State Committees for Combating Violence against Women, rural court judges, women community leaders and teachers, as well as members of the SLA-Freewill and LJM. A total of 615 persons were reached, 257 ofwhom were women.

VII. UNAMID DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATIONS

43. As at 6 December 2012, the strength of UNAMID civilian personnel stood at 85 per cent of the approved strength of 5,277 (1,100 international staff, 2,926 national staff and 449 United Nations Volunteers). The strength of UNAMID military personnel stood at 16,292, including 15,680 troops, 313 staff officers, 227 military observers and 72 liaison officers, representing 101 per cent of the authorized strength of 16,200. The deployment of a medium utility helicopter unit from Rwanda, scheduled for November 2012, was cancelled.

44. The personnel strength of UNAMID police stood at 2,830, comprising 87 per cent men and 13 per cent women and representing 121 per cent of the authorized strength of 2,310. 16 of the authorized 17 Formed Police Units (FPUs) have been deployed. A total of 2,230 personnel have been deployed, representing 94 per cent of the authorized strength of 2,380.UNAMID military and police continue to conduct routine, short-range,long-range-and night, firewood and farm patrols, as well as humanitarian escorts and administrative patrols, covering towns, villages and IDP camps.

45. From 1 October to 25 November 2012, Government authorities issued 935 new entry visas for UNAMID personnel. As at 25 November 2012, 1,495 visas were pending, 83 of which were for civilian personnel, 80 for United Nations Volunteers, 77 for military personnel, 1,109 for civilian police officers, 137 for contractors, 2 for consultants and 7 for official visitors. UNAMID, as well as AU and UN officials, continued to urge the authorities to promptly approve all visa requests.

46. Regarding the operational and self-sustainment capabilities of troop and police contingents, out of the 46 military and police units currently deployed to UNAMID, 32 have achieved a serviceability rate of their major equipment above the 90 per cent threshold. In the area of self-sustainment capabilities, where there is no threshold established, only 12 units meet 100 per cent of the requirements as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),with the rest ranging between 27 per cent and 95 per cent compliance. The shortfalls pertain mainly to the serviceability of armoured personnel carriers and vehicles, as well as deficiencies in self-sustainment. Positive steps to address the shortfalls by deploying the required equipment and spare parts are being addressed. At a meeting of UNAMID stakeholders including Troop and Police Contributing Countries (TCCs/PCCs) in Addis Ababa on 3 December, the Acting JSR stressed the imperative need for troops and police contingents to be self-sustaining.

47. UNAMID provided logistical support to the Government’s response to yellow fever outbreak in parts of Darfur, including transportation of vaccines for the Ministry of Health, provision of security, generators, fuel and oil, tents and the use of its medical facilities when and where needed. During this reporting period, a total of 106 quick-impact projects were completed, and 108 projects are on-going and at various stages of completion.

48. UNAMID continued to reduce the threat posed by unexploded ordnance in Darfur. The Mission and its NGO partners assessed 1,280 km of routes and re-assessed 249 km of routes as free of unexploded ordnance, 131 sqkm of an area was assessed as free of unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war. The teams located and destroyed 14 unexploded ordnance items and 5 small arms ammunition. In addition, the Mission conducted unexploded ordnance risk awareness training to 17,995 civilians and training the trainer course to 30 participants. 61 UNAMID personnel received Advanced Explosive Remnant of War recognition training.

49. Progress has been made in UNAMID’s pending application for Radio Licence to be issued by the GoS. Meanwhile, UNAMID has commissioned Albany Associates to undertake to produce a radio serial drama on peace building. It is anticipated that production will commence at the beginning of 2013, and the serial drama will be integrated into the bridging solution schedule on Al Salaam Radio, pending the issuance of a radio broadcasting license.

VIII. REVIEW OF UNIFORMED PERSONNEL

50. Pursuant to UN Security Council resolution 2003 (2011), implementation of the recommendations of the review of UNAMID uniformed personnel continued. The repatriation of the Bangladesh Multi-Role Logistics Company, Egypt Infantry Battalion and Signal Company has been completed. The repatriation of the Sierra Leone Reconnaissance Company planned for December 2012 has been extended for another month upon request by the Government of Sierra Leone. The redeployment of troops and police within Darfur continues to progress with full implementation pending the completion of required construction works in ten locations to accommodate additional numbers of military and police personnel. Reductions to the Mission’s overall troop and police strengths will reach the authorized ceilings as set out in UN Security Council Resolution2063 (2012) by 1 September 2013 and 31 January 2014, respectively.

IX. REVIEW OF CIVILIAN STAFF

51. The Mission has completed the review of its civilian personnel, and the outcome presented to both the AU Department of Peace and Security and UN Department of Peace Keeping Operations. The goal was to right size the staffing levels, and identify functions that could be nationalized or abolished. The review has taken into account the need to support the development of El Daein Sector HQ, upgrade Zalingei to a full-fledged Sector HQ, and deep field deployment to enable UNAMID achieve its mandate. The expansion will be funded from the existing UNAMID resources. The implementation of the Global Field Support Strategy (GFSS) has also influenced the review process with the establishment of the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe (RSCE) to which back office functions in Human Resources (HR) and Finance have been transferred. This was accompanied by appropriate resources, which included 50 posts in human resources and finance already transferred to RSCE and included in the 2012/2013 budget. Further resources in HR, Finance and Communication and Information Technology System (CITS) have been identified to be transferred to the RSCE in the 2013/2014 financial year. In addition, a 15% reduction of the posts was implemented as part of the efficiency gain measures in 2012/2013 fiscal year.

X. OBSERVATIONS

52. Despite the commitment of the DDPD parties,the implementation of provisions that could create immediate tangible improvements on the groundare still seriously lagging behind. The DRA, which has primary responsibility to implement the DDPD and coordinate post-conflict reconstruction and development projects,has not been adequately funded. The DRA is challenged with lack of material and institutional capacity. While this may be related to the economic challenges facing Sudan which may have affected the Government’s ability to fulfil its DDPD prescribed financial obligations, I call on the Government to as much as possible provide the needed support to the DRA in the interest of the Darfur peace process. It is hoped that the implementation of the cooperation agreements between Sudan and South Sudan, signed on 27 September in Addis Ababa, will alleviate the Government’s financial constraints, with the attendant positive impact on its ability to meet its obligations under the DDPD. I note the progress made in the DJAM process and, in this regard, commend UNAMID and all other partner countries and organisations that have so far provided the required support and assistance to the process. I call on donors to come to the assistance of the people of Darfur at the Donors’ Conference scheduled to take place early next year in Doha,to raise funds for reconstruction, economic recovery and poverty eradication in Darfur.While encouraging the GoS to increase its financial allocations to the DRA and Darfur, I also urge the international community to continue to support the DRA in improving its capacity in order to enhanceits effectiveness in bringing the dividends of the DDPD closer and in more tangible forms to the affected population of Darfur.

53. I note that, although seriously lacking in capacity, the DRA has been able to conduct an All Darfur Conference. The experience and lessons learned therefrom are currently being used to prepare for the commencement of the Darfur-based Internal Dialogue and Consultation process, which is one of the three pillars of the Framework for African Union and United Nations Facilitation of the Darfur Peace Process. The DRA has also been playing a lead rolein the DJAM process, and has concluded plans for the holding of the IDPs/Refugees Conference scheduled to take place in December 2012, in Nyala.

54. In recent months, conflict has intensified in Darfur. I call on the Government to exercise fully its sovereign responsibility to protect civilians and on the non-signatory armed movements to fulfil their obligations under International Humanitarian Law in ensuring that civilians are not harmed by military activities. I condemn in the strongest term attacks against UNAMID and the killing of peacekeepers. These are heinous crimes committed against the very people who came to assist in restoring peace and stability in Darfur. I urge the GoS to do all it can to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

55. If the hopes of Darfuris for a lasting peace are to be realised, engagement by the parties to the conflict in peaceful dialogue rather than military action remains critical. I,therefore,call on Council to send a strong and unequivocal signal to the parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and to dialogue and negotiate in an effort to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the conflict on the basis of the DDPD. Nine years on, the conflict in Darfur continues to require the full attention of the international community, and this Council in particular, to guide and facilitate efforts towards a sustainable settlement of the conflict. I am confident that Council will continue to honour its obligations in this regard.

ECOWAS CAUTIONS AGAINST PROTRACTED DIALOGUE ON MALI

ABUJA, Nigeria, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman says it would be “dangerous” to rely on dialogue as the sole strategy for resolvi…

U.S.-Based Blumberg Grain to Establish Manufacturing Hub for High-Tech Grain Storage Systems in West Africa – Site selection under way; Hub country to serve US$6.3 billion West African Market

MIAMI, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire via African Press Organization (APO)/ — U.S.-based Blumberg Grain, a global provider of high-tech, vertically integrated crop and food storage systems, today announced plans to build a first-of-its-kind manufacturing …

Airtel Completes 4G LTE Trial in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Leading Telecommunications Services Provider, Airtel Nigeria (http://www.airtel.com) has taken a giant stride in its quest to pioneer innovation and lead a new phase of telecoms revolution in the country as it announces the successful completion of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) trial in Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.

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LTE, widely accepted as the true 4G, is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals. It is based on advanced network technologies with a central focus of increasing the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with enhanced core network.

With the successful completion of the first 4G LTE trial in Lagos, Airtel says it is ready for test in the other major cities across the country including Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The company added that the Lagos trial threw up exciting results as data users could open up simultaneous HD Videos on Youtube without buffering. Download speed, under ideal conditions was 37 Megabits per Second (Mbps), while under non ideal conditions, was 32 Mbps; Upload speed was – 10.6 Mbps. Measurement under non ideal condition was done using www.Speedtest.net.

Speaking on the success of the trial, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Rajan Swaroop said Airtel is committed to strengthening its position as a true pioneer of innovation in the Nigerian telecommunications domain, saying this is in line with its overall corporate vision of becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“At Airtel, we pride ourselves as leaders and we are passionate about continuously creating the next innovation to empower telecoms consumers and enrich the lives of our customers across the country. In the coming weeks, we shall take this success story to other parts of the country so that Nigerians will benefit from this innovation when finally unveiled,” said Swaroop.

LTE is a truly global mobile phone standard for advanced mobile broadband. There is use of different frequency bands in different countries, which will mean that only multi-band phones will be able to use LTE in all countries where it is supported.

In February this year, Airtel Nigeria took a significant step to deepen its network capacity and quality when it announced the roll-out of widest 3.75G services across the 36 States in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. With the pan-Nigeria launch of 3.75G services, the widest and largest in the country, the company has improved customers’ experience with high speed mobile broadband and internet access, empowering telecoms consumers to watch live TV, download music, make video calls as well as send and receive emails using enabled devices.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Bharti Airtel Limited.

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 4 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 264 million customers across its operations at the end of October 2012. To know more please visit, http://www.airtel.com

AfDB extends the equivalent of USD 300 million to FirstRand Bank Limited to support projects across Africa

TUNIS, Tunisia, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) (http://www.afdb.org) has approved a seven-year multi-currency line of credit for an amount equivalent to USD 300 million to FirstRand Bank Limited (FRB) of South Africa to finance a wide range of projects in local currencies and across Africa.

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Most African countries are characterized by low discretionary rates of domestic savings. As a result, the intermediation capacity of the financial sectors is limited, leading to the gap currently being filled with borrowings denominated in foreign currency. However, this introduces a currency mismatch in the financial systems’ balance sheets constituting a potential source of instability. Thus, there is a clear need for providing stable sources of local currency financing. The line of credit from the AfDB will contribute to filling this gap by making available medium-term local currency financing to sub-borrowers across Africa.

The line of credit will be drawn in multiple African currencies including the Nigerian Naira, the Kenyan Shilling, the Zambian Kwacha, the Ghanaian Cedi, the Mozambique Metical and the Tanzanian Shilling. Further, in line with the AfDB’s mandate to contribute to the development of local capital markets, it is expected that the local currencies will be mobilized through the establishment of bond issuance programs in the domestic capital markets and the issuance of local currency denominated bonds to meet the specific local currency requirements of FRB. These programs are expected to complement existing efforts to develop Africa’s local capital markets thereby providing a strong catalytic and demonstrative effect.

The line of credit to FRB will contribute to mobilizing significant financial resources in the countries where its proceeds will be deployed, ultimately contributing to economic development and employment opportunities. The line of credit is also expected to contribute to government revenues, the development of local capital markets as well as African regional integration.

Timothy Turner, Director of the AfDB’s Private Sector Department said: “With this line of credit, the AfDB is introducing a new and innovative form of local currency financing. This structure can be replicated by other banks in Africa to gain access to funding in African currencies thereby reducing unnecessary currency mismatches and deepening the local capital markets.”

Andries du Toit, FirstRand Group Treasurer said: “We are very pleased with this loan facility as it further deepens our relationship with AfDB, and provides FirstRand and our clients access to in-country local currency throughout the African continent. This innovative solution will certainly contribute to growth in corporate activity, which in turn supports our own African expansion strategy.”

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank.

Technical contact:

Sofiane Sekioua

Tel: +216 71 10 22 03

s.sekioua@afdb.org

Media contact:

Sabrina Hadjadj Aoul

Tel +216 71 10 26 21

s.hadjadjaoul@afdb.org

For more information on our activities, please consult our media center: http://www.afdb.org/en/resources-for/media

Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun Holds Talks with Algerian Minister Delegate Abdelkader Messahel

BEIJING, China, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On December 10, 2012, Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun held talks with visiting Algerian Minister Delegate Abdelkader Messahel.

Zhai made positive comments on China-Algeria strategi…

HIV/AIDS EFFORT BY OLAM AND PARTNERS REACHES OUT TO OVER 234,000 PEOPLE ACROSS RURAL AFRICA

LONDON, United-Kingdom, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In a drive to get Africa one step closer to zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination, global agri business Olam (http://olamonline.com), along with NGO partners such as GIZ, EngenderHealth and Action Health Incorporated, has mobilised its supply chain network this month to get vital education and healthcare support to nearly a quarter of a million rural Africans in support of the UN’s World AIDS Day ‘Getting to Zero’ (1st December 2012).

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Operating in 24 African countries, Olam works with 3.4 million small scale farmers, as well as their communities, sourcing and processing products such as cocoa, cashew, cotton and rice. Recognising the extensive logistical and platform benefits that it can provide for disseminating HIV/AIDS education and advice, Olam is supporting ten long-term healthcare programmes currently in development in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Tanzania, Gabon, Congo, Ghana and Cameroon. These encompass comprehensive HIV interventions for employees, farmers and community members. In addition, 26 HIV/AIDS events were held this year to raise awareness on prevention, treatment, voluntary testing and counselling. To deliver the 2012 strategy, the financial commitment to this vital challenge by Olam and its partners was $468,000. This is the fifth year of major support for HIV/AIDS by the business.

2012 initiatives include:

Tanzania – impacting the lives of women

As well as supporting peer educators to raise awareness of HIV prevention, care and treatment, Olam is partnering with GIZ and EngenderHealth to meet the complex healthcare needs associated with HIV/AIDS by educating the 3,500 women workers employed in the Mtwara cashew factory.

“The head of our delegation found particularly commendable the commitment of Olam management to the health of its work force. I would like to express our special appreciation for Olam’s efforts to implement its workplace program. Olam is not only providing information to its workers on health promotion… but also enabling them to access primary health care services by enrolling all workers in the Community Health Fund.”

Inge Baumgarten, Head of the Tanzanian German Program to Support Health, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Tanzania

Côte d’Ivoire – health caravan

In the cotton growing areas of Côte d’Ivoire, efforts include voluntary testing and counselling, free medical consultation by qualified medical professionals, and awareness raising on prevention and treatment. Education for other major diseases impacting the villages such as malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid and pneumonia is also offered. The project will reach 2,800 beneficiaries in eight rural areas of northern Côte d’Ivoire where Olam is present. Once a month, a health caravan will visit one of the operational areas.

Nigeria – targeting students in the fight against HIV and AIDS

To support Nigeria’s national effort to target key sub-populations including young people, Olam Nigeria, in collaboration with Action Health International and Living Hope, has established a community focused campaign to prevent new HIV infections among young people. The programme mobilises young people as community change agents for development in the Osun State, challenging them to put into action information on prevention and care to support the global effort of ‘Getting to Zero’.

“The benefits of the collaboration between Action Health Incorporated, Living Hope Care, Ore Agbe Ilesha Cocoa farmers and OLAM Nigeria to commemorate the World AIDS Day with the Irepodun High School students and the cocoa farmers cannot be over emphasised. The event was very successful as it contributed to the national response of reducing new HIV infections to zero.”

Ms. Temitope Ijiwole, Action Health Incorporated

MD Ramesh, Regional Head of East and Southern Africa adds: “Olam doesn’t just work with 3.4 small scale million farmers across Africa, we depend on them. So as a responsible corporate citizen in the sensitive agricultural sector of Africa, we believe in supporting healthcare initiatives as much as we can.

“Given our goal of developing relationships that unlock mutual value for the communities with whom we work, we are selectively but exhaustively partnering with African governments in providing aid and support to fight this deadly virus.”

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Olam International Limited.

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About Olam International Limited

Olam International is a leading global integrated supply chain manager and processor of agricultural products and food ingredients, supplying various products across 16 platforms to over 12,300 customers worldwide. From a direct presence in more than 65 countries with sourcing and processing in most major producing countries, Olam has built a global leadership position in many of its businesses, including Cashew, Spices & Dehydrates, Cocoa, Coffee, Rice, Cotton and Wood Products. Headquartered in Singapore and listed on the SGX-ST on February 11, 2005, Olam currently ranks among the top 40 largest listed companies in Singapore in terms of market capitalisation and is a component stock in the Straits Times Index (STI), MSCI Singapore Free, S&P Agribusiness Index and the DAXglobal Agribusiness Index. Olam is the only Singapore firm to be named in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 Forbes Asia Fabulous 50, an annual list of 50 big-cap and most profitable firms in the region. It is also the first and only Singapore company to be named in the 2009 lists for the Global Top Companies for Leaders and the Top Companies for Leaders in the Asia Pacific region by Hewitt Associates, the RBL Group and Fortune. More information on Olam can be found at http://www.olamonline.com

Contact Information:

Nikki Barber

Public Relations Manager, Olam International

+44 (0) 207 484 8994

nikki.barber@olamnet.com

Sally Maier

Gong Communications (Olam International Press Office)

+44 (0) 207 935 4800

sally@gongcommunications.com

Argentina/Ghana: ‘Vulture funds' should not be allowed to paralyze debt relief, says UN expert on the eve of key ruling

GENEVA, Switzerland, December 13, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The United Nations Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights, Cephas Lumina, urged world governments not allow ‘vulture funds’ to paralyze debt relief for heavily indebted countries, while expressing his concern about the continued impounding of the Argentinian navy training ship ‘ARA Libertad’.

The Argentinian naval vessel has been impounded since 2 October 2012 in the port of Tema in Ghana on the basis of a court order obtained by the ‘vulture fund’ NML Capital Limited, a Cayman Islands-based subsidiary of the US investment firm Elliot Capital Management. The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is expected to announce a decision on the case between Argentina and Ghana on 15 December 2012.

“‘Vulture funds,’ such as NML Capital, should not be allowed to purchase debts of distressed companies or sovereign States on the secondary market, for a sum far less than the face value of the debt obligation and then seek repayment of the nominal full face value of the debt together with interest, penalties and legal costs or impound assets of heavily indebted countries in an attempt to force repayment,” Mr. Lumina stressed.

“From a human rights perspective,” the UN expert said, “reduced debt burdens and increased fiscal capacity contribute to the creation of the conditions necessary for the realization of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights.”

NML Capital has been suing Argentina on the basis of debt arising from the country’s defaulted bond swaps in 2005 and 2010. On 11 October 2011, the Commercial Division of the Accra High Court upheld the restraining orders placed on the Argentine naval vessel. NML Capital was only willing to release the frigate against a payment of USD 20 million in Argentinian bonds, and demands that Argentina settles USD 370 million of its debt.

The firm bought bonds from the heavily indebted Argentinian Government in 2000, a year before the country’s USD 100 billion sovereign default. “While the majority of creditors accepted a repayment at a lower nominal value (30 per cent) of sovereign debt, enabling the country to recover economically, NML Capital refused to participate in the debt restructuring offered by Argentina,” Mr. Lumina noted.

In 2001, the country successfully reduced its public debt from about 160 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Argentina’s total public debt currently stands at around 40 per cent of the country’s GDP.

The UN Guiding Principles* on Foreign Debt and Human Rights, endorsed by the Human Rights Council in June 2012, underscore that States, international financial institutions and private companies have an obligation to respect human rights, including the duty to refrain from formulating, adopting, funding, and implementing policies and programmes that directly or indirectly contravene the enjoyment of human rights.

According to the principles, “loan agreements should impose clear restrictions on the sale or assignment of debts to third parties by creditors without the prior informed consent of the Borrower State concerned. Every effort must be directed towards achieving a negotiated settlement between the creditor and the debtor.” They also state that “creditors should not sell sovereign debt on the secondary market to creditors that have previously refused to participate in agreed debt restructuring.”

“Successful debt restructuring for deeply indebted countries will be made impossible if vulture funds are allowed to paralyse debt relief,” Mr. Lumina warned, recalling that “NML Capital already won a case against Peru in 2000, recovering 400% of what the fund paid for the country’s distressed debt.”

The UN Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights urged States to follow the example of the Channel Island of Jersey and the United Kingdom. Both recently adopted legislation to prevent vulture funds from pursuing excessive claims against heavily indebted countries before their national courts.

(*) Check the UN Guiding Principles on Foreign Debt and Human Rights: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Development/IEDebt/Pages/GuidingPrinciples.aspx