Support to the International Criminal Court (ICC) must remain "strong" and countries should retain their membership, the president of the court has urged.

Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi made the appeal to UN Member States on Monday, during a presentation of her annual report.

Last week, three African countries — South Africa, Burundi and Gambia, announced their intention to withdraw from the Court.

Jocelyne Sambira has the details.

Support to ICC must remain "strong", urges its president

An outbreak of violence in South Sudan in July in which some 300 people died and many women were raped was characterised by a "lack of leadership" and clarity over the UN's mandate, the head of an independent special investigation team has said.

Acts of violence were committed against civilians and peacekeepers in the capital Juba from 8 to 11 July by the South Sudanese army, SPLA, and opposition forces.

The UN Secretary-General quickly appointed a Special Investigation Team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Ban Ki-moon was also concerned about allegations that the UN Mission there UNMISS did not respond appropriately to prevent this and other grave cases of sexual violence committed in Juba, like the attack at the hotel complex known as "Terrain Camp".

Retired Major General Patrick Cammaert has been speaking to Jocelyne Sambira about the findings while reflecting on the chaotic and tragic scenes of that day.

Probe into South Sudan July attacks points to "lack of leadership"

In the past decade, armed groups have been responsible for 60,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, according to the head of UN peacekeeping operations.

Herve Ladsous made the remarks at an event to mark the tenth anniversary of community violence reduction (CVR) programmes in peacekeeping.

These community-driven programmes aim to combat insecurity and include mediation and development of alternative livelihoods for youth involved in armed violence.

Jocelyne Sambira reports.

Non-state groups responsible for 60,000 deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa

The fight win back the youth from the clutches of radical Islamists is being waged in cyberspace and on social media, the head of a regional organization promoting Muslim solidarity has said.

Hameed Opeleyeru of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation or OIC spoke at a UN Security Council debate on "combating extremist ideology".

The organization has set up a Centre for Dialogue, Peace and Understanding whose primary mission is to counter incitement to all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism.

Jocelyne Sambira has more.

Debunking extremist narratives on the internet and social media

"Robust" funding is critical to ending violence against women and girls, the UN agency for gender equality & women’s empowerment, UN Women, has urged.

On Monday, the agency launched a global campaign led by civil society organizations under the name "Orange the World".
For the next 16 days until 10 December, a host of public events will draw attention to this pandemic that impacts one in three women worldwide.

UN Women Deputy Executive Director Lakshmi Puri explained to Jocelyne Sabira why money matters in ending these gross human rights violations.

Duration: 3'14''

UN calls for "robust" funding to end violence against women, girls

The UN must be ready for change and address the global community's inability to prevent crises, the incoming Secretary-General told delegates and diplomats after taking the oath of office on Monday.

Antonio Guterres was sworn-in as the ninth Secretary-General succeeding Ban Ki-moon who steps down after ten years on the job.
The former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN refugee chief will serve an initial five-year term starting 1 January 2017.

Jocelyne Sambira has the story.

The UN must be ready for change, says incoming Secretary-General

There are no "right hands" when it comes to Weapons of Mass Destruction or WMDs, the deputy UN chief told Members of the Security Council on Thursday.

Jan Eliasson made the remarks during an open debate on stopping the spread of these arms and making sure non-State actors cannot make or use them.

The three major types of WMDs are nuclear bombs, chemical warfare agents like nerve bombs and biological weapons.

Jocelyne Sambira has the story.

No "right hands for wrong weapons," says deputy UN chief

In this week's special programme:

The UN must be ready for change, and address the global community's inability to prevent crises, António Guterres announced shortly after being sworn in as the next Secretary-General.

The former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN refugee chief will serve an initial five-year term starting 1 January 2017, succeeding Ban Ki-moon who steps down after ten years on the job.

Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira
Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

UN Global: António Guterres sworn-in as ninth Secretary-General of the UN

Building on his promise to prioritize gender parity, the UN Secretary-General designate has named three women to top posts on Thursday.
Antonio Guterres was recently sworn-in as the ninth Secretary-General succeeding Ban Ki-moon.

In an effort to lead by example, the UN set a 50-50 gender balance goal for its staff to be achieved by the year 2000. The organization is far from reaching its target.

Jocelyne Sambira reports.

Antonio Guterres names three women to top UN posts

Hundreds and thousands of Afghan citizens are returning home "with hope" from host countries like Pakistan and Iran, the UN special envoy for the country has said.

Tadamichi Yamamoto made the remarks on Monday as he briefed members of the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan.
Many will face an uncertain future with a surge of attacks by Taliban insurgents, a volatile political situation and rampant poverty.

Jocelyne Sambira reports.

Duration: 3’22″

Afghan citizens returning in "record numbers" says UN special envoy

Multimedia producer works for United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), News and Media Division.

Jocelyne Sambira

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