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	Hatred is a threat to everyone by UN News, Radio New Zealand. OHCHR, agencies   29 April 2019   Hatred is a threat to everyone, declared UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for global effort to end xenophobia and loathsome rhetoric.   A disturbing groundswell of hate-based violence and intolerance aimed at worshippers across all faiths, must be countered soon before it's too late, the United Nations Secretary-General said on Monday, noting murderous attacks in just the past few days on a synagogue in California, and a church in Burkina Faso.   Such incidents have become all-too-familiar, said Antonio Guterres, citing 'Muslims gunned down in mosques, their religious sites vandalized; Jews murdered in synagogues, their gravestones defaced with swastikas and Christians killed at prayer, their churches often torched'.   Instead of being safe havens, houses of worship have become targets, he warned, noting that beyond the murders, there is loathsome rhetoric: xenophobia aimed not only at religious groups but also at migrants, minorities and refugees, venom directed at anyone considered the 'other'.   He said that some parts of the internet were rapidly becoming hothouses of hate, as like-minded bigots find each other on-line. With vile views move from the fringes to the mainstream. Mr. Guterres said he was profoundly concerned that we are nearing a pivotal moment in battling hatred and extremism.   In response he has set two urgent initiatives in motion; the drawing up of UN plan of action to fully mobilize the system to tackle hate speech, led by Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, and an effort being led by the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Moratinos, to help ensure the safety of religious sanctuaries.   'The world must step up to stamp out anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim hatred, persecution of Christians and all other forms of racism, xenophobia, discrimination and incitement', said the UN chief.   Hatred is a threat to everyone and so this is a job for everyone he added. Political and religious leaders have a special responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence. I will count on the strong support of Governments, civil society and other partners in working together to uphold the values that bind us a single human family.   Earlier on Monday, at the UN in Geneva, a major summit to counter hate speech got underway, co-hosted by Adama Dieng.   Warning against a revival of ultra-nationalist groups and parties, the UN official warned that theylegitimized violations, by portraying minorities as a threat to their culture and identity.   'These groups are spreading their incendiary language into mainstream political discourse; we see this in too many countries', he said, at the event co-hosted with the International Association for the Defense of Religious Liberty (AIDLR).   'We need to collectively and actively stop these dynamics and counter them with messages of openness and inclusion'.   Just over a week ago, a terror attack on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka claimed hundreds of lives, while in New Zealand on 15 March, an extremist, and self-avowed white supremacist, gunned down 50 mosque worshippers.   Last month, Mr. Dieng also expressed concern about spiralling intercommunal violence in central Mali which claimed 134 villagers lives in one single attack, including women and children. He warned that it could degenerate if nothing is done to stop it.   'Over the recent months, violence has reached unprecedented level amid retaliatory attacks and serious violations of human rights in central Mali impacting on all communities', Mr. Dieng said in a statement.   'Unless these concerns are immediately addressed, there is a high risk of further escalation of the situation in which atrocity crimes could be committed'.   Michael Moller, Director-General of UN Geneva, told participants at the Second Global Summit on Religion Peace and Security that hate speech was spreading like wildfire through social media into the mainstream.   'It is a menace to our values, to social stability, to peace itself. And such hate speech is in turn the breeding ground for unfathomable evil', he said, before insisting that the attacks in New Zealand and Sri Lanka represented 'the bigotry that says another person is less than my equal, less than human'.   In the face of such horrific events it was nonetheless crucial to remember that most people displayed understanding, kindness, justice and reconciliation, Mr Moller insisted.   http://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/ http://news.un.org/en/story/2019/04/1037531   22 Apr. 2019   Sri Lanka bombings: Over 250 dead, 500 hundred injured in sensless act of cruel violence. (UN News, agencies)   More than 250 people have been killed and over 500 injured in a series of explosions inside Catholic churches and hotels across Sri Lanka, as Christians gathered for services to celebrate Easter.   According to news reports, three churches were targeted, in the cities of Batticaloa, Negombo, and the capital, Colombo. The Shangri-La, Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand and another hotel, all in the capital, were also hit. Police have arrested 24 people in connection with the attacks.   Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe released a statement: "I strongly condemn the attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong.. On behalf of the Government, I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the injured persons and all relations of those killed".   UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: 'I condemn the heinous terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a sacred day for Christians. The UN stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka as the global community fights hatred and violent extremism. Holy sites must be respected'.   UN Coordinator for Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer, said 'the UN strongly condemns the horrific attacks carried out against civilians and worshippers... On behalf of the international community we offer our heartfelt condolences to the families, victims and people of Sri Lanka. She urged Sri Lankans to stand united in the face of the carnage.   Pope Francis, in his Easter Address outside St. Peter's in Rome, denounced the cruel violence of the attacks: 'I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence. I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this tragic event'.   http://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/22/sri-lanka-prosecute-easter-sunday-attackers http://www.fidh.org/en/region/asia/sri-lanka/fidh-stands-in-solidarity-with-victims-of-extremist-attacks-human http://minorityrights.org/2019/04/24/mrg-strongly-condemns-violent-attacks-in-sri-lanka-calls-on-the-government-to-ensure-the-safety-of-the-countrys-religious-minorities/   23 Mar. 2019   UN condemns attack that leaves over 150 civilians dead in central Mali. (UN News, Unicef)   The United Nations has strongly condemned the armed attack on a village in restive central Mali which reportedly left at least 150 people dead (including 50 children) and dozens wounded early on Saturday.   UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore noted with alarm the attack on a village in Bankass in Mopti, central Mali, had killed more than 150 people. UNICEF is deeply saddened and outraged that children are among the casualties.   "Many of the injured children have been evacuated to health facilities for treatment. UNICEF is on the ground helping provide first aid, medicines and therapeutic food.   "Mali's children are paying the highest price for the intensifying violence in central Mali. Since 2017, rising insecurity has led to an increase in the killing, maiming and recruitment of children. Gender-based violence is on the rise.   "Children are also increasingly deprived of education and essential health care as violence is causing schools to close and compromising access to health centers.   "UNICEF urges all parties to put an immediate end to the violence and to keep children out of harm's way. Children's right to protection from all forms of violence should be upheld at all times."   http://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=190325-otp-stat-mali http://reliefweb.int/report/mali/protracted-crisis-central-mali-impacting-all-aspects-children-s-lives http://reliefweb.int/country/mli   16 Mar. 2019   Christchurch mosque terror attack. (Radio New Zealand, agencies)   At least 50 people have died in the Christchurch mosque shooting, the worst terror attack in New Zealand history.   There were two attacks on Friday in Christchurch - one at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque next to Hagley Park, and one at the Linwood Mosque.   At least 50 people have died, seven at Linwood Mosque and 41 at Masjid Al Noor Mosque. One person later died in Christchurch hospital.   There are 39 patients still in hospital - including 11 in intensive care - ranging from young children to adults, with gunshot wounds.   The attack is the worst act of terrorism in New Zealand history.   Three people are in custody, and 28-year-old Australian man Brenton Tarrant has appeared in court charged with murder. Further charges will be laid.   Police Commissioner Mike Bush said two improvised explosive devices were found attached to one vehicle, and weapons were found near both the mosques where the shootings occurred.   Distressing materials related to the attack are circulating online and police remind people it is an offence to distribute an objectionable publication. This is punishable by imprisonment.   New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has described Friday's mass shootings at two mosques in the city of Christchurch as "one of New Zealand's darkest days."   Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Wellington, earlier, Ardern said the terrorist attacks had been carried out by suspects with "extremist views" that have no place in New Zealand, or anywhere else in the world.   Since her statement, officials have now confirmed that at least 49 people were killed and 40 others have been injured in a unprecedented attack that has shocked the nation.   'I have spoken this evening to the mayor of Christchurch and I intend to speak this evening to the imam, but I also want to send a message to those directly affected.   In fact, I am sure right now New Zealand would like me to share a message on their behalf, too.   Our thoughts and our prayers are with those who have been impacted today. Christchurch was the home of these victims. For many, this may not have been the place they were born. In fact, for many, New Zealand was their choice.   The place they actively came to, and committed themselves to. The place they were raising their families, where they were part of communities who they loved and who loved them. It was a place that many came to for its safety. A place where they were free to practice their culture and their religion.   For those of you who are watching at home tonight, and questioning how this could have happened here, we -- New Zealand -- we were not a target because we are a safe harbor for those who hate. We were not chosen for this act of violence because we condone racism, because we are an enclave for extremism. We were chosen for the very fact that we are none of these things. Because we represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those who share our values, refuge for those who need it. And those values, I can assure you, will not, and cannot, be shaken by this attack.   We are a proud nation of more than 200 ethnicities, 160 languages. And amongst that diversity we share common values. And the one that we place the currency on right now -- and tonight -- is our compassion and support for the community of those directly affected by this tragedy.   And secondly, the strongest possible condemnation of the ideology of the people who did this. You may have chosen us -- but we utterly reject and condemn you.   These are people who I would describe as having extremist views that have absolutely no place in New Zealand and, in fact, have no place in the world'.   Mar. 2019   New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a plan to ban military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles in the wake of the terrorist attack that killed 50 people in Christchurch. The ban will also apply to devices which can convert firearms and high-capacity magazines.   Ms Ardern said the ban would also apply to high-capacity magazines, all parts with the ability to convert firearms into semi-automatic-style weapons, and parts that cause "close to automatic gunfire". She said the law would be in place by April 11.   "In short, every semi-automatic weapon used in the terrorist attack on Friday will be banned in this country," she said.   While the legislation is being prepared, immediate changes to licensing regulations will restrict the purchase of the weapons. She said no-one would be able to buy the weapons from now without a permit from the police, but added there was "no point in applying for such a permit.. This is an interim measure to ensure the trade of these weapons ceases from 3:00pm today."   The Prime Minister said the Government would introduce a buyback scheme to ensure "fair and reasonable compensation" was paid to gun owners. "It is in the national interest and it is about safety.   New Zealand Police Minister Stuart Nash said it was important the Government made the decision to ban the weapons. "These measures will make a real difference to enable New Zealand to become a safer place," he said. "As the Prime Minister has already said, the time to act is now."   * The gun legislation was passed on April 10th.   http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/386785/gun-law-change-one-of-the-most-important-pieces-of-legislation http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/384803/christchurch-mosque-shootings-this-can-only-be-described-as-a-terrorist-attack-pm-jacinda-ardern http://shorthand.radionz.co.nz/they-are-us/index.html http://bit.ly/2OyWn33 http://bit.ly/2YuWSzE http://bit.ly/2un4KVX http://www.christchurchcall.com/call.html   * The Southern Poverty Law Center is a leading agency monitoring far right hate groups and other extremists in the United States exposing their activities to the public, the media and law enforcement: http://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate http://www.splcenter.org/issues/hate-and-extremism http://www.splcenter.org/teaching-tolerance Visit the related web page
	Children are not targets. Schools and hospitals must be protected by ICRC, NRC, Save the Children, agencies   8 Apr 2019   Statement by Norwegian Refugee Council''s Secretary General Jan Egeland on yesterday's deadly attack in Sana'a, Yemen:   The Norwegian Refugee Council is profoundly disturbed by attacks that killed and maimed school children in Sana'a yesterday. We are outraged by the escalating violence across many parts of the country and by the apparent refusal of parties to the conflict to engage meaningfully in peace talks.   The cruel nature of yesterday's attack is too familiar to communities across Yemen. It hit a densely-populated urban, residential area in the middle of the day. It killed 14 children and seriously injured many others in their classrooms. It caused injuries that will invariably devastate scores of lives and shatter the confidence of families already contending with the broader consequences of this war.   We call on parties to the conflict to revisit and renew the commitments they made in the peace talks in Stockholm and uphold their responsibilities under the Laws of War.   We urge the international community to undertake independent investigations into such attacks on civilians and the United Nations Security Council to support conditions that enable these. Incidents of this kind undermine any positive steps taken towards reaching a political resolution for Yemen and must stop immediately.   NRC demands an independent investigations into these repeated attacks on children in Yemen. The UN Security Council must support such investigations and call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in this senseless war.   http://bit.ly/2U4ZqRt   Children were bleeding on the floor, calling for their parents". (Save the Children)   A Save the Children child protection worker who rushed to the scene of the school where several pupils were killed yesterday described scenes of devastation, and children bleeding heavily while aid workers tried to reach them.   The Save the Children team immediately intervened at Al Raee school, and helped transfer wounded girls from governmental hospitals to private ones that can provide better care than the public system worn out by four years of conflict. Five girls aged 12 to 16, were transferred yesterday after the incident. Sadly, one died in the evening.   The aid agency will continue transfers in the coming days, to ensure the wounded girls get the best medical care available, and will cover the cost.   The Save the Children child protection worker said: I received the news yesterday midday. We hurried to the school. The scene when we arrived there was extremely painful. Children were bleeding on the floor, calling for their parents. Parents were searching for their children, worried if they are still alive or dead. Some of the children were bleeding very badly in their classrooms, and they died.   People were running in the streets and most of them were injured and calling for help.   Getting the children to fully operational hospitals was challenging. One of the girls was badly injured and died due to lack of equipment and supplies in the hospital she was admitted in. It was very hard for me to inform her parents that she had passed away, her mother was crying loudly.   I will never forget how the father of Salma* was holding my hand, crying, and asking us to do everything we can to save his little girl. I am glad we were able to save the lives of these four girls, and I am very sad that many children died in this incident.   One of the girls Save the Children transported, 14 year-old Amina, said: I will never go to school again, as she lay in hospital, her head resting on one hand, a drip inserted in the other.   Tamer Kirolos, Save the Children Country Director, said: Details of what happened are still unclear. But if the damage and deaths are as a result of the conflict, then fighting has once again torn apart the lives of children in a place of learning that should be off limits. The images of bloodied school bags and crying and distressed girls are unacceptable.   Whatever the cause, children are paying the heaviest price in this war. Children are not targets. Schools and hospitals should be protected.   All parties to the conflict need to abide by their obligations under international law to take steps to ensure civilians, including children are protected from conflict. Ultimately, what is needed is a total end to the conflict in Yemen. Only then will children be able to grow up in safety, without fearing for their lives every minute of the day.   Save the Children's team visited the school, which was left devastated by the blasts. Windows were shattered and there were blood stains on the stairs which littered with bags and books left by schoolchildren running for safety. Last month, five children were killed while in the safe environment of a hospital in Kitaf. http://bit.ly/2P1lpb9   http://www.protectingeducation.org/news/education-suffered-over-14000-armed-attacks-last-5-years   UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen, Lise Grande, has expressed her outrage at the terrible,deaths of civilians in the capital, Sana'a, in which scores of women and children were also injured.   These are terrible, senseless deaths and injuries and we offer our deep condolences to the families of the victims, said Ms. Grande in a statement.   Protecting people and protecting civilian infrastructure are core principles of international humanitarian law, she stressed. Even as we are struggling to address the worst food security crisis in the world and one of the worst cholera outbreaks in modern history, these principles are being violated.   The people who are the most vulnerable and who need our help and compassion the most are the people paying the highest price for this terrible conflict, said Ms. Grande. This is wrong, wrong, wrong.   In 2018, humanitarian organizations reported an average of 45 incidents of armed violence each week. Thousands of civilians were killed last year, including close to 1,000 children.   The war in Yemen has plunged the country in what the UN considers to be the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with four out of five Yemenis (24.1 million people) in need of some form of humanitarian assistance and protection.   The funding requirements for the 2019 humanitarian response in Yemen stand at US$4.2 billion to assist more than 20 million Yemenis including 10 million people who rely entirely on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs every month. Millions of Yemenis are on the brink of mass starvation.   So far, only 6 per cent of the required funds have been received!   ICRC: 30.5 million people live in Yemen.   20 million people don't have enough to eat. 19.7 million people can't get even basic healthcare. 17.8 million people don't have safe water. 5.4 million people need emergency shelter.   http://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/six-grave-violations/attacks-against-schools/ http://www.protectingeducation.org/ http://www.savethechildren.net/article/seven-killed-bombing-save-children-supported-hospital-yemen http://www.unicef.org/stories/education-under-attack-six-portraits http://news.un.org/en/story/2019/04/1036241 http://ihl-databases.icrc.org/customary-ihl/eng/docs/v1_rul   * Report from the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack: Impact of Attacks on Education on Women and Girls: http://bit.ly/2YgFL57 Visit the related web page
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