JACOB RUAI

Residents in Bentiu are calling for action against human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan. Citizens are demanding that perpetrators of such crimes committed during the country’s 5-year civil war be held accountable.

“For us to live in peace, all perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions,” said Nyayuot Yoach, a 35-year-old woman and mother of five children.

“We suffered a lot during the conflict. Many of us were raped by armed groups and killed. Children were recruited by the army,” she added.

Along with fellow citizens, she is appealing to the government of South Sudan and the African Union to establish a court that would prosecute those responsible.

In July, a United Nations human rights report indicated widespread human rights violations and abuses in many parts of the Unity region between April and May of 2018, during the peak of the recent escalations between government and opposition forces that took place at the time.

According to the report, more than 200 civilians were killed, and over a hundred women were raped in the Southern Unity region during this time period.

John Chuol, a 30-year-old farmer residing in Bentiu, said the violence must come to an end.

“For the people of this country to reconcile and unite, there is an urgent need to stop the killing and raping of women,” he said.

As the people of Bentiu are raising their voices on human rights issues, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is responding with the launch of a human rights forum, involving government officials, organized forces and civil society partners.

“This platform is very important to bring together all relevant human rights actors to discuss challenges facing the people,” said UNMISS Human Rights Officer Zaki Othman during the launch of the forum on Thursday. He explained that concrete solutions will depend on strengthened coordination between the government and the South Sudan’s Peoples Defence Force (SSPDF).

The acting governor of Northern Liech, Lakara Machar, urged members of the armed forces to act in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“Let there be no violation of other’s rights and let there be no violation of our religious freedom. We must respect human rights principles,” he said.

Heeding the calls of the local population, the UNMISS-led forum will engage with stakeholders on a monthly basis to enable the exchange of information related to human rights violations and abuses and to propose solutions for the protection of civilians. Another objective is to ensure that the state government and SSPDF leadership provide institutional responses to put an end to the human rights related crimes.

GA/EF/3499

GENERAL ASSEMBLY SECOND COMMITTEE
SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION, 10TH & 11TH MEETINGS (AM & PM)

Destructive impacts of climate change like droughts, floods and increasingly severe storms are the primary culprits behind decreased farming output and rising hunger worldwide, speakers told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial), as it took up agriculture, food security and nutrition today.

Speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Guyana’s delegate cited the recent earthquake in Haiti as yet another reminder of the vulnerability of small island and low‑lying coastal States to extreme climate. Underlining the urgent need to build resilience to shocks through climate‑sensitive agriculture, he said water management schemes as well as drought- and flood‑resistant seeds are critical.

Maldives’ representative, speaking for the Alliance of Small Island States, similarly noted that climate change, environmental degradation and declining ocean health severely threaten food security and nutrition in small island countries. Rapid changes in temperatures and increasing levels of flooding or drought slash agricultural yields in small islands, reducing their ability to locally produce food.

Rising sea levels result in salt water encroachment, threatening coastal farmland and fresh water supply, he added. The few small islands with coastal farmland also face threats from increasingly intense and frequent natural hazards, which destroy crops and damage production as well as transport infrastructure.

Malawi’s delegate, speaking for the Group of Least Developed Countries, described climate change as one of the biggest reasons for increasing global hunger rates. Climate change has had a devastating effect on his group, with global warming of 2°C (according to the Paris Agreement) projected to further reduce crop yields and nutrition.

Almost a quarter of the populations of least developed countries suffer food insecurity, with vulnerable populations in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen even facing the risk of famine, he said. Adding that the vast majority of farmers in these nations are small‑scale producers, he said they are most vulnerable to environmental and price shocks.

To mitigate and adapt to the negative impacts of climate change on farming, Ethiopia’s delegate said his country is promoting climate resilient green agriculture. The idea is to mobilize local communities and undertake natural resource conservation and management activities like forestry development as well as soil and water preservation.

Speakers also stressed the need for urgent investment in agriculture, especially in Africa, where mechanization will greatly boost yields. Zambia’s delegate noted that small‑scale farmers in his country still use outdated equipment like the handheld hoe. Adding that introduction of tractors and tillers is boosting production for women farmers and their families, he stressed that many are still seeding, weeding and harvesting by hand, back‑breaking labour that causes spinal injuries and premature ageing.

In a like vein, the representative of Mozambique said his country’s ability to grow crops has remained unchanged due to traditional and rudimentary means of crop production with limited modern technology. Due to resultant shortages, it is estimated that 43 per cent of children aged 5 and under suffer from severe stunting, with huge costs for their health and education, while the rest of the population has yet to achieve ideal levels of food security and nutrition.

Reports were presented at the meeting’s outset by Madhushree Chatterjee, Chief of the Natural Resources and Interlinkages Branch of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, on agriculture development, food security and nutrition (document A/73/293) and on International Year of Pulses (document A/73/287).

Also speaking today were the representatives of Egypt (for the “Group of 77” developing countries and China), Myanmar (for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Morocco (for the African Group), El Salvador (for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), Russian Federation, Costa Rica, Sudan, Algeria, Afghanistan, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ukraine, Cambodia, China, United Arab Emirates, Tonga, Brazil, Philippines, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Mali, Finland, Indonesia, Nepal, Burkina Faso and Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations and the Holy See also spoke.

The Committee will meet again on Monday, 15 October, to take up sustainable development.

Presentation of Reports

MADHUSHREE CHATTERJEE, Chief of the Natural Resources and Interlinkages Branch of the Division for Sustainable Development Goals, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, presented the Secretary-General’s report on agriculture development, food security and nutrition (document A/73/293) and on International Year of Pulses (document A/73/287). Emphasizing the centrality of food security in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, she noted that world hunger is on the rise after a prolonged decline. In 2016, the world’s undernourished numbered 815 million, up from 777 million in 2015. In 2018, it is estimated that 821 million people will suffer from undernourishment. As a result of such figures, about one in five children under the age of 5 face stunting. Humanitarian assistance is critical to avert famine, but it is insufficient in addressing the causes of hunger and starvation.

Unsustainable farming and the depletion of biodiversity play a role in food insecurity trends, she continued. Any reversal in long-term progress makes the prospect of ending food insecurity by 2030 more difficult. Natural hazards affect all dimensions of food security, as does climate change, which disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable. Climate change also makes extreme weather more intense and increases in productivity harder to achieve. Water stress is also a potentially exacerbating factor in food insecurity, as it hampers economic and social development. Fisheries are affected by water stress, which also leads to land degradation.

Facing a growing lag in access to Government spending, agriculture desperately needs greater investments and financing, she said. Other factors that will bolster agriculture are an open and rules‑based trading system, South‑South and triangular cooperation and partnerships. With current trends, hunger will not be eradicated by 2030 unless urgent action takes place. All must work together to place rural development and agricultural programmes at the forefront, invest in agriculture and support institutional policy measures promoting responsible investment.

In a question and answer session that followed, the representative of Egypt asked about the challenges of using technology in developing countries to fight hunger. In response, Ms. Chatterjee offered to share the applicable report.

The representative of Algeria, noting that the northeast region of her country is referenced in the report, asked what can be done at the national level in collaboration with the United Nations to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2. Responding, Ms. Chatterjee deferred to the agencies working on the ground in Algeria.

The representative of Paraguay asked about the main findings of report on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2. In response, Ms. Chatterjee noted water plays a crucial role in reducing malnutrition and directed the representative to the Sustainable Development Goal knowledge platform.

Statements

MAHMOUD EL ASHMAWY (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, noted that hunger has been increasing worldwide for the past three years, with the absolute number of people suffering undernourishment or chronic food deprivation having risen from 804 million in 2016 to 821 million in 2017. Crisis‑level food insecurity rose from 108 million in 2016 to 124 million in 2017, with 767 million living below the extreme poverty line. Given ending poverty and hunger in all dimensions are top priorities of the Sustainable Development Goals, raising rural incomes and increasing productivity are crucial. He said the Group stresses that agriculture is the dominant sector in the gross domestic product (GDP) of many developing countries. Agricultural trade can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if global trade operates with an open, rules‑based trading system. Given current trends, hunger will not be eradicated by 2030.

HMWAY HMWAY KHYNE (Myanmar), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and aligning herself with the Group of 77, said the planet is under food stress, recalling that the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) estimates that world food production will need to increase by 70 per cent by 2050 to feed the global population. However, investing in agriculture is not a panacea for that challenge, she said, rather a holistic approach is needed, from addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty, to developing sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Though most the Association’s Member States are major food producers, they still face food insecurity and malnutrition threats, she said, and are forging ahead under the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 to address those challenges. Noting positive accomplishments in forestry and fishery sectors, she said ASEAN has also adopted a Declaration on Ending All Forms of Malnutrition at its 2017 summit. Turning to the threat of climate change and its effect on food insecurity, she said it had convened a special ASEAN ministerial meeting on climate action in July to galvanize regional climate action.

PERKS MASTER CLEMENCY LIGOYA (Malawi), speaking on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries and associating himself with the Group of 77, reminded that ending hunger is a priority of the Sustainable Development Goals, noting the worrisome trend of rising hunger over the past three years risks returning the world to the state it found itself in a decade ago. Climate change is one of the biggest culprits in driving hunger. Of 51 nations facing food insecurity, 33 are least developed countries with a combined population of 82 million. Almost a quarter of the population of the least developed countries face food insecurity, with vulnerable populations in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen even facing the risk of famine. Climate change has a devastating effect on least developed countries, and according to the Paris Agreement, global warming of 2°C is projected to further reduce crop yields and nutrition. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report highlights that global warming of 1.5°C may substantially reduce agricultural yield. Noting the majority of farmers — many of them women — in least developed countries are small‑scale producers, he said they are most vulnerable to environmental and price shocks. Ending hunger, he said, therefore involves concerted efforts to address the specific needs and challenges of least developed countries at the national, regional and global levels.

RUDOLPH MICHAEL TEN‑POW (Guyana), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and associating himself with the Group of 77, Alliance of Small Island States and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), said the recent earthquake in Haiti is yet another reminder of the vulnerability of small island and low‑lying coastal States in the Caribbean Community. The destructive impacts of climate change — increasingly frequent and severe storms, droughts and floods — pose an ongoing threat to the region’s agricultural infrastructure and thus to its food and nutritional security. Underlining the need to build resilience to shocks, including through the development of climate sensitive agriculture, water management schemes and drought- and flood‑resistant seeds, is critical.

Noting that agriculture today accounts for a decreasing share of the region’s GDP, he cited rising unemployment and the need to put in place technical, infrastructural and incentive frameworks to spur innovation and higher productivity in that sector. CARICOM’s Common Agricultural Policy lays the basis for transforming the sector and improving food and nutrition security in the region, he said, adding that within its single market and economy the policy seeks to establish links with other sectors — especially tourism — to increase employment. Efforts to turn the Caribbean into the first region resilient to climate change are supported by various international partners. Efforts are also under way to ensure access to fresh water supplies, reduce the consumption of processed foods and train young people in agriculture‑related social media and financial investments to help them become entrepreneurs in that sector.

FARZANA ZAHIR (Maldives), speaking on behalf of the behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, said that food security and nutrition in small island developing countries are under severe threat from climate change, environmental degradation, declining ocean health and global economic crises. For small islands, the nexus between food security, climate action and sustainable oceans becomes more enhanced due to their vulnerability to external shocks and limited resources. Rapid changes in temperatures and increasing levels of flooding or drought can contribute to reduced agricultural yields in small islands, reducing their limited capacity for local food production. Rising sea levels result in salt water encroachment, threatening coastal farmland and fresh water supply. The few small islands with coastal farmland also face threats from increasingly intense and frequent natural hazards, which destroy crops and damage production and transport infrastructure.

As ocean health declines, so do opportunities for small island developing State communities to access safe, nutritious food, he said. Marine pollution, with increasing ocean acidification, further exacerbated by high temperatures and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, all threaten marine resources. Many small islands are net food importing countries and highly vulnerable to the volatility of commodity prices and global supply as well as high import costs. These imported foods also have a negative impact, contributing to increasing patterns of poor nutrition, with increasing instances of non‑communicable diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other conditions. The prevalence of obesity and non‑communicable diseases associated with poor quality diets in many small island States are among the highest in the world.

OMAR HILALE (Morocco), speaking on behalf of the African Group and associating himself with the Group of 77, stated current global efforts are not sufficient to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 by 2030 in many parts of the world, with special concern for sub‑Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. The African Union is taking steps to achieve the continent’s agricultural vision, aiming to end hunger by 2025. He pointed to Africa’s tremendous agricultural potential, with the world’s largest share of uncultivated fertile land, as well as abundant water resources and proximity to transportation links and regional markets. Therefore, what Africa requires is increased investment in its agricultural sector and the removal of trade restrictions. African programmes such as TerrAfrica and the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative demonstrate its determination to drive its own development.

RUBÉN ARMANDO ESCALANTE HASBÚN (El Salvador), speaking on behalf of CELAC, called on FAO to renew its cooperation programme under the framework of the Community’s Plan for Food and Nutrition Security and the Eradication of Hunger 2025, reiterating the importance of measures to strengthen school nourishment programmes in that context. The Community, he underlined, also accepts the offer by FAO to use its platform on biodiversity and food to promote the integration of conservation and sustainable agriculture. Greater investment in agriculture overall is needed to enhance food security and nutrition. He reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to promote family farming with the support of Government programmes for distribution of harvests, in coordination with the various regional actions on food security.

Welcoming initiatives for improved coherence under the Zero Hunger Challenge, he reiterated the importance of efficiency, and the inclusion of family farms, in programmes to reduce food waste. Highlighting the threat that severe meteorological events pose to agriculture and food security in the region, he underscored the importance of international support to counteract it. He recognized the positive impact of interregional trade for food security, while pledging further efforts from CELAC to overcome its challenges. He also underlined the importance of South‑South and triangular cooperation, official development assistance (ODA) and sharing of best practices in adaptation to climate change. Pledging the continued commitment of all Community members to the 2025 plan, he renewed the request for financial and technical support in that context to FAO, World Food Programme (WFP), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and regional organizations.

IAN S. NAUMKIN (Russian Federation) said if the current trend of food insecurity continues, the international community will be unable to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Measures are needed at a global level, drawing in FAO, WFP and other relevant stakeholders. Another priority is to guarantee that food is of a high quality and people make the right nutrition choices. One country alone can be affected both by famine and obesity due to unbalanced diets. It is necessary to guarantee the growth of the agricultural sector, and to mitigate the effects of extreme climate. The Russian Federation has assisted 32 States worldwide in achieving aspects of the 2030 Agenda, including to achieve food security. It has also worked together with WFP to implement projects seeking to optimize school feeding programmes.

RODRIGO ALBERTO CARAZO ZELEDÓN (Costa Rica) stressed the importance of food safety as central to agriculture, health and sustainable consumption patterns. Every year almost 600 million people worldwide fall ill and 420,000 die due to food contaminated by bacteria, parasites and chemicals, which cause 200 illnesses including cancer. His Government accents the importance of tackling this issue with integrated actions throughout the food chain from primary producer to consumer. Costa Rica will present a resolution to mark 7 June as World Food Safety Day and work for its adoption.

MURTADA HASSAN ABUOBEIDA SHARIF (Sudan), associating himself with the Group of 77, Group of Least Developed Countries and the African Group, stated the world is not moving towards eradicating hunger. Hunger is increasing after years of decrease, demanding urgent measures to secure the food supply. He noted that the number of people affected by hunger has risen from 108 to 124 million in 51 countries, due to a variety of factors including armed conflict, slow economic growth and climate change. The international community must accelerate efforts to end malnutrition and poverty. In Sudan, the agricultural sector is one of the main engines of socioeconomic development, with millions of hectares of available arable land. The country has strategic plans to increase food security and productivity and calls for sharing of technology to further develop these measures.

MOHAMMED BESSEDIK (Algeria) said the international community must award food security a key place in development and agricultural policies and strive to increase food production in all countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It must improve access to food and increase agricultural activity. In Algeria, the main goal of public policies in the field of agriculture is to prioritize food security, which has now become a strategic objective for the country. This policy has mobilized about 13.7 billion to fight the root causes of hunger and malnutrition.

GHULAM SEDDIQ RASULI (Afghanistan) said world hunger is on the rise after several years of decline due to the lack of development, agriculture and global warming. Urgent actions are needed to ensure sustainable food production systems, revitalize the agricultural sector, promote rural development and empower traditionally excluded groups, especially smallholder farmers and small‑scale producers within local food systems. Nutrition is also in the spotlight as a key component of these efforts. Disasters and the effects of climate change also severely affect vulnerable populations. Strengthening the resilience of rural communities and promoting the preservation and restoration of resources and ecosystems have key importance for ensuring the well‑being of vulnerable segments of the population.

JAIME HERMIDA CASTILLO (Nicaragua), associating himself with the Group of 77 and CELAC, noting 815 million malnourished, said food security presents an urgent global challenge. Trends indicate food security disproportionately affects rural areas and women. The consequences of drought and flooding affect vulnerable populations, and the international community must adopt holistic concepts of food systems to assist them. His Government is working to protect its population from hunger, providing food packages to families affected by climate change. FAO cites Nicaragua for its progressive social policies, but the implementation of food solutions requires financing and technological transfers from developed countries to developing ones.

NICOLA ROSEMARIE GABY BARKER-MURPHY (Jamaica), associating herself with the Group of 77, CARICOM and CELAC, noted agriculture accounts for 7.3 per cent of her country’s GDP. As a small island developing State and Net Food‑Importing Developing Country, Jamaica cannot entirely feed its population. Extreme weather events due to climate change, small land holding, limited technology, reduced availability of agricultural land due to urbanization and lack of capital further stress its agricultural development. Noting Jamaica’s high food import bill leaves the country vulnerable to external economic shocks, she acknowledged the importance of enhancing the resilience of its food systems. Noting new food consumption patterns that lead to nutritionally poor diets and diseases such as diabetes, she pointed out that worldwide, some 600 million are classified as obese, a number expected to double by 2030.

MASUD BIN MOMEN (Bangladesh), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the Group of Least Developed Countries, described it as shocking that in the context of today’s interlinked global economy and advanced technology, millions of people still spend days without eating a meal. Expressing support for the Secretary‑General’s timely, action‑oriented recommendations as a basis to reverse the global hunger trend, he outlined Bangladesh’s massive increases in food production over recent decades and attributed them to bold Government policies aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural sector, promoting rural development, empowering marginalized peoples and protecting smallholder farmers and small‑scale producers. Detailing new technological developments as well as the introduction of microsavings for rural, marginalized communities — through a project known as “One House, One Farm” — he nevertheless said climate change impacts threaten to halt the country’s success. Bangladesh now spends more than 1 per cent of its GDP in addressing climate change and is researching salinity‑resistant crop varieties, among other innovations.

ALADE AKINREMI BOLAJI (Nigeria), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the African Group, is concerned that the world, particularly developing countries, is not on track to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2. United Nations projections hold that global dietary consumption patterns mean a future population of 9 billion will require more food, even more compelling for Nigeria, which is forecast to be the world’s third most populous country by 2050. His Government is implementing strategies to end hunger and malnutrition, addressing the entire gamut of food‑related issues, with a central goal to leverage the capacities of Nigerian farmers to feed its population. The country is also boosting business start‑up initiatives, especially for youth and women. Climate‑related uncertainties like drought, floods and crop and animal disease contribute to food insecurity. Given that agriculture cannot thrive without expanded access to financial markets, he hopes initiatives like the Nigerian Incentives Risks Sharing for Agricultural Lending will attract investment.

VITALII BILAN (Ukraine), recalling the starvation his own country suffered 85 years ago, pledged to offer the help needed to address global food insecurity. His country is going through one of the most difficult stages in its history, he said, thanking FAO and WFP for the help they provided Ukraine. Despite its troubles, Ukraine remains one of the strongest players on the international food market, he said, noting that its grain harvest in 2018 was 60 million tons. He encouraged intensified coordination between all United Nations agencies and the international financial institutions and called for a more formal system of global governance in that area.

SOBOTH SOK (Cambodia) said her country has integrated agriculture development, food security and nutrition into their Rectangular Strategy, the National Strategic Development Plan and other relevant national policies. To further develop, Cambodia focuses on investment in rural infrastructure, better plant breeds and promoting high value agro‑industrial crops. Recalling the impact the National Action Plan for Zero Hunger Challenge has had on her country, she said Cambodia has also made important progress in strengthening the social protection system to be more interconnected.

TANG TIANXI (China), associating himself with the Group of 77, said eradication of hunger requires sustainable economic growth. The international community should scale up its support for developing countries, assisting them to improve their food‑producing capacities. China attaches great importance to agricultural development, enabling farmers to improve their production capacities, which has led to a steady growth in agricultural capacity. It is promoting mechanical agricultural means to modernize the sector and boost food security. The Government also attaches importance to nutrition, which has improved significantly in recent years. It plans to enhance exchanges with all international partners, assisting others to improve agricultural capacity and improve food security.

ADEL AL AMIRI (United Arab Emirates), associating himself with the Group of 77, reviewed his country’s initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture, including the appointment of a Minister of State responsible for food security. Modern technology and efficient management of natural resources aim to maximize crop production in the United Arab Emirates, he said, adding that a project named “Save the Grace” addresses the problem of food waste while delivering food to needy families. At the international level, he said the United Arab Emirates is diversifying its food sources through agriculture‑related foreign investment. Fruitful cooperation between countries can promote integrated agricultural production, bringing together various areas related to food security while contributing to sustainable development, he stated.

VILIAMI VA'INGA TŌNĒ (Tonga), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the Alliance of Small Island States, noted the urgent need to secure food systems, and said his country is working in its agricultural sector to reduce the risk of food insecurity and poverty and increase its GDP. In 2018, Tonga launched a new initiative to promote the sustainable use of local food and resources, taking an integrated approach to multisector challenges. Working to find new climate‑resilient agricultural systems, Tonga points to such projects as the Chinese Piggery, Royal Palace Introductory Thai Farming of Integrated Crops, fruit trees, livestock, fish ponds and tree planting. The country is burdened by food and agricultural diseases, but it is making a strong commitment to battle it through increased production of healthy vegetables and fruit trees and reduced imports, which are both costly and unhealthy.

ANTÓNIO GUMENDE (Mozambique), associating himself with the Group of 77, African Group and the Group of Least Developed Countries, said his Government attaches great importance to agriculture, as more than 70 per cent of its population is directly engaged and rely upon this sector for their livelihoods. Small‑scale agriculture for subsistence is dominant, which means more food is needed to meet the demands of an increased population, which grew from 13 million in 1990 to 28 million in 2017. However, the ability to grow crops has remained unchanged due to traditional and rudimentary means of crop production with limited modern technological interventions. It is estimated that 43 per cent of children ages 5 and under suffer from severe stunting, with huge costs for their health and education, while the other portion of the population has yet to achieve ideal levels of food security and nutrition. In improving this situation, the Government has been undertaking reforms aimed at transforming the agriculture sector from subsistence to a more productive and market‑oriented system. It has begun a programme of agrarian mechanization and is ensuring the use of new technologies to respond to the demand for improved seeds resistant to environmental stresses and capable of producing crops in shorter cycles.

Mr. ALAMI (Morocco), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the African Group, said hunger compels the international community to increase global food production by 70 per cent by 2050 to feed a projected population of 9.6 billion. Although his continent has made striking progress over last decade, the food crisis is real and threatens millions, with conflicts and climate change the main reasons for the rise of food insecurity. Africa cannot feed itself: over 50 per cent of its farmland is unused yet it still spends over $30 billion to import food. Morocco is committed to sharing experiences and savoir‑faire to assist in addressing the issue and has also set up a trust fund as a financial lever for South‑South and triangular cooperation to help African countries sustainably increase agricultural productivity and manage resources. The Green Morocco Plan seeks to invest in and modernize agricultural production.

BÁRBARA BOECHAT DE ALMEIDA (Brazil), associating herself with the Group of 77 and CELAC, said the Secretary‑General’s report and the lessons learned at the high‑level political forum held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council reveal an urgent need to act on the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 2. Progress is particularly needed in rural areas, she said, spotlighting the need for adequate development financing in the framework of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. Greater investment in agriculture and rural areas, through international cooperation, is crucial to promoting enhanced agricultural productivity in developing countries — especially regarding family farming. Furthermore, she said, the massive concession of agricultural subsidies in rich nations — which leads to distortions in international food markets — must be curbed once it directly jeopardizes the establishment of robust agricultural sectors in the developing world.

GEBEYEHU GANGA GAYITO (Ethiopia) said his country has been implementing a comprehensive development strategy that puts increasing agricultural production and productivity at its centre. It has continued to implement a comprehensive rural development package, expanding agricultural extension services. Ethiopia has also continued to ensure broader community participation, which puts small‑holder farmers at the centre. As a result, the agricultural sector registered a 6.7 per cent growth rate in 2017. In addition, by carrying out its National Nutrition Strategy, it has been implementing global and regional commitments to address malnutrition. To mitigate and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector, Ethiopia is promoting climate resilient green agriculture. It is mobilizing local communities and undertaking natural resource conservation and management activities like forestry development, soil and water preservation.

Mr. MUSONDA (Zambia), associating himself with the Group of 77, African Group and the Group of Least Developed Countries, stated that with an estimated 793 million people lacking access to adequate amounts of dietary energy and 156 million stunted children, the world is off‑track in ending hunger. Countries in protracted crisis and conflict risk being left permanently behind. The international community must address the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition, linking short‑term emergency efforts to long‑term solutions. Small‑scale farmers in Zambia still use outdated equipment like the handheld hoe, which must be consigned to a museum. Noting the introduction of tractors and tillers is improving production of women farmers and their families, he stressed that many are still seeding, weeding and harvesting by hand, back‑breaking labour that causes spinal injuries and premature ageing. Women make up 70 per cent of small farmers, and the world needs to offer assistance to end their suffering. In 2017, 48 per cent of children under age 5 in Zambia were stunted and 13.3 per cent underweight. The Government is working to prevent micronutrient deficiency, because unless the world combats hunger, it will not have resilient societies.

LEILA CASTILLON LORA‑SANTOS (Philippines), associating herself with ASEAN and the Group of 77, said that evidence continues to signal a rise in world hunger, with climate change, instability and conflict driving the problem. Her Government is implementing policies that invest in fisheries and small farmers to improve their productivity, with a programme providing small loans from $200 to $1,000 to buy seeds and finance activities. The Philippines urges the global community with the assistance of the United Nations to help advocate and measure efforts and empower stakeholders to fight food insecurity, especially during times of conflict or crisis.

TONY OUTHAITHIP (Lao People’s Democratic Republic), associating himself with the Group of 77, ASEAN and the Group of Least Developed Countries, said the agricultural sector — which employs 70 per cent of his country’s labour force — contributes to overall economic growth and to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. He said his Government is implementing national nutrition strategies to tackle poverty and hunger and is cooperating with ASEAN on an integrated food security framework. The agricultural sector in the country faces challenges, he stressed, noting that unexploded ordinance makes much of its farmland unsafe. He said his Government is committed to eradicating poverty and hunger and stressed the importance of the support and assistance provided by development partners.

SAVITRI INDRACHAPA PANABOKKE (Sri Lanka) said one of key factors in combating global hunger and malnutrition is agriculture. It is essential that the international community enhances efforts to adopt effective agricultural policies, including promotion of sustainable agriculture, rural development and investment in the sector. Climate change has become among the greatest threats faced by Sri Lankan farmers, especially those engaged in producing rice, a staple food. Increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns resulted in severe flooding in 2017, and in 2016 the country faced the worst drought in over 40 years. The resulting destruction of domestic crops had serious implications for food production. The country has introduced “climate smart” agriculture methods to minimize climate‑related impacts on agriculture, like resilient crops, rainwater harvesting, crop diversification and technology.

ARTHUR AMAYA ANDAMBI (Kenya), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the African Group, said the agricultural sector accounts for 24 per cent of his country’s GDP and that 80 per cent of its population derives its livelihood from agriculture‑related activities. Kenya prioritizes agriculture as a “fundamental tool in national development”, he stressed, adding that Government policy focuses on manufacturing, universal health coverage, affordable housing and food security and nutrition. Climate change is “ravaging” the agricultural sector and droughts continue to hamper the quest towards food security. The Government has implemented subsidies on farm inputs and enhanced efforts to provide free education and affordable health care. He stressed the relevance of technology and innovation for farming and said that eradicating hunger requires significant increases in agricultural investment.

KANISSON COULIBALY (Mali), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the African Group, said the agricultural sector is the backbone of his country’s economy, contributing over 30 per cent of GDP. Nevertheless, Mali faces significant challenges including ensuring food security for a growing population, sustainable management of resources, the effects of climate change and making full use of local products in national, subregional and global markets. Mali is also working to advance technological progress in agricultural production, building and providing tractors to farmers and providing subsidies amounting to 13.6 billion West African CFA franc, he said, noting that 15 per cent of the State budget is allocated to the agricultural sector. Grain production has risen from 6 million tons to 8 million tons annually since 2013, marking an 8 per cent increase. In the broadest terms, his Government is aiming for a zero‑hunger goal.

EMILIA VAN VEEN (Finland) said protection of plant health is one of the key aspects in ensuring food security, especially in developing and least developed countries. The international spread of pests and diseases present ever more risks to agriculture and the environment. Crop losses due to these pests can be substantial. FAO estimates that invasive pests are damaging as much as 40 per cent of all food crops globally each year. These pests cause losses in trade of agricultural products of about $220 billion per year. When pests are introduced into new ecosystems, they can have devastating effects on the environment. Invasive pests are among the main factors in biodiversity loss worldwide. A pest epidemic of enormous proportions is underway in Africa due to an introduced fruit fly and the fall armyworm, while olive tree disease is affecting some parts of Europe.

RIO BUDI RAHMANTO (Indonesia), associating himself with the Group of 77 and ASEAN, said that rural development and sustainable food production are key to ensuring food security. His country is investing heavily in farmers and rural development, while also focusing on land reform and social forestry. The culinary sector in Indonesia is a leading provider of employment in rural and urban areas. Food and nutrition is closely related to education, he stressed, adding that household access to clean water and sanitation also influenced nutrition. Climate change poses a serious risk to food security, he said, calling for coordinated efforts to bring about a world without hunger.

SUVANGA PARAJULI (Nepal), associating himself with the Group of 77 and the Group of Least Developed Countries, stressed that the relationship between hunger and poverty is cyclical. Calling for an integrated approach of raising incomes and productivity, he also emphasized the need to secure smallholders’ tenure rights over productive resources, especially for women and youth. Protection of local and indigenous food systems is equally important for food security and for preserving genetic diversity. His country’s Constitution guarantees the right to food, and is prioritizing increasing agriculture productivity, including through modernization of farming, he noted.

YEMDAOGO ERIC TIARE (Burkina Faso), associating himself with the Group of 77, Group of Least Developed Countries and the African Group, said his nation is a landlocked country with a young population. The country’s economy is largely reliant on agriculture, animal husbandry and mining. The agricultural sector is faced with many difficulties, including desertification, climate change, diseases and pests. It has drawn up a national policy for nutrition and food security, which forms part of the country’s larger strategic plan. However, as there is a severe budget issue, which is a bottleneck in how any strategies are carried out, Burkina Faso relies on the support of the international community for implementation.

MOHAMMAD ABDURRAHMAN S. ALKADI (Saudi Arabia), associating himself with the Group of 77, said the increase of population and decrease of arable land make the issue of food security among the biggest problems of the twenty‑first century. The concept of national security demands that a nation provide food that is plentiful, safe and within the means of the population to buy it. Failing to provide enough food is one of the biggest challenges facing a nation, driving malnutrition, hunger and poverty. Noting that Saudi Arabia aids the international community to find sustainable solutions, he pointed to funding of $700 million for projects providing food security, water and sanitation and 190 programmes benefiting countries including Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Domestically, companies are required to label their products with caloric content info. Saudi Arabia is developing practical models at the national level, with 11 executive programmes in the agricultural and other sectors.

TOMASZ GRYSA, observer for the Holy See, expressed concern that — at the pace of current trends — hunger will not be eradicated by 2030. Calling for urgent action to accelerate that pace, he noted that hunger and food insecurity are often exacerbated by conflict. Despite the large humanitarian response to recent crises, he stressed: “While humanitarian assistance is critical to avert famine, it is not sufficient by itself to address the root causes of hunger and starvation.” Instead, more investment in agriculture and increased opportunities for trade are needed. For those developing countries unable to attract private investment, Governments must step in to increase productive capacity. The challenges of hunger and malnutrition flow in large part from inequitable distribution, and unfair trade and exploitative market conditions only discourage farmers from producing more or bringing their produce to market, he said, calling for a stronger emphasis on the “inviolable dignity of the human person”.

CARLA MUCAVI, Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization to the United Nations (FAO) Liaison Office, also speaking on behalf of IFAD and WFP, said the absolute number of people affected by hunger stands at 821 million, reversing 10 years of progress. Conflict, climate change and poverty are among the key drivers. Adding that worldwide, 1 in 9 persons is hungry and 1 in 8 adults obese, she said that latter issue is growing alarmingly in developed countries. Unhealthy diets are responsible for 6 of 10 factors for non‑communicable diseases, impacting not only health but public budgets and national economies. “Another symptom of broken food systems is the predominance of hunger and extreme poverty in rural areas, where food is grown” she said, noting family farmers, responsible for 80 per cent of food production, are often the most impacted. Stating the world must act now if it is to meet the 2030 Agenda, she pointed to tackling food insecurity and inequality through social protection and gender‑sensitive growth programmes, building a new rural‑urban alliance, mobilizing domestic and international investment and compiling reliable, comprehensive and disaggregated data to implement and monitor policies.

For information media. Not an official record.

AG/EF/3499

Assemblée générale Deuxième Commission
Soixante-treizième session, 10e et 11e séances – matin & après-midi

La faim dans le monde est de nouveau à la hausse après avoir reculé pendant plusieurs années: tel est le constat alarmant du rapport du Secrétaire général sur le développement agricole, la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition, présenté aujourd’hui à la Deuxième Commission (économique et financière). Les conflits, les chocs climatiques et la pauvreté sont parmi les facteurs expliquant cette évolution, ont constaté les délégations qui ont en même temps déploré l’augmentation du surpoids et de l’obésité en raison d’une alimentation déséquilibrée.

Éliminer la faim et la pauvreté sont les premiers objectifs de développement durable, ont rappelé le Groupe des 77 et la Chine, et, au vu de la tendance actuelle, la réalisation de l’objectif 2 -Faim « zéro »- est très compromise. Parmi les 51 pays confrontés à l’insécurité alimentaire, 33 sont dans la catégorie des pays les moins avancés (PMA), a relevé le porte-parole de ce Groupe. L’Inde a tenu à souligner « l’ironie de la situation actuelle », puisqu’on produit suffisamment de nourriture pour satisfaire les besoins de toute la population mondiale, alors que des millions de personnes souffrent toujours de la faim au quotidien. De plus, la faim et l’extrême pauvreté prédominent dans les régions rurales, où les aliments sont pourtant produits, ce qui constitue un symptôme de rupture des systèmes agricoles, comme l’a noté l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO).

Les effets négatifs des changements climatiques sur la sécurité alimentaire en termes d’accès à la nourriture et de qualité des aliments ont été soulignés à maintes reprises par les intervenants comme l’un des facteurs aggravants pour le développement agricole. Les catastrophes climatiques auront un impact non seulement sur les personnes vulnérables mais aussi sur l’accès à des ressources comme l’eau qui sera de plus en plus difficile, ce qui va freiner voire empêcher la production agricole et limiter le développement économique et social, a fait observer Mme Madhushree Chatterjee, du Département des affaires économiques et sociales, en présentant les rapports du Secrétaire général.

L’un des facteurs clefs pour rompre le cycle vicieux de la pauvreté, de la faim et de la malnutrition est l’agriculture, a assuré Sri Lanka. Les pratiques agroécologiques, que plusieurs pays ont adoptées, sont une façon de transformer les systèmes agricoles tout en protégeant l’environnement, la santé et la nutrition, a fait observer Mme Chatterjee. Malheureusement, le secteur agricole subit toujours une pression excessive par manque d’investissements. Comme l’a résumé le Mali, le secteur agricole reste confronté à d’immenses défis: maintenir la sécurité alimentaire d’une population croissante, gérer de façon durable les ressources naturelles dans la perspective des changements climatiques, améliorer la productivité, sécuriser et accroître les revenus des exploitants, assurer la maîtrise de l’eau.

Nombre de délégations ont insisté sur la nécessité d’aider l’agriculture à se moderniser, à adopter de nouvelles technologies et à augmenter sa productivité, sans oublier les petits exploitants, en particulier les femmes, qui assurent les moyens de subsistance d’une large partie de la population dans nombre de pays en développement, comme l’a rappelé le groupe des PMA. Tous les pays devraient investir davantage et promouvoir les nouvelles technologies pour assurer la sécurité alimentaire des PMA, a renchéri la Chine. Il s’agit par exemple, a expliqué la Communauté des Caraïbes (CARICOM), de développer des semences résistantes aux sécheresses et aux inondations et une gestion durable du bétail.

L’Alliance des petits États insulaires (AOSIS) a plaidé pour une démarche globale, puisque les problèmes d’agriculture sont également liés aux systèmes de santé, à la sécurité de l’eau, aux changements climatiques, à la santé des océans ainsi qu’à la volatilité des prix des produits de base et à l’accès aux marchés. Le Groupe des États d’Afrique a remarqué que les distorsions et les déséquilibres sur les marchés agricoles mondiaux empêchent les pays d’Afrique d’y accéder, alors que le continent a un énorme potentiel en matière agricole, puisqu’il possède la plus grande surface de terres fertiles non cultivées. Les subventions massives de l’agriculture dans les pays développés, qui ont conduit à des distorsions sur les marchés des produits agricoles, doivent prendre fin, a abondé le Brésil.

Le Costa Rica a rappelé que l’Assemblée générale avait adopté une résolution proclamant la Décennie de l’agriculture familiale 2019-2028. Cette délégation présentera au cours de cette session, avec d’autres pays, un projet de résolution pour faire du 7 juin la « Journée mondiale sur l’innocuité alimentaire », afin de concentrer les efforts sur la qualité des aliments. De son côté, la Finlande a lancé une initiative pour proclamer 2020 « année internationale de la santé des plantes » afin d’attirer l’attention sur la progression des organismes nuisibles qui causent de graves problèmes aux cultures, et ainsi promouvoir des pratiques responsables. Quant au Burkina Faso, il est porteur d’un projet de résolution sur une Journée mondiale des légumineuses le 10 février.

Lundi 15 octobre à 10 heures, la Deuxième Commission entendra la Présidente de l’Assemblée générale, avant d’entamer l’examen du point sur le développement durable.

DÉVELOPPEMENT AGRICOLE, SÉCURITÉ ALIMENTAIRE ET NUTRITION

Présentations des rapports

Mme MADHUSHREE CHATTERJEE, Chef de la Subdivision des politiques et analyses de la Division du développement durable du Département des affaires économiques et sociales, a présenté le Rapport du Secrétaire général (A/73/293) intitulé Développement agricole, sécurité alimentaire et nutrition. Elle a souligné une grande tendance: la faim est de nouveau à la hausse après avoir reculé pendant plusieurs années. En 2017, 821 millions de personnes étaient sous-alimentées, contre 777 millions en 2015 et 815 millions en 2016. Malgré l’assistance humanitaire, les populations vulnérables sont confrontées à des risques de famine, a dit Mme Chatterjee, citant le Nord-Est du Nigéria, la Somalie, le Soudan du Sud et le Yémen. Quant à la malnutrition chronique, elle se manifeste sous diverses formes et touche 1 enfant de moins de 5 ans sur 5 dans le monde. Dans le même temps, le surpoids et l’obésité sont en augmentation en raison d’une alimentation déséquilibrée: on compte 1,3 milliard de personnes en surpoids et 600 millions d’obèses.

Le rapport du Secrétaire général souligne aussi l’importance du lien intrinsèque entre l’objectif 2 de développement durable (Faim « zéro ») et les autres objectifs. Les pratiques agroécologiques, que plusieurs pays ont adoptées, sont ainsi une façon de transformer les systèmes alimentaires tout en protégeant l’environnement, la santé et la nutrition. Quant aux catastrophes, elles ont des répercussions sur toutes les dimensions de la sécurité alimentaire, et Mme Chatterjee a souligné que les changements climatiques auront un impact non seulement sur les personnes vulnérables mais aussi sur l’accès à des ressources comme l’eau qui sera de plus en plus difficile. La rareté de l’eau est un facteur exacerbant car elle freine voire empêche la production agricole et limite le développement économique et social.

S’agissant du Rapport du Secrétaire général (A/73/287) sur les Activités organisées pendant l’Année internationale des légumineuses (2016), il montre que cette année internationale a permis de sensibiliser le public partout dans le monde aux avantages de ces plantes et de mettre en évidence le rôle qu’elles peuvent jouer dans la réalisation du Programme de développement durable à l’horizon 2030. Malheureusement, a indiqué Mme Chatterjee, le secteur agricole subit toujours une pression excessive par manque d’investissements. Elle a souligné, à cet égard, l’importance de la coopération Sud-Sud, de la coopération triangulaire et des partenariats pour promouvoir les initiatives. Le transfert de technologies est essentiel pour améliorer les pratiques agricoles et réaliser l’objectif 2 de développement durable, a-t-elle encore ajouté.

Dialogue interactif

À la question du Nigéria se demandant ce qui a accéléré la malnutrition dans le Nord-Est du pays et ce qu’il pourrait faire avec la communauté internationale pour améliorer la situation, Mme Chatterjee a conseillé de s’adresser à l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) pour mieux répondre à cette question.

Pour répondre au Paraguay qui s’est interrogé sur les liens entre l’objectif 2 de développement durable et les autres objectifs, Mme Chatterjee a donné l’eau comme exemple, ainsi que la santé et l’assainissement. Elle a renvoyé au rapport du Secrétaire général et à la plateforme des connaissances sur les objectifs de développement durable pour davantage d’informations.

M. ELASHMAWY (Égypte), au nom du Groupe des 77 et la Chine, a rappelé que le nombre de personnes souffrant de la faim avait augmenté depuis trois ans, à des niveaux pas vus depuis plus de 10 ans. Le nombre absolu de personnes dans le monde souffrant de malnutrition ou de sous-alimentation chronique est passé de 804 millions en 2016 à 821 millions en 2017, et le G77 et la Chine ont noté avec inquiétude que le nombre de personnes risquant de subir l’insécurité alimentaire a lui aussi grossi, passant de 108 millions en 2016 à 124 millions en 2017. Le G77 et la Chine craignent que le rythme de la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable ne puisse pas promouvoir le changement nécessaire pour atteindre l’objectif numéro 2, et que les cibles relatives à la faim ne soient pas atteintes dans beaucoup d’endroits du monde.

Éliminer la faim et la pauvreté sont les premières priorités des objectifs de développement durable, a poursuivi le représentant. Dans ce contexte, le G77 approuve l’application de la résolution A/72/238 du Secrétaire général sur le développement agricole, la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition, qui dit que mettre fin à la pauvreté nécessite le rehaussement des salaires en zone rurale et l’accroissement de la productivité soutenable, pour transformer les modes de vies des foyers ruraux, et que le développement inclusif et durable de l’agriculture et des système alimentaires joue un rôle clef.

Le G77 a aussi plaidé en faveur de la hausse des investissements et du renforcement des capacités pour augmenter la productivité agricole. Le Programme 2030 et le Programme d’action d’Addis-Abeba soulignent tous deux que les investissements dans l’agriculture sont cruciaux pour améliorer la productivité du secteur, a argué la délégation. Le G77 souligne la difficulté pour les États Membres, et en particulier les pays en développement, de rattacher les liens complexes entre sécurité alimentaire, nutrition, transformations rurales et agriculture durable avec les autres objectifs de développement durable. Pour être mieux à même de réaliser l’objectif 2, le représentant a prôné la promotion de politiques et de programmes nationaux intégrés ainsi que du partage de connaissances et des partenariats productifs.

L’agriculture demeure le secteur dominant dans le produit intérieur brut (PIB), les exportations et l’emploi dans de nombreux pays en développement, a enfin remarqué le représentant qui, dans ce contexte, a souhaité un système commercial bien régulé. Cela est nécessaire pour faciliter un environnement global plus favorable à l’instauration de la sécurité alimentaire et à l’agriculture durable, en rendant les denrées alimentaires plus abondantes et bon marché. Par conséquent, le Groupe a souligné que le commerce agricole pouvait contribuer à réaliser les objectifs de développement durable de nombreuses manières.

Mme HMWAY HMWAY KHYNE (Myanmar), qui s’exprimait au nom de l’Association des nations de l’Asie du Sud-Est (ASEAN), a souligné la recrudescence de la malnutrition dans le monde et souligné que, selon les estimations de la FAO, il faudra une augmentation de la production alimentaire de 70% d’ici à 2050 pour pouvoir satisfaire les besoins de la population mondiale qui devrait atteindre alors les 9,1 milliards. C’est pourquoi l’ASEAN plaide pour des investissements dans l’agriculture, reconnaissant toutefois que ce n’est pas la panacée pour résoudre le problème de l’insécurité alimentaire. Il faut aussi une approche holistique plus large allant de la lutte contre les changements climatiques, à celle contre la pauvreté et les pertes en biodiversité ainsi que des systèmes agricoles et alimentaires durables. Il s’agit là d’une des grandes priorités des pays de l’ASEAN qui, comme l’a rappelé la représentante, sont les premiers producteurs de riz au monde et représentent un « panier alimentaire fertile ». Cela ne signifie pas pour autant que ces pays ne font pas face aux aléas des changements climatiques, au déclin de leurs ressources naturelles et à une urbanisation rapide.

De plus, la population des États de l’ASEAN devrait passer de 650 millions d’habitants à 800 millions en 2035, et c’est sur cette base que la feuille de route à l’horizon 2025 de la Communauté économique de l’ASEAN a été établie. Son objectif est notamment d’ajuster la production alimentaire à cette demande croissante et de garantir des prix abordables et une bonne qualité des aliments, a expliqué la représentante. Il a présenté certains éléments de cette feuille de route comme le Plan stratégique pour la coopération en matière d’alimentation, d’agriculture et de sylviculture, y compris la gestion durable des forêts tropicales. Les dirigeants des pays de l’ASEAN ont également adopté une Déclaration en 2017 par laquelle ils s’engagent à mettre fin à toute forme de malnutrition à travers une approche collaborative et multisectorielle de la sécurité alimentaire et de la nutrition. Compte tenu de la vulnérabilité de ces pays face aux changements climatiques, le dernier sommet ministériel de l’ASEAN sur l’action climatique a galvanisé la mobilisation de la région autour de cet enjeu, a indiqué la représentante avant d’indiquer que le Plan stratégique pour l’environnement (2016-2025) est sur le point d’être finalisé.

M. PERKS LIGOYA (Malawi), s’exprimant au nom des pays les moins avancés (PMA), a déploré que parmi les 51 pays confrontés à insécurité alimentaire, 33 sont des PMA, avec une population combinée de 81,8 millions de personnes. Un quart des PMA connaissent une grave insécurité alimentaire, et plus encore au Nigéria, au Soudan du Sud et au Yémen, trois pays exposés au risque de famine. « C'est un défi immense qui nécessite des partenariats solides si nous voulons le vaincre », en a conclu M. Ligoya.

Entre 2015 et 2017, le nombre de personnes mal nourries dans les PMA est passé de 216 millions à 237 millions, problème auquel il faut ajouter les incidences des changements climatiques: les effets combinés des phénomènes climatiques extrêmes, de la concentration de gaz à effet de serre, du changement de température, et des précipitations. Ces phénomènes ont des conséquences négatives sur la sécurité alimentaire en termes d’accès à la nourriture et de qualité des aliments, a dit le représentant, reprenant des données du Groupe intergouvernemental d’experts sur le climat (GIEC).

M. Ligoya a donc réclamé des investissements appropriés. De son avis, il est également nécessaire de mieux informer les agriculteurs et de développer de nouvelles technologies. Dans les PMA, les exploitations sont souvent de petite taille, et gérées par des femmes, une population très exposée et vulnérable aux fluctuations des prix et aux chocs environnementaux. Mettre fin à la pauvreté et à la faim, tout en atteignant la sécurité alimentaire dans les PMA, va nécessiter des efforts concertés à tous les niveaux, national et international, a conclu M. Ligoya.

M. RUDOLPH MICHAEL TEN-POW (Guyana), qui s’exprimait au nom des États de la Communauté des Caraïbes (CARICOM), a mis l’accent sur la vulnérabilité extrême de ces pays aux impacts destructeurs des changements climatiques. Il a souligné la menace que cela représente pour la production et les infrastructures agricoles et, par conséquent, pour leur sécurité alimentaire. Augmenter la résilience de ces pays face aux aléas climatiques à travers des pratiques agricoles sensibles au climat, des systèmes de gestion des eaux, des semences résistantes aux sécheresses et aux inondations et une gestion durable du bétail sont autant d’objectifs à atteindre dans le cadre de l’objectif 2 de développement durable. Il s’agit de passer d’une agriculture de plantation qui remonte à l’époque coloniale à une agriculture moderne sur le plan technique et en termes d’infrastructures. Il faut aussi encourager l’investissement pour parvenir à une meilleure productivité, a expliqué le représentant. La politique agricole commune adoptée par la CARICOM jette les bases de cette transformation du secteur agricole et cherche à augmenter la part des exportations agricoles tout en veillant à la satisfaction de la demande locale, a expliqué le représentant. « Notre objectif est de faire des Caraïbes la première région résiliente aux changements climatiques avec les soutiens de nos partenaires internationaux, y compris le l’Institut interaméricain pour la coopération dans le domaine de l’agriculture. »

Le représentant a ensuite soulevé le problème que représentent les importations alimentaires dans la CARICOM: elles représentent 60% des aliments et près de 4 milliards de dollars par an soit une augmentation de 50% par rapport à 2 000. Les efforts pour lutter contre cette réalité nouvelle n’ont pas été concluants à ce jour, a-t-il expliqué, tout en restant optimiste par rapport au potentiel de l’augmentation de la production locale de manioc pour se substituer au blé et au maïs importés. Cela pourrait représenter 5% de la facture des importations alimentaires, a souligné M. Ten-Pow. Élargissant le débat, il a affirmé que les défis du secteur agricole ne peuvent toutefois être relevés sans qu’il y ait un système commercial multilatéral ouvert, non-discriminatoire et réglementé pour promouvoir l’agriculture et le développement rural dans les pays en développement. Cela contribuerait grandement, à ses yeux, à la sécurité alimentaire et l’alimentation dans le monde.

M. FARZANA ZAHIR (Maldives), s’exprimant au nom de l’Alliance des petits États insulaires (AOSIS), s’est alarmé du fait que la sécurité alimentaire dans les petits États insulaires en développement (PEID) soit mise à mal à cause des changements climatiques, de la dégradation de l’environnement, y compris celle des océans, et des crises économiques mondiales. Pour ces pays, le lien entre sécurité alimentaire, changements climatiques et océans durables est d’autant plus fort qu’ils sont vulnérables aux chocs externes et ont des ressources limitées. C’est ainsi que le représentant a expliqué que les zones agricoles côtières des certains PEID sont détruites par les catastrophes naturelles, et les productions sont perdues, tandis que les infrastructures de transport sont endommagées. De même, la dégradation des écosystèmes marins affecte les moyens de subsistance, sans oublier la pêche illégale qui détruit les ressources marines.

De nombreux PEID sont des importateurs de nourriture, ce qui les expose à l’extrême volatilité des prix des marchandises et des transports, a poursuivi le représentant. Pour couronner le tout, ces aliments importés sont de faible valeur nutritive et contribuent même à l’épidémie de maladies non transmissibles tels que le diabète, les problèmes cardiaques, l’obésité et bien d’autres affections. La FAO apporte son soutien aux PEID pour améliorer la nutrition des populations, mais le manque de fonds est un obstacle qui entrave la mise en œuvre du Programme d’action mondial pour relever les défis pressants liés à la sécurité alimentaire, à la nutrition et aux impacts des changements climatiques auxquels sont confrontés les PEID. Le représentant des Maldives a prévenu qu’il fallait adopter une démarche globale, puisque les problèmes d’agriculture sont également liés aux systèmes de santé, à la sécurité de l’eau, aux changements climatiques, à la santé des océans ainsi qu’à la volatilité des prix des produits de base et l’accès aux marchés.

M. OMAR HILALE (Maroc), s’exprimant au nom du Groupe des États d’Afrique, a remarqué que seulement 13 ans séparaient la communauté internationale de la date limite de 2030 pour réaliser les objectifs de développement durable, et que des étapes concertées étaient toujours nécessaires pour y arriver. Au rythme actuel, l’objectif 2 sera difficile à atteindre, a-t-il prévenu, particulièrement inquiet de la malnutrition en Afrique subsaharienne et en Asie.

Pour sa part, l’Union africaine a pris des initiatives ciblées pour parachever sa vision du secteur de l’agriculture pour le continent, notamment via le Plan exhaustif de développement agricole de l’Afrique (PDDAA), ainsi que via la Déclaration de Malabo sur l’Agriculture africaine, la stratégie et la feuille de route de mise en œuvre du PDDAA. Le but est d’éliminer la faim d’ici à 2025. L’Afrique a un énorme potentiel en matière agricole, a-t-il affirmé; le continent possède en effet la plus grande surface de terres fertiles non cultivées, des ressources en eau abondantes, et une proximité des plateformes de transport et des marchés régionaux. La jeunesse du continent est aussi un atout, a-t-il noté.

Déplorant le manque d’investissements dans le domaine de l’agriculture et celui de la protection sociale, le représentant a remarqué que les distorsions et les déséquilibres sur les marchés agricoles mondiaux empêchaient les pays d’Afrique d’accéder à ce marché. La communauté internationale, a-t-il lancé, a une opportunité à saisir en y remédiant. Rappelant que le développement agricole jouait un rôle clef dans l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union africaine, il a souligné que le secteur offrait un énorme potentiel en matière de réduction de la pauvreté et de création d’emplois, particulièrement parmi les populations les plus vulnérables.

M. RUBÉN ARMANDO ESCALANTE HASBÚN (El Salvador), qui s’exprimait au nom des États de la Communauté des États d’Amérique latine et des Caraïbes (CELAC), a réaffirmé l’engagement de ces pays à réaliser leur Plan pour la sécurité alimentaire, l’alimentation et l’élimination de la faim (2025 CELAC FSN PLAN), qui est en ligne avec le Programme 2030 et est transposé dans leurs stratégies nationales. La CELAC mise notamment sur des mesures pour faciliter et renforcer les programmes de nutrition dans les écoles de la région. Elle prend note des directives de la FAO sur les politiques agroenvironnementales en Amérique latine et dans les Caraïbes, « qui pourraient se révéler très utiles pour la protection des ressources et l’intégration, la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la biodiversité dans les domaines de l’agriculture, des cheptels, de la sylviculture, des pêcheries et du tourisme », a estimé le représentant. Il a également mis l’accent sur l’importance des investissements dans l’agriculture et notamment dans les structures familiales, comme moyen pour augmenter la sécurité alimentaire, remédier aux problèmes de chômage et renforcer les économies nationales tout en augmentant le bien-être des fermiers.

La CELAC poursuivra son action contre la malnutrition sous toutes ses formes, en particulier chez les enfants en bas âge, a poursuivi M. Escalante Hasbún en expliquant que cela se faisait notamment par des actions de formation au niveau local pour que les organisations communautaires puissent devenir un relai des services alimentaires. La Communauté cherche également à promouvoir des systèmes de production inclusifs et efficaces qui facilitent la participation des petits agriculteurs et permettent de réduire les gaspillages. À cet égard, le représentant a rappelé l’impact des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes sur l’agriculture, la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition, soulignant l’importance du soutien de la communauté internationale dans ce domaine. En effet, la CELAC compte sur le rôle de la coopération Sud-Sud, la coopération triangulaire et la coopération Nord-Sud, ainsi que sur l’aide publique au développement (APD), pour augmenter les capacités nationales des pays de la Communauté, afin qu’ils résistent mieux aux impacts des changements climatiques. Ainsi, elle renouvelle son appel pour un soutien technique et financier de la part de la FAO, de l’OMS, du PAM, de la CEPALC, de l’ALADI et de l’IFAD dans la mise en œuvre du Plan FSN 2025 de la CELAC et pour la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable.

Pour M. VIDHU P. NAIR (Inde) la croissance accélérée des économies rurales et de l’agriculture est un impératif si l’on veut briser le « cercle vicieux » de la pauvreté extrême, de la sous-nutrition et de la malnutrition. Même s’il place certains espoirs dans les avancées technologiques pour répondre à ce défi, il a tenu à souligner « l’ironie de la situation actuelle » puisqu’on produit suffisamment de nourriture pour satisfaire les besoins de toute la population mondiale, alors que des millions de personnes souffrent toujours de la faim tous les jours. Pour sa part, l’Inde a plus que quintuplé sa production alimentaire depuis son accession à l’indépendance il y a 70 ans, étant devenue en quelques décennies une nation autosuffisante sur le plan alimentaire grâce à une révolution verte, et, aujourd’hui, elle est même un exportateur net de produits alimentaires.

Pour y arriver, l’Inde a misé sur les technologies agricoles et la recherche, ainsi que sur des investissements dans les infrastructures rurales et les capacités humaines, a expliqué le représentant, en citant aussi les facilités de crédit et d’approvisionnement à des coûts minima et le renforcement des institutions de soutien. « Beaucoup des succès agricoles de l’Inde s’expliquent par sa capacité d’apporter des solutions innovantes et rentables aux défis rencontrés par les agriculteurs, comme des tracteurs à bas prix, des circuits de semences et des nouvelles technologies de gestion de l’eau », s’est enorgueilli l’intervenant. Il a toutefois reconnu, que face à la demande croissante, il restait de nombreux défis à relever notamment pour augmenter la productivité agricole et pour généraliser des pratiques agricoles durables tout en connectant les fermes aux marchés et en améliorant les systèmes de distribution alimentaire.

Il y a deux ans, « nous avons rêvé de doubler le revenu des fermiers indiens d’ici à 2022 », a poursuivi le représentant, expliquant que, pour y arriver, le Gouvernement avait mis en place des mécanismes pour soutenir les droits de l’agriculteur allant de l’achat des semences à l’accès de leurs produits aux marchés, et faisant appel à un système d’identification biométrique pour être sûr que ces mécanismes profitent bien aux destinataires voulus. Le Gouvernement a également reconnu l’importance des marchés locaux pour l’écoulement des produits des petits producteurs et a créé le Marché agricole national (NAM) et e-NAM qui est une plateforme digitale unifiée pour les biens agricoles. Un régime d’assurance récoltes a également été mis en place pour les fermiers.

M. IAN S. NAUMKIN (Fédération de Russie) s’est dit préoccupé par le nombre de personnes souffrant de la faim et de la malnutrition dans le monde, estimant que des mesures globales et coordonnées, sous l’égide des organisations internationales, sont nécessaires pour remédier à cette situation. Si la lutte contre la faim est un objectif prioritaire, le représentant a noté qu’il fallait aussi garantir la qualité de l’alimentation, ce qui aura notamment pour effet de réduire l’incidence des maladies non transmissibles. Un même pays peut être touché par la faim et l’obésité, a-t-il souligné. Il s’est félicité des initiatives de l’ONU comme la Décennie pour la nutrition (2016-2025) ou la Journée mondiale de l’alimentation, le 16 octobre. La Russie est aussi un bailleur de fonds et a, par exemple, mis en place des projets de sécurité alimentaire dans plusieurs pays d’Asie centrale en partenariat avec le Programme alimentaire mondial (PAM), et ce, depuis 2010.

M. RODRIGO ALBERTO CARAZO ZELEDÓN (Costa Rica) a remercié les pays qui soutiennent l’approbation de la Décennie de l’agriculture familiale 2019-2028. Il a ensuite fait valoir l’importance de l’innocuité alimentaire pour la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable liés à l’élimination de la faim, à la santé, au commerce international et pour la promotion de modèles de production et de consommation durables. On estime en effet qu’environ 600 millions de personnes tombent malades chaque année après avoir ingéré des aliments impropres à la consommation, et que 420 000 en meurent. Les aliments contenant des bactéries, des virus, des parasites ou des substances chimiques nocives sont la cause de quelque 200 maladies, dont le cancer, a expliqué M. Carazo. Il a jugé nécessaire de prendre des initiatives globales pour mettre en place des systèmes efficaces et effectifs de contrôle de l’innocuité dans toute la chaîne alimentaire, de la production au consommateur. En ce sens, le Costa Rica présentera à la Deuxième Commission un projet de résolution pour faire du 7 juin la « Journée mondiale sur l’innocuité alimentaire ».

M. MURTADA HASSAN ABUOBEIDA SHARIF (Soudan) a déploré que la faim augmente au Soudan après des années de déclin, pour différentes raisons: conflits armés, ralentissement de l’économie, changements climatiques. Tous ces éléments constituent un défi majeur pour la communauté internationale, a-t-il constaté en appelant celle-ci à redoubler d’efforts pour éliminer la faim et la malnutrition. Éliminer la faim est une priorité des objectifs de développement durable, a-t-il rappelé. Dans le cas des zones rurales, où 80% des Soudanais vivent et se nourrissent principalement de culture et de pêche, une agriculture durable pourrait grandement améliorer leur vie. Le représentant a indiqué que le Soudan possède des millions d’hectares de terres arables et qu’il peut produire une agriculture diversifiée. Le Soudan, a-t-il poursuivi, a élaboré des plans stratégiques pour augmenter sa productivité agricole, et a lancé une initiative au niveau régional pour renforcer la sécurité alimentaire et développer des réserves. Le représentant a demandé à l’ONU d’appuyer ces efforts en contribuant au renforcement de ses capacités et au transfert de technologies.

M. MOHAMMED BESSEDIK (Algérie) a remarqué que de nombreux pays avaient redoublé d’efforts pour accroître la productivité agricole. Mais ces efforts sont confrontés à un défi d’envergure: développer l’agriculture durable contre des phénomènes qui ne sont pas de leurs responsabilités. En Algérie, la sécurité alimentaire est un objectif prioritaire depuis la crise alimentaire mondiale de 2007, qui a mis au jour la vulnérabilité du pays aux chocs extérieurs. Pour y remédier, les autorités algériennes ont octroyé un « cachet de souveraineté alimentaire », avec une politique agricole nationale, et une approche multisectorielle, où plus de 13 milliards de dollars ont été investis pour améliorer l’existence des population rurales, avec l’aide du secteur privé. La sécurité énergétique et hydraulique vers laquelle se dirige l’Algérie permettra de réduire les déséquilibres commerciaux, de favoriser un développement durable, et d’assurer la sécurité alimentaire du pays. M. Bessedik a enfin appelé la communauté internationale à nourrir la population pauvre à des prix adéquats et abordables, face aux situations d’urgence provoquées par les changements climatiques.

M. GHULAM SEDDIQ RASULI (Afghanistan) a plaidé pour des actions urgentes pour améliorer les systèmes de production agricole, revitaliser le secteur agricole, promouvoir le développement rural et autonomiser les groupes traditionnellement exclus, comme les petits exploitants. Environ 45% des Afghans connaissent l’insécurité alimentaire: si le conflit a joué un rôle dans cette situation, les changements climatiques ont aussi des effets profonds sur la sécurité alimentaire, notamment en raison de l’augmentation de la sécheresse, a fait remarquer le représentant. Il a aussi relevé qu’environ 85% des Afghans sont impliqués dans l’agriculture, raison pour laquelle tout changement climatique touche les moyens de subsistance de millions de personnes. Pour tenter d’y remédier, le Gouvernement a lancé un programme national de sécurité alimentaire et de nutrition en octobre 2017.

M JAIME HERMIDA CASTILLO (Nicaragua) a estimé que la mise en œuvre des objectifs de développement agricole, de sécurité alimentaire et de nutrition dans les pays en développement est l’une des questions les plus importantes sur lesquelles la communauté internationale doit concentrer ses efforts. La délégation a pris note dans le rapport du Secrétaire général que l’insécurité alimentaire grave touche de façon disproportionnée les régions rurales, et en particulier les femmes. Elle a jugé important de tenir compte du fait que la sécurité alimentaire exige une croissance économique équitable, la création d’emploi, la génération de revenus et d’avancées technologiques, surtout dans le secteur agricole. La première priorité de la stratégie nationale de souveraineté et de sécurité alimentaire du Nicaragua, mise en œuvre avec l’accompagnement de la FAO, est de garantir aux familles l’accès à une alimentation suffisante, nutritive et saine. Cela passe par des mesures de soutien aux petits producteurs et par une aide alimentaire aux victimes des changements climatiques. Au Nicaragua, la lutte contre la faim est étroitement liée à la lutte contre la pauvreté.

Mme NICOLA ROSEMARIE GABY BARKER-MURPHY (Jamaïque) a déclaré que son pays avait augmenté la part des investissements privés pour améliorer son rendement agricole, mais qu’il restait beaucoup d’efforts à faire dans ce domaine. En tant que PEID et pays importateur, la Jamaïque n’est pas autosuffisante, a-t-elle indiqué avant d’expliquer que la fréquence accrue des phénomènes climatiques extrêmes dus aux changements climatiques sont un énorme obstacle. L’importation alimentaire est couteuse et rend la Jamaïque vulnérable aux chocs économiques externes et aux changements climatiques, a-t-elle insisté. La représentante a déploré que les impacts économiques à long terme entravent la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable. Elle s’est par ailleurs alarmée que des changements profonds de régimes alimentaires entraînent un problème de santé publique mondial, avec une augmentation de l’obésité et des maladies non transmissibles comme le diabète.

M. MASUD BIN MOMEN (Bangladesh) a craint que l’objectif numéro 2 ne soit pas atteint d’ici à 2030, déplorant que dans un monde aussi connecté, la faim dans le monde reste prévalente. L’augmentation de la population et les changements climatiques ont privé le Bangladesh de terres arables, a-t-elle indiqué tout en se félicitant que le pays ait quand même réussi à tripler sa production agricole depuis 1971. Celle-ci représente désormais 14,75% du PIB et concentre la plupart des emplois. Le Bangladesh a mis en place des programmes pour mécaniser l’agriculture, développer le numérique et les nanotechnologies dans le cadre agricole. Il investit pour que le pays s’adapte aux changements climatiques, en inventant de nouvelles semences, plus adaptées. Longtemps sur la corde raide, le pays fait tout pour nourrir correctement ses citoyens, a assuré le représentant en signalant aussi que des dispositions juridiques ont été mises en place pour améliorer le secteur de la pêche ainsi que la traçabilité des produits.

M. ALADE AKINREMI BOLAJI (Nigéria) a noté les statistiques préoccupantes montrant que le monde, et les pays en développement en particulier, n’est pas sur la bonne voie pour réaliser l’objectif 2 de développement durable. Il a reconnu le lien entre l’éradication de la faim et de la malnutrition et l’autonomisation des habitants des zones rurales par la transformation des systèmes agricoles et alimentaires. Il a souligné l’importance des marchés locaux et nationaux pour les petits exploitants, vu que l’agriculture fournit les moyens de subsistance de la majorité des Nigérians. Pour sa part, le Nigéria se concentre sur la modernisation de l’agriculture et a mis en place des programmes pour en finir avec la faim et la malnutrition, qui donnent déjà des résultats. Il a investi dans les pratiques agricoles, et aussi dans la sensibilisation aux changements de comportement alimentaire. Le développement de l’élevage est essentiel pour améliorer l’accès à l’alimentation et le Nigéria a également distribué des semences très résistantes pour faire face aux effets négatifs des changements climatiques sur l’agriculture.

M. VITALII BILAN (Ukraine) a dit que son pays se sent très concerné par le problème de la faim, rappelant la tragédie d’Holodomor, une famine de masse organisée par le régime soviétique en Ukraine: en novembre, cela fera 85 ans. Aujourd’hui, l’Ukraine traverse une des périodes les plus difficiles de son histoire moderne, a-t-il poursuivi en se félicitant des travaux de la FAO et du PAM en Ukraine, qui aident le Gouvernement à faire face aux problèmes humanitaires. Il a dit que malgré ces difficultés, l’Ukraine reste un gros producteur de céréales. Pour finir, M. Bilan a plaidé pour que les causes multidimensionnelles et complexes de la faim soient traitées par des mesures globales et une coordination renforcée entre les institutions spécialisées des Nations Unies et les institutions financières internationales. Il faut aussi un système plus formel de gouvernance mondiale, a-t-il ajouté.

Mme SOBOTH SOK (Cambodge) a souligné que les questions d’agriculture, de sécurité alimentaire et de nutrition ont été intégrées dans la stratégie rectangulaire du pays et dans le Plan stratégique national de développement. Une stratégie nationale sur la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition avait même été adoptée pour la période 2014-2018. La croissance économique de 7,7% que le Cambodge a connue au cours des dernières décennies est due en majorité au rôle du secteur agricole qui a généré, a affirmé la représentante, des emplois décents et des revenus supplémentaires pour des millions de Cambodgiens des zones rurales notamment. Afin d’améliorer son agriculture, le Gouvernement a investi dans les infrastructures d’irrigation rurale et dans la production de semences améliorées, tout en offrant des crédits à des conditions favorables aux agriculteurs. Ces efforts ont été couronnés de succès, puisque le Cambodge a reçu un prix des Nations Unies pour avoir diminué la faim de moitié avant la date butoir de 2025.

M. TANG TIANXI (Chine) a regretté que malgré les progrès de la productivité agricole, des millions de personnes souffrent encore de la faim dans le monde. Tous les pays devraient investir davantage et promouvoir les nouvelles technologies pour assurer la sécurité alimentaire des PMA, a remarqué le représentant. Il a indiqué que la Chine avait créé des « zones agricoles somptueuses » et adopté des politiques qui bénéficient à tous les agriculteurs, tout en modernisant son agriculture. La Chine accorde une importance particulière à la nutrition, avec un programme national d’amélioration des normes de nutrition qui vise les nouveau-nés, les étudiants, et les personnes âgées en milieu hospitalier.

M. ADEL AL AMIRI (Émirats arabes unis) a relevé qu’en dépit des conditions climatiques difficiles, le pays a engagé des mesures pour promouvoir une agriculture durable. Il a ainsi évoqué l’intégration des technologies modernes, une gestion efficiente des ressources naturelles, et des mesures pour tirer parti du statut du pays qui est l’un des marchés les plus prestigieux de la région. Les Émirats arabes unis ont aussi mis en place une banque alimentaire afin de distribuer des vivres aux plus démunis, tandis que le programme « Zerai » permet aux agriculteurs de bénéficier de formations et de services marketing offerts par le Gouvernement. Sur le plan multilatéral, les Émirats arabes unis ont également investi dans la sécurité alimentaire dans de nombreux pays à travers le monde, s’est félicité M. Al Amiri.

M. VILIAMI VA’INGA TŌNĒ (Tonga) a fait valoir que, pour répondre aux défis de l’agriculture, son Gouvernement promouvait une utilisation durable des ressources locales et une approche intégrée. Les répercussions négatives des changements climatiques pèsent sur la sécurité alimentaire des Tonga de manière directe et indirecte, a-t-il déploré, en expliquant que son pays travaille pour trouver des semences adaptées aux changements climatiques et tente de s’adapter. Le pays est également très touché par les maladies liées à la nutrition, ainsi que par des maladies non transmissibles qui pèsent beaucoup sur la société tongane. La production d’alimentation locale permettrait aux habitants des Tonga d’être en meilleure santé, a-t-il souligné en exprimant l’attachement de son pays à l’agriculture durable.

M. ANTONIO GUMENDE (Mozambique) a noté que plus de 70% de la population active du Mozambique travaille dans le secteur de l’agriculture. Fort de ce constat, le Gouvernement a fait de ce secteur l’une de ses quatre priorités avec les infrastructures, l’énergie et le tourisme. La population du pays est passée de 13 millions en 1990 à 28 millions en 2017, mais les techniques agraires sont restées les mêmes. La conséquence est visible, puisque 43% d’enfants âgés de 0 à 5 ans souffrent de retard de croissance sévère, avec des graves implications sur leur santé et leur éducation. Le représentant a aussi relevé les difficultés du domaine agricole liées aux catastrophes naturelles fréquentes et expliqué que, de ce fait, le pays dépend des importations pour se nourrir. Le Gouvernement entend désormais agir pour que l’agriculture de subsistance soit plus productive et orientée vers les marchés, notamment grâce à sa mécanisation et à l’utilisation de nouvelles technologies. Cela devrait permettre, a expliqué M. Gumende, aux petits producteurs de pouvoir se nourrir tout en augmentant leurs revenus pour s’offrir d’autres services comme l’éducation, la santé et les biens divers.

M. ALAMI (Maroc) a qualifié la faim de « défi majeur du monde contemporain », se basant sur le constat qu’il faudra augmenter la production agricole de près de 70% d’ici à 2050 pour parvenir à nourrir la population mondiale. Le représentant a également constaté que, dans la crise alimentaire menaçant des millions d’Africains, les conflits et les crises climatiques jouent un rôle déterminant. En Afrique, l’agriculture produite ne nourrit pas la population, et le budget agricole a beaucoup baissé, a-t-il souligné. Il a assuré que le Maroc partage son expérience et son savoir-faire: il met à la disposition d’autres pays africains une centaine d’experts pour les aider à développer leur propre irrigation et une agriculture durable. Dans le cadre de la FAO, des fonds de plus d’1 million de dollars ont été alloués par le Maroc pour que les pays demandeurs améliorent l’exploitation de leurs ressources naturelles. Pour le Maroc, la coopération Sud-Sud basée sur le partage du savoir-faire est de nature à jouer un rôle fondamental pour réaliser les objectifs de développement durable et réduire la vulnérabilité des pays africains.

Mme BARBARA BOECHAT DE ALMEIDA (Brésil) a rappelé que le Forum politique de haut niveau sur le développement durable, au cours de sa réunion de juillet 2017, placée sous les auspices du Conseil économique et social (ECOSOC), avait fait le constat que le rythme des avancées actuelles laisse présager que les cibles de l’objectif 2 de développement durable ne seront pas atteintes dans les temps. Le Brésil, a-t-il poursuivi, se félicite que l’Assemblée générale ait proclamé la Décennie des Nations Unies pour l’agriculture familiale (2019-2028) l’an dernier.

Pour le Brésil, il faut davantage d’investissements dans l’agriculture et les zones rurales, y compris grâce à la coopération internationale, pour la promotion d’une agriculture véritablement productive dans les pays en développement, notamment en ce qui concerne l’agriculture familiale. De même, les subventions massives de l’agriculture dans les pays développés, qui ont conduit à des distorsions sur les marchés des produits agricoles, doit prendre fin. La représentante a expliqué que ces subventions détruisent les efforts menés pour développer un secteur agricole solide dans les pays en développement. Enfin, le Brésil soutient l’idée de faire du 7 juin la journée mondiale de la sécurité alimentaire, notamment du fait qu’il s’agit d’une question sérieuse affectant la vie des enfants et des populations vivant dans l’extrême pauvreté et la faim.

M. GEBEYEHU GANGA GAYITO (Éthiopie) s’est dit préoccupé que la faim dans le monde augmente après des décennies de recul, en attribuant la cause aux effets des changements climatiques et aux conflits. Il a jugé qu’une action coordonnée et urgente est nécessaire pour reprendre de l’élan et accélérer les mesures contre la faim, pour une bonne nutrition et pour une agriculture durable. De plus grands investissements dans le secteur agricole seraient nécessaires, de même que des transferts de technologie et un renforcement des capacités. L’Éthiopie a placé la productivité et la production agricole au cœur de sa stratégie de mise en œuvre de l’objectif 2 de développement durable, a indiqué le représentant, et elle a vu le nombre d’enfants enregistrant un retard de croissance baisser. Le représentant a également fait part de son soutien à une agriculture verte résiliente au climat, qui passe par exemple par le développement de la sylviculture et la préservation des sols et de l’eau.

M. MUSONDA (Zambie) a noté que le monde est loin d’être en passe d’éliminer la faim et de réaliser l’objectif 2 de développement durable Les changements climatiques et les facteurs politiques entravent les efforts, a dit le représentant, soulignant que la communauté internationale doit s’attaquer aux causes profondes de la faim et de la malnutrition. Pour sa part, le Gouvernement de la Zambie a lancé un programme d’aide à la modernisation du matériel agricole, qui a permis d’améliorer la production et les revenus des femmes. Celles-ci représentent environ 70% des petits exploitants, a-t-il précisé.

Mme LEILA CASTILLON LORA-SANTOS (Philippines) a relevé que la faim regagnait du terrain en raison des changements climatiques et des conflits. L’agriculture joue un rôle essentiel aux Philippines, a-t-elle dit, en signalant que le pays a lancé un plan national entre 2018 et 2022 pour développer la pêche et l’agriculture, un secteur qui emploie un tiers des Philippins. La représentante a estimé qu’il fallait mettre en avant l’agriculture familiale, en particulier les petites exploitations familiales agricoles et de pêcheries, pour faire régresser la pauvreté. Pour conclure, elle a appelé la communauté internationale à une assistance accrue à destination des pays en développement, pour les aider à lutter contre la malnutrition et l’insécurité alimentaire.

M. TONY OUTHAITHIP (République démocratique populaire lao) a fait valoir les progrès du pays dans le secteur agricole, pierre angulaire du développement économique national, avec 70% des emplois laotiens liés à l’agriculture. Pour la mise en œuvre de l’objectif 2, La République démocratique populaire lao a mis en place un comité national pour la nutrition qui contribue à la lutte contre la pauvreté et la faim. En outre, plusieurs plans d’action ont été mis en œuvre, notamment pour le renforcement des capacités des agriculteurs et la modernisation agricole. Le pays est actif dans ce domaine au sein de l’ASEAN, a précisé le délégué. Il a aussi mentionné les faiblesses de La République démocratique populaire lao où les zones irriguées sont peu nombreuses: l’essentiel du pays dépend donc grandement des précipitations. La République démocratique populaire lao est à la merci des changements climatiques, a poursuivi M. Outhaithip, en rappelant les graves inondations qui ont touché 115 des 148 districts du pays et y ont détruit beaucoup d’infrastructures. L’assistance internationale a cependant permis au pays d’améliorer la nutrition et la sécurité alimentaire dans le pays.

M. SAVITRI INDRACHAPA PANABOKKE (Sri Lanka) a jugé alarmant que plus de 800 millions de personnes souffrent de malnutrition chronique dans le monde. L’agriculture est l’un des facteurs clefs pour rompre le cycle vicieux de la pauvreté, de la faim et de la malnutrition, a assuré le représentant, jugeant essentiel d’investir dans l’agriculture durable. Les changements climatiques sont néanmoins devenus une menace, avec des inondations qui ont eu de lourdes répercussions sur la production à Sri Lanka. Aussi, le pays a-t-il adopté de nouvelles techniques et des semences résistantes, et s’est-il engagé dans la diversification des cultures et l’utilisation de la technologie.

M. ARTHUR AMAYA ANDAMBI (Kenya) a dit que le secteur agricole représente 24% du PIB au Kenya et plus de 60% des opportunités d’emploi. Pour le Gouvernement, la contribution de l’agriculture à la sécurité alimentaire reste une priorité de développement national, de même que l’industrie, la couverture de santé universelle et le logement abordable. Le Kenya a mis en place une politique agricole reposant sur une triple approche l’approvisionnement, les prix et les revenus. Il accorde ainsi des subventions pour les intrants agricoles ainsi que des prêts, tout en veillant à améliorer les infrastructures agricoles et à développer les marchés agricoles. Il est aussi impliqué dans l’achat de maïs à des prix supérieurs à ceux du marché pour stimuler les producteurs. Et, pour ce qui est des revenus, il a augmenté sa contribution aux programmes d’éducation gratuite et a réduit les coûts de la santé dans les structures publiques de soins. Cela permet aux pauvres de disposer de meilleurs revenus pour se nourrir. Le représentant, qui a également noté les effets négatifs des changements climatiques, a indiqué que son pays cherche à améliorer la qualité des semences pour qu’elles soient plus résistantes à la sécheresse.

M. KANISSON COULIBALY (Mali) a rappelé que le secteur agricole était « l’épine dorsale de l’économie » du Mali et représentait 80% de la population active du pays et plus de 30% du PIB. Il s’est par ailleurs félicité que son pays se soit classé parmi les 29 qui ont pu atteindre l’objectif de sécurité alimentaire. Ceci étant dit, il a estimé que le secteur agricole reste confronté à d’immenses défis: maintenir la sécurité alimentaire d’une population croissante, gérer de façon durable les ressources naturelles dans la perspective des changements climatiques, améliorer la productivité, sécuriser et accroître les revenus des exploitants, assurer la maîtrise de l’eau. Des défis auxquels le Mali a commencé à répondre. Il a notamment travaillé à développer les progrès techniques des systèmes de production, s’est doté d’une loi d’orientation agricole et alloué 15% de son budget à l’agriculture. En parallèle, il a également initié une politique nationale de sécurité alimentaire à travers la mise en place d’un stock national et de programmes d’assistance nutritionnelle. Résultat, entre 2016 et 2017, la production céréalière s’est accrue de 8%.

Mme EMILIA VAN VEEN (Finlande) a voulu attirer l’attention sur une question centrale dans le combat pour l’éradication de la faim: la santé des plantes. La protection de la santé des plantes constitue un accès clef à la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable, notamment dans les PMA et autres pays en développement, où la progression des organismes nuisibles peut causer de graves problèmes. La FAO estime que les parasites envahissants peuvent causer des dégâts dans 40% des cultures dans le monde chaque année, avec des pertes de produits totalisant 220 milliards de dollars par an. N’ayant pas d’ennemis naturels, ils constituent un des plus grands facteurs de perte de biodiversité dans le monde. « En Afrique, une mouche de fruits, et la maladie de l’olivier en Europe, pour ne citer qu’eux, sont des menaces concrètes », propagées par le commerce international, le commerce en ligne et l’augmentation du transport aérien. Pour y remédier, la Finlande souhaite sensibiliser la communauté internationale. C’est pourquoi elle a lancé une initiative pour proclamer 2020 « année internationale de la santé des plantes » pour sensibiliser le grand public et le secteur industriel, promouvoir des pratiques responsables, et accroître le soutien des gouvernements et du secteur privé pour remédier au problème.

M. RIO BUDI RAHMANTO (Indonésie) a invité la communauté internationale à se focaliser sur le développement rural et les systèmes de production alimentaire durables afin de renforcer la sécurité alimentaire et réduire la pauvreté. L’Indonésie a investi énormément pour renforcer la connectivité des zones rurales et permettre ainsi aux agriculteurs de s’insérer dans les systèmes locaux de production. Le secteur culinaire en Indonésie fait partie des domaines les plus dynamiques de l’économie nationale, a relevé le délégué, qui a précisé que ce secteur offre des emplois aussi bien dans les villes que dans les zones rurales. Des activités d’autosuffisance alimentaire sont en outre promues par le Gouvernement dans 17 provinces et 20 districts du pays. Des sites spéciaux ont été mis en place afin de connecter les agriculteurs aux marchés par le numérique, améliorant ainsi leurs connaissances, et de facto, augmentant leurs revenus. Enfin, le représentant a plaidé pour des transferts de technologies et pour l’innovation dans la chaîne d’approvisionnement alimentaire, dans le but d’améliorer la qualité et la quantité d’aliments produits.

M. SUVANGA PARAJULI (Népal) s’est montré pessimiste quant à l’insécurité alimentaire, qui est un « défi humanitaire » actuel, et a qualifié les perspectives de « moroses ». Les habitants des zones rurales sont les plus touchés, a-t-il noté. M. Parajuli a fait le rapport entre la pauvreté et la faim, la première entraînant la seconde, surtout dans les zones rurales, où résident 80% des personnes très pauvres. Il a appelé à investir de façon plus qualitative, surtout dans les pays qui accusent un retard conséquent, et à renforcer les interventions en zone rurale. Dans les PMA et les pays en développement sans littoral, les difficultés s’accumulent, a-t-il relevé, en parlant notamment de son pays qui entre dans les deux catégories et se trouve donc particulièrement vulnérable aux changements climatiques et aux catastrophes naturelles. La majorité de la population népalaise étant dépendante de l’agriculture pour sa subsistance, les défis sont donc multiples. Le Népal, où la Constitution garantit la souveraineté alimentaire, œuvre pour le développement de technologies agricoles durables et résistantes au climat, la modernisation des technologies agricoles, afin d’aider les PMA à trouver le chemin de la prospérité.

M. YEMDAOGO ERIC TIARE (Burkina Faso) a expliqué que l’économie de son pays reposait principalement sur l’agriculture, l’élevage et le secteur minier. Mais à lui seul, le secteur agricole (sorgho, mil, maïs, riz, arachide et coton) représente 84% de la population active et environ 40% du PIB. Selon lui, ce secteur est malheureusement menacé par la désertification, les changements climatiques, le faible développement des infrastructures de stockage, la dégradation du couvert végétal et les différents « ravageurs » de cultures. Pour prendre la mesure de ces défis, le Burkina Faso a élaboré en 2013 un document de politique nationale visant à atteindre la sécurité alimentaire à l’horizon 2025. Pour ce faire, il a déployé des programmes et des stratégies sur la sécurité foncière en milieu rural, la nutrition, la protection sociale et la résilience des communautés vulnérables. Hélas, a expliqué le délégué, les ressources budgétaires sont un goulot d’étranglement. Le pays compte de ce fait sur l’accompagnement habituel de la communauté internationale. Le délégué en a profité pour rappeler que le Burkina Faso est porteur d’un projet de résolution sur une Journée mondiale des légumineuses le 10 février.

M. MOHAMMAD ABDURRAHMAN S. ALKADI (Arabie saoudite) a relevé trois piliers de la lutte contre la faim et la malnutrition: fournir des denrées alimentaires, garantir qu’elles sont sûres pour la consommation et les rendre abordables pour tous. Le représentant a exhorté la communauté internationale à trouver des solutions durables pour garantir un approvisionnement en aliments et en eau suffisant pour tous. Pour sa part, l’Arabie saoudite a soutenu des projets liés à la sécurité alimentaire, à l’eau et à l’environnement dans plusieurs pays en investissant plus de 700 millions de dollars. Elle fournit aussi des aides financières aux Saoudiens dans le besoin.

Mgr BERNARDITO CLEOPAS AUZA, Observateur permanent du Saint-Siège, a noté que si les interventions humanitaires sont cruciales pour freiner la famine, cela ne suffit pas pour faire face aux causes profondes de la faim. Il a donc prôné d’investir dans l’agriculture et améliorer les opportunités commerciales. Cela permettrait ainsi de réduire la vulnérabilité des PMA face à l’insécurité alimentaire. Le Saint-Siège note que la production alimentaire mondiale est plus que suffisante pour nourrir l’humanité, mais le problème tient du fait que la nourriture ne se retrouve pas là où elle est le plus demandée. L’Observateur a évoqué des problèmes de transport, de vente et de conservation des aliments. En plus, un système commercial injuste et des marchés peu fiables sont autant de conditions qui découragent les agriculteurs de produire davantage ou de transporter leurs produits jusqu’aux marchés. Le prélat a également cité le pape François qui a parlé de « culture du gaspillage », expliquant que « le consumérisme nous pousse au gaspillage de la nourriture ». Pour le Saint-Siège, la solution consistant à réduire le nombre de bouches à nourrir ne tient pas la route. « C’est une fausse solution si l’on considère les quantités de nourritures gaspillées », s’est indigné l’Observateur.

S’exprimant également au nom du Fonds international de développement agricole (FIDA) et du Programme alimentaire mondial (PAM), Mme CARLA MUCAVI (Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture, FAO) a confirmé que le nombre absolu de personnes sous-alimentées a augmenté, étant passé à 821 millions en 2017, soit un niveau équivalent à celui d’il y a une décennie, selon le rapport de ces organisations, de l’UNICEF et de l’OMS, intitulé L’état de la sécurité alimentaire et de la nutrition dans le monde. Les conflits, les chocs climatiques et la pauvreté sont parmi les facteurs expliquant cette évolution. Dans le même temps, d’autres formes de malnutrition émergent en tant que menaces mondiales: si 1 personne sur 9 dans le monde a faim, 1 adulte sur 8 est obèse. L’obésité est une maladie galopante dans les pays en développement, qui cohabite avec la sous-nutrition dans les mêmes foyers, a fait observer Mme Mucavi.

Cette situation reflète les systèmes agricoles déficients et non durables qui prévalent aujourd’hui dans le monde. Comme le relève également le rapport du Secrétaire général, l’agriculture durable et des systèmes agricoles durables sont essentiels pour inverser ces tendances et bien gérer les ressources naturelles dans la durée. Mme Mucavi a également noté la prédominance de la faim et de l’extrême pauvreté dans les régions rurales, là où les aliments sont pourtant produits, ce qui démontre encore la rupture des systèmes agricoles. Les exploitants familiaux, responsables d’environ 80% de la production agricole mondiale, sont souvent ceux qui souffrent le plus de la faim et de la pauvreté, a-t-elle constaté. Si les acteurs ruraux sont des agents essentiels de changement, ils n’ont pourtant malheureusement souvent qu’un accès limité aux terres, à l’eau, au crédit et aux marchés. Mme Mucavi a plaidé pour l’autonomisation de ces acteurs, pour des programmes de protection sociale en faveur des pauvres, pour une nouvelle alliance rurale-urbaine, pour des investissements nationaux et internationaux, et pour un changement de modèle. Elle a invité à célébrer la Journée internationale de la femme rurale le 15 octobre et la Journée mondiale de l’alimentation le 16.

À l’intention des organes d’information • Document non officiel.

13 October 2018, Juba– In an effort to provide quality emergency health services including basic package of health and nutrition services, WHO is implementing an integrated health, nutrition and WASH services to save the lives of populations at risk.

To reach people with virtually no health, WHO deployed the mobile medical team (MMT) to priority locations across the country to provide and contribute to quality emergency health services including basic package of health and nutrition services in a prompt and effective manner to populations at risk.

The teams depend on WHO’s emergency health kits including interagency emergency health kits (IEHK), cholera kits, severe acute malnutrition with medical complication kits (SAM/MC kits), trauma kits, surgical supply kits, and pneumonia kits to provide basic health care.

In the last six months, with support from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), WHO deployed the mobile medical team to Bentiu, Rumbek Centre, Rumbek East, Wulu, Yirol East, Yirol West, Torit, Yei, and Yambio. The team verified disease alerts and conducted investigations for increasing cases of malaria, Rift Valley Fever, and a suspect case of Ebola in Yambio. The team also provided technical support including training of trainers for the measles campaign in Yirol East and Yirol West as well as monitoring and supportive supervision to the oral cholera vaccination campaign in Torit. In Bentiu POC the MMT worked with two partners to conduct clinical consultations following a seasonal upsurge in the caseload of malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrhea.

This remarkable progress is the result of sustained funding from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), says Dr Olushayo Olu, WHO Representative for WHO South Sudan. Despite many challenges accessing locations, we are able to reach internally displaced persons and communities in hard to reach areas to reduce preventable illness and death due to communicable diseases including the health impact of the current nutrition emergency through integrated health/nutrition/WASH interventions for stabilization centers in areas with the highest burden of acute malnutrition.

As part of its emergency response activities to scale up proven interventions, WHO trained over 200 participants from Health and WASH clusters on water quality and infection prevention and control (IPC) in health facilities in Bentiu, Malakal Wau and Juba; over 80 health workers on case management of severe acute malnutrition with medical complications in Warrap, Unity, Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal, and established 30 facility based MUAC surveillance and referral sentinel sites in priority counties.

Conflicts and insecurity have maintained South Sudan in a chronic humanitarian crisis. Since December 2013, WHO in partnership with health cluster partners is providing lifesaving activities to displaced people.

For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Dr Guyo Argata Guracha
Email: guyoa@who.int

Dr Wilbert Shihaji
Mobile: +211926089308
Email:shihajiw@who.int

Ms Jemila M. Ebrahim
Communications Officer
Mobile: +211 921 647 859
Email: ebrahimj@who.int

HIGHLIGHTS
• About 195,000 people in 15 states have been affected by heavy rains and flash floods, HAC reports.

• In East Jebel Marra, over 380 people affected by a landslide receive assistance.

• UNMAS to focus on demining activities in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, the most landmine-contaminated states in Sudan.

• South Sudanese refugees are ready to return to South Sudan if they see a change in the situation on the ground and feel a strong commitment to peace by all parties.

FIGURES 2018

# people in need in Sudan (2018 HNO) 5.5 million

# people in need in Darfur (2018 HNO) 3.1 million

GAM caseload (2018 HNO) 2.3 million

South Sudanese refugees – total Pre-2013 Post-2013 761,889 352,212 409,677 (UNHCR 15 Sept 2018)

Other refugees and asylum seekers UNHCR (31 Aug 2018) 158,959

FUNDING

344.4 million US$ received in 2018 34.2% funded FTS (23 Sept 2018)

Over 24,000 people affected by heavy rains and flash floods in Gedaref State

In Gedaref State, an estimated 24,000 people have been affected by heavy rains and flash floods in El Faw, El Mafaza and El Hawatah areas. An inter-agency mission visited the state between 4-6 September to assess the needs of people in the three areas. El Faw and El Mafaza areas are prone to flooding as they are in low-lying areas and have experienced flooding in 2013 and 2017 when the Alrahad River and its tributaries burst their banks.

In the areas visited, flood waters have affected basic services and infrastructure, including water, sanitation, livelihood, education and health services. Some health facilities sustained damage but are able to function and provide main services. However, physical access to some health centres is difficult due to poor road conditions. The affected people were found to be consuming water straight from the canal, which is polluted with flood waters and poses a serious health hazard. Sanitation conditions are also poor—especially with the collapse of many household latrines—and pose a health concern such as potential contamination of water sources and water-borne diseases.

About 52 per cent of the cultivated land in the affected areas has become water logged, impacting the livelihoods of farmers and farmworkers who depend on farming for their income. Combined with the increase in prices for basic commodities—due to the current economic conditions—the affected people are finding it hard to buy the most basic supplies. Traders attribute the increase in prices due to the massive surge in transport costs for both passengers and goods. For example, the fare from El Faw town to a nearby village has reportedly quadrupled, from 30 to 130 Sudanese Pounds (SDG)— equivalent to US$ 1.7 and $7.22 respectively.

Government and civil society respond to the needs of flood-affected people The State Government in Gedaref—in partnership with the Civil Defense Forces, volunteers from the SRCS and other civil society organizations—have been responding to meet the needs and mitigating the impact of the floods in the state. The response includes establishing temporary flood defences to protect properties; deploying equipment to assist with water drainage; providing medicine; distributing food items (sorghum)—enough for two days; deploying a team of engineers and workers to fix damaged roads end ensure accessibility; dispatching a helicopter to assist with response efforts in difficult to reach areas; and instructing providers of basic services to work in 24-hour shifts.

An inter-agency assessment mission requested by the Gedaref State authorities with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Children’s Agency (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS), line ministries and local authorities found out that about 24,000 people were affected by floods in Gedaref. Overall, 195,000 people in 15 of Sudan’s 18 states have been affected by heavy rains and flash floods as of 19 September, according to the Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC). The worst affected states are Kassala (47,500 people), Gedaref and West Kordofan (24,000 people).

There were also distributions made by Federal HAC, including 500 plastic sheets, 500 sleeping mats, 3,000 kg of lentils and 150 cartons of cooking oil. The State Government distributed 20 tents, 1,200 mosquito nets and 600 jerry cans.

The State Ministry of Health (SMoH) has provided chlorine for the treatment of water at the household level, but the quantities are insufficient to meet all needs. There are critical gaps in supplies of emergency shelter and essential household supplies that need to be addressed urgently, according to the mission findings. Food assistance is also required. A Floods Task Force Forum (FTF) meeting will be held soon to collectively discuss the latest updates, response and how to mitigate gaps.

The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has on Friday 12 October 2018 issued a status update on the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

This report provides an update on the past 30 days in accordance with the implementation matrix, outstanding or missed tasks, or upcoming activities linked to implementation.

Read the status update here: https://www.jmecsouthsudan.org/index.php/reports/arcss-evaluation-reports/115-interim-status-update-d-day-30-days-of-the-implementation-of-the-revitalised-agreement-on-the-resolution-of-the-conflict-in-south-sudan-r-arcss-october-12-2018/file

The full status update has also key observations and recommendations.

This thirty day period has been characterized by several confidence building measures initiated by the authorities, intended to build trust among the parties, the Commission notes.

Key among these, the Commission said, was the meeting in Khartoum on 22 September of the leadership of the Parties to the R-ARCSS and Stakeholders. Since then the President HE Salva Kiir Mayardit has invited key members in the opposition to Peace Celebrations in Juba, which is expected to take place soon.

“Of note is the announcement by the authorities that the Transitional National Legislative Assembly will move to ratify the R-ARCSS in the week ahead. In addition, firm dates have been set for the inaugural meetings of the National Pre Transitional Committee (NPTC), and the National Constitution Amendment Committee (NCAC), on 21-22 October in Khartoum, Republic of Sudan,” said JMEC in the status update.

In selecting their nominees, the Commission asked various Parties, to give due consideration to gender and age representation as per the revitalized Agreement.

The reconstitution and establishment of outstanding agreement institutions/mechanisms and in particular should be expedited, taking into account gender issues throughout, the Commission said.

JMEC has also welcomed pronouncements made of the release of Prisoners of War, (POWs) and detainees and urged the parties to match their action with words by speeding up the releases.

“There is need for the government to continue taking additional confidence building measures and the regional guarantors to ensure the prevalence of a conducive political and security environment in Juba for the return of the opposition parties,” the status reads in part.

“Members of the National Pre-transitional Committee (NPTC) are encouraged to move quickly to activate the required security mechanisms soon after their inaugural meeting.”

Overview

As of January 2018, an estimated 5.3 million South Sudanese were facing Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phases 3 and 4) acute food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).1 With the aim of facilitating a better understanding of the food security and livelihoods situation in South Sudan and to inform the IPC September 2018 Update,
REACH has developed food security and livelihood (FSL) factsheets of counties where settlements have been assessed using the Area of Knowledge (AoK) methodology.

REACH employs its Area of Knowledge (AoK) methodology to collect relevant information in hardto-reach areas to inform humanitarian planning and interventions outside formal settlement sites. Using AoK methodology, REACH remotely monitors needs and access to services in the Greater Upper Nile,
Greater Equatoria and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions.
AoK data is collected monthly and through multi-sector interviews with the following typology of Key Informants (KIs):

• KIs who are newly arrived internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have left a hard-to-reach settlement in the last month

• KIs who have had contact with someone living or have been in a hard-to-reach settlement in the last month (traders, migrants, family members, etc.)

• KIs who are remaining in hard-to-reach settlements, contacted through phone

Selected KIs are purposively sampled and have knowledge from within the last month about a specific settlement in South Sudan, with data collected at the settlement level. About half of settlements assessed have more than one KI reporting on the settlement. In these cases, data presented at the settlement level is the modal (most frequent) response for KIs reporting on that settlement. If there is an even number of ‘yes/ no’ responses, data is aggregated as ‘no consensus’.
All percentages presented in this factsheet, unless otherwise specified, represent the proportion of settlements assessed with that specific response. The findings presented in this factsheet are indicative of the broad food security and livelihood trends in assessed settlements in July 2018, and are not statistically generalisable.

Overview

As of January 2018, an estimated 5.3 million South Sudanese were facing Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phases 3 and 4) acute food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).1 With the aim of facilitating a better understanding of the food security and livelihoods situation in South Sudan and to inform the IPC September 2018 Update, REACH has developed food security and livelihood (FSL) factsheets of counties where settlements have been assessed using the Area of Knowledge (AoK) methodology.

REACH employs its Area of Knowledge (AoK) methodology to collect relevant information in hardto-reach areas to inform humanitarian planning and interventions outside formal settlement sites. Using AoK methodology, REACH remotely monitors needs and access to services in the Greater Upper Nile,
Greater Equatoria and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions. AoK data is collected monthly and through multi-sector interviews with the following typology of Key Informants (KIs):

• KIs who are newly arrived internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have left a hard-to-reach settlement in the last month

• KIs who have had contact with someone living or have been in a hard-to-reach settlement in the last month (traders, migrants, family members, etc.)

• KIs who are remaining in hard-to-reach settlements, contacted through phone

Selected KIs are purposively sampled and have knowledge from within the last month about a specific settlement in South Sudan, with data collected at the settlement level. About half of settlements assessed have more than one KI reporting on the settlement. In these cases, data presented at the settlement level is the modal (most frequent) response for KIs reporting on that settlement. If there is an even number of ‘yes/ no’ responses, data is aggregated as ‘no consensus’.

All percentages presented in this factsheet, unless otherwise specified, represent the proportion of settlements assessed with that specific response. The findings presented in this factsheet are indicative of the broad food security and livelihood trends in assessed settlements in July 2018, and are not statistically generalisable.

By JONATHAN KAMOGA

A wave of insecurity and political unrest hit the Great Lakes region early in 2016: South Sudan had plunged into yet another war, Burundi was cracking down on dissidents following a botched coup, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic were also in turmoil.

The wars in these countries forced an influx of refugees into Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Uganda hosts more than one million refugees from South Sudan and another 300,000 from DR Congo.

The region’s leaders are now looking to end the conflict.

In Burundi, President Pierre Nkurunziza, who was widely expected to seek two more terms, announced he will not seek re-election in 2020; while South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar have agreed to a ceasefire and a power-sharing deal.

In DR Congo, President Joseph Kabila has agreed to elections in December and he won’t be a presidential candidate.

These peace deals have largely been brokered by African heads of state. During the ninth high-level meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security and Co-operation Framework agreement for DR Congo, hosted last week in Kampala, regional leaders from the Great Lakes vowed to achieve the African Union goal of silencing all guns on the continent by 2020 — at least within the region.

The meeting was chaired by the incoming ROM chairman, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, and attended by Presidents Kiir, Edgar Lungu of Zambia, Burundi Vice-President Gaston Sindimwo, Congo Republic’s Prime Minister Clément Mouamba and representatives from Sudan, Kenya and South Africa.

Determined to end the cycle of conflict that has plagued the Great Lakes region, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia signed a Peace, Security and Co-operation Framework for the region in February 2013. Kenya and Sudan later joined in 2014.

A representative of the AU said that peace in the region would only be achieved through direct contact and engagement with warring factions.

“The Africa we want is peaceful and prosperous, and regional economic blocs will help us achieve this,” the official said.

The leaders want to concentrate on ending armed conflicts in the region; illegal mining and export of minerals especially in DRC; and ending human trafficking and the refugee influx.

The UN special envoy to the Great Lakes region, Said Djinnit, called for political inclusion and participation of the youth and women in the region’s political space.

Overview

As of January 2018, an estimated 5.3 million South Sudanese were facing Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phases 3 and 4) acute food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).1 With the aim of facilitating a better understanding of the food security and livelihoods situation in South Sudan and to inform the IPC September 2018 Update,
REACH has developed food security and livelihood (FSL) factsheets of counties where settlements have been assessed using the Area of Knowledge (AoK) methodology.

REACH employs its Area of Knowledge (AoK) methodology to collect relevant information in hardto-reach areas to inform humanitarian planning and interventions outside formal settlement sites. Using AoK methodology, REACH remotely monitors needs and access to services in the Greater Upper Nile,
Greater Equatoria and Greater Bahr el Ghazal regions.
AoK data is collected monthly and through multi-sector interviews with the following typology of Key Informants (KIs):

• KIs who are newly arrived internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have left a hard-to-reach settlement in the last month

• KIs who have had contact with someone living or have been in a hard-to-reach settlement in the last month (traders, migrants, family members, etc.)

• KIs who are remaining in hard-to-reach settlements, contacted through phone

Selected KIs are purposively sampled and have knowledge from within the last month about a specific settlement in South Sudan, with data collected at the settlement level. About half of settlements assessed have more than one KI reporting on the settlement. In these cases, data presented at the settlement level is the modal (most frequent) response for KIs reporting on that settlement. If there is an even number of ‘yes/ no’ responses, data is aggregated as ‘no consensus’. All percentages presented in this factsheet, unless otherwise specified, represent the proportion of settlements assessed with that specific response. The findings presented in this factsheet are indicative of the broad food security and livelihood trends in assessed settlements in July 2018, and are not statistically generalisable.

October 14, 2018 (JUBA) - South Africa’s Deputy President David Mabuza arrived in Juba on Sunday for talks with President Salva Kiir on the implementation of South Sudan revitalized peace agreement.

Mabuza was received at Juba airport by the Minister in the Office of the President Mayiik Ayii Deng who told the press that the South African guest comes as a special envoy of South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.

During his two-day visit Mabuza "would be conducting bilateral talks with his Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit on a number of bilateral issues," Mayiik further said.

For his part, Mabuza’s spokesperson Thami Ngwenya stated that the South African deputy president will discuss with President Kiir ways through which South Africa can assist in the implementation of 12 September peace agreement.

He further said that the South African official would travel to the other IGAD countries involved in the peace process to discuss the enforcement of a lasting peace in South Sudan.

Mabuza “will also visit the neighbouring countries that are part of the guarantor of Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. He will look at the kind of assistance that South Africa can provide to people and the government of South Sudan," he added.

South Africa, together with Tanzania, sought in the past to bring peace in South Sudan through the reunification of the historical Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in what is known as Arusha process which had been concluded by the signing of an agreement on 21 January 2015.

(ST)

LENI KINZLI

Clad in their bright yellow school uniforms, the young school children at the Exodus Junior Academy in Juba welcomed the arrival of peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan with a song and dance about trees.

“Let us give back to nature by planting trees. Let us plant trees for better learning, let us plant trees for a better future,” the students’ voices rang out in chorus as the team from the mission pulled up.

Why this joyous musical outburst about embellishing their school on the outskirts of the capital with more greenery? Because planting trees, and showing the pupils how to do it, was the reason for the peacekeepers’ special visit. The activity was part of the UN mission’s Carbon Sink Initiative, designed to reduce its ecological footprint in the country.

Founded in 2015 with an initial 70 pupils, enrolment at Exodus is currently up to nearly 200, having persevered through the outbreak of conflict in Juba in 2016, which nearly brought the school to its knees. Now the quaint-looking structure, built out of bamboo, teak poles, mud walls and a roof made of iron sheets, stands proud.

The young boys and girls, on the other hand, stood curious and eager to learn around Farai Mushayavanhu, an environmental education officer from UNMISS. Holding a petite mahogany seedling, he explained in detail the proper steps and procedures to nurture and care for the sapling.

Rebecca Ladu, a girl from Primary Five, showed particular interest.

“We learned how we can plant trees today. We can get sources of medicine. We can sit under the tree. We can even get fruits. It will make our school beautiful,” she said.

The little tree, when firmly set in the ground, was off to a great start in life: seconds after being planted it was welcomed by drops of water falling down from the sky. Its addition to the school, placed directly in the middle of the otherwise drab compound, was greeted with enthusiasm for the learning opportunities it would provide.

“Having trees in our compound is going to enhance the learning of our pupils and they will become more competent in issues concerning nature and the environment,” said Sokiri Ambamba George, Headmaster of Exodous.

“This is going to enrich our environment and our pupils are going to benefit from the shade, nurturing environment, good weather conditions, and fruits that we are going to get from the trees,” he added.

The Carbon Sink Initiative, led by the peacekeeping mission’s environmental engineering section and undertaken in collaboration with the government of South Sudan, is distributing 5,000 indigenous tree seedlings across the mission and to various schools, sports centres, and institutions.

As the rain started coming down more heavily, the planting of the remaining seventeen trees, including mango, lemon, guava, and teak, was postponed. The learning session, however, has just started.

Faits saillants

• Plus de 100 000 personnes déplacées et retournées bénéficient d’une assistance alimentaire en Ituri en octobre.

Aperçu de la situation

L’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS) a déployé une équipe multidisciplinaire d’une trentaine de personnes dans la localité de Tchomia (62 km sud-est de Bunia). Cette équipe va renforcer les autres partenaires sur le terrain, dans le cadre de la riposte à l’épidémie d’Ebola. L’OMS a également fourni d’importants moyens logistiques pour faciliter la mobilité et la télécommunication des équipes sur le terrain. Le Programme Alimentaire mondial (PAM) s’est associé aux activités de riposte en appuyant la construction et la prise en charge d’une base de vie, fournissant les bureaux de travail et les abris d'urgence. Le dernier rapport conjoint du Ministère de la Santé et de l’OMS sur la situation épidémiologique dans la Zone de santé de Tchomia indique à ce jour deux cas confirmés d’Ebola dont deux décès.

Dans le cadre de la lutte contre Ebola, la commission de prise en charge psycho sociale a proposé le recrutement d’agents agents psychosociaux, actuellement en nombre insuffisant, pour l’accompagnement des cas contacts, leurs familles et leurs voisins. Par ailleurs, suite aux recommandations des autorités sanitaires de généraliser les mesures d’hygiène et de prévention à tous les points d’entrée de la ville de Bunia, l’ONG Oxfam GB propose d’apporter son appui pour l’installation des points de lavage des mains à l’entrée de la ville. Selon les analyses de la coordination de la riposte à l’épidémie d’Ebola dans le Nord-Kivu, le risque d’expansion de la maladie à d’autres provinces reste élevé ; la maladie a atteint l’Ituri, provine voisine du Nord-Kivu déjà à la mi-août et les zones de santé voisines de Tchomia, Komanda et Mandima (dans l’Ituri) ont déjà enregistré des cas confirmés.

L’évaluation rapide multisectorielle réalisée par l’ONG COOPI, du 1er au 4 octobre dans les aires de santé de Buba, Aboro Dhebu, Kpandroma dans le Territoire de Djugu, a fait état de la présence de plus de 16 700 personnes déplacées en provenance des localités de Linga, Ladedjo, Laudjo et d’autres localités environnantes, depuis fin septembre. Ces déplacés ont fui le regain d’insécurité qui s’observe, depuis mi-septembre, dans plusieurs localités du Territoire de Djugu ayant accueilli des personnes retournées. Ces personnes ont urgemment besoin d’être assistées en vivres, en soins de santé, articles ménagers essentiels, en intrants nutritionnels.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 800th meeting held on 10 October 2018, adopted the following decision on the situation in South Sudan:

Council,

1. Takes note of the briefings made by Ambassador Smail Chergui, the Commissioner for Peace and Security, Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, Member of the Panel of the Wise and Co-Chair of FemWise, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping and Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the UN Under Secretary General and Executive Director for UN Women following the AU-UN Mission to South Sudan, from 7 to 9 October 2018. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of the Ethiopia in its capacity of Chair of Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and African Member in the UN Security Council;

2. Commends the South Sudanese parties for the signing of the Revitalized Agreement and recognizes that it remains the only viable option towards addressing the current political, social, economic and security challenges facing South Sudan and ensuring lasting peace;

3. Commends the IGAD leadership, in particular the engagement of President Omar Hassan Bashir, for his dedication and contribution to the promotion of peace, security, stability and reconciliation in South Sudan. Council notes with appreciation the fact that the people and Government of South Sudan have expressed support for this Agreement and are determined to contribute positively towards its implementation in order to end the cycle of violence in their country;

4. Welcomes the decisions by the opposition parties to endorse and ratify the full text of the signed Revitalized Agreement without any reservations and encourages those that may not have done so, to also fully support the Agreement. Furthermore, welcomes the appointment, in September 2018, of the 10 numbers of the National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC) tasked with the oversight and coordination of the implementation of the activities of the pre-transitional period;

5. Recognizes that the overall security situation in South Sudan has improved since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, and thus urges all South Sudanese parties to faithfully abide by the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements signed on 27 June 2018 and that came into effect on 1 July 2018, to facilitate the operationalization of the Transitional Security Arrangements and the voluntary repatriation, resettlement, rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs);

6. Commends President Salva Kiir Mayardit for issuing Republican Order No. 17, on 27 September 2018, for the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements as per the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement. Council calls on the South Sudanese armed movements to reciprocate this order by releasing all the prisoners of war and detainees with immediate effect, ceasing the training of any recruits immediately, and urges them to direct all their forces to refrain from revenge attacks and retaliations. Council further urges all South Sudanese forces to publicize the names of the released detainees in order to build trust and confidence amongst the population that the war has ended;

7. Further commends the Government’s pronouncement on the plan to reunify the South Sudanese armed forces into a single army and welcomes the renaming of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) as the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), as an initial step towards creating an inclusive national army;

8. Encourages the parties to convene both the National Pre-Transitional Committee and the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA) meetings in order to finalize the roadmap for implementing the political tasks of the Pre-Transitional Period, and address issues of VIP security as per-security arrangements and preparations for new ministers as per the Agreement. Council requests the Parties, together with IGAD and the UN, to finalise the matter relating to the deployment of the Regional Protection Force (RPF), as soon as possible, in order to ensure that the protection of civilians mandate is not compromised. Council further requests the AU and the UN to provide technical assistance to these processes, should the Parties request, given that the UN has an overall civilian protection mandate;

9. Appeals to all the parties to the conflict to cease all acts of violence in South Sudan and respect for the signed Revitalized Agreement and to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Council calls on all the former warring factions to ensure a conducive environment for the return of the IDPs to their areas of origin and appeals to UNMISS and international partners to continue to support the return of the refugees in a proper and coordinated manner from countries concerned;

10. Reiterates its support and encouragements to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for its efforts aimed at ensuring protection of innocent civil population in the challenging conditions of the conflict in South Sudan;

11. Underscores that the current Agreement offers the South Sudanese an unparalleled window of opportunity to end war and begin a path towards stabilization and development. Council, therefore, encourages the international community, especially the regional countries, to continue to provide financial and other necessary supports this peace process in order to ensure respite from persistent war, hunger and misery for the people of South Sudan;

12. Underscores that the women and children are the most vulnerable groups and therefore the most affected by the conflict in South Sudan. Council notes with satisfaction that the South Sudanese parties have committed to give due consideration to national diversity, gender and regional representation in selecting their nominees to the various mechanism outlined in the Agreement.

13. Welcomes the outcomes of the AU-UN Joint Mission to South Sudan aimed at expressing support for the Revitalized-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed by the South Sudanese parties on 12 September 2018, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Council commends the Joint AU-UN Mission for underscoring the imperative for the inclusion of women in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement, as well as ensuring gender parity during the establishment of the various mechanisms, especially security related mechanisms, envisaged in the Revitalized Agreement. Therefore, Council encourages the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan to ensure that the provisions of the Transitional Constitution of the South Sudan and the ACRSS on the 35% participation of the women in the Executive shall be observed;

14. Expresses concern over the reports of cases of insecurity and violations against women in South Sudan, including rape and confiscation of properties. In this regard, Council calls on the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan to fully implement Chapter Five of the Revitalized Agreement to address issues of healing, reconciliation and justice. Council strongly urges the AU Commission and the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan to finalization the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the establishment of the Hybrid Court of South Sudan to ensure accountability;

15. Also expresses its growing concern over reports of the prevalent inter-communal violence that has the potential of further destabilizing peace in the country. Council requests the Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan, in consultation with the UNMISS, to develop a strategy that could assist efforts towards curbing this disturbing phenomenon, including through collection of illegal owned arms/weapons. Council appeals that collection illegal owned arms/weapons should be carried out in a balanced manner ensuring that no group feels disadvantaged by such a process;

16. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

Purpose and scope

This publication is meant for government officials and practitioners working on migrant protection in the East and Horn of Africa region. Its objective is to strengthen the analysis and response to migrant vulnerabilities. It introduces IOM’s determinants of migrant vulnerability model and analyses how it can help strengthen current migrant protection efforts by allowing for more cohesion, complementarity and sustainability. Moreover, the document gathers examples and useful practices on how certain components of the model are already being implemented in the region. In addition, it aims to demonstrate how the model can serve as a framework for policy and practice. The document also provides guidance on identification of migrants vulnerable to violence, exploitation and abuse.

This compilation was recommended by representatives at technical level from government and civil society from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda as well as from UN partner agencies and the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) during IOM’s Regional Technical Workshop on Improving Identification and Referral of Migrants in Vulnerable Situations in the East and Horn of Africa which took place in Nairobi, Kenya on 20-21 March 2018.

The development of this document has been funded by the Better Migration Management (BMM) programme which is working to address some of the most complex challenges related to migration in Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda. More specifically, this compilation aims to contribute to objective 3 of the BMM which is to improve identification, assistance and protection for victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants, especially women and children in the Horn of Africa. The BMM is a regional, multi-y ear and multi-partner programme funded by the EU Trust Fund for Africa and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Many migrants in the East and Horn of Africa are exposed to violence, exploitation and abuse. According to the Regional Mixed Migration Secretariat (RMMS), 79 per cent of migrants in the migratory routes within and from the Horn of Africa have either directly witnessed or experienced one or multiple abuses during their journey including extortion, sexual violence and torture.

IOM’s Flow Monitoring Survey shows that 48 per cent of migrants who take the Central Mediterranean route -a route commonly used by migrants from the Horn of Africa- are predicted to be vulnerable to exploitation or human trafficking.

1. Highlights

• South Sudan with support from WHO and partners has heightened the preparedness capacities in response to the raised EVD risk assessment from high to very high.

• The WHO Representative to South Sudan, Dr Olushayo Olu led a team to Yei River state to reinforce the WHO’s commitment to establishing an ETU in Yei River state and also opened a WHO field office to coordinate the EVD preparedness activities.

• One suspected EVD case was reported in Rumbek on Friday, 12th October, 2018. A national RRT was dispatched on 13th October, 2018 to investigate the alert. Preliminary GenXpert result from the National Public Health Laboratory showed negative for Ebola virus disease.

MARTIN SIBA / FILIP ANDERSSON

In response to increased food insecurity mostly caused by conflict, the United Nation’s Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan on Friday led a delegation launching a Partnership for Recovery and Resilience Programme in Yambio, aimed at reconstructing the Western Equatoria region.

“This event today [Friday 12 October] is about the people of Yambio. It is about the desire of the people and the community to return home to their livelihood projects and build a life project for themselves,” said Alain Noudéhou, who is also the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

The launch, a joyous affair, also saw the government of the Netherlands, through its diplomat Jane Alberda, commit 9 million US dollars to the partnership programme in the region, which consists of eleven key projects.

The UN Development Programme, UNDP, will coordinate the implementation of these projects, which include re-establishing access to basic services, restoring productive capacities and rebuilding trust between citizens and institutions.

“We are very happy today. The way forward for us now, as women, is to make sure that we implement everything that we have committed ourselves to by signing the partnership. We must work in an accountable way to deliver quality services to our communities and continue to protect and empower women, youth groups and others,” said Christine Masande, a women’s representative.

The milestone occasion was marked in a festive and colourful manner, with national and international development partners, UN agencies and local communities exhibiting the full variety of produce, services, projects and support that each stakeholder is bringing to the partnership table, amid drumming, singing and dancing.

The diversity on display, particularly reflected in the eleven-point partnership agenda, was hailed by Wanguai Emmanuel, the chairperson of the Network of Civil Society Organizations.

“The projects take into consideration the needs of displaced people, the youth, women – the needs of all sectors, really. Nobody has been forgotten. Now it is all about building and owning our own development,” Mr. Emmanuel said.

The Recovery and Resilience Programme is designed to fast-track the social dimensions of reconstruction and ensure quick and tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens, rather than having to wait for years to benefit from large-scale infrastructure projects and structural reforms.

Alain Noudéhou, for one, wants to see sustainable results sooner rather than later.

“Our commitment as development partners is to offer our support to local communities to enable them to fend for themselves and move away from relying on humanitarian assistance.”

New York, 15 October 2018 – The level of violence and brutality endured by children in South Sudan is dismaying said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, as a new report shows that more than 9,200 children were verified by the United Nations as victims of grave violations in the close to four years covered by the report (October 2014 – June 2018).

“Grave violations against children were often interconnected: abduction took place for the purpose of recruitment, boys and girls recruited were killed or maimed or sexually abused. Many children were also used to commit atrocities against civilians and other children, thus perpetuating the cycle of violence,” SRSG Gamba said.

Across the country, more than 5,700 children were verified as having been recruited and used, making it the most prevalent violation. In addition, almost 2,000 were abducted and more than 980 children were killed or maimed, both by Government Forces and armed groups.

Sexual violence, including against children, was used as a tactic of war and as a form of collective punishment. More than 650 children were verified as sexually abused during the reporting period, with 75% of the cases involving gruesome gang rapes. Due to underreporting of cases of sexual violence, including against boys, numbers are likely to be higher.

The Greater Upper Nile region witnessed massive grave violations against children, and so did the Greater Equatoria as the conflict progressively expanded the region.

Efforts to protect children, such as the implementation of the 2012 Action Plan with the SPLA recommitted to in 2014, was seriously disrupted by the outbreak of conflict during the reporting period.

“It is urgent to address impunity for perpetrators and revise the existing Action Plan into a comprehensive one to end and prevent all grave violations against children, as agreed with the authorities during my visit in September,” SRSG Gamba said, adding that accountability measures, the enforcement of national law and the signature into law of the Civil Registry Act to systematize birth registration should also be prioritized.

Supporting Reintegration as Part of Peacebuilding Efforts

South Sudan stands as one of the countries with the highest number of children released from armed forces and groups, with 2,740 boys and girls released between January 2015 and June 2018. Released children received reintegration support from the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission, UNICEF and partner NGOs. SRSG Gamba calls on international partners to secure funding for sustainable and long-term reintegration support for all released children, a crucial element to avoid the re-recruitment of children and to rebuild the country.

Despite these encouraging releases, the situation remained grim for children in South Sudan and the collection and verification of information as well as the humanitarian response to children in need was often hindered by access constraints. Almost 970 incidents of grave violations against children could not be verified and were estimated to have affected more than 9,500 children. In addition, the United Nations recorded close to 1,500 cases of denial of humanitarian access, with a doubling of numbers between 2014 and 2017. Cases of denial of humanitarian access included harassment, assault, intimidation, abduction and killing of humanitarian personnel, including of child protection workers, while they were providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to children. There were also numerous examples of looting of humanitarian supplies.

“Obstructing the timely delivery of humanitarian aid can have dramatic consequences for children in need, in a country already facing enormous humanitarian challenges, including episodes of famine and outbreaks of diseases,” SRSG Gamba said.

She calls on the Government and armed groups to provide unimpeded access for the United Nations and partners to provide vital humanitarian assistance for children in need in all parts of the country.

Education and health were also targeted, the UN verified 76 attacks on schools and 96 on hospitals. Beyond the destruction of facilities, military use of schools and the threats against personnel and students prevented over 32,500 children to access education during the reporting period.

The SRSG commends the recent accession in September by South Sudan to the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and encourages the authorities to speed-up further efforts to protect boys and girls.

“Grave violations against children will only stop when South Sudan will reach durable peace. The recent signing of the Peace agreement is encouraging and should be used as an opportunity to prioritize the protection of children and prevent grave violations,” SRSG Gamba said. “The UN stands ready to work with all parties, including on a renewed Action Plan covering all six grave violations with the Government.”

Read the full report

Over 100,000 people fleeing ethnic violence have been displaced in BenishangulGumuz (mainly in Kamashi Zone) and Oromia regions (mainly East Wollega and West Wollega zones). There are indications that displacement is rising, though the size of the displaced population is not clear. Urgent humanitarian needs are reported, including food, shelter, NFI and health (The reporter Ethiopia 06/10/2018, La Vanguardia 13/10/2018, Voa News 02/10/2018, OCHA 10/2018, The reporter Ethiopia 06/10/2018).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

"Access to education is a fundamental human right. It is essential to the acquisition of knowledge and to the full development of the human personality, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states. More than that, education makes us more resilient and independent individuals."
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

2017 was a milestone year for the Albert Einstein Academic Refugee Initiative (the DAFI programme), marking 25 years of providing higher education scholarships to refugees. UNHCR celebrated this achievement with partners, current and former scholars in the 50 countries that host DAFI students. Since the programme began in 1992, over 14,000 young refugee women and men have received accredited undergraduate degrees in various disciplines across the arts and sciences in universities and colleges in their country of asylum. This helped them to develop leadership skills, benefit from greater protection and to increase self-reliance for themselves and their families. In addition, students participating in the DAFI programme have become leaders and peace-builders in their communities. The case studies highlighted in this report show only a small fraction of the talents and achievements of DAFI graduates and the wider impact they have had on their communities.

In 2016, 193 countries adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants and its annex the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF). Signatory States confirmed their commitment to share responsibility for finding sustainable solutions to forced displacement and affirmed their solidarity with those who are forced to flee. They also reinforced their 2015 commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on equitable and inclusive access to quality education and lifelong learning for all, and explicitly recognized that the educational needs of refugees must be upheld as a right. The CRRF and the Programme of Action of the Global Compact on Refugees affirm that participation in higher education can generate positive change in conflict and crisis situations. Higher education gives young refugee men and women an opportunity to acquire knowledge and build skills that will allow them to contribute to society. The CRRF states that higher education is integral to refugee empowerment because it fosters inclusion and promotes skills that are essential for recovery and rebuilding after conflict. In addition, the academic and social benefits of education help young people in exile to be resilient. The DAFI programme embodies these principles and promotes the inclusion of refugees in national education systems in their country of asylum. By providing higher education scholarships and facilitating pathways to livelihood opportunities, the DAFI progamme improves protection, helps to achieve long-term solutions for refugees and the communities that host them, and advances the vision and goals of the CRRF and the Global Compact on Refugees.

The DAFI programme has almost tripled in size in the last three years. The number of students doubled from 2,321 students in 2015 to 4,652 students in 2016, and rose again to 6,723 students in 2017. This rapid growth was partly due to the Syrian crisis. In 2017, Syria was the largest country of origin of DAFI students (2,528), the majority of whom are studying in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The programme also expanded significantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, which hosted 41% of DAFI students in 2017. The crisis in South Sudan caused a major influx into surrounding countries, particularly Uganda, which hosts the majority of South Sudanese refugees. The DAFI programme responded by increasing scholarships for South Sudanese refugees, enabling UNHCR Uganda to provide the fifth highest number of scholarships (438) in 2017. The other top four countries in terms of numbers of DAFI scholarships were Turkey (818), Ethiopia (729), Jordan (721) and Pakistan (490).

In 2017, the DAFI programme awarded new scholarships to 2,582 successful applicants selected from among 12,570 applicants. In the same year, it expanded geographically to include 13 new programme countries. The growth of the DAFI programme has been made possible by generous increases in funding from the German Government and greater support from private partners, including the Saïd, Asfari and Hands Up Foundations. The DAFI programme’s success is equally due to the many global, regional and national actors that collaborate closely with UNHCR, including Ministries of Education, education institutions, and non-governmental organisations. Additionally, UNHCR works with other scholarship providers, sharing good practices and ensuring that higher education scholarship initiatives for refugees take account of protection considerations.

In addition to scholarship provision, access to higher education has expanded through innovative connected learning opportunities that help refugee students overcome barriers to higher education by participating in accredited blended learning programmes. UNHCR and the University of Geneva co-lead the Connected Learning in Crisis Consortium (CLCC), a network of 16 universities, non-governmental organisations, and blended learning providers that offers flexible learning opportunities to displaced learners in a variety of fragile contexts by combining online and face-to-face instruction. In 2017, over 7,000 refugee students participated in short courses, diploma and degree courses associated with connected learning programmes. In March 2017, UNHCR and UNESCO brought together 750 experts from 60 countries and over 500 organisations to discuss ‘Education in Emergencies and Crises’ during the Mobile Learning Week in Paris. Five refugees, one DAFI scholar, three studying through connected learning programmes and one teacher participated in the event by sharing their experiences, leading to the initiation of several new programmes on refugee education.

The success of the DAFI programme and its students is inspiring. However, the scale of displacement means that much remains to be done. In 2017, 68.5 million people were forcibly displaced, of whom 19.9 million were refugees with 52% being children below 18 years. In 2017, UNHCR released its annual education report, Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis, highlighting major gaps in refugee access at all levels of education. At secondary level, only 23% of refugee adolescents are enrolled in school. At tertiary level, the figures are even bleaker: only 1% of young adult refugees are enrolled in higher education, compared to 36% of young adults globally. Additionally, as the report Her Turn: It’s time to make refugee girls’ education a priority points out, refugee women and girls are particularly at risk of being denied educational opportunities. The report calls on the international community to improve their access to education.

Against this backdrop, the DAFI programme has continued to motivate young refugee men and women to complete their upper secondary education and to overcome barriers to pursuing higher education. Crucially, it has also served as a model for other scholarship providers and new partners interested in supporting higher education for refugees. The DAFI programme has helped showcase the success that can be achieved through sustained investment in higher education for refugees. On the 25th anniversary of the DAFI programme, UNHCR and its partners reaffirm their determination to expand access to higher education for young refugee women and men, at a time when it is needed more than ever.