The 60th United Nations (UN) day is being observed throughout the world today amidst various programs marking the establishment of the world body.
The United Nations was founded sixty years ago at a time when the world was in turmoil, national economies were destroyed, epidemics ran out of control and millions of refugees were homeless.
In his message on the occasion, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said, “The United Nations must reflect this new age, and respond to its challenges including, first and foremost, the knowledge that hundreds of millions of people are left defenseless against hunger, disease and environmental degradation, even though the world has the means to rescue them. ”
Speaking at a function organized to mark the day, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations System in Nepal Matthew Kahane lauded the role of the UN system in Nepal for strengthening and enhancing the capacities of governance institutions, civil society and the private sector.
Stating that conflict has been escalating in Nepal since 1996, adding to the suffering of a people already buried by poverty, hunger and disease he said, “Currently the UN system in Nepal is present in all 75 districts in the country striving to reach the country’s poor and disadvantaged population; women, Dalits, indigenous people, children, the elderly and those with disabilities.”
The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of UN System in Nepal, Matthew Kahane addressing the United Nations 60th anniversary function, Monday, Oct 24 2005.
“Since 1955 Nepal has contributed consistently to the UN, serving on the boards that govern the UN’s developmental and humanitarian work, including the Economic and Social Council, the commission on Human Rights, the UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board, the UNICEF Executive Board and the commission on sustainable development,” he added
He also highlighted the contribution of Royal Nepalese Army in the UN peacekeeping missions around the world and said, “The UN looks forward to Nepal’s continued active contribution to the common efforts of its member states, and remains willing and ready to share its expertise and experience in peacemaking, should it be asked to do so.”
Commenting on a question on the recently promulgated media ordinance, he referred to the concern expressed by the Director General of the UNESCO that the amendments to existing legislation introduced by the ordinance, adopted on October 9, infringe upon international standards related to freedom of expression is the UN’s authentic view.
He however did not elaborate on the UN view regarding the municipal polls announced by the government.
On the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Maoists on September 3 with immediate effect, he said the UN will welcome any efforts towards protection of human rights and reduction of violence but refused to comment whether the UN will pressurize the government to reciprocate it.
The UN System in Nepal is organizing various programs in different districts of Nepal marking the day.