United Nations News 29.1.08

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon took a tour of the genocide memorial in Kigali, Rwanda yesterday. In address to the Rwandan parliament, the SG expressed that the genocide was a terrible atrocity, and that the UN would work to increase global awareness of the tragedy. Mr. Ban also pledged to personally donate ten thousand dollars to a newly-created relief fund. He also stress the importance of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals in establishing stability in Rwanda.

The United Nations is reporting that violence in Kenya continues, and that the political situation in the country is quickly deteriorating. In addition to the increased violence, UNICEF is concerned with reports of increased cases of sexual violence.

The Security Council will resume discussions this week on the ongoing situation in Gaza. All border crossings with Israel remain closed. The UN reports that only 30 truck loads of supplies have been allowed into Gaza since Israel closed borders last week. UNICEF reports that malnutrition is on the rise, and the World Health Organization says that only 40% of the population has access to potable drinking water. A fuel distributer strike has compounded the situation.

In the Sudan, UNAU negotiators continue to speak with opposing tribal factions; the Security Council will be briefed next week.

- Dan Patterson