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Ban Ki-moon: ‘Close the gap between the world that is and the world that should be’ Ban Ki-moon: ‘Close the gap between the world that is and the world that should be’
(7 months later)
World leaders must ditch narrow political concerns and commit to ending conflict, the head of the UN says. Decrying the “harrowing familiarity” of brutal scenes, Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary general, said the aid industry and his own organisation must urgently reform to react more effectively to today’s many crises.World leaders must ditch narrow political concerns and commit to ending conflict, the head of the UN says. Decrying the “harrowing familiarity” of brutal scenes, Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary general, said the aid industry and his own organisation must urgently reform to react more effectively to today’s many crises.
In a report setting out his vision for the world humanitarian summit in May, Ban outlines five core responsibilities for the international community. As well as better political leadership, he demands protection for civilians, respect for humanitarian law, inclusive policies to make sure no one is left out, and more flexibility and joined-up thinking from the aid community.In a report setting out his vision for the world humanitarian summit in May, Ban outlines five core responsibilities for the international community. As well as better political leadership, he demands protection for civilians, respect for humanitarian law, inclusive policies to make sure no one is left out, and more flexibility and joined-up thinking from the aid community.
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Ban, who was forced to flee war as a child and is expected to end his term this year, has sharp words for those who deprive humanity of dignity by trafficking people, bombing homes and schools, and privileging political aims over the greater good. He says the world risks returning to an era of war with no limits.Ban, who was forced to flee war as a child and is expected to end his term this year, has sharp words for those who deprive humanity of dignity by trafficking people, bombing homes and schools, and privileging political aims over the greater good. He says the world risks returning to an era of war with no limits.
“Xenophobia, nationalism, exclusion and bigotry must not be the hallmarks of our time. Making humanity the central driver of our decision-making and action can be done. We can close the gap between the world that is and the world that should be,” he writes.“Xenophobia, nationalism, exclusion and bigotry must not be the hallmarks of our time. Making humanity the central driver of our decision-making and action can be done. We can close the gap between the world that is and the world that should be,” he writes.
The report is an impassioned plea to world leaders, donors, aid agencies, citizens and businesses to use the May summit – the first of its kind – to recognise a shared responsibility to humanity, and commit to positive action to end suffering and mitigate the risk of man-made and natural disasters.The report is an impassioned plea to world leaders, donors, aid agencies, citizens and businesses to use the May summit – the first of its kind – to recognise a shared responsibility to humanity, and commit to positive action to end suffering and mitigate the risk of man-made and natural disasters.
Ban says leaders at the summit in Istanbul should commit to a minimum support package for Syria for implementation by 2018. UN appeals for funding, on average, receive 60% of their target. Ban wants these inter-agency humanitarian appeals to receive a minimum of 75% of desired funds, before eventually being fully funded.Ban says leaders at the summit in Istanbul should commit to a minimum support package for Syria for implementation by 2018. UN appeals for funding, on average, receive 60% of their target. Ban wants these inter-agency humanitarian appeals to receive a minimum of 75% of desired funds, before eventually being fully funded.
Drawing parallels with a 1941 London meeting of allied governments, whose declaration in support of diplomacy and peace was an early precursor of the UN charter, Ban says the world is approaching a similar point in history and needs to reaffirm its commitment to humanity. “We must remember the promises we made and respect the rules that we have agreed to. We need to restore trust in our global order and show those millions left behind in conflicts, in chronic need and in constant fear the solidarity they deserve and expect from us,” Ban writes.Drawing parallels with a 1941 London meeting of allied governments, whose declaration in support of diplomacy and peace was an early precursor of the UN charter, Ban says the world is approaching a similar point in history and needs to reaffirm its commitment to humanity. “We must remember the promises we made and respect the rules that we have agreed to. We need to restore trust in our global order and show those millions left behind in conflicts, in chronic need and in constant fear the solidarity they deserve and expect from us,” Ban writes.
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Violent extremism, growing economic inequality, transnational crime, climate change, rapid unplanned urbanisation and pandemics of “worrying levels and frequency” are among the global threats he lists, noting that the international aid system has failed to keep pace with the challenges.Violent extremism, growing economic inequality, transnational crime, climate change, rapid unplanned urbanisation and pandemics of “worrying levels and frequency” are among the global threats he lists, noting that the international aid system has failed to keep pace with the challenges.
Echoing criticism from activists over counter-terrorism measures, Ban says: “Counter-terrorism efforts, asymmetric warfare, and the emergence of new threats and enemies cannot legitimise the loosening, or the outright dismissal, of rules that aim to spare civilians and limit harm to what is necessary to weaken the enemy.”Echoing criticism from activists over counter-terrorism measures, Ban says: “Counter-terrorism efforts, asymmetric warfare, and the emergence of new threats and enemies cannot legitimise the loosening, or the outright dismissal, of rules that aim to spare civilians and limit harm to what is necessary to weaken the enemy.”
The secretary general said arms exporters must ensure weapons are not used to commit violations against civilians. Last week, he said Britain and other arms exporters had a duty to stop the flow of weapons to Saudi Arabia, which he accused of indiscriminate bombing in Yemen.The secretary general said arms exporters must ensure weapons are not used to commit violations against civilians. Last week, he said Britain and other arms exporters had a duty to stop the flow of weapons to Saudi Arabia, which he accused of indiscriminate bombing in Yemen.
Since Ban first called for a humanitarian summit in 2012, more than 23,000 people in 153 countries have been consulted on priorities.Since Ban first called for a humanitarian summit in 2012, more than 23,000 people in 153 countries have been consulted on priorities.
“There was outrage that national sovereignty and security are placed above people’s rights to protection and assistance, and that the most basic tenets of international humanitarian and human rights law are violated every day without accountability,” Ban writes, adding that there is frustration from local groups who feel shut out.“There was outrage that national sovereignty and security are placed above people’s rights to protection and assistance, and that the most basic tenets of international humanitarian and human rights law are violated every day without accountability,” Ban writes, adding that there is frustration from local groups who feel shut out.
Calling for an end to “fear-driven rhetoric”, he notes that the number of major civil wars increased from four in 2007 to 11 in 2014 (pdf), with a third involving external parties. In 2014, conflict and violence cost an estimated $14.3tn – 13% of the global economy.Calling for an end to “fear-driven rhetoric”, he notes that the number of major civil wars increased from four in 2007 to 11 in 2014 (pdf), with a third involving external parties. In 2014, conflict and violence cost an estimated $14.3tn – 13% of the global economy.
Ban calls on world authorities to show courageous leadership, act early, invest in stability and include those affected by conflict in drafting policies. He says a global campaign should be launched to reinforce humanitarian and human rights law.Ban calls on world authorities to show courageous leadership, act early, invest in stability and include those affected by conflict in drafting policies. He says a global campaign should be launched to reinforce humanitarian and human rights law.
With European leaders closing borders and imposing restrictions on refugees from Syria, Ban calls for compassion and coordinated leadership. He proposes reducing internal displacement by at least half by 2030.With European leaders closing borders and imposing restrictions on refugees from Syria, Ban calls for compassion and coordinated leadership. He proposes reducing internal displacement by at least half by 2030.
Ban advocates a stronger role for business, writing: “I call upon the leaders of businesses and enterprises to invest in humanity … Invest in and create new markets and infrastructure that connect us even further. We cannot confront the challenges of our time successfully, delivering better for humanity and achieving the 2030 agenda, without you.”Ban advocates a stronger role for business, writing: “I call upon the leaders of businesses and enterprises to invest in humanity … Invest in and create new markets and infrastructure that connect us even further. We cannot confront the challenges of our time successfully, delivering better for humanity and achieving the 2030 agenda, without you.”
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Ban backs a recent report on humanitarian financing that calls for substantial reform of the aid system and advocates new sources of funding, including micro-levies on corporations, a voluntary solidarity tax and increased use of Islamic funding.Ban backs a recent report on humanitarian financing that calls for substantial reform of the aid system and advocates new sources of funding, including micro-levies on corporations, a voluntary solidarity tax and increased use of Islamic funding.
The May summit should mark an “Istanbul moment”, Ban says, when world leaders accept their responsibility to prevent and end suffering. It should also allow the UN to strengthen its role as a “global moral compass”.The May summit should mark an “Istanbul moment”, Ban says, when world leaders accept their responsibility to prevent and end suffering. It should also allow the UN to strengthen its role as a “global moral compass”.
“To make the United Nations fit for the future, the summit must spark a process of renewal in the way the organisation works across mandates and responsibilities,” Ban says. “2016 must become the year of transformation so that together we can deliver on the achievements we made in 2015.”“To make the United Nations fit for the future, the summit must spark a process of renewal in the way the organisation works across mandates and responsibilities,” Ban says. “2016 must become the year of transformation so that together we can deliver on the achievements we made in 2015.”