Seychelles filed its response, today, on the written statements transmitted by States, groups of States and international organisations to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the advisory proceedings regarding the “Obligations of States in respect of climate change”.

As the country continues to face the negative effects of climate change, and whilst these events significantly threaten not only the country’s land territory and infrastructure but also the Seychellois people and their livelihoods, the country finds it important to establish legal consequences for the non-performance of the obligations of States which leads to causing significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment.

The written comments convey Seychelles commitment and stance in prioritising environmental responsibility and adherence to international norms and laws in addressing global challenges.

Though the ICJ’s advisory opinions are not legally binding, they can clarify rights and obligations of States under existing binding international law and, as such Seychelles hopes that The Court’s ruling would thus help strengthen multilateral negotiations and provide a clear legal benchmark under international law in respect of climate change.

To recall that pursuant to Resolution 77/276 of 29th March 2023 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, Seychelles submitted its first written comments to the court on 20th March 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care, with the support of the World Health Organization, and other partners has immunized over 200,000 people against cholera in the most vulnerable communities. This campaign has reached 22 wards in eight districts: Chegutu, Chiredzi, Chitungwiza, Masvingo, Mhondoro-Ngezi, Mutare Rural, Mt Darwin, and Sanyati. These targeted areas, have high artisanal mining activities where access to safe water and sanitation facilities is limited.

In these communities, clean water is scarce and health risks are high. Hence, the vaccination campaign has brought great relief. This initiative is beyond the numbers; it’s about saving lives and securing a healthier future.

“We remain vigilant in our efforts to strengthen our health systems and build resilience against future outbreaks,” said Dr Isaac Phiri, MoHCC Cholera Incident Manager.

Pelagia Chikoore, a 51-year-old resident of Venice Mine, Mhondoro Ngezi, emphasized the importance of the vaccine. “l got vaccinated to prevent myself from getting cholera,” she said. “Our area has a lot of mining activities, and sometimes water supply is a challenge. Although we now have a solar-powered borehole, I believe the vaccine is an extra layer of protection.”

While vaccination is not a silver bullet, it provides an additional layer of protection, especially in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Echoing Chikoore’s sentiments, 21-year-old Alice Mhembere from Mubaira shared her experience. “l know the vaccine protects me from cholera,” she said. “We saw people getting sick because of cholera so I never hesitated when I got the opportunity.”

Cholera is a highly contagious disease that spreads through contaminated water and food. By administering vaccines, the campaign helps to build immunity in populations at high risk, reducing the likelihood of disease spread and protecting communities from potential outbreaks for a period of 6-12 months. Hence, it needs to be complemented by improvements in water supply and sanitation infrastructure to ensure communities are protected from another episode of cholera outbreak that claims innocent lives.

WHO played a crucial role in combating a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe. With unwavering commitment, WHO supported two rounds of targeted vaccination campaigns, providing the technical guidance and logistical support needed for success. The vaccination campaigns were not only effective but also efficient, achieving over 90% coverage, and reaching the people who needed it most and making a significant impact on the community’s health.

The vaccination campaign was made possible through funding from the International Coordinating Group (ICG), GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance and WHO. This collaborative effort brought hope and relief to many, showcasing the power of unity and expertise in the face of a health crisis.

“We are proud to have supported Zimbabwe in this crucial vaccination campaign. By reaching out to most vulnerable communities, we are not only preventing disease transmission but saving many lives,” said Dr Desta Tiruneh, WHO Representative to Zimbabwe.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organzation (WHO) – Zimbabwe.

The ECOWAS Commission is organizing the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria from 7 to 9 August 2024. This Meeting is being organized against backdrop of rising incidents of activities of Terrorist Armed Groups (TAGs) and Violent Extremist Groups (VEGs), Transnational Organized Crimes (TOCs) as well as cyber miss-information and disinformation that continued to undermine peace and security in the Region.  Likewise, the Central Sahel has remained the epicenter of TAGs and VEGs while the littoral Member States are grappling with pressure from terrorists advancing towards the Atlantic.with the pressure of terrorists push towards the Atlantic.

The Meeting will deliberate on the general security situation in the ECOWAS Region particularly the growing menace of terrorism in the Region.

Specific objectives of the Meeting include the consideration and adoption of the CONOPS of the ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, update on activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to fight terrorism, update on the development of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot, Rotation of Staff Officers of ECOWAS Peace Support Operations Division and ECOWAS Standby Force.

During the opening ceremony,The Minister of Defence, Mr.Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called on the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to strengthen their security cooperation to enhance their defence capabilities against any security threat. He encouraged open dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions to strengthen security cooperation and enhance regional defence capabilities.

Also speaking during the opening ceremony , The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security,Amb. ECOWAS, Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD said the second meeting was implemented as a result of the actual political development that occurred in the region.” According to him, the convening of this ordinary session has therefore become important as it will allow them to review the evolving security environment with the view to reposition the returned defense architecture and booster to adequately respond to the immediate needs looking forward to the agenda on peace and Security in West Africa regions.

The Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa, Chairman of the occasion, has affirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to ensuring security and upholding democratic governance in the West African region. Accoording to him “the security challenges in the nations and regions posed a threat which includes terrorism, organized crime, violent and recently unconfirmed over government.”

The Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, welcomed the meeting and wished successful sessions to all participants from member states.

Further, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuga said “the meeting is a further testament of their collective and rescue commitment to secure security and stability of our region, the role of the ECOWAS staff cannot be overstated, as they develop emergency strategies and coordinate regional security and so on, deep stability and effective responses to embodied threats in these kinds of rapidly evolving challenges, the military knowledge and Strategic Foresight are crucial.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

More than 160 people arrested since mid-June before upcoming SADC summit in Harare; Evidence of torture or other ill-treatment; “Sets a dangerous tone for the bloc’s commitment to human rights” – Idriss Ali Nassah.

Zimbabwean authorities must end their crackdown against opposition and civil society members ahead of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled for 17 August 2024 in Harare, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release everyone arrested for exercising their rights.

Authorities must also promptly and effectively investigate allegations of torture or other ill-treatment of detainees and hold any suspected perpetrators accountable in fair proceedings, the groups said. Further, SADC must urgently demand an end to this assault on human rights as it prepares to hand the bloc’s leadership to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Since mid-June, Zimbabwean authorities have conducted a massive crackdown on dissent. More than 160 people have been arrested so far including elected officials, opposition members, union leaders, students and journalists,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

“Security forces have tear-gassed people in a private residence, beaten people so badly they needed hospitalization, forcibly disappeared people for hours and tortured people in custody. The authorities must stop committing such violations and immediately release all detainees.”

SADC leaders must condemn the Zimbabwe government’s human rights violations and demand that the authorities reverse course by releasing everyone unjustly arrested before the situation worsens further, the groups said. President João Lourenço of Angola, who is the SADC chairperson, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who chairs its Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation Organ, need to speak out.

A wide-ranging crackdown

The current crackdown began on 16 June, when police raided the home of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party leader, Jameson Timba, during a private gathering and arrested 78 people. Police fired tear gas and beat people with batons, resulting in multiple injuries, including one requiring surgery.

The authorities charged the group with “gathering with intent to promote public violence and disorderly conduct” and held them for more than two days without bringing them before a court, in violation of Zimbabwean law. The authorities released two children and granted bail to one adult, but 75 people remain arbitrarily detained.

On 24 June, police arrested 44 members of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU), including its president, Emmanuel Sitima, and forced them to pay fines for “disorderly conduct” before releasing them. Police then re-arrested Sitima for “criminal nuisance” before releasing him the next day on bail.

On 27 June, Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa warned against “opposition political parties bent on peddling falsehoods and instigating acts of civil disorder, especially before, during and after regional and world state events.” Hours later, police outside the Harare Magistrate’s Court beat and arrested peaceful protesters, who were demanding the release of the people arrested at Timba’s house.

The next day, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere threatened “elements within the opposition, certain politicians, and some civil society organizations,” saying that “their days are numbered.”

On 29 June, police arrested five members of the National Democratic Working Group social justice movement at a private home in Harare during a meeting to raise funds for impoverished families, then released them. On 1 July, the police broke up a memorial service for a CCC member killed in 2022. Police arrested another six people affiliated with the Community Voices Zimbabwe media organization in Gokwe on 3 July before releasing them without charge.

On 31 July, state agents pulled four activists off a plane before takeoff at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport and forcibly disappeared them for nearly eight hours. Lawyers later documented evidence of torture and other ill-treatment, including extensive bruising on the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe leader, Robson Chere, reportedly requiring urgent medical attention. The authorities charged the four activists with “disorderly conduct” for participating in the 27 June protest outside the Magistrate’s Court.

The authorities have arrested more than 30 people across Zimbabwe since 1 August, including Sitima for a third time, a parliamentarian and 13 others in Kariba town, a city council member, a senator and a religious leader. Most arrests were related to protests or supporting opposition parties. On 8 August, masked people attempted to break into the offices of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition civil society organization in Harare.

“The serious violations we are witnessing, including violent attacks, abductions, torture, arbitrary arrests and other abuses against the opposition, government critics and activists are just the latest example of the failure of President Mnangagwa’s government to promote, protect and respect basic human rights,” said Idriss Ali Nassah, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.

SADC has said nothing publicly about these human rights violations. The bloc needs to take a clear stand against the crackdown in Zimbabwe, especially as President Mnangagwa prepares to take over the SADC chairmanship, the groups said. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights should demand the immediate and unconditional release of everyone arbitrarily detained simply for exercising their rights.

“The Zimbabwe authorities’ intensified crackdown and the dismantling of fundamental freedoms is directly linked to the government’s hosting of the SADC summit in Harare,” Nassah said. “It sets a dangerous tone for the bloc’s commitment to human rights under the upcoming chairmanship of Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa.”

While SADC must address the clampdown in Zimbabwe now, it must also use the Harare summit and President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship to improve respect for human rights across the region, in line with the SADC treaty.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.