Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore on unaccompanied and separated children evacuated from Afghanistan   NEW YORK, 7 September 2021 – “Since 14 August, hundreds of children have been separated from their families amidst chaotic conditions, including large-scale evacuations, in and around the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. Some of these children were evacuated on flights to Germany, Qatar and other countries.  
 
“UNICEF and our partners have registered approximately 300 unaccompanied and separated children evacuated from Afghanistan. We expect this number to rise through ongoing identification efforts.  
 
“I can only imagine how frightened these children must have been to suddenly find themselves without their families as the crisis at the airport unfolded or as they were whisked away on an evacuation flight. 
 
“UNICEF is deeply concerned about the welfare of unaccompanied and separated children wherever they may be. They are among the most vulnerable children in the world. It is vital that they are quickly identified and kept safe during family tracing and reunification processes. All parties must prioritize the best interests of the child and protect children from abuse, neglect and violence.   
 
“During tracing and reunification processes, children should be provided with safe, temporary alternative care, preferably with extended family members or in a family-based setting. Placement within institutional care arrangements should be a last resort and only temporary.  

“Governments of countries where unaccompanied and separated children have family members should cooperate and facilitate reunification and safe, legal migration pathways for these children if it is in the child’s best interest. The definition of family members should be sufficiently broad to place unaccompanied children safely with relatives who will care for them.
 
“Likewise, children moving with trusted adults should remain with them if it is in their best interests to do so. Separating children from adults whom they know and from whom they receive care could cause further harm.  
 
“All children have the right to be with their families. Parties involved in evacuating and hosting people fleeing Afghanistan should make every effort to prevent the separation of families from occurring in the first place. This means ensuring proper coordination among civil and military actors, establishing basic registration of children and families, and verifying flight manifests.  “UNICEF is providing technical support to governments who have evacuated children and those who are hosting them. Right now, our teams are on the ground at the Doha air base in Qatar and the Ramstein air base in Germany, working with authorities and our partners to register unaccompanied children, provide them with appropriate care and protection, and support tracing to bring them back together with their families. 
 
“In Afghanistan, more than 550,000 people have been displaced by conflict, the majority in recent weeks, and 10 million children are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. We are very worried about the safety and wellbeing of unaccompanied and separated children inside the country. UNICEF and our partners need unimpeded humanitarian access to all parts of Afghanistan to gather an accurate picture of their number and whereabouts. This will be vital to reaching them with protection and services. 
 
“Now and in the days to come, it is imperative that all parties and the international community join us in prioritizing the wellbeing of children inside Afghanistan as well as those who have been evacuated.”  

ILO PRESS RELEASE World Social Protection Report 2020-22 More than 4 billion people still lack any social protection, ILO report finds The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and exacerbated the social protection gap between countries with high and low income levels. GENEVA (ILO News) – Despite the unprecedented worldwide expansion of social protection during the COVID-19 crisis, more than 4 billion people around the world remain entirely unprotected, a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report says.

It finds that the pandemic response was uneven and insufficient, deepening the gap between countries with high and low income levels and failing to afford the much-needed social protection that all human beings deserve.

Social protection includes access to health care and income security, particularly in relation to old age, unemployment, sickness, disability, work injury, maternity or loss of a main income earner, as well as for families with children.

“Countries are at a crossroads,” said ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder. “This is a pivotal moment to harness the pandemic response to build a new generation of rights-based social protection systems. These can cushion people from future crises and give workers and businesses the security to tackle the multiple transitions ahead with confidence and with hope. We must recognize that effective and comprehensive social protection is not just essential for social justice and decent work but for creating a sustainable and resilient future too.”

The World Social Protection Report 2020-22: Social protection at the crossroads – in pursuit of a better future  gives a global overview of recent developments in social protection systems, including social protection floors, and covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report identifies protection gaps and sets out key policy recommendations, including in relation to the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Currently, only 47 per cent of the global population are effectively covered by at least one social protection benefit, while 4.1 billion people (53 per cent) obtain no income security at all from their national social protection system.

There are significant regional inequalities in social protection. Europe and Central Asia have the highest rates of coverage, with 84 per cent of people being covered by at least one benefit. The Americas are also above the global average, with 64.3 per cent. Asia and the Pacific (44 per cent), the Arab States (40 per cent) and Africa (17.4 per cent) have marked coverage gaps.

Worldwide, the vast majority of children still have no effective social protection coverage – only one in four children (26.4 per cent) receives a social protection benefit. Only 45 per cent of women with newborns worldwide receive a cash maternity benefit. Only one in three persons with severe disabilities (33.5 per cent) worldwide receive a disability benefit. Coverage of unemployment benefits is even lower; only 18.6 per cent of unemployed workers worldwide are effectively covered. And while 77.5 per cent of people above retirement age receive some form of old-age pension, major disparities remain across regions, between rural and urban areas, and between women and men.

Government spending on social protection also varies significantly. On average, countries spend 12.8 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on social protection (excluding health), however high-income countries spend 16.4 per cent and low-income countries only 1.1 per cent of their GDP on social protection.

The report says that the financing gap (the additional spending required to ensure at least minimum social protection for all) has increased by approximately 30 per cent since the start of the COVID-19 crisis.

To guarantee at least basic social protection coverage, low-income countries would need to invest an additional US$77.9 billion per year, lower-middle-income countries an additional US$362.9 billion per year and upper-middle-income countries a further US$750.8 billion per year. That’s equivalent to 15.9, 5.1 and 3.1 per cent of their GDP, respectively.

“There is an enormous push for countries to move to fiscal consolidation, after the massive public expenditure of their crisis response measures, but it would be seriously damaging to cut back on social protection; investment is required here and now,” said Shahra Razavi, Director, ILO Social Protection Department.

“Social protection is an important tool that can create wide-ranging social and economic benefits for countries at all levels of development. It can underpin better health and education, greater equality, more sustainable economic systems, better managed migration and the observance of core rights. Building the systems that can deliver these positive outcomes will require a mix of financing sources and greater international solidarity, particularly with support for poorer countries. But the benefits of success will reach beyond national borders to benefit us all,” she said.

Specific measures to promote universal social protection were highlighted in the Global Call to Action for a human-centred recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic . The Call to Action, which outlines a comprehensive agenda for recovery, was endorsed unanimously in June 2021 by the ILO’s Member States, representing governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations. ***    UNODC PRESS RELEASE UNODC launches Case Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) for the Prosecution Department of Sindh September 03, 2021 – Karachi: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Prosecution Department of Sindh launched a software-based Case Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) at an inauguration ceremony in Karachi on Friday. The CMMS which has been developed under the framework of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) and is designed to automate the Prosecution Department’s administrative processes such as case assignment and tracking, streamlining the departments workflows, and create administrative efficiency in case management and adjudication. In particular the CMMS will help the assignment of complex cases to multiple experienced counsels, tracking of court proceedings as well as monitoring of the quality of prosecutions across Sindh province. In order to maximize the operational efficiency of the CMMS, UNODC through the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has also provided Prosecution Department with essential equipment including laptops and computers.   The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Chief Justice of Sindh Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh and attended by EU’s Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Androulla Kaminara, Country Representative of UNODC Mr. Jeremy Milsom, and key officials belonging to Sindh Police, Prosecution Department, and Judiciary.   The Honorable Chief Justice of Sindh lauded the initiative, as well as its promising impact on operational efficiency across Sindh’s criminal justice system, “This is a valuable innovation that will generate a compounding positive impact with use over time that will not be limited to prosecution department alone.” The European Union’s Counter-Terrorism Counsellor in Pakistan Mr. François Zablot iterated EU’s resolute support in preventing and countering terrorism and added that “CMMS was a crucial need of the hour to ensure transparency, accountability and oversight when dealing with anti-terrorism cases. I hope that with effective use of this tool, we are able to enhance the capacity of the prosecution department, leading to successful adjudications.” While making his remarks, the UNODC Country Representative Dr. Jeremy Milsom stated “I am pleased to see this initiative come to fruition, the CMMS is a prime example of use of technology to improve and enhance existing processes. CMMS enjoyed tremendous success in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and was a perfect use-case for Sindh. We hope to see it be even more successful in Sindh” Participants of the inauguration ceremony were led through a presentation on the features of CMMS followed by a practical demonstration of case registration. The initiative has been made possible under the framework of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) project Sindh with the financial support of the European Union. This project was a result of a partnership between UNODC and Government of Pakistan through various federal and provincial stakeholders with the aim to enhance investigation processes and the use of forensic evidence by the Sindh Police to effectively prosecute and adjudicate terrorism cases and improve provincial and inter-provincial coordination and capacity for preventing and countering terrorism. For further information, please contact:- Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org ***   یو این او ڈی سی کی جانب سے محکمہ پراسیکیوشن سندھ کے لئے "کیس مینجمنٹ اینڈ مانیٹرنگ سسٹم" (سی ایم ایم ایس) کا اجراء کراچی –3 ستمبر 2021 : اقوام متحدہ ادارہ برائے منشیات و جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی) نے محکمہ پراسیکیوشن سندھ کے اشتراک سے جمعہ کے روز کراچی میں منعقد کی گئی ایک تقریب میں "کیس مینجمنٹ اینڈ مانیٹرنگ سسٹم" (سی ایم ایم ایس) کے سافٹ ویئر کا اجراء کیا۔ یہ سافٹ ویئر 'پاکستان ایکشن ٹو کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم' (پیکٹ) کے فریم ورک کے تحت تیار کیا گیا ہے جس کا مقصد محکمہ پراسیکیوشن کی مختلف انتظامی سرگرمیوں مثلاً کیس اسائنمنٹ اور ٹریکنگ کی آٹومیشن کرنا، محکمے کی سرگرمیوں کو ایک باقاعدہ ترتیب میں لانا اور کیس مینجمنٹ اور قانونی چارہ جوئی کی سرگرمیوں میں انتظامی کارکردگی کو بہتر بنانا ہے۔ سی ایم ایم ایس کی بدولت پیچیدہ مقدمات ایک سے زائد تجربہ کار وکلاء کے سپرد کرنے، عدالتی کارروائی کی ٹریکنگ کرنے اور صوبہ سندھ میں استغاثہ کی کارروائی کے معیار کی نگرانی کرنے میں مدد ملے گی۔ سی ایم ایم ایس کی آپریشنل کارکردگی کو حتی الوسع حد تک بڑھانے کے لئے یو این او ڈی سی نے نیشنل کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم اتھارٹی (نیکٹا) کے ذریعے محکمہ پراسیکیوشن کو ضروری آلات اور سامان مثلاً  لیپ ٹاپ اور کمپیوٹر بھی فراہم کئے ہیں۔ افتتاحی تقریب کی صدارت سندھ ہائی کورٹ کے فاضل چیف جسٹس، جسٹس احمد علی ایم شیخ نے کی جس میں انسداد دہشت گردی پر یورپی یونین کے قونصلر جناب فرانسوا زابلوٹ اور یو این او ڈی سی کے کنٹری ریپریزنٹیٹو ڈاکٹر جیریمی ملسم کے علاوہ سندھ پولیس، محکمہ پراسیکیوشن اور عدلیہ سے تعلق رکھنے والے اہم افسران نے بھی شرکت کی۔ فاضل چیف جسٹس سندھ نے اس سافٹ ویئر اور اس کی بدولت سندھ کے فوجداری نظام انصاف کی آپریشنل کارکردگی پر مرتب ہونے والے شاندار ممکنہ اثرات کا خیرمقدم کیا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ یہ ایک انتہائی مفید جدت ہے جس کے استعمال سے وقت کے ساتھ بے پناہ مثبت اثرات مرتب ہوں گے جو محض محکمہ پراسیکیوشن تک ہی محدود نہیں رہیں گے۔ انسداد دہشت گردی پر پاکستان میں یورپی یونین کے قونصلر جناب فرانسوا زابلوٹ نے دہشت گردی کی روک تھام اور  اس کے خاتمے کے لئے یورپی یونین کی بھرپور حمایت کا اعادہ کیا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ سی ایم ایم ایس انسداد دہشت گردی کے مقدمات پر کام کرتے ہوئے شفافیت، احتساب اور نگرانی یقینی بنانے کے لئے آج کے دور کی ناگزیر ضرورت ہے۔ انہوں نے امید ظاہر کی کہ اس سافٹ ویئر کے استعمال سے محکمہ پراسیکیوشن کی استعداد میں بہتری آئے گی اور قانونی چارہ جوئی کی سرگرمیوں کو کامیابی کے ساتھ پایہ تکمیل تک پہنچانے کی راہ ہموار ہو گی۔   اس موقع پر اپنے خیالات کا اظہار کرتے ہوئے یو این او ڈی سی کے کنٹری ریپریزنٹیٹو ڈاکٹر جیریمی ملسم نے  اس کاوش کی بطریق احسن تکمیل پر خوشی کا اظہار کیا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ سی ایم ایم ایس، ضابطے کی موجودہ کارروائیوں کو بہتر بنانے کے لئے ٹیکنالوجی کے استعمال کی عمدہ ترین مثال ہے۔ سی ایم ایم ایس کو خیبرپختونخوا میں شاندار کامیابی مل چکی ہے اور یہ سندھ کے لئے بھی انتہائی موزوں ثابت ہو گا۔ انہوں نے امید ظاہر کی کہ سندھ میں یہ پروگرام اس سے بھی زیادہ کامیابی حاصل کرےگا۔ افتتاحی تقریب کےشرکاء کو سی ایم ایم ایس کی مختلف خصوصیات اور سہولیات پر پریزنٹیشن دی گئی جس کے بعد مقدمے کے اندراج کا ایک عملی مظاہرہ بھی کر کے دکھایا گیا۔ سافٹ ویئر کی تیاری یورپی یونین کے مالی تعاون سے 'پاکستان ایکشن ٹو کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم' (پیکٹ) کے فریم ورک کے تحت ممکن ہوئی ہے۔ یہ پراجیکٹ یو این او ڈی سی اور وفاقی و صوبائی سطح کے مختلف متعلقہ فریقوں کے ذریعےحکومت پاکستان کے درمیان اشتراک عمل کا نتیجہ ہے جس کا مقصد سندھ پولیس کی تحقیقاتی سرگرمیوں اور اس سلسلے میں فورانزک شواہد کے استعمال کو بہتر بناتے ہوئے دہشت گردی کے مقدمات میں قانونی چارہ جوئی کے عمل کو موثر بنانا اور صوبائی و بین الصوبائی رابطے کے ساتھ ساتھ دہشت گردی کی روک تھام اور خاتمے کی صلاحیتوں کو بہتر بنانا ہے۔ مزید معلومات کے لئے رابطہ: محترمہ رضوانہ راہول، کمیونیکیشنز آفیسر، یو این او ڈی سی پاکستان، موبائل: 0301 8564255، ای میل: rizwana.asad@un.org

United Nations SECRETARY-GENERAL STATEMENT ON AFGHANISTAN On the day Afghanistan enters a new phase I want to express my grave concern at the deepening humanitarian and economic crisis in the country and the threat of basic services collapsing completely.    Today, almost half of the population of Afghanistan – 18 million people – need humanitarian assistance to survive. One in three Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from. More than half of all children under-five are expected to become acutely malnourished in the next year. People are losing access to basic goods and services every day. A humanitarian catastrophe looms.    Now more than ever, Afghan children, women and men need the support and solidarity of the international community. The humanitarian system’s commitment to stay and deliver will not waver. Already this year, we have delivered aid to eight million people. In the last fortnight we delivered food to 80,000 people and relief packages to thousands of displaced families. Yesterday we airlifted 12.5 metric tons of medical supplies into the country.    Amid a severe drought and with harsh winter conditions on the horizon, extra food, shelter and health supplies must be urgently fast-tracked into the country. I call on all parties to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access for life-saving and life-sustaining supplies, as well as for all humanitarian workers – men and women.   Next week, we will release details of the most immediate humanitarian needs and funding requirements over the next four months in a Flash Appeal for Afghanistan. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths is coordinating the entire UN system in the preparation of the appeal.   I urge all Member States to dig deep for the people of Afghanistan in their darkest hour of need. I urge them to provide timely, flexible and comprehensive funding. I urge them to help ensure humanitarian workers have the funding, access, and legal safeguards they need to stay and deliver.    *** افغانستان کی صورتحال پر سیکرٹری جنرل اقوامِ متحدہ کا بیان افغانستان اپنی تاریخ کے ایک نئے دور میں داخل ہو رہا ہے اور اس وقت میرے نزدیک یہ بات گہری تشویش کا باعث ہے کہ ملک میں انسانی و فلاحی اور اقتصادی بحران دن بہ دن شدت پکڑ رہا ہے اور بنیادی سہولیات و خدمات کے نظام مکمل تباہی کے خطرے سے دوچار ہیں۔   آج افغانستان کی تقریباً نصف آبادی یعنی ایک کروڑ اسی لاکھ افراد کو زندہ رہنے کے لئے انسانی فلاحی امداد کی ضرورت ہے۔ ہر تیسرا افغان شہری اس بات سے بے خبر ہے کہ اگلے وقت کا کھانا کہاں سے ملے گا۔ خدشہ ہے کہ پانچ سال سے کم عمر کے نصف سے زائد بچے آئندہ سال میں شدید غذائی کمی کا شکار ہو جائیں گے۔ روزمرہ استعمال کی بنیادی اشیاء، خدمات اور سہولیات لوگوں کی پہنچ سے باہر ہو رہی ہیں۔ ایک بڑا انسانی بحران ہمارے سروں پر منڈلا رہا ہے۔ افغان بچوں، خواتین اور مردوں کو عالمی برادری کی مدد، حمایت اور اظہار یکجہتی کی ضرورت آج پہلے سے کہیں زیادہ ہے۔ فلاحی اداروں کا پورا نظام اپنی جگہ ثابت قدم ہے اور اس کے عزم میں ہرگز کمی نہیں آئے گی۔ صرف رواں سال کے دوران اسی لاکھ افراد کو امداد فراہم کی جا چکی ہے۔ گزشتہ پندرہ روز میں اسی ہزار افراد کو کھانے پینے کی اشیاء اور نقل مکانی کرنے والے ہزاروں خاندانوں کو ریلیف پیکج دئیے گئے۔ گزشتہ روز 12.5 ٹن طبی سامان اور ادویات افغانستان پہنچائی گئیں۔ شدید خشک سالی اور سخت سردی کا موسم آنے کو ہے اور ان حالات میں اضافی خوراک، رہائشی سہولیات اور حفظانِ صحت کا سامان فی الفور افغانستان پہنچانے کی سرگرمیوں میں تیزی لانا ناگزیر ہے۔ میری تمام فریقوں سے اپیل ہے کہ وہ فلاحی سرگرمیوں کے تحت زندگی بچانے والی اور زندگی کو رواں رکھنے والی اشیاء  کے ساتھ ساتھ تمام فلاحی کارکنوں کو بھی محفوظ اور بلاروک ٹوک پہنچانے میں مدد دیں۔ افغانستان پر فوری اپیل کے تحت ہم آئندہ ہفتے ان ناگزیر امدادی اور مالی ضروریات کی تفصیلات جاری کریں گے جن کی ضرورت آئندہ چند ماہ کے دوران پڑے گی۔  انسانی فلاحی امور کے انڈر سیکرٹری جنرل اور ایمرجنسی ریلیف کوآرڈینیٹر مارٹن گرفتھس اس اپیل کی تیاری کے سلسلے میں اقوام متحدہ کے تمام اداروں کی سرگرمیوں باہمی رابطے کے فرائض انجام دے رہے ہیں۔ میری تمام رکن ریاستوں سے اپیل ہے کہ وہ انتہائی ضرورت کی اس تاریک گھڑی میں افغانستان کے عوام کا بھرپور ساتھ دیں۔ میری ان سب سے اپیل ہے کہ مالی تعاون بروقت، لچکدار اور جامع انداز میں فراہم کریں۔ میں ان سے اپیل کرتا ہوں کہ وہ فلاحی کارکنوں کو افغانستان میں رہنے اور اپنا کام بطریق احسن انجام دینے کے لئے درکار مالی وسائل، رسائی اور قانونی حفاظتی اقدامات یقینی بنانے میں مدد دیں۔ *** UNIDO PRESS RELEASE Pakistan Private Sector Energy Project E-mobility Forum - “A Business Opportunity in Motion” On 26th August, USAID, UNIDO and Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) hosted a webinar on e-mobility and the potential of electric vehicles to mitigate carbon emissions in Pakistan. The multi-stakeholder online event shed light on the business potential in the electric transition of the country. The forum was held to discuss electric vehicles and e-infrastructure building as key priority areas within the PFAN Pakistan Private Sector Energy Project (PPSE) project, which aims to expand the portfolio of commercially-viable clean energy projects in Pakistan and provide support to enable them to access financing and reach financial close. Launched officially in February 2021, PPSE is funded by USAID and implemented by UNIDO and PFAN, the project targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan working on the country’s energy transition to mitigate carbon emissions and bolster climate innovation and resilience. The forum commenced with opening comments from Peter Storey, Acting Chief of Party for PPSE and PFAN Global Coordinator, who commented on how the PFAN methodology has been especially contextualized towards the needs and potential of the Pakistani clean energy landscape for the PPSE  “In an intensive market scoping study conducted at the beginning of PPSE project, the e-mobility sector was identified as showing significant potential for deal flow and investment,” said Storey. Rabia Bukhari, Program Management Specialist, Energy, USAID, commented on Pakistan’s climate vulnerability and which initiatives USAID is undertaking to help the country’s climate mitigation and resilience. Pakistan has consistently ranked among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. “Having an affordable EV charging infrastructure is equally important and in this regard USAID is partnering with the US Department of Energy to advise NEPRA, the regulatory authority for EVs.  We are in discussion to review electrical standards and monitoring structure to ensure charging efficiency,” said Bukhari. Following was a presentation from Deputy Chief of Party, PFAN PPSE, Ghazil Jabbar, on PPSE’s value proposition to entrepreneurs. Jabbar shared that PFAN has supported nearly 1,000 projects with more than 300 projects in the current pipeline, raising USD 2 billion in total investment leveraged by PFAN-supported projects. Nagaraja Rao, Head of Investment Facilitation, PFAN speaking to the prospective and budding EV market, Rao shared that a record $12.8B in funding was raised over 193 deals in 2020 from electric vehicles alone. A panel discussion proceeded and brought together various key players from the private, public and academic sector. The panel comprised of Ali Khar, CEO Ona Mobility; Naveed Arshad; Founder Neubolt/ Associate Professor, LUMS; Asim Ayaz, GM Policy, Engineering Development Board and Muhammad Iftikhar Javed, Head Auto Business,Bank Alfalah Ayaz shared that entrepreneurs in the EV sector are always welcome to connect with EDB and visit their office for more information and guidance. Khar stressed the importance of the role reducing the electricity tariff to drive EV production and consumer adoption forward. He called the latest EV policy a “launching pad” for innovation and scaling up. Dr. Arshad noted that Pakistan is theoretically one of the countries in the world that is ripe for the electric vehicle transition due to its vast electricity reserves, however he stressed the electricity infrastructure needs to be strengthened. “One thing about the EV value chain that needs to be solved in the country is the battery, whoever can crack this puzzle, will see a lot of success and make the value chain stronger,” added Dr. Arshad. Speaking to the finance opportunities and challenges, Javed shared that there are some risks with secondary re-sale of EVs but banks such as Alfalah are working to de-risk buying and selling of EVs. During the online event, several polls were launched and were answered by almost 100 participants.  57% attendees felt lack of access to financing was seen as the biggest challenge to mainstream e-mobility in Pakistan. Whereas, 41% thought that access to investment by private institutions will drive Pakistan’s EV sector forward. Learn more: http://pfan.net/pakistan-private-sector-energy-project/ Follow us: https://twitter.com/PFAN_PPSE https://www.linkedin.com/company/pakistan-private-sector-energy ***    UNODC MEDIA ADVISORY Launch of Case Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) for the Prosecution Department of Sindh At Avari Towers Karachi tomorrow Friday 3 September 2021 at 10:45 hrs. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Prosecution Department of Sindh will launch a software-based Case Management and Monitoring System (CMMS)  in Karachi The CMMS which has been developed under the framework of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) and is designed to automate the Prosecution Department’s administrative processes such as case assignment and tracking, streamlining the departments workflows, and create administrative efficiency in case management and adjudication. In particular the CMMS will help the assignment of complex cases to multiple experienced counsels, tracking of court proceedings as well as monitoring of the quality of prosecutions across Sindh province We cordially invite you for the media coverage of Launch of Case Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) for the Prosecution Department of Sindh at Avari Towers Karachi Friday 3 September 2021 at 10:45 hrs. For further information, please contact:- Ms. Rizwana Rahool, Communications Officer, UNODC Pakistan, cell: 0301 8564255, email: rizwana.asad@un.org ***  UNODC PRESS RELEASE Sindh Police Revamped an Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit (ATFU) 2 September 2021: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with support from the European Union, and in collaboration the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) handed over varied essential equipment to revamp an Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit (ATFU) within the Counter Terrorism Department of Sindh Police during a ceremony held in Karachi in presence of members from the international community.  In addition to the equipment, which was delivered under the framework of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) project. Since last year UNODC and NACTA together have organised 10 specialized workshops on countering the financing of terrorism to enhance the knowledge and skills of investigators and prosecutors in Sindh and approximately 300 officials have been trained so far under the PACT project. While inaugurating the newly established Unit, UNODC Country Representative Dr. Jeremy Milsom emphasised on UNODC’s commitment to provide specialised training followed by making operational equipment available to investigators to support their day-to-day work.     “The Government of Sindh is a frontrunner in establishing a provincial Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit in Pakistan which includes dedicated prosecutors to readily provide legal advice to investigators. The UNODC is pleased to be part of this ground-breaking initiative under PACT project and in addition to delivery equipment we are promoting conducive work environment and specialised training to the ATFU personnel to holistically enhance its counter-terrorism financing efforts.” stated Dr. Milsom. On behalf of the European Union Mr. François Zablot, participated and acknowledged the “efforts made by Sindh Police for addressing the challenges related to terrorism financing in the province, a greater integrated approach amongst all stakeholder on information sharing was required and with the establishment of ATFU it’s a step forward in the right direction.”   The Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Counter Terrorism Department Sindh Police Mr. Omer Shahid appreciated UNODC and the European Union’s effort and extended his gratitude on behalf of the Inspector General for their generous contribution in supporting in making the ATFU functional. He stated that “the PACT initiative has and continues to bridge critical gaps to strengthen capacity of front-line investigators by enhancing their counter-terrorism capabilities. We are pleased to see that the initiative has adapted to our provincial needs and strategies and complements our efforts towards reaching our common goals.” The inauguration was attended by officials of Home Department, Sindh Police along with representative of various Consulate Generals based in Karachi. For further information or media enquiries please contact: Ms Rizwana Rahool, Communication Officer; Mobile: +923018564255; Fax: + 92-51-2601469; Email: rizwana.asad@un.org   سندھ پولیس کے انٹی ٹیررازم فنانسنگ یونٹ (اے ٹی ایف یو)  کو مضبوط بنانے کے اقدامات 2 ستمبر 2021: اقوام متحدہ کے دفتر برائے انسدادِ منشیات و جرائم (یو این او ڈی سی) نے یورپی یونین کے تعاون اور نیشنل کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم اتھارٹی (نیکٹا) کے اشتراک سے سندھ پولیس کے انٹی ٹیررازم فنانسنگ یونٹ (اے ٹی ایف یو) کو نئے سرے سے مضبوط بنانے کے لئے مختلف ضروری آلات اور سامان فراہم کر دیا ہے۔ اس سلسلے میں ایک تقریب کراچی میں منعقد ہوئی جس میں بین الاقوامی برادری کے معزز ارکان نے شرکت کی۔ "پاکستان ایکشن ٹو کاؤنٹر ٹیررازم" (پیکٹ) پرجیکٹ کے فریم ورک کے تحت فراہم کئے گئے ان آلات اور سامان کے علاوہ یو این او ڈی سی اور نیکٹا کی جانب سے گزشتہ ایک سال کے عرصے میں دہشت گردی کی مالی معاونت کے خاتمہ پر 10 سپیشلائزڈ ورکشاپس کا اہتمام بھی کیا جا چکا ہے جن کے ذریعے سندھ میں تفتیشی افسران اورپراسیکیوٹرز کے علم اور مہارتوں کو بہتر بنایا گیا۔ پیکٹ پراجیکٹ کے تحت تقریباً 300 افسران کو دہشت گردی کی مالی معاونت سے متعلق خطرات اور تفتیش کے طریقوں پر تربیت دی جا چکی ہے۔ نئے یونٹ کا افتتاح کرتے ہوئے یو این او ڈی سی کے کنٹری ریپریزنٹیٹو ڈاکٹر جیریمی ملسم نے اس بات پر زور دیا کہ یو این او ڈی سی نے تفتیشی افسران کو روزمرہ سرگرمیوں میں مدد دینے کے لئے سپیشلائزڈ تربیت اور عملی سرگرمیوں میں کام آنے والے آلات اور سامان فراہم کرنے کا تہیہ کر رکھا ہے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ حکومت سندھ نے پاکستان میں صوبائی سطح پر انٹی ٹیررازم یونٹ کے قیام میں پہل کی ہے جس میں تفتیشی افسران کو قانونی مشاورت فراہم کرنے والے پراسیکیوٹرز بھی شامل ہیں۔ ڈاکٹر جیریمی ملسم نے اس بات پر خوشی کا اظہار کیا کہ یو این او ڈی سی،  پیکٹ پراجیکٹ کے تحت عمل میں لائی جانے والی اس کاوش میں شریک ہے اور ضروری آلات و سامان کی فراہمی کے ذریعے نہ صرف سازگار ماحول پیدا کرنے پر کام کر رہا ہے بلکہ اے ٹی ایف یو، کے عملے کو سپیشلائزڈ تربیت بھی فراہم کر رہا ہے جس سے دہشت گردی کی مالی معاونت کے خاتمہ کی کوششوں کو بہتر بنانے میں مدد ملی ہے۔ تقریب میں یورپی یونین کی نمائندگی جناب فرانسوا زابلوٹ نے کی۔ اس موقع پر اظہار خیال کرتے ہوئے انہوں نے صوبہ سندھ میں دہشت گردی کی مالی معاونت سے متعلق چیلنجوں پر قابو پانے کے لئے سندھ پولیس کی کوششوں کو سراہا اور کہا کہ معلومات کے باہمی تبادلے کے لئے تمام متعلقہ فریقوں کے درمیان زیادہ باہم مربوط لائحہ عمل کی ضرورت ہے اور اے ٹی ایف یو کا قیام اس سلسلے میں درست سمت میں ایک قدم ہے۔ محکمہ انسداد دہشت گردی سندھ پولیس کے ڈپٹی انسپکٹر جنرل (ڈی آئی جی) جناب عمر شاہد نے یو این او ڈی سی اور یورپی یونین کی کوششوں کو سراہا اور اے ٹی ایف یو کو فعال بنانے میں ان کے فراخدلانہ کردار پر انسپکٹر جنرل پولیس کی جانب سے دونوں اداروں کا شکریہ ادا کیا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ پیکٹ پراجیکٹ صف اول میں کام کرنے والے تفتیشی افسران کی استعداد میں پائی جانے والی کمی کو دور کر رہا ہے اور انسداد دہشت گردی کے شعبے میں ان کی صلاحیتوں کو بہتر بنانے کے لئے سرگرم عمل ہے۔ انہوں نے اس بات پر خوشی کا اظہار کیا کہ پراجیکٹ کو صوبے کی ضروریات کے مطابق ڈھال دیا گیا ہے اور اب یہ مشترکہ مقاصد کے حصول کے لئے ہماری کوششوں کے لئے تقویت کا باعث بن رہا ہے۔   افتتاحی تقریب میں محکمہ داخلہ اور سندھ پولیس کے افسران کے علاوہ کراچی میں واقع مختلف قونصلیٹ جنرلز کے نمائندوں نے بھی شرکت کی۔ مزید معلومات یا استفسارات کے لئے رابطہ: محترمہ رضوانہ راہول، کمیونیکیشن آفیسر، موبائل:+92301856425؛ فیکس: +92-51-2601469، ای میل: rizwana.asad@un.org

The Government of Denmark signed a DKK 10 Million partnership agreement with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – UN Migration Agency in Pakistan to assist Pakistani authorities and build capacity to meet the challenges as a result of irregular migration. Under the signed partnership agreement, Denmark will provide funds to implement a comprehensive and coordinated response to combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Pakistan. The partnership agreement was signed by the H.E Lis Rosenholm, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan and Ms. Mio Sato, Chief of Mission, IOM Pakistan at the Danish Embassy in Islamabad. IOM, in close partnership with the Federal Investigation Agency of Pakistan will implement a range of activities relating to prevention of TIP and SOM as well as ensuring protection of victims of these organized crimes. IOM Pakistan has closely aligned all project activities with the priorities of the FIA as outlined in their National Action Plan (2021-2025) to Combat TIP and SOM in Pakistan. Over a duration of three years, IOM will strengthen technical capacities of relevant stakeholders’ immigration and border management officials to prevent irregular migration, work closely with vulnerable populations to encourage regular migration as opposed to irregular migration and provide direct assistance to victims of TIP and SOM, enabling them to sustainably reintegrate into the society. The new partnership is initiated in pursuance of the successfully implemented project “Enhancing Capacities to Manage Migration and Borders Project” in Pakistan. This project was also funded by Denmark and focused on (i) developing a readmission case management system, (ii) capacity building and institutional strengthening and (iii) improving the evidence base to counter migrants smuggling. The Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Lis Rosenholm, expressed her appreciation for the close cooperation with the Federal Investigation Agency and IOM, and added “Denmark’s support is in natural extension of the Danish government’s wish to work with international partners to find ways to improve the international response to challenges with irregular migration, including human trafficking and smuggling”. Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Mio Sato thanked the Government of Denmark for their gracious support towards this much-needed initiative. She added, “IOM looks forward to furthering cooperation with the Government of Denmark through this project that would significantly strengthen capacities of the FIA to curb irregular migration from Pakistan in a holistic manner”.