UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon has pleaded with member states to act together in their resolve to be the “best hope for humankind”. Addressing heads of state and government in New York, Mr Ban said if the UN, being a voice for the voiceless and defender of the defenseless should offer any genuine hope to humankind, then “we must do so for all nations and all people”. He narrated the ordeal of an 18-year-old girl in the Democratic Republic of Congo who was raped by soldiers. According to Mr Ban, “Her hope for a new life is the United Nations”. Touching on the issue of peace-building worldwide, especially in war zones like Sudan, Somalia, DR Congo and the rest, he told heads of states present that “We have made strides in getting “peace-building” right, so that societies emerging from war do not slide back into conflict”. He, however, added that “We have sharpened our tools of mediation and diplomacy so that we can stop crises from escalating into broader and more costly tragedies. According to him, the UN has created the Department of Field Support with which it is developing the “New Horizons” strategy to make peacekeeping more agile and effective. “In this, we need the strong support of Member States … just as we do to secure the safety of our brave staff serving in dangerous places, too many of whom have lost their lives in the causes we all serve”, he requested. Mr Ban advised governments to ensure that the human rights of its people are not violated, adding that where conflicts arise, justice and accountability should follow. “In our modern era, no nation, large or small, can violate the human rights of its citizens with impunity”, he warned. He also noted that even when such things happen, perpetrators should be brought to book. “That is why the work of the International Criminal Court is so vital. We look to the review conference in Kampala, next May, as an opportunity to strengthen its mandate”, he added. According to Mr Ban, UNICEF’s reports of 28 percent decline in child mortality over the past two decades are a sign of progress. However, he said “we can hope for similar progress on maternal health and mortality. He also urged that the prevention of sexual violence against women be a top priority of the UN, stressing, “let us agree: these acts are an abomination. Leaders of every nation are personally accountable when such crimes are committed within their borders. Mr Ban also stressed that when women die in childbirth and are raped as a result of wars and have nowhere to turn, “we of the UN cannot look the other way”. He, therefore, reiterated the UN’s responsibility to protect all who need protection, especially women and children. By: Dorcas Efe Mensah/myjoyonline.com/Ghana