Seven UN agencies on Wednesday called for a ceasefire in Libya to try to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
They said the international community “must not turn a blind eye to the conflict” in Libya, where 64 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed.
The heads of the agencies said the confirmed cases included three deaths and were reported in different parts of Libya, showing that “the risk of further escalation of the outbreak is very high".
They said the conflict was having a “catastrophic effect on civilians, including migrants and refugees, across the country”.
The leaders backed the call by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire to tackle the pandemic.
The agencies asked donors to “continue to show their generosity and stand by the people of Libya in their quest for peace and in this moment of great need”.
Libya has been in turmoil since 2011, when long-time dictator Muammar Qaddafi was toppled. The country has been split between rival administrations in the east and the west.
The signatories to the statement included UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock, refugee head Filippo Grandi and World Health Organisation director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The others were Unicef executive director Henrietta Fore, UN Population Fund executive director Natalia Kanem, World Food Programme executive director David Beasley, and International Organisation for Migration director general Antonio Vitorino.
They said the situation for many migrants and refugees “is especially alarming,” with more than 3,200 people intercepted at sea since January having been returned to Libya.
The UN has repeatedly said the country is not safe and they should not be returned to detention.
“Many end up in one of the 11 official detention centres,” they said. “Others are taken to facilities or unofficial detention centres to which the humanitarian community does not have access.”
The agencies said the UN has verified 113 cases of “grave violations” in Libya over the past year.
Since January, they said, “at least 15 attacks have damaged health facilities and ambulances, and injured healthcare workers”.
As a result of the coronavirus spreading, most cities in Libya “are facing shortages of basic food items coupled with an increase in prices", the agencies said.
They urged continued support for food availability, “so that this health crisis does not worsen by becoming a food crisis".
The agencies also urged protection for water supplies, which have been damaged during fighting. Water is crucial for basic virus prevention measures including hand washing.
Humanitarian groups reported 851 incidents in which their personnel and aid were prevented from entering Libya or moving within the country.
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Empty Words
By Mario Levrero
(Coffee House Press)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
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