Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

June 19, 2019June 19, 2019 / WIT / Leave a comment

Today’s morning gathering of the Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment (UN Women) marked the commencement of the 2019 annual session to discuss the organization’s operations, administration, and progress over the last year.

The opening statement for the conference was delivered by the Under-Secretary General and Executive Director for UN Women, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngucka. Following the welcome of new senior staff members and Staff Council appointments, the major achievements of the organization were described in a review of the Annual Report. Moreover, Ms. Ngucka highlighted adjustments engendered by the UN reform, difficulty in guaranteeing stable funding, and the dissemination of resources as prominent challenges.

The agenda for the remainder of the Annual Session was then presented to delegates, who were subsequently invited to provide input through participation in a General Discussion. While comments reflected uniform support for the work of UN Women, representatives from member nations put forth recommendations for strengthened commitment to specific gender-related issues such as income security, disproportionate effects of climate change on women, and the possibility of heightened cooperation with men and boys. Further, the decentralization of operations through partnerships at the country level and continued collaboration with other UN organizations were urged to improve UN Women’s efficiency and effectiveness.

https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2013/07/un-women-the-united-nations-entity-for-gender-equality-and-the-empowerment-of-women/

Meeting: Executive Board of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Date/Location:Tuesday, 18 June, 2019; 10:00-13:00; Conference Room 3, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Speakers:

H.E. Ms. Penelope Althea Beckles, President of UN Women;

Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngucka, Under-Secretary General and Executive Director, UN Women;

Mr. Jean-Luc Bories, Secretary of the Executive Board, UN Women;

H.E. Mrs. Katalin Annamária Bogyay, Vice President, UN Women;

Ms. Natalie Cohen, Vice President, UN Women;

H.E. Ms. Koki Muli Grignon, Vice President, UN Women;

Ms. Åsa Regnér, Deputy Executive Director for Normative Support, UN System Coordination and Programme Results, Assistant Secretary-General, UN Women;

Interventions from Representatives

Written by: WIT Representative, Izabela Zawartka

Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

June 12, 2019June 18, 2019 / WIT / Leave a comment

Source: https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/conference-of-states-parties-to-the-convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-2.html

The afternoon session of the “Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” was a continuation of the debate commenced in the morning, convened in order to hear comments from member states, as well as relevant NGOs, and IGOs. Nations such as India, Japan, and Jordan expressed their support through a multitude of ways; many countries have established disability acts which provide the disabled with accommodations in the work place or in school. Specifically, initiatives have been undertaken to educate these individuals on how to reach their full potential despite their disability, and funding has been provided for tools to help them (i.e cochlear implants, books in braille). Despite the progress underscored by the participants, many also sought to emphasize the necessity of future progress, including the enactment of more comprehensive policies regarding persons with disabilities. The great potential to be unlocked by expanded employment of PWDs as well as technologies to facilitate communal, rather than institutional care, were discussed by the Representatives of the United Kingdom and Hungary, respectively. These disability acts also push for the inclusion of disabled people in the workplace and in schools instead of isolating them from society. It was emphasized how deaf children in several countries often don’t have the opportunity to learn their region’s sign language until five years of age or older, thus putting them behind their fellow peers. It is essential that this circumstance be put to an end, and it should be encouraged to provide help for those who need help, no matter what condition they’re in, or what disability they have.

Meeting: General Debate of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Date/Location: Tuesday, June 10, 2019; 15:00-18:00; Conference Room 4, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
Speakers:

H.E. Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr, Permanent Representative of Liberia and Vice President of the Conference;
Representative of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania;
H.E. Ms.Cynthia Morrison, Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection of Ghana;
Distinguished Representative of the World Federation of the Deaf;
His Royal Highness, Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein, President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Chair of Delegation of Jordan;
Representative of the Government Minister Department for Work and Pensions of the United Kingdom;
First Deputy Minister of Ukraine;
Mr. Richard Dimech, Chief of Staff of the Ministry for the Family, Children’s Rights, and Social Solidarity of Malta;
H.E. Mr. Riyad Mansour Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations;
Mrs. Racardia Dennis, Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities of the Republic of Liberia;
H.E. Ms. Katalin Annamaria Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations;
Distinguished Representative of the Christian Blind Mission;
Mr. Avremi Torem, Commissioner of the Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Chair of the Delegation of Israel;
Coordinator for Social Affairs Ministry of Social Affairs, Justice, and Interior of the Principality of Andorra;
H.E. Mr.Finian McGrath, Minister of State for Disability Issues for Ireland;
H.E. Mr. Yasuhisa Kawamura, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations;
President of China Disabled Persons’ Federation;
Director of the National Service of People with Disabilities of Chile;
Director of the National Program of Disability and Chair of the Delegation of Uruguay;
Director of the Social Affairs and Inclusion Department of the European Commission, Chair of Delegation of the European Union;
Distinguished Representative of Disabled Peoples International;
Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau for the Equality of People with Disabilities, Switzerland;
Minister at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria;
Representative of India

Written by:WIT Interns Izabela Zawartka, Ikonii Chiabi, and Jenifer Miller

Globalization and Interdependence

November 26, 2018November 26, 2018 / WIT / Leave a comment

Globalization offers both opportunities and challenges to the world. The world has been progressing, however, some nations are extremely more developed than others proving that there is an inequality between countries. No concrete action in combating inequality between countries. In order to properly move forward, developed nations must help developing nations advance in areas they lack in.

One trend that is always innovating is technology. New technologies have lead us to the fourth industrial revolution. The rapid pace of science and technology has fundamentally changed economies and societies. There has been economic growth as we are recovering from global economic crises. Developing nations have growing GDPs, however, they are far from reaching the goal of eliminating inequality by 2030. Therefore, while keeping progress within ethical boundaries, we must create and share opportunities with them. Technology transfer is vital to the development of countries. In terms of the economy, international trade is also important for development. There needs to be both economic growth and an eradication of poverty. With respect to national policies, the trade should also be non-discriminatory.

We must also tackle climate change on a global scale. Emissions reduction are not meeting what is needed and environmental protection must be a priority. Without doing so, industries are promoting future natural disasters. Speakers also brought up the topic of global migration and refugee crisis. Migration is a population change, and governments need to be able to provide better transit and destination for these large flows of international migrants. Contrary to what some people believe, migrants provide economic and social development in host countries. They add fresh skills to the economy, making migration an enabler of development. However, they need full respect for human rights, regardless of their migration state. Effective social communications in host countries are needed to combat issues like xenophobia. Migrant children are also a vulnerable population, and measures must be taken to provide for their health and education.

Globalization will help the world, but as mentioned, it is far from being equal, and therefore, need more multilateral cooperation to prepare for the future. There needs to be more of an equitable spread of globalization as we attempt to make progress toward the goal of sustainable development.

Meeting: Economic and Financial Committee: Globalization and interdependence – Item 22

Location/time/date:Conference Room 2, UN HQ-NYC; 10:00 PM – 12:45 PM, October 19, 2018

Speakers: Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Economic Analysis and Policy Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Written by: WIT Representative Yasmeen Razack

SDG Two: “Zero Hunger” is Currently Unattainable by 2030

October 23, 2018November 3, 2018 / WIT / Leave a comment

Goal Two of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals is to achieve “Zero Hunger,” or further explained as “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.” According to the World Food Programme, 821 million people (1 in 9 persons) go to sleep without food each night. An even greater statistic is that 1 in 3 people suffer from some form of malnutrition. In a global perspective, these issues are not necessarily from a shortage of food, but rather, a lack of access to it. Some may not be able to afford it, while others may be in areas with a supply that doesn’t support their whole population. There are even “hunger seasons” which occur in agricultural areas and communities in some countries. This is when food runs out between planting and harvesting. This is especially detrimental to people living in rural areas and farmers, who only rely on what is grown.

Most speakers were on the same page when speaking on this issue, in which, the world is not on track to achieve Goal 2 by 2030 unless changes and improvements begin now. The main topics and issues that were continuously brought up were agriculture, poverty, and climate change.

Agriculture was brought up by most speakers who mentioned how it plays a crucial role, and therefore, must be prioritized and expanded. The representative of Mali talked about how the agriculture sector is the backbone of their country but is facing challenges like ensuring food to their growing population, especially in the context of climate change. Climate change is a huge issue which affects many other matters aside from food insecurity. Climate change deals with natural disasters, droughts, and floods which affect food production and distribution. Many also brought up the link between poverty and hunger/malnutrition. Poverty and hunger are in a cyclical pattern. Poverty is a driver of hunger, especially how most impoverished people in the world live in rural areas and therefore rely on agriculture to support them.

Meeting: Committee on Agriculture development, food security and nutrition; 73rd Session
Location/time/date: Conference Room 2, UN HQ-NYC; 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM,
October 12, 2018
Speakers:
● The Chair (Guatemala) Representatives of Egypt (on behalf of the Group of 77 and
China), Myanmar (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Malawi (on
behalf of the Least Developed Countries), Guyana (on behalf of the Caribbean
Community), Maldives (on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States), Morocco (on
behalf of the African States), El Salvador (on behalf of the Community of Latin
American and Caribbean States), India, the Russian Federation, Costa Rica, the Sudan,
Algeria, Afghanistan, Nicaragua Jamaica, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ukraine, Cambodia,
China, the United Arab Emirates, Tonga, Mozambique, Morocco, Brazil, Ethiopia,
Zambia, the Philippines, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Mali,
Finland, Indonesia, Nepal, Burkina Faso, and Saudi Arabia, as well as by the observer for
the Holy See.
● The representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Written by: WIT Representative Yasmeen Razack

The right to say no: 72nd session Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

July 31, 2018 / WIT / Leave a comment

Bad mothers. Loose Morals. Lack of femininity. That is how world leaders such as Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and President Donald Trump refer to women’s rights activists. Both men have continuously made women the butt of the joke of their presidencies with Donald Trump’s famous “Grab her by the pussy” and President Duterte’s continuous rape jokes and command to shoot women rebels in the genitals. According to the Andrew Gilmour, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, this is the continued norm of how the world treats women.

The conference held on July 26^th, 2018 shed light on the deeply rooted patriarchy engrained into our international system that has resulted in the championing of white males in human rights movements and the vilification of the women actually affected.

Lolita Chavez has been the target of 5 assassination attempts, two massive hate attacks, lynching attempts, accused of illegal entry, and has had more than 25 petitions filed against her in court resulting in a forced exile from Guatemala. What could cause this type of horrific backlash on a 5-foot-tall mother of 2? Her advocacy for indigenous people and the environment. In Uganda, Brenda Kuganza has been punched in the gut by a policeman, slaughtered on social media for defending victims of sexual violence and has had to witness her friends be brutally attacked, arrested, and/or killed for wanting the right to say no.

People trying to defend their territories and rights are sidelined – jailed, tortured, raped. Now more than ever, there is a need for concrete action from the international community but also a needed refrain by states in legislation and policy of repression action against human rights defenders. The governments in places such as Guatemala, Uganda, Nicaragua need to make the role of human rights defenders facilitative not restrictive.

There needs to be an understanding that human rights defenders are not performing a job. There is a deep commitment to protecting life, livelihood, and the dignity of communities. That is what empowers these women to endure layers of oppression and brutality.

Meeting: Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women; 72^nd Session

Location/time/date: Conference Room 2, UNHQ-NYC; July 26^th, 2018

Speakers: Michéle Forest, Special Rapporteur; Andrew Gilmour, Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights; Marusia Lopez Cruz, Senior Associate, Power & Protection of Women’s Activist; Lolita Chavez; Brenda Kuganza; Asha Kowtal; Miriam Miranda

Written by: WIT Representative Ariel Granat

GFMD Perspective on Migration for Sustainable and Resilient Societies

July 28, 2018July 28, 2018 / WIT / Leave a comment

https://www.facebook.com/gfmdsu/

The meeting was a side-event to the annual high-level political forum on sustainable development at the United Nations headquarters. It focused on the inter-linkages between migration and sustainable development goals (SDGs). In the opening remarks, Mr. El Habib Nadir from Morocco highlighted the relevance of resolving the problem of migration for achieving SDGs. Ms. Eva Åkerman Börje from UN Special Representative for International Migration emphasized the need to put more attention on the implementation of SDGs and its relation to migration.

During the panel discussion, speakers identified several SDGs where migration plays a key role. For example, Ms. Charu Bist from UNDP underlined that the varying development level of countries drives the flow of migration. Mr. Dilip Ratha from the World Bank demonstrated the increasing number of forcibly displaced people due to climate change. Ms. Colleen Thouez from Open Society Foundations underscored the importance for cities and inter-city networks to build capacity with urban planning in order to make themselves resilient in the face of an influx of migrants.

At the end of the meeting, speakers concurred that all relevant actors are significant in the dialogue of migration and sustainable development. Particularly, Ms. Karin Goebel, Minister of German Economic Department, called for involvement of stakeholders, including national governments, UN bodies and civil society.

Meeting: GFMD Perspective on Migration for Sustainable and Resilient Societies (organized by Germany and Morocco, GFMD 2017-2018 Co-Chairs)

Date/Location: Friday 13th July 2018; 13:15-14:30; German House, 871 United Nations Plaza, New York.

Speakers:

Mr. El Habib Nadir, Secretary General, Ministry Delegate to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of Moroccans Living Abroad and Migration Affairs;

Ms. Eva Åkerman Börje, Senior Policy Advisor Office of the UN Special Representative for International Migration;

Ms. Charu Bist, Senior Jobs and Livelihoods Advisor, United Nations Development Programme;

Mr. Dilip Ratha, Head – KNOMAD, Lead Economist – Migration and Remittances, Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice, The World Bank;

Ms. Colleen Thouez, Director, Welcoming and Integrated Societies Division, Open Society Foundations;

Mr. Julian Pfäfflin, Senior Policy Officer International Migration, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development;

Ms. Marta Foresti, Managing Director, Overseas Development institute;

Ms. Karin Goebel, Minister, Head of Economic Department, Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UN.

Written by WIT representative Vivian Wang

9th session of the OEWGA Side Event: Addressing Inequalities Experienced by Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Questioning and Intersex People (LGBTQI)

July 25, 2018July 25, 2018 / WIT / Leave a comment

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Di0YiDzXsAAUoOn.jpg

In recent years, there have been more spontaneous international movements towards liberalising LGBTQI individuals. However, older LGBTQI individuals still experience social discrimination and cultural stigma. For example, interactions with older LGBTQI population could bring social discomfort to individuals. Together with the cumulative effects of ageing societies, the psychological stress encountered by the older LGBTQI have been traumatised, not to mention their access to health care services specialised for LGBTQI individuals. Hence, this side event aimed to address the inequalities by older LGBTQI people and discuss the call to action on behalf of older LGBTQI population.

The meeting drew attention to criminalisation of older LGBTQI population in over 70 countries worldwide. Intergovernmental organisations were called upon to decriminalise older LGBTQI population with the provision of LGBTQI-friendly facilities and comprehensive academic research on the inequalities of older LGBTQI population.The side event then heard briefings from representatives of Brazil and the United States of America. Representing Brazil, Dr. Alexandre Kalache underscored that the denial of older LGBTQI population varies with the governance. He expressed the imminent need to consider different age groups and address proper terminologies of the LGBTQI population. On the other hand, in view of mounting concerns about ageing from the younger LGBTQI people, Mr. Fabrice Houdart from the United States of America drew attention to alleviating psychological stress and isolation from the present and future LGBTQI elderly.

In conclusion there was a call to action on behalf of older LGBTQI people. More public information on catering the social, psychological and medical needs of older LGBTQI population should be disseminated. More trainings on providing gender-friendly services at elderly care centres and public housing should also be provided.

Date/Location: Monday 23rd July 2018; 15:00 to 16:30; Conference Room E, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Speaker(s):

Ms. Maria Sjodin, Deputy Executive Director, Outright Action International

Dr Alexandre Kalache, Co-President, International Longevity Centre (ILC) Global Alliance; President, ILC-Brazil

Mr. Michael Adams, CEO, SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders)

Mr. James O’Neal, United Nations Representative, International Federation on Ageing

Mr. Fabrice Houdart, Human Rights Officer, Office the High Commissioner on Human Rights

Written by: WIT Representative LAU Chun Ki

An exceptional book launch event: In honour of the Nelson Mandela Centenary

July 25, 2018July 25, 2018 / WIT / Leave a comment

http://shop.un.org/sites/shop.un.org/files/Shop_MandellaDay.jpg

July 18, 2018 (Wednesday) marked 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African Civil Rights leader. Underling universal values on peace, forgiveness, integrity, passion, respect and service, Nelson Mandela was an exemplar of dedication to advocate peace and promote social equality. Indisputably regarded as the leading figure of theUnited Nations, Nelson Mandela was renowned for recognising human rights with courage and compassion.

In honour of Nelson Mandela’s Centenary, the book titled “The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela” was officially launched today at the United Nations Headquarters. Enclosed with 255 personal letters, the book provided a remarkable insight into how the imprisoned Mandela maintained his inner spirits and engaged with the outside world. Not only did the letters underscore the importance of recognising human rights, Nelson Mandela also seized the opportunities of writing letters to draw attention from outside world to gender-based injustice issues back to the late 20th century.

“Whatever happened in prison, Nelson Mandela would keep his personality and treat everybody with the greatest dignity and respect.” said Ms. Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela’s global vision to revolutionise the movement of civil rights shall continue to impact on our world.

Date/Location: Friday 20th July 2018; 14:00 to 15:00; United Nations Bookshop, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Speaker(s):
Ms. Sahm Venter, Senior Researcher, The Nelson Mandela Foundation
Ms. Zamaswazi Dlamini-Mandela, Granddaughter of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
Mr. Andrew Gilmour, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights

Written by: WIT Representative LAU Chun Ki

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