Civil society

Child Labor & Slavery – DPI/NGO Special Briefing with 2014 Nobel Laureate

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96300941Susan Bissell began this briefing by reminding the audience of the 168 million children toiling in child labor or slavery. These crimes deprive children of their right to a protected and healthy childhood and to an education. A great majority of countries have ratified legal frameworks for responsibilities and commitments to children and there is no lack of political commitment to tackle child labor and slavery. There is, however, still a need to challenge cultural norms at national and subnational levels that allow for its continued presence. There is demand by many actors to have stakeholders do more. Bissell recommends that greater data on child slavery be used in order to encourage more effective action.

Mr. Satyarthi added that for every statistic on child labor, there is a cry, and for every figure, a face. This cry is one for freedom; to simply be a child. He believes that we cannot achieve development goals without a strong commitment against child labor. We must dream that every child will achieve primary education instead of being forced into marriage or given guns instead of toys.

There is also a vicious cycle between poverty and child labor–children are preferred as workers because of their low cost. As a result, there must be clear language in the Sustainable Development Goals to combat child labor and slavery. In Mr. Satyarthi’s words, “The number of child laborers has been decreased and it is good news, but we have to work harder. The number of child slaves did not decrease at all. We did not make progress in the most heinous crime against humanity.” To combat child slavery, Satyarthi says we must (1) strengthen the UN system and build belief in multilateralism; (2) address the need for deeper and broader interagency cooperation; and (3) ensure that the UN be proactive rather than reactive.

 

Meeting: DPI/NGO Special Briefing with 2014 Nobel Laureate
Date & Location: 17 March 2015, ECOSOC Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Maher Nasser, Moderator, Director, Outreach Division, Department of Public Information; Susan Bissell, Chief of Child Protection, Programme Division, UNICEF; Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Chairperson, Global March Against Child Labor.
Written By WIT Representative: James Victory
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Commission on the Status of Women – OECD Development Centre Side Event

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csw-logoMs. Northover stressed the importance of addressing the social norms of males and females, focusing on eradicating female genital mutilation and discussed the difference between male and female violence. She further stated that gender equality is essential to SDGs focused on eradicating poverty. Ms. Nordstrom presented evidence of gender discrimination through statistics in order to show where it exists. This information is necessary in the effort to improve the lives of women.

It is difficult to change social norms–no country is free from discrimination. Indeed, while some nations have excellent constitutions that promote equality, customary laws and norms may actually prevent the implementation of those laws. Gender equality is a prerequisite for a transformative agenda that empowers women and men and allows people to contribute to their societies. Today’s speakers affirmed that there should be a world in which all people are free from violence, benefit from public services (education and health), have sexual and reproductive rights, economic and ownership rights, access to assets, and paid employment.

Ms. Nowacka discussed gender gaps in employment, education, and mortality rates. More specifically, she examined laws that discriminate against women, the prevalence of early marriage, and the effectiveness of legal implementation. Customary laws negate progressive gender equality codes in many countries. Gender equality, she said, requires constant vigilance and investment. Ms. Nowacka focused on the effect of early marriage on female education, employment, and income and addressed the need to invest in human capital. Mr. Crownover introduced a program that educates adolescent males on gender equality. Ms. Chandra highlighted the weak practice of gender equality laws, saying that women are viewed as a burden (especially through the dowry practice), which has led to increasing cases of missing girls. People do not want to invest in their daughters. Stronger measures need to be taken within the government to ensure laws are followed.

Meeting: OECD Development Centre side event to 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Jointly held with the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finalnd: Achieving Beijing: The Role of Social Norms for Gender Equality
Date & Location: 11 March 2015, Conference Room 7, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Moderator Baroness Lyndsay Northover, Department for International Development (DFID), UK, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development; Nina Nordstrom, Director, Unit for Human Rights Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Helsinki; Keiko Nowacka, OECD Development Centre, Gender Programme Coordinator; John Crownover, Care International, Programme Advisor and Gender and Youth Development Expert; Shailaja Chandra, Former Chief Secretary of Delhi
Written by WIT Representative: Ellie Guner
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Roadmap for ECOSOC Dialogue on Longer-term Positioning of UN Development System

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            711-1This meeting discussed ECOSOC’s roadmap for the long-term vision of the UN Development System, which is oriented towards entering into inclusive and purposeful discussions that will help direct the future of the UNDS from a system-wide perspective. The dialogue occurs in a segmented fashion, with each segment focusing on a particular function of ECOSOC.

            Several sessions of the dialogue have already occurred, focusing on several key challenges facing UNDS, including the task of implementing the post-2015 development agenda in a way that ensures its universal application and the integration of economic, social, and environmental development. The Integration Segment as well as the Humanitarian Affairs segment, both of which will occur later this year, were discussed at today’s briefing.

            The overall focus of this year’s Integration Segment will be achieving sustainable development “through employment creation and decent work for all,” both of which are incorporated in the proposed SDG #8. Full and productive employment and decent work for all are understood to be among the most effective roads leading out of poverty, thus linking their achievement to the ultimate success of the sustainable development agenda as a whole. Mr. Drobnjak noted that, unfortunately, economic growth in many countries has not led to a corresponding rise in decent work opportunities. This, combined with youth unemployment, has contributed to growing inequalities and increased social strife. Further, the continued onset of climate change threatens to erode development gains made thus far.

            The Humanitarian Affairs Segment is expected to produce a strong resolution that strengthens the coordination of the emergency humanitarian assistance supplied by UN emergency services as well as ensuring that these mechanisms remain relevant to current global challenges and the future landscape of humanitarian assistance needs. In addition to the presence of several high-level government and civil society leaders, the Humanitarian Affairs segment will also feature the formal inclusion of affected people.

Meeting: Roadmap for ECOSOC Dialogue on longer-term positioning of UN Development System (informal briefings for non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council)
Date & Location: 16 March 2015, Economic and Social Council Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: H.E. María Emma Mejía Vélez (Colombia), Vice-President of the Council; H.E. Vladimir Drobnjak (Croatia), Vice-President of the Council; H.E. Mohamed Khaled Khiari (Tunisia), Vice-President of the Council
Written by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Men and Boys Against Gender Stereotypes and Violence Against Women

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genderequalityThe Commission on the Status of Women held a panel discussion on the active involvement of males in achieving gender equality. Kristin Hetle delivered an opening speech framing the difficulties in attaining equality. Often, gender-based violence (GBV) is considered the only hurdle left. Hetle asserted that, though violence is a serious matter, gender equality requires a more nuanced solution. It is crucial to target harmful underlying mentalities. In her home country of Norway, a university conducted a study in which participants were asked to choose between equally qualified male and female job candidates. Participants of both genders considered the male candidate as more qualified. Based on this, Hetle argued that our society is still subconsciously subject to gender inequality. She asked for men to not be silent bystanders to gender inequality.

Professor Hashimoto spoke briefly on the state of GBV in Japan, a country with notable levels of domestic violence. Luckily, there is significant progress0–more and more women report to domestic violence centers and do not suffer the blame for their abuse. However, Japan suffers from insufficient legal measures to rein in the sex industry, an area in which underage females may be at risk.

A representative from DIRE, a network of Italian equality organizations, asked whether gender-balanced panels were discriminatory for prioritizing gender over knowledge. She also asked about education practices used to instill values of gender equality. To answer, Sasdamoiden stated that, at least in the EU, there are consistent structural issues present in choosing panels, and skill is overshadowed by biases that see men as being more qualified than women. Gender-balanced panels thus adjust for this.

Meeting: #thingsmendo: Men and Boys against Gender Stereotypes and Violence against Women
Sponsor: Commission on the Status of Women (NGO CSW)
Date & Location: 11 March 2015, Conference Room 11, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Kristin Hetle, UN Director of Strategic Partnerships for Women; Giovanna Martelli, Gender Equality Advisor to the Prime Minister of Italy; Hiroko Hashimoto, Professor of Women’s Studies at Jumonji University; Polish Plenipotentiary on the Equal Status of Women; Sala Sasdamoiden, Representative of European Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy
Written By WIT Representative: Alis Yoo
Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls for a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda

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gender equality 3 _640This meeting featured distinguished panelists, member states, and civil society organizations that discussed the critical importance of incorporating benchmarks and policies dedicated to promoting gender equality and female empowerment within the transformative post-2015 development agenda. In particular, representatives stressed the necessity for prioritizing the economic and political empowerment of women through offering women greater opportunities within both the public and private sectors.

Ms. Kabeer focused on the wide variety of gender stereotypes that serve as barriers towards enabling women to effectively participate in politics and urged the adoption of infrastructure and public services that will enable women to thrive in society. Ms. Kabeer looked favorably upon establishing a standalone goal in the SDGs dedicated to promoting gender equality in political life. Ms. Clark described a robust vision for improving the lives of women around the world, as empowering women is essential to the success of both the international community and the sustainable development goals. The representative from Montenegro proclaimed a commitment toward facilitating the inclusion of women in the economy and developing a cooperative approach for all stakeholders. The economic empowerment of women not only assists them, but also contributes to global poverty reduction. Additionally, the delegate from Brazil affirmed that gender equality can only be achieved through the collaboration of civil society and governments.

Furthermore, representatives emphasized the significance of strengthening both accessibility and quality of education, seeing as how education is integral in instilling foundational and transferable skills that will benefit women that are becoming active global citizens. Mr. Osothimehin spoke about analyzing education holistically and improving standards of innovation, which would allow adolescent girls the ability to develop a comprehension of technical and vocational skills. Next, Ms. Hayshi alluded to alarming gender inequities like discrimination, lack of equal pay, and violence, which serve as impediments toward female empowerment. Finally, the President of the General Assembly concluded the debate by pointing out that sustainable development cannot be attained without valuable contributions from women.

Meeting: High-level Thematic Debate on Advancing Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls for a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda
Date & Location: Friday, 6 March 2015, UN Trusteeship Chamber, UN Headquarters, New York
Speakers: Naila Kabeer, Professor of Gender and Development at the Gender Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science; Helen Clark, Administrator of United Nations Development Programme; Irina Bokova, Director General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund; Yoko Hayashi Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; Geeta Rao Gupta, Deputy Executive Director for Programs United Nations Children Fund; Representative from International Labor Organization; Representative of Montenegro, Representative of Latvia, Representative of Ecuador, Representative of Zimbabwe, Representative of Finland, Representative of Ukraine, Representative of Brazil, Representative of Canada.
Written By WIT Representative: Parth Shingala
Edited By WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

Seminar on Peaceful and Inclusive Societies and Democratic Governance

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International_Peace_Day_logoThis meeting elaborated on a report written by Dr. Timothy Sisk, whose presentation formed the majority of the afternoon’s discussion. Given that 2015 is the designated time for the 10-year review of the UN’s peacebuilding architecture, this talk about the foundational elements of a peaceful and inclusive society had particular relevance.

Dr. Sisk began his presentation by noting that, contrary to the typical level of discord among scholars, there is a broad consensus within the research community regarding the idea of peace as a prerequisite for development. Many elements of the UN’s post-2015 agenda are therefore tied to peaceful relations among and within countries around the world.

The principle finding of Dr. Sisk’s report is that poverty is increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected countries. For many the roughly 60-80 countries classified as fragile, violence, poverty, and poor governance have become mutually reinforcing elements of a vicious cycle that prevents the success of development initiatives. As violence is reduced, however, and post-conflict development is begun, virtuous cycles can be created.

Dr. Sisk’s report found that peace, development, and governance are all interrelated. The level of inclusivity and democratic participation within a society contributes both to peace and development—the presence of robust civil and political society and the establishment of norms of equality and inclusion have historically led to a rapid growth in democracy. Social cohesion is extremely important, especially in fragile states. When a state is on the path to development, no real results will be achieved without an underlying base of social cohesion.

Dr. Sisk concluded by urging a continued, dedicated effort at reducing conflict, including social and interpersonal violence. Further, in developing states, access to justice is vital in creating positive perceptions of a government for its citizens, and state accountability in general will encourage individual citizens to make personal investments in the country’s advancement.

Meeting: Seminar on “Peaceful and Inclusive Societies and Democratic Governance.”
Date & Location: 6 February 2015, Conference Room 8, United Nations Headquarters, New York.
Speakers: Ms. Yvonne Lodico, Head of the UNITAR New York Office; Mr. Massimo Tommasoli, Permanent Observer for International IDEA to the United Nations; Mr. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velásquez, Permanent Representative of Peru to the United Nations; Dr. Timothy Sisk, Professor, Associate Dean for Research, University of Denver; Thomas Gass, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
Written By WIT Representative: Philip Bracey

“The Holocaust, Homosexuals and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Today”

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The United Nations DPI/NGO Relations organized and led an expert panel to discuss the International Holocaust Remembrance Day that the United Nations honored on January 27th. In particular, this meeting was created to talk about the treatment of homosexuals and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender during this period of time. The Chief of NGO Relations, Mr. Brez stated that we can achieve the United Nation’s goal and mission of leaving no person behind in 2015. 220px-Pink_triangle_up.svgThus, learning from the plights of subcultures within society will help us engender a more positive, accepting outlook on the rest of humankind. The next speaker, Mr. Jensen, talked about the history of the treatment of homosexuals in Nazi Germany: “Carl Vaernet conducted experiments on those convicted of homosexuality at Buchenwald.” He emphasized the idea that understanding history is crucial in understanding the atrocity of the crimes committed against human kind. The next speaker, Mr. Bustamante stressed how learning about the history of the Rights of Discriminated people aligns with the UN’s goal of advocacy and education. He stated, “equality is for all, and no one should be discriminated against.” Mr. Radcliffe spoke of the human right abuses in Nazi Germany and the progress humanity has made to have a more inclusive society, accepting of same-sex relationships as well as other definitions of “family.” However, he qualified those statements by reminding the audience that some countries today are still behind the curve, and there are still people and groups of people that are discriminated against. In closing, Mr. Radcliffe suggested that there remains work to be done to make sure groups are not marginalized, and one important step would be advocating policy and legislative change by working with civil societies, victims, and human rights monitors.

Meeting: The Holocaust, Homosexuals and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Today

Thursday, January 29, 2015; 11:00-12:30; Conference Room 2

Speakers: Jeffrey Brez, Chief of NGO Relations and Advocacy at UN Department of Public Information; Erik Jensen, Associate Professor of history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; Charles Radcliffe, Chief of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; Rafael de Bustamante, Counselor – Human Rights and Social Affairs – EU Delegation to the UN

Written By: Daniel Cho

Edited By: Modou Cham

United We Stand

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Image From: www.un.org

Image From: http://www.un.org

The meeting opened with spoken word by Ms. Imani Woomera, whose poem “Cultural Choice” celebrated diversity. She then performed the poem “Mosquito” with her son, Zion, about environmental sustainability. The title refers to how something so small can impact people, much akin to how one person with one action can have a profound effect on the world around them. Following this, Ms. Morris, a survivor of 9/11 in the 88th floor in one of the twin towers, gave a heartfelt recollection of the attack. She described descending numerous flights of stairs before receiving a car ride from a stranger to see her four-year-old daughter at her school in Midtown.

Next, Mr. Abouelnaga, with his organization Practice Makes Perfect, supplies over 500 low-income children with education tools. Despite the modest living conditions of his neighborhood, he desired to help the children in his community rather than focus on his own need. He was resourceful in attempting to fund Practice Makes Perfect, sharing his cause on social media and writing to wealthy donors. He emphasized that change comes from within, in that the solutions for environmental sustainability and positive world change stem from the will to act and make connections with their fellow communities.

Title: Inspiring Voices: Transforming the World, Lives and Communities

Date/Location: Thursday, 22 January 2014; 11:00-12:30; Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium

Speakers: Imani Woomera, Lyricist and Poet; Zion Miyonga, high school student; Roszel A. Morris, Counter-Terrorism Committee, Executive Directorate United Nations; Karim Abouelnaga, Founder and CEO Practice Makes Perfect;

Written By: Elise Freeman

Edited By: Modou Cham

Women and Climate Change

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This meeting discussed climate change and its relationship with women. Ms.Nusseibeh explained that women comprise up to 60% of the agricultural work force in some countries and farms can be devastated by drought and desertification. Women are also more vulnerable to violence when they are required to travel farther to gather essential supplies and during periods of forced migration. Mr. Sachs discussed areas where funding needed to be “scaled-up”. Examples included education, which he claimed was essential to women empowerment and sustainable development goals and clean energy, to mitigate the effects of climate change. Ms. Puri stated that empowering

women was essential to finding solutions to both gender equality and climate change. Climate change and extreme weather also has an effect on society, as conflict, often derived from gender inequality, is worsened by these environmental changes. For examples, in small island states, rising sea levels have caused forced migration, exacerbating social tensions in these regions. She also stated that the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka killed approximately 1 in 5 displaced women, nearly twice the amount of displaced men. Ms. Markham emphasized the need for women to be active in policymaking because it is necessary to mitigate climate change. To do this, the insecure land and tenure rights, obstructed access to national resources, the burden of domestic duty, and other social restrictions placed upon women need to be lifted in order to increase decision making within women and girls. Ms. Blomstrom continued upon this point, as she stressed the necessity of adequate legal framework to allow women to become empowered activists and leaders.

 

Title: Women, Peace, Security in the Context of Climate Change

Date/Location: Thursday, 15 January 2015; 13:15-14:45; Conference Room 4
Speakers: Lana Nusseibeh Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations; Susan Markham, Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment; Eleanor Blomstrom, Program Director for Women’s Environment and Development Organization (WEDO); Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women; Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Professor of Health Policy and Management and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University
Written By: Elise Freeman
Edited By: Modou Cham

Event on: “Globalization and Sustainable Development: The Role of Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations and the Private Sector”

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sdg2All representatives at the event on “Globalization and sustainable development: The role of governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector”emphasized that each individual is a part of one humanity. NGOs should increase their participation in globalization with the UN and the private sector.

President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser started the meeting by highlighting the importance of technology in our daily lives. Technology not only impacts economic growth, but also benefits the globalization of public policy and social structure. Moreover, the demand for globalization and sustainable development increases the need for international cooperation and government support. He and other representatives agreed that a stable government is required and governments thus need to work with NGOs and the private sector to make globalization more efficient.

Dr. B. K. Modi stated that the UN and NGOs cannot be separated and should work together with each other. Ambassador Michele Klein-Solomon said that globalization is a great benefit for the world because it gives positive aspects to all current and subsequent generations. However, he stated that there are unbalanced opportunities between individuals. Therefore, governments should fairly handle human capital to have more opportunities in peoples’ lives. Multi-cultural areas have become a norm in society rather than an exception and migration should be supplemented with education to promote cultural development.

Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury and Mr. Gary C. K. Huang claimed that globalization cannot create more division or disparity. There are three objectives of globalization: education, sustainability, and transformation. More students should be in schools to get quality education to create global citizenship. Dr. Tageldin Hamad insisted that women should be always included in communities like NGOs in globalization. NGOs have an obligation to not ally with any particular government and to not be controlled by government bodies.

Ms. Isha Judd stated that sustainable development  should be based on children, as they always focus on unity and love. Since children never think about fear or lack, they teach us how to meditate and nurture. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati compared today to a global boat. We are on the same boat and have an equal responsibility for globalization. Dr. Manohar Shinde stated that globalization needs to have global perspectives on economic and non-economic issues. Ms. Sharon Vosmek argued that very few numbers of women are working in the society. She emphasized that we live in a global community and women should be treated equally as men.

Meeting: Event on “Globalization and sustainable development: The role of governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector” (co-organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the Global Citizen Forum)
Date: 31 October 2014
Location: Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium, UN HQ, New York
Speakers: Ambassador Tariq Al-Ansari, H.E. President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Dr. B.K. Modi, Dr. Thomas Walsh, Ambassador Michele Klein-Solomon, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Ambassador Noel Sinclair, Dr. Tageldin Hamad, Ms. Isha Judd, Mr. Kelly Wright, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Dr. Manohar Shinde, Ms. Sharon Vosmek, and Mr. Gary C.K. Huang.
Written by WIT Representative: Minji Han

Edited by WIT Representative: Philip Bracey and Aslesha Dhillon