Human Rights

Human Rights Protection in Closed Society: Myanmar and North Korea

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Aspects of the current humanitarian crises in Myanmar and the People’s Republic of Korea were discussed in this session. In Myanmar, Islamic members of the Rohingya community in Rakhine State are subject to extreme prejudice. Meanwhile, the citizens of the People’s Republic of Korea are attempting to recover, with insufficient aid, from damage caused by major flooding.

Yanghee Lee, the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, called for action against the systematic discrimination prevalent against vulnerable Islamic minorities in the Rakhine State. There is a shortage of medical care in the region. Ms. Lee discussed how this issue could be combatted through the ratification of core human rights treaties.

Despite six decades of armed conflict, Myanmar has recently been experiencing change at a rapid pace. A democratic governmental system has been put in place to promote the shift from a closed society to an open society. However, radical religious leaders trained by the Taliban still play a role in the nation’s politics.

The representative of the United States emphasized the value of global humanitarian aid and called for it in Myanmar. She strongly supported Ms. Lee’s proposed citizenship program for inhabitants of Myanmar. The US representative expressed concerned about the unwarranted arrest of journalists and political figures, but was pleased to hear of their releases.

The representative of the European Union questioned the role of women in the process of peace negotiations. Furthermore, the representative of Australia addressed the rights of the LGBTQIA community as some are targeted and imprisoned in Myanmar.

Additionally, Tomás Ojea Quintana, the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, stated that despite the massive flooding in North Korea, the nation’s fifth nuclear test launch occurred. Only 10% of the required necessities have been attained for aid and with winter approaching, this was concluded to be an issue for North Korea and the international community.

Meeting: Third Committee, 32nd Meeting on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, 27 October, 2016; 10:00 to 13:00; Conference Room 1

Speakers: Yanghee Lee, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar; Representative of Myanmar; Representative of Norway; Representative of United States of America; Representative of China; Representative of Japan; Representative of Eritrea; Representative of Thailand; Representative of European Union; Representative of Australia; Representative of Switzerland; Representative of Egypt; Representative of Russian Federation; Representative of Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Representative of Cuba; Representative of Czech Republic; Representative of Jordan; Representative of Singapore; Representative of United Kingdom; Representative of Philippines; Representative of Vietnam; Representative of Saudi Arabia; Representative of Iran; Representative of Organization of Islamic Cooperation; Tomás Ojea Quintana, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; Representative of South Korea; Representative of Venezuela speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement; Representative of Syrian Arab Republic; Representative of Liechtenstein; Representative of Netherlands; Representative of United Kingdom; Representative of Belarus; Representative of Germany; Representative of Jordan; Representative of Maldives; Representative of Ireland; Representative of Argentina

Written By: Donna Sunny, WIT Representative

Intersectionality is Human Rights

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The Third Committee’s meeting focused on basic human rights for people with disabilities. The chairperson, María Soledad Cisternas Reyes, began by stating that she believes sign language must be preserved and should be recognized as an official global language at the UN. Ms. Reyes emphasized inclusive educational opportunities for people with disabilities as a necessity, and that voting rights should be a priority. She also spoke to the need for intersectional representation in gender and people with disabilities at the UN and in other decision-making positions.

The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, expressed that communtiy policies neeed to include people with disabilities in the drafting process and in enactment. People need to be able to live independently and have access to resources, such as wheelchairs, personal care supplies, and new beneficial technology. Ms. Aguilar stated a community-based approach would be the most effective in involving and empowering people with disabilities.

In closing, Ikponwosa Ero, the Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Persons with Albinism, spoke to the necessity of including people with albinism in human rights discussions. Many people with albinism have been violently attacked due to prejudice, or myths that connect albinism to witchcraft in several cultures. Some believe albinism is connected to cancer, which further leads to isolation and acts of violence. Ms. Ero concluded with the message that albinism awareness and education needs to spread to rural communities if targeted violence against people with albinism is to stop.

Meeting: 27th Meeting of the Third Committee, “Promotion and Protection of Human Rights”

Date/Time/Location: Wednesday, 26 October 2016; 10:00 to 13:00; Conference Room 1

Speakers: María Soledad Cisternas Reyes, Chair of the Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Ikponwosa Ero, Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Persons with Albinism

Written By: Sophia Kotik, WIT Representative

50 Years of Human Rights Covenants

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Wednesday, October 19th,  the General Assembly celebrated and discussed the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). His Excellency Peter Thomson began by summarizing the success that the Human Rights Covenants have had over the past fifty years. He stressed that the covenants have transformed lives by changing constitutions and laws and legally obligating states to recognize and protect individual human rights. He iterated the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and argued the need for the Agenda and the covenants to proceed jointly. Additionally, he pointed out that the adherence to the covenants is necessary in achieving SDG 16 (promoting peace and inclusive societies for sustainable development), upon which all the other SDGs are reliant. Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein also expressed the idea that promoting human rights pushes states toward greater stability. Furthermore, he argued that the Paris climate change agreements found their roots in the ICCPR and ICESCR, and they promote the right to highest attainable standard of health. The Representative of Chile on Behalf of the Latin American states added that the ICCPR and ICESCR are both closely linked to sustainable development, an integral part of human rights.

Mr. Waleed Sadi expanded on the importance of the coordination and cooperation between both of the covenants. He pointed out that the United States had both signed and ratified ICCPR, but had only signed ICESCR. The Representative of the United States expressed the importance of promoting human rights in the United Nations and emphasized a strong commitment to doing so. Additionally, she argued that the ICCPR guarantees steady progress towards the goals outlined in ICESCR.

Meeting: “Implementation of Human Rights Instruments: Commemoration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights”

Date/Time/Location: Wednesday, October 19th, 2016; 10:00; General Assembly Hall

Speakers: His Excellency Peter Thomson, President of the General Assembly; His Excellency Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; Mr. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Mr. Waleed Sadi, Chair of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Representative of the Asia-Pacific group; Representative of Georgia on behalf of Eastern European states; Representative of Chile on behalf of Latin American states; Representative of the United Kingdom and Ireland on behalf of the Western European states; Representative of the United States

Written By: Anna Prisco, WIT Representative

 

‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustaining Peace’

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Sustainable peace and development positively reinforce each other. The joint meeting provided an opportunity to explore links between the 2030 Agenda and sustaining peace, particularly with regard to global targets of creating peaceful and inclusive societies, providing just and accountable institutions, as well as the drivers of conflict.

Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is predicted to be most difficult in conflict-affected countries where the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were lagging further behind. Extreme poverty is increasingly concentrated in conflict-affected areas and leaving no one behind will require concerted efforts across the United Nations to deliver as one.

African countries richest in natural resources tend to be characterized by great inequality, which drives conflicts that consequently inhibit social development. Uneducated and unemployed youth is a common characteristic across countries experiencing conflict. Resolving conflicts through peacebuilding as well as reconciling social contracts between governments and civil society can lead to resilient and secure states in which development occurs.

Meeting: Economic and Social Council and Peacebuilding Commission Meeting on the ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustaining Peace’

Date/Time/Location: June 24, 2016; 10:00 – 13:00; Economic and Social Council Chamber

Speakers: H.E. Mr. Oh Joon, President of the Economic and Social Council; H.E. Mr. Mancharia Kamau, Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission; H.E. Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Dr. Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa; H.E. Mr. David Donoghue, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations; H.E. Ms. Annika Söder, State Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden; H.E. Mr. Juan Sandoval Mendiolea, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations; H.E. Ms. Gillian Bird, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations

Written By: Lena Courcol

First Cracks in the Syrian Impunity Wall

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This afternoon’s meeting sought to underline the importance of ensuring fair and impartial criminal accountability for the serious and ongoing crimes committed against civilian population throughout the course of the Syrian Conflict. Many United Nations member states have supported this issue, however in May 2014, UN Security Council resolution to give International Criminal Court (ICC) a mandate in Syria was blocked by both China and Russia. This has resulted in an ‘accountability vacuum’ that has often been overlooked, and has consequently fueled further grave abuses by all parties to the conflict. Now, for the first time in the five years of the conflict, the ‘shield of impunity is beginning to crack’: several European countries including Sweden, Germany, France and Finland are implementing universal jurisdiction, making it possible to undergo processes of investigation and prosecution for individuals linked to crimes in Syria. Deputy representatives of these European countries brought attention to these judicial developments and the ongoing efforts taking place. They highlighted the significance of bringing justice to the victims of these crimes to ensure stability and peace in Syria and emphasized the need for all member states to commit to answering the question of accountability.

Meeting: First Cracks in the Syrian Impunity Wall: National Prosecutions Underway in the Courts of Third Party States for Serious Crimes committed in Syria (co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Liechtenstein and Qatar)

Date/Time/Location: June 21, 2016; 13:15 – 14:30; Conference Room 7

Speakers: H.E. Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Christian Wenaweser, Deputy Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Olof Skoog, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations; H.E. Mr. Heiko Thoms, Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations; Mr. Alexis Lamek, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations; Mr. Fadel AbdulGhani, Chairman of the Syrian Network for Human Rights

Written By: Lena Courcol

HLPF Informals

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www.un.orgThe session was organized by the co-facilitators to get comments from member states and permanent observers of the United Nations, on the Ministerial Declaration for the 2016 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. Ambassador Gustavo, in his opening remarks, stated that this is the first to follow-up and implement the 2030Sustainable Development Agenda.

Ambassador Gustavo explained that the Ministerial Declaration, which was sent in a letter from the Co-facilitators to all permanent representatives and permanent observers on 13 June 2016 contain potential elements of the draft Ministerial Declaration.

Ambassador Gustavo further highlighted the importance of the “Global Sustainability Development Report” which was included in the Ministerial Declaration, stating that the scope of the report is one important component of the follow-up and review process for the 20130 Agenda on Sustainable Development and will inform the HLPF to make policy decisions to reduce poverty.

After the brief introductory statement, Ambassador Gustavo opened the floor to all permanent representatives and member states to comment on the HLPF Ministerial Declaration.

After comments from member states, Ambassador Gustavo opened the floor for other organizations or permanent observers to the United Nations to comment on the HLPF Ministerial Declaration.

The major call from the different organizations was the need for global partnerships at all levels to achieve the global sustainable development agenda.

Ambassador Gustavo ended the session by thanking all for the interventions and participation despite the short notice to prepare for this session. He handed over the floor to his Co-facilitator, Ambassador Gillian to give her final comments.

In her final words, Ambassador Gillian thanked everyone for their constructive work and that she looks forward to working with all on the HLPF.

Meeting: Informal consultations on the draft ministerial declaration of the high-level political forum on sustainable development for 2016, convened under the auspices of the Council, and the high-level segment of the 2016 session of the Council, convened by the co-facilitators (Australia and Peru).

Date/Time/Location: 16 June 2016/15:40 to 18:00/ Economic and Social Council Chamber

Speakers: Co-facilitators from Peru (Ambassador Gustavo) and Australia (Ambassador Gillian Bird), delegates member states, stakeholders and NGO representatives.

Reported by:   Fred Yonghabi

Launch of “Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Experiencing Conflict or Natural Disaster”

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The launch of the report, “guidelines to protect migrants in countries that are experiencing either conflict or natural disasters”, served as a concrete contribution to addressing the problems that migrants could face come the large movement of refugees in September. Panelists commented on the fact that recent events have shown how vulnerable migrants really can be during a crisis in their host country. Sir Peter Sutherland was thanked for his efforts in 2013, calling on the United Nations to make take initiative on this issue and urging both government agencies and community organizations to work harder in ensuring beneficial knowledge to all, regardless of immigration status. It was also mentioned that there will be two UN summits this summer that will focus primarily on migrant protection during vulnerable times and discussing the global responsibilities all countries share in helping these migrants. Noted, was that the MICIC guidelines have served as a model for state-led guidelines that are focused on practical application. It is also important to note that MICIC has not produced anything binding or legally obligating, but rather a piece of a much larger set of policies to improve migrant protection.

Ms. Lourdes Yparraguirre mentioned that 10% of Philippinos are located in over 200 countries worldwide, which is why policies and programs have been created to address their crisis situations. Many other countries are said to have no record of who the incoming migrants are and where they are from. It has become obvious that guidelines are needed to be set to protect these migrants and the United States and Philippines are the ideal leaders, said panel members. The 10 key principals were then reviewed by the panel on the notions of the need to focus on preparedness, emergency response, and post-crisis action.

Meeting: Launch of “Guidelines to Protect Migrants in Countries Experiencing Conflict or Natural Disaster” (co-organized by the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, the United States Mission and the International Organization for Migration (IOM))

Date/Time/Location: Wednesday, June 15, 2016; 10:00-13:00; Economic and Social Council Chamber

Speakers: Ms. Lourdes Yparraguirre, Representative of Philippines mission to the UN; Sir Peter Sutherland, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for International Migration;

Written by: WIT Representative, Amirali Agha-Khan

Edited by: WIT Administrator, Modou Cham

 

Dimensions of Marine Debris

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Dede’s trash barrel. Java 2012. Mandatory photo credit: Noyle/A-Frame

At this afternoon’s meeting panellists provided several comprehensive overviews regarding marine debris, plastics and microplastics, allowing for an overall description of the problem and the knowledge gaps present, sources of land and sea based debris, as well as insights on potentially scalable solutions that have previously been implemented.

It is clear that scientific research and data collection is an important element in tackling the problem of marine debris, with many knowledge and data gaps remaining: understanding the distribution, sources and types of plastics that make their way to oceans can help develop recovery mechanisms and the prevention of further plastic accumulation; learning the impacts of previously under-researched microplastics can help evaluate the effects on food chains and marine biodiversity; and innovative development of plastic alternatives can shift business production to ‘cleaner’ goods. Awareness and education also has the power of changing consumptive habits and waste disposal patterns to more eco-conscious practices. Along with shoreline clean-ups, the need for more efficient port waste disposal sites and incentive schemes for all target groups, including commercial and recreational fishing, has been shown to be a successful method for reducing material dumping at sea. Lessons-learnt should continue to be shared in order to learn the best-practices and help develop more efficient mechanisms to deal with plastic waste.

Meeting: Discussion panel: The environmental, social and economic dimensions of marine debris, plastics and microplastics and progress made in preventing, reducing and controlling pollution from marine debris, plastics and microplastics

Date/Time/Location: 13th of June, 2016; 15:00 – 18:00; Conference Room 1

Speakers: Mr. Peter Kershaw, Chairman of GESAMP and Chairman of the GESAMP Working Group on Microplastics; Ms. Lorna Inniss, Coordinator, Former Joint Coordinator of the Group of Experts of the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects; Ms. Jenna Jambeck, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering, University of Georgia; Ms. Kelsey Richardson, Former Marine Debris Consultant, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); Peter Van den Dries, Policy Advisor, Flemish Waste Agency; Stefan Micallef, Director Marine Environment Division, International Maritime Organization

Written By: Lena Courcol, WIT Representative

Edited By: Modou Cham, WIT Administrator 

Lessons from AIDS to emerging epidemic held by the UNAIDS

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The meeting began by the moderator’s opening remark on questioning the current HIV progress, a great success or a failure. Dr. Ren Minghui replied by acknowledging the advanced treatment facilities and policy framework gave rise to the elimination of maternal AIDS transmission in 4 countries. He was deliberately optimistic about the up-to-now achievements, yet perseverance work in ending AIDS was essential. Apart from that, Prof. Marie added with recognizing both of the contextual and biological vulnerability that accounted the stagnant progress in HIV incidence, among key groups, had limited access to package intervention.

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Side-event: Addressing global health emergencies: lessons from AIDS to Ebola, Zika & other emerging epidemics; held at UNHQ, New York, on June 9, 2016.

Regarding the need of vaccine on every epidemic situation, Dr. Berkley admitted the existing intellectual challenge was an inadequate monetary incentive for the massive vaccine manufacture. He stated there were effective vaccine trials available for various epidemic disease, but its application depended on the severity, urgency, and affordability of the affected region. In addition, Mr. Cone also underscored the limited access to clinics lowered one’s incentive on having diagnosis, receiving treatment, where the causes could be mandatory destroy on health-care facilities or geographically unreachable. The two emphasized the use of vaccine required the right priorities with good approaches.

On the other hand, Msgr. Vitillo addressed the role of church in combating epidemics, where churches could function as good as clinics. He reasserted the significance of education on changing one’s cultural attitude along with understanding and respect to culture, in order to wipe out the stigma and discrimination. Besides, Mr. Conteh expressed his concern that message delivery and community engagement were useful to stop epidemics. He ended by sharing the lesson from Ebola outbreak that the strategy of decentralization, where he believed, was valuable and should be applied during the epidemics.

Meeting: Side event on Addressing global health emergencies: Lessons from AIDS to emerging epidemic held by the UNAIDS

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, June 08, 2016; 18:30-20:30; Conference Room 3

Speakers: Mr. Luiz Loures, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS; Ms. Laurie Garrett, the Moderator Council on Foreign Relations (USA); Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of GAVI; Mr. Jason Cone, Executive Director for Doctors Without Borders; Prof. Marie Laga, Institute of Tropical Medicine; Mr. Alfred Palo Conteh, Minister of Internal Affairs (Sierra Leone); Dr. Ren Minghui, WHO Assistant Director-General for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease; Ms.Alessandra Nilo, Executive Director for Gestos (Brazil); Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, Caritas Internationalis Special Advisor on Health and HIV

Written By: WIT Representative, Kelvin HO

Edited By: WIT Administrator, Modou Cham

100th plenary meeting on Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS held by the General Assembly

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The meeting was operated for countries to declare their commitment against AIDS as well as implement political declarations. The President began with the opening remarks on addressing the above importance. Soon after, Mr. Sey revealed the key to preventing AIDS was to monitor the HIV transmission together with maintaining economic growth, where prosperity could alleviate poverty, with fewer women getting HIV. In addition, Prof. Randrianarimanana stated AIDS could be eradicated by focusing on high impact intervention, effective decentralization, and strengthening the health-care system. He admitted the epidemic was still existed, even if the current prevalence was low.

On the other hand, Dr. Numbi recalled the dedication on the previous declaration cheered the international commitment, technical and financial partners with a multisector approach to combat AIDS. Meanwhile, Dr. Al-Jasser added with a compliment on the comprehensive national program, safeguarding the access on treatment, had enhanced the community responsibility, cooperation and civil societies’ engagement. Moreover, Mr. Hamach reminded the stigma and discrimination would implicitly harm the Universal Health Coverage program where social restructuring was demanding. He ended his speech by reiterating political leadership and devotion to international community were vital to the Fast-Track to ending AIDS. Then, Ms. Skogen appealed to all members, to provide funding to high-burden and developing countries on quality education, sexual education, reproductive services along with well-trained health-care workers.

Last but not least, the above speakers declared their unceasing allegiance to combating AIDS financially or putting efforts on regulation compliance, demanding stronger prevention of AIDS.

Meeting: 100th plenary meeting on Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment and the political declarations on HIV/AIDS held by the General Assembly

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, June 08, 2016; 15:00-18:00; General Assembly Hall

Speakers: His Excellency, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, the President of the General Assembly; His Excellency, Mr. Omar Sey, the Minister of Health & Social Welfare of Gambia; His Excellency, Prof. Dieudonné Randrianarimanana, the Minister of Health, Family Planning and Social Protection of Madagascar; His Excellency, Dr. Félix Kabange Numbi, The DRC Minister of Public Health; His Excellency, Dr. Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al-Jasser, the Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency, Mr. Masakazu Hamach, the Parliamentary Vice-Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Her Excellency, Ms. Tone Skogen, the State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway

Written By: WIT Representative, Kelvin HO

Edited By: WIT Administrator, Modou Cham

Photo: https://twitter.com/unaids