TIGblogs - Group - Reports from the United Nations Headquarters http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us End of the Commission for Social Development http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/594245 As the Commission for Social Development has come to a close, I wanted to post an update on the progress of youth in the decision of social inclusion. On the agenda of this year’s meeting was a whole item dedicated to the World Programme of Action for Youth. European youth delegates have been very active in the commission by making statements and there is also a resolution regarding youth specifically. The two topics brought up most often were climate change and employment for young people. The need for youth to be employed is one area both our members and Member States at the commission can agree upon. At a morning briefing with the Chairperson of the Commission, Finnish Ambassador Ms. Kirsti Lintonen, she highlighted that next year (the policy year where resolutions will be made) youth employment will, in fact, be a major concern.

These are great steps to have taken, but as always, I have to temper the successes with saying that it cannot end now. Governments need to be followed up with on the statements they have made and commitments to youth they have promised. I also believe that there needs to be more youth participation in social development. I suggest more organized groups of young people from developing countries, where the majority of young people live, must be included in discussions. However, I do not have solutions to how to actually make this happen. We need to think and act together.

All I can do is leave you with some questions for thought:

What would these groups look like?
How feasible is it for young people to be physically present to conferences?
What other alternatives could be thought of to insure ALL young people have their voices heard?
]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/594245 40.7141667 -74.006388940.7141667-74.0063889 Social Inclusion? http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/589407
Location: UN conference room
I am not sure how many people have seen movies such as "The Interpreter", but they give a fairly accurate depiction of what the inside of a UN conference room looks like. Although, I think what happens inside is a little less exciting than the movie.

Mood: Bureaucratically stifled
Some delegates look bored. Others appear to be making plans for the weekend. Either way, delegates are saying what has been pre-approved by their governments with no diversion.

Time: Somewhere between 10AM and 12:30PM

I have been sitting and listening to delegate after delegate (country after country) present their statements. Generally, they all begin with “Congratulations Madam Chairperson and the honorable Bureau for your election into the position…” and to summarize the rest would basically sound something like “we fully support social inclusion and are doing are promoting it in all our practices”. I know, it is a glib observation and not fully accurate. There are different issues that some countries focus on more, and countries are saying important things. Take a look at the statements submitted on the CSocD website to check them all out.

But all this congratulating and speaking about how much countries are already promoting inclusion gets a little old, and frankly, more than a little untruthful. That is why it was so refreshing to hear Cuba give her stance and liven up the conference a little. Cuba asked:

How can we build more just societies where all persons have equal opportunities, including economic opportunities, and where inequality and exclusion are eradicated, while selfishness, injustice, hegemonic pretensions, inequity, wastefulness, and excessive consumerism of a few, that is, those who have more, continue to prevail and grow stronger at the international level?


“Right on Cuba!” was what I was thinking…until at the end they added in that “Cuba is proud to have a profoundly popular and participatory democracy, where the people has the power and all human rights, not a few, are promoted and protected”. Ehn, nice try…

The United States was no better, though. They basically dropped names like “Obama”, “Hillary”, and “Gore”. Did we forget about the last eight years’ administration? I feel it is so important for these talks to be honest. Why can’t countries talk and say, “Hey, I know we haven’t always been perfect in this area but what can we do to change that?” Not, “Listen to all the great things we have done”. That, in itself, is exclusionary. You are excluding and ignoring groups of people who have not felt the benefits of your programs and policies. Having these conversations are important, and countries have to be responsible to the statements they make. How and when can we young people hold those accountable and no longer let them get away with their sweeping statements?
]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:02:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/589407 40.7141667 -74.006388940.7141667-74.0063889 Preparing for the Commission for Social Development http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/575179
For those of you who are not familiar Commission for Social Development, it is a conference held every year for two weeks at the UN. This year is the 47th meeting and will take place February 4-13. The commission has 43 member states (countries) involved and usually somewhere between 150-200 civil society organizations (groups of regular people like you and I). This year the topic will be “Social Integration” and discussing how nations can build socially inclusive “societies for all”. In non-UN language, this means countries will work to come up with written agreements to follow that allow everyone—regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, religion, age, etc, etc.—to feel accepted and respected by their countries.

My work the past four months has been preparing a statement that puts together all the ideas and recommendations GYAN members contributed during our online consultation regarding social integration, or how we have been referring to it—social inclusion. I have enjoyed reading all the amazing points and views GYAN members take, and from that, being able to translate all those into one cohesive statement. Our statement is now posted on the Commission website as an official UN document in six different languages, along with other statements from more organizations all working towards the same goal of social inclusion. It is so exciting to know that youth voices—YOUR VOICES—are going to be heard by the member states in attendance!

Getting young people involved in the discussions is so important, but the work does not end here! The information has to be shared with our communities. More importantly, we must remind our governments of the promises they have made and demand that they abide by them. It is such a big job and cannot be done alone. If you are unfamiliar with the Commission for Social Development and the online consultation GYAN held, I invite you to take a look sites and see what young people are saying. GYAN members have shared their recommendations on how their governments can promote social inclusion, how do you think your government can do this? Or even, what is social inclusion?
]]> Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:37:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/575179 40.7141667 -74.006388940.7141667-74.0063889 Are the MDGs the right framework for development? http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/491517 This entry was written by Franziska Seel and Vidar Ekehaug as the introduction to the September edition of YouthLink Express - GYAN's monthly newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Last week saw the opening of the General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters here in New York, the time of the year when world leaders speak about their commitments to development, peace and security. At the center of many statements were the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs came out of the Millennium Summit in 2000, and represented a major shift in commitments from governments. For the first time in history, governments recognized that there are enough resources to end poverty, provide education and health care for all, achieve gender equality, and ensure a sustainable development. Also for the first time, there was an actual deadline – 2015 – for making significant progress.

Yet, today, we are far away from reaching the MDGs. What is going wrong? Are the MDGs after all just an unrealistic dream? While governments continue to repeat their commitments to the goals as they have done the last few years, there also seems to be a growing sense of helplessness among many of them. Civil society leaders, on their part, are increasingly concerned that the strategies to achieve the MDGs focus too much on economic growth as a catalyst for development, and ignore the human aspect. The MDGs represent a tangible and deliverable commitment from governments to create a better world, but they are also just a series of numbers, targets and indicators.

The MDGs can be a strong advocacy tool to hold governments accountable, but is the MDG policy framework enough to eradicate extreme poverty and growing inequality? Or do we need to change the whole debate? Please share your opinions with us!
]]> Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/491517 58.8166667 5.716666758.81666675.7166667 “UN Connector” Volunteer Blogger job description! http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/466247 Job Description

The Global Youth Action Network (GYAN) is looking for young people who enjoy writing and keep up to date on current issues for a volunteer blogging position. GYAN is a network of youth organizations, and strives to connect young people around the world and provide them with the tools and resources they need to enact change locally, nationally, or globally. GYAN also has special consultative status with the United Nation’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and accordingly works to increase youth participation in the United Nations.

To this end, the staff and interns at GYAN regularly attend briefings, meetings and conferences at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and write about them in our online blog. GYAN is now looking for a dynamic, motivated and knowledgeable young person to write in our blog about issues that affect young people in their local communities, and what is being done by and for youth. The blog is available at http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports.

Blogger Responsibilities:

- Write one blog per month minimum about one of the topics detailed below
- This position will last for 6 months; during this time you must write 6 blogs
- Work to publicize the blog in your local or national community, and urge more young people to read and comment on the entries

Blog topics:

Currently, our blog focuses on issues and events taking place at the UN. Your blog must relate to one of the following topics:

  1. Write about the UN’s presence in your local area. Feel free to choose a specific policy or program to analyze. Are there any helpful programs that the UN is implementing in your local community? What do people think about the UN’s efforts? Give your opinion on the policies of the UN, and whether you can see their effect in your local area. Are their efforts working? Check out the UN News Centre to keep up to date on issues, and to find ideas to blog about: http://www.un.org/News/

  2. Discuss critical issues facing young people in your community, and what young people can do about them. Discuss a problem and offer a solution.

  3. Highlight some of the positive contribution of youth. What are young people in your area already doing to help others and to enact change?

  4. Read and respond to previous blogs written by GYAN staff and interns regarding UN programs, events, and policies. Are those measures actually being implemented? Is anything happening on the ground, and are UN policies creating tangible change? Is there a difference between what the UN is saying, and what is actually getting done? Post your responses and observations in the blog.

  5. Write about how young people can increase their voices and participation in the UN, and what young people can do to get involved and make a difference in their communities. What opportunities do you see for young people in your area, whether within the UN system or outside of it? Discuss any opportunities you find out about – e.g. fellowships, programs, conferences, workshops, etc.

Skills Requirements

- Basic knowledge of United Nations activities and policies
- Interest in social justice issues and in learning more about the UN
- Strong writing skills
- Fluent in English, Spanish or French
- Knowledge of youth opportunities locally and nationally
- Previous experience or involvement in working with youth, or working to make a difference in your community is helpful

Application

E-mail us: 1 previous writing sample of your choice, and a brief essay stating your interest in the UN system. Please send us this material by the application deadline of September 15, 2008. E-mail all application materials to gyan@youthlink.org.
]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:52:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/466247 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 GYAN Ghana celebrates International Youth Day on August 12! http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/465711 Youth Employment and climate change; time for action

Report By: Kwame Frempong, GYAN Ghana National Coordinator

August 12, 2008 has been set aside by the UN General Assembly as International Youth Day. The UN General Assembly recommended that public information activities should be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and beyond. The theme set aside for this year is “Youth and Climate Change; take action.”

Climate change is any long-term significant change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences. Average weather may include average temperature, precipitation and wind patterns. It involves changes in the variability or average state of the atmosphere over durations ranging from decades to millions of years. These changes can be caused by dynamic processes on earth, external forces including variations in sunlight intensity, and more recently by human activities.

Most of the global warming over the last 50 years has been caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas that traps the sun’s heat and warms the earth. Greenhouse gases occur naturally in our atmosphere, and without them the Earth would be too cold for life to exist. However, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are the main contributors to climate change (99%). The gases allow solar radiation (heat) to pass through the atmosphere but after it is absorbed and re-radiated by the earth, the gases prevent this heat from escaping back into space. Under natural circumstances this is what makes the earth warm enough to support life.

But over the past few decades, climate change has brought about extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, storms and heat waves. These dramatic changes have also caused sea levels to rise, threatened wildlife, reduced the amount of safe drinking water and increased the spread of disease. These extreme weather conditions are far from natural. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, when humans began burning fossil fuels (petrol) on an unprecedented scale, greenhouse gases have steadily been piling up in the atmosphere.

Many of these gases last longer than a century. As a result, current carbon dioxide concentrations are now far above any level in the past 650,000 years. Global emissions of green house gases have increased by 70% between 1970 and 2004. The result is that more and more heat is being trapped in our atmosphere, leading to an “enhanced green house effect”. The world is warming very fast with global temperatures rising by 0.75 degree Celsius since 1850. The rate of warming for the past years 50 years double that for the past century.

Youth Employment Partnership must benefit environment and help fight climate change

Though climate change is largely due to human activities in the developed world, its impact is strongly felt in developing countries. In Ghana, climate change has not attracted enough attention even though it has been suggested that climate change is the most serious threat facing humanity. But climate change and youth employment have generally attracted much global attention in recent years. Both are serious challenges to the future health and prosperity of Ghana, and are issues which require urgent attention. We cannot take care of one without addressing the other. The ill effects of climate change and poverty require taking comprehensive action that encompasses both issues. We cannot fight climate change without considering the need for decent and well paid jobs for our youth, nor can we effectively address the youth unemployment challenges without accounting for the impacts of climate change on agriculture, disease patterns, and violent weather events, all of which particularly impact developing countries like Ghana.

This year’s theme for the world youth day: “Youth and Climate Change; take action” sets the tone for renewed efforts to solve the challenge of climate change with strategic action. The question to ask is what actions can be taken to solve climate change and unemployment at the same time.

To lessen the negative effects of greenhouse gases, we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This will not completely eliminate the problem but will result in some degree of positive change. The promotion of energy efficiency can bring significant increases in climate change.

Government policies can help in fighting climate change. The introduction of new initiatives such as the regulation of greenhouse emissions by setting standards for industry and transport is one policy direction that can be taken by governments. Such policies can be in the form of municipal rules for energy use and regulation of industries whose emissions constitute an important cause of climate change.

Youth organizations must influence government policies as well as help raise awareness on climate change. Additionally, youth organizations should monitor policy implementation in order to share their knowledge and put pressure on policy makers at all levels to ensure that policies do indeed deliver outcomes for young people. The organizations must also ensure rights to land, forests, water, energy and livelihood for their poorest people.

With the backdrop of youth unemployment being a major challenge confronting this nation, efforts made to provide practical solutions to the issue of climate change can serve as employment avenues for young people. The recycling of paper and plastic products to conserve energy can be a source of employment for the nation’s unemployed youth. Recycling centres should be set up to recycle paper and card and other items too including old computers, ink cartridges, plastic, tins, even furniture and clothing.

In solving the challenge of climate change and youth unemployment, new forms of responses should be pursued. The formation of partnerships between organizations and/or between an organization and communities for instance as well as the creation of “green jobs” in view of the increasing concerns of climate change can be viable alternatives.

Thus, the challenge of climate change can also provide a solution to the challenge of unemployment among Ghanaian youths. The bottom line is that the youth of Ghana should be at the forefront of spearheading the fight against climate change.]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:55:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/465711 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 International Youth Day 2008! http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/451273 International Youth Day will take place this year on August 12, 2008. This year’s theme is “Youth and Climate Change: Time for Action.” Climate change has already begun to devastate communities and deepen the effects of poverty, making the challenges facing young people even more difficult. However, young people have a powerful voice, and together have great potential to call for action and work towards ensuring a better future for every generation. On International Youth Day, it is important to celebrate the achievements of young people, encourage their further involvement in decision-making and development of their communities, and recognize their potential to change the future.

“Left unaddressed, climate change could cause an unraveling of the progress that has been made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and could also have serious implications for peace and security,” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in a message to young people about International Youth Day. “Unless we make radical changes in the way we live, by the time the youth of 2008 reach my age, the world may well have become a rather inhospitable place.”

“Today’s young people will bear the consequences of climate change, thanks to the unfortunate legacy of their elders,” he continued. In many developing countries, girls and young women are often responsible for farming, collecting wood, and finding water sources. These duties will become much more challenging as climate change reduces the availability of water and agricultural productivity. Young women and girls will be forced to spend even more time on these activities, rather than on education.

But young people have a distinct advantage in the fight against climate change, said Ban Ki-Moon. Young people are skilled at using and spreading new habits and technologies. They can also easily adapt to low-carbon lifestyles and can work towards a transition to a low-carbon economy. Such economic growth based on clean energy will also create jobs that help reduce youth unemployment. Overall, young people should be given the opportunity to become more involved in decision-making.

“We will need the spirit of youth in abundance as the world seeks to embrace cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy, including renewable resources,” said the Secretary General.


Some of the specific areas that need to be addressed by young people are:

• Preparedness and disaster risk reduction: It is necessary to work towards building the capacities of individuals and communities so that people are prepared for any disasters that come about as a result of climate change. Moreover, the likelihood of such disasters occurring should be reduced.
• Adaptation and mitigation: Actions must be taken to reduce the harm and exploit the benefits of climate change.


What can you do to join the global youth movement on IYD08?

Team up! Team up with other young people within your community. Look for existing youth organizations in your local, regional, or national communities that are taking action on climate change. Together, you can work to make climate change a priority for stakeholders – like governments, NGOs, academic institutions, businesses, and individuals.

Take action! Once you have gathered a group of people interested in climate change, go one step further by taking concrete action to achieve your goals. Conduct research on how your local community is contributing to climate change – and do something about it! Get young people involved in planning a local project to promote sustainable development practices in your community. Research what has successfully been done in other communities, and lobby for implementing those practices in your own community. Hold events, talks, public discussions, campaigns, and forums to raise awareness about climate change, encourage more young people to get involved, and to find out what other young people are already doing. Use media such as the internet, blogs, advertisements, newspapers, and the radio to raise awareness of International Youth Day, climate change issues, and to motivate other youth to take action.

Celebrate! If you or others in your community have already been involved in projects that address climate change, plan an event to showcase your work and to inform others of what is being done about the issue of climate change. Raise even more support for your project by inviting leaders, officials, and young people from your local community.

According to the Secretary General – ultimately, young people around the world have a chance to “invest their energies and bright ideas into shaping a safer, more sustainable planet.” So make sure to celebrate International Youth Day 2008 by taking action on climate change, making your voice heard, and working towards a bright future for all young people!

What are YOU doing to celebrate International Youth Day 2008? Leave your comments here!

Credits: Information from Here and Here. ]]> Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:52:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/451273 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 Security Council votes to extend mandate of Darfur Force http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/444469 "UNAMID" mission, the United States abstained from voting. The resolution extends the mission until July 31, 2009.

“[Peace] is still some ways off,” said John Sawers of the United Kingdom in the Security Council meeting. “It will require patience, determination, and the willingness to grapple difficult situations along the way, but peace is attainable and we must continue to strive for it.”

Recently, the UNAMID mission has been facing many obstacles in Darfur. Since the beginning of the year, UNAMID has deployed about 9,500 troops to Darfur, far short of the planned number of 26,000 troops and police officers.
Moreover, the security of humanitarian workers deployed by UNAMID has been threatened recently, creating concern about the success of the mission and the safety of peacekeepers. In July 2008, at least seven peacekeepers were killed and 22 were wounded by gunfire.

The peacekeeping mission also faces shortages in troops, personnel, helicopters, equipment, and logistics. The resolution calls on UN member states to pitch in and provide desperately needed supplies, especially helicopters, to help stabilize the situation. By the end of the year, the UN aims to have deployed 80% of the full mission of 26,000 troops.

The main debate surrounding the adoption of the resolution centered upon the indictment of the Sudanese president. There are currently efforts to indict Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir in the International Criminal Court, for 10 counts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Sudan. However, this Security Council resolution makes it clear that the council is ready to discuss suspending the indictment of Bashir by the ICC if it means peace in Darfur. As a result, the United States abstained from voting.

“The United States abstained because language added to the resolution would send the wrong signal to Sudanese President Bashir” and undermine efforts to bring him to justice, said US Ambassador Alejandro D. Wolff at the meeting.

Ultimately, many of the countries voting for the resolution differed in opinion on the issue of suspending the indictment of President Bashir. Some countries stated that this is an issue that should be considered seriously, but at a different time and in a different manner. Such a decision taken at this time could undermine trust between Sudan and the UN, and harm the fragile situation in Darfur. On the other hand, others - like the US - felt that impunity would not contribute to long-term political stability and that it is important to bring those responsible for human rights violations to justice.

Regardless of their views, most countries said that they had voted in favour of the resolution since the need to bring stability to Darfur is most important at this moment, and UNAMID must be given all possible resources necessary to successfully complete its mission.

What exactly is happening in Darfur?’

Although we have all heard about the ongoing genocide in Darfur, many of us are unfamiliar with the exact details of what is going on in the war-ravaged region, and why.

International experts estimate that at least 200,000 people have died and 2.5 million have been displaced in Darfur since early 2003.

What is the war about?

In 2003, two non-Arab rebel groups launched attacks on military targets, accusing the Arab-dominated central government of neglect and discrimination. After these attacks, the Sudanese government is said to have funded Arab tribal fighters – called the Janjaweed – to quash the resistance. The political struggle intensified traditional tensions between the two groups.

Non-arabs say that the Janjaweed, or tribal Arab fighters, join Sudanese government forces on horses and camel, and attack villages, killing civilians, raping women, and looting and burning homes. The Sudanese government denies that it is funding the Janjweed, saying that the estimates of casualties and atrocities are grossly exaggerated.
However, Arab tribal leaders themselves say that the Sudanese government had asked Arab tribes to help fight the rebel groups.

The non-Arab rebel groups include the larger and more active Sudan Liberation Army and the smaller Justice and Equality Movement. Both groups say they want a fair share of power and resources in Darfur. They are suspected of seeking the central government’s overthrow.

Genocide is defined as the systematic extermination of a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. The attacks by the pro-government side are often condemned as “genocide” because they seem to typically target non-Arab villages, also speaking of killing “blacks” or “slaves.”

The entire situation has been further exacerbated by desertification and climate change in the region; the Sahara Desert has advanced by about 10km per year, increasing competition for remaining fertile land.

Picture credit: One, Two, and Three.

Check out these websites for more information on Darfur, and how you can take action: Save Darfur; 24 Hours for Darfur; Darfur is Dying.]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:28:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/444469 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 "Cool UN" http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/444421
The experiment is called "Cool UN" and is aimed at helping the world body save energy and cut carbon gas emissions, as well as save about $100,000 in costs. The UN is hoping to act as a role model for global action on climate change, hoping to inspire and lead others by its good example.

This experiment will also allow engineers to test energy consumption and utility costs in the UN building. Some officials also hope that the extra 5 degrees of heat will give diplomats more compassion for people living in the developing world, where heat and humidity often become the norm.

Mr. Ban is also encouraging a more casual dress code, and is encouraging bureaucrats and diplomats to wear their national dress within the headquarters to help them maintain comfort in the warmer atmosphere.

My opinion....: I feel that this is definitely a good symbolic gesture. Yet, so much more can and needs to be done by the UN. I feel that this is a measure that could have been established much before, and should be continued much past the one-month long time span currently proposed. This example certainly needs to be followed by civil society as well as corporate actors around the world, in order to make any tangible impact. Still, it is a good symbolic gesture on the part of Mr. Ban.

What do you think about this issue? Is the UN doing enough? What more can be done? How can young people contribute? Please leave your questions, comments and feedback here!

Read more about this by clicking here.]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:38:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/444421 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 Rising Food Prices, Small holders, and Poverty Reduction http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/417113 ECOSOC on the topic of small scale farmers, agriculture, and poverty reduction in the face of recent increases in food prices.

Small scale farmers, also referred to here as “small producers” or “small holders” are generally farmers who own small commercial farms supporting a single family, especially in rural areas of developing countries, where agriculture is the main source of income. Small holders make up 3/4 of the world's poor in rural areas, and almost 1/3 of the world population depends on small holder farming. Furthermore, agricultural growth is at least twice as effective in reducing poverty as non-agricultural growth. Thus, some very effective poverty-alleviating strategies focus on helping small holders by encouraging their agricultural growth and productivity.

The current food crisis is due to recent increases in food prices; higher food prices reduce the real wages of many workers, as they get less food for the same cost as before. The conventional wisdom thus states that higher food prices increase poverty levels by decreasing the amount of food the average household can afford.

On the other hand, panelist Sandra Polaski, Senior Associate and Director from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated that the impact of rising food prices on poverty is not as uniform as conventional wisdom holds. She said that
  1. food prices have historically been extremely volatile, and we have no way of knowing if the current high food prices will persist, and
  2. there is a differing impact of rising food prices on poverty on different households, and in different countries.
The impact is not uniform because it varies based on the household’s source of income and on expenditures. For some countries, high food prices are good – but for others, they increase poverty levels. She cited India and China as examples. India is the single largest reservoir of poverty in the world, with 8 million people living on just $1 a day. In India, rising rice prices were poverty alleviating; people found more jobs and agricultural exports increased. Moreover, when prices increase, the “change in real income is most for the poorest rural people and the most for disadvantaged classes, like scheduled tribes and castes.” In urban areas, this impact is much smaller.

Second, China is “the 2nd largest reservoir of poverty in the world.” Historically, decreases in poverty have had to do with increases in food prices. Since China and India make up 54% of all the poverty in the world, “we must consider the impact on each country in order to come up with appropriate policy responses.” According to Polaski, the poorest of the poor - at least in India and China - actually benefit from higher food prices - and this must be acknowledged by policymakers. Policy must also allow for very volatile prices in the future. Policy cannot be “one size fits all” but must take into account these various factors.

Robert Watson, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom spoke about how to make small scale farming more profitable. “Food production is growing faster than population since the 1960s, but the successes are uneven,” he said. “Agriculture can no longer be viewed as production alone – we need to increase production without increasing emissions...without land and water degradations,” he continued. Here are certain specific suggestions he put forward:
  • Innovate. Make agriculture science specific. Scientific organizations must explicitly support the needs of small scale farmers.
  • Improve water management
  • Target small-scale - not just medium or big - farmers
  • Empower women (Small holder agrisystems are increasingly managed by women). Women must be involved in decision making. Women need education. Also, explicitly provide support to women’s organizations.
  • Access to credit for small scale farmers
  • Stimulate private sector investments – good governance is necessary.
  • Double agricultural production in the next few years
  • Most 1st generation biofuels are not economically, socially, or environmentally sustainable; need to invest in 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels instead. (Biofuels are derived from plants, and examples of 1st generation biofuels include those made from sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats. These have been criticized for taking food away from humans and thus increasing food shortages. 2nd generation biofuels are made from non-food crops, while 3rd generation biofuels come from algae.)
Overall, Watson emphasized that “small scale farming can be highly productive and environmentally sustainable.” Agriculture must thus be multi-functional, emphasizing the role of the small-scale farmer, empowering women, and increasing investment in research development.

The next speaker was Steven Schonberger, Lead Operations Officer in Agriculture and Rural Development at the World Bank. His speech also focused on helping small holders. His key message was that high food prices have provided new opportunities for producers. He stated that small holders have limited access to finance, which is one of the constraints on increasing production. He emphasized the need to get investment back in agriculture and rural development. He also emphasized a new role for the state in helping small holders:

New role for the state:
  • regulate input markets
  • make sure farmers are getting what they paid for
  • demand socially responsible products
Finally, James Borel, Group Vice-President responsible for DuPont Crop Protection and Pioneer Hi-Bred, offered some concrete suggestions to help small holders increase production, especially focusing on scientific research. He stated the importance of “having access to best inputs, such as seeds and salinity.” He also emphasized the need for aggressive farmer education, and the need to empower farmers with modern technology and information. Moreover, many farmers must have better access to markets.

He gave a very good example of using scientific research to improve prospects for small producers. In India, the mustard seed crop is generally planted in September and harvested in December. However, about 30% die from frost in the winter, since they are harvested so late. Through research, scientists decreased the maturation time of the seeds, so that farmers were able to harvest the plants earlier. Thus, less crop died from frost. Farmers also benefited from an increased price for their crops because they were able to sell them earlier than the regular crop in January – there was less competition. Thus, there is great potential for such scientific research and development strategies to be applied elsewhere and to greatly increase production.

“This issue is not only about food production, but income production,” he said. “Agriculture must be higher on our agenda.”


Credit: World Development Report 2008: Agriculture for Development

Figure 4 credit: May 2008 Report: Rising Food Prices, Poverty, and the Doha Round by Sandra Polaski from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:50:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/417113 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 Sustainable Development Conference http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/416669 Sustainable Development:n.development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (United Nations’ recognized Brundtland Definition)
_______________________________________________________________________________

On Wednesday, July 2, 2008, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) identified the biggest
issues that are hampering sustainable development internationally, including rises in energy costs, a declining world economy, an international food crisis, and climate change.

Along with regular ECOSOC members, several foreign ministers outlined their countries' plans to promote sustainable development.

According to one of the foreign ministers, Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Yasuhide Nakayama, there are three priority areas of sustainable development:

1. economic growth
2. insuring human security
3. environmental issues and climate change.

He explained that these three areas are interrelated and must all be in place in order to achieve sustainable development within a country.

Nakayama made it clear that international cooperation is necessary in fighting climate change. “There are a variety of opinions about climate change, but one thing is certain,” he said. “We share the responsibility to make progress for future generations.” He also added that technology is an important tool in solving environmental issues and creating low carbon societies.

After promising that Japan will donate over ten billion US dollars towards fighting climate change, the Vice-Minister said that Japan would fight the international food crisis as well. “Japan is ready to release over three hundred thousand tons of imported rice. [We will also] donate fifty million US dollars to poor farmers,” he said.

Nakayama called upon all countries to join efforts in helping societies grow and promote sustainable practices. He made an analogy between countries’ efforts in achieving sustainable development with Japan’s national reconstruction following World War II. “As all of you know, Japan has had its own experience of recovering and rebuilding,” he said. “We didn’t start from zero, but sub-zero.”

Like Nakayama, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki also called for international cooperation.

“The world economy is worsening during a severe economic downturn and a food crisis is impeding on the [ Millennium Development Goals ]by reversing progress made,” he said. “Obviously, [developed countries] should not remain indifferent to the situation because overcoming these obstacles requires vigorous cooperation. It is imperative for ECOSOC to assume a leading role in promoting cooperation.”

While other foreign ministers identified climate change and financial problems as threats towards sustainable development’s progress, Mottaki blamed the “management of world affairs.” He warned the council that “before thinking about the future, we should think about where we are now.”

“The management of the world should be carefully scrutinized in order to find its shortcomings,” he said. “The political aspect of the management of world affairs today is non-democratic and faces serious constraints in decision-making process. In economic progress, there is a deep gap between the rich and the poor. Wrong economic policies by certain economic powers have lead to the increase of the price of powers, and the world is at the stake of these policies by these powers. The weakest countries have been harmed the most.”

After Mottaki identified problems that are limiting sustainable development, Lichtenstein’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Rita Kieber-Beck, pointed towards solutions.

Noting that “the food crisis and energy costs are presenting serious threats to sustainable development” and that “we must do more to solidify our gains,” in a unique approach, Kieber-Beck suggested mirofinance as an effective tool in helping countries become sustainable.

Microfinance is the provision of small loans to the world’s poorest people to help them start their own businesses and create sustainable lives. In this way, microfinance services promote economic sustainability for people by giving the poor the chance to take control of their financial futures and become completely self-reliant.


“Microfinance is an important tool that has proved to be successful,” Kieber-Beck said. “It is estimated that there were over 64 million borrowers worldwide in 2006, up from 9 million in 2000.” (Refer to the graph to the left.)

While microfinance isn’t the only way that we can promote sustainable development, few other foreign ministers besides Minister Kieber-Beck were able to provide concrete suggestions. What other things can governments, groups, and people do to become more sustainable? What can YOU do to lead a more sustainable life?]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:50:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/416669 40.7141667 -74.006388940.7141667-74.0063889 International Criminal Accountability Children's Rights http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/398593
Are these children, forced into armed conflict, accountable for their crimes? How should the law deal with these children and ensure them justice – should the children be punished for their heinous crimes, or should they be treated as victims, with compassion?


This was the topic of discussion on Friday, June 27, 2008, at the UN University Midday Forum. Vesselin Popovski, Director of Studies on International Order and Justice at the United Nations University Peace and Governance Program, spoke about a book he recently edited, entitled Criminal Accountability and the Rights of Children.

According to UNICEF, in the last decade, more than 2 million children died due to armed conflict; about 20 million children were forced to flee their homes; more than 1 million were orphaned or separated from their families; about 300,000 child soldiers are involved in more than 30 conflicts worldwide.

“We look at children as victims, but also as perpetrators of crimes,” Popovski said. “But they were victims before they were perpetrators.” Moreover, most child soldiers only commit crimes under order – not willingly.

“Accountability, we argue, does not necessarily mean criminal accountability,” he continued.

This issue is fraught with many complexities. For instance, if one argues that child soldiers should be treated as victims, and should not be punished, such impunity can actually have extreme negative consequences for the child! After all, commanders might give children increasingly horrible orders, knowing they won’t be punished. Thus, accountability for children is not necessarily criminal accountability, and a wide range of options must be carefully considered before action is taken.

Popovski traced the development of children’s rights in international human rights law, citing the Geneva Conventions and their importance in guaranteeing special protection for children. He also mentions the significance of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1959. Finally, of note is the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), also ratified by the General Assembly, in 1989.

One message that Popovski emphasized throughout his presentation was that any actions taken should “take into account the best interest of the child” because children are particularly vulnerable.

Another specific problem addressed was that of girl child soldiers. About 40% of child soldiers are girls, and almost 50% of girl soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo described their primary role as fighting. In addition, many are exposed to sexual violence, and as a consequence are isolated by their families when they return home.

Yet another problem was the difficulty of distinguishing between those children who are forced to join armies, and those who join voluntarily. According to Popovski, joining an army is never voluntary for a child. Even if a child decides to join an army because he is poor, it does not mean this is a voluntary act – he is still being forced into joining due to his condition of poverty; ultimately, he has no choice.

Although there is a lot of focus on children in armed conflict, there are still crimes against children that occur during peacetime, such as trafficking, sexual exploitation, and forced labor; these issues should also be addressed by international criminal accountability mechanisms, Popovski emphasized.

During the question answer session, a question was asked about Security Council Resolution 1820, which I had recently written a blog about. Popovski said that this resolution was an “excellent development” but that rape had already been recognized as a war crime and a crime against humanity by international criminal tribunals, such as in Rwanda – thus, this Resolution was an impressive positive development, but was ultimately nothing new.

Ultimately, Popovski concluded that child soldiers must be given the appropriate measure of justice – which is not necessarily criminal accountability - that takes into account the childrens’ best interest, and the fact that they are victims who are most often forced into committing crimes, and do not commit them voluntarily.

My opinion...
Although the topic was very interesting, I was slightly disappointed that Popovski did not offer many concrete suggestions for change and improvement – the material he discussed was theoretical, and did not encompass many concrete steps or policy recommendations that can be taken. He did acknowledge that “on paper it is one thing, in reality it is very, very different.” But – from my knowledge – he did not manage to get beyond the “on paper” aspect of the issue, to actual proposals for practices that can actually bring about change. There are, after all, so many possibilities to harness the passion and willpower of youth for positive change, as well as empower youth with the information and strength they need to extricate themselves from such situations. Still, it was truly encouraging to hear so much interest in youth issues and children’s rights, and to hear an active dialogue of people wanting to see change in the area and help end child recruitment in armies.

What do YOU think about the issue of child soldiers in zones of armed conflict? What can be done about the issue? What do you think can be done by youth to protect their fellow young people? Please comment here and leave your input!



One more interesting thing: After leaving the UN Headquarters, I passed by a VERY loud protest on the topic of freeing Tibet. I haven’t seen many protests, so this was a surprise to me! The protesters bunched together on the opposite side of the street from the UN Plaza, and used a loudspeaker to chant their messages. They were asking the UN and Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon to do something about the situation and help free Tibet. It was pretty dramatic and an interesting sight to watch!

(Information credit: Policy Brief from United Nations University - Number 4, 2006)]]> Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:17:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/398593 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 How do you measure youth development? http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/399747 United Nations Programme on Youth organized an Expert Group Meeting on Youth at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The purpose of the meeting was to develop goals and targets for the priority areas in the World Programme of Action for Youth. The meeting gathered representatives from UN agencies, academia, governments, NGOs and youth organizations.

Why does the UN organize Expert Group Meetings?
The UN is a place where governments come together to discuss and make recommendations and decisions on issues that are affecting the world. The UN Secretariat, a substantial part of the UN system, helps to plan and prepare for meetings, and to follow up with technical advice and monitoring of the recommendations governments make at the UN. Governments also often ask the UN Secretariat to look deeper into an issue and to prepare reports and recommendations that governments can discuss and negotiate.

When the UN Secretariat is tasked with this process, their goal is to produce a comprehensive report that is balanced, well researched, and inclusive, and that also contains recommendations for actions that governments can use as a baseline for negotiations. These reports are often referred to as “Secretary General’s report on…”, although the SG himself of course does not write all of them. But to the point, the UN Secretariat staff, although usually very knowledgeable, do not have all the expertise and experience needed to look comprehensively at all the issues being discussed. Therefore, they organize Expert Group Meetings in order to gather experts on an issue for a 2-3 day discussion on what the report should focus on. Researchers, professors, statisticians, field workers, NGO representatives and more come together to share opinions and experiences, and the UN Secretariat tries to capture all this and put it into the report which is then sent over the governments to consider.

Why was the Expert Group Meeting on Youth organized?
The background document of the meeting was the World Programme of Action for Youth. This document was adopted by governments in 1995 and lays out 10 priority areas (Education, Employment, Hunger and poverty, Health, Environment, Drug abuse, Juvenile delinquency, Leisure-time activities, Girls and young women, and Participation) for governments to focus on for youth development. In the World Youth Report 2003, an additional 5 areas were proposed (Globalization, Information and Communication Technologies, HIV/AIDS, Youth and Conflict, Intergenerational Relations), and these were adopted by the General Assembly in 2005.

The 15 priority areas are commitments and guidelines for governments to improve the situation for young people in their countries. However, it can be very hard to determine whether progress is actually being made. Consider the passage below, which is taken from the Participation section of WPAY:

Proposals for action

107. The following actions are proposed:
  • a) Improving access to information in order to enable young people to make better use of their opportunities to participate in decision-making;
  • (b) Developing and/or strengthening opportunities for young people to learn their rights and responsibilities, promoting their social, political, developmental and environmental participation, removing obstacles that affect their full contribution to society and respecting, inter alia, freedom of association;
  • (c) Encouraging and promoting youth associations through financial, educational and technical support and promotion of their activities;
  • (d) Taking into account the contribution of youth in designing, implementing and evaluating national policies and plans affecting their concerns;
  • (e) Encouraging increased national, regional and international cooperation and exchange between youth organizations;
  • (f) Inviting Governments to strengthen the involvement of young people in international forums, inter alia, by considering the inclusion of youth representatives in their national delegations to the General Assembly.
As you can see there are a lot of good intentions here, but also a lot of words such as encouraging, strengthening and promoting which does not really make a firm commitment for action for governments. Any government can say it has encouraged youth participation since 1995, but how can we know that youth participation has actually increased?

In order to measure progress on youth development, governments in 2005 requested the UN Secretariat to develop goals and targets in all areas of WPAY. The idea is to have concrete numbers and deadlines that can be more easily monitored and evaluated. In 2007, the UN Program on Youth organized an Expert Group Meeting to develop goals and targets in 4 of the WPAY priority areas (Education, Employment, Poverty and Hunger, and Globalization), and a number of goals and targets were developed. This year’s meeting focused on the remaining 11 areas of WPAY and was therefore far more ambitious, since we had about the same amount of time (3 days).

How was the meeting organized?
The UN Program on Youth were in charge of all the preparations for the meeting, and they invited participants from a wide range of fields, including professors, UN staff, field workers, and representatives of youth-led and youth-supportive organizations. Unfortunately, a lack of time and funding made it difficult for young people to participate, which is a common problem in these processes. Participants had the chance to submit their suggestions before the meeting, and the European Youth Forum suggested the following goals and targets on Participation:

- Goal 1: Ensure young people’s rights to participate in decision-making on the national and international level
- Goal 2: Ensure the equal participation of girls and boys, young women and young men, in decision-making

Targets:
- The establishment of youth-led, democratic and gender equal National Youth Councils in every Member State of the UN, building upon youth civil society, within 2015.
- The establishment of youth-led and gender equal participation structures in each pilot country of the One Country – One UN Reform by 2010.
- Ensure that no country has a voting age higher than 18 and that all women and men can be elected to national assemblies from the age of 18 by 2015.

Compared to the original text on Participation in WPAY, this is a lot more action-oriented. It also allows for youth organizations and others to hold governments accountable if the goals and targets are not achieved. However, this was just a suggestion ahead of the meeting, and there were many other suggestions and thoughts around this theme from other participants.

The meeting started with a series of presentations from experts within the 11 areas that we were discussing. The experts had also been asked to develop suggestions for goals and targets that could form the basis for discussion. It is too much to cover in one blog, and needless to say it was easy to feel overwhelmed as one important area for youth after another was covered in about 2 hours. Franziska Seel, Executive Director of GYAN, gave a presentation on Youth and ICTs where she highlighted access and content as important areas.

From United Nation...


The second day started with more presentations, and Naomi Sorkin from the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GYCA) presented on HIV/AIDS and highlighted that young people need access to information, health services and participation opportunities. Christoffer Grønstad from the European Youth Forum criticized the meeting process for not including enough youth organizations and for not having enough of a development focus.

On the 2nd day, I was also able to give a presentation on participation. I focused on the work Franziska Seel and TakingITGlobal has done around National Youth Councils, and presented some findings from their research report. In addition, I highlighted what I think is an important trend in youth participation – the use of technology to consult with a large and diverse number of young people on important issues. This method of participation should not at all replace traditional democratic youth networks, but it can be a very useful addition especially in countries where these structures do not yet exist.

After a lot of presentations, it was then time for discussions. The participations were divided into small groups and given the challenge to discuss the 11 issues and come up with suggestions for goals and targets. Needless to say this was a formidable task, since each issue easily could have filled a 3-day meeting. It was reflected in the discussions where we were only able to skim the surface of each issue before having to suggest the goals and targets and then moving on to the next issue.

From United Nation...



The last day we then went into a plenary discussion to try to finalize the goals and targets for each of the 11 areas. It became clear that we were not going to reach full consensus on all goals and targets, and that many of the issues needed further research and input before sensible and relevant goals. It was agreed that the UN Programme on Youth staff would be tasked with following up on this meeting and finalizing the goals and targets based on the discussion we had in the meeting. This is not an easy task, to say the least.

What was the final outcome and conclusions of the meeting?
At the time of writing this blog, the final outcome of the meeting is now yet ready. The UN staff is still working on the goals and targets, and they will now most likely be presented to the General Assembly in the fall for further discussion, negotiation and hopefully adoption. You can monitor the progress at the Expert Group Meeting on Youth website.

Overall, it was a very interesting meeting on a really short timeline. I understand the constraints the UN Programme on Youth in terms of available resources and staff, and given the circumstances they did a great job getting this meeting organized. However, the UN system as a whole really needs to pay more attention to youth issues and provide more time and resources to organize meetings like this. The meeting was often dominated by Western perspectives on youth development, and there were also not many youth organizations present.

I hope the meeting eventually does lead to the adoption of new goals and targets for youth development. Although one can argue whether development can always be quantified, it is helpful both for governments and youth organizations to have something to strive towards. The alternative is having the vague commitments of promoting and encouraging youth development.

What do you think about using goals and targets to monitor youth development?
]]> Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:16:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/399747 58.8166667 5.716666758.81666675.7166667 Security Council demands end to sexual violence as war tactic http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/394485
United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice chaired the debate on the behalf of the U.S.

“We affirm that sexual violence profoundly affects not only the health and safety of women, but the economic and social stability of their nations,” she said in her opening remarks.

Resolution 1820 declares that rape and other forms of sexual violence constitute war crimes, or crimes against humanity. The Resolution also confirms that the Council should consider imposing measures against those groups that engage in sexual violence and rape. It also acknowledges that many groups use rape as a tactic of war in order to “humiliate, dominate, instil fear in, disperse and/or forcibly relocate civilian members of a community or ethnic group” – actions which clearly aggravate conflicts.

The text also asks those parties currently engaging in armed conflict to take appropriate measures against the use of sexual violence and to protect civilians in times of conflict. This includes military disciplinary measures, improved training of troops, and “debunking myths that fuel sexual violence.”

The Resolution also asks the Secretary General to submit a report detailing specific situations in which sexual violence against civilians is prevalent. It also asks for proposals on how to implement the Resolution, with guidelines for reducing the exposure of women to such violence, directed towards UN peacekeeping officials as well as specific countries and groups.

The delegates also discussed United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, on Women, Peace, and Security. Resolution 1325 was passed unanimously almost eight years ago, on October 31, 2000. It was the first resolution ever passed by the Security Council that specifically addresses the impact of war on women, and women's contributions to conflict resolution and sustainable peace. It expressed concern that civilians, particularly women and children, account for the vast majority of those adversely affected by armed conflict. It also addressed the need to increase the role of women in decision-making relating to conflict prevention and resolution.

The speakers at the conference, representing these various nations, all expressed concern for the current situation and emphasized the need for change, while supporting the mission of Resolution 1325.

Yukio Takasu, Chairperson of the Peacebuilding Commission for Japan, said that since Resolution 1325 was passed, there has been steady progress in helping women participate in post-conflict decision-making. However, “the response to gender-based violence has been inadequate,” he said. In order to improve the situation, he said that the Security Council should
1) Collect actual data on the impact of sexual violence
2) End impunity and punish those responsible for sexual crime
3) Provide training for peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel
4) Strengthen mission mandates in the area of protection, and set concrete goals to implement

Gender issues also cannot be viewed as simply women’s issues, but as necessary for peacekeeping as a whole, he said.

For the Democratic Republic of Congo, the issue of violence against women hit home. The country’s Minister of Gender, Family and Children, Omatuku Atshakawo, said that rape has become a weapon of war, used to destroy the enemy, destroy the family, and destroy the dignity of women. It is “weakening the physical, psychological, and economic health of women.” 50% of women victims are under the age of 18, she said. A code for the protection of children would be adopted soon by the Congolese Senate, Atshakawo said.

Sexual violence is “leading to the feminization of poverty” she continued. Rape prevents women from being able to return to work and make a living. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers medical, psychological, and economic help to abused and raped women, allowing them to return to school and work. The government also offers free legal and judicial services, allowing victims to bring their cases to court. Atshakawo also spoke about youth, stating that the Congolese government helps young female victims to return to school and cares for those orphaned as a consequence of sexual abuse.

Article 14 of the Congolese constitution also provides for the equality of men and women, she said. The government thus strives to fight ignorance by making sure that women know their rights. Furthermore, female judges are trained to offer proper legal services to victims, and there is also an increasing number of female military and police personnel. The government also prevents known rapists from holding public posts.

“Women have the right to peace, and without that, all dignity and development will be lost,” Atshakawo said.

Some similar points were made by Claudia Fritsche, from Liechtenstein, who stressed that more women must be appointed to leading positions, especially in the UN and in positions regarding diplomacy and peace. This would allow women to be stakeholders, not just victims. Many girls in regions of conflict associate uniformed officials with sexual violence, so if women are increasingly given such roles, such widespread negative perceptions will change.

A common theme running through the all the speeches of the day was that women should be given an active role in peace-building and conflict resolution processes in order to ensure that any peace becomes truly sustainable.

Overall, it was extremely inspiring to see so many representatives come forth with their full and unhindered support of the United Nations Resolutions 1820 and 1325. The United Nations Resolution is an encouraging first step towards truly reducing the use of rape as a war tactic. With the passing of this Resolution, it is hopeful that many nations will take further concrete steps to improve their military procedures, educate their soldiers on the consequences of sexual violence during war, introduce more severe sanctions to punish sex offenders, and provide readily accessible resources that allow female victims to bring justice to their assaulters, recover from the trauma, and get back on their feet. Education can also help reduce the social stigma around sexual abuse, which can truly help re-integrate victims into society and allow them to make valuable contributions to their communities.

The fact that the United Nations placed such a great emphasis on children and youth was also very encouraging. Many of the speakers discussed the role of the government in helping to care for young girls negatively impacted by sexual violence, as well as those orphaned by it. Still, there is more that can be done. Although the Security Council members have emphasized the role of women in peacebuilding and in ensuring the social and economic development of states, they must place equal emphasis on youth and children. Young people are truly the future of the world, and if the efforts of leaders and decision-makers today are to succeed and be truly sustainable, young people must be viewed as the equals of adults, and must be recognized for their talents, passion, idealism, and infinite potential to change the world.

If you'd like to learn more about this issue, please read further by visiting the UN News Centre OR USA Today. Thanks for reading!

(Picture Caption: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, next to UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon: opening remarks at Thursday's Security Council Meeting. Picture Credit: UN News Centre)]]> Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:12:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/394485 51.5 -0.116666751.5-0.1166667 Can Genocide be Prevented? http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/391761 Genocide: n. Any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life, calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; [and] forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. (1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Article 2).

On June 12th, over 150 people gathered in the United Nations’ Dag Hammarskjold Library Auditorium to listen to genocide expert David Hamburg talk about his new book, Preventing Genocide: Practical Steps Towards Early Detection and Effective Action. The event was organized by the United Nations University.

“It’s encouraging that there is so much interest in such a grim subject,” Dr. Jean-Marc Coicaud, the head of the United Nations University said while introducing Dr. Hamburg. “The fact that we have such a large crowd here is a true testament to peace.”

For the next hour, Hamburg argued against the widely held belief that genocide is inevitable and affirmed that it is indeed preventable. He explained that while much research has gone into documenting and analyzing genocides, experts have said little about prevention.

“It’s widely accepted among political leaders that genocide cannot be detected until the last minute,” Hamburg explained. “However, research shows that early signals always provide ample time for response options, provided that we have focal points for mobilizing the best practices.”

Hamburg credits United Nations’ former Secretary Generals Dag Hammarskjold for introducing the concept of genocide prevention and Kofi Annan for proving that humanitarian help can be provided quickly and efficiently. Because of these two men, Hamburg said, the United Nations has "started to get the ball rolling" in formulating a set of genocide prevention tools. Hamburg identified six tools in preventing genocide, including pro-active help in prevention of mass violence, fostering equitable socio-economic development, promoting education for human survival, and preventing human rights infractions through forms of international justice.

Yet while Hamburg applauded the UN for “setting a favorable trend” in genocide prevention, he acknowledged that there is still much room for improvement.

“Agencies can do more in prevention than they are now doing,” Hamburg said. He pointed out that United Nations genocide prevention efforts are constrained by the threat of a Security Council veto and by nations’ fear of overriding sovereignty in the General Assembly. Additionally, departments that deal with genocide prevention are usually “underfunded and understaffed.”

The book also identified patterns that can be found at the roots of genocides. Hamburg made the point that genocides usually occur when one group blames a weaker group for its own problems and cultivates intergroup hatred. If left untouched, the stronger group may incite violence that will grow over the years, from periodic outbursts, to civil war, to genocide. It’s for this reason, Hamburg says, that we need to focus on early and mid-range genocide prevention tactics and not wait until it’s too late.

Along with identifying the early steps of genocide, Hamburg called upon policy makers to create environments where genocide is less likely to occur. “A fundamental responsibility of policy makers is to …promote factors of political process in violence-prone societies,” he said.

“It’s hard to understand how decent human beings can commit genocide,” the author concluded. “If we can’t learn to live together, then all of our efforts won’t be of much value.”

Dr. Hamburg's book can be purchased here.]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:39:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/391761 40.7141667 -74.006388940.7141667-74.0063889 Caucus on Families and Orphans affected with AIDS. http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/394785
Because HIV/AIDS is such a heavy, multi-faceted issue, it's hard to view it simply as a virus. Along with the actual virus, we see HIV/AIDS in terms of the number of lives it takes, the social stigma it creates, and its growing prevalence in developing countries. Yet while these are examples of direct causation brought on by the virus, it's important to note how HIV/AIDS is so powerful that it indirectly affects people living without AIDS. As part of the United Nations' two day high level meeting on HIV/AIDS, two women (Sharon Slater from the group "Global Helping to Advance Mothers and Children" and Jennifer from "Mothers for World Care Ordinance") lead a panel about how AIDS has left over 15 million children orphans.
In their lives, both women have made extraordinary feats in addressing the orphan issue in their own countries. In Kenya, Jennifer helped found a movement that has placed over 4,000 Kenyan orphans into families. While Sharon has also done work in Kenya, her work has brought her to over 25 countries to push for HIV prevention and adoption policies.

This week at the UN an “AIDS” theme was prevalent in the various discussions and meetings that to. On Wednesday June 11 2008 a small caucus entitled Families Orphans affected with AIDS was held in conference room B. This caucus was organized in order to spread interest in an adoption model based in Kenya, but can be potentially implemented in other parts of the world. The model was created by a woman from Kenya named Jenifer, who established the “Mothers for World Care Ordinance”; an adoption program in which families adopt children of aids victims. This program places orphan children from her community in Kenya into the homes of families of the same or sometimes neighboring communities. In return for their help, the program provides the families with basic material necessities such as food and clothing for the children. The program also provides training to families so that they can effectively handle the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the orphans. As a result of this program many orphans have found mentorship and are now able to live on their own.

The caucus was very small and intimate and consisted of a short presentation by Jennifer followed by a brief discussion and question and answer session led by Sharon Slater, a representative from the group “Global Helping to Advance Mothers and Children”. Despite its overwhelming success and effectiveness, this program is suffering from a lack of funding which can potentially led to its end. Although the caucus itself was a bit rushed, Jenifer’s presentation was very impressive and she was modest in her accomplishments. Her model and presentation were well thought out and detailed; however, in the question and answer session that followed the presentation several questions were posed by audience members regarding the “stigmas” and “controversy” often associated with international and domestic adoptions. Because of this many worry about whether this model can be implemented at a worldwide or even national level. ]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:00:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/394785 40.7141667 -74.006388940.7141667-74.0063889 DPI/NGO Communications Workshop http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/337255 The workshop began with an explanation of the new types of technologies and services which the UNIC's are starting to use and how they can be of use to the NGO's and civil society. The new teleconference system that was being used was the main example of how the UN is moving into the future. Although actually working that technology seemed to baffle them, prompting the Mexico City Director to comment that even in the 1st world we can't get things to work!
The NGO's are a very important part of the outreach work that the UN does all over the world. They are the ones who go out into the communities and are on the front lines of addressing the most pressing needs. Therefore, it is imperative that the UN be able to better connect these NGO's so that they may be able to communicate and share solutions to the problems that they are facing in the field.
The representatives from all of the UNIC's stressed the fact that they are compiling databases and information on all of the NGO's with whom they work and making that information public. With the new information centers, individuals will be able to contact their local UNIC and find organizations in their area focusing on any number of different issues. These databases, will hopefully encourage 'horizontal communication' between NGO's who are working toward similar goals. Effective networking and communication is essential if we are to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. There was a special focus on youth participation in particular, because as 18% of the total world population, they are uniquely positioned to take on some of the world's biggest issues with new perspectives, as well as greater knowledge of new technologies.
That is why organizations like Global Youth Action Network are so important. They network and provide links between community organizations all over the world. The Mexico UNIC recognized this when she mentioned GYAN in discussing how to connect isolated NGO's to the resources that are available to them.
All in all it was an informative workshop that demonstrated the increasingly vital role that new technology, along with organizations like GYAN, will play in solving current issues by connecting people!
]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:50:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/337255 UN Conference on Climate Change http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/334809 There were two panel discussions which were led by moderators and had speakers from all different countries and professions there to lend their unique perspectives to the issue. The first panel concerned the issue of co-operation with the private sector and how to enlist them in the effort to offset climate change. The second was entitled 'The UN at work' and focused on what the UN could do specifically to address the issue. The President of the U.N, Srgjan Kerim, captured the U.N's general policy for most issues in saying that, "The U.N can set the table but the rest of the world has to act". The idea is that if delegates and representatives from all over the world come together and discuss the issue, that they will return to their home countries with the necessary information in order to act locally. What everyone agreed was necessary was the participation of the private sector in any global movement against climate change. Governments can only do half of the work in drafting legislation, private companies must take it upon themselves to decrease their carbon footprint. As the panel member from the Board of Chinese Business Council put it, "we need to develop a good faith collaboration". Both the private and public sectors need to come together honestly and sincerely to solve the problem.
What was stressed over and over was the fact that the poorest countries produce the least carbon emissions but are affected the most by climate change. For example, while U.S and Chinese (the two most polluting countries!) factories and businesses churn out environmentally damaging gases, it is the small, poor villages in Southeastern Asia that are being washed away by tsunamis. It was also noted multiple times that while 20% of the world's population resides in cities, cities produce 80% of total gas emissions. So, it is evident that large cities such as New York carry a larger burden in trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Mayor Bloomburg spoke about some small changes that NYC city is undertaking to combat this problem, such as converting all NYC taxis to energy efficient vehicles, taxing drivers in Manhattan during peek hours and planting 1 million trees within the next 10 years. Although they may seem like small changes, these are the things that do make a difference in the long run. The 1st world and pollutant countries also bear the burden of helping the 3rd world countries develop with new, greener technology with private funding that will help not only in battling climate change but also in battling poverty.
One of the panel speakers, Martin Korr from Indonesia, spoke of the danger of overloading the agenda. We need to focus on the four main areas of attack: finance, litigation, technology and adaptation. If the problem of climate change is addressed on these four fronts then the global community has a chance of succeeding!
As an American, it was interesting to watch this discussion be played out in New York City. After the U.S government refused to sign the Kyoto treaty in 1997, it was a disheartening and embarrassing failure on our part to address this important issue and it seemed as if it would never be taken seriously in the US. But ten years later, it is the issue on everyone's lips and more and more people are taking small steps to do their part. Every citizen, and especially the YOUTH who will have to live with these decisions long after the aging administration, should pressure their government into taking action NOW so that we might have the possibility of saving the earth and saving our way of life!
]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:19:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/334809 Young Voices from Conflict Zones http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272561 Youth Report: Will You Listen?]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:21:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272561 40.7355556 -74.172777840.7355556-74.1727778 Youth Report to the Machel 10-year Strategic Review http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272559
The Machel 10-Year Strategic Review is an assessment of the work done since the initial study of the effect of armed conflict on children by Graca Machel. This study brought about the position of the Special Representative to the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC), and several intiatives by UN agencies, NGOs, governments and regional organizations for concrete action. The 10-Year Strategic Review provides the findings of the current SRSG-CAAC, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, during several visits to conflict areas, and including recommendations for future action as well. One important suggestion is the participation of youth in decision-making. The presentation of the Youth Report is an important element in the Strategic Review, and reinforces the need for youth voices in the ongoing discussion on armed conflict.

The Youth Report was presented by four young people from conflict-affected areas, and included presentations from the sponsoring member state, Norway, the SRSG-CAAC, Radhika Coomaraswamy, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Hilde Johnson, and the Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA, Ms. Mari Simonen. Well-attended despite the conflicting Stand-Up Against Poverty! program that same morning, the moving presentation featured readings from the report by the youth participants, and a corresponding slideshow. Copies of the Youth Report were available and the young people had the chance to meet and take photos with the high-level representatives from the UN organizations.

However, the difficulties and problems facing the presentation of the Youth Report may be more evocative than what was actually said and presented. The team working on the presentation faced several obstacles; first and foremost, they were barred from presenting to the General Assembly alongside of the Strategic Review. In addition, the difficulties in bringing youth from conflict countries was indicative of the refusal by many states to acknowledge the significance of youth voices at the UN. It was quite disheartening to learn of young people refused visas to travel to New York and present their report. In addition, the work to censor the words of the young people demonstrated the inability of UN organizations and delegates to truly listen to these voices. The demands presented at the end of the reading, a crucial element of the Youth Report, unfortunately, will go unheeded as long as their voices remain suppressed.


Read the Youth Report, and endorse the demands of the young people by signing the online petition.]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:31:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/272559 40.7355556 -74.172777840.7355556-74.1727778 60th Annual DPI/NGO Conference - Climate Change http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/248395 A few specific workshops focused on the effect of climate change on various youth issues. The following workshops focused on children's issues: "Caring After the Storm: The Impact of Climate Change on Children in Areas Where Rising Waters Create Despair and Destruction", "Youth, Education and Climate Change", and "Small Steps - Big Effect: What Families and Children Can Do to Help Reverse Global Warming". The presence of youth representatives were felt at these smaller workshops. However, youth were also present at the larger, closing session of the Conference. Moderated by the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, this session featured conference summaries presented by 4 youth participants in the UN International School. Reading aloud from prepared summaries, these 4 participants were the few young people present. Though there were various references to the importance of youth participation in climate change, and the effect of current practices on the future, very few members of the audience represented the youth movement. The conference website, however, featured a section on youth, which included a Youth Education Outreach Initiative that incorporates and encourages advocacy and participation in the global discussion on climate change.
Closing with a beautiful poem and visual presentation by Mr. Rolland Smith, after a lengthy address by Mr. Rajendra K. Pachauri (the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), the session pointed to the many successes of the 3-day conference, including a formal declaration prepared for the representatives. This declaration stated the goals and objectives of the conference, and suggested several initiatives for the representatives to take. Coming before the UN Climate Change Conference this December in Bali, this conference provided a brief look into the many new findings and positions of the IPCC. However, the role of youth needs to be much more visible and accesible in order to truly create the partnership and the essence of sustainable development that so many representatives stressed.
]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:40:00 EDT http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/248395 40.7355556 -74.172777840.7355556-74.1727778 UN - Civil Society Relations http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/71519
During my time working around the UN there has been a constant debate on how civil society can and should be involved and have access to UN decision-making processes. There have been many previous reports and recommendations on this issue, among them the Cardoso Report, but the debate is ongoing. Civil society is obviously always pushing for more access, arguing it brings expertise, accountability and urgency to the processes. Governments argue the UN is a forum where governments make decisions and that the number and diversity of civil society organizations is too large to handle.

Under this context, the General Assembly President organized a meeting where civil society representatives in New York met with UN officials and governments to discuss how the relationship can improve. A number of NGOs had gone together and prepared a statement outlining their recommendations. The most interesting ones were:
  • Appointment of an NGO Focal Point for the UN system - Today there exists a number of NGO Focal Points within the UN system, often one for each department and agency, and with each comes a different registration process and different procedures for engagement. It can be very confusing for NGOs to figure out how it is possible to get involved, especially for young people engaging with the UN for the first time. One focal point and one office that NGOs can contact, along with uniform registration procedures, will make life a lot easier for many NGOs.
  • Establishment of a trust fund for Southern NGOs - Participation at the UN remains dominated by Northern NGOs or northern representatives of International NGOs. The travel costs for Southern NGOs to come to New York are often too great for organizations already struggling with little resources. A trust fund dedicated to increasing southern participation would of course be most helpful. However, such a fund does already exist for bringing youth delegates to the UN, and it has been painfully empty. There are also visa restrictions - especially young people from Africa can be stopped at the US embassy even with funding and approval letters from the UN.
  • Virtual representation and regional engagement - One of the more interesting and relevant recommendations for young people is the use of technology and virtual representation. Video conferencing could enable young people to participate from their home countries. Although not ideal, it would solve the funding and visa problems that stops many youung people from participating. Another recommendation is to engage civil society more in the regional processes and in the work of the UN country offices. Although this is currently happening in many countries there is a lot of potential for bigger involvement, and it would also be more relevant to those participating.Other recommendations included to improve the the way civil society hearings are organized, to improve the actual physical space for civil society when the UN building is eventually upgraded, and to grant more funding and responsibility to the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service.

    The recommendation that received the most applauce, though, was regarding the entrance for civil society to the UN building. Currently we have to walk through the visitor's entrance, along with tourists and through a security screening, while government delegates and UN staff can go through more accessible entrances. I couldn't believe that after the whole debate on improving civil society access, this was what seemed to be the biggest concern. It's a minor issue that would perhaps save 5 minutes when entering the UN building, but would do nothing to further substantiate our participation.

    There was not much said about youth until Emily Freeburg of the NGO Committee on Youth stood up and spoke about the contributions young people can make to the UN, and the specific challenges young people have when trying to participate. Certainly the UN can improve the conditions for young people, including funding, training, and recognition as key stakeholders.The potential of technology and the knowledge and innovation of young people to utilize it is also certainly worth exploring.

    The UN is trying to improve its relations with civil society, but the way the system works right now it will take a while. Civil society can continue to advocate and lobby as we have been doing for the past years, repeating the same thing over and over until eventually someone hopefully listens, or perhaps a new way of thinking is required?]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2006 23:32:00 EST http://www.tigblog.org/group/unreports/post/71519 58.8166667 5.716666758.81666675.7166667