Monthly Archives: October 2006
Women Under Attack in Iraq, Afghanistan
“Women are facing increasing violence in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia, especially when they speak out publicly to defend women’s rights, a senior U.N. official told the U.N. Security Council. Noeleen Heyzer, executive director of the U.N. Development Fund for Women, called on for fresh efforts to ensure the safety of women in countries emerging from conflicts, to provide them with jobs, and ensure that they receive justice, including compensation for rape.” More
What Does Your Congressional Candidate Think About the UN?
From the Better World Campaign: A majority of Americans believe in a strong United Nations and continue to support active engagement with the UN, according to a recent poll released by the Better World Campaign.
So what does your 2006 Congressional candidate think about the UN?
The Better World Campaign asked all 2006 Congressional candidates about their positions on U.S. funding for the United Nations, for UN peacekeeping, for repairing the out-dated and unsafe UN headquarters, and more.
UN Expert Sees U.S. Interrogation Law Setting Dangerous Standard
Washington Post: “Washington’s new law allowing tough interrogation techniques and military trials for terrorism suspects risks setting a dangerous standard for other countries to follow, a United Nations rights expert said on Friday.
Security Council Highlights Women’s Role in Peace Process
“Highlighting the role played by women in promoting peace in countries emerging from conflict, the United Nations Security Council today stressed it was essential to promote the full participation of women in helping rebuild such societies and also encouraged more female involvement in UN peacekeeping operations.” More
NATO Bombs Kill Scores of Afghan Civilians
Alertnet: “NATO warplanes killed at least 50 civilians, mostly women and children, in bombing in southern Afghanistan during a major Islamic holiday, local leaders said on Thursday…. Witnesses say 25 homes were razed in 4-5 hours of bombing.
The United Nations mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, on Thursday urged a speedy and thorough investigation. “The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is very concerned by reports that a great number of civilians may have died during the conduct of military operations,” it said in a statement in Kabul.”
The Member States Have Spoken
It seems that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s theatrics at the General Assembly have backfired. After 36 rounds of voting, Venezuela still cannot garner the support of 2/3rds of member states necessary to win a seat on the Security Council. In the New York Times today, Warren Hoge explains that member states — particularly in Latin America — were none too happy with Chavez’s anti-U.S. diatribe.
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The SC; HRC; DPRK; South Sudan
The SC: The Security Council today held its last consultations under the Council Presidency of ROK. Tomorrow, Russia will take over the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for March under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
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The SG; Mali; Middle East; Palestine
The SG: At the Fifth Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, Austria today, the SG emphasized the role of youth in ensuring a “prosperous, equitable and peaceful future.”
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The SG; DRC; HRC; Palestinian Prisoner
The SG: In Ethiopia over the weekend, the SG is now in the United Arab Emirates. Today he met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, where the two discussed developments in the region, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
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