News archive: November 2013
11 November 2013
The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe published a report on the accountability of international organisations for human rights violations. The report, written by Rapporteur Mr. José Maria Beneyto, Spain, Group of the European People’s Party, identifies lacunae in the protection of individuals against human rights infringements by international organisations. By virtue of the separate legal personalities of international organisations, their member states are in general not responsible for their acts. This opens an accountability gap, where the conferral of legal personality to international organisations is not accompanied by effective accountability mechanisms. Additionally, member states can use the organisations as a shield from liability. The report notes that the most serious challenges are the lack of fora where the individual could implement accountability of international organisations, as well as procedural obstacles, such as immunity before national courts.
The report offers a number of suggestions in response to these problems. For example, it suggests that organisations should waive immunity when it is not required to ensure the independent fulfillment of its functions. Additionally, the report urges international organisations to establish internal mechanisms for accountability of human rights violations.
Source: Council of Europe | Parliamentary Assembly | Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights | Accountability of international organisations for human rights violations
8 November 2013
UN officials say partnerships, such as government collaboration with the private sector and civil society, are necessary for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs were set during the UN Summit 2000 to be achieved by 2015 and included such goals as poverty eradication, education, gender equality, child and maternal health, environmental stability, and HIV/AIDS and malaria reduction.
Considering many of the MDGs have still not been met, partnerships are critical in order to achieve these goals by the deadline. Abdou Salam Diallo, Ambassador of Senegal and Chair of the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly, noted that while poverty, inequalities, environmental threats, and conflict still exist at significant levels, with human potential and resources, which partnerships could provide, these problems can be solved.
President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Néstor Osorio, stated ‘[a]s Governments are given tremendous responsibilities in implementing national policies to achieve the MDGs, support from the private sector has become even more crucial. Indeed, it is clear that both governments and the international community can benefit greatly from the expertise, resources and capacities provided by the private sector.’
Source: UN News Centre | Partnerships vital for addressing sustainable development challenges – UN officials
8 November 2013
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2012 and carbon dioxide, such as fossil fuel emissions, account for 80 percent of this increase, according to the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO). As a result, the weather is becoming more extreme, glaciers are melting, and the sea levels are rising. Such result, ‘will jeopardize the future of our children, grandchildren and many future generations,’ said WMO Secretary-General, Michel Jarraud.
The Emissions Gap Report 2013, produced by scientific groups set up by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), state wide-ranging global action is crucial to solve the emissions problem. This report also warned that if the international community fails to act, global temperatures will rise, causing a wide range of new challenges. UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner states, ‘delayed actions mean a higher rate of climate change in the near term and likely more near-term climate impacts, as well as the continued use of carbon-intensive and energy-intensive infrastructure.’ As a result developmental choices will be limited and it will become more difficult to introduce climate-friendly technology in the pursuit to lead the global community to a sustainable, green future. However, Mr. Steiner noted that environmental goals can still be met by 2020 with increased international cooperation in energy efficiency, fossil fuel subsidy reform, and renewable energy.
Source: UN News Centre | Amount of greenhouse gases in atmosphere reach record high, says UN agency
5 November 2013
The UN working group on the use of mercenaries says there is a need for an international agreement to regulate the use and activities of private military, as national legislation is not sufficient. The use of private militaries creates risks for human rights, says Anton Kats, the Chairman-Rapporteur of the working group.
Among the problems with using these private militaries are the lack of effective and transparent mechanism and remedies for human rights violations and difficultly ensuring accountability for such violations of human rights. Although there are initiatives such as the International Code of Conduct, which has been incorporated by some states and companies to regulate the use of private militaries, they are not legally binding and thus are not enough to solve these problems.
Source: UN News Centre | UN expert group cites need for global instrument regulating private security companies
5 November 2013
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the decision of the government of the Netherlands to make a ‘major contribution’ to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) by supplying personnel and equipment. The Netherlands committed four armed helicopters, other critical assets, and circa 380 military, police and civilian personnel.
In April 2013, the Security Council approved a 12,600-strong MINUSMA, authorising the blue helmets ‘to use all necessary means’ to carry out security-related stabilisation tasks, protect civilians, UN staff and cultural artifacts and create the conditions for provision of humanitarian aid. MINUSMA’s core task is to support the political process in Mali, in close coordination with the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
Ban Ki-moon reiterated his call to member states for further assistance to the MINUSMA.
Source: United Nations | Secretary-General | Ban Ki-moon | Latest Statements | New York, 1 November 2013 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on MINUSMA