NEWWORLD News and comment on the United Nations and UNA April–June 2005

A UNited nations For Larger Freedom and Democracy

Looking Forward and Looking Back

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION A Radical Blueprint for UN Renewal Page 4 3 Whitehall Court London SW1A 2EL Tel: 020 7766 3444 Beyond Beijing Page 11 Fax: 020 7930 5893 Email: info@unauk.org The HighLevel Panel Report Page 14 www.unauk.org UNA60 Appeal Page 16

£3.00 Newer World Page 28 UNA-UK CONTENTS FROM From the Executive Director 2 A Blueprint for UN Renewal 4 EXEC The Commission for Africa 5 Strengthening Human Rights 6 Nuclear NonProliferation 8 The Challenge of Peacebuilding in Afghanistan 10 he last three months have seen enormous changes at both the Beyond Beijing 11 UN and UNA. There are a UN Resources 12 number of exciting develop- The HighLevel Panel Report Hits the Road 14 ments to report. TI am delighted to announce a new part- The UNA60 Appeal 16 Bringing UNA’s History to Life 17 nership between UNA-UK and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. The FCO has UNA Profile: The EBranch 17 tasked UNA-UK with organising a series of UNA Branches in UN60 18 nine national and regional public debates Letters 20 around the United Kingdom on the recom- Notice Board 21 mendations of the UN High-Level Panel Report (see page 14). The FCO minister Messages from UNA’s Honorary Presidents 22 with responsibility for the UN, Bill Rammell AdoptAMinefield 23 MP, has already participated in three such AGM, Annual Report and Accounts 24 joint events in London, Cambridge and Newer World 28 Leeds, which were organised at short notice in March. A further six national/regional and New World Subscription: up to 20 sub-regional events are planned for is published by UNA-UK Copies of New World are included in the the period May to July 2005. This national 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL membership fee for UNA-UK. consultation process, involving UNA mem- Tel: 020 7766 3444 bers in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland E-mail: [email protected] ISSN: 1742-0067 and England, is an example of the value of www.una-uk.org Editors: Veronica Lie and Sam Daws UNA's strong grassroots membership base, Advertisements: and how this strengthens our advocacy work Full page: £600 Design: John Schwartz, with government. As we renew UNA, we Half page: £350 [email protected] must do all we can to increase our member- Quarter page: £200 ship, making UNA more appealing and rele- Cover Photo: Finnish troops at UNEF To advertise please call observations post, Southern Sinai, vant to a broad range of ethnicity, class and Veronica Lie on 020 7766 3451 November 1975 (UN/DPI Photo). age. By the end of the year I hope that we will have a range of campaign materials for use by branches and regions at a local level, to raise The deadline for submission of material for the next issue of New World is noon on awareness about the UN, and to bring about Monday, 6 June 2005. The next issue will cover the period 1 July to 30 September change. 2005. Please send all contributions by e-mail where possible to [email protected]. In addition to securing significant funds Digital photos should be at least 300 dpi resolution. from the government for the national public

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2 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 UNA-UK SAM DAWS UTIVE DIRECTOR

debates, UNA has obtained a generous grant Richard Jolly. Over half the audience were reflects on the newly published Report of from the Polden Puckham Charitable Trust, UNA members, and after the event we the Commission for Africa. In the area of specifically for the renewal of UNA, and received many expressions of interest from peace and security, Sarah Carter and Alex from the Network for Social Change and the others in joining UNA. Ramsbotham review ways forward for the HT and LB Cadbury Trust for a redesign of Following a campaign by UNA's youth NPT whilst Nadia Shahbaz turns to the our website. However, our financial needs wing, UNYSA, Foreign Secretary Jack practicalities on the ground, providing a remain urgent and considerable, and in this Straw has agreed to fund three UK youth comment piece on the challenges facing issue of New World we are initiating a regular delegates to the UN General Assembly this peacebuilding in Afghanistan. On human giving appeal for funds to help preserve and autumn. This is an exciting opportunity rights, Laura Mucha reviews options for strengthen UNA. By donating £3 or more for young people to make a difference and reforming the UN Human Rights per month you can help to rebuild and to represent Britain at the UN, and a Commission, and outlines why the govern- renew UNA so that we can become a real major achievement for UNYSA. Mr Straw ment should sign up to the UN Migrant force for change in international affairs in has also agreed to sponsor two events to be Workers Convention. this country. I am personally extremely grate- co-organised with UNA to commemorate The UN itself continues to come under ful for the tremendous support that UNA UN60: the first on Monday, 27 June attack for ‘Oil for Food’ and allegations of members and supporters have given in the 2005, to mark the anniversary of the sign- sexual exploitation by peacekeepers. Up to past to this great organisation, and sincerely date briefings on these subjects appear on hope that in this year, UNA's 60th anniver- UNA’s website. sary, we can all give generously. I will provide As we renew UNA, UNA has been active in responding to a regular update on donations received “ media criticism of the UN, with a plethora through this appeal in New World over the we must do all we can of television and radio interviews on the next 18 months. to increase our BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and the British Forces UNA coordinated the 9th annual membership, making Broadcasting Service. With the support of Lobby of Parliament in London on 9 UNA more appealing the UN Secretariat in New York, UNA is March 2005, in partnership with Action seeking to establish a rapid-rebuttal unit to for UN Renewal, and a record number of and relevant to a broad respond to negative and inaccurate media participating organisations. Speakers range of ethnicity, coverage of the UN in the UK. UNA mem- included the Chair of the UN class and age bers interested in being part of this initiative Parliamentary Group, Tony Colman MP; ” should contact Veronica Lie at vlie@una- UNA Chair Sir Richard Jolly; CND Vice- uk.org, or 020 7766 3451. President Bruce Kent; Director of the UN New UN Chief of Staff Mark Malloch- Millennium Campaign Salil Shetty, and ing of the UN Charter; and the second on Brown has already produced welcome Amnesty International UK Parliamentary 10 January 2006 to mark the anniversary changes in UN efficiency, accountability Officer Maniza Ntekim. During the day of the first session of the UN General and openness. UN member states need to UNA members had a chance to put a Assembly, held at Central Hall, do the same. The US Inspector General for number of challenging questions to their Westminster in January 1946. The details Iraq Reconstruction has condemned the MPs, and we will ensure that the momen- of these events will be finalised following mismanagement of billions of dollars of tum to hold the government to account on the general election. funds by the Coalition Provisional its policies toward the UN is maintained. The feedback from the initial re-design Authority in Iraq. The CPA should now The Lobby indicated strong support for of New World in January has been over- demonstrate the same transparency and the UN from MPs and Peers from across whelmingly positive. In response to sugges- accountability that the UN has voluntarily the political spectrum. tions we have, in this issue, increased the subjected itself to. When the UN Secretary-General visited size of the font used, and the number of With his new report ‘In Larger Freedom’, the UK on 10 February, UNA had a promi- photographs, as well as the space given to Kofi Annan challenges member states to nent role in an event at the Banqueting UNA activities and feedback. choose a renewal of the UN and multilater- House in Whitehall to express British sup- This issue of New World continues to alism over a descent into wider conflict, port for the United Nations and for Kofi develop UNA's core programme themes. increased inequality and the erosion of Annan personally. The Secretary-General On the MDGs, Zarin Hainsworth of international law. UNA-UK has a vital role gave an inspiring speech, which received UNIFEM UK reports on progress since the to play in mobilising political will to positive responses from the Prime Minister, original UN Conference on Women in strengthen the UN at this crucial moment the Foreign Secretary, and UNA Chair Sir Beijing in 1995 and Sir Richard Jolly in world history.

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 3 UNA-UK • UN60

A RADICAL BLUEPRINT FOR UN RENEWAL “In larger freedom: towards development, security and human rights for all” n the day this issue of New endorses the Millennium Project in arguing He also departs from the Panel Report in World went to press, the that there needs to be a compact between only one principal respect, in that he Secretary-General presented developed and developing countries. favours the establishment of a smaller to the UN General Assembly Developed countries must work towards the Human Rights Council to replace the his own report on a renewed UN 0.7% ODA target by 2015, support the Commission on Human Rights, and to be Orole for the United Nations. This report, Doha trade round, including lifting all trade elected directly by a two-thirds’ majority entitled 'In larger freedom: towards develop- barriers on exports from the Least Developed of those present and voting in the General ment, security and human rights for all', Countries, and address debt. Developing Assembly. While the Secretary-General includes the principal proposals of the countries must, in return, improve gover- does not expressly endorse either of the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges nance and accountability, fight corruption, High-Level Panel's models for Security and Change, and reaffirms the findings of and develop the capacity to absorb external Council expansion, he recommends that the Millennium Project, the implementa- assistance. UN member states come to an agreement tion plan produced by a team of 265 devel- In tackling 'new threats' to peace and on this issue before the Millennium opment experts for realising the MDGs. In security, the Secretary-General presents a Review Summit in September. the words of the Secretary-General: comprehensive strategy to address terrorism, In his landmark speech to Congress back "Humanity will not enjoy security without using a framework of five 'Ds': dissuading in 1941, President Roosevelt said of his four development, it will not enjoy development people from becoming terrorists or support- freedoms that they were "no vision of a dis- without security, and it will not enjoy either ing terrorism; denying terrorists funds and tant millennium". The UN Secretary- without respect for human rights." materials; deterring states from sponsoring General's freedoms are similarly realistic, but 'In larger freedom' is a key phrase from the terrorism; developing national capacity to he has expressed the hope that "from prag- Preamble to the UN Charter, and the report is counter the threat of terrorism; and defend- matic beginnings could emerge a visionary structured around three freedoms (freedom ing human rights. change of direction for the world". from want, freedom from fear, and freedom to In addition to supporting a number of live in dignity) and the strengthening of the the other proposals contained in the High- In agreement with the Foreign Office, the for- UN as an institution. This choice of phraseol- Level Panel Report, the Secretary-General mat of the High-Level Panel public debates in ogy is clearly a deliberate echo of the famous offers a new proposal advocating the cre- June and July will take account of this impor- 'Four Freedoms' speech by US President ation of a UN Democracy Fund to assist tant contribution from the Secretary-General. Franklin D. Roosevelt to Congress in 1941. the establishment of new democracies and In this new report the Secretary-General the strengthening of existing democracies. Veronica Lie and Sam Daws

Declaration by the United Nations, signed by 26 states on 14 August 1941

4 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 Our Common Interest • UNA-UK OUR COMMON INTEREST Sir Richard Jolly and Camille Narayan review Our Common Interest: Report of the Commission for Africa

"African poverty and stagnation is the greatest Priorities for action within Africa include against HIV/AIDS and corruption, and tragedy of our time. Poverty on such a scale both direct measures for achieving the efforts to augment levels of education by demands a forceful response." MDGs and indirect measures, such as tack- increasing investment in universities and ling corruption, controlling arms, support- removing school fees for all children. These are the opening words of the Report ing small farmers, investing in small-scale Many of these recommendations have of the Commission on Africa, Our entrepreneurs, and improving infrastructure. been made many times before by both Common Interest, released simultaneously There are many examples of such actions UNA-UK and other NGOs. What is new in London, New York and Addis Ababa on underway, though they need to be taken up this time is that the recommendations arose 11 March. The Report proposes a bold, more widely. Thus the Report hits hard on out of a widespread consultation through- comprehensive and coherent package of the head any lingering excuses used in the out Africa and represent the thinking of an policies and action for the reduction of past to deny Africa the international support extremely experienced panel of seventeen poverty in Africa over the coming decade. it needs to accelerate progress. members, ten of whom are African. More Far from proposing a bit more of everything The Report proposes international action important, most of the Commission's underway at present, the Report calls for a by rich nations which parallels elements members have their hands on levers of new and forceful push to accelerate progress already contained in Goal 8 of the MDGs: power, so they can act. Tony Blair is com- towards the Millennium Development mitted to act on these proposals, as the UK Goals (MDGs) for 2015. Underlying this hosts the G8 summit in July and holds the aim is a new partnership in which African presidency of the EU over the second half governments and people take the lead as of the year. Also of importance are the sup- agents of their own change – and are enabled port and leadership of the other to do so by larger levels of more effective sup- Commissioners who, together, represent an port from richer countries. The overall vision impressive diversity of experience: Prime is to build "towards a just world of which Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, Africa is an integral part". President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Africa deserves a special focus this year. two finance ministers, a governor of a cen- In September at the Millennium Review tral bank, and others from the private sector Summit at the UN in New York, heads of and NGOs, as well as Bob Geldof, pop- government will gather to assess the singer and campaigning activist. The world's progress towards achieving the dynamism of this talented panel shows MDGs for poverty reduction. According larger and more effective aid flows, fairer itself in flashes of wit and insight - and to the latest statistics, many countries have trade, debt cancellation, technological sup- some wonderful African proverbs - in this made notable strides towards the goals – port and much else. However, whereas Goal comprehensive and well-written report. but not in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, the 8 signally failed to specify quantitative targets The Report paves the way for the UK number of people in sub-Saharan Africa and dates for their attainment, many of the government to provide strong leadership living below the poverty line swelled from Report's targets are quantitative, time-bound in the G8 and the EU. Will it happen? 227 million in 1991 to 313 million in and bold. Specifically, the Report calls on The test of the Report's credibility, and the 2001. This contrast is repeated in the rich nations to double aid to sub-Saharan commitment of the UK government, will majority of the indicators used to track Africa over the next three to five years, be evident in the months and years ahead. progress on the MDGs. requiring an increase of US$25 billion. The As Bob Geldof said (with only a few of his However, as the Report argues convinc- Report then proposes a further $25 billion, trademark 'S' and 'F' words), "a copy of ingly, all is not gloom. A dozen or so sub- thus tripling total aid by 2015. the Report will surely be put in the British Saharan African countries have recently The Report's proposals for tripling aid Library reading room. When consulted in made real progress in accelerating economic flows to sub-Saharan Africa over the next 2099, a reader at that time will surely con- growth and moving towards at least some of decade are complemented by strategies for clude that this comprehensive report got the Goals. Multi-party democratic gover- improving aid quality - making aid flows the issues of Africa right. But the question nance has been established in a growing more predictable and less tied in bureaucrat- will be – what did our generation do in number of countries, and there is a new spir- ic rigmarole, with greatly reduced policy response?" it of optimism in many parts of the conti- conditionality. The Report also prescribes nent. These developments depart sharply 100% debt cancellation, as soon as possible, Sir Richard Jolly, Chair of UNA, is one of from the lost decades of the 1980s and 1990s for poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the ten members of the Secretary-General's and provide a solid foundation for renewed and proposes that work begin immediately High-Level Panel appointed to advise on momentum in the fight to achieve the to establish a transparent debt compact to international support needed for NEPAD, MDGs. facilitate the cancellation of both multilater- the New Partnership for Africa's The Report emphasises a tough agenda al and bilateral debt. These initiatives are part Development. This panel's report will be for action in Africa and internationally. of a much wider agenda covering the fight presented in May 2005.

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 5 UNA-UK • Human Rights HUMAN RIGHTS by Laura Mucha, Research Associate, UNAUK Human Rights Programme

REFORMING THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS (CHR)

stablished under the UN Charter ing criticism over its composition, opera- Among the Panel's proposals on strength- as a subsidiary body of the tional effectiveness and susceptibility to ening the UN's human rights machinery the Economic and Social Council politicisation. There has been widespread most controversial recommendation is that (ECOSOC), the Commission concern over the election to the CHR of of universalising membership of the CHR, on Human Rights (CHR) is the states with poor human rights records (such which currently comprises a panel of 53 Eleading human rights body within the UN as Libya, a recent Chair) and, more broadly, states, each elected for a four-year term. The system. Today, its mandate is to promote and over state motivations in seeking election (to UN Advocacy Director for Human Rights protect human rights worldwide, and take criticise others or to provide insulation Watch (HRW), Joanna Weschler, has stated action against violations wherever they against criticism). Last year, for example, cer- that after "accurately diagnos[ing] the sorry occur. While the CHR has been successful in tain Commission members blocked Cuba's state of the CHR", the Panel "proposes an bringing onto the international agenda a draft resolution on the Guantánamo Bay inadequate cure". Both HRW and Amnesty number of key issues - among them violence detainees, which means that this important International have proposed instead that against women, economic and social rights, issue has not yet made it onto the CHR membership should depend upon fulfilling the death penalty and corporate agenda. Speaking before the CHR's annual criteria linked to a member state's human social responsibility - it session in 2004, Irene Khan of Amnesty rights record, such as its ratification of the has come under International warned that, without the prop- main human rights treaties, its record of increas- er reform, the CHR "risks becoming irrele- reporting to UN human rights bodies and vant". whether or not it has issued an open invita- The December 2004 Report of the UN tion to UN human rights investigators. High-Level Panel on Threats, Notably, 35 members of the current CHR Challenges and Change acknowl- have not issued such invitations; these edges that the CHR's capacity to include the current chair, Australia, and three fulfil its tasks has been "under- permanent members of the Security Council mined by eroding credibili- - namely China, Russia and the US. ty and professionalism". Neither model for CHR membership is It accordingly makes a without its flaws. There are obvious difficul- number of short- and ties in devising a set of equitable membership longer-term recom- criteria (not least of which is the risk of fur- mendations to ther politicisation). Equally, while there are ensure that human clear advantages, in a system designed to pro- rights are at the tect universal human rights, of having a centre of the globally-representative Commission, the debate on UN idea of universal membership raises a serious reform. practical problem. In short, a larger, more diverse Commission may function even less effectively. "There's little that a 191-member body could accomplish during a six-week session - at best, it would be yet another talk shop," states Ms Weschler of HRW. This, as the High-Level Panel recog- Human Rights • UNA-UK

nises, is a problem currently facing the UN • Membership of the CHR should be made universal. General Assembly - the only UN body with • All members of the CHR should designate prominent and experi universal membership. In fact, the Panel rec- enced human rights figures as the heads of their delegations. ommends streamlining the General • The CHR should be supported in its work by an advisory council or Assembly into "smaller, more tightly focused panel. • The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights should prepare an committees" because its size impedes deci- annual report on the situation of human rights worldwide. sion-making and this, in turn, "undermines • The Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission should its relevance". request that the High Commissioner report to them regularly on So is universal membership the wrong the implementation of all human rightsrelated provisions of route for reforming the CHR? Not necessar- Security Council resolutions. • Funding for the Office of the High Commissioner should be ily, provided universalisation forms part of a increased, as the current rate of funding at just 2% of the regu package of wider reform. For example, if the lar budget is inadequate. CHR were - as the Panel also suggests - • In the longer term, member states should consider upgrading the upgraded to a Human Rights Council, this CHR to a 'Human Rights Council' standing alongside ECOSOC and could go some way towards overcoming the the Security Council. operational problems associated with univer- sal membership. At the least, such a Council The apparent urgency of the need to underway (14 March–22 April 2005), would be able to react to human rights crises reform the CHR does not, however, appear reform of the UN's human rights machinery as they occur, rather than waiting for the six- to be mirrored within the body itself: as the comes near the bottom of the provisional week annual session. Commission's 61st annual session gets agenda: item 18(c) out of 21.

WHY THE UK SHOULD SIGN THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF MIGRANT WORKERS ccording to the 2004 Foreign Signing and ratifying the MWC would having had their passports taken by Office annual report on do much to improve the situation in the employers. human rights, the UK has UK. The Convention extends basic Under the government's new five-year ratified every major interna- human rights to all migrant workers and plan for asylum and immigration, tional human rights treaty. their families throughout the entire migra- announced in February 2005, the situation AHowever, this claim is undermined by the tion process, and it also proposes policies for migrant workers and their families in the fact that the UK has not signed the UN's to promote equitable and lawful interna- UK stands to get worse. The net effect of the International Convention on the tional migration. While documented proposals is to curtail legitimate labour Protection of the Rights of All Migrant migrant workers are accorded additional migration routes: as the chief executive of the Workers and Members of Their Families rights under the MWC, its provisions pro- Immigration Advisory Service has argued, (MWC), which entered into force in July tect a core of human rights for all this will increase the likelihood that "more 2003. What is more, the government migrants, regardless of their legal status in workers will be sucked into the economy via shows no intention of changing its posi- the host country. The Convention smugglers and traffickers, with appalling tion, having stated that national policies includes measures to eliminate clandestine consequences of exploitation". already strike the "right balance between movements and trafficking and to prevent The implications of the government's the need for immigration control and the employment in irregular situations. current position on the MWC and migra- protection of the interests and rights of Notably, article 21 prohibits the confisca- tion also extend beyond the UK, most migrant workers and their families". tion of migrant workers' identity docu- notably affecting the UK's capacity for There is compelling evidence that this ments: not only is there no such UK legis- international standard-setting in an area confidence is not justified: not only is lation but there is clear evidence that this that is contingent upon the independent existing UK legislation inadequate to pro- practice is used in the UK to pressure compliance of national governments. It is tect migrant workers but the situation workers into accepting sub-standard wages especially regrettable that the UK will lose stands to get worse under the govern- and poor working conditions. For exam- the opportunity to take a positive lead on ment's recently proposed five-year plan for ple, 49% of domestic workers who regis- migration during 2005, when its presiden- asylum and immigration. Against this tered between 2001 and 2003 with cies of the G8 and the EU provide it with backdrop, the need to sign the MWC is Kalayaan, an NGO that supports migrant such a useful platform from which to becoming increasingly urgent. domestic workers in the UK, reported effect real change in global human rights.

Write to your MP urging her or him to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 430: Ratification of Migrant Workers Convention, tabled by Tom Brake MP UNA-UK • Peace and Security PEACE AND SECU Alexander Ramsbotham and Sarah Carter, UNAUK Peace and Security Programme

THE NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION TREATY

n May 2005, the signatories to the ing the non-proliferation regime, the May Nuclear proliferation: the 21st Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty will Conference is being viewed in many quar- century threat and the crisis of convene in New York for the NPT ters as a defining point for the future of the the NPT Review Conference, a major summit NPT. It is therefore essential that both the The UN High-Level Panel warns of a possi- which is held every five years and which UK and its international partners use the ble "cascade of proliferation" of nuclear Iconstitutes a key mechanism for appraising conference to reaffirm commitment to the weapons in the future, as a result of the pre- progress towards nuclear disarmament, NPT and that viable ways of overcoming carious state of the nuclear non-proliferation identifying obstacles and finding solutions. the challenges to its success are identified regime. This has extremely serious implica- Given the uncertainty currently characteris- and implemented. tions in today's climate of heightened fear of

UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1540

UNSCR 1540 was adopted unanimously on 28 April 2004. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter, which deals with threats to international peace and security, it calls upon states to undertake the following actions:

• Refrain from providing any form of support to non-state actors who attempt to develop, manufacture, transfer or use weapons of mass destuction (WMD) and their means of delivery. • Adopt and enforce appropriate, effective national laws, which prohibit any non-state actor from manufacturing, acquiring, transporting or using WMD. • Enforce effective measures to establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of WMD. • Promote the universal adoption, full implementation and, where necessary, strengthening of multilateral treaties whose aim is to prevent the proliferation of WMD. • Renew and fulfil commitments to multilateral cooperation, in particular within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to pursue and achieve common objectives in the area of non-proliferation.

*None of the obligations set forth in this resolution shall be interpreted so as to conflict with or alter the rights and obligations of state parties to the NPT or alter the responsibilities of the IAEA.

BETTER ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITY

The Report recognises that if the Security Council is to develop better enforcement capabilities it must first enhance its ability to generate credible information about potential instances of proliferation. The following suggestions are made:

• Links between the IAEA and the Security Council should be strengthened. • The Director-General of the IAEA should be invited by the Security Council to report to it twice-yearly on the status of safeguards and verification processes, as well as on any serious concerns they have regarding potential breaches of the NPT. • The Security Council should also be prepared to deploy inspection capacities for suspected nuclear violations drawing on the capacities of the IAEA.

PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE (PSI)

The PSI, agreed on 4 September 2003, predates UNSCR 1540 but is consistent with it. It is currently being addressed on a voluntary basis and represents a response to the increasing challenge posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It aims to provide a more coordinated and effective means for impeding and preventing shipments of WMD, delivery systems and related materials. PSI participants are committed to undertake the following actions:

• Implement effective measures for interdicting the transfer or transport of WMD. • Adopt streamlined procedures that enable rapid exchange of relevant information related to suspected proliferation activity. • Dedicate appropriate resources and efforts to interdiction operations to achieve maximum coordination among participants. • Work to strengthen relevant national legal authorities and international frameworks to accomplish these objectives.

8 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 Peace and Security • UNA-UK

The changing security climate Ways Forward However, the Treaty was built against a Cold The Panel's Report maintains that the War security backdrop, in which the interna- challenge of prevention requires a global, URITY tional system was strategically governed by two multilayered response that both reduces superpowers locked in a nuclear arms race. The the demand for, and supply of, nuclear international security environment we face weapons and enhances the capability of today is very different. Concerns over non-state the Security Council to enforce non-pro- international terrorism, as nuclear prolifera- actors, the diffusion of nuclear technology and a liferation agreements. A core ingredient to tion by states increases the availability of the reduced international commitment to nuclear the success of this response is the responsi- material and technology necessary for a ter- disarmament have served to alter significantly bility of nuclear-weapons states to correct rorist to acquire a nuclear weapon. The the nature of the nuclear threat. Worryingly, the lacklustre approach to disarmament Panel's fundamental message on nuclear many states have responded to these changes by which is currently undermining the diplo- weapons is that "stopping the proliferation losing confidence in the Treaty as a means of matic force of the NPT and hence its abil- of such weapons - and their potential use by protection against a nuclear attack. Indeed, the ity to constrain proliferation. either state or non-state actors - must remain Panel warns, "we are approaching a point at The Panel also recognises that the an urgent priority for collective security". which the erosion of the non-proliferation Security Council has a key role to play in regime could become irreversible". The Panel developing better strategies for reducing The role of the NPT highlights three key nuclear threats: the supply of nuclear material. It encour- Nuclear proliferation is not a new security ages the Security Council, acting under concern. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation 1. The covert and illegal development of UNSCR 1540 (2004), to take collective Treaty, which entered into force in 1970, is full-scale nuclear weapons programmes by action to reinforce observance of interna- the established global tool used to counter the some countries, under cover of their NPT tional law (see boxes on opposite page). threat of nuclear weapons. memberships, followed by the withdraw- The Panel also recommends that states The High-Level Panel's Report highlights al from the Treaty at the point when they join the Proliferation Security Initiative that, so far, the NPT has proved crucial in pre- are ready to proceed with weaponisation (PSI), which precedes but is in keeping venting further proliferation and disarming 2. The erosion and possible collapse of the with UNSCR 1540, and which has been existing nuclear weapons: whole Treaty regime, and subsequent dis- identified as an effective measure for deal- integration of its legal and normative con- ing with the threat of illicit and clandestine • "it bolstered a normative prohibition straints (approximately 40 states have the trading of nuclear material (see box on against the ownership, use and prolifera- type of nuclear power capacity which opposite page). tion of [nuclear] weapons" would enable them to build nuclear • "it ensured that states could benefit from weapons at relatively short notice) nuclear technologies, but with oversight" 3. The existence of large stockpiles of nuclear UNA’s educational work on the Non- • "it reassured states about the capacities of materials which heightens the risk of an Proliferation Treaty is supported by a grant neighbours and potential rivals, allowing increase in illicit trafficking, particularly from the Allan and Nesta Ferguson them to avoid unnecessary arms races" among non-state actors Charitable Trust

Write to your MP urging her or him to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 637: Nuclear Abolition Tour, tabled by Llew Smith MP UN/DPI Photo UN/DPI

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 9 UNA-UK • Afghanistan UN PEACEBUILDING Afghanistan’s future: building institutions

Nadia Shahbaz is of Afghan origin and is a University of Edinburgh postgraduate specialising in ethnic conflict and nationbuilding.

he Hindu Kush Mountains Afghanistan on the verge of becoming a A legal framework - essential for carry- average 4,500 to 6,000 meters narcotic state, installing corruption and ing out the entire reconstruction operation in height and sever vast regions uneven distribution of resources. - should be addressed by the Afghan of Afghanistan into isolated Alternative income opportunities must be Constitution. As it now stands, national units. They are an impenetra- made available, as opium production has law fails to reach areas outside Kabul; a Tble force, carving great divisions amongst become a strategy for survival. It is essen- mere 15 judicial offices are functioning in the Afghan people and crafting a terrain tial to note that standards within the agri- the provinces. Further coordination is both tough and fierce. cultural market depend on the capacity of required to militate against the lawlessness Institutions, by contrast, have consis- other institutions. existing beyond Kabul. tently stood meek in Afghanistan. Yet, The newly established Afghan Nation Politically, there is the great challenge institutional development is central to Army (ANA) is an important national of legitimising the central government building the conditions necessary for institution needed to reduce security con- and managing the gulf between the cen- Afghanistan's reconstruction. Afghan- cerns, control the opium trade and enliven tre and periphery. At present, traditional istan's greatest challenge lies in its inabili- Afghan identity; however it is continuous- consultative bodies called jirgas deliberate ty to connect the capital Kabul with its ly undermined by regional militias led by affairs between national and local actors. outlying provinces. warlords. A little over 20,000 men are now Now, the UN Development Programme The failures of the central government serving, with 3,000-4,000 undergoing has been assisting the Afghan government and its national institutions (those that do training, but Afghan President Hamid in establishing an Afghan parliament, exist) to permeate provincial life are signif- Karzai is aiming for a 70,000-strong force. with elections to take place in early icantly felt within economic, military, The Disarmament, Demobilisation and spring. Education and communication legal, educational, and political spheres. Reintegration project, executed by the UN are necessary to redress Afghans' scepti- Afghanistan's economic sector, specifi- Assistance Mission in Afghanistan cism of democratic reform and their frus- cally its agricultural market, continues to (UNAMA), is attempting to disarm mili- tration at its initial outcomes, yet the make the headlines. Agriculture is central tias and provide them with skills to seek President is restricted from communicat- to Afghanistan's economic development as alternative sources of income, like joining ing with the Afghan people due to a lack it accounts for an estimated 52 percent of the ANA. By demobilising militias, the of resources. gross domestic product. However, the rap- ANA will be better equipped to make If Afghanistan is to overcome adversity, idly growing opium economy has left progress. it must look to its institutions. Photo: PA Photos PA Photo:

10 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 Women • UNA-UK BEYOND BEIJING On the occasion of the 10year review of the famous Beijing UN Conference on Women, Zarin Hainsworth of UNIFEM UK reflects on what progress has been made. UN/DPI Photo he Fourth United Nations World have continued to monitor other UN process- Conference on Women, held in es and produce shadow reports, providing an 1995, was a watershed in the alternative view on achievements and gaps, global women's movement, as but it has become increasingly obvious that women took ownership of the those championing women must ensure gen- Tprocess and made their voices heard. For der is understood and well represented in all many of the 40,000 NGO participants their other human rights processes. arrival in Beijing was the result of a series of Much has been achieved since 1995 but struggles, but the empowering experience women and men the world over continue to enabled them to continue their work with work for the equitable society for which every renewed zeal and feel real stakeholders in the noble-minded person aspires. 2005 provides outcome document. ample opportunity to work towards that goal This extraordinary document, neither a as we celebrate Beijing +10. We must recog- treaty nor a convention, and known as the nise, celebrate and utilise the resource which is Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action more than half the world's population, to (PFA), was a forward-looking promise of a achieve a world able to attain its true potential future providing women with access to human of prosperity and peace. rights in 12 critical areas. It still provides a tem- The 12 critical areas of concern as listed in plate for governments to chart achievements the PFA are: and note gaps and remains an inspiration for • the persistent and increasing burden of policy development and implementation. poverty on women; In 2000, the process continued with a spe- • inequalities and inadequacies in access to cial session of the General Assembly to exam- education and training; ine progress. Despite attempts to backtrack on • inequalities and inadequacies in access to the PFA, and with tremendous lobbying work health care and related services; by NGOs and more progressive governments, • violence against women; the Outcome Document held fast without • the effects of armed or other kinds of con- moving the agenda forward. flict on women, including those living 2000 also saw the creation and ratification under foreign occupation; of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, an • inequality in economic structures and important international instrument not yet policies, in all forms of productive activi- fully implemented. It recognises the immense ties and in access to resources; importance of women in pre- and post-con- • inequality between men and women in flict regions. It has proved a useful tool and the the sharing of power and decision-making motivation for the excellent UNIFEM report at all levels; "Women, War and Peace". • insufficient mechanisms at all levels to Since Beijing, new and emerging issues promote the advancement of women; have been added to the agenda including traf- • lack of respect for and inadequate promo- ficking, age, and access to Information and tion and protection of the human rights Communication Technologies (ICT). It has of women; taken many long years for traditional practices • stereotyping of women and inequality in which violate women such as ‘honour women's access to and participation in all killings’, female genital mutilation, and rites communication systems, especially in the against widows to be included in UN docu- media; ments. These traditional practices are now • gender inequalities in the management of recognised as unacceptable and harmful. natural resources and in the safeguarding Once ignored and excluded from statistics, of the environment; and the issue of widows has been brought to the • persistent discrimination against and vio- fore by incredible lobbying efforts. NGOs lation of the rights of the girl child.

Write to your MP urging her or him to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 675: Girls’ education in developing countries, tabled by Helen Jackson MP

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 11 UNA-UK • Resources RESOURCES

RECENT BOOKS ON THE UN UN PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE THROUGH UNAUK Shake Hands with The United Nations: the Devil: the Confronting the UNA has a number of hard copies Failure of Humanity Challenges of of the following recent UN publications in Rwanda Global Security available for members. There is no charge for Lt Gen. Roméo Dallaire Jean E. Krasno, editor the publications, but we would appreciate a Carroll and Graf Publishers Lynne Rienner contribution to cover the cost of postage and 2005 2004 packing, and staff time in distributing them: £8.99 £17.99 (pb), £42.50 (hb) • Report of the Secretary-General's High- You, The People: the The United Nations Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and United Nations, and Regional Change, "A more secure world: our Transitional Security shared responsibility". This seminal Administrations and Michael Pugh and report is essential reading for the national StateBuilding Waheguru Pal Singh FCO/UNA consultation process (£2.50 Simon Chesterman Sidhu, editors each). Oxford University Press Lynne Rienner • UN Peace Operations: Year in Review 2004 2003 2004. This magazine chronicles the £50.00 £15.95 (pb), £35.50 (hb) unprecedented surge in UN peacekeep- ing operations over the last year, and gives Multilateral The UN Security up to date facts and figures on each oper- Diplomacy and the Council: from the ation (£1 each). United Nations Cold War to the • Africa Renewal January 2005 . This issue Today, Second 21st Century of the magazine focuses on sexual vio- Edition David M. Malone, editor lence, Darfur, electricity, elections and James P. Muldoon, Lynne Rienner investment in Africa (50p each). Jo Ann Fagot Aviel, 2004 • "Beijing at Ten" Press Kit. This kit was Richard Reitano £21.50 (pb), £45.95 (hb) prepared by the UN for the 10-year and Earl Sullivan review of the Beijing Women's Westview Press United Nations Conference, held in New York, Feb–Mar 2005 Global Conferences 2005 (£1 each). £21.50 Michael G Schechter • A3 poster of the table indicating progress Routledge on the MDGs, contained in the last issue The United Nations: 2005 of New World (50p each). an Introduction £14.99 (pb), £65.00 (hb) • Millennium Project Report, "Investing in Sven Bernhard Gareis Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve and Johannes Varwick United Nations the Millennium Development Goals" (£4 Palgrave Macmillan and Human Rights each). 2005 Julie Mertus £18.99 (pb), £55.00 (hb) Routledge Please send orders to: Ed Brenton on 2005 020 7766 3443 or [email protected]. Security in the 21st £14.99 (pb), £65.00 (hb) Please make cheques payable to the United Century: the United Nations Association. Nations, Afghanistan Diplomacy of Hope: and Iraq the United Nations We want to encourage the distribution of Alex Francesco Conte since the Cold War these publications and so offer the follow- Ashgate Newton Bowles ing discounts for bulk orders: if your order 2005 IB Tauris comes to £10 or more you can deduct 10% £50.00 2005 of the postage cost; for orders greater than £14.95 £50, you may deduct 20%; and for orders over £100 you may deduct 30% of the postage cost.

12 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 UNA-UK • Resources

A more secure world: our shared responsibility, Report of the NEW UN SYSTEM WEBSITES Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 28th Special Session of the General Assembly on 24 January 2005: http://www.un.org/secureworld/brochure.pdf Commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps Press Kit: International Year of Microcredit 2005 http://www.un.org/ga/28special/index.html http://www.yearofmicrocredit.org/pages/reslib/reslib_recreading.asp

61st session of the Commission on Human Rights (14 March - 22 April 2005) UNIDIR Publications http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/chr/sessions/61/index.htm Building a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle Calendar of Conferences and Meetings 2005 East: Global Non-Proliferation Regimes and Regional Experiences http://conf.un.org/DGAACS/Meetings.nsf/wByYear?OpenForm http://www.unidir.ch/bdd/fiche-ouvrage.php?ref_ouvrage=92-9045- 168-8-en Millennium Project Report "Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Peace in the Middle East: P2P and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Millennium Development Goals" http://www.unidir.org/bdd/fiche-ouvrage.php?ref_ouvrage=92-9045- http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/html/pressroom.shtm 169-6-en http://unmp.forumone.com/ Disarmament forum 1, 2005: Science, technology and the CBW Official Documents System (ODS) regimes http://documents.un.org http://www.unidir.org/bdd/fiche-periodique.php?ref_peri- ODS, the premier full-text web resource for official United Nations odique=1020-7287-2005-1-en documentation, is available to the general public as of 31 December 2004. The ODS covers all types of official UN documentation. Trade, Finance and Commerce ReliefWeb - redesigned website http://www.reliefweb.int/ Prospects for Foreign Direct Investment and the Strategies of ReliefWeb is the world's leading online gateway to information (doc- Transnational Corporations, 2004-2007 (UNCTAD) uments and maps) on humanitarian emergencies and disasters. http://www.unctad.org/en/docs/iteiit20048_en.pdf

Resolutions and Statements of the Security Council 2005 (Press Release SC/8293, 17 January 2005) World Health Organization (WHO) http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/sc8293.doc.htm Bulletin of the World Health Organization: Volume 82, Number International Conference on Biodiversity: Science and Governance 12, December 2004 UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France (24–28 January 2005) http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/82/1/en/ http://www.unesco.org/mab/news/biodivScGov.htm

International Meeting for the 10-Year Review of the Barbados NonGovernmental Liaison Service Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of the Small Island Developing States NGLS Go Between 105, October–December 2004 (Port-Louis, Mauritius, 10-14 January 2005) http://www.un-ngls.org/gobetween.htm http://www.un.org/smallislands2005 NGLS Roundup 117, November 2004 World Economic Situation and Prospects 2005 HIV/AIDS: Developing New Fronts Against an Extraordinary Crisis http://www.un.org/esa/policy/wess http://www.un-ngls.org/documents/pdf/roundup/RU117-AIDS.pdf

For more information on UN publications contact: New UN DPI information available in electronic form Regional United Nations Information Centre (RUNIC) for Western Africa Renewal: Vol. 18, No. 4, January 2005 Europe - LIBRARY http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol18no4/jan05.htm Residence Palace , Quartier Rubens Block C2 (8th floor), Rue de la Loi 155/Wetstraat A more secure world: our shared responsibility, Report of the B -1040 Brussels Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges Tel: +32 (0)2 7888 462 Fax: +32 (0)2 7888 485 and Change Email: [email protected] http://www.un.org/secureworld/report2.pdf Website: www.runic-europe.org

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 13 UNA-UK THE HIGHLEVEL PANEL REPORT HIT

he December 2004 Report of the The Launch of the HighLevel Panel Report High-Level Panel on Threats, Tony Blair, Jack Straw and Kofi Annan launched the High-Level Panel Challenges and Change has been report at the Banqueting House in London on 10 February 2005. described as both "Kofi Annan's best legacy from what is already Tregarded as one of the most innovative and open of recent secretary-generalships" and Right: Foreign Secretary "the most important strategic document the Jack Straw, Dame UN has published since 1945". The signifi- Margaret Anstee and the UN Secretary- cance of the Report has not been lost on the General UK government, who officially launched the Report in the UK on 10 February 2005 at the Banqueting House, in Whitehall, London. This event was attended by both UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, both of whom delivered speeches voicing robust support for the Report's proposals. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw was also pres- ent to make a statement, formally announc- Left: The Foreign Secretary, the Secretary- ing that UNA-UK has been tasked with General and UNA-UK organising on behalf of the Foreign and Chair Sir Richard Jolly Commonwealth Office a series of public debates on the Report. UNA Chair Sir Richard Jolly responded eloquently on behalf of UNA-UK, and participated in a panel alongside UNA Vice-President Lord David

Of fundamental importance to the suc- cess of these public debates are the break-out discussion groups, which pro- vide an opportunity for more detailed Right: UNA-UK consideration of the individual issues Chair Sir Richard addressed by the High-Level Panel. The Jolly, the Secretary- titles of the discussion groups corre- General Kofi Annan spond to the major foci of the Report and and UNA-UK are as follows: Executive Director Sam Daws 1. Collective security and the challenge of prevention 2. Collective security and the use of force 3. A more effective United Nations for the 21st century Left: The UN Secretary-General, All contributions made during the break- Prime Minister out discussion groups are recorded by a Tony Blair and UNA notetaker. At the end of each Baroness Amos event, the individual summaries provid- ed by each notetaker are collated into a unitary document, for the eventual incorporation into a 100-page report, to be published and submitted to the FCO prior to the summit in September. A four-page executive summary will also be produced. Interim reports, highlight- ing the key issues raised throughout the process, will be sent to the FCO on an Right: Tony Blair ad hoc basis. and Sam Daws

All photos on this page © Anne-Marie Briscombe/UNA-UK UNA-UK • High-Level Panel TS THE ROAD

Hannay, Dr Gareth Evans and Robert Badinter, all of the Report. The branch secretary of whom were leading architects of the Report. would then be asked to send a written In a testament to the seriousness with which summary of any conclusions the UK government regards the High-Level reached in the meeting Panel's recommendations, the FCO has and of any interesting or dedicated a special team to coordinate innovative points made. government activity in relation to the SCOTLAND In parallel with the public Report. UNA-UK is working closely Edinburgh: Scottish debates, we are also under- with this group in order to ensure that Parliament taking on behalf of the 1 June 2001 the goals of the public debates are Foreign Office a targeted achieved. The objectives of the consul- consultation of academics, tation process are two-fold: 1) to gener- NGOs, thinktanks and other ate awareness of the Report's recom- experts with specialist knowl- mendations and 2) to facilitate public edge in the areas covered by input into the UK's response to the the Report. This includes Report, as the government formulates its issues related to human position for the UN summit this autumn. rights, development, UNA-UK will be holding nine public the environment, debates at the regional/national level. gender, and peace Thus far, three have taken place - the first and security. in London on 10 March; the second on 15 March in Cambridge; and the third in Leeds on 17 March. These public NORTHEASTERN ENGLAND debates were all highly successful, Leeds: Civic Hall 17 March 2005 with Bill Rammell MP, FCO NORTHERN IRELAND minister with responsibility for Belfast: tbc the UN, speaking at each event 13 June 2005 (tbc) and devoting a substantial amount of time to answering NORTHWESTERN ENGLAND questions from the audience. Manchester Lord David Hannay delivered or Liverpool: tbc an expert summary of the June/July Report in Cambridge, and an experienced panel of academ- ics contributed their expertise and knowledge to the event in Leeds. CENTRAL ENGLAND The map shows dates and locations for Birmingham: tbc all nine regional/national public debates. June/July EASTERN ENGLAND Cambridge: Cambridge Don’t worry if you were unable to attend the Students Union initial debates – we are encouraging branches to 15 March 2005 WALES run further events in all regions. Aberystwyth: University In addition to the nine regional/national public of Aberystwyth debates, UNA-UK is also planning to hold a 17 June 2005 LONDON AND series of up to 20 sub-regional consultations. The SOUTHEASTERN ENGLAND London: FCO first of these will take place in Oxford at the 10 March 2005 Bodleian Library on 20 May 2005; another is being planned by Harpenden UNA for 4 June. UNA branches in Exeter, Norwich and Glasgow SOUTHWESTERN/SOUTHERN ENGLAND Bristol and/or Reading/Southampton: tbc have also expressed a desire to host a meeting on the June/July High-Level Panel, and we encourage other inter- ested branches to contact UNA HQ so that we can discuss the format of participation in more detail. A branch event could, for example, comprise a single speaker on a specific section or proposal

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 15 UNA-UK

The UNA@60 Appeal

Challenges and opportunities The United Nations Association this year celebrates its 60th anniversary. 2005 is also a pivotal year for the United Nations. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has stated that the world now faces a fork in the road, "a moment no less decisive than 1945 itself, when the United Nations was founded". Recent events have shown that humanity faces many challenges which cannot be solved by any one nation alone. There is an opportunity for a renewed UN to provide leadership for a compre- hensive system of human security, which meets the needs of all countries, rich and poor. UNA has a vital role to play in the United Kingdom in supporting and strengthening a renewed UN. Over the last 60 years UNA-UK has been at the forefront of education about the United Nations in schools and universities throughout the coun- try. We have lobbied successive governments to seek for the UN to be at the centre of British foreign, development and defence policy. We have raised millions of pounds for the work of UN specialised agencies such as UNICEF, WFP and the WHO, and for UN mine clearance worldwide. Today, with the Secretary-General's new blueprint for strengthening the UN, ‘In Larger Freedom’, we have a ready-made agenda for action, replete with proposals to address the challenges to development, peace and human rights. UNA-UK has also served as a supportive but critical friend of the UN, calling for reforms which will strengthen the institution, and which will help it live up to the ideals enshrined in the UN Charter. UN/DPI Photos UN/DPI

We need your help The UNA Trust exists as an independent body to educate and fundraise in support of the UN. The Trust traditionally sup- ports the charitable work of UNA. Your donation to the UNA Trust will make a real difference. We need your help so that UNA can bring its message to a new generation of young people. We need to promote the UN in an era of challenges, old and new, from climate change to terrorism. And we need to ensure that the government's actions match its rhetoric in the areas of peace, human rights and development. We are turning to you, as a valued member and supporter of UNA's work, at the very start of this appeal. We have had marvelous support over the years from members, sponsors, trusts, the government, companies, trade unions, religious groups, NGOs and many other friends of UNA. Once this initial appeal has been launched we will seek to approach others, and in the process, we hope, increase our membership. Just £3 a month will go a long way towards helping rejuvenate UNA. You will find in this issue of New World a form that you can use to make a regular donation to the UNA Trust by direct debit. If you are a UK taxpayer, and you tick the gift aid box, we can claim back from the government 28p for every £1 you give, at no extra cost to you.

Help make your membership fees go further In order to simplify matters for donors of £9 or more per month, the UNA Trust will pay the standard membership sub- scription to the Association on your behalf. If you are a UK taxpayer and donate £9 or more per month, we are able to claim an extra 28% on your whole donation – even including your membership subscription.

Please find enclosed in this New World a UNA@60 appeal form. This should be sent to the UNA Trust at the following address. No postage stamp is necessary.

UNA Trust, FREEPOST SW211, London SW1A 2YZ

Thank you for your support.

Sam Daws, Executive Director, UNA-UK

16 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 UNA-UK

BRINGING UNA’S HISTORY TO LIFE

We have received from members some wonderful memorabilia covering the last 60 years of UNA and the UN. We are still eager to receive personal anecdotes and photo graphs from members active in UNA in the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Some of you may even remember the League of Nations Union! Perhaps you can recall some colourful characters from the past, attended UNA's Annual Ball, or served as a UNA volunteer in a developing country. We would love to hear from you.

Please send your memories and photos to Ed Brenton, UNA Membership Officer, at UNA, 3 Whitehall Court, or by email to membership@unauk.org. We will include some of these early photos and reminisces in a special October to December 2005 issue of New World.

UNA PROFILE: THE EBRANCH

In each issue of New World we will seek to high- as Assembly members and local Councillors. light innovative work being undertaken by a We have now developed this further by pub- UNA member, branch, region or national lishing a Weblog (or Blog) called "21st UNA. This time we profile Enfield & The Century Vision" which allows us to post Barnets UNA. Francis Sealey outlines how the comments daily. It regularly appears in search branch is using new technology to enhance its engines and the hits on the site are growing outreach work and to influence MPs. exponentially. in keeping with the UN's view that non-gov- ernmental organisations can play a vital role in The Enfield UNA was formed shortly after Website: http://www.mpwatch.net/ world development. We envision the Forum the 2001 attack on the twin towers in New 21st Century Weblog: http://mpwatch.blogs.com/ developing into an extensive community net- York. Some of us felt it important to put pres- work with UNA playing a leading role. sure on our local MPs to ensure that, in this Realtime Meetings The Civil Society Forum is also planning to changing security environment, respect for Developing the website has meant that we hold a number of hustings in advance of the internationalism and the rule of law remained have built up a significant database of contacts expected general election this year, and our paramount. So, over the last three years, we that we use to publicise our postings. We have local UNA is also planning to publish an have developed a number of activities to fur- been using this as a resource for attracting online hustings to complement this. ther these aims including amalgamating with audiences to actual meetings where local MPs the Barnets UNA just about a year ago! participate in a Questiontime. Often these Book Group events take the form of a debate with others & Other Activities MPWatch we invite to share the platform with the MPs. Much of the work we do is educational. We How to interact with our local MPs and We try to invite each of the four MPs at least have carried this forward by starting a local other decision makers was the critical ques- once a year! book group where we choose a book to dis- tion. Our answer was to launch a website cuss every two months. We publicise the called MPWatch for questioning MPs online, Civil Society Forum group on the website Meet UP, and we feel publishing their answers and encouraging We also convene meetings for about 16 to 20 that this model could be applied to London. debate. This has proved very successful: all local organisations, with the aim of develop- four local MPs have participated and the site ing a Civil Society Forum to serve as a link Meetup Book Group: has now expanded to involve MEPs, as well between local action and global issues. This is http://bookcrossing.meetup.com/611

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 17 UNA-UK • UN60

memorial to conscientious objectors - the UNA BRANCHES first of its kind in Wales. The memorial will be a boulder engraved with the fol- IN UN60 lowing words:

Events and activities roundup "If the right to life is the first of all human This list of events is not exhaustive. To be added to our regular rights, being the one on which all other rights email bulletin of upcoming events, write to [email protected] depend, the right to refuse to kill must be the second".

Future events Southampton UNA Wales will hold a colourful informa- and activities: For the 40th anniversary of the UN, tion stall in one of Cardiff's main shopping Scotland Southampton Branch planted a commem- centres to mark UN Day on 24 October On 19 and 20 November 2005 UNA orative tree in the town park, but unfortu- 2005, which will also see the launch of a Scotland will join the Findhorn nately it died. We arranged to plant a new educational resource. Aimed at second- Foundation in a UN60 event. replacement for the 50th anniversary; after ary school teachers and university lecturers, The intention is to explore avenues of a few years that also died! So, this year we the bilingual resource, 'U what?!/U beth?!', collaboration for implementing the UN are planning to plant 60 trees, not in a provides an introduction to the UN system, Millennium Development Goals in the Southampton park, but in Rajasthan, and materials to run mini-MUNGA or UK, to share aspects of our current work India. The scheme 'Trees for Life' is Security Council sessions. This valuable with the UN system and to create new administered by a charity called 'Wells for resource will also be available online at synergies and partnerships. India' which is based in Winchester. www.wcia.org.uk/UNAWales. The Findhorn Foundation has been Working with Indian NGO partners and known internationally since 1962 for its villagers in the Thar Desert and Arivali Westminster experiments with new models for holistic Hills, 'Wells for India' wants to promote a On 16 May 2005 at 6.30pm Judge and sustainable living. Today it is at the range of reforestation measures to help Rosalyn Higgins will deliver a talk on heart of the largest international commu- water harvesting. For £10 a tree can be "The International Court of Justice in a nity in the UK and the centre of a rapidly dedicated and a certificate sent. We hope rapidly changing world". This event, co- developing ecovillage. The Findhorn that these trees will be a more lasting hosted by the School of Oriental and Foundation is a founding member of the memorial to the work of UNA. African Studies, will take place in the lec- Global Ecovillage Network, has DPI asso- ture theatre in the Brunei Gallery, SOAS. ciative status at the United Nations and West Oxfordshire A reception will follow. Admission is free, works with UNITAR, UNCHS, At 8.00pm on 19 April 2005, Eleanor but tickets are required in advance and can UNESCO and other intergovernmental Robson, a local resident and an expert on be acquired through the Centre for agencies in educating and developing pol- Iraqi classical artefacts, will speak on what International Studies and Diplomacy via icy guidance for sustainable development has happened to these priceless treasures in e-mail at [email protected]. and for delivery of village-scale sustainabil- the two years since the invasion of Iraq. On 1 June from 9.30am Westminster ity programmes. On 7 June (tbc) Greg Barrow, the UNA will co-host a conference entitled You can read more about these issues at World Food Programme's representative "Threats, Challenges and Change" at the www.ecovillage.org and www.findhorn.org. in London, will speak about the work of Royal United Services Institute in Alternatively, please e-mail Francoise Ducroz WFP in and beyond the tsunami crisis. Whitehall, London. As part of the confer- at [email protected], or May East at ence, General Satish Nambiar, a member [email protected]. May East can also be Tunbridge Wells of the UN High-Level Panel, will deliver reached on 01309 692 011. At 7.30pm on 11 April 2005 Mike the Folke Bernadotte Lecture, and a cere- Handcock will speak on the Ukraine at a mony to commemorate International Haslemere public meeting at Friends Meeting House, Peacekeepers' Day will occur at 1.00pm. To mark UN60 Haslemere UNA is hold- Grosvenor Park in Tunbridge Wells. For For details write to 'Peacekeeper Day', 61 ing a play writing competition for young further details please call Alan Bullion on Sedlescombe Road, London SW6 1 RE, or people under the age of 18. The theme 01892 549 871. e-mail [email protected]. should cover some aspect of the United Nations, the cast should be limited to Wales Shipley and Baildon seven people and the play should run from UNA Wales has been responsible for the On Saturday, 25 June 2005 UNA North between 20 and 60 minutes. There is a fee maintenance of the National Garden of East Region is meeting in Saltaire, a of £1.50 per entry. The winner will receive Peace since its creation by international UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the invi- a dramatised reading by professional actors volunteer workcamps in the 1980s. The tation of Shipley & Baildon Branch. This and a cheque for £50. The closing date for Garden is home to many commemorative celebration, entitled "The United Nations submissions is 1 December 2005. For trees and plaques and these will be joined and the world we live in", will commemo- more information please e-mail frances- on 15 May 2005, International rate UN60 at the United Reformed Church [email protected]. Conscientious Objectors’ Day, by a - an 'architectural gem'. It is hoped that,

18 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 UN60 • UNA-UK

provided permission is received from the Jolly delivered a National Museums of Armenian genocide. police, we will be able to process from the Scotland lecture entitled 'The UN at 60: the Lancaster University church up the hill to Victoria Hall for a hidden record of success'. This highly success- On 24 February 2005 Luckshan meeting to be addressed by a representative ful event was organised by UNA Scotland and Abeysuriya, UNA Board member, gave a of WaterAid. There will also be an opportu- attended by approximately 150 people. talk on "Global Security and our Shared nity in the afternoon to join an organised Responsibility", and a lively discussion tour of Saltaire; to book a place please con- Wales ensued on the renewal of the UN. tact Paddy Beck on 01904 620 089 or john- On 26 January 2005, UNA Wales hosted, [email protected]. at its historic base at the Temple of Peace Nottingham Branch All are welcome. For further informa- in Cardiff, an event to mark Holocaust Nottingham UNA's annual Quiz Night on tion please contact Branch Secretary Memorial Day. Representatives from the 9 March 2005 was a great success: nine Thelma de Leeuw on 01274 481 645 or world's major faiths were joined by teams took part and filled the upper room of [email protected]. Wales's First Minister, Rhodri Morgan the Duke of Cambridge in Mapperley. It AM, in a commemorative ceremony, at was a very lively evening and a good time Past events which the Armenian genocide was remem- was had by all. The amount raised for and activities: bered alongside the Jewish Holocaust. Branch funds was nearly £200. Our grateful Edinburgh Please see above for details on UNA thanks to Janet and Mike Pates who organ- On 11 January 2005 UNA Chair Sir Richard Wales's essay competition on the ise this event annually.

LOBBY 2OO5

Thanks to the dedication of the participants, the support of over 60 organisations, and the expertise 2 and eloquence of the speakers, LOBBY 2005 was a great success. The strong level of attendance, rep- resenting a broad spectrum of the UK public, ranging from veteran activists to secondary school stu- LOBBY dents, quickly exceeded the capacity of the Thatcher Room, necessitating a shift to a larger room. O Introductions were given by Tony Colman MP, Sam Daws and Sir Richard Jolly. Salil Shetty, Director of the UN Millennium Campaign, then gave an illuminating overview on the Millennium 5 Development Goals, with a PowerPoint presentation on campaigns to promote the MDGs; Bruce Kent, Vice-President of CND, then roundly denounced the lack of progress on nuclear disarmament; and finally Maniza Ntekim, Parliamentary Officer of Amnesty International UK, delivered an elo- quent and measured account of the dilemma facing the UN's human rights machinery. Human Many MPs and Peers were also in attendance: Baroness Whitaker kindly provided an impromptu Security expert contribution on UN human rights mechanisms, and Dr Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and through the Abingdon, also shared his thoughts on the subject. The most persistent parliamentarian was Roger UN Millennium Casale, FCO Personal Private Secretary and MP for Wimbledon, who made several attempts to meet Declaration constituent Alison Williams before finally succeeding. A full report of the Lobby, including transcripts of all the speeches and biographies of the speak- ers, can be viewed on UNA's website. Thanks to all of you for your active commitment in taking the UN Millennium Agenda to Parliament, and for holding the government to account on these vital international issues. Veronica Lie Photo: UNA Photo:

Jan–Mar 2005 • NEW WORLD • 19 UNA-UK • Letters LETTERS

Reform of the in the Assembly so often are time wasting “Bingo! UNA has become General Assembly and deal with trivia? They provide a part of the circus” unique chance for tiny countries to hold 27 February 2005 forth and act as if they were as important 10 January 2005 and mighty as the great powers who have Dear Editors, the same rights in the Assembly. Dear Editors, Surely there is a need to look more Whenever the question of reform of the deeply at the structure of the General In the January issue of New World, there was UN is discussed, emphasis, rightly, is Assembly and to consider seriously some no mention anywhere in the magazine of the placed on the need for changes in the way to make its constitution, where the horrific death toll inflicted on the Iraqis by Security Council. The recent High-Level nation-state is the unit of membership, 'coalition' forces: 100,000 dead and over half Panel report is no exception and contains more representative of the world outside? of them women and children. You rightly a prominent section on discussing This is, of course, not a new idea but after express "outrage" at the campaign to smear changes in that body. On the General 60 years surely its time has come. Kofi Annan over the Oil-for-Food pro- Assembly, having said that the "General A recent pamphlet by Georges Berhoin gramme. But it originates from the same Assembly has lost vitality and often fails to and Peter Luff, entitled The Reform of the source that is trying to smear Mohamed El focus effectively on the issues of the day", United Nations, has some interesting sug- Baradei, Director-General of the IAEA, the it goes on to comment on wasted time in gestions which bear study. They suggest, source which the UK government stands discussing minutiae or topics outpaced by for a start, that the UN could benefit by "shoulder to shoulder" with, i.e. the Bush real-world events, but its only suggestions looking at the development of the administration. for change in the "main deliberative organ European Union, which has grown in size Which brings us to the 'joined-up' gov- of the United Nations" are procedural in and importance from the original six, who ernment initiatives. UNA "is being consult- nature. It talks of its "unique legitimacy" signed up to the European Coal and Steel ed on policy formulation by two new-gov- without explaining how that is defined. Community, to 25 nations now, with an ernment programmes". These are Presumably this legitimacy derives elected Parliament and a possible consti- 'Countries at Risk of Instability' and the from article 2.1 of the Charter which tution. They duck the issue of changing 'Post-Conflict Reconstruction Unit.' The states that the "Organisation is based on the General Assembly and postulate the general point to note is that both of them the principle of the sovereign equality of creation of a new "Parliamentary place the UK at the centre. This is entirely all its members", since each member is Assembly" alongside it, with its member- in line with US-UK strategy of marginalis- represented on the General Assembly ship coming from existing parliamentari- ing the UN as the first authority for peace and has one vote. The Orwellian nature ans from member states. It would not ini- and security and human rights. The specif- of this "sovereign equality" is soon tially be democratically elected but would, ic point about the 'Countries at Risk of revealed in chapter V of the Charter, they say, have some broadly democratic Instability' programme is the key fact that which deals with the Security Council, legitimacy because of the relationship of the UK is the WORLD's second largest where article 23 defines the permanent its members to the people of the world -- exporter of weapons. Did anybody ask Jack members and article 27.3 defines the not their governments. This admittedly Straw when the government was going to need for an affirmative vote by the per- imperfect model could, with time, devel- ban arms' exports? The availability of manent members on all matters apart for op into a more representative body. weapons is one of the chief causes of insta- procedural issues. So the permanent I am not sure whether the creation of bility. As for the 'Post-Conflict members are "more equal than others". an extra UN body is a good idea but it Reconstruction Unit' that comes under the Of course this inequality reflected the could overcome the objections to change heading of '100,000 and the International realities of the world in 1945, when the big in the General Assembly. Or maybe the Criminal Court.' five held the major military strength - to a model could be applied as the template UNA is not being "consulted": it is being degree they still do. But the constitution of for changes in the Assembly itself. Either assimilated. It is being lured, inveigled, and the General Assembly fails to reflect any way I think that we in UNA should be sucked into an agenda and a process that such reality, or the reality of the population giving serious consideration to the need have been predetermined - triangulation is of its members, or the reality of their gross for changes, beyond the procedural, in the the key tool of government policy. And by national products. Nauru, a minute speck General Assembly, with a view to restor- becoming a part of the process UNA is not in the SW Pacific with a population of less ing that "lost vitality". only effectively contained it can even than 13,000, a tiny GNP and no military become a government asset. "Look," the might has an equal say and vote in the Yours faithfully, government says, "We have consulted the General Assembly as such giants as China, much respected United Nations with a population a million times greater. HAROLD STERN Association" (so even UNA can't be seen to Is it, therefore, surprising that the debates Ealing, London complain). And, Bingo! UNA has become

20 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 Letters • UNA-UK

part of the circus, yet another photo oppor- destruction involved, the words of now dealing with the devastation of tunity for the government media. commiseration and sympathy coming the tsunami. Now is the time for debt Year after year the same items with regard from around the world are heartfelt relief. to the UK government come up in UNA's and appropriate. So also is the The success of the call to 'make Policy Statement and, like the stage-managed remarkable response by nations and poverty history' depends on compre- parliamentary lobbies, come to nothing. individuals. This aid and financial hensive debt relief. It is fitting that The breathtaking arrogance and ease with support will continue because it is in we should make a new start at a time which the Prime Minister swept aside the the nature of people at these times to when feelings are high and under- protestations of millions over Iraq, not just in give. Even so, this response is truly standing is strong. But when this this country but around the world, was an remarkable. disaster has passed from the head- object lesson in the use of power. No doubt The tsunami is a comparatively lines will the aid that is coming now the next issue of New World will be dominat- recent tragedy, but the older tragedy cease? Will it revert to the past and ed by the devastation of the tsunami, but of poverty still exists. In many parts the call of so many years, or will we don't let it wash away the victims of power in of the world there exist living condi- see a new and enlightened world? Iraq. tions which have been seen in photo- In the global village we are all graphs for many years and which neighbours - not just today, but Yours sincerely, reflect the entrenched deprivation of tomorrow, and tomorrow. many peoples. Aid agencies have STEPHEN JACKSON campaigned for more than 50 years ALEX HAWKINS Bexhill-on-Sea, West Sussex for funds, and people have responded Cheltenham, Gloucestershire [edited for length] as always, yet few rich nations have responded well to the United Nations' appeal for 0.7% of gross Editor’s note: After the Tsunami national products to be allocated to the development of the so-called UNICEF-UK has asked us to 24 February 2005 'Third World'. The 'aid' that has been convey their deep appreciation given, moreover, is expected to be for the generous donations Dear Editors, paid back and this has engendered received from UNA members in unsustainable debt burdens which the aftermath of the tsunami In considering the tsunami disaster retard chances of development. Many and the appalling loss of life and of these countries are the same ones disaster.

NOTICE BOARD UNA Directory Main telephone number 020 7766 3444 Fax number 020 7930 5893 RAF Charitable Trust Main email address info@unauk.org The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust is marking UN60 with a Website www.unauk.org display of aircraft from around the world which have seen service General enquiries & information in UN humanitarian and peacekeeping operations since 1945. info@unauk.org 020 7766 3444 The Royal International Air Tattoo will take place at RAF Executive Director Fairford on 16-17 July 2005. The United Nations in New York is daws@unauk.org 020 7766 3451 assisting with the Tattoo, and UNA-UK has been asked to pro- Membership enquiries & renewals vide a display. For more information please see www.rafcte.com. membership@unauk.org 020 7766 3443 Fundraising Mr J. J. Waterson fundraising@unauk.org 020 7766 3447 The UNA Trust is seeking to locate Mr J.J. Waterson, a former Peace & security programme aramsbotham@unauk.org 020 7766 3446 donor to the UNA Trust. UNA has not heard from Mr Waterson for almost a decade. If friends or family have any information, Policy enquiries & advocacy coordination vlie@unauk.org 020 7766 3451 please contact Ajay Vasa at [email protected]. UNESCO UK Commission lleung@unauk.org 020 7766 3490 Apologies AdoptAMinefield Apologies to Peter Greaves for omitting his name from his excel- Main telephone number 020 7925 1500 lent review of Mayer Hillman's book How to Save the Planet in Fax number 020 7925 1900 the last issue of New World. Main email address [email protected] Website www.landmines.org.uk

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 21 UNA-UK • UN60

MESSAGES FROM UNA’S HONORARY PRESIDENTS FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2005 Adopt-A-Minefield • UNA-UK ADOPTAMINEFIELD UK

UNA-UK has been proud to host the work in the future, including the financial UK beyond the expiry of the current licence, Adopt-A-Minefield campaign in the UK and staff costs to UNA-UK of continuing to in order to give more time for Adopt-A- since 2001. The Adopt-A-Minefield cam- host the programme, and the support UNA- Minefield UK to pursue this option. If this paign was founded by UNA-USA and the UK has been able to provide Adopt-A- option is confirmed then UNA-UK will licence from them to operate the campaign Minefield in the UK. The outcome of these explore with the new Adopt-A-Minefield in the UK is due to expire in August 2005. discussions is that Adopt-A-Minefield will charity ways of retaining a partnership to In recent months UNA-UK and UNA- seek to establish itself as a charity in its own raise awareness about the landmine issue and USA have been reviewing how this partner- right in the UK. UNA-UK will seek to to raise funds to clear landmines and help ship has worked in the past and how it could extend the right to host Adopt-A-Minefield landmine survivors. Photo: Chris Bennett Photo:

A more youthful UNA-UK Executive Director Sam Daws near a minefield in the former Yugoslavia back in 1992!

UN Demining in BosniaHerzegovina

Lincoln UNA have raised a magnificent construction of a major tourist and recre- Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina attracts a £7,000 to clear landmines. This donation ational facility for the surrounding area. further £1 of match funding. This means was received by Adopt-A-Minefield shortly Prior to the war this site, which contains that funds donated by Lincoln UNA have before Christmas and has now been for- a skiing centre and mountaineer house been doubled. The ITF match fund will be warded as part of a $26,606 (approximately with 40 beds, was used by thousands of used to clear other land in Bosnia- £14,098) grant to Bosnia-Herzegovina families as well as local schools. Local Herzegovina soon. where it will save lives. It will be used to authorities have developed a plan for Since the end of the war in Former fund the manual clearance of 13,736 square reconstruction including renovating the Yugoslavia there have been 1,497 people metres of mined land near Vitez. The mine- water supply and road maintenance. killed or injured as a result of landmines in field is around the site of a power line that However, everything must wait for mine Bosnia. connects the villages of Zabrde and Zaselje, clearance so that there can be a source of near Vitez, Srednje-bosanski. (The adoption electrical power. is now listed on Adopt-A-Minefield's web- As a result of match funding arrange- site, www.landmines.org.uk.) ments established by the U.S. Department The de-mining of this electrical power of State with the International Trust Fund, system is the main precondition for the re- every £1 received for mine clearance in

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 23 AGM

1 April 2005 United Nations Association To: All paid-up members of of Great Britain and Northern Ireland the United Nations

Association 3 Whitehall Court - London SW1A 2EL Telephone: 020 7766 3444 Kingston Smith – Fax: 020 7930 5893 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.una-uk.org Registered Auditor A Company limited by Guarantee. Registered in England no. 2885557. Registered office 3 Whitehall Court SW1A 2EL

NOTICE OF COMPANY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company Limited by Guarantee, United Nations Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, will be held at 2pm on 4 June 2005 at the Farmers’ Club, 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL.

AGENDA

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 2004

Business arising from the minutes

ORDINARY RESOLUTION 1 That the audited accounts for the period ending 30 June 2004 together with the Directors' and Auditor's reports be received and approved.

ORDINARY RESOLUTION 2 That Kingston Smith, having indicated their willingness to serve again, be appointed auditors for the ensuing year and that they be paid for their services a sum to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Association.

ORDINARY RESOLUTION 3 That those persons elected in the postal ballot in accordance with Rule 50(a) shall be members of the Board of Directors of the Association for a period of one year terminating at the end of the AGM in 2006.

NOTE: The names of the successful candidates will be announced at the AGM.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION 1 That, with immediate effect, the text at article 26(i) (namely: "(i) The Chairperson of the Stakeholder Forum for our Common Future") be deleted.

Ajay Vasa - Company Secretary

24 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 AGM

Minutes of the Tenth Annual General Meeting of the United Nations Association (a Company Limited by Guarantee) held at the University of Reading on Friday, 2 April 2004

Present: Sir Richard Jolly in the Chair and 43 members

Welcome Sir Richard Jolly welcomed members to the meeting

Minutes The Minutes of the ninth AGM held on 25 April 2003 were agreed as a correct record and signed. There were no matters arising.

Ordinary Resolution 1 "That the audited accounts for the period ending 30 June 2002 together with the Director's and Auditor's report be received and approved."

Moving the resolution the Treasurer referred to the Trust Fund which effectively constituted the Association's reserves. In the year to 30 June 2003 we had drawn down £96,000 and in addition had used up a legacy of £33,000, which meant a total overspend of £129,000. The Trust Fund was receiving less money than hitherto and we were making heavier drawings. In the current financial year there had been some special factors, the appointment of a new Director, shortfall on programmes, and fundraising providing only 25% of expectations, which were estimated to reduce our general reserve to £187,000 by the end of this financial year. We were aim- ing to keep a minimum of £75,000 in our reserves.

Ordinary Resolution 1 Moved by the Treasurer, seconded by Harold Stern: AGREED

Ordinary Resolution 2 "That Kingston Smith, having indicated their willingness to serve again, be appointed auditors for the ensuing year and that they be paid for their services a sum to be determined by the Board of Directors of the Association."

Ordinary Resolution 2 Moved by the Treasurer, seconded by Kevin Hutchens: AGREED

Ordinary Resolution 3 "That those persons elected in the postal ballot in accordance with Rule 50(a) shall be members of the Board of Directors of the Association for a period of one year terminating at the end of the AGM in 2005."

Only eight nominations were received for eight vacancies: no ballot was necessary. The elected members were: Janet Blackman, Rod Fielding, Linda McCulloch, Pandit Nilesh Parekh, Michael Rossi, Harold Stern, William Say, and David Wardrop.

Special Resolution 1 "That, with effect from 1 July 2004, article 26(g) of the Articles of Association be changed to read: "The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director" and that any reference to the posts of Director and Deputy Director be changed to read Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director respectively.”

Special Resolution 1 Moved by Harold Stern, seconded by Janet Blackman: AGREED

Special Resolution 2 "That, with immediate effect, the following clause be added to Article 26 "(i) The Chairperson of the Stakeholder Forum for our Common Future."

Special Resolution 2 Moved by Harold Stern, seconded by Malcolm Harper: AGREED

Date of next meeting – to be arranged.

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 25 AGM

Annual Report Year ending 30 June 2004

Iraq UNA and Youth The issue of Iraq continued to play an important part in the This year saw growing cooperation between UNA and work and activities of UNA this year, with UNA's attention UNYSA in appreciation of the importance of linking focussing on the activities of the Coalition Provisional together the older generations with today's youth. As part Authority and the Interim Governing Council, as well as of UNA's commitment to this, a Youth Officer was the progress of post-conflict reconstruction, with particular appointed by UNA in August 2003. reference to the UN's role. UNA Freshwater Campaign UN and Conflict 2003 was the UN International Year of Freshwater and the The educational work of UNA's UN and Conflict provision of safe drinking water and sanitation is one of the Programme continued, focussing in particular during this key UN Millennium Development Goals. UNA's year on the following issues: the Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, Freshwater Campaign concentrated on encouraging regions standby forces for African peacekeeping and the construc- and branches to petition and educate in relation to the tion, by Israel, of the wall in the occupied Palestinian importance of water, sanitation and hygiene. UNA produced Territory. fact sheets and briefings to assist in educating and raising awareness. In February 2004 UNA delivered its water peti- The Migrant Workers Convention tion to the Secretary of State for International Development. UNA's educational and campaigning work this year also In conjunction with the Water Supply and Sanitation focussed on the Migrant Workers Convention, which came Collaborative Council, UNA organised a conference in into force on 1 July 2003 (without UK ratification). London, in March 2004, on World Water Day. Through UNA's work we sought to dispel some of the myths that exist in relation to immigration, and to persuade WFUNA the government to sign up to this important convention. UNA continued to liaise with WFUNA, and delegates attended WFUNA meetings in New York in September Model UN Educational Work 2003, to support the central role being played by WFUNA Throughout the year UNA continued its educational in furthering civil society support for the UN Millennium work through the Model UN programme. The Director, Development Goals. the Deputy Director and staff generally were much involved with school visits and a variety of Model UN Lobby 2004 events and were encouraged to see the steady develop- This year's lobby surpassed all its predecessors with atten- ment of work in this area. The pack "How to run a dance of over 300 and the participation of 80 organisations model UN Security Council" was completed during the drawn widely from civil society. UNA was pleased to use year. the lobby as a vital tool to educate as to the relevance of international issues and of the importance of the work of AdoptAMinefield the United Nations. UNA continued its fundraising, through Adopt-A- Minefield, with the aim of relieving the world of the UNA & the future scourge of landmines and to help victims of landmines. A During the course of the year, and in anticipation of the major fundraising event was organised in conjunction with retirement of the current Director, Malcolm Harper, UNA the National Union of Teachers, as part of a plan to educate recruited a new Executive Director, appointing Mr Sam school children on the landmine issue. Daws (with effect from September 2004).

26 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 AGM

Summary Accounts

Income and Expenditure Account Balance Sheet as at 30th June 2004 For the year ended 30th June 2004

2004 2003 2004 2003 £ £ £ £

Income Fixed Assets Members, regions and branches 202,362 162,697 Tangible assets 5,805 11,819 Grants - UNA Trust 513,652 376,526 - Other 528,417 1,211,435 Current Assets Other project and departmental income 49,151 105,238 Debtors 214,619 310,190 Other income 44,780 35,981 Cash at bank and in hand 37,611 10,727 252,230 320,917 1,338,362 1,891,877

Creditors: Amounts Expenditure falling due within one year (272,491) (341,970) Staff costs 805,676 855,011 Other project and departmental costs 448,414 982,293 Net Current Liabilities (20,261) (21,053) Travel and subsistence 12,147 9,915

Office costs 41,970 40,865 Total Assets less Printing and publications 2,555 4,306 Current Liabilities (14,456) (9,234)

Other costs 30,545 39,508 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year – (2,277) 1,341,307 1,931,898 (14,456) (11,511)

Deficit for the Year (2,945) (40,021) Reserves General Reserve (14,456) 16,241 Reserves brought forward (11,511) 28,510 UNED Reserve (deficit) – (27,752)

Reserves carried forward (14,456) (11,511) (14,456) (11,511)

The above Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet are extracted from the full accounts of the Association which have been audited by Kingston Smith and given an unqualified opinion. The full accounts may be obtained from the Association's offices at 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL.

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 27 newer | world the UNYSA section | the youth of UNA

FROM THE UN YOUTH AND STUDENTS ASSOCIATION OF THE UK (UNYSA-UK)

Welcome to another packed issue of Newer World. There are many exciting events to report, ranging from a historic North of England MUN to UNYSA-UK's success in securing three British youth representatives to the United Nations General Assembly in September. Read on for full details!

THE UNITED NATIONS CONSULTS WITH UNYSA-UK ON THE MDGs Camille Narayan UNA-UK Temporary Youth Officer

From 13 to 17 February, UNYSA-UK Implementation of the World President Richard Bartlett attended a Programme of Action for Youth and the youth consultation at the United Nations MDGs". in New York. UNYSA-UK was one of The consultation, organised at the just 12 organisations from around the request of Kofi Annan, sought young world invited to take part in the process, people's views on the progress made and which was entitled "Youth and the obstacles encountered in the implemen- tation of the World Programme of Action. The Programme provides a national and interna- tional framework to increase the quality UNA-UK campaigns to end the use of child and quantity of soldiers through the achievement of Goal 8 opportunities of the MDGs, which calls for implementing available to young “strategies for decent and productive work for people for full and youth”. (UN/DPI Photo) effective participa- tion in society. This Development Goals: Challenges and consultation pre- Opportunities for Implementation". sented an opportu- The report was produced by an ad hoc nity to highlight working group in November 2004, and concerns that have was aimed at policymakers to provide emerged since the ideas on how to increase the role of Programme's adop- youth in achieving the MDGs. On the tion in 1995 and basis of these discussions Richard and to explore ways the other participants submitted formal in which youth proposals for the Secretary-General's can feed into report to the 60th session of the General the broader Assembly development Returning from New York, Richard agenda. told Newer World, "It was a fantastic One of the opportunity for me and young people major items of globally to have our voices heard at the discussion was United Nations". To find out more about the recent interim the consultation, or to view the interim report "Youth and report on youth and the MDGs, go to the Millennium www.un.org/youth.

Achieving the MDGs depends on improving the lives of children and young people around the world. (UN/DPI Photo) NEWER WORLD

NORTH OF ENGLAND MODEL UNITED NATIONS (NEMUN) Philip Stanier Under-Secretary-General of NEMUN and Chair of Leeds University UNA

Manchester MUN Society and Leeds late, three topics were covered. Video were put on ice as all delegates were able University UNA recently joined forces in recordings, press releases and diplomatic to sample the delights of the Manchester true United Nations spirit to host the announcements were made to give the nightlife. first ever North of England MUN SC delegates a real sense of urgency. As With this first conference under our International in Manchester. The result things heated up, it was possible to see belts and with a healthy mix of interna- was a truly different, Northern confer- beads of sweat running down the Saudi tional and British delegates, we look for- ence. delegate's face as 'news reports' broad- ward to seeing NEMUN grow, develop With the Security Council, ECOSOC casted the possible collapse of the House and really contribute something different and the General Assembly debating until of Saud. By evening, though, tensions to British MUN-ing.

RIBBONS ARE NO MORE: UNYSA-UK LONG LIVE THE WRISTBAND! CITIZENSHIP PACK Tom Spencer UNYSA Membership Officer Jo Phaure UNYSA Campaigns Officer At the risk of sounding a bit miserly and member of MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY, uncharitable I just have to say that I really what's a UNYSA member to do but jump on The main theme for UNYSA's campaign- hate charity wristbands. the bandwagon and grab a seat next to Peter ing work this year is citizenship. All of our The fact that Nike is behind some of the and Jordan?! various projects around this theme aim to more prominent campaigns is enough in Get a hold of fairly priced, fairly made encourage young people to become more itself to send one's charitable instincts into wristbands and be part of a unique world- involved with global citizenship through red alert. Nike with a kinder, more caring wide effort in 2005 to end extreme poverty. learning and participation. Our citizen- side? I'm not convinced! My reasons for For more details visit www.makepovertyhis- ship campaign is about building bridges steering clear of the 'wristbandwagon' do tory.org/getaband.html. with local communities and getting the not end with Nike, however. Newspaper opinions of young people heard. reports have linked anti-bullying wristbands We are therefore launching an excellent to fights at schools, with children stealing new citizenship pack to give inspiration them from one another due to lack of sup- and advice for stepping out into your local ply. Brilliant work, DfES! These bands also community and promoting citizenship pose an apparent health risk: a head teacher through simple but effective techniques in Monmouth recently banned wristbands such as peer education. from her school stating, "We don't want To download a copy of the citizenship anything dangling that could get caught in a pack, visit our website at www.unysa- lathe." Blimey! uk.org and simply follow the citizenship But, with the enthusiastic endorsement of links to learn more. Young people have big-hearted luminaries such as Bono, Peter unique and valuable perspectives on the Andre and Jordan, the backlash against wrist- global community, so help fellow youth bands looks doomed to failure. And with voice their opinion while you learn more UNA also joining the ranks and becoming a yourself!

April–June 2005 • NEW WORLD • 29 NEWER WORLD

UNYSA-UK DEPARTING YOUTH NATIONAL CONFERENCE COUNCIL Tim Jarman UNYSA Immediate Past President Kate Grady UNYSA Immediate A number of current Youth Council Whilst it will be sad to leave the Youth Past Vice President members (myself included) will be leaving Council behind, many of us will be sure in April, having served our two consecu- to stay involved where we can. We all Well, folks, it's time again for UNYSA's tive terms of office. In the past two years, hope that we leave UNYSA-UK in a national conference, and this year's will we've seen UNYSA-UK emerge from strong position for the new Youth be better than ever! UNYSA's confer- obscurity to become a dynamic, rapidly Council, who will take office in April, to ence is the yearly event where UNA growing organisation with increasing lead the organisation forward to an even Youth and Student members from across influence on the youth stage. brighter future. the country get together. It's a fantastic opportunity to network with other members, share experiences and ideas. This year we have secured as a keynote speaker Nick Morates, a youth consultant for Amnesty International. In addition, this year's workshops deal with the following subjects:

• Youth Participation, which is open to attendees of both UNYSA's con- ference and the UNA Annual Conference

• The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), led by the Department for International Development (tbc)

• Volunteering opportunities, led by UNA Exchange

• Your future career at the UN Kate Grady and Tim Jarman with Kofi Annan at the 10 February Banqueting House event in London (Photograph © Anne-Marie Briscombe/UNA-UK) VIRGINIA SAIZ Tim Jarman UNYSA Immediate Past President

In early January, Virginia Saiz left UNA-UK to pursue a career with Plan International in the Dominican Republic. Though very sad that she has gone, the Youth Council and UNYSA-UK would like to thank Virginia for all her hard work and commitment to the youth cause dur- ing her time at UNA-UK and wish her the best of luck in her exciting Virginia working with children in the Dominican Republic new career.

30 • NEW WORLD • April–June 2005 NEWER WORLD UNYSA TEAMS UP WITH THE FCO TO SEND 3 YOUTH DELEGATES TO THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY Richard Bartlett UNYSA President

On 10 March 2005 Minister Bill Rammell been tasked with administering the selection ing the World Programme Of Action for MP formally announced the FCO's plans to process in partnership with the FCO. Over Youth work with UNA’s youth wing, UNYSA, to the coming weeks youth delegates will be 2. participating in an informal, interactive send three British youth delegates to the selected to speak at the UN on behalf of round-table discussion on the theme United Nations General Assembly young people in the UK. The successful can- "Young People: making commitments Millennium +5 Summit in New York this didates must be between the ages of 18 and 24 matter" autumn. This is the first time that the UK is and will be official delegates to the UK's mis- 3. negotiating with other EU youth dele- sending youth representatives to New York, sion in New York for two weeks. The duties of gates to produce a common youth voice and we believe it will be the only UN mem- the youth delegates will include: for Europe ber state ever to send three delegates! The initiative is a result of a proposal which 1. attending two plenary meetings of the For more information about this fantastic UNYSA submitted to the Foreign Office in General Assembly devoted to the evalua- opportunity, please see the poster on the back September 2004, and UNYSA has therefore tion of the progress made in implement- page of this issue of New World.

Representing the UK at the United Nations in New York, the youth “delegates will liaise with youth organisations across the UK and attend part of the World Youth Congress in Stirling in August, before actively participating in youth-related General Assembly discussions. This initiative evolved from the first FCO UN Youth Forum last October, and we will team up once again with the UN Youth and Students Association, this time to search for and select youth delegates.” Bill Rammell MP, FCO Minister with responsibility for the UN

As we celebrate 60 years of the United Nations and come together to “discuss reform of the United Nations, it is very apt that, to mark the historical importance of the occasion, the British government is empowering British youth by providing them with this platform, this opportunity at the United Nations.” Richard Bartlett, UNYSA President

Stirling, Scotland WORLD YOUTH CONGRESS 2005 30 July to 8 August 2005 Camille Narayan UNA-UK Temporary Youth Officer

The World Youth Congress is a week-long Millennium Development Goals. The The significance of such an event during gathering of hundreds of youth between schedule includes workshops; policy dis- the UK presidencies of the EU and G8 should the ages of 18 and 25, as well as govern- cussions among youth, aid agencies and not be overlooked, as this raises the impact ment and aid agencies working in the area international development officials; and youth can make in development at home and of sustainable development. The goal of seminars to identify strategies for mobilis- abroad - an opportunity not to be missed! the Congress is to promote volunteering, ing youth in the campaign to achieve the For more information please visit global citizenship, and the UN MDGs. www.scotland2005.com.

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