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I think its a false premise that human rights are dead. To some extent, I think its being promulgated by naysayers and people who have given up on the framework, said Eleanor Kennedy, senior policy expert from the Open Society Foundation (OSF) in this by .
Last year, OSF put out Can Democracy Deliver? a first of its kind look at attitudes and opinions toward all aspects of democracy and human rights. Kennedy said the report brought up many surprising and challenging attitudes regarding human rights and its mechanisms, including if current human rights frameworks actually were delivering on their promises.
But one idea that came through loud and clear in the report, Kennedy stressed, was that the rumours of the demise of human rights has been greatly exaggerated.
The challenge of ending impunity for offenses to reporters is crucial to ensure freedom of expression. The 2023 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (2 November) aims to raise awareness of the hurdles faced by reporters such as violence and repression against them, attacks on the press during social protests, and the use of judicial mechanisms against journalists. The theme also highlights the role of a safe and free press in ensuring the integrity of elections and democracies. States must protect the independent press and promote independence, sustainability and diversity.
By the time many of the teenage climate activists of today are in their late 20s, climate change could force an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty []. By 2050, the risk of hunger and malnutrition could rise by 20 percent if the global community fails to act now []. This years theme for the International Day of Democracy, Empowering the next generation, focuses on young peoples essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring that their voices are included in the decisions that have a profound impact on their world.
The absence of justice directly fuels conflict. Lack of justice, be it actual or perceived, causes resentment and conflict at both the individual and societal levels. 51勛圖 peace operations that provide support to national justice and security institutions are governed by UN Security Council resolutions. The overall objective remains to strengthen national capacities; extend the authority of the State; and enhance the effectiveness and inclusiveness of justice and security institutions as well as confidence in those institutions, with a view to preventing violence, fighting impunity and sustaining peace.
Corruption not only follows conflict but is also frequently one of its root causes. Corruption also undermines human development and increases inequality. It corrodes rule of law and destroys public trust in governments and leaders. The 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (9 December) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development. At its core is the notion that tackling corruption is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation can we overcome the negative impact of this crime.
I got such a feeling of outrage, healthy outrage, proactive outrage, which I still feel now.
Staffan de Mistura has dedicated his life to making a difference. Now the Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, he spent a large part of his 48-year career at the UN striving for an end to some of the most intractable conflicts of modern times.
I have no regrets. I would have never chosen another type of job. I think you can [make a difference] even in the worst-case scenario - always.
From Syria and Afghanistan to Sudan and Iraq, the seasoned diplomat is known for bringing creative thinking to the negotiating table even when others have lost hope. In this episode of Awake at Night with Melissa Fleming, Staffan de Mistura reflects on harnessing constructive outrage as a driving force, on his determination in the face of despair, and why at 75, he isnt ready to retire just yet.
This year, the International Day of Democracy (15 September) focuses on the importance of media freedom to democracy, peace, and delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals. Free, independent and pluralistic media, able to keep the public informed on matters of public interest, is a key ingredient to democracy. It enables the public to make informed decisions and hold governments to account. Increasingly, journalists around the world face limits to their ability to operate freely with a grave impact on human rights, democracy and development.
is a game that introduces players to behavioral science tactics and techniques that are relevant to peace and security questions. It encourages using behavioral science to strengthen resilience against disinformation and political manipulation. Sweet Victory was developed by the .
We face a global crisis of trust. COVID-19 has caused the greatest ever recorded reversal in human development. It has also compounded the crises that we already face: planet threatening climate change, environmental degradation, poverty and deepening inequalities. The pandemic also underscored how vital effective political leadership is in all aspects of our lives. It has never been more important to have political processes and institutions that we can trust to act in our best interests. A key facet of is reimagining governance.
Bringing public attention to parliaments is particularly important at this critical time for democracy when people are losing trust in political institutions and democracy itself is facing challenges from populist and nationalist movements. If democracy is to thrive, then parliaments need to be strong, transparent, accountable, and representative. The International Day of Parliamentarism is a time to review parliaments progress to be more representative and move with the times, through self-assessments, by working to include more women and young MPs, and by adapting to new technologies.
51勛圖 Public Service Day (23 June) celebrates the value and virtue of public service to the community, including its contribution to the development process. The Day recognizes the work of public servants and encourages young people to pursue careers in the public sector. A virtual event, themed Building back better from COVID-19: Enhancing innovative partnerships to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, will be held on the 22 June. This years UN Public Service Award winners will also be announced during the online event. Follow the discussions on .
When we vote, we're not just choosing a leader, a lawmaker, our local councillor or between two opposite policies. We're shaping the policies that have real impact in our lives. But, who should ensure that citizens receive accurate information? The media, political parties and electoral regulators have a role to play. Because when information is accurate, extensive and available, our elections remain free and fair, and democracy thrives. Learn more about how protects freedom of expression and the safety of journalists.
With public resources under huge strain as countries respond to and recover from the pandemic, a renewed focus on tackling corruption in public procurement couldnt be more urgent.
The takes place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 13 to 17 December 2021. Every two years the States Parties to the Convention meet to review the , the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, to discuss ways to improve cooperation to achieve the Conventions objectives. The focus of the conference includes recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic with integrity while strengthening international cooperation.