ISSUE NEWSLETTER OF THE LONDON & SOUTHEAST REGION WORKING FOR A STRONG, CREDIBLE & EFFECTIVE UN
28 JUN 2016
London & SE Region United Nations Association
Spring Council March 2016 2016 Spring Council
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Should it be a woman for a change?
2
1 for 7 Billion
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UNA Westminster
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UNA Westminster Young Professionals
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Signing ceremony of the Paris Climate Change Agreement
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ACUNS Vienna UN Conference
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“A Solemn Duty”: Dag Hammarskjöld and Conflict in the Congo 5 The Aid Debate
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International Year of Pulses
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DFID hits back
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TRUNA discussed World Humanitarian Summit
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UNA Eastbourne and Uganda
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LaSER Committee says “Remain”
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Are. drone attacks justified?
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Events
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Editors: Neville Grant & Linda Leung
Copy date for the next issue: 9th October 2016
Contribution guidelines and past issues, go to: www.unalondonandse.org
The London and South East Region is part of UNA-UK, currently serving 23 branches in the Region. Views expressed in this membership newsletter do not necessarily represent the policy of UNAUK or the Region.
A lively and productive Spring Council saw attendees discuss ways to increase membership, using social media as to publicise branch activities and reviewing what was achieved at the Paris Climate talks and what now needs to be done. th The Region’s Spring Council on 19 March work and children’s’ future kicked off with two workshops, both of which Group 3: Near and post retirement reflected priority actions points agreed at the link up with local groups such as U3A, sports Region’s last AGM. centres, churches and civic groups
Social Media Linda Leung gave an overview of the ways small organisations can use social media to publicise their events and activities.
Branch Health Anthony Vallyon spoke from his experience as Branch Leader and subsequently President of the New Zealand UNA. In four years, New Zealand UNA stabilised their finances and increased membership. Rob Storey facilitated three break-out groups to brainstorm how to reach new members. Group 1: Young people target those in relevant local University courses and schools (including debating groups and MUNGAs). Group 2: Working and middle-aged concentrate on specific messages that they are passionate about or are relevant to their
Applications such as Facebook, Eventbrite and email marketing platforms can provide valuable help to small organisations in raising recognition and promoting activities. These applications are usually free (for the basic package) and not too difficult to master (online tutorials are plentiful). Particular focus was given to Facebook, including a step-by-step run through on account set up, profile building, adding or finding friends; and using Facebook events and ads to promote activities. Linda also covered the general Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to online marketing. Materials are available from Wendy Higgs (wjhiggs@gmail.com) who coordinated this workshop.
What’s next for Climate Change after Paris? Alison Williams (Chair of Merton UNA) was one of the speakers alongside Stephen Hockman QC (the Region’s President) and Anastasia Kantzelis (environmental campaigner). Alison reflected on the aspect of “faith” and the need to increase our level of ambition. A webinar organised by Rev. Fletcher Harper (Executive Director of GreenFaith) was broadcast globally on 18 February. It began with a 20-minute talk from Daniele Violetti, Chief of Staff of the UNFCCC who first used the phrase about needing to increase our level of ambition. He accepted that achieving an agreement at the COP21 in Paris, part of which is legally binding, was a significant achievement. 189 countries had submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) which, if acted on, would reduce anticipated temperature o rise to 2.7-3.0 C. And they have agreed that meeting a target of well under 20 is necessary to prevent catastrophic climate change in parts of the world already suffering its impact. All that states have accepted as binding is a duty to report on and review their progress as part of a process leading to a new international treaty. The Paris Agreement opened for signature nd in New York on 22 April and for all that states that have signed so far, including the UK, the domestic process of ratification has started. Mr Violetti urged civil society organisations to do all we can to increase momentum; to persuade our governments to sign and ratify the agreement and to consider how we can as individuals help achieve a low-carbon world. The Climate Change Secretariat website records actions and commitments already undertaken by companies, cities, regions and investors. The webinar then had a multi-faith panel from Christian, Buddhist and Islamic traditions, each reporting on what their organisations had done and were planning to do to raise awareness of climate change and how to mitigate its effects. More info: Climate Change Secretariat website (http://climateaction.unfccc.int/); Webinar (www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE4gwVpxTjA)
LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association
Should it be a woman for a change? Eleanor Roosevelt was the only woman on the first American delegation to the UN. She chaired the committee which drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Written in 1948 in the aftermath of World War II, it enshrined the rights and freedoms for all and has remained a model for constitutions around the world. So, how have women fared at the peace table? Out of 585 peace agreements from 1990 to 2010, only 92 contained any references to women Between 1992 and 2011, fewer than 4% of signatories to peace agreements and under 10% of negotiators at peace tables were women According to findings by Laurel Stone, women’s participation increases the probability of peace agreements lasting at least two years by 20%. It also increases the probability of a peace agreement lasting 15 years by 35% Recognition of women’s rights still has some way to go. With the possibility of Hilary Clinton clutching the Democrat’s nomination and having a shot at the White House, maybe there is hope for the future, if nothing else, a significant symbol of a woman’s position in society.
1 for 7 Billion UNA-UK has been part of the grassroots global campaign, which aims at revolutionising the election of the next UN Secretary General who is due to take office on the first day of 2017. For the first time in the UN’s 70-year history, are from Eastern Europe. a job hustings was held in New York’s Civic Danilo Turk, an ex-president of Slovenia Hall on 13th April 2016. Four contenders for and former UN assistant secretary the position of UN Secretary General shared general the same stage and debated the same Igor Lukšić, former Deputy Prime Minister questions sent in from not only the 250 and Minister of Foreign Affairs and people in the room – but some 25,000 European Integration of Montenegro citizens around the world. Natalia Gherman, former foreign ministers of Moldova A recent article in the Guardian compared Vesna Pusić, former foreign ministers of the debate with the selection process 10 Croatia years ago when the South Korean diplomat, Ban Ki-moon was selected by the Security A second debate was held at the Barbican Council. He was hardly known before his Centre in London on 3rd June 2016, appointment and was not permitted to enter attended by three candidates: the UN headquarters in case he canvassed António Guterres, former UN High for votes from ordinary GA members. Commissioner for Refugees and former Prime Minister of Portugal “This shows the UN can change at a time Vuk Jeremić, former President of the UN when it is needed more than ever but is General Assembly and former Foreign over-stretched and under-funded,” said Minister of Serbia Natalie Samarasinghe, Executive Director of Igor Lukšić, former Deputy Prime Minister UNA-UK – one of the founding members of and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the 1 for 7 Billion movement. European Integration of Montenegro “For the first time in the UN’s history, we know the names of those standing for the job, we have an idea of their vision for the UN and there is an opportunity for all member states to engage with them.” That is the good news; the bad news is that the Security Council will still have the final say in choosing the new Secretary General. In late July, the council will decide which contenders it will encourage and those it will discourage from fighting on, followed by further polls to eliminate more candidates. Sadly, the hustings was not attended by two of the front-runners: Helen Clark, former New Zealand prime minister and head of the UN Development Programme; and Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General. So who did attend? Just four candidates (out of the 11 who have declared), all of whom
The 90-minute debate was moderated by the Guardian's Mark Rice-Oxley. Questions were fed in from the audience as well as UNA-UK’s online poll, which saw participation from 35,000 individuals in 161 countries. A broad range of topics were covered during the discussion, from climate change to impunity for UN peacekeepers, to whether the candidates considered themselves feminists. The events were organised by UNA-UK in partnership with the Guardian, Future UN Development System Project (CUNY Graduate Centre) and the Embassy of Denmark. UNA-UK hopes to hold a third debate in July for the candidates who haven’t yet taken part. For more information about the candidates, visit www.1for7billion.org/candidates
Source: www.unwomen.org
Irina Bokova Bulgaria Position: Director-General of UNESCO
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Helen Clark New Zealand Position: Administrator of the UNDP, former Prime Minister
Natalia Gherman Moldova Position: Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
António Guterres Portugal Position: Former UN High Commissioner for Refugees and former Prime Minister
Vuk Jeremić Serbia Position: President of the Centre for International Relations and Sustainable Development, former Minister of Foreign Affairs
Srgjan Kerim Macedonia Position: Former Foreign Minister and former President of the UN General Assembly
Danilo Türk Slovenia Position: Chair of the Global Fairness Initiative, former President
Vesna Pusić Croatia Position: Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Susana Malcorra Argentina Position: Minister of Foreign Affairs
Igor Lukšić Montenegro Position: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Miroslav Lajčák Slovakia Position: Minister of Foreign and European Affairs
LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016
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Westminster UNA We look at what has been happening at the largest UNA branch in the UK.
………..so far in 2016 th
11 JANUARY Marking the UN’s 70 anniversary – to the day! UNA Westminster coordinated the service at Methodist Central Hall Westminster, seventy years to the day after it hosted the inaugural meeting of the UN General Assembly in 1946. Nearly 500 people, hailing from sixty countries – yes, we counted them! – came to join us to re-commit to the UN. 14 MARCH ‘Chasing Religious Persecution in Law: bloodshed, concerted attack or maintaining representation?’ th Our 14 annual International Law Lecture was given by Dr Nazila Ghanea, Associate Professor, International Human Rights Law, University of Oxford.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers, jointly-organised with UNA and the Royal United Services Institute, is the UK’s most authoritative review of UN peacekeeping activities. Practitioners, diplomats, the military and UNA members share information on key issues in international peacekeeping. This year’s conference keynote presentation was given by JeanMarie Guehenno, President and CEO, International Crisis Group.
…….what we will be doing 5 NOVEMBER AND MANY OTHER DATES ‘We The Peoples Film Festival’ th The 11 annual We The Peoples Film Festival kicks off at the BFI South Bank featuring the #TweetAPitch competition with its £500 prize, masterclasses and much more. Through November, we will screen films from round the world on various UNrelated issues at venues throughout London.
……..and what we’re working on 21 MARCH ‘A Solemn Duty’: Dag Hammarskjöld and Conflict in the Congo’ Our joint meeting with London University gave an update on Ban Ki-moon’s efforts to uncover all information on how his predecessor died in 1961. UNA Westminster coordinates the global campaign to seek the truth. Our website is the world’s most authoritative source of news on this issue. 19 APRIL ‘Does the refugee crisis demonstrate that we need to get serious about the Responsibility to Protect?’ UNA Westminster Young Professionals and Liberal International host this meeting with speakers Lords Alderdice and Hannay, Kate Ferguson and Leisha Beardmore leading discussion on this urgent issue. 25 MAY ‘Sustaining Momentum: What Next for UN Peace Operations?’ th Our 14 annual conference to mark the
The UN and its drugs policy: We will review the outcome of the Drugs Summit (New York). The UN and torture: The new SecretaryGeneral must confront the UN’s many ‘torture states’. The UN and disaster prevention: ‘Loss and damage’ issues. Has the Paris Summit brought clarity? The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: We will review the UK’s performance. The UN’s coastal policy in Somalia: In May, we convene UK diaspora groups to address this lacuna. The UN International Day of Peace: Join us flying over the Thames (by cable car) as we face up to our prejudices! For more information and up to date event details, visit www.unawestminster.org.uk
UNA Westminster Young Professionals UNA Westminster Young Professionals and Liberal International organised a round table th discussion in the House of Lords on 19 April to review the effectiveness and relevance of the Right to Protect (R2P) concept to the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis.
Discussing not just the humanitarian obligation - with speakers such as Kate Ferguson (Protection Approaches) and Leisha Beardmore (Chair of UNA Westminster Young Professionals) - to helping those in need flee from desperate situations, but with the help of Lord Alderdice (President, Liberal International) and Lord Hannay (Chairman, LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016
UN All Party Parliamentary Group), the meeting also reviewed the economic and political impact the crisis has on the UK. UNA Westminster Young Professionals are working to re-ignite the R2P debate with the aim not just to raise awareness and knowledge surrounding this topic but also to help it gain enough momentum to be debated at the House of Commons in 2016. The Young Professionals will be releasing a follow-up paper on their position on R2P and the place they believe it has with regards to the current refugee crisis. Follow their blog https://unablogsite.wordpress.com or Twitter #RefugeesR2P
Signing Ceremony of the Paris Climate Change Agreement UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon invited all world leaders to a signing ceremony on 22 April for the historic climate agreement reached in Paris in last December. The signing event took place at UN Headquarters in New York. On the first day, the agreement was open for signature, which coincides with the UN observance of International Mother Earth Day. At the request of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) facilitated an open, transparent and participatory process for civil society to apply for a speaking role in the opening session of the signing ceremony. Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim of Chad was selected.
Hindou is from the Mbororo pastoralist community of Chad. She is the coordinator of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad (AFPAT). She is a member of the Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee (IPACC) as the Congo Basin regional representative and works to ensure the inclusion of indigenous peoples on international platforms, including within the 3 Rio Conventions. She is currently a co-chair of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change, the indigenous peoples' caucus to the UNFCCC. PAGE 3
LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association
ACUNS Vienna UN Conference – 13-15 January 2016 New approaches for a Peaceful and More sustainable World. Antony Vallon reports.
The Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), an association of academics and students from around the world, and also practitioners working within the United Nations system itself, held its annual Vienna conference in January with the Heads of United Nations agencies and departmental heads giving insights into their current thinking and future plans, as well as links to the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the post 2015 Development Agenda. ACUNS Executive Director Alistair Edgar, a Professor in Canada, and his ACUNS Vienna based team led by Max Edelbacher and Billy Batware, building on the foundations set by Michael Platzer, delivered an interesting programme of current practitioners from the range of United Nations agencies based in Vienna, and a mixture of well-informed former International Civil Servants and keen students of the UN. As in previous years the conference also featured academics, several Ambassadors, and panellists from NonGovernmental Organisations on priorities and approaches of CTBTO, UNODC, IAEA, UNOOSA and UNIDO in particular. The City of Vienna also hosted a reception at a typical Viennese Heuriger restaurant. The conference was also the culmination of a 8-month long programme for participants of the Regional Academy on the United Nations (RAUN), for University students from Central Europe, with many interacting with the panellists as well as presenting on aspects of their research projects at the conference.
2015/2016 RAUN final session at the 8th ACUNS Vienna Conference. Photo/RAUN
CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear-TestBan Treaty Organisation) Executive
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Secretary, Lassina Zerbo, speaking a few days after his agency detected the nuclear test in North Korea was keenly listened to. Eight specifically named countries remain to ratify the CTBT treaty for entry into force as it approaches its 20th birthday this year, although normative and practical dimensions are in place. The Preparatory Commission for CTBTO is in fact far from being a preparatory commission. It is not just ready to go but is full of life and actually functioning with a dedicated team of technical, administrative and communication staff in place in the United Nations Office complex in Vienna (known as UNO City), running training sessions for diplomats, scientists and exercises for on-site nuclear inspectors. CTBTO has built an International Monitoring System (IMS) of radionuclide, seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound stations that can detect earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear activity like Fukushima Daiichi. In a remarkable and largely unsung story of international cooperation, the IMS now comprises over 300 stations around the world’s land and oceans, with more on the way, as well as laboratories that test for radionuclide and noble gases. A random visit to their International Data Centre will show many earthquakes detected each day among the data coming in from these stations, which now inform national and international tsunami warning systems and scientific networks. Even nuclear armed states that have not ratified the treaty are benefitting from the Tsunami warning systems. A key crosscutting theme the Vienna based United Nations Agencies have been involved in is the Sustainable Development Goals. Yuri Fedotov, Director-General of the United Nations in Vienna, and of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, and some of his team spoke of how they are involved in complex challenges to promoting justice and supporting sustainable livelihoods to deter organised crime and drug trafficking; also demonstrated their links to SDG 16 among others. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); busy with finalising certification of aspects of the deal between itself,
Iran and other states, a subject of much interest among conference participants; spoke of its contribution not just to SDG 7 on energy, but also SDG 2 on food and SDG 3 on health via peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Niklas Hedman of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as well as speaking of their concern with peaceful use of space, issues of traffic management with more satellites and proliferation of space debris, mentioned their linkages to the SDG and links to climate science. Ludovico Alcorta of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) as well as speaking about UNIDOs role in conflict prevention and recovery, also mentioned that SDG 9 on Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development which is at the heart of UNIDO’s mandate and strategy, is not the only SDG they are contributing to.
Yuri Fedotov, Director General/Executive Director, UNOV/UNODC, delivering his speech. Photo/UNIS Vienna
Lamberto Zannier Secretary General of the OSCE, a non UN regional organisation also based in Vienna, spoke about the role regional organisations can play in contributing to peace and security and to the SDGs. ACUNS fosters and shares research on the United Nations system, partly via conferences, its website, and the journal Global Governance. It has affiliations with UN DPI, ECOSOC and UNESCO. ACUNS also promotes teaching on the United Nations, as well as dialogue between academics, civil society and practitioners. ACUNS next major event is its Annual Meeting in June, this time in New York, on the theme of Meeting the Challenges of Development and Dignity, hot on the heels of the United Nations World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May, so if you, or an academic you know would like to attend or present on global development or humanitarian related themes visit www.acuns.org for more information.
LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016
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“A Solemn Duty”: Dag Hammarskjöld and Conflict in the Congo Co-hosted by Westminster UNA and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London, st the seminar on 21 March 2016 set out to chart Ban Ki-Moon’s progress and challenges towards uncovering all available information concerning Dag Hammarskjöld’s death. “This is our solemn duty to the distinguished former Secretary peace operation to date and continuing today, presented General, Mr Dag Hammarskjold, to the other members of the different challenges, simultaneously ‘a hotbed of interparty accompanying him, and to their families.” (Ban Ki-moon African intrigue, a playground for the superpowers and a reporting, on 6 July 2015, the findings of a UN panel of turning point in the decolonisation process.’ experts, calling for further inquiry into the fatal crash.) Dr Roger Lipsey, author of Hammarskjöld: A Life, referred to New evidence has emerged Hammarskjöld’s ethic and how it drove him, remaining in one of the most enduring universally revered and his death a mystery, even following mysteries of UN and African reports by two Commissions (2013, 2015). history. It suggests that the plane carrying the UN David Wardrop chronicled worldwide efforts led by WestSecretary General Dag minster UNA to raise and maintain international awareness Hammarskjöld was of the issue. The UN General Assembly has adopted two deliberately brought down over Northern Rhodesia (now Resolutions, successfully triggering the appointment of the Zambia). These findings challenge the official version of an UN Panel charged to examine existing information and to accident and raise questions of a cover-up over the 1961 support the SG who has shown great courage in pursuing the crash and its causes. truth. “Although supported by most Member States, some powerful states, notably the USA and UK, are being slow to Susan Williams’ Who Killed Hammarskjöld?, and the release relevant information,” David said. subsequent findings of an independent commission of jurists led to a report by a UN panel of experts published in May Postscript by David Wardrop: In early May 2016, Ban Ki2015 which verified that new evidence had come to light. moon confirmed he was exploring setting up a central The Secretary General firmly endorsed the need for further archival holding with records and other material on the issue. official investigations. He is currently seeking information on the amount and scope of records and other materials located with archives and Henning Melber, Director Emeritus of the Dag Hammarskjöld institutes, including whether these could be converted and Foundation, stated that “despite his failures and setbacks, stored electronically. his brand of diplomacy offers important lessons for mediators today”, citing praise for the UN’s role in the Suez Will this elicit the missing data? Please follow developments crisis. However, the Congo crisis, resulting in the largest UN on www.humanrights2008.org.uk
The Aid Debate th
Parliament debated Britain's foreign aid policy on 13 June. UNA-UK urged the UN All-Party Parliamentary Group to participate in the debate. Meanwhile LaSER looks at the issues: The Mail on Sunday approach The UK’s commitments on overseas aid were part of the 2015 The Mail on Sunday newspaper has mounted a campaign to manifesto on which the government was elected. The urge the government to stop spending a government is keeping its promise to the electorate, tackling fixed 0.7% slice of our national wealth on global challenges in the national interest. Foreign Aid. Britain faces a simple choice: either we wait for the problems The newspaper argues that despite spending cuts at home, of the world to arrive on our doorstep, or we take action to the Government is committed to hand over 0.7% of national tackle them at source. income in overseas aid, regardless of need. The Mail on Sunday believes voters do not want this and instead, we UK aid, whether it is helping to prevent deadly diseases like should provide money only for truly deserving causes, on a Ebola from coming to the UK from West Africa, or enabling case-by-case basis. Syrian refugees and other would-be migrants to stay in their A bill passed in 2015 required the Government to spend a fixed 0.7% of gross national income on foreign aid. UK handouts will rise from current £12bn to £16bn by 2020. This is by far the highest rate of any G20 nation and (claims the Sunday Mail) is leading to huge waste and corruption. "We believe this is the wrong approach because it fuels waste by focussing on targets, not outcomes. Foreign aid should provide money for the job, not jobs for the money." Read the article: www.mailonsunday.co.uk/foreignaid The Government response (An edited version) The UK’s aid commitment means we can be proud to be a country that not only meets its responsibilities to the world’s poorest, but in doing so best serves and protects its own security and interests. LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016
home region, is about creating a more stable and secure world. Over the last five years, UK aid has been life-saving and lifechanging for millions of the poorest people around the world. We have supported 11 million children through school. We have helped more than 60 million people get access to clean water, better sanitation and improved hygiene conditions. We are leading the global effort to save millions of girls from child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. UK aid is spent where it is most needed and is subject to rigorous internal and external checks and scrutiny at all stages. The UK’s aid programmes are scrutinised by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, the International Development Select Committee and Public Accounts Committee in Parliament, and the National Audit Office. PAGE 5
LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association
International Year of Pulses 2016 was designated by the UN General Assembly to be the International Year of Pulses (IYP). Neville Grant looks at these common yet remarkable morsels. Pulses, also known as grain legumes, are a group of 12 crops that includes dry beans, dry peas, chickpeas, and lentils. They have been around for centuries, but play a fundamental role in our sustainable future. They are a key ingredient in many signature national and regional dishes, from falafel to daal to chilli and baked beans. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was nominated to facilitate the implementation of the Year in collaboration with Governments, agricultural organizations, NGOs and all other relevant stakeholders. The aim is to heighten public awareness of the nutritional benefits of pulses as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition. Pulse crops are a critical part of the general food basket. Growers in England and Wales have already got the message: In 2015, spring bean plantings increased by 59.3% to 165,000ha whilst the pea area also climbed by 31% to 42,000ha. These are the highest levels seen for either crop for many years. Pulses are important because they are a vital source of plant-based proteins and amino acids for people around the globe and should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to address obesity.
They can also help to prevent and help manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary conditions and cancer; in the UK, one person in 16 - over 4 million people - suffers from diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes Pulses are leguminous plants that have nitrogen-fixing properties which can contribute to increasing soil fertility and have a positive impact on the environment. Using pulses in intercropping systems and as cover crops can reduce soil erosion and contribute to pest and disease control. Pulses species have a broad genetic diversity and can thus adapt to different climatic conditions. They can be grown in semi-arid areas where other crops cannot be grown. They do not need synthetic fertilizers, thus producing a smaller carbon footprint and indirectly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although world pulses production has increased by over 20 percent in the past 10 years, consumption has seen a slow but steady decline in both developed and developing countries in the same period. This may be partially due to an inability for pulses production to keep pace with a growing population, as well as shifting diets in many countries. It's not too late to make a New Year Resolution to eat more pulses!
Fact File In developing countries, pulses make up 75% of the average diet, compared to 25% in industrialised countries. Pulses provide an affordable alternative to animal protein, contributing to about 10% of daily protein intake and 5% of energy intake. Pulses can be used for selfconsumption as well as cash crops. Pulse crops are one of the most sustainable crops a farmer can grow. It takes just 43 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of pulses, compared with 216 for soybeans and 368 for peanuts. Pulse crops contribute to soil quality by fixing nitrogen in the soil. Pulses are packed with nutrients and are a fantastic source of protein (by weight 20-25% of pulses is protein, double that for wheat and triple that for rice). Because of their high nutritional content, pulses are a staple in emergency food baskets. Pulses have a low fat content and contain zero cholesterol. Pulses are rich in minerals and B-vitamins. They are especially beneficial for women and children at risk of anaemia. Source: www.iyp2016.org, www.lgseeds.co.uk
DFID hits back at unfounded allegations on aid spending 27 March 2016 The UK government has hit back at claims made in a national Sunday newspaper report that part of the UK development budget has been used to give cash payments to people convicted of terrorism in the Palestinian Territories. The Department for International Development responded, "This allegation is simply incorrect. We have extensive precautions in place to ensure that UK money does not support terror groups or organisations. UK aid is spent where it is most needed and is subject to rigorous internal and external checks and scrutiny at all stages." The Mail on Sunday claims that it carried out a two-month investigation and singled out projects in Afghanistan, Turkey and Somalia for misspending. The newspaper has launched an online petition calling on the UK government to abolish 0.7% spending of gross national income on development programmes. PAGE 6
Ben Jackson, Chief Executive of the Bond network of over 450 international NGOs said: "The Mail on Sunday's hotch-potch of unfounded allegations around aid spending misses out the fact that the UK's development programmes account for only 7p in every £10 of the UK's national income and that they work. The number of children in the world's poorest places who die before the age of 5 has shrunk by almost half. And this spending has the backing of the British public who are often assumed to be hostile to development aid. "We are a more generous nation than some people think with a recent nationwide Euro Barometer survey showing that 86% of the UK public now agree that helping people in developing countries is important, up from 82% last year." This article originally appeared in the Guardian. LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016
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TRUNA discussed the UN World Humanitarian Summit th
Twickenham and Richmond UNA hosted an afternoon’s discussion on 9 April 2016. Report by Olivia Richardson. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon seemed to want the World Humanitarian Summit to be his legacy. Originally planned for October 2015, the Summit was finally taking place in May 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. It is important to note that the Summit would not be inter-governmental and its decisions would not be binding. At the end, there would be no agreed General Assembly document. In the run-up, there had been 1 Global Consultation, and 8 regional consultations involving 23,000 people in 164 countries. 5 Action Areas were identified: Dignity, Safety, Resilience, Partnerships and Finance. After 438 written submissions and 3 thematic consultations involving more than 2,400 voices, Ban Ki Moon decided to write his report. One of our speakers, Martin Barber, was an Advisor to the Secretary General. Martin outlined the 5 Core Responsibilities identified in response to the question, “Why is humanitarian aid necessary?” a. Political Action: Not enough is being done in conflict prevention. Why are States not concentrating on protecting humanity? b. International Humanitarian Law, as embodied in the Geneva Convention and Protocol. Why are Organisations such as the Security Council, the General Assembly and the European Union not attempting to stop the breaking of International Law? c. Sustainable Development Goals, “Leave No One Behind” by 2030. How can this be achieved if millions of people are starving and have no access to education and a means of livelihood, being wholly dependent on aid? d. How does humanitarian action need to change? The world needs to stop ignoring the capacity of human beings, to stop concentrating on delivering aid and to try to find out how to help people to help themselves. The whole aid system needed to be re-shaped to assist people to aid themselves. e. Money and resources had to be put into actions to make item (d) above work. The next speaker, Sara Pantuliano from ODI, further explained that each part of the responsibilities would be broken down, with every Government making its own commitment. There would be high level Round-tables on:1. Political leadership to prevent and end conflicts. 2. Upholding the norms that safeguard humanity. 3. Leaving no one behind: a Commitment to address forced displacement. 4. Women and girls: catalysing action to achieve gender equality. 5. Natural disasters and climate change: managing risks and crises differently. 6. Changing people’s lives from delivering aid to ending need. 7. Humanitarian financing: investing in humanity (the UK is very involved). One objection raised was that the Proposed Actions were not very robust since no Laws or Sanctions would be promulgated. DIFD identified the UK Priorities as: To strengthen the protection of civilians in a crisis and improve compliance with International Humanitarian Law To deliver a Step Change in how the Humanitarian
LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016
Community approaches resilience to natural disasters, moving from managing crises to managing risk and ensuring Governments and Communities have the capacity to do this themselves. Address the growing gap between need and available resources through smarter financing that delivers better outcomes at lower cost and is more accountable to people in need. Focus on women and girls throughout the Summit to ensure existing commitments are translated into action. Martin Barber then raised a number of issues: “Who will attend in Istanbul? Cameron? The Pope? Obama?” and “If the members do not agree will they need another Summit? Would there be a Negotiated Commitment for Member States?” The Summit would mark the end of a consultative process but implementation would take place under a new Secretary General. UNHCR, UNICEF and other UN Agencies would be affected. Summarised below are points raised during the discussion that followed. Martin Barber noted that States and people might respond by saying, “I don’t want to be organised! I want to do my own thing so get out of my way!” Problems cannot be approached on a global scale. Each crisis needs to be approached differently. For example, perhaps because they were large countries, China and India were both capable of responding adequately to any problem or crisis. But much of Africa was made up of countries so small they would struggle in the face of most problems. By an accident of history, they were not in a position to plan, govern or institutionalise before a crisis. Sara Pantuliano noted that Western countries are not the only ones able to deal with crises. There was often a massive disconnect between HQ and those in need where Aid Agencies are concerned. During the floods in Carlisle, the locals dealt with the crisis. Western States are not the cavalry charging in to rescue people in need in countries far away. They need to strengthen the capacity of local people to deal with crises. Save the Children are in the vanguard of change. Local organisations need to build capacity. We need to look at what people can do and judge them on their own capacity not patronize them. People want jobs and education not food aid. Martin Barber agreed, noting that when people were hit by crisis they did not want their children’s education interrupted. Refugees could be an advantage to countries if they have access to education and employment. Hilary Evans introduced the subject of the Arms Trade and its effect on international problems. Conflict prevention and conflict resolution are important. TRUNA and UNA should be urging the UK to make a commitment. At the beginning of the Syrian conflict more should have been done on negotiations for peace. Summits and Reports merely seem to push the problems around. Change can only be effected when the public put pressure on the Government.
The meeting concluded with a very nice lunch at 1.30 p.m. and all present agreed it had been extremely informative and offered much scope for action.
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www.unalondonandse.org
Eastbourne UNA in Uganda
Are drone strikes justified?
This summer, Eastbourne UNA continues its links in Uganda with two important projects: First Aid Workshops. Following on from last year’s successful workshops in Kampala and Sironko and Mbale districts in eastern Uganda, UNA member Phil Bastable (First Aid Examiner) will be visiting schools and clinics to teach basic First Aid. He will be aided by three sponsored Eastbourne student members who will provide additional support. th
Trees for rural schools. Now in the 4 year of our Carbon Offset Scheme, Eastbourne UNA in April this year provided funds to plant over 11,000 trees. In July, Ian Elgie (chairman) will be supervising further tree planting in the Sironko District and on Daguzi Island on Lake Victoria. If you believe climate change is real and that climate mitigation is as important as climate adaptation then please support the scheme – details on www.unaeastbourne.org.uk
The London & SE Region Executive Committee Says “Remain” th
Our Executive Committee at its meeting on 12 May 2016 discussed the forthcoming referendum on British membership of the European Union. The Committee believes that, whatever its shortcomings, the European Union represents a major attempt to temper the national principle with a commitment to international co-operation and common action in a wide variety of fields. Its combined weight in international affairs far exceeds the sum of the individual member states taken separately.
A cross-party parliamentary committee has raised doubts about the legal case for using drone strikes outside of armed conflict. They stated that the issue needs "urgent clarification" from ministers. The Joint Committee on Human Rights said that though the government has insisted it did not have a "targeted killing" policy, it was clearly willing to use lethal force overseas for counter-terrorism. Last year, two UK citizens were killed in Syria by an RAF drone. The government says they posed a direct threat to the UK, and the killings were in self-defence: they were therefore "lawful action".
Lawyers argue that this position is not justified under international law. Others argue that international law in such situations is concerned with inter-state conflicts: non-state conflicts involving violent acts of terror carried by non-state actors, are a grey area, and international law needs to be adjusted accordingly. Neville Grant
We consider withdrawal from the European Union would mark a backward step in national, European and global affairs, pointing towards a future too much resembling the past which gave rise to disastrous conflict. We urge UNA members, supporters and indeed the general public to consider these issues carefully in deciding how to cast their vote. Visit www.unalondonandse.org to read our full statement.
LONDON & SOUTHEAST REGION SUMMER COUNCIL
A MOCK ELECTION FOR UN SECRETARY GENERAL
25 June 2016 @ 11.30am – 4.30pm Lewis Suite, Resource for London, 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA
As part of the 1 for 7 Billion campaign, UNA London & South East Region will hold a Mock Election for Secretary General in th the morning before the Summer Council on 25 June.
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Chair: Catherine Pluygers Meeting will include an urgency motion to be submitted to UNA-UK and HM Government. 11.30am - 1.30pm
CHOOSING OUR FUTURE SECRETARY GENERAL Mock Election hosted by London and SE Region Committee Member Keith Hindell. Cast your vote for the Secretary General. Come early to view the field! 1.30pm Lunch (BYO or in the café) 2.00 – 4.30pm
THE HUMANITARIAN REFUGEE CRISIS Presentation and discussion will pay specific reference to the World Humanitarian Summit in Turkey (23-24 May). Speakers include Martin Barber (Special Advisor to OCHA on the World Humanitarian Summit) and Saba Al Mubaslat (CEO of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy). For more information, visit www.unalondonandse.org or contact the Region Chair, Catherine Pluygers catherinepluygers@hotmail.com PAGE 8
Members may have seen that four candidates presented themselves in New York to be questioned by the public. Other candidates are known to be hovering offstage pondering their chances. On Mock Election Day, we will have information about all the candidates and ballot papers for all members. 11.00 Information on candidates available (careers, manifestos, photos). Members registered to vote 12.00 General discussion of how the real election is conducted in the Security Council & General Assembly 12.30 Ballot boxes open 13.00 Lunch 14.30 Ballot boxes closed 15.00 Count during coffee break. Result announced The results will be discussed at the Summer Council and forwarded to UNA-UK. We want to show all the candidates and all members of the UN Security Council that we want the most effective Secretary General to deal with the world's problems, not the candidate most subservient to the powerful governments. Keith Hindell "Returning Officer" LaSER | Issue 28 | June 2016