Thirty years have passed since the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child came into force on 20th November 1989. With 195 parties to the treaty it has the distinction of being the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. All but one member state of the United Nations has signed it: namely the United States of America. Celebrating the 30th anniversary was a highlight of the month of November. The United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) produced several new reports, outlining the achievements made and identifying the gaps that still exist in the implementation of children’s rights. In this issue of News from the UN we feature some recent events at the UN HQ and beyond it, that highlight the rights of children.
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The human right to water, so closely related to the right to life, is recognized and acknowledged in Agenda 2030 and SDG 6 and highlighted in Laudato Si (#30). Its inclusion was influenced by the strong engagement and advocacy of faith-based NGOs during 2014/2015. On October 21st, Veronica RSHM attended a consultation held with the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Water, Mr. Leo Heller, which was organized by Franciscans International. Over the last three decades, many countries have privatized the provision of water. The consultation in New York formed part of a global hearing to gather evidence from around the world on the risks and consequences of privatization of water services. When Governments hand over the provision of water to private companies they risk reneging on their human rights obligations, since companies are driven by a profit motive. What can be done to minimize these risks and safeguard the rights of those who are most vulnerable and at risk of being left behind? Results of the global consultation will serve as the basis of the report to be submitted by the Special Rapporteur next year.
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This was the theme of a 2 day meeting coordinated and run by the European Foundation of Progressive studies during the UNGA and climate Week in New York. Mary Robinson, Chair of the Elders advisory group to the UN, was the keynote speaker, highlighting the key challenge of climate justice, and the need for drastic and urgent policy changes to address “triple injustice” of climate change. The climate crisis is having the strongest impact on countries that are least responsible for climate change, poor and vulnerable communities are disproportionately impacted and a legacy of risks and hardships is being left for young people and future generations. Five guiding proposals relating to climate justice were advanced and a declaration was submitted to the UN Climate Summit on 23rd September. Among them was a call to engage young people directly in decision making processes through establishing green youth councils.
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With a focus on the theme “Building Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Communities”, special attention was given to SDG 11 and the unique ways in which cities are working to implement policies that strengthen sustainability and inclusion. There were plenary and thematic sessions as well as some 250 Civil society led workshops over the course of the 3 day Conference. Youth played a key role in planning and leading sessions and more than 40% of the participants were under the age of 32. In the opening Plenary the Mayor of Salt Lake City Jackie Biskupsi highlighted some of the ways in which her city strives to be inclusive and sustainable. “Salt Lake City’s track record for defending individual human rights, taking action to address the global climate emergency and protect the health of our people and our environment is undeniable….. As Mayor, I offer you my unwavering commitment to the ongoing work of our vibrant civil society and to the inspiring youth who play a central role in mitigating the effects of climate change and building a sustainable world.” An outcome document stressed the resolve of Civil society participants from across the world to play an active role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 – inclusive, sustainable and peaceful cities - by 2030 and their vision for government and private sector accountability. The declaration offered concrete suggestions and commitments for action. For the first time, the youth participants drafted and adopted a stand-alone climate compact .
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From July 9th – 19th the UN hosted the fourth High Level Political Forum under the auspices of ECOSOC on the theme “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality". This follow up and review of progress on the Sustainable Development Goals highlighted six SDGs - and a total of 47 member states presented the self-evaluation of their progress towards meeting the goals that are at the heart of the UN’s Agenda 2030. Our RSHM NGO was ably represented at the HLPF by Madison Weisend and Patricia Cole while Veronica RSHM attended the RSHM General Chapter in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Global inequality and Climate Change emerged as the primary concerns of the Forum, according to a poll completed by HLPF attendees. Speakers agreed with these priorities, but highlighted the importance of addressing the issue financing them and providing adequate means of implementation.
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Mother Earth Day
On April 22nd, the United Nations celebrated Mother Earth Day with a full programme of events dedicated to the protection of our planet. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the UN General Assembly spoke passionately about the danger of climate change, calling it an “existential threat of our time.” She called for solidarity, collective action, and urgent responses to foster harmony among mankind and with nature. Youth climate activists around the world have been speaking out, demanding the right to a healthy environment. Her words echoed the words of the young leaders, saying “Let us take our relationship with mother Earth as cultural inheritance. The true generosity to the future is given in the present.”
The Commission on Social Development which is tasked with addressing the “social pillar” of development, held its annual 10 day meeting at the UN in NY in February. Delegates to the Commission on Social Development highlighted the fact that inequality has become a defining issue of the present time that must be addressed through social protection policies. “With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, combating inequality and social protection has moved to the centre of the policy agenda in all countries,” said Cheikh Niang (Senegal), who was elected to Chair the Commission.. The emerging issue addressed the importance of Empowerment of people affected by natural and human-made disasters in order to reduce inequality and how to address the differential impact on persons with disabilities, older persons and youth.
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The Commission on Social Development which is tasked with addressing the “social pillar” of development, held its annual 10 day meeting at the UN in NY in February. Delegates to the Commission on Social Development highlighted the fact that inequality has become a defining issue of the present time that must be addressed through social protection policies. “With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, combating inequality and social protection has moved to the centre of the policy agenda in all countries,” said Cheikh Niang (Senegal), who was elected to Chair the Commission.. The emerging issue addressed the importance of Empowerment of people affected by natural and human-made disasters in order to reduce inequality and how to address the differential impact on persons with disabilities, older persons and youth.
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