#General Assembly Hall

[holocaustremembranceday]

Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust. Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2024.

The observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust 2024. It will be held on 26 January 2024 in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, under the theme "Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust".

Survivors of the Holocaust will share their testimonies along with invited speakers who include the United Nations Secretary-General; the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly (through recorded message); the Permanent Representative of Israel and a representative of the Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations. Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications will host the #ceremony.

[humanrightsday]

Winners of the prestigious United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights for 2023.

The President of the General Assembly, Csaba Kőrösi, today announced the winners of the prestigious United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights for 2023:

Human Rights Center “Viasna”, Belarus

Ms. Julienne Lusenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Amman Center for Human Rights Studies, Jordan

Mr. Julio Pereyra, Uruguay

Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities for “the universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment”

“The winners’ dedication speaks to the universal nature of human rights at a critical time,” said Csaba Kőrösi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly.

“The Prize sends a clear message to human rights defenders all over the world that the international community is grateful for, and supports, their efforts to promote all human rights for all.”

Established by the General Assembly in 1966 (A/RES/21/2217), the Prize was awarded for the first time in 1968 on what is now known as Human Rights Day, 10 December. It is awarded every five years for “outstanding achievements in the field of human rights.” Previous recipients have included Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Denis Mukwege, Eleanor Roosevelt, Malala Yusafzai, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The recipients of the Prize were chosen by a Special Committee from more than 400 nominations received from Member States, the UN system, and civil society. The Committee is chaired by the President of the General Assembly, and its members include the President of the Economic and Social Council, the President of the Human Rights Council, the Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women and the Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Human Rights Council. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) provided support to the special committee.

The award ceremony for the 2023 Prize will take place at UN Headquarters in New York in December 2023, as part of activities to commemorate Human Rights Day. The exact date of the ceremony will be announced in due course.

Further details on the 2023 Human Rights Prize Winners:

Human Rights Center “Viasna”, Belarus

Human Rights Center “Viasna” was created in 1996 during mass protest actions of the democratic opposition in Belarus to contribute to development of the civic society in the country based on respect for human rights. Its objectives are practical assistance to civic initiatives in the sphere of legal defense of citizens; research into the state of the civic society and legal defense in Belarus; civic and human rights education; promotion of democracy and human rights and support of civic initiatives in the sphere of human rights.

Ms. Julienne Lusenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ms. Julienne Lusenge is a leader, peacebuilder, human rights activist, and vocal advocate who has been contributing consistently and uncompromisingly to women’s human rights advancement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over 40 years. From preventing and reducing sexual and gender-based violence to strengthening women’s participation and leadership in peacebuilding, political engagement, and civil society, Julienne empowers women to take control of their lives and influence their own communities.

The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS), Jordan

ACHRS is an independent, regional, scientific, advocacy center for studies, research and training on issues of human rights and democracy. Its activities contribute to the dissemination of a culture of human rights. It covers five priorities covering key issues in human rights: Right to Life, Right to Think, Right to Speak, Right to Participate, and Human Rights of Women.

Mr. Julio Pereyra, Uruguay

Julio Pereyra is a community educator and activist working with most marginalized communities. Focusing on re-institutionalization of children to the educational system, he provides therapeutic-pedagogical assistance to children with disabilities and access to orthotics, prosthetics and medications. His focus is also eradication of infant mortality and eugenics, school dropout, malnutrition and adolescent pregnancy. Further, he leads projects on child labor and malnutrition, as well as primary health care in villages, rural areas and in marginalized neighborhoods and high drug-trafficking areas.

Global Coalition of civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, social movements and local communities for “the universal recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment”, Global

The Coalition, comprising of over 1,350 organizations and other entities from 75 countries, has played a crucial role in achieving the historic recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The Human Rights Council recognized this right on 8 October 2021 through resolution 48/13, followed by the General Assembly resolution 76/300 adopted on 28 July 2022. This major step forward for human rights is a direct result of the persistent efforts of the Coalition.

The Members of the Special Committee convey their deep admiration for all civil society actors who with their tireless work contribute to the promotion, protection and advancement of human rights. The Members of the Special Committee acknowledge the important role human rights defenders and activists play and wish to convey their admiration for their courage and dedication while strongly condemning any attempts to silence and intimidate them. They express, in particular, their deep solidarity to those who are detained in retaliation to their work in defending human rights and pursuing the implementation of all the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose 75th anniversary we mark this year. The Special Committee calls on Member States to release all human rights defenders held in detention.

[worldpostday]

Launch of a new series of stamps in support of the “Don’t Choose Extinction” campaign.

 The United Nations Postal Administration and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced today the launch of a new series of stamps in support of the “Don’t Choose Extinction” campaign. The three stamp sheets feature Frankie the Dino, the campaign CGI-generated dinosaur hero, addressing world leaders about the climate emergency in the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters in New York. Each stamp sheet has a QR code that, when scanned, will launch a video of Frankie’s speech to world leaders.

The stamps were designed by Rorie Katz of the UNPA, and can be purchased online at http://unstamps.org/shop/dont-choose-extinction/

[internationalwomenday]

Opening session of the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

The official opening session of the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place in person in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York. The event will be broadcast on UN Web TV. More information about CSW67:

CSW67 opening ceremony, 6 March 2023, 10am–1pm EST, General Assembly Hall, UN Headquarters.

[newyorkthegoldenage]

A crowd attends the inauguration ceremony of the United Nations General Assembly session on October 23, 1946 at City Hall.

Photo: French Press Agency/Getty Images

[indigenouspeopleday]

2nd Meeting, 17th Session Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP).

Item 8: Panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in post-conflict situations and peace negotiations, agreements, and accords.

Watch the 2nd Meeting, 17th Session Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)!

[tourismday]

(Part 2) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session.

Thematic debate 1 –Launch of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism  

Thematic debate 2 – Fostering Resilient Tourism to facilitate and ensure global sustainability

Closing segment

As one of the largest sectors in the world, tourism is a major driver of economic growth, and social and cultural development, as well as an important contributor of decent job creation and entrepreneurship for all. While tourism is explicitly included in targets under SDGs 8, 12, and 14, as one of the world's largest economic sectors, it can significantly contribute to fulfilling all 17 Goals. The meeting will be open to the United Nations system, ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders. 

The high-level thematic event on tourism aims to advance a concerted approach on strengthening tourism resilience at the highest level and maximizing its contribution to the sustainability agenda. The event offers Member States, Observers, civil society, UN System and other stakeholders a platform to discuss strategies, share best practices and experiences to promote sustainable and resilient tourism and its contribution to achieving SDGs.    

Watch (Part 2) High-Level Thematic Event on Tourism - General Assembly, Sustainability Week, 78th session!

[gallusrostromegalus]

Hi! I enjoy your stories very much. As a shy person myself wanting to push myself out of a shell I am curious if you've always been naturally good at meeting people, or do you get social anxiety too? Sorry if this is a super random/personal question. I appreciate you!

I used to get REALLY bad social anxiety but then I accidentally threw myself off the deep end on the first night of college when I heard people assembling furniture out in the hall and thought "If I do not get up right this second and go hang out with those people I'm going to lie here crying about how much I miss my family all night and they wouldn't want that."

So I went out in the hall and said "Hi! I'm [Gallus], and I thought I should meet people instead of being a miserable wreck in my room!"

And then we spent the rest of the night assembling dorm furniture, talking about weeb shit and generally having a good time! and every single time I've gone and introduced myself to someone since then, I've either made MORE friends and had a good time, or had, at worst, a perfectly neutral time. So that positive re-enforcement really helped.

Anyway, the three Guidlines to Meeting People:

Meet people at places they expect to meet people. People do not want to make friends when they are busy with something else- see how much we hate it when people come to the door when we were working or cleaning. But when they're at somewhere they expect to socialize like a Hobby Meeting, a convention, The Club? they're THRILLED to make friends and tbh probably glad you broke the ice. Go to places where people who share interests with you are meeting. They'll probably adopt you.

2. The Worst Thing that will happen is that you will lightly confuse someone. No for real. Nobody is going to scream at you and you're not going to terrorize someone by saying hi. It's fine.

3. Sample conversation script for those of us who have brains that make us act like we're in a movie:

*Be At Place to Meet People* *See someone who looks interesting to talk to, who is not actively doing a physical task or already having a conversation* You: Hello! I love your (Physical aspect of their appearance they chose: Hair color, lobster-themed dress/Dog/Orbital mechanics tattoo)!" Them: Oh, thanks! It (single sentence of explanation: I did it myself/It has pockets/He loves people/I got it for completing my thesis!) (this is a sign that they are open to social activity) You: That's so cool! I'm (you name), and I'm new here. You seem like cool people, can I hang out with you? Them, and I actually for real swear this will be the answer 90% of the time: Sure!

Congratulations! You have introduced yourself to someone. Continue to be a huge dweeb about the thing you have a mutual interest in and you will shortly have a new friend!

[ivy-elle]

When You're Sick -

and how they take care of you

Feat: Kazuha, Scaramouche, Xiao

Kazuha 

You’re not sure if it’s the constant swaying of Beidou’s ship, the relentless stream of sunshine or maybe the lack of sleep last night, but Archons, your head is absolutely killing you right now. The only thing keeping you sane – more or less – is the fresh breeze of the sea, and even then, you find your nails nearly digging themselves into the wood of the railing.

Just as you’re about to lean your head down and close your eyes for a few heavenly moments, a soft voice speaks out behind you. 

“You shouldn’t stay out in the open sun for too long, dove.”

Before you get the chance to reply you feel something being put on your head, shielding your eyes from the sun.

You turn around, and there’s Kazuha mustering you with a faint smile yet also a slight furrow on his face. 

“Is everything alright?”

You reach out to adjust the hat on top of your hair while leaning your back against the railing again. 

“Thank you. And yes, I don’t mind the sun, I’m literally freezing.”

At your words, Kazuha’s frown deepens. “Freezing?” He places both his hands on your arms, gently caressing them. “Love, you’re shivering. How can you be shivering at these temperatures? Have you fallen sick?”

As he pulls you closer, you automatically rest your head against his shoulder, closing your eyes at the pleasant comfort. 

“Mhm, just tired I think,” you murmur.

Kazuha’s hands automatically wrap around your waist and pull you closer.  His lips brush against your temple. “Let’s head inside the cabin and get some rest. I’m sure, I can manage to bribe the cook for some special soup for dinner, hm?”

Right there in Kazuha’s arms, an incredibly heavy tiredness overcomes you. A low hum escapes you as you blink drowsily. “When will we reach Liyue?”

His hand rests at the base of your neck, massaging the skin there with his thumb. “If we keep course sometime in the night. But rest assured, I won’t go on land until you’re feeling up to it as well.”

Then Kazuha gently cups your face in his hands and presses a soft kiss on your forehead. “Come now, you’re the priority right now.”

Scaramouche

The morning you wake up with a sore throat, is when you realise, the rest of the day is absolutely done for.

And yet, you still torment yourself out of bed, get dressed and pop some pills to help you handle the coming hours.

Considering that the Fatui don’t allow aberration or shortcomings of any sort, there is no way you could be negligent. Especially today.

So, dressed and ready you cast a last glimpse at your reflection in the mirror you declare that your outer appearance now at least overshadows your inner demise. And thus, you go out the door.

Still.

And still, he notices. Of course, he does.

The second you enter the headquarters and the very second Scaramouche’s eyes fall on you – like they always tend to do – his brow twitches, and he throws you a silent but very disapproving glare.

During the meeting you both stand on opposite ends of the hall, so while you are trying to overplay your struggles and keep any undesired sneezes supressed, you are in luck to receive nothing but the occasional glance in your direction from him.

But as soon as the assembly is done, Scaramouche is immediately at your side. “What compelled you to come here looking like that?” he hisses. But he doesn’t even look at you, gaze focused straight ahead as you both walk down the hallway.

“Why,” you deflect, ignoring his tensed expression, “you have anything against my outfit?”

“Y/n.” Scaramouche’s tone is low, with a warning not to play around right now.

“You’re of no use to the Fatui if you’re sick, or worse off.”

You frown slightly. Honestly, you definitely feel way too out of it for any arguments or for anything in general. So you fend off, “It’s not like I’m dying.”

“Of course, you’re not!” he retorts sharply, his eyes darkening as they lock with you. Then as if he realises the force of his words, he pinches his nose. “Of course, you’re not dying,” he repeats once more but this time with less venom yet enough exasperation in his voice, to get his point across.

“I should’ve known better than to take you with me to Snezhnaya. Now you’re suffering the consequences of your mortal fragility. Just great.”

You blink. “Has anyone ever told you that you’ve got quite the affinity for dramatic flair?” You stop in your walk, and he comes to a halt as well.

Scaramouche eyes travel along the lack of usual colour in your face, the flush around your eyes and how out of breath you sound. His jaw clenches.

“You’re coming to my place.”

“Oh?” Your eyebrows raise. You can’t help the teasing smile tugging on your lips, despite the heaviness and fuzzy state of your mind. “Already missing me, my dear?”

Scaramouche scoffs and flicks his gaze over you dismissively. “Someone has to make sure you won’t try anything stupid in your current state.”

You playfully bump your fist against his chest. “Aww, so you do care about little ol’ me.”

He rolls his eyes with exaggerated disdain and catches your wrist with his hand, pressing it against his body. “You’re the one being sick and yet I’m the one already getting a headache.”

Xiao

Xiao is freaking out.

When he finds you curled up in bed, shivering and covered in a sheen of sweat his mind immediately jumps to the worst possibilities.

Yet, he tries not to let his inner turmoil show, his hand clenching and unclenching the cloth on his pants while he takes slow, weary steps towards you.

“Y/n?”

You lift your head, your tired eyes flicker to him, and the sight of your weak state only fuels his concern.

Despite your weary expression, your lips curve into a soft, affectionate smile. “Hi,” you greet him, voice hoarse and tinged with exhaustion. “Has Verr Goldet sold me out?”

Xiao nods slowly. His expression is hard to make out as he steps closer, eyes running over your face. The bed dips slightly as he sits down at your side and gently traces his fingertips over your sweat-damp forehead.

“How bad is it?” He asks, his voice quiet yet gruff as if he is trying to contain all his emotions.

“It’s just a mean cold.” You shake your head and shift your position. Xiao immediately helps you sit up and lean against the pillows at your headrest.  

“No need to worry too much.”

Xiao gently tucks a few loose strands of hair behind your ear. “You’re asking me for something that goes against my nature.”

Your gaze softens as it lingers on him, studying his reaction carefully. Then you explain in a quieten voice, “It is normal for humans to get sick once in a while.”

His eyebrows furrow and he blinks several times, as if searching for the right words to say. But he finds none and thus he resides to carefully trail his fingers through your hair, down to your collarbone and shoulder.

Your eyes close on their own and you instinctively lean into his soft touches while the back of his hand travels from your neck, off to your cheek and finally settling on your forehead.

“How can I help you?” Xiao’s voice is quiet, as if afraid to disturb the moment of peace you seemed to have found right now. “I’ll get you anything you need. Anything. Just say the word.”

Your hand reaches for his unoccupied one, fingers dragging along his skin, following invisible patterns on his wrist before you gently intertwine your fingers. “Stay with me?”

Xiao nods, his expression earnest. “Always.”

Thank you so much for reading! Any comments and reblogs are so appreciated <3

[danikamariewrites]

Hi I hope it’s ok if i request this you really don’t have to do it. But a Xaden riorson fluff and angst where the reader gets really hurt but they are trying to help people so she hides it from Xaden and when he finds out he’s really mad at her but he’s really just scared of losing her and hates seeing her hurt with a happy ending. I hope this is ok and there is no pressure to do this I completely understand if you don’t want to.

My Greatest Fear

Xaden Riorson x reader

Note: I haven’t written for Xaden in so long, I’ve missed him. I’m so ready for Onyx Storm and I kind of want to do something to celebrate. Should I do a countdown with fics for each FW boy for the week leading up to the books release? I hope you like this fic anon and thanks for requesting :)

Warnings: mentions of blood, injuries, and stitches

More than anything you want to sneak away from the crowded hall. To blend in with the shadows of Riorson House and limp away to your bedroom. Clutching your side you skillfully dodge riders, healers, and everyone in between.

“Y/n! Can you assist over here?” Violet calls to you, her arms full of bandages. You meet her pleading gaze, putting on a generous smile and nodding as you make your way over to her. The slash on your ribs can wait. Others with worse injuries need help.

Pulling the laces of your vest tighter with shaking hands you take the bandages from Violet to help distribute them. “Thank you,” Violet breathes out. She rushes off to take another box from Liam, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

A small sigh escapes your lips at the sight, making you wonder where your own boyfriend is. Xaden wasn’t among the injured, not that he would ever let himself be seen like that thanks to the Colonel’s words in the last Assembly meeting. But this wyvern attack has been the worst one yet. Healers are still bringing people in and you don’t want to thank the gods until you lay eyes on an unharmed Xaden.

————

After an hour you were exhausted and light headed. The more you felt the cut on your side dripping blood the tighter you pulled your vest, hoping to keep your skin together. Slumping on the ground you rest for a moment.

Taking deep breathes you try to focus on the chaos around you, tuning out the pain.

Opening your eyes you see Liam staring down at you, a worried look on his face. “Hey,” he says softly. “Xaden is back and asking for you.” Your heart picks up at the mention of your boyfriend.

“Is he ok?” Liam smiles at you. “Of course he is. He’s Xaden.”

You chuckle, “Don’t let him hear you say that. It’ll go right to his head, it’s already big enough.”

Liam holds his hand out to help you. You brush him off, using the wall to help you stand. Liam eyes you as you take a shaky breath. Pulling yourself together you do your best not to limp toward Xaden. You can feel Liam’s gaze burning on the back of your head at your slow movements.

Whipping around — as slowly as possible — you scowl at him. “Stop it. Are you coming or not?” You snarl. Liam holds his hands up in surrender, hurrying his steps to catch up with you.

Stepping into the throne room you take another steadying breath, using the wall to help keep your balance. As leaders of the rebellion mingle, discussing the wyvern and Venin, your eyes immediately find Xaden. You let out a sigh of relief at the sight of him unharmed.

Before you can make your way to him Liam waves him over.

The first thing Xaden notices is how pale you look along with the dark spot growing on the side of your uniform. He wordlessly reaches for your ribs, watching for your reaction. Your hand flys out to grasp his wrist. Your grip weak. “Don’t,” you whisper harshly.

“What’s wrong?” You shake your head. You’re struggling to breathe now. Xaden looks to Liam for answers but all his brother can do is shrug, mirroring his worry.

Your other hand grips Xaden’s bicep as hard as you can. “I can’t…I need,” Xaden holds you closer to his body. His hand gently touching your side. You hiss at the contact and try to push Xaden away. “What do you need baby?”

You don’t know what happened after that. When you blacked out all you heard was Xaden yelling for help and your vest being ripped apart.

When you came to the dizzy feeling is still with you. You try to sit up but a large hand on your shoulder stops you. “Don’t even,” the worry clear in Xaden’s voice. You stare up at him with big eyes, remaining flat on the bed.

Xaden sits on the edge of the bed with a huff. He looked like he was struggling not to scold you. “Why?” Is all he asks.

You knew what he meant. Why walk around tending to the injured when you were bleeding out. Truthfully, you knew it was bad. The Venin you went hand to hand with fought nasty.

“Colonel Gerault yelled at me last time, saying leaders shouldn’t look weak even if we feel weak. You know how he gets about image. Violet needed help and so did our other riders. I needed to know they were ok before I asked for help.”

Xaden let out a deep sigh, annoyed with your selflessness. He rolled his neck while simultaneously clenching his jaw. The tension this man holds in his whole body is astounding. “That’s not true and you know it.”

The two of you sit in silence for a while as Xaden contemplates his next words.

He gently holds your hand, running his thumb across your knuckles. “Do you know what the biggest loss in this war would be to me?” You shrug as the possibilities run through your mind knowing Xaden can hear your thoughts.

With each passing thought his frown deepens. “Not this house, not my dragon, or my father’s legacy. It’s you, sweetheart. You would be the greatest loss for me. I can replace a house and all that other shit. But there is no replacing you.”

A tear escapes down your cheek. Squeezing Xaden’s hand you give him a sad smile. “I need you.” He whispers, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. “I’m sorry.”

Xaden shakes his head. “There’s nothing to be sorry for, baby. I just need you to get better.” You hold out your pinky for him. Your sacred tradition when making sure one sticks to their word. “Promise.”

He wraps his pinky around yours before adding, “And, you will stay in bed until that wound is fully healed.” You open your mouth to protest but Xaden gives you a look, lifting your entwined fingers. Showing that you are bound to do as he wishes while you’re hurt.

“Fine.” You agree begrudgingly. “Thank you.” He drops your finger, pressing another kiss to your head, then your lips. You grab the back of his head to deepen the kiss. Xaden moans at the feeling of your tongue swiping against his bottom lip. After a few more minutes of passionately making out Xaden pulls away.

You whine at the lack of lip contact. “You need to rest. If we do what I want to do you’re going to need new stitches.” He smirks at you. “Guess I better get to healing.”

[ashwantsafreepalestine]

This is beautiful. This will go down in history as one of the most powerful displays of humanity.

The world stands with Palestine and Lebanon.

UN member states lead a mass walkout as Netanyahu takes the stage at the UN General Assembly. The hall is almost empty now.

Israel is FINISHED. The world recognises its evil. There’s no going back now.

Source: RED

[holocaustremembranceday]

Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2024 - International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust

The annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony is the central event organized in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. It will be held on 26 January 2024 in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, under the theme "Recognizing the Extraordinary Courage of Victims and Survivors of the Holocaust".

[sayruq]

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has backed a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member by recognising it as qualified to join and recommending the UN Security Council “reconsider the matter favourably”. The vote by the 193-member UNGA on Friday was a global survey of support for the Palestinian bid to become a full UN member – a move that would effectively recognise a Palestinian state – after the United States vetoed it in the UN Security Council last month. The assembly adopted a resolution on Friday with 143 votes in favour and nine against – including the US and Israel – while 25 countries abstained. It does not give the Palestinians full UN membership, but simply recognises them as qualified to join. The UNGA resolution “determines that the State of Palestine … should therefore be admitted to membership” and it “recommends that the Security Council reconsider the matter favourably”. While the UNGA alone cannot grant full UN membership, the draft resolution on Friday will give the Palestinians some additional rights and privileges from September 2024 – like a seat among the UN members in the assembly hall – but it will not be granted a vote in the body.

[psychotrenny]

It's always tragic thinking of the brave revolutionaries who fought to build Socialism in their nation only to one day to watch it fall, but not all of them gave into despair. Marcelino Dos Santos* displayed this admirably in a 1993 interview with South African journalist Tony Hall. Remember that this was a period when Socialism was in full retreat both regionally and globally. Many Communist parties had been outright overthrown, while many others (including Dos Santos' own FRELIMO) had been forced to embrace Capitalism to avoid replacement by an even more rapacious agent of Imperialism. Even the surviving Socialist nations were liberalising to an uncomfortable extent and the Imperialists themselves, revelling in their apparent victory, gleefully predicted that these last bastions of Socialism would soon fall. Yet even in these seemingly hopeless conditions, during an absolute nadir of Socialist power right around the world, Dos Santos had this to say:

The Destruction of the socialist states in eastern Europe was a defeat for the socialist movement- and the fact that Mozambique is no longer a socialist country; and that Angola has also moved away from state socialism. But that doesn't mean that future generations will not take to socialism... patience! Now it seems a fatal situation but humanity is always in revolution... slavery, feudalism, capitalism, socialism - history is in motion. Do people think that now we have reached the stage where history has stopped? Be patient, I say

*former Vice President of Mozambique. At the time of the interview he was Speaker of the Mozambican People's Assembly and the second most important member of FRELIMO's Politburo

[internationalwomenday]

UN Secretary-General’s annual consultation with women’s and feminist civil society.

The townhall meeting is the UN Secretary-General’s annual consultation with women’s and feminist civil society on the margins of the Commission on the Status of Women. The townhall will be a 75-minute, in-person event and will be webcast on UN WebTV. UN Women’s Executive Director, Sima Bahous, will moderate the event.

The plenary session will take place in English but will include interpretation services in all other official UN languages, ISL, and live closed captioning in English.

Secretary General’s townhall with civil society 15 March 2023, 10–11.15am EDT General Assembly Hall, UN Headquarters (TBC)

[seat-safety-switch]

When I became a junior detective, I got assigned to work with Detective Math. Bob Math is a legend in the department: he uses arithmetic and problem solving to crack unusually number-specific cases. He's got a nemesis, of course, all the cool detectives back then did. Al Gebra kidnapped his wife once, tried to ransom her for a plane to Mexico. Math didn't stand for it: after figuring out the complex polynomial sequence that revealed the address of the shitty dockside warehouse he was renting, he subtracted a couple of Al's digits using a cleaver.

Thing is, he was all a fraud. One night, while we were riding from one case to another in his beat-to-shit Dodge Rampage, he told me that he never actually graduated high school. Back then you could get away with it, most of the detectives in his generation got there because they had read a book on detective skills by accident while their partner tortured an informant. He didn't know shit about math, in other words. One of the staff sergeants saw him (poorly) doing a Sudoku one day and decided he must be good at math, fast-tracked his detective exam, he was afraid to say no, so now he's "the detective who's good at arithmetic." Math wasn't even his name, either: he took his wife's name in the divorce to keep the scam going.

All this is prologue to the thing that really mattered: our big case. It seemed normal at first, a political corruption thing. "Sorry it's not a numbers racket! Haw!" shouted the chief as he handed out the assignments. Even so, there were still a lot of numbers.

It seemed like the Mayor Himself's Assistant Herself had been helping Herself to some dirty money from various car dealerships in exchange for a favourable ruling from the land zoning department. One of the spoiled rich kids that owned a Chevrolet dealership didn't get what he wanted out of the deal, and blew the whistle. Two days later, he was found dead in a truck stop bathroom, beat to death by a calculus textbook. Math's involved? Get me Bob Math, they no doubt thought. Detective Math was used to it, and he went about the usual pantomime in his role: carrying around an old Texas Instruments calculator with no batteries in it, interrupting meetings in the precinct to measure parts of the room with old bits of string, the whole schtick. Then we went down to City Hall to get a confession.

You guessed it: it was the mayor's assistant's teenage daughter, Becky-Sue, who did in Ted Chevrolet. She was the work-experience hire, selling Topkicks out of the back to her mom's friends, and finally had enough of him skimming her commission. Bob Math sighed as he realized that yet another murder case of his had involved percentage points of a dollar. He would have to put on his fake professor glasses to explain it to the media.

Even so, the press conference went great. The assembled reportage beamed with pride as they hung on every bullshit word of our imaginary arithmetic hero. Something didn't add up, though. I didn't notice that that cameraman in the back, who was missing a couple fingers, until it was too late.