#UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil

[thxnews]

Combatting Food Insecurity: Global Challenges and Solutions

  The following is an announcement by Secretary Antony J. Blinken. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE

The transcript is unedited. Last week, as the United States took over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August, I traveled to New York City to lead the Open Debate on Famine and Conflict-Induced Global Food Insecurity. The Security Council is charged with maintaining international peace and security, and we cannot do that without strengthening food security. Each of us has a responsibility to act so no one goes hungry. Here’s what I said after the meeting: We’re here today and using our presidency of the Security Council this month to focus in on the rising challenge of global food insecurity. We’ve seen an almost perfect storm emerge in recent years – a combination of climate change, of COVID, and now particularly of conflict – that is driving this food insecurity. There are now about 260 million people around the world who are acutely food insecure. And in turn, this food insecurity itself drives conflict. It drives forced migration. It stunts growth, both physical growth and economic growth. It holds countries back. It holds people back. The flip side of the coin is we’re also increasingly seeing food being used as a weapon of war – for leverage and for political purposes, in conflict after conflict. So, we wanted to put the focus on both of these challenges: rising food insecurity and the use of food as a weapon of war. We’ve just had 91 countries commit in a joint communique to ending the use of food as a tool of war. That, in and of itself, is a powerful statement, and we urge others to join. Of course, the place where we’re seeing this most immediately and most acutely is in Ukraine, where, as part of Russia’s aggression, it initially blockaded Ukraine’s ports – in effect blocking the export of grains to the world that Ukraine had been a key country for providing. Then, thanks to the good work of the United Nations Secretary-General and Türkiye, an agreement was put in place that allowed grain to flow through the Black Sea: the Black Sea Grain Initiative. While that agreement was in force, more than 30 million tons of grain were able to get out of Ukraine and to markets around the world – well over half of that to developing countries and, in fact, two-thirds of the wheat to developing countries. It was the equivalent of 18 billion loaves of bread. A few weeks ago, Russia tore up that agreement. The result has been rising prices for countries around the world. The result has been a diminution in the access to these food products, particularly for developing countries. Russia has also intentionally targeted food silos in Ukraine – literally destroying food as well as the means to produce it – while holding ports and sea lanes at risk to prevent countries from shipping these products out of Ukraine and to the people who need it. We’ve heard from around the world a chorus of condemnation for this action and the strong desire on the part of many, many countries that the Black Sea Grain Initiative be put back in place. It’s very simple. It’s on Russia to decide whether to do so. Of course, it could end the war that it started tomorrow, and that would solve the problem definitively. But short of that, at the very least, the world is insisting that it restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The urgent assistance that we’re providing to countries around the world – not just in the context of Ukraine, but of other serious risks of famine – has been significant. Over the last year and a half, the United States has provided an additional $14.5 billion in food assistance to countries around the world. We are the largest contributor by far to the World Food Programme – 50 percent of its budget every single year. And today, I was able to announce another $360 million in assistance to combat food insecurity in Haiti and 11 African countries. But for all the emergency assistance that we’re providing, and others are providing, it’s not enough. The United Nations and the World Food Programme has determined that, right now, to address the food insecurity for well over 100 million people around the world, we need $25 billion. To date, only $4.5 billion of that has been pledged by various countries. We have to do better. We have to do more. We have to do it now. Finally, as important as these urgent appeals and the work that we’re doing to address immediate needs are, we also have to take a long-term perspective. By 2050, it is estimated that the population of this planet could be as many as 10 billion people. Demand for food is likely to increase by 50 percent over what it is today. And yet yields – what’s actually being produced – are going down, not up. We have to – and we are – addressing this challenge. I spoke today at the Security Council about one of the initiatives the United States is advancing, which is the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils. We know that we have the ability to produce seeds for planting that are resilient – certainly more resilient to climate change – and are much more nutritious than some of the things being planted today. We also know that the quality of soil makes all the difference in the world. We now have the ability to map pretty much any terrain anywhere in the world to determine the quality of its soil – where it’s good, where it’s bad, where we can improve it, and how we can improve it. You put those two things together – seeds and soil – and you can powerfully address the challenge of producing sustainable agricultural production capacity with better yields and more nutritious crops. We are putting $100 million to that effort. Other countries are joining in, and we expect to see significantly more come forward in the weeks and months ahead. This is a powerful new way to really make a difference over the long term in making sure that we have strong agricultural capacity and production around the world, and notably in Africa. Sources: THX News & US Department of State. Read the full article

[ostrowska-dominika]

What is the United Nation’s Security Council and Why Doesn’t it Work?

Whether its issues around the abuse of power, lack of representation or failure to aid in humanitarian missions, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has faced a lot of scrutiny throughout the years. However, in today’s post I want to focus more on explaining how the UNSC is structured, how the Right to Veto works, and the problems around that privilege.  

Structure of the United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is composed of 15 members. It has 5 permanent members known as the ��P5’, and 10 non-permanent members which are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The ‘P5’ include the United States, United Kingdom, France, People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. The other non-permanent members are chosen at the end of the term year (which lasts two years) and as of 2020 include: Belgium, Dominican Republic, Germany, Indonesia and South Africa. In 2021 Estonia, Niger, Tunisia, Vietnam and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will join. As of 1963, the Assembly decided that the non-permanent members of the Council should be elected according to the following pattern (resolution 1991 A (XVIII)): 5 states from African and Asia, 1 state from Eastern Europe, 2 states from Latin America, and 2 states from Western Europe. States which are part of the UN but not of the Security Council can still participate but only when its countries interests are affected. As stated on the UN’s ‘current members’ page:

           “Both Members and non-members of the United Nations, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, may be invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council's discussions”

So, in essence, they have to be invited by the Security Council in order to have any say. Ultimately, it is the Council that sets out conditions for participation of non-member states.

Right to Veto

The power of Veto on a security council resolution is probably the most important privilege of the P5. To exercise veto is the ability to reject a decision proposed by the security council. Article 27 (3) of the UN Charter establishes that all substantive decisions of the Council must be made with “the concurring votes of the permanent members”. In other words, all permanent members of the Security Council need to agree in order to pass any resolution. However, it only takes one of the P5 countries to veto for a resolution not to be passed. The Right to Veto grants the permanent members of the UNSC an enormous amount of power.

Why Veto and Problems

According to Security Council Reports.org some of the reasons why a member state would choose to veto include:

-       Defending national interests

-       To uphold tenant of their foreign policy

-       To promote a single issue of particular importance to a state

Additionally, it is not unusual for a draft resolution not to be formally tabled because of the threat of a veto by one or more of the permanent members. This is worrying because this means a resolution to a big issue might not even be presented to the Council if there is suspicion it might not pass. This leads to bigger questions of international aid.

As an example, let’s take a look at China and the Ethnic Genocide which is happening in its Western region of Xinjiang. We all truly know what’s happening to the Uyghur ethnic minority of China. Most reports of China’s unlawful detention of members of the Uyghur community started surfacing in 2018. As more information started to surface, more questions have been asked by the international community. For example, in the UK, the BBC have reported on the situation which is a huge step in increasing interest in the issue within the British public.

An organisation called the World Uyghur Congress was established in 2004 particularly to resolute this issue and they have been working closely with the UN to try and end the victimisation of Uyghurs by China, as well as raise awareness around it. Let me say this again: an organisation which was set up in order to help Uyghurs who have been victimised by China, is working closely with the UN on the issue, while China remains a permanent member on the United Nations Security Council! Evidently, the international community, countries around the world, and member-states of the UN are very aware of what’s going on in Xinjiang. However, even if members of the UN wanted to do anything about it, China would veto the resolution, and nothing could be done. (But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of why nothing is really done. China is an economic superpower and in the capitalist system we are living in, profit will always out-weight human life).

Member States Call for the Removal of Veto Power and More Representation

The argument that member states need better representation at the UNSC is not new. African countries, although talked about often, lack a voice to speak for themselves. Delegates from underrepresented countries have asked to increase the number of permanent members and abolishing the right to veto. One attempt occurred in November of 2018, and really this issue has been on the Assembly’s agenda for over 20 years, however no consensus has been reached till this day. Perhaps this is because truthfully the UNSC doesn’t want any changes as they like the way in which the system works, because it benefits them.

           Take Africa for example. Despite having the largest number of member states in the UN, countries from the region continue to be undermined and under-represented in the council. There is almost a neo-colonial feeling to this fact.

In an effort to bring attention to this issue in 2017, then Assembly President of Slovakia Miroslav Lajčák stated in his opening remarks that the Council’s work could mean the difference between life and death. He went on to suggest that it is the Council itself which has the power to change this, to extend equality beyond the elites. But it is very apparent that they don’t want to change and there will be no reform. It comes down to the most powerful wanting to stay as such, and everyone else is left with the only choice which is to abide by their rules.

My list of sources:

1.     https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/current-members

2.     https://www.un.org/en/ga/62/plenary/election_sc/bkg.shtml

3.     https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-security-council-working-methods/the-veto.php

4.     https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cpz1y9ney3mt/uighurs

5.     https://www.uyghurcongress.org/en/activities-overview/

6.     https://www.uyghurcongress.org/en/introducing-the-world-uyghur-congress/

7.     https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ga12091.doc.htm

8.     https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/ga11969.doc.htm

9.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPAONq36HKg

[unpluggedtv]

Along with the highlights, the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador added a caption with more details about her UNGA meeting. Online users have posted a tiny excerpt of Priyanka Chopra's speech, in which she addresses the crowd and touches on the most important global issues, including climate change. She also shared a picture of herself with Malala Yousafzai, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, and American poet Amanda Gorman. The actor shared a brief video of the seating arrangements, in which the India tag is proudly and obviously visible. Additionally, the Quantico actress shared a tiny clip of Amanda Gorman reading a poem at the conference. Priyanka, the UNICEF goodwill ambassador for the world, spoke strongly about the challenges in her opening remarks. "We assemble today at a pivotal era in our planet, at a time when global solidarity is more important than ever," the actress said in her remarks.

Read More: https://unpluggedtv.press/priyanka-chopra-gives-speech-at-un-general-assembly-also-ahres-pics-with-malala-yousafzai-amanda-gorman/

[india24h]

The United Nations Security Council passes a resolution to provide aid to Afghanistan.

Read more:  https://india24.live/city-news/the-united-nations-security-council-passes-a-resolution-to-provide-aid-to-afghanistan/

[net4news]

Putin thanks India for maritime security initiative, reaffirms Russia's commitment to combat crime at sea | India News

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday thanked India for the maritime security initiative and reaffirmed that the Russian Federation is committed to the common tasks of combating crime at sea in all its forms and manifestations. Speaking at a UNSC maritime security conference chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin said, "I thank our Indian friends for such a useful initiative in holding this meeting. I would like to reaffirm that the Russian Federation is committed to the common tasks of combating crime at sea in all its forms and manifestations. We are ready to further promote the development of equal international cooperation on this topic." The high-level debate on 'Enhancing Maritime Security - A Case for International Cooperation' at the UNSC held through video conference was chaired by PM Modi. The meeting was attended by several heads of state and government of member states of the UNSC, and high-level briefers from the UN System and key regional organizations. Putin further endorsed PM Modi's idea of uniting the efforts of all interested states in maritime security. "As you, Mr Prime Minister, rightly mentioned in your speech, in order to achieve real success in this area , it is necessary to unite the efforts of all interested states, as well as international organizations, regional structures - with the central coordinating role of the UN and its Security Council," said Putin. Emphasizing Russia's stand for strict observance of the key norms and principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter, he said, "I have spoken more than once and now, addressing the members of the Security Council, I would like to emphasize once again that Russia stands for strict observance of the key norms and principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter, such as respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, resolution of disputes through dialogue." "I hope that the participants in our debates will agree with me that the UN principles are obligatory for application in the sphere of the peaceful and responsible use of the sea, its natural resources, protection of the marine environment, sustainable economic activity in the vast aquatic part of our planet," added Putin. Speaking about the Russian effort to secure the seas, he added, "As one of the leading maritime powers, Russia is doing a lot to preserve and strengthen the international legal order in the field of maritime security. Our country is actively involved in work on the entire range of these issues, both at the UN and within the framework of numerous regional formats, including through the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, the Regional Security Forum of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and East Asian Summits." He also vowed that Moscow will ensure security in the Persian Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean amid a surge across the globe in piracy-related incidents including robbery at sea accompanied by taking of hostages. "And of course, we strive to promote security in the Persian Gulf zone, in the Atlantic - in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, where cases of sea robbery, accompanied by the taking of hostages, have become more frequent. The specificity of the situation is that it is really difficult for some countries to independently resist transnational syndicates of criminals, pirates and terrorists," said Putin. He also said that Russia is also interested in building productive interaction with the Association for Regional Cooperation of the Coastal Countries of the Indian Ocean and the Indian Ocean Commission. To counter piracy, he focussed upon uniting the power potential of the special services and the corresponding armed contingents of all interested states under the auspices of the UN. "Russia is ready to share its experience in anti-terrorist operations, crime prevention, detection and neutralization of bandit formations, including in maritime areas. In our opinion, it would be useful to exchange on a regular basis the best practices in countering piracy, armed robbery and other criminal activity at sea," said Putin. He also suggested the creation of a maritime security body in the United Nations Security Council to address maritime crimes, piracy and maritime terrorism. "In this context, one could think about creating a special structure within the UN system, which would directly deal with the problems of combating maritime crime in different regions. At the same time, such a structure would rely on the support of the UN member states and would actively involve experts, representatives of civil society, scientific research circles and even private business in its work," said Putin. Further, he wished India to continue to successfully fulfil the functions of the President of the United Nations Security Council this month. Source link Read the full article

[ikmalfahmirasmi]

I am on behalf of Malaysian youth have requested YM Tengku Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Ahmad Rithauddean, The President of United Nations Association Malaysia (UNAM) to urge the United Nations to take actions on Israel’s Violations Against Palestine. We also stated to him that we are strongly agree with the Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in ending the Israel’s violence against Palestine. At the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open Video TeleConference (VTC) on 16 May 2021, Malaysia highlighted three (3) key points which are as follows :- 1. The Security Council to act immediately and fulfil its duties under the United Nations (UN) Charter; 2. The Security Council must speak with one voice, and act swiftly and decisively to respond to the series of Israeli aggressions; 3. The Security Council to revisit the recommendation contained in the Secretary-General’s report in 2018. A/ES-10/794, on the deployment of UN-mandated armed forces or unarmed observers to improve the protection of Palestinians. We kindly asked Tan Sri to urge the United Nations to take actions by those three (3) key points that Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had highlighted. #UNAM #UNAMYouth #UnitedNations #UN #UNSC #UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil #Israel #Palestine #FreePalestine #EthnicCleansing #Ocuupation #Gaza #SheikhAljarrah #TelAviv #WestBank #Apartheid #Ceasefire #foreignaffairs #mofamalaysia #wismaputra (at United Nations Malaysia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CO_nqz7BEYc/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mitchell721]

United Nations #unitednations #un #unitednationssecuritycouncil (at United Nations Headquarters) https://www.instagram.com/p/COvi5oetKMl/?igshid=1bukzkiaymo6q

[lijmesfin]

#ዝምታውይሰበር! በወለጋ ውስጥ አማራውን እና ኦርቶዶክስ ተዋሕዶ እምነት ተከታዮችን ለስብሰባ ጠርቶ በመትረየስ መረሸን የዘር ማጥፋት ወንጀል (genocide) እንደመፈፀም ነው። (Graphic design by DJ Solo Soldesign ) #AmnestyInternational #StopGenocide of #AmharaPeople in #Ethiopia #AmharaGenocide We need the #UnitedNationsHumanRights to be aware of the #AmharaGenocide in #Ethiopia and send peace keeping officers to rescue #Amhara from attacks ! #UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil ኧረ ቅዱስ እግዚአብሔር ዝም አትበለን 😭 😭 😭 የራሔልን እንባ ያበሰ አምላክ ይታደገን Christians are being persecuted and churches being burnt in Ethiopia... please pray for our fellow Christians and the ongoing #AmharaGenocide #ChristianPersecution in Ethiopia #ኦርቶዶክስ_ተዋህዶ_ለዘለዓለም_ፀንታ_ትኑር የኦርቶዶክስ ተዋሕዶ አብያተክርስቲያናትን እና ክርስቲያናትን ማሳደድ የየእለት ክስተት መሆኑ የ #Genocide2020 ነስፈርትን ያሟላል። #ዝምታውይሰበር https://www.instagram.com/p/CHJP6GFHFCJ/?igshid=19x66kgffwd7d

[theinquilabexpressnews-blog]

India has been urging for reforms in #UNSC stating it deserves a place as a permanent member as the current #Securitycouncil is not completely representing the geo-politics of present times. India’s #victory was certain as it was the only candidate seeking the only seat from the Asia-Pacific category! Registering a comfortable victory #India got elected as a non-permanent member of the 15 member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from the Asia-Pacific category for 2021-22 Term. “This victory assumes significance as it comes at a time when the United Nations is celebrating its 75th anniversary and the world is slowly recovering from the global pandemic of #COVID19,” says an expert. The 193 members #UN General Assembly held elections for #President of the 75th session of the Assembly, five non-permanent members of the Security Council & members of the Economic and Social Council. On Wednesday (17-06-2020) special voting arrangements were put in place at the UN #Headquarters in strict adherence to the COVID-19 Protocols. In fact every year for a '2 Year Term' the @UNGA gets to elect five non-permanent members (Out of 10 in total). Last year in #June, India’s candidature for the seat was already endorsed unanimously by the 55-member #Asia-Pacific grouping, including #China and #Pakistan. In the years 1950-1951, 1967-1968, 1972-1973, 1977-1978, 1984-1985, 1991-1992, and most recently in 2011-2012, India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Council. The current #SecurityCouncil is not completely representing the Geo-Political situation of present times. Even though #China supported us for Non Permanent Member, Out of 5 Permanent Nations India has support of 4 nations #US, #UK, #France and #Russia. But soon India is expecting a Permanent Membership of the UNSC. Report by @bhaskarbasava Source : financialexpress #Unitednations #Unitednationssecuritycouncil #Asia #Asiapacific #Globalnews #Updates #Antonioguterres #Newsupdates #News #UN #USA #Washington #Theinquilabexpress #Theinquilabexpressnews https://www.instagram.com/p/CBldfwUnAJC/?igshid=rct7jseadyi9

[indian-news-network]

India has been elected as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council for the 8th time for 2021-2022 two year term. India got 184 out of 192 valid votes polled. The next session is set to begin from January-2021. #UNSC #IndiaUNSCmember #India #UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil https://www.instagram.com/p/CBjOt1bpvme/?igshid=1wp468kw0zdnb

[therealdizzik]

Posted @withregram • @politicalkhabar It also listed its five priorities at the UN including an effective response to international terrorism and said its 'overall objective' would be its new approach for reforms in global multilateral institutions. New Delhi said its confidence in electoral victory stemmed from the fact that it is the 'single endorsed candidate of the Asia-Pacific Group'. This would be India's eighth term on the UN Security Council once it is elected. #UNSC #UN #unitednations #unitednationssecuritycouncil #asiapacific #geopolitics #India #politicalkhabar https://www.instagram.com/p/CBFvkZpDahL/?igshid=n2nhfpj9uamj

[welcometodreamsvillerecords]

“#Displacedsocieties are of value. Their issues are our issues.” #Cynthia Basinet This #quote was from my first @unitednations #UNSC #UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil #speech on behalf of #WesternSahara #Saharawian in 2005. As I, a single mom (in #Hollywood) understood only to well what #angrywhitemales (#AWM) with #power and #money turn to control! #mediawars #cyberwarfare #misogyny... #istandwithilhan #WeStandWithIhan #UnitedWeStand #unitedwestanddividedwefall ... #freewesternsahara #freewestpapua #freewesternsahara🇪🇭 #womensrights #refugees #worldrefugeeday #thesquad #santababy #ipaintfree #protectmyimage #sagaftra #sagaftramember #amazonprimeday #talentandwomenarenotswappable #deepfakes https://www.instagram.com/p/B0EFUECH7au/?igshid=pm2ci8teke40

[realtimesmedia]

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to chair the United Nations Security Council briefing on "threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts" today| international News in Hindi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to chair the United Nations Security Council briefing on “threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts” today| international News in Hindi

इंटरनेट डेस्क। केंद्रीय विदेश मंत्री एस. जयशंकर आज गुरुवार को “आतंकवादी कृत्य अंतरराष्ट्रीय शांति और सुरक्षा के लिए खतरा” विषय पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र सुरक्षा परिषद की ब्रीफिंग की अध्यक्षता करेंगे। आपको बता दें कि भारत अगस्त महीने के लिए सुरक्षा परिषद का अध्यक्ष है। इससे पहले एस. जयशंकर ने यूएन में टेक्नॉलजी एंड पीसमेकिंग पर यूएनएससी की खुली बहस की अध्यक्षता भी की जिसका विषय ‘रक्षकों की रक्षा’…

[globalworldinformation]

Iran's weapons embargo expires amid US opposition Uncategorized Aroundusinfo - top news latest news world news trending news

[georgiaeden8585]

Leader of illegitimate Burma coup council Min Aung Hlaing showcased materials to-be-used as self defense by ravaged citizens against the violent forces of shameful military council, to the representatives of Russia Federal Union.....

Russia is supporting Burma Coup council as a shadow

#Whatishappeninginmyanmar

#UnitedNationsHumanRightsCouncil

#UnitedNations

#UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil

#InternationalCourtofJustice

#USEmbassyRangoon

#PhotoCrd

#CapCrd