WFWPI Offices For UN Relations Newsletter - Spring 2020

IN THIS ISSUE WFWPI Celebrating 30 Years Feature Article by Carolyn Handschin WFWPI Celebrating 30 Years

CSW 66 The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) celebrated its 30th anniversary on April 10, 2022. It was a time of CSW 66 Opening Session reflection on the past, and projection into the future. Mme. Global Solidarity for a Healthy Liri Berisha, First Lady of Albania (1992-1997), was one of and Sustainable Environment many to send congratulatory greetings. She said, “Today Peace Leadership WFWP is at its most beautiful and most creative age. Today

A Holistic Approach to the this 30-year-old has many reasons to be proud… proud of the Climate Crisis great family that she has created of sisters and brothers spread around the world and above all proud of her noble mission, Building Bridges which today is being embraced and respected…” Peace and Reconciliation at the Korean DMZ Many remember the visionary words spoken to a crowd of tens Young Voices of thousands at the Seoul Stadium inaugural event 30 years

Observations for UN Human ago by its Co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, “Our movement Rights Council and CSW 66 is not for women alone.

THE JOURNAL PAGE 1 WOMEN’S FEDERATION FOR WORLD PEACE INTERNATIONAL

WFWPI UN OFFICES JULY 2021 | VOLUME 1

UN NEWSLETTER TEAM

Publisher Julia H. Moon

Editor in Chief Carolyn Handschin Vision

PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH Editorial Directors Women working together to realize Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango one global family rooted in a culture of Mako Mori sustainable peace. Grace Kisile

Mission This newsletter is published by Women’s Federation for World Peace Empowering women as peacebuilders International and leaders in the family to transform Office of UN Relations the community, nation and world. 4 West 43rd Street Through education, advocacy, New York, partnership, reconciliation and NY 10036, USA humanitarian service, WFWPI aims to create an environment of peace and NEW YORK: unoffice@wfwp.org well-being for future generations and GENEVA: c.handschin@wfwp.org people of all races, cultures and VIENNA: m.riehl@wfwp.org religious creeds. WWW.WFWP.ORG

WFWPI Celebrating 30 Years (Cont’d)

It is a movement of love for our husbands, children and must bear fruit in strong, loving families, with these becoming the seeds to form peaceful culture, caring communities and nations. Eventually, for the sake of peace, women must take the lead in government, culture, finance and society.”

WFWP has dramatically expanded since its first programs when almost 1500 members of WFWP Japan went “on mission” to nearly 150 nations in 1994 to empower local women and engage in community building. The current intricate network of programs in almost as many countries supports nearly every Sustainable Development Goal. The wealth of local knowledge acquired over these years, and successes in addressing the same core issues being debated at the United Nations, have given WFWP the opportunity to engage in consultative relations in the main UN Offices, advocating for the engagement of women in decision-making, problem-solving and prevention at all levels at the Commission on the Status of Women, the Human Rights Council, the Crime Commission, and other intergovernmental and civil society institutions.

At a very special event marking the 30 years and appreciating the early pioneers, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon again addressed a large international audience. She spoke, as she often does, about history, reminding the audience that although the status of women was not always visible, including in medieval Christian Europe, when nations faced a crisis, it was the women who stood at the forefront. History will be re- written.

She went on to say that humanitarian work is very important, but proper education is critical. It is women and mothers who usually create nurturing environments, and pass on the traditions, culture and norms that will facilitate peace cultures and human responsibility. The work of women leaders in the complexities of today’s social environment, must help all people, especially youth, be secure in knowing how important their talents, skills, knowledge and goodwill is to a future of sustainable peace.

The 66th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women: Opening Session

The 66th Commission on the Status of Women by Salomé Abittan-Tenenbaum (CSW66) took place from March 14 to 25, 2022 and Mako Mori in hybrid form (online and in-person). The CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The theme of this year’s commission was “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, disaster risk reduction policies and programs.”

On March 14, at the Opening Session CSW66, the United Nations reinforced its commitment Photo Credit:UN Women/Ryan Brown to gender-responsive approaches to addressing

climate issues. It was a powerful moment to celebrate the newly achieved parity within the UN, but also to remember that the fight has only just begun.

This women’s representation was felt in the quality of the speakers and delegates present that day, starting with Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Permanent Representative of South Africa and Chair of the Commission, and H.E. Sima Bahous, Under- Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH The discourse converged on several points: A general consensus among the Committee was the Today, the world is experiencing rising known fact that women are at the heart of the fight temperatures, environmental degradation, and for the environment, as their nature is to nurture natural disasters, but not everyone is equally and uplift their families and communities. In the vulnerable. The UN Secretary-General António general discussion, Valentin Rybakov (Belarus), Guterres stated, while reinforcing his commitment speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the to put women’s rights at the center of UN policies: Family, reminded us that the decision we make “Everywhere, women and girls face the greatest now, is what the future generation will learn from. threats and the deepest harm and they are taking He says “Family members instill in their children action to confront the climate and environmental respect and caring attitude towards nature and form crises, yet they continue to be largely excluded their responsible environmental behaviour from an from the rooms where decisions are taken.” This early age.” shows us that ensuring a just transition to a green, sustainable future also requires that the UN puts Abdulla Shahid (Maldives), President of the women at the heart of decision-making. General Assembly also validated the strength of women’s voices, saying that women are “still a The speakers also recalled the special attention largely untapped resource.” WFWP also believes in that must be given to indigenous women, women in the power of women and works to uplift women’s rural situations and refugee women. Youth voices, whether that is through webinars or hosting representative and co-leader of the Generation workshops to allow a platform for them to share Equality Action Coalition for Feminist Action for their best practices. Women’s strength lies in their Climate Justice, Joanita Babirye, spoke from ability to think beyond the individual, and make experience, as families and farmers in her decisions on what’s best for the whole. hometown of Jinja, Uganda have been displaced due to severe climate. Her voice represented the All members of the committee came to general youth, civil society and especially the agreement that this is a collaborative, multi- marginalized communities that depend on stakeholder effort to put women at the heart of endangered natural spaces. leadership, empowering them through education and economic assistance. The Opening Session Many also recall that the COVID-19 pandemic may ends on a hopeful note, ready to take action and have reinforced this situation of inequality. Others, make effective decisions. like the French delegate on behalf of Europe, Elisabeth Moreno, assure their support to women victims of the war, especially in Ukraine at the moment. PAGE 4

Global Solidarity for a Healthy and Sustainable Environment CSW 66 Consultation Day: NGO CSW Geneva / Vienna

By Carolyn Handschin

An encouraging written message from the High “Empowering Rural Women in the Context of Climate Commissioner for Human Rights, Mme. Michele Change.” The panel brought together Dr. Christine Bachelet, was a welcome opening to the CSW66 Altenbuchner of the University of Natural Resources Consultation Day jointly prepared by the NGO and Life Sciences and Ms. Mag Theresia Weiser of the Committees on the Status of Women in Geneva and Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural Vienna. WFWPI has been active in the NGO and Mountain Research (Austria) for an academic and Committees in Geneva and Vienna over many years, interactive look into the theme. Ms. Barbara Kunz working on distinct issues related to the different brought in a different, and very experience-based agencies based in each UN venue. The Consultation PHOTO BY MARTIN R. SMITH perspective as President of the Bernese (Swiss) Day collaboration provided an enjoyable opportunity Federation of Rural Women Associations. Carol to complement each other’s expertise. In addition to McConkie, Geneva Vice President (LDS Charities) launching the two weeks of CSW66, the event was an graciously facilitated. opportunity to highlight the new Human Rights Council Resolution 43/13 recognizing a Human Right Interlaced between elements of the program were to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment and smart, dynamic video clips, including one from the the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes Resolution 10/6, UN, “Women leading Climate Change Solutions,” also new, on Preventing and Combatting Crimes that calling for gender responsive action to the climate Affect the Environment. crisis in areas of physical health, livelihoods, food insecurity and gender-based violence. The final The NGO CSW Geneva President and Director for the section of the program was the Declaration, Call to WFWPI Offices for UN Relations, Mrs. Carolyn Action and Advocacy Resources that was introduced Handschin, gave opening remarks on the opportunities by young committee members from Geneva and provided by the 2022 theme, and reflections on the Vienna, led by Ms. Srruthi Lekha (WFWPI), the Call to Action for civil society engagement that was Geneva Youth Task Force facilitator. The documents the core of the day’s event. She introduced a video had been drafted and prepared by a small team from message from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right the Vienna and Geneva Committees, including, Ms. to the Environment, Dr. David Boyd. Expressing great Laurie Richardson (FAWCO), Ms. Evelyn Durmäyer appreciation for the dedication of civil society to the (IBPW), Ms. Zarin Hainsworth (NAWO), Srruthi and issues over decades, he spoke of the significance of Carolyn, hoping to catch the women and youth the new resolution as a catalyst for even more participating in CSW66 with the intention of creating effective partnership for stewardship of the local programs and networks for the protection of environment. nature (https://www.change.org/p/governments- global-partnerships-for-the-human-right-to-a-clean- A rich and stimulating panel followed on the theme healthy-and-sustainable-environment).

14-25 MARCH 2022 CLIMATE CHANGE · ENVIRONMENT 8CSW66 C0~1MISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN DISASTER RISK REDUCTION GENDER EQUALITY AT THE CENTRE OF SOLUTIONS

PEACE LEADERSHIP

A Holistic Approach to the Climate Crisis

By Mako Mori

WFWPI believes women and the environment have healthy cooking class, hosted by the mother and often been closely linked, based on similarities in daughter duo, Burgi Ennis & Arehta Fortune was their nature to nurture. To address solutions with a offered. They prepared a hearty quinoa salad, holistic approach to the climate crisis, we’ve while also sharing a bonus recipe for a chocolate invited women from various fields to speak and quinoa drink. designed workshops led by women for our 3-day session, the “Spring Awakening” from March 9 to Day 2 was centered around the theme: Bridging 11, 2022. The WFWPI Office for UN Relations in Divides. The day began with an interactive New York hosted the “Spring Awakening” which dialogue on “Peace and Reconciliation through addressed the UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate Action-Case Study on North and South 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, 13: Korea,” by Dr. Anna Grichting. In this Climate Action, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals conversation, Dr. Grichting explored the idea of through the six sessions. These sessions aimed to co-creating ecological landscapes for peace, justice help pace changemakers on the journey to healing and reconciliation at the Korean Demilitarized the Earth & empowering women, through Zone (DMZ) to foster healing and bridge divides. incorporating sustainable practices in our own She also spoke on the Women’s DMZ Peace Zone lives. Project, which aims to co-design a space for women, peace and the environment in the Korean Day 1 was centered around the theme: Food for the DMZ. Soul. In the morning, we had a presentation on “Permaculture: Path to Health & Planetary Healing” by Yani Amores Dutta & Raoul Amores, Peace. W omen&. Founders of the Regenesis Project, which is the 1-rw inmmcnt

first and only Ecosystem Restoration Camp in the Philippines, with the mission of “Healing Nature through People, and Healing People through Nature. In this refreshing talk, Yani shared the importance of learning from nature. Nature serves the greater purpose and she says, “If we go about our day thinking of others, about the greater whole, we are on the right path.”

What better way to reconnect to the Earth, than cooking a meal that tastes like home, using earth- based ingredients from the soil? In the afternoon, a PAGE 6

PEACE LEADERSHIP

In the afternoon, Ms. Yun-A Johnson, sustainable designer and the Founder of Your Aesthetic Style Creators Collaborative hosted a workshop on a “Guide to Sustainable Fashion.” In this eye- opening session, Yun-A challenged the participants to dig deeper in understanding what we truly want when we get the urge to buy something new. In this helpful guide, participants learned more about how to trust your personal style over “must haves” and trends, which is a sustainable approach to fashion.

Day 3 was centered around the theme: Action for Sustainability. In the morning, the participants were invited to an Inner Peace Yoga Class with Dr. Kitmaura. The healing and meditative yoga flow really helped the participants to get in touch with their mind-body awareness and become more grounded in their breath.

The Spring Awakening culminated with a special fundraising program and celebration, featuring testimonies from Giving for Good International Climate Action projects, a presentation from our Director, Merly Barlaan, entertainment and the anticipated Art Book reveal. It is our great hope that our changemakers and peacemakers take this holistic approach to solving the climate crisis, and incorporate it into their lives and communities to heal the planet Earth, in partnership with the UN SDG initiatives.

PEACE LEADERSHIP

Building Bridges: Fostering Mutual Empowerment Through Environmental Healing

By Salomé Abittan-Tenenbaum & Mako Mori

During the 66th Session of the United Nations WFWPI Office for UN Relations in Geneva, was Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66), the the moderator of the program and welcomed Mrs. Virtual Parallel Event, “Building Bridges: Merly Barlaan, Deputy Director of the WFWPI Fostering Mutual Empowerment Through Offices for UN Relations, for the Opening Environmental Healing” was held on March 21, Remarks. She described how some of the GFGI 2022. The CSW66 Parallel Event was organized by projects bridged divides, such as in Ghana, where WFWPI, in collaboration with WFWP Korea. “WFWP volunteers built partnerships with local NGOs and schools, to show students what The world knows that we need to work together, yet sustainable practice looks like by creating art from we find it difficult to overcome fundamental waste.” In a hope-filled message Mrs. Barlaan said differences in worldviews and values. Through it is through these efforts that we can “see that storytelling and interactive dialogue, WFWPI and there are initiatives around the world which are WFWP Korea aimed to create a space that creating a wave of women-empowering climate encouraged the exploration of how we as women adaptation initiatives, building bridges of trust and and girls can be empowered by leading the way in collaboration for the sake of healing the earth.” transcending obstacles of self-interest and fostering relationships of trust for the sake of a mutual goal Next, Ms. Hyang Jeong Lee, Member of the Mirae, of environmental healing in our communities. The WFWP Korea, introduced the youth think tank climate crisis is increasingly affecting all Mirae. She explained the meaning behind the word communities around the world and WFWPI Mirae which means “Future” in Korean. Ms. Lee envisioned using this space as an opportunity to shared that Mirae is a place for young people to build bridges between the government and civil take on the vision of the future because “we believe society, men and women, as well as between people that when we take the initiative to solve problems and nature. with a sense of ownership more than anyone else, we can bring the winds of change.” Ms. Srruthi Lehka, the UN Representative at the

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The first featured youth speaker invited to speak was Ms. Kefilwe Lebepe, Coordinator of the GFGI Cloth Nappy Climate Action Project. Ms. Lebepe emphasized the importance of research, transparency, and partnerships in building out the Cloth Nappy project. Her project beautifully exemplified what it meant to raise empowering women leaders sustainably, by listening to the people, gaining trust from the people and having the village take ownership. Through each of these efforts, “at the official end of the project, we were able to hand over the project to Queen Dikgale and her people.” This ensured the project was truly benefitting the community and could be run independently.

Our second set of speakers were Ms. Christine Bulayo and Mr. Dale Dejecacion, Co-Project Managers of the WFWP Permaculture Literacy Program in the Philippines. Although permaculture is generally seen as an agricultural practice, Ms. Bulayo and Mr. Dejecacion explained that it is more than that, it is “a way of thinking- knowing nature, being one with nature, and working with nature, not against nature.” This eye-opening presentation taught the audience how permaculture can be practiced even if you don’t have a garden. Ms. Bulayo explains this saying “you can integrate the design and movement of the wind, the existing water formation, the land formation, and the plants according to the existing movement of these elements.” As long as you follow this system you can create your own permaculture garden! This presentation invigorated the audience with hope as with the Permaculture mindset in place, “every child, all men, and women, will enjoy the human and universal right to a clean and healthy environment.”

The audience were given opportunities to engage through the conversations which took place in between each part of the program and had time to ask questions directly to the speakers.

In conclusion Mrs. Carolyn Handschin, Director of the WFWPI Offices for UN Relations, expressed her gratitude to the UN for choosing a theme on the environment which “easily unites us, something that [we] can find partnership in easily: between households, within communities” and “something that propagates the sense that my success is yours.”

So let’s join hands and heal this planet together!

PEACE LEADERSHIP

Peace and Reconciliation at the Korean DMZ

By Srruthi Lekha Raaja Elango

On March 17, Women’s UN Report Network and WFWPI organized a virtual CSW66 parallel event on “Peace and Reconciliation at the Korean DMZ.” In the spirit of UN SC Resolution 1325, this event successfully managed to engage actors and stakeholders in envisioning a new future in and across the Demilitarized Zone of Korea through the creation of a physical and virtual space to bring together women and youth working towards peace and shared prosperity in Korea and worldwide. The ultimate goal of these discussions were to go beyond the political, physical and mental barriers to reconciliation and development through envisioning a landscape for Korean women from North and South to Korea and former Ambassador to Sweden presented meet, as well as an international hub for women, remarks via video message, where he strongly insisted peace and the environment, building on events of this on the need for coexistence of all species and people, theme presented at the UN Human Rights Council and creating a sustainable space in even very conflicting at CSW66. regions.

The event began with a warm welcome from Mrs. Mrs. Handschin then welcomed Dr. Colette Carolyn Handschin, the Director of WFWPI Offices Mazzucelli, Graduate Faculty, New York University, for UN Relations. She invited then Dr. Anna to lead a round table discussion with Ms. Lois A Grichting from the University of Vermont to address Herman, Managing Director, Women’s UN Report the gathering as the keynote speaker. Through her Network; Mrs. Carolyn Handschin, Director, Offices experience as an urbanist, Dr. Grichting presented on for UN Relations, Women’s Federation for World the need of building peace zones at national borders Peace International; and Korean and other and their characteristics. From the example of the international youth representatives. Berlin Wall to her success stories in Cyprus, it was very inspiring to learn from such models and aim for This discussion covered topics beginning from the a similar one at the DMZ. Following her, Dr. Sung- need for such a creative space in the DMZ to the Hwan Son, President, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) nature of the DMZ and its compatibility related to such an initiative. Adding to these important aspects NORTH of the goal, some action-oriented topics were also KOREA discussed, such as how to mobilize the governments to commit more such causes and initiatives. Beyond Oemilitariied Zone (OM:Zl that, the panel also took the chance to explore the r,,,~ emotions and attitude of the Korean population and ~ 2nd Tunnel why there is a substantive lack of interest in Korean -’38~t~h~P•~,~•l~le~I- - - - - - ,,- 1st Tunnel unification, especially among the Korean youth. 3rd Tunn@I

After a very constructive discussion, the panelists SOUTH concluded by presenting ways for constructive action • Seoul KOREA and solutions to the hurdles which might arise through the due course of such initiatives.

YOUNG VOICES

Observation of the Sixty-Sixth Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66)

By Lydia Wood, HR Intern, UN Office Geneva

The priority theme of this year’s Commission on the has affected hospitals. It was interesting to see the Status of Women, was “gender equality in the context five principles that should be put in place to help of climate change, environmental and disaster risk these victims: protection, privacy, patience, multi- reduction policies and programmes.” On March 21, a professionals, and post-care. The following speaker virtual parallel event was held by the Modern was Ms. Chia-Chiao Lin, Social Worker, Sexual Women’s Foundation (MWF), an organization based Violence Intervention Unit, MWF, who explored a in Taiwan, on the “Integrated Practice of Anti- similar topic which was “The effects of the pandemic Violence Against Women: From Services to Policy on domestic violence and sexual assault victim’s Advocacy.” This conference was moderated by medical treatment, inspection, and case service.” Professor Lillian Lih Rong Wang and she began by Within her presentation she explored the various introducing the various themes that would be covered challenges Covid-19 has had on the case system and by the speakers such as: integrated practices of in the end provided a suggestion on how to prevent domestic violence, the effect of the pandemic, and the these challenges such as by developing a full-fledged new role of NGO’s. Following this, opening remarks support channel. I found it shocking when she were given by President Pan. She expressed how the presented the data that in Taiwan domestic violence Foundation has worked to promote the passage of has increased by 15% during the pandemic, but vital laws and has sought to prevent sexual violence, important services like the one-stop service have control and harassment. Finally, she emphasized how ended. The fourth speaker was Ms. Miao-Ju Chang, the event would discuss how these approaches have Social Work Supervisor, Sexual Violence been affected by the pandemic. Intervention Unit, MWF, who explored “Flipped Concept: Affirmative consent – only yes means yes.” The first speaker of this session was Ms. Yu-Uei He, Within her presentation she discussed the three laws, Director of the Domestic Violence Intervention Unit, with a passage prompted by the Foundation, to MWF, who explored the “Models of Economic eliminate gender-based violence. The next part of her Empowerment for Victims of Domestic Violence.” presentation explored the process of the “only yes She began by explaining the various forms of means yes” campaign with the eventual ruling by the economic abuse and the effects they can have, which Supreme Court in 2021, which is a movement that I found particularly interesting. Her work made it was evidently extremely important. The final speaker evident to me that the Modern Women’s Foundation of the session was Ms. Chiou-Lan Wang, Researcher, is working hard to empower women and educate them MWF, who explored “The legislative process of Anti- so they can leave these situations of economic abuse, Gender Violence in Taiwan: The Stalking and whilst continually developing new strategies and Harassment Prevention Act.” I was shocked when she programs to continue to assist future victims. The presented the data on the victims of stalking in next speaker was Ms. Pei-Ling Wang, a member of Taiwan and how much of it is done online. She also the Emergency and Intensive Care Committee of showed important work on stalking prevention and Taiwan Nurses Association and Vice Director of the drafting and passing of anti-stalking legislation in Nursing Service, Taipei Medical Nursing Hospital, 2021. who explored “Injury Examination, Medical treatment and case service of domestic violence & sexual Overall, from this event, I observed that MWF is assault during the epidemic.” What I found working in various key areas to reduce violence interesting from her presentation was the data she against women and is striving to beat the challenges outlined on how the pandemic has affected the that have been created by COVID-19. number of domestic abuse cases and how COVID-19

YOUNG VOICES

Observation of the 5th Plenary meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women, Sixty-Sixth Session (CSW66)

By Adebowale Meroyi, HR Intern, UN Office Geneva

The discussions at the sixty-sixth session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66) were centered on the priority theme, “Achieving Gender equality and the Empowerment of all Women and girls in the context of Climate change, environmental and Disaster risk reduction Policies and Programmes.” The CSW is multifaceted, and discussions take place on many levels. Plenary sessions are meetings during which representatives of member states make statements and discuss the priority theme and work toward drafting agreed conclusions. The 5th plenary session was held on March 16, which I was privileged to observed virtually.

Delegates from member states all came with their diverse positions on the issue of gender equality and women empowerment in the face of climate change. Much emphasis was centered on the need for restructuring policies to allow for more inclusion of women in leadership and political seats. Their central focus was the need to keep advocating for the liberation of women and girls and the need for the fundamental human rights of women to be clearly accepted, fully implemented and followed up by governments. This is necessary to avert the continued discrimination against women worldwide. The representatives sought policies that would allow more women to gain access to funds, a right to education and equal rights to decent work without discrimination. The need to remove every barrier and glass ceiling against women in all facets of life, including the right to their body, was advocated for. The delegates condemned rape, the stigmatization of women, and victimization and intimidation of women by men. Other delegates significantly condemned the killing of women in Ukraine as well as the devastating consequence of war on women’s life and psychology in all conflict-affected nations.

Delegates pointed out clearly that the diverse nature of the current global pandemic has had a devastating health problem that has worsened climate change. Women and children are most affected by the crisis and they were among the largest percentage that couldn’t cope with the negative outcome of the pandemic and war on their environment, life and body. Emphasis was placed on the crucial need to increase the participation of women in decision-making processes at all levels of government. The representative for Albania cited the example of its country, where women are currently given 70% of ministerial seats. It was asserted that gender inequality and climate change are intertwined, and they are the main challenges to attaining sustainable development. Therefore, gender equality and sustainable development is achievable if women are empowered to showcase their potential and contribute fairly to the development of their nations.

Though delegates from the different member states highlighted some of the steps their governments have taken towards creating enabling environments to achieve gender equality, the gender gap is still very wide due to high levels of gender inequality and complexities across the board. The delegates sought for protection of women, girls and the disabled. The delegates advocated for the right to live a life of independence with safety for women and girls globally. The delegates deliberated that to achieve any headway on the issue of gender equality and women empowerment, then the call should be made to change the culture of gender bias and gender inequalities. Only then can the structure be changed to accept gender equality as the best way to achieve more economic, political, social and environmental success. I observed that all the deliberations were about giving women and girls better opportunities to thrive. The solution is to allow women to have equal rights and representation and to be empowered globally. Then we can achieve peace, progress and equity for all.

YOUNG VOICES

Observations of the 49th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council

By Heather Rainey, HR Intern, UN Office Geneva

February 28 marked the opening of the 49th Regular Russia and has spoken out this week about its aim to Session of the Human Rights Council, where I had the stabilize their economic ties. The recent decision to privilege of observing several sessions. In the current suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council climate of war, human rights abuses and humanitarian marked the resumption of the emergency debate and atrocities, it is unsurprising that the UNHRC49 reinforced the global criticism of Russia’s invasion of included an urgent debate on the Russia-Ukraine Ukraine. conflict as well as discussion on the status of human rights in Venezuela. Furthermore, I observed the 34th Meeting discussing Human Rights in Venezuela, focusing on the The urgent debate on the Russia-Ukraine conflict took extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, unfair place on the 3rd and 4th of March and opened with trials and excessive use of force. States including statements from the President of the Human Rights Peru and the Netherlands used their ninety seconds to Council, H.E. Federico Villegas, as well as addresses offer recommendations including reforms of the police from United Nations High Commissioner for Human and judicial system as well as suggesting the presence Rights, H.E. Michelle Bachelet, and the Chair of the of the OHCHR in the state. However, other states Coordination Committee of UN Special Procedures, including Iran utilized the opportunity to air other H.E. Victor Madrigal-Borloz. All declarations echoed ideological and international grievances, notably with distress regarding Russia’s aggression towards the US. Iran declared the US must be held accountable Ukraine. The debate included 36 member states, 66 for its atrocious actions, referencing the economic observer states, three international organizations and sanctions against Venezuela, arguing this constituted 29 civil society organizations. Whilst most states a violation of the human rights of the whole chose to condemn Russia’s violence, several took a Venezuelan population. It was particularly interesting more neutral stance. A common theme that struck me to observe the subtleties of how states conduct throughout the UNHRC49 is the stark difference in diplomacy in the context of the UNHRC, as the freedom of expression between state representatives civilized nature of the debate does not reflect the and civil society organizations. Understandably, state states’ external relationship. Areas such as Zimbabwe, representatives must abide by strict diplomatic who had visits from the Special Rapporteur regarding protocols, however, the lack of harsh condemnation of the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures in Russia’s actions from key states (just under a fifth of 2021, did little to condemn the abuse of human rights member states abstained) was heavily juxtaposed by in Venezuela. Instead, they used their platform to the more emotive addresses given by civil society voice opinions relating to the counterproductivity of organizations. The overwhelming decision to country specific initiatives, stating that it undermines “condemn in the strongest possible terms the human sovereignty. Furthermore, it recognized and praised rights violations and abuses and violations of Venezuela’s commitment to fulfilling human rights international humanitarian law resulting from the obligations, rather than taking the approach of other Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine” also states to highlight significant areas for improvement. served to highlight the intricate relationship between Russia, China and India by drawing attention to their Overall, my experience of attending UNHRC49 events abstention. China’s initial decision to vote against the has served to further educate me in the intricacies of emergency debate was followed by abstention from state diplomacy. The subtle approaches different the final resolution. This is thought to be a sign H.E. nations take to condemn some states’ actions or Xi Jinping does not want to cut ties with other solidify ties with others is microcosmic of how the political leaders who may be allies against the West, reality unfolds in the global political arena. whilst India relies heavily on bilateral trade with