rule of law

Intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN: global trends and good practices

Side event on Intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN: global trends and good practices

In September, the Secretary General released the 2022 report on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN. Join us for a discussion on main findings, and to explore good practices to prevent and address intimidation and reprisals, both online and offline.

*UN Headquarters meeting room for onsite participation TBC – registrants will be notified.

Please RSVP here (bit.ly/3DDqFwM) by Thursday 3 November 2022.

Program

Moderator:

  • Madeleine Sinclair, ISHR

Welcome remarks:

  • H.E. Mrs. Zsuzsanna Horváth, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN

Speakers:

  • Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights
  • Ms. Rebecca Vernon, legal advisor at the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law
  • Ms. Esther Omam Njomo, Executive Director of Reach out Cameroon
  • Mr. Ahmed Adam Abdulla, Vice President of the Human Rights Commission of Maldives

Interventions/comments from the floor (30 min)

Concluding remarks:

  • H.E. Mr. Donal Kenneally, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bobbinassar@yahoo.com or bknotts@uua.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Migration, please visit ngo-migration.org.

SPSSI’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

Program will include remarks from:
  • Ambassador Maritza Chan, Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations 
  • Mr. Rio Hada, Chief of the Equality, Development, and Rule of Law Section, UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights – NYC  
  • Lily Gray, Senior Liaison Officer, UNESCO  
  • Daniel Seymour, UN Women 
  • Levi Bautista, President, CoNGO  
  • Patrick Sciarratta, President, Global NGO Executive Committee 
  • Houry Geudelekian, NGO Committee on the Status of Women
This is an invitation-only event. If you plan to bring a guest, please ask them to RSVP to this invitation as well so that they will be on the guest list (or RSVP for them separately after you submit your own RSVP).

Please RSVP here by the end of the day on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women/NY, please visit ngocsw.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women/Vienna, please visit ngocswvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Status of Women/Geneva, please visit ngocsw-geneva.ch. For more information on the NGO Committee on Education, Learning, and Literacy, please visit facebook.com/NGOCELLatUN. For more information on the NGO Committee on Mental Health, please visit ngomentalhealth.org.

Geneva Peace Talks: End Racism. Build Peace.

Dear NGO Representatives,

The United Nations Office at Geneva, Interpeace, and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform are pleased to invite you and your staff to attend the 10th anniversary edition of the Geneva PeaceTalks. Marking the International Day of Peace, the Geneva PeaceTalks will take place on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. in Room XVIII at the Palais des Nations and online. The event will be followed by a reception at the Bar Serpent.

The 2022 edition revisits the original theme of the first Geneva PeaceTalks in 2013 to ask again: “What does peace mean to you?” The meaning of the word “peace” can indeed vary according to the context, and its significance is different according to people and their experiences. This event will be an opportunity to explore this question. In addition, for International Day of Peace 2022, the theme is “End Racism. Build Peace.”

The event will feature speakers from a wide range of backgrounds, from the media to peacebuilding, the creative sector and the police service. We will hear from Commissioner Ann-Marie Orler from the UN’s Standing Police Capacity; Ibaa Abusin, a Horn of Africa Social Media Expert at the Centre of Humanitarian Dialogue; Amad Mian, the co-founder of Pakistani creative platform Dastaangoi; Wasim Almasri and Eran Nissan, a peacebuilding duo from Palestine and Israel; Maged Al-Kholidy, a Yemeni activist and founder of a peacebuilding NGO; Amadou Dabitao, founder of the media platform Banlieusard Nouveau; and Ukrainian opera singer, Daria Mykolenko.

Due to COVID-19, the wearing of masks is mandatory in conference rooms and strongly recommended in all public areas at the Palais des Nations. Early registration for in-person participation is recommended as it will be closed once the maximum capacity is reached. To follow the event online or to register, please use the following link: www.peacetalks.net/pt/geneva-2022.

This year’s Geneva PeaceTalks are co-organized, once again, by the United Nations Office at Geneva, Interpeace and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform. This year’s edition is made possible in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, and with the generous support of B8 of Hope, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Mirabaud, Salesforce and Second Peninsula.

With best regards,

NGO Liaison Unit

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Cher(e)s représentant(e)s d’ONG,

L’Office des Nations Unies à Genève, Interpeace et la Plateforme de Genève pour la consolidation de la paix ont le plaisir de vous inviter, ainsi que votre personnel, à participer à l’édition du 10e anniversaire des Pourparlers de Genève pour la paix. Marquant la Journée internationale de la paix, les Pourparlers de Genève pour la paix auront lieu le mercredi 21 septembre 2022, de 16h00 à 17h15, dans la salle XVIII du Palais des Nations et en ligne. L’événement sera suivi d’une réception au Bar Serpent.

L’édition 2022 revisite le thème original des premiers Pourparlers de Genève pour la paix en 2013 pour demander à nouveau : “Que signifie la paix pour vous ?”. Le sens du mot “paix” peut en effet varier en fonction du contexte, et sa signification est différente selon les personnes et leurs expériences. Cet événement sera l’occasion d’explorer cette question. En outre, pour la Journée internationale de la paix 2022, le thème est “Mettre fin au racisme. Construire la paix“.

L’événement accueillera des intervenants issus d’horizons très divers, des médias à la consolidation de la paix, en passant par le secteur créatif et le service de police. Nous entendrons Ann-Marie Orler, commissaire de la Force de police permanente des Nations Unies; Ibaa Abusin, experte en réseaux sociaux de la Corne de l’Afrique au Centre pour le dialogue humanitaire; Amad Mian, cofondateur de la plateforme créative pakistanaise Dastaangoi ; Wasim Almasri et Eran Nissan, un duo de construction de la paix venus de Palestine et d’Israël ; Maged Al-Kholidy, un activiste yéménite et fondateur d’une ONG de construction de la paix ; Amadou Dabitao, fondateur de la plateforme médiatique Banlieusard Nouveau ; et la chanteuse d’opéra ukrainienne, Daria Mykolenko.

En raison du COVID-19, le port du masque est obligatoire dans les salles de conférence et fortement recommandé dans tous les espaces publics du Palais des Nations. Il est recommandé de s’inscrire rapidement pour participer en personne, car les inscriptions seront closes lorsque la capacité maximale sera atteinte. Pour suivre l’événement en ligne ou pour vous inscrire, veuillez utiliser le lien suivant : www.peacetalks.net/pt/geneva-2022.

Cette année encore, les Pourparlers de Genève pour la paix sont co-organisés par l’Office des Nations Unies à Genève, Interpeace et la Plateforme de Genève pour la consolidation de la paix. L’édition de cette année est rendue possible en partenariat avec la Mission permanente de la Suisse auprès de l’Office des Nations Unies et des autres organisations internationales à Genève, et grâce au généreux soutien de B8 of Hope, du Centre pour le dialogue humanitaire, de Mirabaud, de Salesforce et de Second Peninsula.

Bien cordialement, 

Le bureau de Liaison avec les ONG

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit  ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bobbinassar@yahoo.com or bknotts@uua.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Social Development, please visit  ngosocdev.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity, please email the vice chair at susanneseperson@gmail.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Language and Languages, please email the co-chairs at fmhult@umbc.edu or tonkin@hartford.edu.

2022 CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment

2022 CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment

THREE PILLARS OF THE EXPERT DISCUSSIONS

The expert discussions are scheduled as follows:

  • 14 February 2022 – Preventing crimes that affect the environment
  • 15 February 2022 – Combating crimes that affect the environment
  • 16 February 2022 – Strengthening international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment

REGISTRATION

Please download the registration form for the expert discussions. The registration form should be sent to unodc-sgb@un.org together with a letter from the Head of the organization.

WEBCAST

The Expert Discussions will be conducted in a hybrid format and translated into 6 UN official languages. Please click here to watch the sessions online.

PLATFORM INFO

Once you have successfully registered for the meeting, you will receive a link to your email address. The login username will be your registered email address, and the password is indicated in the confirmation email.

For best experience, you need to use Google Chrome. If Google Chrome is not your standard browser, you can right-click on your link, copy the hyper link, and paste it in the Google Chrome browser.

For more information, please read the guides for the platform. If you have any other technical questions concerning the platform, please write to unodc-eventplatform@un.org for assistance.

GUIDANCE FOR MEETING PARTICIPANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Revised arrangements for the 2022 Expert Discussions on preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment

COVID-19 Guidelines for in-person participants for the CCPCJ Expert Discussions on Crimes that Affect the Environment

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • From Monday 22 November, all those entering the VIC must comply with 2.5G (vaccinated, recovered or PCR test no older than 48 hours).
  • By swiping their VIC grounds pass/badge, those entering the VIC confirm they are compliant and have 2.5G proof.
  • Where meetings and conferences at the VIC do take place (with more than 25 participants), participants must be able to show proof of a valid PCR test not older than 48 hours, also if they are vaccinated or recovered. Information on testing options in Vienna can be found here: https://coronavirus.wien.gv.at/faqenglish/#Testangebote.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

On 7 March 2021, the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice adopted by consensus the Kyoto Declaration on Advancing crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: Towards the achievement of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, calling upon the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) to adopt the appropriate policy and operational measures for the follow-up to the declaration and to identify innovative ways to make use of information on progress made in the implementation of the declaration. The Commission approved the Kyoto Declaration during its thirtieth session in May 2021 and recommended its endorsement through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to the General Assembly. Operative paragraph 87 of the Kyoto declaration refers to the commitment of Member States to adopt effective measures to prevent and combat crimes that affect the environment, such as illicit trafficking in wildlife, including, inter alia, flora and fauna as protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in timber and timber products, in hazardous wastes and other wastes and in precious metals, stones and other minerals, as well as, inter alia, poaching.

During the thirtieth session in May 2021, the CCPCJ approved the resolution, entitled “Preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment”, which has meanwhile been adopted by the Third Committee of the General Assembly. The resolution welcomed the Kyoto Declaration, reaffirmed the central role of the CCPCJ as the main policymaking body of the United Nations in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice, and reiterated the call made in the Kyoto Declaration to adopt the appropriate policy and operational measures for the follow-up to the Declaration. Operative paragraph 15 of the resolution called upon the CCPCJ to hold, during the intersessional period, expert discussions on preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment with a view to discussing concrete ways to improve strategies and responses to effectively prevent and combat these crimes and to strengthen international cooperation at the operational level on this matter.

THEMATIC FOCUS

Thematic session 1: Preventing crimes that affect the environment

When discussing the prevention of crimes that affect the environment, participants may wish to discuss elements such as the root causes of crimes that affect the environment; the importance of, and good practices in, raising awareness and reducing the demand ; as well as the need to enhance the integrity of legal supply chains; and address linkages with other forms of crime.

Thematic session 2: Combating crimes that affect the environment

When addressing efforts to combat crimes that affect the environment, participants may wish to, among others, discuss the different modus operandi of criminals involved in crimes that affect the environment, and share national, regional, and international good practices in detecting, investigating and prosecuting crimes that affect the environment. In addition, participants may wish to share good practices and challenges in addressing corruption and economic crimes, particularly the illicit financial flows derived from crimes that affect the environment and the confiscation of the proceeds of crimes, as well as other considerations, including related to victim and witness protection or compensation for damage caused.

Thematic session 3: Strengthening international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment

When discussing international cooperation to address crimes that affect the environment, participants may wish to discuss how the international community can make the best use of existing international instruments and strengthen regional, and international cooperation among Member States, including through cooperation networks. In addition, the meeting may wish to discuss efforts to strengthen and expand technical assistance and capacity building, to enhance inter-agency cooperation and coordination.

CoNGO Notes: To learn about collaborative work done by NGOs about the issue above and related matters, visit the work of CoNGO related NGO substantive committees. For specific information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org.

For information about the work of The Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, see crimealliance.org

International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

Victims of terrorism continue to struggle to have their voices heard, have their needs supported and their rights upheld. Victims often feel forgotten and neglected once the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack fades, which can have profound consequences for them. Few Members States have the resources or the capacity to fulfill the medium and long-term needs required for victims to fully recover, rehabilitate and integrate back into society. Victims can only recover and cope with their trauma through long-term multi-dimensional support, including physical, psychological, social and financial, in order to heal and live with dignity.

The primary responsibility to support victims of terrorism and uphold their rights rests with Member States. The United Nations has an important role in supporting Member States to implement Pillar I and IV of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through standing in solidarity and providing support to victims, capacity building assistance, establishing networks of, and offering support to, civil society organizations, particularly victims of terrorism associations, and encouraging Member States to promote, protect and respect the rights of victims. The United Nations has been working to provide resources, mobilize the international community and better address the needs of victims of terrorism.

The General Assembly, in its resolution 72/165 (2017), established 21 August as the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism in order to honor and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms

Resolution 72/165 builds on existing efforts by the General Assembly, the Commission of Human Rights and the Human Rights Council to promote and protect the rights of victims of terrorism.

By proclaiming an International Day dedicated to victims, the General Assembly reaffirmed that the promotion and the protection of human rights and the rule of law at the national; and international levels are essential for preventing and combating terrorism.

The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted unanimously in its resolution 60/288, on 8 September 2006, notes that the dehumanization of victims counts among the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, and the most effective way to counter terrorism is through measures that respect human dignity and uphold the rule of law.

To hear victim testimonies, read relevant documents, and learn more about how/why the UN commemorates this observance, click here.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bobbinassar@gmail.com or bknotts@uua.org. 

Combating Corruption: The Relevance & Capacities of Faith-Based Organizations

Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly Against Corruption (UNGASS)

Side meeting: “Combating Corruption: The Relevance and Capacities of Faith-Based Organizations”

Representatives from diverse faith traditions, along with UN officials with direct experience in combating and proposing solutions to corruption—trafficking, public corruption, organized crime—will discuss the role of FBOs in corruption prevention and intervention efforts to improve ethics, justice, rule of law, good governance, and sustainable development.

Moderator: Dr. Thomas G. Walsh, Chairman, Universal Peace Federation; Co-Chair, Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations, USA

Panelists:

  • Amb. Thomas Stelzer, Dean, International Anti-Corruption Center, Vienna
  • Mrs. Livia Krings, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer in the Corruption and Economic Crime Branch of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Austria
  • Dr. Liberato “Levi” Bautista, President of The Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CoNGO) in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations and Main Representative to the UN for the United Methodist Church-General Board of Church and Society
  • Imam Sheikh Mohammad Ismail, The Muslim Chaplain, The University of Sheffield, The Octagon Centre, Sheffield, UK
  • Bishop Munib Younan, Former President, Lutheran World Federation; Honorary President, Religions for Peace, State of Palestine

Question and Answer:

For Q&A, please email questions to coalitionfbo@gmail.com Thank you!

This webinar is sponsored by:

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, please visit rngos.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Drugs & Crime-NY, please visit nyngoc.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief, please visit unforb.org.

Special session of the General Assembly on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation

Special session of the General Assembly on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation

United Nations Headquarters, June 2-4, 2021,

For the upcoming General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) against Corruption, kindly note the following guidelines for NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC, as per resolutions 73/191 and 74/276, as well as decisions 74/568 and 75/562 entitled “Special session of the General Assembly against corruption”:

  • According to Paragraph 2 (d) of UN General Assembly resolution 74/276, representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council are invited to participate in the special session in accordance with the established practice of the General Assembly.
  • In line with this paragraph, the representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC are invited to register to participate in the special session by Wednesday, 5 May 2021, until 5:00 p.m. Proceedings of the special session will be webcast and all ECOSOC accredited NGOs will be provided by DESA with the link to the UN Web TV, where the proceedings of the special session can be virtually followed live. Additional information related to the special session can also be accessed in advance through the website of the Office of the President of the General Assembly (https://www.un.org/pga/75/special-session-against-corruption/) which will be regularly updated.
  • Additionally, as per paragraph 2 (c) of resolution 74/276,  plenary meetings of the special session shall include “statements by […] and, time permitting, a limited number of representatives from relevant organizations attending the special session, in line with subparagraphs (d) and (e) below, selected by the President of the General Assembly, in consultation with Member States, with due regard for geographical balance and gender equity…”
  • Should your organization also wish to be considered for making a statement at the plenary meeting, time permitting and if selected in accordance with the General Assembly resolution 74/276, please indicate your interest to DESA by no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 May 2021

*Please note that this indication does not guarantee a speaking opportunity. Only a limited number of representatives from relevant organizations, selected by the President of the General Assembly in accordance with resolution 74/276 will be contacted in due course.

  • As per subparagraph (a) of General Assembly decision 75/562,  those who are invited to participate in line with paragraphs 2 (d) and (e) of its resolution 74/276, may submit a pre-recorded statement, which would be played in the General Assembly Hall after introduction by the President of the General Assembly at the special session.

To register their interest, NGOs are therefore invited to do so at: https://indico.un.org/event/35977/ by no later than Wednesday, 5 May 2021, by 5:00 pm.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org.

14th United Nations Crime Congress

The 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will be held from 7 to 12 March 2021 in Kyoto, Japan. The UN General Assembly has formally decided on these dates (A/DEC/74/550 B), which had been recommended by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, as the preparatory body of the Crime Congress. There will be pre-Congress consultations on 6 March 2021. The 14th Congress was originally scheduled to take place in Kyoto, Japan, on 20-27 April 2020, and postponed, due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

As per General Assembly Resolution 72/192, the substantive Agenda Items of the 14th Congress are the following:

  1. Comprehensive strategies for crime prevention towards social and economic development
  2. Integrated approaches to challenges facing the criminal justice system.
  3. Multidimensional approaches by Governments to promoting the rule of law by, inter alia, providing access to justice for all; building effective, accountable, impartial and inclusive institutions; and considering social, educational and other relevant measures, including fostering a culture of lawfulness while respecting cultural identities, in line with the Doha Declaration.
  4. International cooperation and technical assistance to prevent and address all forms of crime:

(a) Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations;

(b) New and emerging forms of crime.

The proposed organization of work indicates approximately when these topics will be discussed by the Congress in Kyoto (Japan Standard Time, UTC/GMT +9 hours).

Registration information is available here, and the registration deadline is February 18.

Read more about the event and full program here.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, please visit crimealliance.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com.

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