Our work here at UNA-GB is rooted in the founding principles of the United Nations – universal peace, international security, and respect for human rights, to name a few, and as we enter 2011, we are filled with hope and anticipation in this season of new beginnings.
It is our sincere wish that this coming year be filled with stories of healing, dignity, and international cooperation, and we will continue to do all that we can to inform, inspire and mobilize the greater Boston community around critical global issues. You could call it our New Year’s Resolution, or Resolution 2011!
Since Resolutions are a big part of the work at the United Nations, we thought it quite fitting to highlight a few that were adopted in 2010. Check out our list below and let us know what issues you hope to see the UN address in 2011!
Resolution 64/289 (adopted July 2, 2010) formally established the new agency UN Women.
In an historic move, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously to create a new entity to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide. The establishment of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women — to be known as UN Women — is a result of years of negotiations between UN Member States and advocacy by the global women’s movement. It is part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact.
Resolution 1960 (adopted Dec 16, 2010) focused on sexual violence in conflict.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution that will allow UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to list parties who have committed acts of sexual violence in reports to the 15-member body. The resolution cited “deep concern” that despite the Council’s “repeated condemnation of violence against women and children in situations of armed conflict,” such acts continue to occur and “in some situations have become systematic and widespread, reaching appalling levels of brutality.” Read more here.
Resolution 1929 (adopted June 9, 2010) focused on non-proliferation with a particular emphasis on Iran.
This Security Council resolution is aimed at addressing the international community’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The resolution offers the toughest sanctions to date for Iran, and included the creation of a supervision body to prevent delivery of nuclear material to Iran. The resolution also encourages continued and renewed negotiations with Iran.
Resolution 65/4 (adopted October 18, 2010) reaffirmed Sport as a means to promote education, health, development and peace.
The General Assembly adopted a consensus resolution recognizing the potential of sport to help attain the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and foster an atmosphere of tolerance. The Assembly also acknowledged the need to strengthen efforts, including multi-stakeholder partnerships, at all levels, to maximize sport’s potential to contribute to the achievement of internationally agreed development goals and national peacebuilding priorities. UNA-GB also focused on this issue at our 2010 Human Rights Day Luncheon.
Resolution 65/208 (adopted December 21, 2010) focused on condemning extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions – had a special focus on LGBT rights.
The Assembly strongly condemned once again all extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and demanded that all States ensure the practice is brought to an end. Prior to action, an amendment offered by the United States, which added the words “or because of their sexual orientation” to an operative paragraph, was adopted, after this language was removed during an earlier floor debate in November, causing a fair amount of controversy.
See the full list of Resolutions from the 65th and 64th General Assembly sessions and the Security Council.
You can also check out one of the best Resolutions written by some of the delegates at our Middle School Model UN Conference (further proof that 12 and 13 year olds really can make a difference in the peace-building process!) focused on rebuilding efforts in Haiti.
What Resolution would YOU write if you had the chance??
Thank you for all you’ve done to support our work this year and we look forward to all that 2011 has in store!
Happy New Year from the UNA-GB team –Lena, Kaitlin, Jennifer, Rebecca and our awesome interns!