Universal Periodic Review: looking back and moving forward

On Thursday 13^th October a meeting was held celebrating the 1st closing cycle of the mechanism of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Palais des Nations, Room XX. The meeting, organized by the NGO UPR-info in co-sponsorship with the Permanent Missions of Morocco, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, aimed to review the first cycle session, identifying the progress made in the field of human rights around the world. H.E. Omar Hilal (Permanent Mission of Morocco) opened the meeting stressing the importance of the event and called a reflection involving both permanent delegations and civil society. The debate continued with the two speeches from Vice-Commissioner for Human Rights, Kyung-wha Kang, and the President of the Human Rights Council, H.E. Laura Dupuy Lasarre. Both underlined the importance of the UPR in spreading a culture of respect for human rights over the entire world. Other speakers including Juan Jose Gomez Camacho (Permanent Mission of Mexico), Silverio Pinto Baptista (Institution for Human Rights in Timor-Leste) and Dubravka Simonovic (Independent Expert of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women) enriched the debate with their perspectives. 

More than 6.000 prisoners will be released by Myanmar

On Tuesday, 11^th October, Myanmar announced the release of thousands of prisoners for humanitarian reasons. This decision strengthens the hopes of amnesty for 2000 political prisoners arrested, among which include political activists, lawyers, journalists, and artists. The United States, the European Union, the United Nations and the Burmese democratic opposition petitioned their release for years, particularly after the establishment of the new government. This decision appears as a breaking-point with the past conservatism of General Than Shwe, head of the military junta, person in charge since 1962, as commented Egreteau Renaud, professor at the Center for Asian Studies, University of Hong Kong. His successor, former President and General Thein Sein, in power since last March, has demonstrated his willingness to make significant reforms in the country.  The first step has been to open a dialogue with opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, in prison and under house arrest for more than fifteen years.

IIMA and VIDES side event September 16th, 2011: Young Volunteers and Human Rights

On 16^th September 2011, VIDES International in collaboration with the Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA) organized a side event at Palais de Nations, Geneva. The event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Costa Rica, Italy, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Permanent Observer Holy See and the NGOs Platform on the Right to Education.

The event, entitled “Young Volunteers and Human Rights” served as a response to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s request to “the international community to support youth as agents of change and development.” The panelist present at the event focused on voluntary activities carried out by youth of different organizations in their respective countries and on governmental contributions.

The Crisis in the Horn of Africa: Promoting a Human Rights-based Approach

The Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights hosted the side event on 23 September, 2011, titled “The Crisis in the Horn of Africa: Promoting a Human Rights-based Approach,” to address the timely topic with the intent of promoting an interactive debate that fosters sustainable solutions toward resolution and prevention. H.E. Ambassador Laura Dupuy Lassare, President of the Human Rights Council moderated the panel composed of highly esteemed speakers.

Though each speaker presented distinct methodologies in their field of expertise, the panel unanimously voiced the need for the international community to take responsibility in cooperated prevention efforts in developing countries before an emergency situation, such as that in Somalia, is at hand. 

The right to education as a driver to the right to development

IIMA is participating, from 3^rd to 5^th October to the 2011 Social Forum on Commemorating the 25^th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development.Before the Social Forum IIMA submitted a written contribution focused on the Right to Education as driver to the Right to Development. The opening day of the meeting, on October 3^rd, IIMA intervened during the interactive dialogue following the Special Procedures’ statements.During the oral intervention, Lorenza Pastore, on behalf of IIMA, called to attention the interdependence of all human rights and the need for States to establish a politically and socially just system that is reliable enough to ensure every person a life of dignity.

Palestine as UN State Member?

In the last days the Palestine’s application to become a United Nations Member State attracted the attention of both the international community and public’s national opinions. The decision of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to request full membership in the United Nations is clearly part of a broader strategy to seek recognition of a Palestinian state. Even if, the recognition of other States is not needed for the establishment of a State under International Law. On the other hand, it is true that recognition by the international community allows a State to fully exercise its sovereignty in its external relations.

Panel on the protection of the identity of indigenous people

On September 20th 2011, a panel discussion on indigenous peoples held at Geneva Palais des Nations concentrated on the report of Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous people, Mr. JAMES ANAYA, which highlighted the impact of extractive industries on the indigenous population and the need for the States to establish appropriate procedures.
 He defined the participation of indigenous peoples in debates and decisions, as fundamental and overdue. While giving examples of good practices carried out in Costa Rica, he invited the Member States to engage in dialogue with indigenous peoples. 

General Assembly President Closes a “Historic” Annual Debate

On 27 September 2011 the President of General Assembly, Mr. Nassir Abdul-aziz Al Nasser, closed the UN annual debate indentifying it as historic and unforgettable.Many steps have been taken on the road to transparency, justice and human rights. According to Al Nasser, government leaders have raised awareness of the fundamental role played by the international community in the ongoing process to build a better world.

The UN International Day of the Disappeared celebrates its 1st anniversary

One year ago the UN proclamated the International Day of the Disappeared. The institution of this celebration is part of a large series of initiatives taken by the UN in order to fight the tragical phenomenon of enforced disappearance. After more than 15 years working on the project, on February 6 2007 the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance was opened to signature in Paris.  Likewise other core UN human rights treaties, the Convention also set up a committee of experts to monitor the implementation of the Convention by the States Parties. The 88 States has indeed to turn in reports to be examined by the CED (Committee on Enforced Disappearances) that has also the task to receive communications by individuals or groups claiming that a violation of the convention by a State party has been committed. The Committee was also created to help the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances which has been until today the only UN mechanism active in the struggle against enforced disappearances during the last 30 years.

Haiti: UN expert welcomes declarations on the rule of law

On September 2^nd 2011 the UN independent expert on human rights in Haiti, Micheal Forst, positively welcomed the last announces of the Caribbean island’s authorities on new legal measures.The most important measure regards the establishment of an independent judiciary, free from any executive influences. In fact, it represents a pillar for supporting the new Haitian justice system. Moreover, Mr. Forst called for the dismissal of the police officers who did not meet the last national certifications, expressing a need of change within its institutional élites. Furthermore, Mr. Forst denounced the risk of an explosion of violence caused by the inaction of the state due to the inadequate health conditions of Haitian prisons.After the impunity cases of J.C. Duvalier and the massacre of the prison in Les Cayes, the UN expert showed assurances that “justice would take its course”.

IIMA and VIDES new project: Voluntary Service and Human Rights

On the occasion of the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011) and the International Year for Youth (IYY), Vides international and Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA) are organizing a training course on the “Voluntary Service and Human Rights” to be held from September 9 to September 21.Committee on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families - CMW and to share their own experiences with the members of the many NGOs present in Geneva. In addition, they will enjoy the occasion to meet up with the government representatives from their own countries as well as officers from the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights

Philippines ratifies the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

On 30 August 2011, Philippines accepted the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC) and deposed its instrument of ratification at United Nations in New York. The ICC, born in 1998, is the first permanent international court with the goal of prosecuting individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.

The new Salesian school in Veyrier, Switzerland, opens its doors. ‘’We will be all brothers and sisters, nobody will feel isolated in this family’’

On Monday August 29, the Salesian primary school in Veyrier commenced the school year as the students excitedly rushed through the hallways exploring their newly constructed classrooms. The school boasts a contemporary-natural design with windows open for a view of the Salève mountain and the surrounding community. The first stone for the site was placed in April 2010 and the construction continued tirelessly to finish the school, just in time for the first day of school.Parents present for the inauguration also surveyed amenities the new building offers and listened to inaugural speeches of the School Director Sr Josephine Puggioni and the Pedagogic Director Ms. Catherine De Noyelle.

A special wish to Sr MariaGrazia for her 50 years of religious life

On 5 August we celebrate Sr MariaGrazia’s 50 years of religious life as Daughter of Mary our Help of Christians (Salesian Sister of Don Bosco). Sr MariaGrazia is Director of the IIMA Human Rights Office since 2007 and she founded the VIDES International in 1987.

Her immense experience in VIDES International allowed her to have a deep knowledge of the Institute that at present she proudly represents in Geneva.

During her VIDES International experience she involved young volunteers in the salesian project encouraging them to open their heart and to adopt the ideals of justice and peace.

At present, in Geneva she is lead by the same enthusiasm and passion in order to touch the Governmental representatives’ hearts. She persistency fights to promote children’ rights and, in particular, to guarantee the right to education for all.

Security Council recommends South Sudan for UN membership

After the referendum of 2005, organized thanks the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which stopped the long civil war between the North and the South of Sudan, South Sudan celebrated its independence on 9 July 2011.

Immediately, the Security Council invited the General Assembly to admit the newborn Republic of South Sudan, as member of the United Nations.

Guido Westerwelle, Foreign Minister of Germany, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency this month, expressed his satisfaction for the application for membership submitted by the President of South Sudan, and for the efforts made by the state in the promotion of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

Tunisia: opening of a new UN human rights office

On Thursday 14^th July 2011, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, will open an UN human rights office in Tunisia in the presence of the current Prime Minister Béji Caïd Essebsi. It is the first time that the OHCHR establishes an office in a Mediterranean North African country.

IIMA participates in the Annual Ministerial Review of ECOSOC

From 4^th to 8^th July 2011 IIMA attended the High-level Segment that held at Palais des Nations, Geneva. In particular, IIMA participated in the Annual Ministerial Review (AMR) that focused on "Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to education”. During the meeting Maria D’Onofrio, of IIMA, presented an oral statement on behalf of the NGO Platform on the Right to Education that involves more than twenty NGOs working in Geneva to promote the Right to Education.

Mrg. Tomasi, Apostolic Nuncio, meets with catholic NGOs in Geneva

On 7 July 2011, Mgr. Silvano Tomani, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Representative of the Holy See to the United Nations in Geneva, met at the Permanent Mission of the Holy See with representatives of catholic inspired NGOs working in Geneva.

During the meeting the Apostolic Nuncio underlined the progresses achieved in the last years, highlighting the high number of joint statement submitted as well as the side events co-organized by several faith based NGOs.

These joint activities transmit to governments in Geneva the unity of the group and the common principles inspiring all NGOs.

South Sudan became the world's newest country

South Sudan became the world's newest country Saturday, 9^th July, 2011, closing one chapter of the Africa's longest and bloodiest civil wars.

There are certainly no blueprints for gaining independence and, experts say, South Sudan's secession boldly goes where no other new nation has gone before.

So what does a territory have to do to achieve statehood?

First of all, international recognition. Any group or individual can declare their own nation, but without recognition from other states, this can be a futile gesture. South Sudan is unlikely to meet resistance since its so-called parent state, Sudan, has agreed to the secession. South Sudanese officials say they are on track for recognition by the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other key bodies.  

Side Event on “The Right to education: key to the MDGs”

On 6 July 2011 the Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the United Nations in Geneva and the NGO Platform on the Right to Education, of which IIMA and VIDES International are members, organized a parallel event on “The Right to education: key to the MDGs, at Palais des Nations, in Geneva. The meeting organized in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Portugal and Morocco, was moderated by H.E. Mr. Gert Rosenthal, Ambassador of Guatemala to the United Nations in New York.