Sixteen Members of Congress representing the SNY Division, including our chapters within it, were re-elected on November 8th. Since Congress is expected to adjourn around December 15th, we are asking our members meet with their representatives in their District offices to discuss continued support for the vital work of the United Nations.  

We especially seek support for four issues of UNA-USA's 2016 Advocacy Priorities:

*Full Funding for the UN

*Refugee services

*Sustainable Development Goals / Humanitarian Crisis  

*Climate Change.

Backgrounders on these issues as well as suggestions for discussion can be found here.

Here is a short summary of these four issues.

Funding: Full funding includes paying the UN regular budget dues and peacekeeping dues. UN Peacekeepers are working to maintain peace and security in 16 zones on four continents.  As conflicts wind down, there is much work to be done to stabilize the society:  addressing the needs of the people for food and shelter, rebuilding schools, hospitals and government institutions, organizing elections, demobilizing former combatants, preventing renewed conflicts.  All this work is protected by UN Peacekeepers who come from many countries and do their work at much lower cost than U.S. troops would incur.

Refugees: The number of refugees and displaced persons in the world now exceeds 65 million. The UN always takes the lead in organizing services for victims of humanitarian crises resulting from natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts and floods. Conflicts in the Middle East and Africa have added to the crisis. The UNHCR, UNICEF and the World Food Program do the initial work of providing for the basic needs of people: food, clothing, shelter. They set up refugee camps that eventually include providing schools, health care and employment opportunities. People may spend years in these camps as UNHCR attempts to have them resettled. Refugees coming from the Middle East to the U.S. for resettlement have followed an established process that takes about two years to complete. Before they leave the camp, they have been vetted first by UNHCR and later, by the U.S. State Department, and then assigned for resettlement in selected communities in the U.S.  We ask that our government continue to resettle refugees who are unable to return to their countries of origin.

Sustainable Development Goals: At the start of the 2015 UN General Assembly meeting, the Sustainable Development Goals (or Global Goals) were adopted. They are designed to improve the standard of living for all people. They address the basic needs of people: poverty reduction, education, health care, gender equality, clean energy, clean water and sanitation, an opportunity to work. They also require governments to set up strong institutions that would provide peace and justice in their communities.

Climate Action: Providing a sustainable environment is the goal of several of the SDGs which include climate action and protecting the seas and the land. The Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increases by controlling greenhouse gas emissions was adopted by the UN member countries in December 2015 and went into effect on November 7th, the day before the U.S. election. The U.S. had been a prime mover in reaching the agreement. We ask that our government implement the EPA's Clean Power Plan and contribute to the Green Climate Fund that will help poor countries control their emissions and adapt to climate change.

 

If you would like to join a group making a local visit to your Member of Congress, contact your Chapter leaders or the SNY Division Vice President for Advocacy, Margaret Shannon, at [email protected]

 

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.

This year, Human Rights Day calls for everyone to stand up for rights! 

Many of us are fearful about the way the world is heading. Disrespect for basic human rights continues to be wide-spread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence. Messages of intolerance and hatred prey on our fears. Humane values are under attack. 

We must reaffirm our common humanity. Wherever we are, we can make a real difference. In the street, in school, at work, in public transport; in the voting booth, on social media.

The time for this is now. "We the peoples" can take a stand for rights. And together, we can take a stand for more humanity.

It starts with each of us. 

Step forward and defend the rights of a refugee or migrant, a person with disabilities, an LGBT person, a woman, a child, indigenous peoples, a minority group, or anyone else at risk of discrimination or violence. 

Thursday, December 8

Westchester Chapter

Sunday, December 11

Program: Human Rights Day-- "Shining Light on a Dark World: South Sudan"

      Speakers: Jean-Victor Nkolo, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Africa 

      and Nya Chambang, Thon Met African Peace Foundation, Inc

      United Nations Video Screening:  "South Sudan--In Their Own Words: Ken Payumo's Story"

      Harrison Public Library

      2 Bruce Avenue

      Harrison

      2:00 - 4:30 pm

Sunday, December 17

Panel Discussion: T he Work of the UN

Preparing today's youth and educating the community on the role, focus, 

and mission of the United Nations

      Greenburgh Public Library
      100 Tarrytown Rd.
      Elmsford, NY 10532

      12:00 - 3:00 pm

Organized with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Visit the UNA Westchester website for more information and to RSVP.

Wednesday,  Oct. 26

Manhattan/NY Chapter

Westchester Chapter

UN Day Program