In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Resolution 62/7 declaring 15th September as International Day of Democracy. The resolution’s preamble defines democracy as ”a universal value based on the freely-expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of life.” The resolution further recognizes that “while democracies share common features, there is no single model of … [Read more...]
CEDAW, “General discussion on rural Women” (contribution call)
July 20, 2013 by
On the occasion of its 56th session, to be held in Geneva from 30 September to 18 October 2013, on 7 October 2013 the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women will hold a half-day general discussion on rural women (article 14 of the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women). The aim of the half-day general discussion is to commence the Committee’s process of elaborating a "General Recommendation on Rural Women". The purpose of the general … [Read more...]
Trafficking of children, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo
July 7, 2013 by
Special Rapporteur Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré July 2013 – Trafficking of children and the issue of defining trafficking topped the agenda today at a first of its kind meeting between an independent United Nations human rights expert and a group of European practitioners working to end this form of modern-day slavery. Speaking at a special meeting organized in Strasbourg, France, by the Council of Europe's Groups of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings … [Read more...]
Cairo, Making sure Every Woman Counts!
June 29, 2013 by
Cairo - Population and development in the Arab region were issues discussed this week in Cairo, during a three-day conference that ended with a declaration highlighting the need to empower women, promote gender equality, and step up efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals. “The status of women is the measure of a nation,” said Sima Bahous, Regional Director of Arab States from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the opening of the event. “A truly developed and truly … [Read more...]
UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Recounts 5-year-Old Girl’s Ordeal
June 25, 2013 by
SECURITY COUNCIL ADOPTS TEXT URGING TARGETED SANCTIONS AGAINST PERPETRATORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE DURING ARMED CONFLICT Rape Largely ‘Cost-free’, Says Special Representative As UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Recounts 5-year-Old Girl’s Ordeal The Security Council today urged the United Nations sanctions committees to apply targeted sanctions against parties committing sexual violence during armed conflict. Ahead of a debate on the subject that attracted more than 60 speakers, the … [Read more...]
Mobile telephony: Empowering women through self employment
April 24, 2013 by
When was the last time you met a truly empowered woman? Well, earlier in the week, I was lucky enough to meet Valiben Macwana, one of the 1.7 million empowered self-employed women's association (SEWA) members. SEWA, based in Ahmedabad, India, is an organization of self-employed women workers who earn their living thanks to their small business. These women do not get a monthly salary, nor enjoy benefits like those of their sisters in the "organized labour sector". And to make … [Read more...]
Ban Ki-Moon speaks with Malala!
April 9, 2013 by
As of 5 April, only 1,000 days remain until the end of the 2015 target date for achieving the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The eight MDGs – which range from halving extreme poverty to promoting gender equality to providing universal primary education by the target date of 2015 – form an internationally agreed blueprint which countries and leading development institutions have signed onto. Since their adoption in 2000, the MDGs have made a huge difference, helping to set global and … [Read more...]
Millennium Development Goals by 2015, have Your Say here!
March 21, 2013 by
Did you know that diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children under five in the world. Around 1.5 million deaths each year - nearly one in five – are caused by diarrhea. It kills more children than malaria, AIDS, and measles combined. Should access to clean water and sanitation be a priority for world leaders in the next development goals? Have YOUR say? HERE: www.myworld2015.org Millennium Development Goals, an Introduction For many industrialized nations, … [Read more...]
