OPAD IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL MEETINGS HELD AT UN HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK, GENEVA, AND VIENNA
49th Session UNHRC: OPAD Side-event/Webinar – ‘Human Rights situation in Afghanistan’
This report provides an overview of the OPAD Side-event/Webinar on ‘Human Rights Situation in Afghanistan’, held during the 49th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The event was organised by the Youth in Business Organisation (OPAD) and featured prominent speakers from the Afghan government, international organisations and civil society.
During the event, the speakers discussed the challenges posed to the protection and promotion of human rights in Afghanistan, including widespread discrimination, gender-based violence, and the lack of access to basic human rights, such as healthcare and education.
The speakers highlighted the need for a comprehensive human rights approach to address these issues, which should include improved access to healthcare and education services, as well as greater protection of women and other vulnerable groups. The speakers also called for increased support from the international community to help strengthen the protection of human rights in Afghanistan. The event concluded with a call for continued dialogue and cooperation to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in the country.
Commission for Social Development 56 Side Event:
POVERTY, A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE
This report provides an overview of the side event on poverty, a threat to democracy, human rights, and climate change resilience held by YIBO Org. The event was attended by a number of experts and activists who discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by poverty in terms of democratic governance, human rights, and climate change resilience.
It was emphasized that poverty is a widespread problem that affects all levels of society and can have a detrimental effect on democracy, human rights, and climate change resilience. Furthermore, the attendees discussed the need for concerted action to address poverty and to ensure that it does not become a barrier to achieving these important goals. The event concluded with a call for governments and other stakeholders to work together to create a world that is free from poverty and provides a safe and secure environment for all.
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round table discussion exploring the importance of the Spanish language in the cultural connection with Equatorial Guinea (Africa)
At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, OPAD took part in a round table discussion focusing on the significance of the Spanish language in the cultural connection between Equatorial Guinea and North America. The event was hosted by the North American Academy of Modern Literature International and was attended by representatives of Equatorial Guinea.
Carl Dash, Ambassador for Humanitarian Affairs of OPAD with the Permanent Representative of Equatorial Guinea, Dr. Lester Rapalo, Vice President of the Bronx Community College, and Dr. Rosalia De la Soledad, President of the North American Academy of Modern Literature International
The discussion opened with a warm welcome from the host, who highlighted the importance of Spanish in connecting the two countries. Participants discussed how Spanish is a bridge that connects the people of Equatorial Guinea and North America, allowing them to exchange ideas, stories, and culture.
The event was a great success, with many of the attendees expressing a newfound appreciation for the language and its potential to bring people together. OPAD was delighted to be part of such an important event and looks forward to future collaborations between the two countries.
At the event, Caesar Campos, Cesar Ordonez, and Carl Dash were presented with certificates and pins for their volunteer service. By The OPAD UN representative Dr Carlos Garcia, the three were at the United Nations Headquarters hosted by Equatorial Guinea and the North American Academy of Modern Literature International. It was a moment of appreciation for their dedication and a reminder of the impact their work is making.
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CSocD55 Side Event. The promotion of mental health and well-being for youth as a strategy for social integration and poverty eradication
This report provides an overview of OPAD’s side event on the promotion of mental health and well-being for youth as a strategy for social integration and poverty eradication. The event was an excellent success and highlighted the importance of taking action to support young people’s mental and emotional needs.
Participants discussed the challenges young people face and how to create an environment that facilitates their social integration and poverty eradication. The event also featured inspiring stories from young people who are actively engaged in making positive changes in their communities. It was an inspiring reminder that we all have the power to make a difference.
OPAD activities at the UNHRC in Geneva and the UNODC in Vienna
OPAD has not held in-person events at the UNHRC in Geneva or the UNODC in Vienna due to the COVID-19 prohibition. Due to this, only 13 virtual interventions and one paper intervention were conducted over the span of three UNHRC sessions (the 46th, 48th, and 49th).
During a single UNODC session, two interventions were conducted in person. Each intervention’s full text is contained in individual attachments. The archives of the United Nations contain all of these interventions.
Text of Ms. Anne Heckendorff’s Intervention on General Debate Item 5 (Human rights bodies and mechanisms) during the 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
“Madam President
Last month, more than 50 million people in Myanmar were subjected to an illegal power grab by a military that has a long record of grave human rights violations.
The breakdown of democratic values and the rule of law constitutes a severe setback not only to Myanmar’s internal peace and development, but potentially also for the stability of the broader region.
Renewed insurgency, the build-up of terrorist hubs in Myanmar’s periphery and subsequent cross-border refugee movements are likely scenarios as ethnic minority groups with decade-long experiences of marginalization are deprived of political means to voice their grievances. Bangladesh and other South Asian States already struggle to provide shelter to more than a million Rohingya refugees, whose hopes to be able to return to Myanmar anytime soon are now more distant than ever.
In order to conceal the dismal state of democracy within their own borders, some States called this illegal coup a mere cabinet reshuffle, thereby preventing a unified response from the international community.
This is disappointing, and an insult to the thousands of protesters risking their lives every day in order to defend their rights.
I call upon this council to prioritize its mandate of ensuring that nations cooperatively secure peace, stability and human rights over considerations for the political and economic biases of some of its members.
Madam President,
I urge this council to re-establish the trust of the people of Myanmar in this UN Human Rights Body and its mechanisms.
Thank you”.
Text Mr. Aaron Magunna’s Intervention on General Debate Item 3 (Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development) during the 46th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
“Madam President,
In 2019 and 2020, following growing diplomatic pressure from the FATF and seemingly not driven by a genuine attempt to combat terrorism, Pakistan arrested Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, two UN-designated terrorists.
These sham arrests exemplify Pakistan’s double-edged approach towards terrorist activities: terrorism is patronized when strategically useful but opposed when it targets Pakistani interests.
This is most apparent in Afghanistan, where Pakistan will now have to adapt to an at least partially Taliban-led government.
An end to violence is unlikely to materialize through the Peace Agreement. Rather, the US-Taliban deal has shifted the focus towards Pakistan as a safe haven for even more terrorists and terrorist organizations. The regained strength of the Pakistani Taliban and recent attacks by ISKP in Pakistan illustrate this.
The current situation is a natural outcome of the well-oiled infrastructure for terror created over decades by the Pakistani Army and its intelligence agencies, and Islamabad’s consistent distinction between good and bad terrorists.
To be clear: this strategy has yielded no benefits for the political and economic wellbeing of Pakistan and the wider region. Until the Pakistani Army abandons this deeply entrenched way of operating, however, this situation will not change.
Madam President,
Terrorism inherently undermines the promotion and protection of human rights.
I urge the Council to hold Islamabad accountable for failing to live up to its legal and moral obligations towards its own people and the international community.
Thank you”.
Intervention on Item 5 – Implementation of the International Drug Control Treaties: (e) Other matters arising from the International Drug Control Treaties – See Attachment: Intervention 15 – UNODC
– Intervention on Item 7: Inter-Agency Cooperation and Coordination of Efforts in Addressing and Countering the World Drug Problem – during the 65th Session of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna – See Attachment: Intervention 16 – UNODC
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52nd Session UNHRC: OPAD Side-event, ‘Climate Change and Human Rights in South Asia’
This report examines the OPAD side-event held during the 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The side-event, titled ‘Climate Change and Human Rights in South Asia’, explored the devastating effects of climate change on the region. It was attended by representatives from various countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
The event highlighted the urgent need for more action to protect the human rights of those living in South Asia. It was noted that climate change has resulted in increased water scarcity, crop failures, displacement of people, and an increase in natural disasters like floods and cyclones. These issues have had a significant impact on the lives of people living in the region, particularly the most vulnerable.
The event also discussed the challenges of implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in South Asia. It was noted that these efforts are hampered by a lack of resources and capacity, as well as the presence of corruption in some countries. The participants highlighted the need for a stronger commitment from governments to ensure that the necessary measures are put in place.
Overall, the event was a success, providing a platform for governments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss the impact of climate change on human rights in South Asia. It was agreed that much more needs to be done to tackle the issue, and that governments need to take a more proactive role in implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
make a differenc
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident.
Intervention on Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan – See Attachment: Intervention 9 – March 2022
– Intervention on General Debate Item 3 (Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development) – See Attachment: Intervention 10 – March 2022
– Intervention on Item 4: Interactive dialogue on the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Myanmar – See Attachment: Intervention 11 – March 2022
– Intervention on General Debate Item 4 (Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention) – See Attachment: Intervention 12 – March 2022
– Intervention on General Debate Item 5 (Human rights bodies and mechanisms) – See Attachment: Intervention 13 – March 202
Written statement submitted on General Debate Item 4 (Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention) – See Attachment: Intervention 14 (Written) – March 2022
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et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.