Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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Statement by Nordic UN Movements on Financial Crisis
Appeal issued by
March, 1996
the Nordic UN Movements
We, the popular movements of the United Nations in the Nordic countries, appeal to Member States of the UN:
To pay their assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peace-keeping operations. Outstanding contributions from Member States amount to more than 3.2 billion dollar, which has brought the work of the world organization to an extremely difficult economic situation.
To note that among debtors is the United States of America-one of the richest and most powerful states of the world, and a permanent member of the Security Council. This brings upon the United States a special responsibility. The U.S. owes more than one billion dollar to the UN. Therefore, we specially appeal to this Nation to pay immediately its assessed contributions in arrears.
To confirm that Member States are morally obliged to secure the existence of the world organization for the cause of peace; to observe internationally recognized human rights; and to bring about in the international community social justice and a sustainable development for present and future generations.
To agree that discontent with the UN shall be lodged before the organization in a critical, but constructive manner. Not to pay or to delay payments of contributions is not a constructive way of promoting a dialogue or changes in the Organization.
To stress that Member States have the moral obligation to seek a solution to the UN's economic crisis and to reform the Organization, so it can be more effective and streamlined. We, the popular movements of the United Nations in the Nordic countries:
Support UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali's urgent request to Member States to show responsibility and immediately pay their assessed contributions to the regular budget and peace-keeping operations.
Support the political forces and Member States demanding that a Special Session of the General Assembly be held this year to solve at once the financial situation of the UN.
Urge the Special Session to work out a new system of assessed contributions so that no Member States shall pay more than 20 per cent of the United Nations regular budget.
Urge furthermore that the Special Session examine if additional financial resources could be provided to the UN through , for instance, international taxes on arms trade/arms production, air tickets, international communications, financial transactions across borders, and so on. We, the popular movements of the United Nations in the Nordic countries:
Demand a strengthened and reformed UN - politically and economically - so that the problems of the world community can be solved through international cooperation among the 185 Member States of the UN.
Propose that the UN enlarge and strengthen cooperation with the Interparliamentarian Union, so parliamentarians are held more responsible for the development of the UN.
Are ready to take on a greater part of and joint responsibility for the activities of the UN, and want political support to the creation of an NGO Forum in the UN - as suggested by the Carlsson/Ramphal commission report "Our Global Neighbourhood". An NGO Forum where the popular organizations can put forward proposals, attitudes and criticism of the UN.
Realize that the UN is only as efficient and strong as Member States make the organization. Therefore:
We support this appeal to the Member States, and by that show the deeply rooted engagement of the popular movements in the UN.
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