Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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International Vigil of Protest Call for a Worldwide Vigil
on the
UN Financial Crisis
We call for a worldwide citizens’ vigil on the United Nations financial crisis, to be held on 23 October 1996 – the eve of UN day. The vigil will express our deep concern and show our support for a stronger and more democratic UN. It will protest the delinquency of the debtor states and urge all governments to seek solutions to this crisis and to pay their UN dues in full, on time and without conditions.The UN is now gravely weakened and it faces possible collapse because member states have not paid their dues, owed as a treaty obligation. On 31 June 1996, these debts totaled $2.6 billion. We cannot accept the ruin of the organization that embodies our hopes for the common future of humanity
Some states have been unable to pay because of their own deep economic problems. But several of the world's richest countries are among those most delinquent. Germany and Japan pay their regular dues many months late. And the largest debtor -- the United States of America -- has for many years withheld payments and imposed unacceptable conditions. The US now owes $1.6 billion, more than all the other countries combined.
For nearly a year, citizens from around the world have expressed their deep concern at this crisis and called on the states to solve it. We have passed resolutions, circulated petitions, lobbied with governments and parliamentarians, and even sent thousands of dollars directly to the UN as a token of support. More and more, citizens are alarmed and taking action. But political leaders have failed to give an adequate response .
The vigil will give us an opportunity to make a new and forceful statement, that media, politicians and the public cannot ignore.
We call for local NGO committees to come together and organize local vigils -- silent gatherings or marches at dusk on October 23. Many participants will want to carry candles or small lights. Music may be appropriate to set the tone of the event. Vigils can take place at town halls, provincial and national legislatures, foreign ministries, international organizations, peace monuments or embassies of major delinquent countries.
We call on NGOs and citizens of good will across the globe to join us by organizing and participating. Please let us know of your plans by mid-September. If we work together, we can succeed!
James Paul, Global Policy Forum
William Pace, World Federalist Movement
August 7, 1996
For further contact & information: Global Policy Forum, PO Box 20022, New York NY 10025
Phone +1 (212) 501-7435 Fax +1 (212) 595-8134 Email globalpolicy@globalpolicy.org
World Federalist Movement, 777 UN Plaza, New York NY 10017
Phone +1 (212) 599-1320 Fax +1 (212) 599-1332 Email wfm@igc.apc.org
Vigil Website, http://www.globalpolicy.org
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