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WFUNA Statement on the UN Financial Crisis Appeal
WFUNA Statement
We, the popular movement for the United Nations represented in the World Federation of United Nations Associations appeal to Member States of the UN:
To pay their assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peace-keeping operations promptly and in full. Outstanding contributions from Member States amount to more than 3.2 billion dollars, which has brought the work of the world Organization to an extremely difficult 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 US owes more than one billion dollars to the UN. Therefore, we specially appeal to this nation to pay immediately its assessed contributions and to commit itself to a schedule to pay off its 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 financial crisis and to reform the Organization, so it can be more effective and streamlined.
We, the popular movement for the United Nations represented in the World Federation of United Nations Associations,
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 based on an objective calculation of capacity to pay and to assure that no single Member State pay a disproportionate share of the assessed budgets.
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 productions, air tickets, international communication, financial transactions across the orders or other innovative ideas.
We, the popular movement for the United Nations represented in the World Federation of United Nations Associations:
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.
Underline that the UN can only be 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.
Geneva, March 26, 1996
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