Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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What Was New What's New
Week of January 28, 2008 - February 1, 2008
Security Council Social and Economic Policy Nations and States UN Reform International Justice
Iraq
Iraq Conflict Has Killed a Million Iraqis: Survey (January 30, 2008)
A revised survey by Opinion Research Business (ORB) conducted from August to September 2007 reaffirms earlier research that over one million Iraqis have died since the US-led invasion in 2003. Estimates of mortality in Iraq have been subject to intense debate, however, ORB’s director Allan Hyde, states the group “has no objective other than to record as accurately as possible the number of deaths among the Iraqi population as a result of the invasion and ensuing conflict.” (Reuters)
US Asking Iraq for Wide Rights on War (January 25, 2008)
The Bush administration has drafted a proposal that calls for an agreement with the government in Baghdad. The proposal controversially calls for the immunity of civilian contractors from Iraqi law. Seeking to bypass ratification in the US Senate, this document faces resistance within Iraq as well as from the Democratic majority in congress.
(New York Times)
Discontent Surges in Iraq (January 19, 2008)
According to this Associated Press article, Iraqi citizens blame the government for the lack of basic necessities such as water, electricity and kerosene, with the average Iraqi earning only half of the approximate monthly cost of kerosene. Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s most important supporting political party and the largest Shiite bloc in the Iraqi Parliament, criticized the government’s role in the situation and called for quick action on behalf of the citizens.
Letter from Leaders of Iraqi Parlimentary Groups to Members of the Security Council (December 2007)
The letter concludes: "that the undersigned representatives of the people reject in the strongest possible terms the unconditional renewal of the mandate, and call for clear mechanisms that obligate all foreign forces to withdraw completely from Iraq according to a set timetable, simultaneous with Iraq’s leaving the Chapter VII mandate of the United Nations." Original Arabic TextSecurity Council
Kosovo Independence Declaration Possible in 10 Days (January 30, 2008)
Kosovo could declare independence following the Serbian presidential election on February 3rd states this Reuters source. EU ministers are expected to mandate the deployment of a 1,800 police force to the area next month, which will replace the existing UN transitional authority. Although both the US and EU support the independence plan, Serbian ally Russia has blocked Kosovo’s autonomy at the Security Council, warning that a secession will cause chaos in the Balkans.UN Troops Accused of Human Rights Violations in Haiti (January 21, 2008)
In October 2007 the UN Security Council extended the mandate of MINUSTAH in Haiti. This Centre for International Policy paper critically analyzes the UN mission, stating that it acts as a multilateral cover for US interests in the region and has committed wide-spread human rights violations. Illustrating the suppression of peaceful protests and the killing of innocent women and children, the report notes that the “violent” and “repressive” mission “cannot be characterized as a humanitarian action.”EU Targets Eastern Chad Security within One Year (January 29, 2008)
A hybrid UN-EU peacekeeping force will be deployed within Chad and the Central African Republic by early February. France, a former colonial power, is expected to make up more than half of the UN mandated force, which will attempt to insulate the region from violence in neighboring Sudan. (Reuters)UNAMID Deployment on the Brink: the Road to Security in Darfur Blocked by Government Obstructions (December 2007)
This joint NGO report argues that a calculated campaign of obstruction by the Sudanese government, “interminably delays the deployment of UNAMID.” Criticizing UN member states for a lack of support, the report claims that the people of Darfur will continue to suffer as long as there is no effective peacekeeping force on the ground. The authors call for a strong Security Council Presidential Statement condemning the actions of the Sudanese government, and they demand that UN member states fulfill their commitment in supplying critical equipment.Congo’s Contract Review: Its Strategic and Economic Significance (January 17, 2008)
This Pambazuka report illustrates the strategic and economic importance of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources to Western corporations. Due to vast mineral reserves, "Congo, probably more than any other African nation, has been subjected to repeated external intervention." Highlighting the role of companies such as Tenke Mining, Phelps Dodge and Freeport McMoRan, this report concludes that mining contracts amass spectacular wealth at the expense of the Congolese people.Iran Sanctions Hit the Wrong Target (January 25, 2008)
Renewed Security Council sanctions against Iran will be "ineffective" and have the potential to damage the legitimacy of the United Nations, this Asia Times article states. Questioning the "poor logic" of the P-5 and Germany, Kaveh L. Afrasiabi argues that targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals are unfair and lack rigorous enforcement mechanisms. Furthermore, toughened sanctions against Iran will accentuate the perception of the UN as an instrument of US foreign policy.Eastern Congo Peace Deal Signed (January 23, 2008) UN Sees Risk of Global Recession (January 9, 2008)
A ceasefire has been signed in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo between armed groups led by General Laurent Nkunda and pro-government Mai Mai militia. UN peacekeepers will be deployed as part of the agreement. Africa analyst Muzong Kodi states that both the natural resources within the country and the impunity given to rival warlords as part of the peace deal could undermine the ceasefire process. (BBC)Social and Economic Policy
Food Aid for the Hungry? (January 2008)
This Global Policy Forum report critically reviews the global food aid system. Author Katarina Wahlberg argues that food aid donors fall short in prioritizing the needs of the poor and hungry. Instead, donor countries use food aid to promote their own national strategic and commercial interests. Such food aid not only fails to reduce hunger, it can also harm long-term food security in recipient countries.
UNCTAD’s “World Economic Situation and Prospects 2008” report warns that the world economy may come to a near standstill in 2008, hitting poor countries particularly hard. The main causes of this global stagnation would be a recession in the US and the further descent of the dollar. (Voice of America)Nations and States
Age Structure and the Failed States Index (July 2007)
Population Action International finds that countries with younger age structures score “high” on the annual failed states index of 2007. Although countries with a youthful population generally have great potential for development, they often lack social services, which make them vulnerable to conflict. PAI encourages policymakers to “invest in the well-being of young people.”Iraq Rises Up Failed States Index (June 19, 2007)
The US Foreign Policy magazine and the Fund for Peace ranks Iraq as second in the failed states index of 2007. Only Sudan is less stable, with “bleeding borders” creating a spill-over to neighbouring countries. In total, eight of the ten most unstable states are located in Africa. Countries such as Liberia, Russia and China obtained a better place on the list thanks to their growing economies. (BBC)UN Reform
The Peacebuilding Commission: a Year in Review (June 4, 2007)
In this interview, Carolyn McAskie, head of the Peacebuilding Support Office evaluates the Peacebuilding Commission’s first year of work. McAskie argues that the PBC must cooperate more closely with other UN bodies to achieve sustainable peace in a post-conflict situation. She also pleads for greater involvement of NGOs at the Commission’s headquarters to complement their presence in the field. Speaking about her own office, McAskie argued it should further develop its information support to the PBC and its members. (Center for UN Reform Education)Gender Equality Architecture and UN Reforms (July 2, 2006)
In spite of their promises at the fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, governments have failed to support the UN agencies and programs that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. UNIFEM, for example, suffers from insufficient funding and limited access to decision making. Gender at Work proposes a new entity that can strengthen the UN’s work on gender equality. This entity must be autonomous, well-resourced and have sufficient authority to enforce women’s rights.HRC Establishes New Subsidiary Body (January 11, 2008)
On December 13, 2007 the UN Human Rights Council established the “Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” This subsidiary body replaces the Working Group on Indigenous Peoples and is determined to continue in its footsteps. This report says the new mechanism will give Indigenous Peoples the unprecendented opportunity “to work with states, UN agencies and bodies to address human rights violations.” The body will assist the HRC with thematic expertise mainly provided by five independent experts. (International Indian Treaty Council)International Justice
Ki-Moon Backs Rwanda Bid to Try ICTR Suspects (January 30, 2008)
The ICTR’s mandate will expire by the end of 2008, and Rwanda wishes to take over the tribunal’s caseload. In a meeting with President Paul Kagame, Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon expressed his support for the request, as well as his appreciation for the efforts Rwanda has undergone in preparation. President Kagame has waived the death penalty, detention facilities are improving and significant judicial reforms have been implemented. However, the final decision to transfer cases lies with the ICTR judges. (New Times)Bosnians Consider Del Ponte Legacy (January 24, 2008)
This Balkan Insight article evaluates Carla Del Ponte’s legacy as former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former-Yugoslavia. Del Ponte resigned in December 2007 and Serge Brammertz replaced her in January 2008. Bosnian commentators are disappointed with the meager results of Del Ponte’s term. Though the ICTY has made a number of convictions, former President Slobodan Milosovic died before a verdict was reached and fugitives Mladic and Karadzic remain at large.ICC in the Dock (May 2007)
In this article, author Richard Dowden poses the following questions: “What is the point of the ICC’s justice? Who is it for?” He uses several examples to point out that various wars in Africa were ended through restorative means, which are at odds with the retributive punishment the ICC employs. The author concludes that “peace” and “reconciliation” must be as close to the heart of the ICC as “justice,” which he suspects may be nothing more than a salve for Western consciences. (Prospect Magazine)Peace in Northern Uganda, But Whose Justice? (August 2, 2007)
Authors Baines and Bradbury point out in this Sudan Tribune article that the Acholi of Northern Uganda support a peace that is grounded in local justice mechanisms, rather than the ICC indictments which are considered a barrier to peace and an incomplete form of justice. The authors deplore the current “ICC or nothing” mentality and instead call upon international actors to stop “preaching justice” but to offer resources, expertise and support to bolster the Ugandan judicial system.Death of LRA's Deputy Leader Casts Shadow Over Peace Talks (January 28, 2008)
The LRA’s second in command – after Joseph Kony - Vincent Otti is dead. He was allegedly killed on the orders of Joseph Kony. This IRIN article reports on how the death of Otti might negatively influence the peace talks, as Otti appeared to be exceptionally committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict. However, David Matsanga of the LRA claimed that it remains dedicated to peace and that the peace talks are “solid like a rock of [the] river Nile.” The peace talks resumed at the end of January 2008.
