During a formal sitting in Strasbourg, President Ruto demanded new forms of cooperation between the EU and Africa based on mutually beneficial strategies. “Europe has been an ally and partner to Africa for many years,” he said.
Noting that rising living costs, fiscal strain, and migration challenges are weakening international solidarity, he called on the EU to work together with African countries on migration management by addressing the root causes of irregular migration. President Ruto also stressed that world leaders, including Africa’s, must remain alert to the risk of tensions and disagreements escalating rapidly and with costly consequences.
President Ruto paid particular attention in his address to the challenges caused by climate change, making everyone equal “in the face of a shared global challenge, transcending all divides North-South, East-West, developed and developing.”
It is increasingly clear that the international political structures established in the 20th century are no longer fit for purpose, he said, calling for a fundamental redefinition of international cooperation that would move beyond arrangements that perpetuate cycles of indebtedness and dependence.
With 462 votes in favour, 134 against and 30 abstentions, MEPs signal their recommendations for the EU’s strategic objectives ahead of the UN COP28 Climate Change Conference, marking the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
The resolution calls for an end of all direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies, at national, EU and global levels, “as soon as possible and by 2025 the latest”. MEPs also support a global target to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030, together with a tangible phasing out of fossil fuels as soon as possible, and halting all new investments in fossil fuel extraction.
The text asks all countries to strengthen their climate commitments and contribute their fair share to increase international climate financing.
MEPs emphasise the importance of protecting, conserving and restoring biodiversity and want a significant reduction of the climate impact and emissions from methane and sectors such as international shipping and aviation, agriculture, and defence.
Next steps
The resolution constitutes the mandate for Parliament’s delegation, which will attend COP28 between 8 and 12 December.
Background
COP28 takes place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016. The Global Stocktake takes place every five years, with the first-ever stocktake scheduled to conclude at COP28, aims to provide an overall picture of its implementation progress.
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
The UK has a fairly developed interfaith scene with last week named as Interfaith Week. Hundreds of events were held around the UK by interfaith and religious groups to showcase the value of interfaith in society.
One such event was hosted by Sir Stephen Timms, MP and organized by the All Faiths Network and Minhaj Welfare Foundation. The conference was held in the UK Parliament titled Interfaith Works: Living Examples.
The event highlighted the positive impact of interfaith collaboration in addressing societal challenges amidst increasing global conflicts. Speakers emphasized that faiths and interfaith organizations can contribute to improving social conditions, support communities, and provide a space for conflict resolution. It was held during UK’s Interfaith Week – a series of events held throughout the UK every year to strengthen and promote interfaith activity.
Following Sir Stephen Timms welcoming introduction where Sir Stephen emphasised his long support for religions working together, Mr Weightman, Director of All Faiths Network set the background for the conference and underscored the importance of interfaith relations in resolving social discord and building understanding.
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
Summarising the event afterwards he said, “This was a wonderful panel of speakers who approached interfaith from different angles. Academic research and implementation; on-the-ground examples of how interfaith works and how religions can work together; religions helping the wider community beyond their own members and the sharing of faith backgrounds, cultures and arts to bring about greater understanding and help to resolve conflict. There is no doubt in my mind that together we can create a better society and more constructive communities throughout the world if only we use the tools available to us through interfaith activities and have the will to do so.”
Adnan Sohail, Director of Operations at Minhaj Welfare Foundation, emphasized the role of faith-based organizations in serving humanity beyond religious boundaries. “Faith-based organisations play an important role in our societies, especially in their service to humanity because they go beyond religion, colour or creed, helping provide a better life for those living in poverty.”
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
The speakers were Dr Elizabeth Phillips, Director of Education and Engagement at the Woolfe Institue; Mustapha Field, Director of Faiths Forum 4 London; Esmond Rosen, President and Trustee of Barnet Multifaith Forum; Deepak Naik EU Trustee for United Religions Initiative; Neneng Yanti, English for Uluma and Dr. Desra Percaya, Indonesian Ambassador to the UK. The event also welcomed a delegation of 5 Imams and 10 government officials from Indonesia, seeking insights into successful interfaith models in the UK. The organisers plan to do a follow-up summarising the content of the speakers.
During the question and answers period, a question was asked as to whether the government-commissioned Blum Report would have any effect on improving the UK interfaith landscape. This report was issued earlier this year. Mr Weightman responded that whilst it had many positive proposals, such as improving education of, and cooperation between, government officials and religions, it also created an artificial categorisation of “three types of religions” which went against fundamental principles freedom of religion or belief principles and weakened the report significantly. Mr. Rosen also responded saying that it was also a missed opportunity to strengthen and build on interfaith activities in the UK. The report has not been, nor is it likely to be, adopted by UK government.
Photo credit: All Faiths Network UK and Minhaj Welfare Foundation
The conference highlighted the great potential there is for interfaith groups and religions to have a strong supporting and creative role in society but also that more open dialogue is needed between different faiths and other players to build understanding and divisiveness. Faith groups played a significant part in social action initiatives they are involved in to help vulnerable groups and that more government assistance is needed to support these activities.
Leuven, an ideal destination for a romantic getaway: places not to be missed for lovers
Located in Belgium, the city of Leuven is often referred to as a romantic gem. With its medieval architecture, cobbled streets and charming canals, this city is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Whether you have been in a relationship for a long time or have just met, Leuven offers many activities and places to discover together. Here are some places not to be missed for lovers.
First of all, a walk in the city center of Leuven is a must. You will be enchanted by the magnificent Gothic buildings and the lively Grand Place. Take the time to sit at one of the café terraces and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the square. Don’t miss Leuven’s famous town hall either, a masterpiece of Brabant Gothic architecture.
Then, go to the Abbaye de la Paix park. This peaceful park is ideal for a hand-in-hand stroll. You can admire the magnificent French gardens, ponds and sculptures. Take the opportunity to picnic on the grass or simply relax while contemplating the beauty of the place.
If you are art lovers, don’t miss the M museum. This museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art and regularly offers temporary exhibitions. You can discover works by renowned Belgian artists as well as international artists. A visit to the M Museum is a cultural experience to share with your loved one.
For a unique romantic experience, head to Brasserie Domus. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a traditional Belgian beer in a warm atmosphere. You can also enjoy typical Belgian dishes, such as mussels and fries, in this charming setting. Let yourself be carried away by the friendly atmosphere and enjoy an unforgettable evening for two.
If you’re looking for a more active activity, why not rent a bike and explore the surroundings of Leuven? The region offers magnificent landscapes, with its fields, forests and castles. Pedal hand in hand along the picturesque paths and enjoy moments of complicity surrounded by nature.
Finally, don’t leave Leuven without visiting the Stella Artois brewery. This famous Belgian brewery offers guided tours that will allow you to discover the secrets of beer making. You can taste different varieties of beers and learn the history of this iconic brand. A visit to the Stella Artois brewery is both a fun and interesting activity for beer lovers.
In conclusion, Leuven is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. With its medieval architecture, cobbled streets and charming canals, this city offers a unique romantic atmosphere. Whether you love art, nature walks or beer tasting, Leuven will meet all your expectations. So, don’t hesitate any longer and plan your romantic getaway to Leuven, a city that is sure to seduce you.
There are over 11,000 species of birds in the world and only one is tailless. Do you know who she is?
Kiwi
The Latin name of the bird is Apteryx, which literally means “wingless”. The origin of the term is from ancient Greek, where the first letter “a” means “lack” and the rest of the word means “wing”. The name “kiwi” comes from the Maori language, from whose homeland the bird originated.
Kiwi is the only genus in the family of Lepidoptera in the order Kiwipodidae. It is distributed only on the territory of New Zealand. The genus includes a total of five endemic species, all of which are threatened with extinction. Although they call the kiwi a “bird without wings”, this is not exactly the case. The wings of the kiwi are not completely absent, but they have adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle. The kiwi has a characteristic structure of its feathers, their hairs are connected with “hooks” and represent a complex structure that allows the bird to fly or swim, preserving its energy as much as possible.
The Kiwi is endangered
There are only about 68,000 kiwi birds left in the world. Every year their number decreases by about 2% per year. Therefore, New Zealand adopted a plan to increase the number of this species that inhabits its territory. In 2017, the New Zealand government adopted the Kiwi Recovery Plan 2017-2027, the goal of which is to increase the number of birds to 100,000 in 15 years. In the country, the bird is considered a national icon.
What does a kiwi bird look like?
The kiwi is the size of a domestic hen, it can reach up to 65 cm in length, at a height of more than 45 cm. Their weight varies from 1 to 9 kg, with an average bird weighing 3 kg. The kiwi has a pear-shaped body and a small head with a massive neck. The bird’s eyes are also small, no more than 8 mm in diameter. In addition, the kiwi has the poorest eyesight of all birds. The beak of the kiwi is specific – very long, thin and sensitive. In males, it reaches up to 105 mm, and in females – up to 120 mm. The kiwi is the only bird whose nostrils are not at the base, but at the tip of the beak.
Kiwi wings are stunted and about 5 cm long. At the end of the wings they have a small claw and are completely hidden under the thick wool. On the feet, the bird has 3 toes forward and one turned backward, like the rest of the species. The fingers end in sharp claws. The kiwi runs very fast, even faster than a human.
Photo: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC
Addressing the UN-backed body meeting in Rome on Monday, António Guterres underscored that the session was taking place “at a moment of crisis for global food security” and provided some sobering statistics.
“Last year, 735 million people went hungry. More than 3 billion cannot afford a healthy diet,” said the Secretary-General in a video message, adding that “we are going backward on our goal of zero hunger by 2030.”
He emphasized that hunger and malnutrition were not just problems but human rights violations “on an epic scale”, painting a vivid picture of the dire consequences of the rolling crisis.
“When nutritious food is out of reach because of cost or geography; when bodies are eaten away by hunger; when parents watch helplessly as their children suffer and even die from a lack of food”, this is nothing less than “a human tragedy – a moral catastrophe – and a global outrage,” Mr. Guterres stated.
The Secretary-General made it clear the world has the resources to address this crisis. “There is more than enough food to go around. And more than enough resources to ensure that every person on the planet has enough to eat.”
He emphasized the role of governments in ensuring access to nutritious food, saying that while they have a responsibility to provide it, many governments lack the resources to do so.
António Guterres called for effective international solidarity to transform food systems for all people.
For that, explained the UN chief, massive investment, innovation, science, and technology are essential – to build “sustainable food systems in harmony with nature and addressing the climate crisis.”
Thinktank on food supply
He commended the work of the CFS – which includes staff from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) – emphasizing its importance in finding solutions.
“Your Committee’s work is critical to this process. From reimagining agrifood systems, to boosting the collection and use of data, to ensuring that the needs of women and girls are at the heart of all that we do.”
The Secretary-General implored the world to prioritize this fundamental human right: “Let’s give the fundamental human right to food the investment and urgent action it deserves.”
Established in 1974, the Committee on World Food Security was reformed in 2009 to become an inclusive international and intergovernmental platform tasked to ensure food security and nutrition for all.
The dead in Gaza include many teachers, the agency noted in a tweet on Monday. “We grieve and we remember. These are not just numbers. These are our friends and colleagues…UNRWA mourns this huge loss.”
The 13,000-strong agency which operates across the Palestine Occupied Territory has been working tirelessly with other UN humanitarians inside Gaza and across the region, to aid stricken civilians, often at great personal risk.
Determined to forge peace
Through the UN Charter, countries united in their resolve to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”
“On this United Nations Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build the better world of our aspirations,” he said.
Call for unity
The UN chief called on all nations to commit to a future that lives up to the name of the indispensable organization.
“We are a divided world. We can and must be united nations,” he urged.
Commemorative events planned on Tuesday include a concert at UN Headquarters in New York, on the theme of The Frontlines of Climate Action, reinforcing one of the UN chief’s key priorities, ahead of the crucial COP28 summit in Dubai next month.
UPDATED: The bombardment of Gaza has taken a devastating toll on its children said the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF on Tuesday, with a reported 2,360 fatalities and a reported 5,364 injuries suffered.
This amounts to more than 400 children reportedly either killed or injured daily. Additionally, more than 30 Israeli children reportedly have lost their lives, and dozens remain in captivity within the Gaza Strip. The 18-day period is the deadliest escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel that the UN has witnessed since 2006, the agency said.
Almost every child in the Gaza Strip has been exposed to deeply distressing events and trauma.
“The killing and maiming of children, abduction of children, attacks on hospitals and schools, and the denial of humanitarian access constitute grave violations of children’s rights,” said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
“UNICEF urgently appeals on all parties to agree to a ceasefire, allow humanitarian access and release all hostages. Even wars have rules. Civilians must be protected – children particularly – and all efforts must be made to spare them in all circumstances.”
The UN Human Rights Council-mandated Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, called on Israel, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas which controls Gaza, to support its ongoing investigations into “serious crimes” including murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence.
The Commission was established via a Council resolution in May 2021, to investigate alleged violations of international law, including “all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions…including systematic discrimination and repression”.
Presenting its latest report to the General Assembly on Tuesday, the Commission said it “unequivocally condemns the killing of over 1,000 Israeli citizens by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, injuring thousands more and the taking of more than 200 hostages, including children.”
Investigators also unequivocally condemned “Israeli military attacks that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, as well as hundreds of children.”
The Commission called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the immediate and safe return of all hostages.
Chair Navi Pillay said in her statement there were “clear indications that international crimes have been and are being committed.”
In accordance with its brief “and in furtherance of justice and accountability, the Commission immediately began collecting and preserving evidence.”
She said they would “not only focus on crimes and violations but also identify individual criminal responsibility”.
Surgery with no anesthetic: WHO
Doctors have been performing surgeries without anaesthesia or other basic surgical supplies, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said in an update, noting that fuel has become the “most vital commodity” in Gaza.
Without it, “trucks can’t move and generators can’t produce electricity for hospitals, bakeries and water desalination plants,” said Tamara Alrifai, spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA).
To date, fuel has been absent from the aid convoys allowed in so far.
“We are on our knees asking for sustained, scaled up, protected humanitarian operations”, UN health agency (WHO) Emergencies Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region Dr. Rick Brennan said.
Briefing reporters from Cairo, he appealed “to all those in a situation to make a decision or influence decision makers, to give us the humanitarian space to address this human catastrophe”.
Diligence system for aid
The 54 trucks which have crossed into Gaza from Egypt as part of three convoys since Saturday contained a mix of food, medical supplies and non-food items, Ms. Alrifai said.
In comparison, she underscored that before the conflict, 500 trucks used to enter Gaza every day – those included commercial trucks and at least 100 aid trucks, some 45 of them bringing fuel.
Ms. Alrifai stressed that the logistics, coordination, transport and warehousing of the three convoys from Rafah were organized on the Gaza Strip side by UNRWA. Asked about the security risk of any fuel deliveries falling into the wrong hands, Ms. Alrifai explained that as with other equipment UNRWA would be responsible for receiving and handling the fuel, and having it delivered to hospitals and water desalination plants.
“We have in place a very sturdy diligence system to make sure that anything we receive is only used for humanitarian purposes,” she insisted.
Outbreaks ‘just a matter of time’
WHO’s Dr. Brennan highlighted the dire consequences of a lack of access to clean water, compounded by overcrowding. Between one and three litres per person per day were available in Gaza while the absolute minimum was 15 litres, he said.
People were being pushed to consume contaminated water and the spread of infectious diseases was “just a matter of time”.
Dr Brennan also said that WHO was working with UNRWA to establish a system of disease surveillance with daily reports. The most common infectious diseases were respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea, but chicken pox and skin infections like scabies and head lice were also to be expected.
Health facilities overwhelmed
WHO highlighted the extreme gravity of the health situation in the Gaza Strip under Israeli bombardment for over two weeks.
One in three hospitals and two in three clinics were not functioning, and health facilities and workers were overwhelmed with a massive load of trauma cases, many of them complex injuries due to explosions. Dr Brennan cited the example of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which had 1.5 patients for each bed.
With 1.4 million displaced people across the territory, overcrowding was a major challenge to the health system.
“I’ve been working in humanitarian assistance for 30 years and can’t remember that number of people displaced over such a short period of time,” Dr Brennan said.
Medicines boost
Some of the WHO medicines and supplies from the three convoys allowed into the enclave have already been delivered to three key referral hospitals in southern Gaza and to the Palestine Red Crescent Society for distribution to its two health facilities and ambulance crews.
They took boxes of medicines off the trucks and straight into operating theatres
“Health staff were so relieved to have replenishments, they took boxes of medicines off the trucks and straight into operating theatres,” WHO said.
Up to 200 women per day are having babies in Gaza and have trouble finding a safe place to deliver, Dr Brennan warned. More than half of them can be expected to experience complications and risk not getting the care they need.
Furthermore, under constant bombardment, the mental health needs of the population are “enormous”, he said.
‘Mortality will increase’
Dr. Brennan highlighted the plight of Gazans with chronic conditions, including kidney disease and diabetes, who have more and more difficulty in accessing services. He warned that they will experience complications and that “mortality will increase”.
Across the border in Egypt, WHO said that it has additional medicines and medical equipment on standby that are enough to provide surgical interventions for 3,700 trauma patients, essential health services for 110,000 people and care for 20,000 chronic diseases patients.
Lives on the line
Dr. Brennan stressed however that even once supplies get across the border, delivery to hospitals is compromised not only because of the lack of fuel, but also due to the “huge security risks” to UN personnel and partners trying to bring aid to hospitals in an active war zone.
UNRWA’s Ms. Alrifai recalled that the agency was mourning the loss of 35 staff so far, most of whom were themselves displaced and were working inside the agency’s shelters and facilities to assist the 400,000 or so people who have sought safety there.
A total of 40 UNRWA installations have been damaged since 7 October.
Asked about accountability for the deaths and destruction, Ms. Alrifai reiterated the importance of respecting the principles of international humanitarian law in wartime.
“Whatever happened to our colleagues and our buildings is unacceptable – no matter who did it,” she said.
Since the Hamas attacks on 7 October and Israel’s response, anti-Semitism has risen alarmingly in many parts of the world. France, in particular, has recorded more than 1,300 incidents, reported by the police authorities, testifying to the seriousness of the situation.
Azerbaijan, a strong ally of Israel, is engaged in a long-standing conflict with Armenia. This alliance arouses the disapproval of many Armenians, who take a dim view of the proximity between Jerusalem and Baku. In protest, some Armenians have reacted by attacking Jewish symbols in their own country.
On 15 November, individuals threw Molotov cocktails at the synagogue in Yerevan (the capital of Armenia). In a statement, the police declined to say that the building housed a synagogue, but Rimma Varjapetian, a representative of Armenia’s Jewish community, confirmed this to AFP and said that “the attack took place in the early hours of 15 November when the building was empty”.
Demographic decline: Armenia’s Jewish community on the brink of extinction
In the heart of the Caucasian mountains, Armenia is home to one of the smallest Jewish communities in the world. According to a number of alarming statistics, the country’s Jewish population is in constant decline, currently numbering as few as 700. A mass exodus marked the period between 1992 and 1994 when more than 6,000 members of the Jewish community decided to leave their homeland. There were many reasons for this mass emigration, ranging from economic difficulties to security concerns.
Worrying rise in anti-Semitism in Armenia: targeted attacks despite a small Jewish population
Despite the modest size of the Jewish community in Armenia, it is increasingly the target of worrying anti-Semitic attacks. Findings from the Anti-Defamation League report reveal that Armenia stands out as the post-Soviet country with the highest rate of anti-Semitism, with 58% of its population sharing anti-Jewish sentiments.
Recently, a shocking statement was made by Mr Poghosyan, former adviser to the Chief of Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces and former assistant to the Armenian President’s former chief adviser on national security issues. In a video posted on social networks and Telegram groups, Mr Poghosyan stated unequivocally: “I will help Hamas kill Jews”.
The abusive language continues in the video, with Vladimir Poghosyan saying: “You jackals must be completely exterminated. I’m someone who has worked in intelligence all his life and who has carried out operations at the level of your Mossad and even more”. At the start of the video, this former senior civil servant expresses his denialist views, declaring: “I have never recognised the Holocaust” and describing the Jews as “a destructive people who have no right to be on this earth”.
According to the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP), anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish propaganda in Armenia feeds classic anti-Semitic stereotypes. The ISGAP report published in August 2023 highlights the worrying spread of anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish propaganda in Armenia, often associated with anti-Azerbaijani sentiments. This campaign, which resonates with both the authorities and the general public, frequently includes classic anti-Semitic clichés, according to ISGAP’s findings.
The report quotes Colonel Arkady Karapetyan, who told the Armenian news agency ‘Realist’ that “Israeli instructors shot at us to test their weapons… Jews recently celebrated the day of commemoration of the victims of the concentration camps, which was widely covered by the world media. Meanwhile, Israel is actively encouraging the transformation of Artsakh into a death camp.”
On 3 October 2023, the Jewish Cultural Centre in Yerevan was vandalised. A few hours later, Armenian social networks reported that this act of vandalism was to be understood as retaliation for Israel’s sale of drones and other weapons to Azerbaijan and for the recent criticism by dozens of rabbis of the rhetoric used by Armenian officials, who compared Azerbaijan’s actions against Armenian troops and civilians with the Holocaust.
The Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) claimed responsibility for this act. It is worth recalling the historical link between ASALA and Iran. ASALA, founded in 1975, trained in the Bekaa Valley alongside Palestinian terrorist organisations, thus collaborating against Israel.
In conclusion, these examples highlight the danger inherent in introducing classic anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist narratives into Armenian public discourse. In the context of Yerevan’s defeat in the second Karabakh war and the emergence of radical Armenian nationalism, this threat seems to be a palpable reality. It is becoming imperative for Armenia to engage in an in-depth reflection on the consequences of such toxic narratives, both on intercommunity relations and on regional stability.
A commitment to rescue the original meaning of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) emerged at the United Nations (UN) headquarters endorsed by more than 200 political and civic leaders from 40 countries participating in the 5th Transatlantic Summit. It is the New York Commitment celebrating the 75th anniversary of the UDHR.
In this, those present agreed to work to establish enabling environments for family formation and stability; to protect children, both before and after birth; and to respect the freedom of parents and legal guardians to provide for the religious and moral education of their children in accordance with their own convictions. They also pledged to promote respect for the diverse religious and ethical values, cultural backgrounds and philosophical convictions of the peoples of the world.
“We are here to bring to the present, in its original sense, that agreement of 1948, we must return to the human person and, from there, guarantee his or her fundamental rights. It is precisely here, at the United Nations, that our voice must be heard. We claim the basic principles that inspired the UDHR, they are timeless and transcendent principles,” said José Antonio Kast, president of the Political Network for Values, the organising institution of the event.
The New York Commitment 75 for Universal Human Rights gives visibility to a broad consensus that exists on all continents on the need to affirm the dignity of the person and fundamental values, especially life, family and freedoms.
“There are many of us who think this way and are very active in the social, political and cultural spheres, and we believe that there is always room for dialogue. It is our duty to remind those who forget or want to distort the original meaning of the UDHR,” he said.
Likewise, Santiago Santurio, Argentinean national deputy, declared: “It cannot be that today the most dangerous place in the world is the womb, where human life is most at risk. That is where we have to defend it with more strength, with more conviction. And that the State has to protect. And that families must promote it. In the same way that we have to protect families from the abuses of States and governments, in the same way that we have to protect States from the abuses of international organisations. There is a specific case here, the Beatriz del Salvador case, where we run the risk that some people from Costa Rica want to legislate abortion for all the Americas. This is very serious for the defence of human rights and the sovereignty of States. The Beatriz case must be an example that human rights must be defended in international bodies and that these bodies should not be abused in order to inflict the will of States and Parliaments.
Ito Bisonó, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Dominican Republic, pointed out that it has never been more opportune to reaffirm the principles that gave rise to the UDHR in the face of the threats that people’s lives, liberty and dignity, in particular, are suffering today.
Samuel George, member of the Ghanaian Parliament, stressed that the UN Magna Carta enshrines the right to life, the protection that should be given to the family based on the marriage of a man and a woman, the protection of motherhood and childhood, the preferential right of parents to choose the education of their children, freedom of thought, conscience, religion, opinion and expression, which is why it is incomprehensible that international organisations should violate them.
Margarita de la Pisa, a member of the European Parliament, pointed out that these rights, far from being regressive, are the basis of true human development. “Defending life, for example, means a political commitment to prosperity,” she said.
In the same vein, Hafid El-Hachimi, an official of the Independent Permanent Commission for Human Rights of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, said that families are the fundamental unit for the sustainable, cultural and economic development of society, so seeking redefinitions of the family means compromising the future.
Neydy Casillas, an expert in multilateral organisations and vice-president of the Global Center for Human Rights (GCHR) referred to the case of Beatriz, the young Salvadoran woman whose daughter, Leilani, died hours after birth due to anencephaly, and whose case was taken to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights by abortion groups: “Upon seeing this tragic case, abortionist groups who claim to protect women, illegally obtained Beatriz’s medical file, her address and went to her home, harassed her, filled her with fear regardless of her illness (she suffered from lupus) and convinced her that she would die if she did not have an abortion.”
She then addressed the legislators of several countries, warning that their “authority is being damaged, as they have the legitimacy of the people, who gave them a voice to speak on their behalf, so democracy is being ended by silencing them”, she said.
The Paraguayan deputy, Raúl Latorre, also denounced that they are seeking to change the consensus and concept that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights originally represented: “Organisms of international law are openly attacking the right of those who cannot defend themselves, of those who cannot speak”, in reference to the unborn child.
What is the New York Commitment?
In the New York Commitment, the participants of the meeting pledged to form a global alliance for the human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined and universally recognised in the UDHR.
They will work to establish enabling environments for family formation and stability; to protect children, both before and after birth; and to ensure that the freedom of parents and legal guardians to provide for the religious and moral education of their children in accordance with their own convictions is respected.
They also pledged to promote respect for the diverse religious and ethical values, cultural backgrounds and philosophical convictions of the world’s peoples, as well as for the sovereignty of states in matters within their domestic jurisdiction.
A different kind of summit within the UN
The 5th Transatlantic Summit, convened under the theme “Affirming Universal Human Rights – Bridging Cultures for Life, Family and Freedoms”, took place on 16-17 November in Room 4 of UN Headquarters, in the framework of the 75th anniversary of the UDHR. The event was organised by Political Network for Values (PNfV) and its partner organisations.
Participants included Erwin Ronquillo, Minister of Child Protection of Ecuador; Raúl Latorre, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay; Kinga Gál and Margarita de la Pisa, Members of the European Parliament for Hungary and Spain, respectively; Lucy Akello, Member of Parliament of Uganda; Päivi Räsänen, Member of Parliament of Finland; Corina Cano, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Panama; Germán Blanco, Senator of Colombia; Nikolás Ferreira of Brazil; Santiago Santurio, Member of Parliament of Argentina; and Rafael López Aliaga, Mayor of Lima (by video).
Also Lila Rose, President of Live Action; Valerie Huber, promoter of the Geneva Consensus Statement and President of the Institute for Women’s Health; Sharon Slater, President of Family Watch International; Dawn Hawkins, Executive Director of the International Centre on Sexual Exploitation; Neydy Casillas, Vice President for International Affairs at the Global Center for Human Rights; Ádám Kavecsánszki, President of the Foundation for a Civic Hungary; Austin Ruse, President of C-Fam; Brett Schaefer, Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation; and Peter Torcsi, Director of Operations at the Center for Fundamental Rights; among others.
The event is officially supported by the Government of Guatemala and is sponsored by The Heritage Foundation, Center for Fundamental Rights, Foundation for a Civic Hungary, Global Center for Human Rights, International Centre on Sexual Exploitation, Family Watch International, C-Fam, ADF International, The Institute for Women’s Health, International Organization for the Family, and Talenting Group.
The Summit was chaired by José Antonio Kast, founder of the Republican Party of Chile, former presidential candidate in his country, and president of PNfV.
The PNfV is an international network of politicians actively committed to the promotion and defence of life, family and liberties. The Transatlantic Summits are a cornerstone of the Network. They bring together politicians and civic leaders from different countries to strengthen ties, share success stories and best practices, and build joint agendas. They are normally held every two years.
The first Summit was held at the United Nations in New York in 2014, followed by others at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2017, at the Colombian Capitol in Bogotá in 2019, and at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest last year.
