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11 November 2013
The Chinese Foreign Ministry urges states to come back to the negotiating table, after the six-party talks between North and South Korea, China, the US, Russia, and Japan stalled in 2009. Since the end of talks, North Korea has conducted to nuclear tests and China has been lobbying to reopen negotiations in order to ensure security of the Korean Peninsula. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, stated ‘there’s a common interest and shared responsibility to find a resolution to the impasse.’
Source: UPI | China presses for talks with North Korea
11 November 2013
In its judgment of 11 November on the Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand), the International Court of Justice, apart from deciding that Cambodia had sovereignty over the whole territory of the promontory of Preah Vihear, noted that the Temple of Preah Vihear is a site of religious and cultural significance for the peoples of the region and is now listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. It recalled that under Article 6 of the World Heritage Convention, to which both states are parties, ‘Cambodia and Thailand must co-operate between themselves and with the international community in the protection of the site as a world heritage. In addition, each State is under an obligation not to “take any deliberate measures which might damage directly or indirectly” such heritage’.
Source: ICJ | Request for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning the Temple of Preah Vihear (Cambodia v. Thailand) | Judgment | 11 November 2013
11 November 2013
The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe published a report on the accountability of international organisations for human rights violations. The report, written by Rapporteur Mr. José Maria Beneyto, Spain, Group of the European People’s Party, identifies lacunae in the protection of individuals against human rights infringements by international organisations. By virtue of the separate legal personalities of international organisations, their member states are in general not responsible for their acts. This opens an accountability gap, where the conferral of legal personality to international organisations is not accompanied by effective accountability mechanisms. Additionally, member states can use the organisations as a shield from liability. The report notes that the most serious challenges are the lack of fora where the individual could implement accountability of international organisations, as well as procedural obstacles, such as immunity before national courts.
The report offers a number of suggestions in response to these problems. For example, it suggests that organisations should waive immunity when it is not required to ensure the independent fulfillment of its functions. Additionally, the report urges international organisations to establish internal mechanisms for accountability of human rights violations.
Source: Council of Europe | Parliamentary Assembly | Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights | Accountability of international organisations for human rights violations
8 November 2013
UN officials say partnerships, such as government collaboration with the private sector and civil society, are necessary for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs were set during the UN Summit 2000 to be achieved by 2015 and included such goals as poverty eradication, education, gender equality, child and maternal health, environmental stability, and HIV/AIDS and malaria reduction.
Considering many of the MDGs have still not been met, partnerships are critical in order to achieve these goals by the deadline. Abdou Salam Diallo, Ambassador of Senegal and Chair of the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly, noted that while poverty, inequalities, environmental threats, and conflict still exist at significant levels, with human potential and resources, which partnerships could provide, these problems can be solved.
President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Néstor Osorio, stated ‘[a]s Governments are given tremendous responsibilities in implementing national policies to achieve the MDGs, support from the private sector has become even more crucial. Indeed, it is clear that both governments and the international community can benefit greatly from the expertise, resources and capacities provided by the private sector.’
Source: UN News Centre | Partnerships vital for addressing sustainable development challenges – UN officials
8 November 2013
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2012 and carbon dioxide, such as fossil fuel emissions, account for 80 percent of this increase, according to the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO). As a result, the weather is becoming more extreme, glaciers are melting, and the sea levels are rising. Such result, ‘will jeopardize the future of our children, grandchildren and many future generations,’ said WMO Secretary-General, Michel Jarraud.
The Emissions Gap Report 2013, produced by scientific groups set up by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), state wide-ranging global action is crucial to solve the emissions problem. This report also warned that if the international community fails to act, global temperatures will rise, causing a wide range of new challenges. UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner states, ‘delayed actions mean a higher rate of climate change in the near term and likely more near-term climate impacts, as well as the continued use of carbon-intensive and energy-intensive infrastructure.’ As a result developmental choices will be limited and it will become more difficult to introduce climate-friendly technology in the pursuit to lead the global community to a sustainable, green future. However, Mr. Steiner noted that environmental goals can still be met by 2020 with increased international cooperation in energy efficiency, fossil fuel subsidy reform, and renewable energy.
Source: UN News Centre | Amount of greenhouse gases in atmosphere reach record high, says UN agency