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When the words “United Nations” are heard on the news, they are most often identified with the Security Council or the General Assembly. In reality, the United Nations is made up of multiple agencies that have brought about remarkable changes for persons around the world. Think of these few areas: Peace - http://www.un.org/depts/dpko/dpko/home.shtml 1. Peacekeeping missions: 56 in total; 14 at present 2. Negotiated peace settlements: more than 175 3. Conflicts averted through UN diplomacy: 82 Democracy-building 1. Enabled development of 80 new, independent countries 2. Enabled the establishment of a the body of international law 3. International court - to settle border, economic disputes, etc. Development — http://www.undp.org 1. UN Development Program - Disperses $6.5 billion annually in 130 poor countries 2. UNICEF - a champion for children’s rights, health, labor, education 3. IWAD: spends $25.5 million for refugee assistance and resettlement; $11 billion for safe drinking water 4. World Health Organization (WHO) has almost eradicated small pox and polio; is a major organization for targeting AIDS & SARS 5. World Food Program — feeds more than 83 million people a year. Human Rights – http://www.un.org/womenwatch.org 1. Created, promulgated, and monitored the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 2. Implemented and monitored more than 80 Human Rights agreements on political, cultural, economic, social issues (e.g., women, child, prisoners, indigenous) 3. International Labor Organization (ILO) established labor standards 4. International Criminal Court established for “crimes against humanity” Environment - http://www.un.org/esa 1. Over 300 treaties established and monitored regarding climate change, biodiversity, pollution 2. the UN has spent $3.5 billion on environmental analysis and repair in 150 countries. Women — http://www.un.org/womenwatch.org 1. Through IJNIFEM and INSTRAW, the UN promotes and funds women’s rights, education and development. 2. Monitors and reviews individual country adherence to the Elimination of All Forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW) UN Global Conference www.un.org/csa Mobilized national and local governments and NGO's to act on global issues. Raised awareness of issues and developed international agree¬ments which countries signed and are monitored for adherence, e.g. 1. Rio on Environment - Established Agenda 21 and monitoring commission for sustainable development 2. Copenhagen Conference on Social Development — Established integration of social, political and economic issues and commission to monitor country policies regarding development. Raised awareness of negative effects of economic globalization. 3. Beijing On Women - Provided a Platform for Action, and continues the Commission on Status of Women. Most countries now have laws regarding women’s rights. 4. Financing for Development - Established procedures for the integration of governments, business, and NGOs in discussing development needs and procedures. 5. Millennium Summit — Established Millennium Development Goals and lime lines for poverty. The annual cost of United Nations - $12 billion (well below the cost of the Iraqi war) more than ½ of this is provided by voluntary contributions. The remainder is provided by mandatory assessments of member states. (http://www.un.org) The Chance of a Lifetime | The UN System | MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT | Vincentian Global Network | UN Calendar | Climate Change | Ban - Chamber of Commerce | Ban Ki-moon urges action | Safe water for all | Millennium Development Goals | | Return Home | About Us | What's New | Current Focus | Articles | Great Links | Email Form | |
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