Tag Archives: UNGA
10 April 2014
On 9 April, the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) launched joint talks to mobilise new and existing multi-stakeholder development partnerships. ECOSOC President Martin Sajdik stated in the first session of the two-day event that ‘we must mobilize our joint efforts to utilize the full potential of a partnership approach. These partnerships should be formed at all levels, from grassroots to national, regional and global.’ (more…)
Source: UN News Centre | UN Assembly, Economic and Social Council launch joint talks on development partnership
28 October 2013
On 28 October, the President of the International Law Commission (ILC) informed the 6th Committee of the General Assembly that the ILC had decided to include in its work programme the topic ‘Protection of the Atmosphere’, but that the work on the topic would proceed in a manner so as not to interfere with relevant political negotiations, including on climate change. Also, it will not deal with, but is also without prejudice to, questions such as liability of states and their nationals, the polluter pays principle, and common but differentiated responsibilities.
The report of the ILC on the work of its 65th Session, available on the UN website, indicates that the outcome of the work on the topic will be draft guidelines that ‘do not seek to impose on current treaty regimes’.
The President made his statement at the start of the consideration by the 6th Committee of the work of the ILC, which will continue in the next few weeks.
Source: United Nations | International Law Commission | Report of the sixty-fifth session (2013) | General Assembly | A/68/10
Source: United Nations | International Law Commission | Current Programme of Work | Protection of the atmosphere
13 September 2013
Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated on 11 September 2013 that the UN was responsible for a ‘collective failure’ to halt more than two years of terrible violence in Syria.
The President of the United Nations General Assembly Vuk Jeremic stressed on 12 September 2013 the need for a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis and said that ‘if allegations regarding the use of chemical agents by a party to the conflict are proven accurate, Member States should unite and develop an appropriate response, in full respect of international law, including the centrality of the Security Council’s role under the UN Charter.’
Source: UN News Centre | UN General Assembly President urges international push for diplomatic solution to Syrian crisis
Source: The New York Times | U.N. Leader Admits Failure to Halt Syrian Atrocities
4 April 2013
On 2 April the General Assembly voted in favour of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with an overwhelming majority of 154 to 3 with 23 abstentions. The ATT addresses the irresponsible international trade in conventional arms, and prohibits states from authorizing the export of conventional weapons if there is an overriding risk that they could be used to commit or facilitate serious human rights abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law. The ATT will open for signature on 3 June and enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the fiftieth signatory.
Source: UNGA/11354 | Overwhelming Majority of States in General Assembly Say ‘Yes’ to Arms Trade Treaty to Stave off Irresponsible Transfers that Perpetuate Conflict, Human Suffering
Source: The New York Times | U.N. Treaty Is First Aimed at Regulating Global Arms Sales
Source: Reuters | U.N. overwhelmingly approves global arms trade treaty