UNITED NATIONS, New York, Oct 29 – The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) punctuated its series of interactive dialogues today, with a briefing by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees who rallied Governments to draw inspiration from the world’s 82 million people forcibly displaced who refuse to give up on their quest to build a better life.
In making that call, Filippo Grandi invoked the seventieth anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, celebrated this year, and appealed for renewed international solidarity. “We must never forget that nobody wants to live with the anxiety of exile,” he said, describing UNHCR’s focus on solutions. From Afghanistan and Yemen to Ethiopia and elsewhere, he requested more resources and the establishment of enabling conditions to serve those in need, hindrance free.
He objected to the construction of walls and the outsourcing of asylum management in wealthier countries, stressing that borders should be kept secure without compromising the dignity of refugees. He pointed to several countries in Africa leading the way with naturalization efforts, citing UNHCR’s decision in September to recommend the general cessation of refugee status for those from Côte d’Ivoire after years of exile. “If we are to face the immense challenges before us – conflicts, poverty, pandemics and the climate emergency ‑ we will need to work together,” he assured.
In the ensuing dialogue, delegates praised UNHCR’s lifesaving work while also expressing concern about the rising numbers of refugees worldwide. Morocco’s delegate, on behalf of the African Group, called for a holistic approach to address the root causes of displacement, while the representatives of Egypt and Pakistan, whose countries host refugees, requested more burden and responsibility‑sharing. The representatives of the Russian Federation and Turkey meanwhile sounded the alarm that conditions in Afghanistan are veering towards a refugee crisis. Finland’s delegate, speaking for the Nordic countries, underlined the increase of sexual and gender‑based violence.
Later in the day, Nazhat Shameem Khan, President of the Human Rights Council, updated the Committee on the activities of the Geneva‑based body, pointing to the adoption of four resolutions highlighting the link between the COVID‑19 crisis and human rights. She also drew attention to a resolution establishing a new mandate for a Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, and another text recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
“These resolutions are the culmination of years of work and a result of strong political will and commitment to address a global environmental crisis and achieving environmental justice,” she assured.
The Third Committee will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday, 5 November, to take action on draft resolutions.
FILIPPO GRANDI, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, presenting the Office’s annual report (document A/76/12) said the seventieth anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention marked States’ strong commitment to international solidarity when dealing with internally displaced persons. The same cooperation is needed today. “If we are to face the immense challenges before us ‑ conflicts, poverty, pandemics and the climate emergency ‑ we will need to work together,” he assured. Noting that tensions and conflict occur when resources are made scarce by climate change, he drew attention to climate-related displacement as “a growing reality”, inviting Governments to discuss this matter at the twenty‑sixth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26).
Noting that conflict continues to be the main driver of displacement, he turned first to Afghanistan, where millions of people have been displaced internally and abroad, with Iran and Pakistan and Turkey hosting generations of Afghan refugees. In Yemen, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya and the Central Sahel, UNHCR requires more resources ‑ and the establishment of an enabling environment ‑ to serve those in need. He considered the construction of walls and the outsourcing of asylum management in wealthier countries alarming, stressing that borders should be kept secure without compromising the dignity of refugees. While appreciating the challenges posed by “mixed movements” in Libya and Central America, he said borders can be kept secure without depriving asylum seekers their rights, through processes that are fair and fast.
He said the UNHCR Global Compact on Refugees, affirmed by the General Assembly in 2018, has catalyzed a “whole of society” response to forced displacement, with the World Bank and others supporting host country services to ease the inclusion of refugees. He also pointed to the importance of bilateral donors that have provided billions of dollars to increase the proportion of grants available to refugee‑hosting countries. Touching on reforms within the Office, he said UNHCR has moved staff, resources and decision‑making closer to the field and improved planning and budgeting, while reinforcing risk management and oversight. He also announced that UNHCR published its first climate pledge earlier this year, which includes actions such as reforestation, use of renewables and a green financing facility.
“We must never forget that nobody wants to live with the anxiety of exile,” he said, describing UNHCR’s focus on solutions. He pointed to several countries in Africa leading the way by naturalizing refugees, highlighting UNHCR’s decision in September to recommend the general cessation of refugee status for refugees from Côte d’Ivoire after years of exile. Similarly, he also praised Canada’s actions to welcome settlers and Colombia’s initiatives that led to the protection of 1.7 million Venezuelan refugees. He then identified security concerns as a potential obstacle to the return of refugees, inviting the international community to strengthen the collaboration with countries of origins, including Burundi, Syria and Somalia. Indeed, the world’s 82 million forcibly displaced persons, despite the trials of COVID‑19, climate and conflict, have refused to give up. “My appeal to you today, and especially to the leaderships you represent, is to be inspired by them,” he said.
In the ensuing dialogue, all delegations praised UNHCR’s life‑saving work. At the same time, they also expressed concerns about the rising number of refugees, with Morocco’s delegate, on behalf of the African Group, calling for a holistic approach to address the root causes of displacement and appealing for greater solidarity. Burden and responsibility‑sharing were requested by the representatives of Egypt and Pakistan, who highlighted the large numbers of refugees hosted by their countries.
Regarding the situation in Syria, Lebanon’s representative recalled that her country hosts 1.5 million refugees from Syria, encouraging UNHCR to foster an environment that will ensure aid to Syria for their return. Several delegations also commented on the situation in Afghanistan with representatives of the Russian Federation urging the international community to work together to avoid a refugee crisis and Turkey’s delegate calling for a strengthening of cross‑border mechanisms.
On another note, Finland’s delegate, speaking for the Nordic countries, underlined the increase of sexual and gender‑based violence, inviting Member States to co‑sponsor the resolution that will be tabled. The representative of Italy meanwhile asked the High Commissioner about the best means to ensure the return of children refugees to school.
Also speaking were representatives of Syria, Venezuela, United States, Mexico, Ethiopia, Qatar, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Thailand, Romania, Georgia, Malaysia, China, France, Republic of Korea, Cyprus, Côte d’Ivoire, Greece, India, Canada, Mali, Iran, Bangladesh, Algeria and Morocco, as well as observers for the European Union and the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Mr. GRANDI, responding, highlighted progress related to responsibility‑sharing, noting that development organizations are now factoring displacement into their programmes and financial instruments, while the United States and other countries are increasing resettlement efforts. However, the burden is still very much on host countries, which provide haven for 90 per cent of the 25‑26 million refugees around the world. He called for an increase in financial contributions, resettlement and cooperation in pursuing solutions that end the need for asylum.
In Africa, resource mobilization must be stepped up, he stressed, adding conditions on the continent have generated a series of commitments that are not yet fully concretized. The Secretary‑General’s High‑level Panel on Internal Displacement outlines a few solutions, in particular, to include refugees in the social services of host countries. Or, as Colombia has done, countries could integrate refugees into local economies.
Turning to the situations in Colombia, Somalia and Afghanistan, he said the solution may not be the return of internally displaced persons to their countries of origin, as they are likely to stay where they are. The challenge relates to urban development, he said, recalling the example of Burkina Faso, where people moved to urban centres for safety and then stayed permanently. To this end, UNHCR is ready to provide its expertise to discussions on reducing internal displacement.
“How do we define conditions to return?” Mr. GRANDI asked in relation to the situation in Syria. Guiding decisions on what people will need is what people themselves say, he emphasized, adding that Syrian refugees are asking for security and access to basic services. To establish those conditions, cooperation is pivotal, he said, calling for action to foster sustainable repatriation in areas where there is not yet a peace agreement or stability. In many cases, people want to return, provided that a minimum set of conditions is guaranteed. To find a way forward is always possible, he said.
Turning to the impact of COVID‑19 on education for refugees, he underscored the need to support host community education facilities, calling vaccine inequity “a blatant indicator” of many other inequalities and reiterating his appeal that host countries be prioritized in distribution efforts.
Stressing the importance of refugee‑led organizations, he called for increased interaction at the field level as a key component of support for refugees and internally displaced persons. He went on to voice concern over sexual and gender‑based violence against women refugees, as well as boys, emphasizing that his Office will prioritize a robust response. He also expressed concern about the situation of people discriminated against on account of their sexual orientation. Finally, on Afghanistan, he underscored the priority need for humanitarian action and joint efforts with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian organizations.
NAZHAT SHAMEEM KHAN, President of the Human Rights Council, presenting her report (document A/76/53), said the Geneva‑based body sharpened its focus on the numerous challenges posed by COVID-19 by considering numerous reports, holding five panel discussions and adopting four resolutions to highlight the link between the pandemic and human rights. The Council also examined recommendations on ensuring that human rights are respected during the crisis. It responded promptly to emerging human rights emergencies and convened three special sessions to address the situations in Myanmar, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, and Afghanistan.
Detailing recent developments, she said the Council in July established an international independent expert mechanism to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement. In October, it adopted a resolution establishing a new mandate for a Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, and another text recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. “These resolutions are the culmination of years of work and a result of strong political will and commitment to address a global environmental crisis and achieving environmental justice,” she assured. The Council also held two sessions of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, with a third Working Group session to be held in November. These sessions have benefited from virtual work methods, enabling many States under review to be represented by high‑level delegations participating from their capitals.
She went on to note that the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Trust Fund supported the participation of 19 delegates in the Council’s 2020 regular sessions, with a consensual decision ‑ adopted in March and a record 160 Member States sponsoring ‑ calling for a high-level panel discussion to be held in February 2022 marking the Fund’s tenth anniversary. “As a national of a small island developing State, I am deeply grateful to those who have contributed so generously to this important initiative”, she said, as it allows delegates from around the world to take their unique experiences back home. Turning to the invaluable role played by civil society, she said 260 organizations have participated in meetings throughout the year, sometimes at great risk to their own personal safety, delivering over 900 statements. “It is imperative that we continue to remain inclusive and representative,” she stressed, noting in a similar context the first consensual adoption of a resolution on cooperation with the United Nations in the field of human rights. With that, she urged States to “to build more bridges, to listen to each other and work collectively towards achieving our common goal of guaranteeing human rights worldwide”.
When the floor opened for questions and comments, the representative of the United Kingdom expressed support for the crucial role of the Human Rights Council in monitoring situations and reporting on violations wherever they occur. She asked whether there are any changes to the Council’s work methods and programme that would be beneficial to continue after restrictions are lifted. The representative of El Salvador reiterated her country’s commitment to focus on the rights of migrants, girls, youth and on the relation between human rights and climate change, noting that its work is having a genuine impact in multiple countries. The representative of Indonesia meanwhile warned that COVID‑19 has aggravated the already difficult situation in Myanmar. He called for strengthening multilateralism and universal health rights, including access to vaccines. He asked the Chair to share reflections on the current state of human rights during her presidency, and about the synergy between the work of the Third Committee and the Human Rights Council.
Meanwhile, the representative of Ethiopia underscored the need to preserve the principles of impartiality, objectivity and non‑selectivity, stressing that the Council should focus on the right to development, as well as on economic, social, civil, cultural and political rights. Its resolution 47/13, concerning the situation in Ethiopia, undermines national efforts and the Government’s ongoing work with the High Commissioner for Human Rights. She rejected the text as politically motivated and adopted without consensus, expressing regret over the politicization of the Council itself.
The representative of Syria warned against creating a confrontational atmosphere in the Council through selectivity and the use of double standards, noting that the universal periodic review process should represent the constructive nature of human rights efforts. The Council’s work should be conducted in a transparent manner and refrain from partiality.
Also speaking were representatives of the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Portugal, Australia, Cuba, China, Mexico, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, Portugal and Yemen, as well as observers for the European Union and the Sovereign Order of Malta.
Ms. SHAMEEM KHAN, responding, clarified that the human rights situation in Yemen remains on Council’s agenda and that both technical assistance and capacity building continue to be provided. To critiques of the special procedures, she said these experts visit States upon invitation, issue thematic reports that are equal in application and provide constructive recommendations on the progress of States in their human rights journey. Recognizing the need for dialogue, she said she organized an informal conversation between States and the Coordination Committee earlier this year on the progress of special procedures mechanisms. On increasing the synergy between New York and Geneva, she referred to COVID‑19 restrictions and underscored the importance of visits to bridge the perceived gap between both cities.
12月18日报道，字节跳动旗下的短视频平台美国抖音（TikTok）首席执行官周受资（Shou Zi Chew）今天告诉员工，该公司在美国的业务将由一家新的合资企业运营。 周受资发布的一份备忘录显示，这家新公司名为TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC。该公司作为合资企业的一部分，与美国科技软件公司甲骨文（Oracle)、美国全球私募股权公司银湖资本（Silver Lake）和总部位于阿布扎比的阿联酋国有人工智能技术投资公司MGX 三家管理投资方，签署了合资协议，该交易的“交割日期”为1月22日。 根据美国最高法院今天1月份依据美国国家安全法裁定，总部位于北京的科技公司字节跳动（ByteDance）必须剥离其美国版的抖音TikTok业务，否则将面临在美国被禁止的后果。 美国总统特朗普今年9月签署了一项行政命令，批准了一项拟议交易将使美国版抖音TikTok符合前总统拜登签署的法律要求，从而使其能够继续在美国运营。 周受资指出，新的美国抖音TikTok合资企业将“由美国投资者控股，由一个新的7人董事会管理，该董事会成员多数为美国人，并且该企业将遵守保护美国用户数据和美国国家安全的条款。” 该备忘录称，这家美国合资企业将由包括甲骨文、银湖资本和MGX公司在内的新投资者组成的财团持有50%的股份，每家持有15%。略高于30%的股份将由字节跳动某些现有投资者的关联公司持有，近20%的股份将由字节跳动保留。 周受资还表示，该实体将负责保护美国用户数据，确保其核心算法的安全、内容审核以及“软件安全”。…
12月18日华盛顿报道，美国总统特朗普今天签署了一项行政命令，指示联邦机构重新对大麻进行分类，放宽了长期以来对该药物的限制，标志着美国大麻政策半个多世纪以来影响最为深远的转变。 该命令一旦由美国缉毒局（DEA）最终确认，将把大麻从《管制物质法》中与海洛因和摇脚丸（LSD）并列的最严格类别一级管制药物——移至三级管制药物。三级管制药物涵盖了具有公认医疗用途且滥用可能性较低的物质，例如氯胺酮和含可待因的泰诺。 特朗普总统今天在白宫椭圆形办公室表示。这项行动是应遭受剧烈疼痛、不治之症、侵袭性癌症、癫痫、神经系统疾病等折磨的美国患者的要求而提出的，其中包括众多因服役受伤的退伍军人，以及患有严重影响生活质量的慢性疾病的老年人。” 由梅赫迈特·奥兹（Mehmet Oz）领导的美国医疗保险和医疗补助服务中心（CMS）预计将于4月启动一项试点项目，允许部分享受联邦医疗保险（Medicare）的老年人免费获得医生推荐的大麻二酚（CBD）产品。 据白宫高级官员透露，这些产品必须符合所有地方和州关于质量和安全的法律法规。此外，这些产品必须来自合法渠道，并经过第三方检测，以确保其大麻二酚含量和不含污染物。 消息公布后，各大麻公司股价涨跌互现。许多分析师认为，此次重新分类是为大麻行业注入的一剂强心针。此举使相关公司免受美国国税局（IRS）第280E条的约束，首次允许他们扣除租金和工资等标准支出。此外，这也为此前因合规担忧而受阻的银行贷款和机构资本敞开了大门。 华尔街许多人士也预计，这些变化以及联邦医疗保险试点项目将吸引大型制药公司进入该领域，以追逐联邦政府的保险收入。 尽管近年来大麻二酚的受欢迎程度飙升，从气泡水到护肤品，各种消费品都添加了大麻二酚成分，但美国食品药品监督管理局尚未给予该化合物完全的支持。 有报道称，研究发现大麻二酚对特定疾病的疗效“并不稳定”，而美国食品药品监督管理局（FDA）资助的研究则警告称，长期使用大麻二酚会导致肝毒性，并干扰其他救命药物的疗效。目前，美国仅批准了一种大麻二酚药物 Epidiolex 用于治疗罕见类型的癫痫。 特朗普总统指出：“我想强调的是，这项行政命令……绝不以任何方式、任何形式使大麻合法化，也绝不认可将其用作娱乐性药物。”
12月18日佛州萨拉索塔报道，特朗普媒体与科技集团（TMTG）今天宣布将与聚变能源公司TAE合并，交易金额超过60亿美元，旨在利用这项新兴技术为耗能巨大的人工智能数据中心提供动力。该合并消息今天上午公布后，总部位于佛罗里达州萨拉索塔的特朗普媒体与科技集团股价上涨3.37美元，涨幅高达32%，至13.84美元。 TAE是一家私营科技公司，致力于开发通过原子核聚变产生能量的技术。特朗普媒体与科技公司旗下拥有特朗普总统的社交媒体平台“真实社交”(Truth Social）。 此次合并正值特朗普媒体与科技集团的股价艰难的一年，其股票代码为DJT，与特朗普总统的姓名首字母相同。截至12月17日，该公司股票今年以来已下跌69%，而同期标普500指数上涨了14%。 对于特朗普媒体与科技集团而言，此次合并标志着该公司战略的又一次转型，该公司于2021年成立，专注于保守派社交媒体领域。 近年来，该公司已转型超越其科技企业的根基。今年早些时候，该公司达成协议，筹集25亿美元用于购买比特币，建立加密货币储备。此外，该公司还推出了奉行“美国优先”战略的投资基金。 特朗普传媒与科技集团首席执行官、前加州议员努内斯（Devin Nunes）在今天与投资者的电话会议上表示，与TAE的合并是公司“美国优先”原则的延续。 努内斯在电话会议上说：“聚变能将降低能源价格，增强国防实力，并确保美国在人工智能技术领域的主导地位所需的能源供应。” 努内斯补充道：“此次合并将使合并后的公司能够引领全球人工智能革命，并开启美国能源复兴。” 努内斯表示，公司合并完成后，将“迅速寻求审批，以选址并建造公司首个公用事业规模的发电厂”。“我们预计将于2026年底前开始选址，这将使我们走上建设未来350兆瓦至500兆瓦发电厂的道路。” 据国际四大会计事务所之一的德勤（Deloitte）今年早些时候发布的一份报告显示，随着科技公司在美国各地建设人工智能数据中心，其电力需求正“呈指数级增长”。该会计事务所指出，到2035年，人工智能数据中心的电力需求可能增长30多倍，从去年的4吉瓦增至123吉瓦。 努内斯在一份声明中表示，聚变能将被证明是“自20世纪50年代商业核能出现以来最引人注目的能源突破”。 根据两家公司今天发布的声明，努内斯将与TAE科技公司首席执行官宾德鲍尔（Michl Binderbauer）共同担任新公司的首席执行官。
12月18日华盛顿报道，美国国务院12月17日晚宣布了一项价值超过100亿美元的对台大规模军售计划，其中包括中程导弹、榴弹炮和无人机。如果获得美国国会批准，这将是美国对台湾有史以来最大的一笔军售，超过了民主党人拜登总统时期对台军售总额84亿美元。 美国国务院在一份声明中表示，对台军售符合“美国的国家、经济和安全利益，有助于支持接收方继续努力实现武装部队现代化，并维持可靠的防御能力。拟议的军售将有助于提高接收方的安全，并有助于维护该地区的政治稳定、军事平衡和经济发展。” 该项军售协议包括82套高机动性多管火箭系统（HIMARS）和420枚陆军战术导弹系统（ATACMS)，这些武器与拜登政府时期美国向乌克兰提供的用于抵御俄罗斯的武器类似，总价值超过40亿美元。此外，协议还包括60套自行榴弹炮系统及相关设备，价值超过40亿美元，以及价值超过10亿美元的无人机。 其他军售项目包括价值超过10亿美元的军事软件、价值超过7亿美元的“标枪”和“陶式”反坦克导弹、价值9600万美元的直升机零部件以及价值9100万美元的“鱼叉”导弹翻新套件。 据台湾地区国防部门称，该军售协议总额达111.5亿美元。该部门今天在一份声明中感谢美国此次军售，将有助于台湾维持“足够的自卫能力”并增强威慑力，并称台湾加强防卫“是维护区域和平稳定的基础”。 台湾地区外交部长林佳龙也感谢美国“长期以来对区域安全和台湾自卫能力的支持”，他表示，这对于威慑台湾海峡的冲突至关重要。 此次军售之际，台湾当局承诺明年将国防支出提高到岛内生产总值的3.3%，并在2030年达到5%。此前，特朗普总统和五角大楼要求台湾将国防支出提高到GDP的10%，该比例远高于美国及其任何主要盟友的国防支出。这一要求遭到了台湾反对党国民党和部分民众的反对。 台湾地区领导人赖清德上个月宣布了一项400亿美元的特别预算用于武器采购，其中包括建造一个名为“台湾穹顶”的高级探测和拦截能力的防空系统。这笔预算将在2026年至2033年的八年内分期拨付。 美国增加对台湾的军事援助已在国会通过的法案中有所体现，预计特朗普总统将很快签署该法案。 中国外交部发言人郭嘉昆今天在北京例行记者会上表示，美方公然宣布巨额售台先进武器计划，严重违反一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，严重损害中国主权、安全和领土完整，严重破坏台海和平稳定，向“台独”分裂势力发出严重错误信号。中方对此坚决反对、强烈谴责。 郭嘉昆指出，岛内“台独”分裂势力“以武谋独”“以武拒统”，大肆挥霍老百姓血汗钱购买武器，不惜把台湾变成“火药桶”，挽救不了“台独”必然灭亡的命运，只会加速把台海推向兵凶战危的境地。美方“以武助独”只会引火烧身，“以台制华”绝对不会得逞。 郭嘉昆强调，台湾问题是中国核心利益中的核心，是中美关系第一条不可逾越的红线。任何人都不要低估中国政府和中国人民捍卫国家主权和领土完整的坚定意志和强大能力。中方敦促美方恪守一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，落实美国领导人所作严肃承诺，立即停止武装台湾的危险行径。中方将采取坚决有力措施捍卫国家主权、安全和领土完整。
12月17日华盛顿报道，美国总统特朗普今晚黄金时段在白宫向全美发表讲话，重点介绍了他在2025年外交、经济、国防、移民和边境政府诸多领域所取得的杰出成就，以及未来三年任期的目标。此次讲话时长约20分钟。 特朗普总统在讲话中宣布，美国政府将在圣诞节前向美军每人发放1776美元的“战士分红”。 特朗普总统在讲话中指出，他将很快提名一位新的美联储主席，并承诺这位人选“坚信应该大幅降低利率”。 特朗普总统在讲话中谈到医疗保健费用问题时表示，由于一系列增强版《平价医疗法案》税收抵免措施将于今年年底到期，这个问题已成为许多美国人日益关注的焦点。特朗普总统强调，用于保险补贴的资金应该“直接惠及民众”，而不是流向保险公司。
12月17日加州安大略市报道，安大略国际机场（ONT）官方正为冬季假期预计创纪录的客流高峰做准备，以节日气氛欢迎各位旅客。据该机场预测，在为期 18 天的冬季假期出行期，旅客人数将超过 36.2 万，比去年增长 2.2%，创下该机场历史新高。 该机场出行期将从12月18日周四持续至1月4日周日，其中最繁忙的日期预计为12月21日周日22804人次，12月19日周五22353人次，以及12月28日周日 22167人次。 根据当前时刻表，各航空公司将在该机场提供超过 46.5 万个座位、2808 个抵达和出发航班，以满足假期出行需求。 安大略国际机场管理局首席执行官阿提夫·埃尔卡迪（Atif…