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.
AMTV/Geneva, May 18 - In an historic milestone for global public health, State Parties today…
全美电视5月18日纽约报道，在离2024年美国大选投票日不到6个月的时间，美国广播公司（ABC News）新闻频道和Ipsos本月一项民意调查显示，85%的受访者表示，通胀是一个重要问题，更多美国成年人认为对前总统特朗普（Donald Trump）在通胀问题上的比拜登总统更加可信，特朗普以两位数的优势高过拜登。 该项民意调查发现，物价上涨仍是美国选民最担心的问题。总的来说，85%的受访者认为通货膨胀是一个重要的问题，使其成为接受调查的美国成年人中，第二优先考虑的问题。 经济的首要问题也与个人对价格上涨的看法有关。 在这两个问题上，接受民意调查的美国成年人表示，他们相信特朗普以14个百分点的优势压倒拜登。 美国物价上涨已从最近9%左右的峰值大幅放缓，但通胀率仍比美联储（Fed）2%的目标利率高出一个多百分点。 根据美国劳工统计局（BLS）本周的数据，美国汽油和住房成本上升占上个月房价上涨的70%。布鲁金斯学会（Brookings Institution）治理研究项目高级研究员卡玛克（Elaine Kamarck）对美国广播公司新闻表示：“通胀绝对会影响到所有人。” “人们注意到这一点，不管他们是富人还是穷人。” 在回应美国广播公司新闻的置评请求时，拜登竞选团队发表了一份声明，宣传拜登总统的经济成就。 “这一切都在今年11月发生：如果特朗普踏上椭圆形办公室，他将把完成这一进展、将就业岗位运送到中国，并将成本推到屋顶上。” 选民们希望有一个能让他们的生活更好的候选人，而拜登是唯一愿意的候选人。
全美电视5月17日博洛尼亚报道，加州州长纽森（Gavin Newsom）今天在博洛尼亚启动了新的气候伙伴关系。 在该地区历史上最严重的洪灾一周年之际，加州与意大利艾米利亚-罗马涅大区建立了新的伙伴关系。艾米利亚-罗马涅大区和加利福尼亚州有着相似的气候，并且一直处于气候危机的前线 - 包括去年影响社区的极端干旱到极端洪水的天气鞭打。 纽森州长兼艾米利亚-罗马涅大区总统博纳奇尼（Stefano Bonaccini）谈到了今年世界各地即将举行的重要选举，以及深化我们在气候行动方面的伙伴关系的迫切需要。
全美电视5月17日加州洛杉矶报道，洛杉矶社区学院学区（LACCD）透过五月份的亚太裔传统月活动庆祝亚太裔美国人（APIDA）社区取得的成就及其为国家做出的不可估量的贡献。 多年来，洛杉矶社区学院学区的工作重点一直是减轻大学教育带给学生及其家庭的经济压力，为学生争取到更多转入4年制大学的机会并在九所成员学院中倡导包容性文化。洛杉矶社区学院学区以其学生构成背景多元化而著称，很高兴能与自己的学生和教职员工一起欢庆亚太裔传统月。 洛杉矶社区学院学区的亚太裔学生中约有40%选择了转4年制大学。几乎一半的学生是第一代大学生，亚太裔学生中有25%也是第一代大学生。 洛杉矶社区学院学区理事会第一副会长伊诺（Kelsey Iino）博士说：“我很激动地迎接亚太裔传统月的到来，这不但表彰和庆祝了亚太裔社区迄今为止取得的成就，也指出了我们的社区未来仍需在哪些方面下功夫，人们常常忽视亚太裔社区由40多个族裔构成，是美国最具多样性的群体之一。洛杉矶社区学院学区充分认识到亚太裔社区不能被视为单一的群体，每个群体在为其成员谋求获得高等教育的机会时遇到的挑战和障碍都各有不同。” 副会长伊诺本人就是社区学院毕业生，长期以来一直致力于为学生发声，是洛杉矶社区学院学区亚太裔社区的重要发言人。 此外，认为亚太裔学生大多数家境富裕的错误观念可能会影响那些需要经济援助才能上大学的学生。一份近期报告指出三分之一东南亚裔美国人生活非常贫困。经济困难的学生可以透过助学计划获得援助，例如洛杉矶学院承诺项目，该项目为首次就读全日制课程的学生免除两年学费、免费提供笔记本电脑、提供优先注册和获取教育和财政援助谘询的机会。2023年，超过39%的亚太裔学生获得了加州大学承诺助学金（CA College Grant）和佩尔助学金（Pell Grant）。 亚太裔家长非常看重含金量高的学位。透过洛杉矶社区学院学区的不同转校计划获得学士学位不失为明智之选。追求就业和职业发展的学生可以选择STEM、健康科学、商业、创业与法律以及资讯科技等职业与学术路径。 洛杉矶社区学院学区校长罗德里格斯（Francisco C. Rodriguez）博士提到，“对洛杉矶社区学院学区而言，亚太裔传统月的意义在于它承认并肯定了我们所有校园的高度多元化水准，确保了有一个地方能给学生安全感、让学生们觉得自己可以被看见、被欢迎且被重视。” …
全美电视5月17日报道，美国电动汽车制造商特斯拉（Tesla）本周通知加州就业发展部，该公司在弗里蒙特和帕洛阿尔托之间的制造工厂和工程办公室将裁减约600名员工。 特斯拉的最新一轮裁员全面取消了从初级职位到主管的职位，并影响到了一系列部门及工厂工人、软件开发人员和机器人工程师。 特斯拉的一份工人调整和再培训通知(WARN)法案文件显示， 面对特斯拉电动汽车需求减弱和竞争加剧，该公司至少从1月份开始就一直在裁员。今年4月，特斯拉首席执行官马斯克（Elon Musk）在一份备忘录中告诉员工，该公司将在全球裁员10%以上，到2023年底，该公司员工总数将达到140473人。 此前的文件显示，特斯拉将在加州、得克萨斯州奥斯汀市、还有纽约的布法罗裁员约6300多人。 今年4月23日，马斯克在特斯拉季度财报电话会议上表示，在过去几年里，该公司的“低效率”已经达到25%至30%，这意味着正在进行的裁员可能会影响数万名员工，而不是10%的数字。 根据特斯拉的文件，该公司在美国第一家制造工厂所在地的弗里蒙特将裁员378人，包括人员配备和车辆组装人员。该公司的加藤路电池开发中心将裁员65人。在弗里蒙特被裁撤的最高级别职位中，有两名环境健康与安全总监和一名用户体验设计总监。 在公司工程总部所在地帕洛阿尔托，将裁减233名员工，其中包括两名技术项目主管。 据两名直接知情的前员工透露，特斯拉还解雇了大多数参与为客户和员工设计和改进应用程序的员工。该文件显示，特斯拉在帕洛阿尔托汉诺威街(Hanover Street)的工厂裁减了许多员工。 特斯拉在弗里蒙特生产的汽车面临需求减少的问题，包括较老款的Model S和X车型，以及Model 3轿车。据该公司公布的数字显示，今年第一季度总交付量同比下降，也是自2012年以来最大幅度的收入同比下降。 特斯拉在中国面临的市场竞争，继续给特斯拉今年第二季度的销售带来压力。中国本土电动汽车品牌小米和蔚来汽车都推出了新的车型，其价格也低于特斯拉最受欢迎的车型。…
全美电视5月17日丹佛报道，廉价航空公司边境航空（Frontier Airlines）今天宣布，将停止向客户收取更改航班的费用，对长期定价模式进行改革。 总部位于科罗拉多州丹佛的边疆航空公司今天宣布的长期定价改革模式，以其引人注目的低基本票价为客户带来了机会，但对座位分配和随身行李等其他一切都要收费。美国另一家廉价航空公司精神航空（Spirit Airlines）也采用了这种模式。 边疆航空说，它将开始提供包含这些附加功能的套餐，其中包括提前登机等。边疆航空公司首席执行官比弗尔表示，虽然一些票价仍允许旅客按单增加选项，但“我们预计只有少数顾客会有这种选择。” 边疆航空的改革，包括带有随身行李和座位分配的新“经济舱”套餐将比基本票价高出30美元起，而提供这些福利和提前登机的“高级”套餐将比基本票价高出50美元。此外，只要比基本票价多出至少100美元，“商务”套餐的旅客还可以托运两件行李，并获得一个空间更大的飞机前部座位。 上个月，因为拜登政府针对航空公司所谓的“垃圾费”发布了更严格的规定。美国交通部发布的一项最终规定，要求航空公司提前告知乘客费用，包括托运或随身行李的费用。美国交通部表示，这一改变每年将为乘客节省5亿多美元。 根据边彊航空公司的网站，原来在旅行后一周内更改航班，该公司将收取高达99美元的费用。 达美航空（Delta Airlines)、美国航空(American Airlines）和联合航空（United Airlines)在新冠病毒疫情期间，对预订标准经济舱及以上舱位的旅客取消了改签费。西南航空（Southwest Airlines）则不收取乘客改签机票的费用。 比夫尔说：“航空公司的大部分产品都不收取改签费，所以我们不那么受欢迎。”比夫尔还说，改签费是旅客“最常抱怨的问题”。在边境航空购买最便宜机票的旅客仍需支付改签费用。 边疆航空还表示，从5月17日周五发行的机票开始，飞行积分的有效期将从三个月延长至12个月，并将重新为24小时内飞行的旅客或其常旅客计划的精英会员提供实时电话支持。