United Nations

Global Deal on HFCs Will Enter into Force in 2019

December 21, 2017

The New York Times reports that Sweden's ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which requires countries to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in an attempt to combat global warming, means that the agreement will enter force in 2019.
Haley Criticizes UNSC Resolution on Embassy Move

December 20, 2017

In an explanation of the US veto of a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution condemning the US decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley asserted that she cast the veto in "defense of American sovereignty" and to protect the US role in the Palestine-Israel peace process.
UN Experts Call on Mexico to Reform Security Law

December 20, 2017

A group of UN mandate holders has called on the Mexican government to reject a draft security law that would give the military an increased role in security affairs, asserting that the law does not provide proper safeguards for civilian oversight and human rights.
UN Agent Criticizes US for Torture "Impunity"

December 20, 2017

UN human rights mandate holder Nils Melzer has criticized the US for not holding accountable officials who allegedly tortured terror suspects under the custody of the Central Intelligence Agency and for not compensating victims of these asserted actions.
UN Agent Urges "Regional Integration" of Venezuela, Ecuador

December 20, 2017

On official visits to the countries, UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order Alfred de Zayas urged Ecuador and Venezuela to pursue “regional integration and cooperation with international organizations” in order to better advance "social progress."
UN Plans Insertion of Rights Advisers in Sahel Force

December 20, 2017

AP reports that the UN is planning to insert into a military force fighting Islamic extremists in the Sahel region of Africa a set of advisers and monitors ensuring the force's respect for the global human rights agenda, as UN Assistant Secretary-General Andrew Gilmour told troop-contributing countries that the inclusion of such monitors would "unlock" funds for the deployment.
UN Report Offers Solutions for "Pollution-Free Planet"

December 20, 2017

A recent report from UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim warns of catastrophic health effects of pollution around the world and describes a comprehensive set of solutions to move toward a "pollution-free planet," ranging from high-level global cooperation to "resource efficiency and lifestyle changes."
WHO Launches "Climate Proof" Health Project for Islands

December 19, 2017

At the recent UN climate summit in Bonn, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new initiative to help protect the health of people in a group of "Small Island Developing States" from the impacts of global warming, including by developing "climate proof" health systems in these countries.
UNESCO Members Adopt Ethical Principles on Climate

December 19, 2017

At a recent session of the organization's General Conference, member states of the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted a "Declaration of Ethical Principles in Relation to Climate Change" to reframe global policy responses to climate change as an issue of morality.
UN Agency Seeks More Data on Climate "Adaptation"

December 19, 2017

In November, the UN Environment Programme released an assessment finding that the world must develop better ways to assess progress on achieving the "global goal on adaptation" to the impacts of climate change under the UN's Paris climate accord to hold national leaders to account for their climate pledges under the deal.