(With Patrick Fiedler)

Colleagues from Citizens for Global Solutions and we attended a panel discussion on Thursday, January 28, 2010, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) entitled “Rethinking Human Development – Part One.”  The “Part One” indicates that this is the first of a series of such presentations to be offered during the year.  

The panelists were Anne-Marie Slaughter, Director of the Office of Policy Planning at the U.S. State Department; Kemal Dervis, former Administrator of UNDP currently at The Brooking Institution, and Jeni Klugman, Director of UNDP Human Development Report Office, all moderated by David Yang, Senior Advisor in the Washington Office of UNDP.

The focus of the panel was UNDP’s “Human Development Index” (HDI), a ranking of nations that relies on measures of education, health and income, seeking to measure human well-being rather than merely economic growth.    

The “Sarkozy Commission,” headed by France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy, has spearheaded a push to further legitimize the HDI and recommended that the HDI include improved and expanded  indicators.   In the panel discussion, Dr. Dervis suggested a greater reliance on “medians” rather than averages or “means” to make data more comparable.  

Each of the panelists referred to a December address at Georgetown University by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton in which she expressed the importance of a U.S. foreign policy that emphasizes ensuring human rights.  U.S. foreign policy, she said, should adhere to American values “including the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the prerequisite for building a world in which every person has the opportunity to live up to his or her God-given potential.”  From this perspective human rights are not merely a complement to foreign policy – considerations of human rights help guide the foreign policy decisions.  

Dr. Klugman emphasized that the 2010 HDI will focus on implementation of human rights policies, not merely the empty expression of those policies.  Dr. Slaughter thought that refinements to the HDI were valuable in that they will allow the more accurate measurement of progress to human development goals (or the absence of such progress).

We wondered whether the UNDP’s work would be strengthened if the U.S. were to ratify U.N. multilateral treaties that support the principles of human development, such as the Convention to Eliminate all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).  Dr. Dervis seemed to agree, asserting that, “In a world with globalized issues effecting human development, a multi-partner approach is necessary.”

During President Obama’s first State of the Union address on January 27, 2010, he focused on the upcoming economic challenges to be faced by the American people, as well as health care legislation and educational reform at all levels.  However, he also spoke about several issues that are key to the work of Citizens for Global Solutions.

Climate Change: Although President Obama focused primarily upon the need to improve the domestic job market and American economy, he stated that“…to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives.  And yes, it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America.”  He reaffirmed his dedication to climate change legislation, asserting that “the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy.  And America must be that nation.”

Prohibition of torture: He spoke of the threat of terrorism as well as the prohibition of torture in the same paragraph.  Through this gesture, he established a possible link between the need to balance the pursuit of terrorists and the remembrance of every individual’s inherent human rights.  

Nuclear non-proliferation: President Obama stated “the greatest danger to the American people – the threat of nuclear weapons.” Emphasizing the importance of nuclear non-proliferation, he stated that one of his responsibilities as leader of the nation was reducing nuclear stockpiles.  Additionally, he described engaging internationally in nuclear weapons discussions at the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit to be held in April.

Photo Courtesy of "The Globe and Mail"

Engagement with international organizations: Obama emphasized the importance of active US engagement in international institutions through summits such as the G-20, which focuses primarily upon global economic issues.  Stressing the historical significance of engagement, President Obama said, “As we have for over 60 years, America takes…actions because our destiny is connected to those beyond our shores.  But we also do it because it is right.”

As Obama exclaimed, “Let’s seize this moment – to start anew, to carry the dream forward…”  Citizens for Global Solutions has incredible work ahead in order to accomplish our goals.  With the assistance of our members, and a president who has expressed support for many of our issue areas, CGS has hope for this next year too.

Today, January 27, 2010 marks the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.   International Holocaust Remembrance Day was established as a global day of commemoration by a United Nations resolution in 2005.  On the day the resolution was adopted, the President of the sixtieth session of the General Assembly, Mr. Jan Eliasson, stated that the Holocaust must "be a unifying historic warning around which we must rally, not only to recall the grievous crimes committed in human history but also to reaffirm our unfaltering resolve to prevent the recurrence of such crimes…We cannot continue to repeat saying 'Never again'."

Israeli President Shimon Peres addressing the German parliament John MacDougall/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

More than one million people were murdered at Auschwitz; the death camp in modern-day Poland which was liberated by Soviet soldiers on January 27, 1945. President Shimon Peres of Israel addressed the German parliament in Berlin on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.  He stated: ''Across the world, survivors of the Holocaust are gradually departing from the world of the living…At the same time, men and women who took part in the most odious activity on earth -- that of genocide -- still live on German and European soil, and in other parts of the world…My request of you is: Please do everything to bring them to justice.''

The White House has sent a seven-member presidential delegation to Poland to attend the commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz.  The delegation, lead by the Honorable Julius Genachowski, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, includes three Auschwitz survivors.

At the United Nations a solemn ceremony and concert will take place. Keynote remarks will be made by Nechama Tec, a Holocaust survivor, and her son, Mr. Roland Tec, co-producer of the film "Defiance."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a statement saying that the theme for this year’s observance is "The Legacy of Survival."

"Countless men, women and children suffered the horrors of the ghettos and Nazi death camps, yet somehow survived.  All of them carry a crucial message for all of us.  A message about the triumph of the human spirit.  A living testament that tyranny, though it may rise, will surely not prevail.  Survivors also play a vital role in keeping the lessons of the Holocaust alive for future generations… [M]any millions of people were systematically abused and murdered.  Most of them were Jews.  But others were targeted, too.  At Auschwitz, thousands of those killed were inhabitants of the Roma and Sinti ‘family camp’.  Holocaust survivors will not be with us forever but the legacy of their survival must live on.  We must preserve their stories through memorials, through education, most of all through robust efforts to prevent genocide and other grave crimes...  Together, let us pledge to carry forward the mission of Holocaust remembrance and uphold human dignity for all."

The devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th has led to a series of efforts to speed the adoption process for orphans in Haiti.  Some aid groups, however, have cautioned that a hasty process may not be in the best interests of the children and could open the door to child trafficking networks.

Hans Deryk - Reuters

One issue revolves around knowing who is truly an orphan and who is not.  Save the Children Chief Executive, Jasmine Whitbread, said that family members may still be alive and taking children out of the country would "permanently separate thousands of children from their families - a separation that would compound the acute trauma they are already suffering".  Additionally, UNICEF spokesman, Christopher de Bono stated that it is not uncommon for Haitian parents to put their children in orphanages temporarily and, thus, finding out which children are in fact orphans requires great attention to detail and documents. 

A second concern voiced by aid agencies is that moving children around without procedure in a time of national emergency can open the door to fraud and abuse, as trafficking networks take advantage of the weakness of local authorities and relief coordination. The UN’s Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights released a statement saying that "[e]nslavement of children and trafficking were … existing problems, and could easily emerge as serious issues over the coming weeks and months."

Fears were raised as United Nations officials confirmed that around 15 children disappeared from a hospital in Haiti.  UNICEF adviser Jean Luc Legrand said the situation was similar to the aftermath of the tsunami in Asia five years ago: "traffickers fish in pools of vulnerability. We know from past experience that trafficking happens in the chaos that usually follows emergencies."

UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman released the following statement:
"We are extremely concerned about the situation of children in Haiti, many of whom have become separated from their families and caregivers. These children face increased risks of malnutrition and disease, trafficking, sexual exploitation and serious emotional trauma. The race to provide them with life-saving emergency food and medicine, safe shelter, protection, and care is underway… Every effort will be made to reunite children with their families. Only if that proves impossible, and after proper screening has been carried out, should permanent alternatives like adoption be considered by the relevant authorities.  Screening for international adoption for some Haitian children had been completed prior to the earthquake. Where this is the case, there are clear benefits to speeding up their travel to their new homes."

Save the Children, World Vision and a unit of the British Red Cross called for an immediate halt to any new adoptions of Haitian children. World Vision Chief Executive Justin Byworth said "new unregulated adoptions could open the door to child traffickers" and that aid groups said that the focus must initially be on tracing any family members that children may still have.  However, other groups are pressing for more urgent action.  Margaret Fleming of Adoption-Link, said it was "ludicrous" to expect groups to refrain from taking action to immediately rescue those in need.  

Most aid groups agree that adoptions that were already in progress before the January 12 earthquakes should go ahead, as long as the legal documents which meet Haitian and international law are in place.  US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "personally directing that we do everything we can to try to find and identify those children who are already adoptable... and to try to expedite all the paperwork... to get them to their new home". Several other countries are also fast-tracking adoption procedures which were already under way including Canada, France, the Netherlands and Spain.  

UNICEF and other groups have tried to look for alternatives to immediate international adoption, such as establishing safe zones to register unaccompanied children. The UN mission in Haiti has stepped up surveillance of roads and the border with the Dominican Republic. A joint Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) protection team have arrived in Haiti and will join up with the remaining members of the MINUSTAH team to work with organizations in Haiti. It is the first time these two UN organizations have fielded a joint protection team of this type during a crisis.

To donate to aid efforts in Haiti CLICK HERE

As of January 25, 2010, The United Nations continued its work to provide emergency relief services to the people of Haiti with a meeting of senior United Nations officials today.  The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate the various sources of aid that are currently being channeled toward the nation.  Immediate goals for the crisis-stricken state include stabilization and security efforts, which are being led primarily through the efforts of UN Peacekeepers.

UN Photo/Sophia Paris

Based upon the United Nations Security Council resolution of January 19, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) expanded its forces to 8,940 troops and a police force of up to 3,711 individuals.  After visiting Port-au-Prince, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Mmoon requested an additional augmentation of troops for the region after surveying the devastation.  In describing the mission, Alain LeRoy, the UN Secretary-General for peacekeeping, stated that “their main task is to assure security and, of course, to help the Haitian people remove the rubble in all the places it can.”  The latest figures indicate that there have been 81 total fatalities, of which 21 are confirmed UN Peacekeeping fatalities. The earthquake claimed the head of MINUSTAH, Hedi Annabi, as well as individuals representing Tunisia, Nigeria, Canada, Mexico, Italy, USA, Germany, Niger, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Guatemala, India, Philippines, United Kingdom, and Brazil.  According to the UN News Centre, “the earthquake has caused the single greatest loss of life in the UN’s history.”  With at least 50 people unaccounted for, the UN must combine efforts to assist the Haitians as well as identify the dispatched personnel.  Although early recovery efforts are currently underway, it is apparent that much greater investments into reconstruction and redevelopment of infrastructure will be necessary.

The first UN peacekeeping operation in Haiti began in September of 1993.  After initial issues of cooperation with the Haitian government, the UN had several successful missions.  In 2000, the presidential elections were contested and, as a result, armed conflict broke out in 2004.  With Security Council Resolution 1529 (2004), the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) was established.  The devastating effects of the January 12 earthquake have further engaged UN efforts in Caribbean country.  It would appear almost certain that the United Nations will have a continued presence in Haiti for years to come as the nation works to rebuild all that was destroyed.  

If you would like to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti, please click here.

Yesterday's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United holds tremendous implications for Citizens for Global Solutions and our supporters.  As you read the editorials in newspapers and online and listen to the pundits on television, I invite you to consider how this decision fundamentally changes the advocacy landscape in which we often operate.

This morning, I will leave it to the law professors and historians to put this decision in context and to dissect the constitutional principles in play.   I will put aside the "pros" and "cons" of the decision to focus on this:  As a practical matter, the financing of political speech and advocacy in the U.S. will immediately change.

Citizens United, the plaintiff in this case, is a nonprofit corporation that has historically opposed Citizens for Global Solutions on issues relating to United States respect for international law and customs, such as ratification of the Law of the Sea.

Citizens for Global Solutions takes seriously our responsibility to represent in Washington the interests of our members and supporters and to educate and empower  our members and supporters on the issues of U.S. leadership in building international institutions and respect for rule of law.  We will continue to do so as we analyze and adapt to the consequences of this decision.

For those who value true “citizen” input into the American political process, one lesson is clear:  Organization like Citizens for Global Solutions will need your sustained support more than ever.

“The era of unilateralism is over,” exclaimed Representative Bill Delahunt (D-MA) during the conference to launch the bi-partisan American Engagement Caucus at 10:00am on Thursday, January 21.  

The conference was led by the caucus’ founding members, Representative Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Representative Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA), and was complimented by speeches from former UN Ambassador and current President of the Connect US Fund Nancy Soderberg, InterAction’s Lindsay Coats, and Representative Bill Delahunt.  Representative Carnahan opened the conference by pointing out the challenges of living in a global society and stating that an isolated United States would leave the country desolated with military, economic, and humanitarian problems. 

Carnahan reiterated the importance of understanding our global partners and enemies while working multilaterally for America’s best interest.  He made sure to explain that one of the objectives behind the engagement is to create a “smart power” strategy to encompass what Defense Secretary Robert Gates described as, “…military success is not sufficient to win: economic development, institution-building and the rule of law. . . along with security, are essential ingredients for success.”    Smart power as a blend of military strength and creative diplomacy can relieve our security issues as well as reinforce our international image. Subsequently, Representative Carnahan used a quote from President Truman to exemplify an overarching goal of the Caucus by stating,

“It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.”

Furthermore, Representative Cao discussed the purpose of this Caucus is to alleviate the threats of terrorism, nuclear proliferation, genocide, and poverty while expanding trade in international markets through multilateral work.   He explained that the Caucus will work through a bi-partisan effort to deliberate the benefits and challenges of multilateral cooperation.  Representative Cao also mentioned the example of the multilateral effort to bring humanitarian aid to Haiti, and how this will serve as a model for multilateral collaboration in the future.

Finally, Representative Bill Delahunt provided the conference with more insight on the importance of the Caucus by stating that we have “no option” but to work multilaterally with our global neighbors.  He voiced the concern that unilateralism in today’s world can only hurt the United States’ security, economy, and humanitarian efforts.  Also, he explained that through multilateral work an understanding can develop within our global partners to realize our power is “predicated from a moral authority.”   Each dignitary spoke with integrity and realized the importance of America’s multilateral cooperation in this global society.  With peace and prosperity as its main goal, this Caucus will be an extraordinary compliment to Citizens for Global Solutions and other organizations.  Citizens for Global Solutions CEO Don Kraus said this of the new Caucus,

“Citizens for Global Solutions is thrilled that Representatives Carnahan and Cao are establishing this venue for members of Congress to discuss our world’s most pressing concerns.  From climate change to genocide we increasingly face challenges that no nation, no matter how powerful can solve alone.  Our members across the nation are excited that their representatives will now have an opportunity to build bipartisan consensus on how the United States can best address these issues in a cooperative fashion.”

Don also hinted to hill staff that membership in the American Engagement Caucus will be rewarded with extra credit on the upcoming Congressional report card.  Along with CGS, other organizations are excited about the possibilities that this new Caucus provides. 

Peter Yeo, Executive Director of the Better World Campaign, said:

“At such a critical time in U.S. foreign policy, the American Engagement Caucus is a great way for Congress to work on issues where cooperation is better than going it alone.  As we see the world working together in the relief efforts in Haiti, it is apparent how important U.S. collaboration can be in strengthening American national security and foreign policy interests. We look forward to working with Congressman Carnahan, Congressman Cao, and all of the other members of the Caucus in the future.”

Through the continued efforts of organizations like these and the new American Engagement Caucus, the United States can further work on behalf of all humanity to advance the issues that affect the world.  Representatives Carnahan and Cao explained through an Op-ed piece in the The Hill that

“Historically, America has been the most respected nation in the world because of our commitment to working with all countries on behalf of freedom, peace, and other common objectives.” 

Now, with this Caucus there is greater hope that the United States can further its historic efforts for the betterment of mankind.

The new American Engagement Caucus will officially launch tomorrow, Thursday January 21, 2010 at 10:00 am in the Rayburn House Office Building Room 2200.  The Caucus was formed to foster the development of strategies in which to engage other nations.   In an increasingly globalized world, the United States cannot expect to unilaterally tackle the many challenges present today, such as terrorism and climate change.  The Caucus will analyze potential multilateral approaches to global issues, working to engage both formal governmental institutions and international organizations.  One of the primary objectives of the body is to review the role the United States currently plays in regional and international institutions such as the European Union and the United Nations.  

The two Congressmen spearheading the American Engagement Caucus are Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (R-LA).  They have stressed the importance of the formation of such a governmental body, stating, “Our security, our economic future, and safeguarding the world’s environment all depend on engagement.”  The American Engagement Caucus is the first to explicitly evaluate ways in which to improve and strengthen U.S. partnerships amongst nations.  

Citizens for Global Solutions, the Better World Campaign, and the United Nations Association of the United States of America support the efforts of Congressmen Carnahan and Cao.  CGS encourages members and interested individuals alike to attend the Launch party to be held tomorrow.  To RSVP, please e-mail Dana Proctor of the United Nations Foundation at dproctor@unfoundation.org with your name and organizational affiliation.

On January 20th, 2010, Ms Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi of Argentina and Ms Kuniko Ozaki of Japan will make a solemn undertaking in open court in The Hague to exercise their functions impartially and conscientiously. Later in the day a plenary will be held in which the new judges will be assigned to the judicial divisions. 

The International Criminal Court, The Hague

After the passing of Judge Fumiko Saiga of Japan and the resignation of Mr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute (ASP) held elections to fill the judicial vacancies during the ASP’s eighth session.

The eighth session of the ASP, which met in November of last year, was the first ICC meeting attended by the US since September 2001.  State Department Legal Adviser Harold Koh and Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues Stephen Rapp led the US delegation.

CLICK HERE to view the live broadcast of the ceremony from the ICC website.  (Video clips of the ceremony will also be available on the ICC website from 1:30 p.m. tomorrow.)

To learn more about the ICC CLICK HERE

The Lubanga trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague resumed on January 7th.  Thomas Lubanga is the alleged leader of the Union des Patriotes Congolais (UPS) militia which was involved in the Ituri region conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2002-2003. The ICC investigation into the situation in Ituri has also led to arrest warrants for Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui who are both in ICC custody, and Bosco Ntaganda who remains at large.

UN News Center

Lubanga has pleaded not guilty to the three war crimes charges against him.  The charges include: the enlistment and conscription of children under the age of 15 years and using them to participate actively in hostilities.  Lubanga was the first suspect to be arrested and transferred to the ICC where he currently remains in custody as the trial continues.  The prosecution finished presenting their case on July 14, 2009 after calling 28 witnesses over 74 days of hearings.  The defense will call around 30 witnesses and the proceedings are expected to last several months.

The use of child soldiers has been a particular focus of this case.  On January 7th, upon request of the judges, Trial Chamber I began to hear the testimony of Radhika Coomaraswamy, the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations for Children and Armed Conflict.  Coomaraswamy stated that the Court should see children as "a special category, creating a framework that protects their vulnerability." She told the Court that children under 15, have "an under-developed notion of death," and for that reason it is particularly abusive to use children in combat situations.   She said "[c]hildren are easily exploited by those kinds of imageries of romantic death and heroic death" and urged the Court to regard evidence that suggests that child soldiers had "volunteered" to fight with skepticism. Coomaraswamy also stated that "[a]ny framework for protection of children in wartime and accountability of those who use them...must include girls…Girls play multiple roles in conflict, including combat...but [there is] also sexual slavery…we need to draw attention to the roles girls play…in every context."

Interestingly, Coomaraswamy added that the Court’s willingness to prosecute those who conscript child soldiers has led to a situation where several armed groups are approaching the UN to negotiate plans for the release of child soldiers.  She stated that, "most recently in Nepal…the release of 3,000 children is about to begin today."

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. To learn more about the ICC CLICK HERE.