IFOR speaks at the UN on conscientious objection violations and peacebuilding efforts in Ukraine

During the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Director of Division of the OHCHR gave an oral update on the current situation in Ukraine during the interactive dialogue under item 10.

International Fellowship of Reconciliation participated in the dialogue in the plenary and addressed the violation of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Ukraine, freedom of movement and the alarming forced conscription in the occupied territory and the recent partial mobilization announced in the Russian federation.

IFOR Main representative to the UN, Zaira Zafarana, delivering the statement during the 51st session of the UN HUman Rights Council.

In its statement, IFOR has also expressed its solidarity to the victims and its support to all war resisters -calling for asylum for conscientious objectors who refuse to engage in the war at their personal risk and those who pursue nonviolent means to peace-building. The speech mentioned civil society peace initiatives to support local nonviolent action such as the Stop The War Now launched by Associazione Papa Giovanni XXIII together with many other Italian NGOs, including MIR Italy - Italian branch of IFOR.

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Human Rights Council, 51st Session 

4th October 2022 

ID Item 4: Oral update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President,  

International Fellowship of Reconciliation thanks the Office of the High Commissioner for the oral update. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are suffering for the ongoing war which is causing tragedies and violations and an inhumane nuclear threat. 

We stand in solidarity with those who courageously refuse to kill and call on the international community to ensure full legal guarantees of their human right to conscientious objection and to provide them protection and asylum1. The right to conscientious objection to military service should be absolutely protected and cannot be restricted, as highlighted in the last OHCHR quadrennial thematic report [presented at the last session].

We are alarmed by the current suspension of the right to conscientious objection in Ukraine, the consequent detention sentences and the travel ban for all men aged 18-60. We have been informed of repression of students protests against the prohibition to study abroad. 

IFOR is also deeply concerned by the forced mobilization in Ukrainian occupied territories and by the new mobilization measures issued by the Russian Federation, which include imprisonment for those who refuse to enlist.  

IFOR gives voice to all those who are non-violently resisting war and acknowledge the efforts of the many who support reconciliation and peace building efforts. For instance, Stop The War Now has just concluded its 4th peace caravan to Ukraine, bringing in humanitarian aid and also support to ongoing local civil society peace initiatives. 

UN Member States should urgently pursue the way to peace negotiations and facilitate such a path, which is within the United Nations purposes. 

Thank you. 

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Click here to watch IFOR main representative to deliver the statement at the UN Human Rights Council.

Click here to read the full statement.

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International peace initiative to support nonviolent action in Ukraine

#STOPTHEWARNOW is a network of over 175 Italian organizations committed to peace building and international solidarity through non-violent peace and humanitarian actions. The network was created to launch a message of solidarity and opposition to the conflict in Ukraine and to build together an alternative to the madness of war. It is coordinated by a steering committee made up of the Pope John XXIII Community, Pro Civitate Christiana and the national networks Focsiv, Aoi, the Italian Peace and Disarmament Network, Libera against mafias, representing all the member associations. At the moment #STOPTHEWARNOW is in Ukraine with two permanent presences, one in Lviv and one in Odessa.
Between 1 and 3 April #STOPTHEWARNOW organized the 1st Peace Caravan, which set off from Italy with representatives of non-violent and pacifist civil society, to witness, through its presence in Lviv, Ukraine, the will to build a dialogue of peace through non-violent actions.
The 4th Peace Caravan was aimed to:
- Laying the foundations for partnership agreements between Italian members of the campaign #StopTheWarNow and Ukrainian civil society organizations (including trade unions) committed to Peace building, conscientious objection and non-violent resistance; possible youth exchanges with universities and Youth Centers;
- Relaunching the campaign of solidarity with conscientious objectors under investigation/protest by the General Prosecutor's Office in Ukraine, such as the journalist Ruslan Kotsaba, accused of high treason for spreading calls to boycott the war.

Learn more about Stop the war now.

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IFOR speaks at the UN on forced cultural assimilation of Tibetans

Tenzing Dawa, TCHRD senior programme officer, delivering the statement on behalf of IFOR.

On September 27th the International Fellowship of Reconciliation took the floor at the UN Human Rights Council during the General debate on the human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

IFOR addressed the dramatic situation in the Tibetan region highlighting the ongoing violation of cultural rights, freedom of expression, conscience, thought and religion, for instance.

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Human Rights Council, 51st Session 

27th September 2022 

GD Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Madam vice-president,  

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation expresses serious concerns regarding the situation of violation of cultural rights with reference to the intensification of forced cultural assimilation of Tibetans inside Tibet by the Chinese government.  

In recent years, repressive legal and policy measures were introduced to impose Chinese medium education starting from the preschool level. Non-governmental initiatives offering lessons in Tibetan language and culture have been suppressed.  

Sinicization's policies have also resulted in the systematic persecution of Tibetan intellectuals, educators, and cultural leaders; some of those have been victims of incommunicado detention and sentenced in secret without access to do legal process.  

Throughout pandemic lockdowns, the human rights situation in Tibet continues to deteriorate. Unprecedented controls on online communication is resulting in Tibet as an informational black hole.  

Restrictions on the right to freedom of thought, religion and expression continue to escalate. We have registered cases of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance of Tibetans for merely engaging in peaceful protests.  

We call on this Council and the High Commissioner to address the human rights situation of Tibetans and to work together with China to ensure the protection of their cultural rights: their right to determine their own educational and cultural affairs as provided in the Chinese Constitution as well as the Regional National Autonomy Law and to immediately halt the closure of Tibetan language schools and imposition of Chinese medium education.  

We thank you.

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Click here to watch the delivery of the statement in the plenary.

Click here to download the full statement.

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IFOR has submitted, in collaboration with its affiliate Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), a written thematic statement to the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council. This document, titled “Human Rights in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), China and Other Tibetan Populated Areas in China ", has been received by the Secretary-General and has been circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31. It is registered officially on the UN website as A/HRC/51/NGO/151 and is available here.

Learn more about TCHRD here and more about their recent activity at the UN, here.

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 19th -23rd 2022

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) is glad to invite you to participate in the 3rd edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within the UN system.

This year's program is titled “Strengthening civil society engagement within UN system” and is funded by the Otto per Mille of the Waldensian Church of Italy.

The aim is to provide a learning opportunity to civil society representatives, with particular focus to human rights defenders from the Global South, and from minority and vulnerable groups, to take action as human rights advocates within the UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 19th to Friday 23rd 2022.

It will run during the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Participants will also learn about IFOR work on the right to conscientious objection to military service and about the draft resolution negotiation expected to take place at the UN Human Rights Council on this topic.

Participants will have the opportunity to address other Human Rights topics and thus explore how civil society can fully engage at the UN and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here and at the second edition here.

Due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the ongoing pandemic.

APPLICANTS

We look for participants who are linked to a civil society organization and are willing to engage in human rights.

Priority will be given to those from the Global South, and from minority and vulnerable groups.

Participants should be:

-        at least 18 years old

-        fluent in spoken English

-        available for the entire week period

-        directly involved in the current work of a civil society organization

-        inclined to teamwork

-        motivated with regards to the human rights and international affairs agenda

-        ready to follow up within their own organization

PROGRAMME OF THE WEEK

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Program will start in Geneva on Monday 19th at 3 pm.

During the week the participants will attend working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, explore advocacy initiatives.

The program will conclude on Friday 23rd at noon.

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives; in addition, there will be a tutoring opportunity to better follow the Human Rights Council working sessions, the general debates and interactive dialogues planned in the Program of Work of the UN.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a single room accommodation with full board near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + meals) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs (round trip travel to Geneva and personal leisure) shall be met by the participants and/or their organizations.

Participants will need to take care of possible Visa requirements as well.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, interested people need to fill in the online form here.  

Deadline for application is August 30th 2022, at 1pm CEST. The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates within the following 48 hours.

If necessary, we will give preference to:

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) members of vulnerable or minority groups

For further information you are welcome to contact the coordinator of the program at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. Applicants are invited to check all requirements given by the Swiss Federal Office for people traveling from other countries.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!

You can download the call here.

You are welcome to share on social media here.

READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

"It was an intensive and interesting time with the great opportunity to get to know other committed young people and human rights defenders." - Sophia

"Introduction to the UN" was one of the eye-opening events I have ever participated in. The agenda was perfectly scheduled, the participants fit well together, all other moments organized so well that we could get most of it despite the COVID restrictions. I wish IFOR would continue to maintain such an enthusiasm to support those who are willing to speak out about their issues, thus contributing to the peace movement." - Aku

"Introduction to the UN" is an intense and brilliant way to get to know and experience how the UN functions. To me was a chance to visit Geneva and its diplomatic atmosphere as well as lifestyle. In a multicultural environment, I had the chance to know more about local cases of human rights defenders such as the ones in South America witnessed by other participants and activists. I really enjoyed it and it was really inspiring!" - Silvia

"I enjoyed the program in general a lot as it helped me to get a deeper understanding of the UN in general and IFORs international work in particular. It was super interesting to slowly realize how complex international diplomacy can be and how strategic the work of NGOs like IFOR has to be to achieve any impact on a specific topic." - Marco

"This was an enlightening experience with a really engaged group, that was put together in the midst of covid restrictions, that nevertheless conveyed the reality of how the UN works and how it is possible for civil society to engage with it." - Peter

"The UN system is incredibly difficult and convoluted, an experience like this UN introductory week can demystify your preconceptions of the world of the United Nation and show you in very practical terms how you can use the different aspects of the UN system to further your own humanitarian and sociopolitical goals either personal or within an organization." - Iskra

IFOR speaks at the UN calling on Greece to comply with conscientious objection international standards

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation is participating in the 49th session of the UN HUman Rights Council.

On March 23rd the plenary addressed item 6 which is pertaining to the Universal Periodic Reviews. During the meeting the Council adopted the outcomes concerning the Country reviews which took place during the 39th session of the UPR.

IFOR had previously submitted some reports for the 39th UPR, including one on Greece and has therefore taken the floor in the plenary to comment the outcome of Greece review and highlight the urgency for Greece to comply with consicnetious objection international standards.

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Human Rights Council, 49th Session 

Geneva, 23rd March 2022 

Item 6: UPR adoption Greece 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr President, 

IFOR welcomes Greece’s acceptance1of the recommendation to “Revise its national legislation with a  view to recognizing the right to conscientious objection to military service, envisaging an alternative  service to military service to which all conscientious objectors have access to and that is not punitive or  discriminatory in its nature, cost or duration.”2 

We call on Greece to also implement the decision of the Human Rights Committee in the Petromelidis v.  Greece case.3 

IFOR is concerned that the State did not accept4the recommendation to “consider amending the legislation  in order for conscientious objectors to be able to perform alternative civilian service in their place of  residence”.5In 2019, Greece had reassured the UN [that “With the new legal framework, they can request  service in another authority, including close to their place of residence, after five (5) months…”].6 

However, we have been informed that such applications are rejected on the ground that it is not permitted  by the legislation.  

Furthermore, there is a critical decrease of the number of accepted applications for conscientious objector  status, especially those citing ideological grounds. Since 2020, out of 22 applications on ideological  grounds only 6 were approved [and 16 were rejected], which means 27%, the lowest in many years. While  the percentage of accepted applications on religious grounds is about 97%. This indicates a  “discrimination on the basis of different grounds of objection to service”, as highlighted by the Human  Rights Committee [in its concluding observations] in 2015.  

The pending cases at the Council of State, of rejected applicants Charis Vasileiou and Nikolas Stefanidis are another example of the urgent need for Greece to comply with the international standards.7 

Thank you. 

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You can download here the complete text of the statement.

You can watch the delivery of IFOR statement by the Main representative in all the UN languages, here.

IFOR speaks at the UN on the fundamental rights of the people of Western Sahara

During the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation took the floor in the plenary of the Council to address the issue of the violations of fundamental rights in Western Sahara.

In particular, IFOR referred to the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara and to the military occupation by the Kingdom of Morocco and consequent lasting violation of human rights in the region.

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Mr. President,
With reference to the report on the Conclusions and Recommendations of the Special Procedures (A/HRC/49/26), IFOR would like to highlight the importance of the seven themes that have been recurring in the reports presented by the Special Procedures during the year 2021.
Among these, we pay particular attention to the Prevention of human rights violations, security and peace building, as well as to new technologies in the context of the illegal military occupation of the Non-Self-Governing Territory of Western Sahara by the Kingdom of Morocco.
There can be no peace in Western Sahara without respect for the fundamental rights of peoples, starting with the right to self-determination, enshrined in General Assembly resolution 1514 on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples and reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice in its 1975 Advisory Opinion.
IFOR calls on the Council to implement without delay operational paragraph 5 of General Assembly resolution 76/152 and to pay particular attention to the violation of the right to self-determination resulting from the aggression and military occupation of Western Sahara by the Kingdom of Morocco.

Click here to read the original statement in French

Learn more about the Western Sahara case.

IFOR joins NGOs statement to the NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY State Parties

Originally scheduled for April 2020, the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) had been postponed several times, due to the ongoing pandemic. Most recently, the NPT Conference had been scheduled to convene in New York from 4-28 January 2022, but, over the past several days, NPT States Parties had been discussing whether and how to proceed and decided to postpone again until August 1st 2022 (tentatively).

IFOR regularly engages on these Review Conferences and on the occasion of the 10th Conference joined a STATEMENT FROM CIVIL SOCIETY TO THE STATES PARTIES OF THE NUCLEAR, signed by over 90 organizations of the civil society and sent to the State Parties on January 10th.

"It is encouraging to see countries reiterate their support for the #NPT. However, the Treaty is only as strong as its implementation. [...] Implementing past action plans must be the floor and not the ceiling for taking forward the NPT’s provisions. [...] Many countries have demonstrated their commitment to nuclear disarmament by joining the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (#TPNW), which has now entered into force. The TPNW is a major contribution to the common goal of eliminating the threat of nuclear war and eliminating nuclear weapons. [...]

The 91 undersigned organisations call on NPT states parties and the international community to advance new and bolder leadership. We urge all NPT states parties to move beyond bitter politicisation and to work together to build majority support for a plan of action to advance the NPT’s Article VI goals, create much needed momentum for further progress on disarmament, and save humanity from the scourge of nuclear war."

You can read the complete text here!

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You can read more about the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty by clicking here!

You can read more about the previous Review Conferences by clicking here!

IFOR reports to the UN the non-recognition of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Turkmenistan

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation has just submitted to the UN Human Rights Committee a report on Turkmenistan regarding the right to conscientious objection to military service.

In particular, IFOR highlights the non-recognition of this right in the country and the consequent discrimination of conscientious objectors, as outlined by the individual cases mentioned in the text.

Along with the non-recognition of the CO right, other relevant issues are the imprisonment of conscientious objectors, the violation on the ne bis in idem principle and the torture and ill-treatment of prisoners.

The Report has been prepared for the adoption of the List of Issues which will be undertaken by the Committee at its 134th session which will take place in March.

Here you can have a look at the complete Report prepared by IFOR and published on the UN Committee webpage.

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Learn more about the States review procedure at the Human Rights Committee

The Human Rights Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its State parties. It meets at the Palais Wilson and its Members serve in their personal capacity, not as representatives of their Governments.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has been Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 2200A (XXI) of 16 December 1966; it entered into force on 23 March 1976.

Here you can find an easy-to read version of the Covenant

The right to conscientious objection to military service inheres in the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Art 18 of the Covenant. It entitles any individual to an exemption from compulsory military service if such service cannot be reconciled with his/her religion or beliefs. 

All States parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how the rights are being implemented.

Civil society organizations are invited to submit "alternative reports" and contribute to the review procedure.

The Committee examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of "concluding observations”.

The process of examining a report runs across two Committee sessions.

At the first session, reporting procedure are streamlined and a  “List of Issues” arising from the relevant report and other information supplied to the Committee is adopted.

The List of Issues addresses the most crucial matters regarding the enjoyment of Covenant rights in the relevant State and often seeks additional information with respect to key questions. The List of Issues is sent to the State party well in advance - at least one session ahead - of the session at which the report will be examined in the presence of representatives of the State party. 

Subsequently, the Committee is also often briefed, typically in an informal meeting, on views of members of civil society wishing to bring Committee members up to date on certain issues.

The Committee then proceeds to examine each report in a public constructive dialogue with a delegation of the relevant State party.

The examination begins by an opening presentation of the report by the State party’s delegation, often including a response to the List of Issues. Thereafter, Committee members put questions to the representatives, seeking to clarify or deepen understanding of issues arising concerning the implementation and enjoyment of Covenant rights in the State party.

After the conclusion of this dialogue, the Committee drafts detailed written concluding observations on the report in question. The concluding observations have the dual function of helping States to prepare future reports and helping the Committee to focus on the most 19 critical issues in future dialogues over future reports. All concluding observations are publicly available via the Treaty Bodies database of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf).

The Committee’s follow-up procedure complements and focuses the efforts of States parties and civil society subsequent to the adoption of concluding observations.

IFOR JOINS INTERNATIONAL CALL TO ACTION FOR COP 26 ON MILITARY POLLUTION

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation is committed to achieve a sustainable, just, and nonviolent world and highlights the connection between Climate Change and Peace Issues.

In line with this view, IFOR has joined other international and local organizations in the Call to Governments to commit to meaningful military emissions cuts at COP26.

This Call has been launched by the Conflict and Environment Observatory

Read more about the Call here

IFOR has also joined the Call to Stop Excluding Military Pollution from Climate Agreements sponsored by World beyond War, together with GCOMS - Global Campaign on Military Spending, Peace Action Maine, Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, RootsAction.org

Read more about this Call here.

The 2015 Paris Agreement left cutting military greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the discretion of individual nations. 

Militaries are huge energy users and contribute significant GHG emissions, as well as causing wider adverse environmental impacts from training, activities and operations. Militaries are typically the largest energy consumers among government agencies, but historically there has been a reluctance to disclose data on their emissions.

Global military expenditure rose by 2.6% in 2020 to almost US $2 trillion, in spite of a fall in global GDP of 4.4% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change obliges signatories to publish annual GHG emissions, but military emissions reporting is voluntary and often not included. NATO has acknowledged the problem but not created any specific requirements to address it. In June 2021 NATO agreed to ‘assess the feasibility of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050,’ which would apply to its activities.

We encourage individuals and organizations to join these international efforts!

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The Climate Catastrophe is a reality for many people on this planet and will soon affect everyone. It's an emergency!

IFOR is concerned and aware of the connection of this issue with other important ones such as migration, war, land exploitation, nuclear disarmament, human rights and so on.

For these reasons the IFOR fellowship is engaging in an internal discussion to listen to global perspectives and hear many different voices around the globe, identify areas where action is needed and engage in initiatives tackling the Climate Catastrophe.

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 20th -24th 2021

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), after the postponement due to the ongoing pandemic, is glad to invite you to participate to the new edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 20th to Friday 24th 2021. It will run during the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Participants will learn more about IFOR work on conscientious objection at the UN and find out how civil society can fully engage at the UN  and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here. 

Unfortunately, this year, due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the ongoing pandemic and some meetings at the UN may not be in person.

PROGRAMME

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Program will start in Geneva on Monday 20th at 4 pm with a preliminary orientation session.

During the week the participants will attend to working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, explore advocacy initiatives. 

The program will conclude on Friday 24th at noon. 

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives; in addition there will be a tutoring opportunity to better follow the Human Rights Council working sessions, the general debates and interactive dialogues planned in the Program of Work of the UN.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a single room accommodation with full board at the John Knox Centre which is located near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + meals) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs shall be met by the participants and/or their organizations. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply you need to fill in the online form here    

Deadline for application is September 1st 2021 at 1pm CEST. The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates within the following 48 hours.

If necessary, we will give preference to: 

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) young people.

For further information you are welcome to contact Zaira Zafarana, coordinator of the program, at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

1. Due to the pandemic some meetings may have restriction and not allow participation in person.
   

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. Participants are invited to check all requirements given by the Swiss Federal Office for people traveling from other countries.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!

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READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

"It was an intensive and interesting time with the great opportunity to get to know other committed young people and human rights defenders." - Sophia

"Introduction to the UN" was one of the eye-opening events I have ever participated in. The agenda was perfectly scheduled, the participants fit well together, all other moments organized so well that we could get most of it despite the COVID restrictions. I wish IFOR would continue to maintain such an enthusiasm to support those who are willing to speak out about their issues, thus contributing to the peace movement." - Aku

"Introduction to the UN" is an intense and brilliant way to get to know and experience how the UN functions. To me was a chance to visit Geneva and its diplomatic atmosphere as well as lifestyle. In a multicultural environment, I had the chance to know more about local cases of human rights defenders such as the ones in South America witnessed by other participants and activists. I really enjoyed it and it was really inspiring!" - Silvia

"I enjoyed the program in general a lot as it helped me to get a deeper understanding of the UN in general and IFORs international work in particular. It was super interesting to slowly realize how complex international diplomacy can be and how strategic the work of NGOs like IFOR has to be to achieve any impact on a specific topic." - Marco

"This was an enlightening experience with a really engaged group, that was put together in the midst of covid restrictions, that nevertheless conveyed the reality of how the UN works and how it is possible for civil society to engage with it." - Peter

"The UN system is incredibly difficult and convoluted, an experience like this UN introductory week can demystify your preconceptions of the world of the United Nation and show you in very practical terms how you can use the different aspects of the UN system to further your own humanitarian and sociopolitical goals either persona or within an organization." - Iskra

Recap of IFOR participation in the 46th UN Human Rights Council

The International Secretariat is pleased to present a summary of IFOR's recent involvement at the UN, in particular at the Human Rights Council. 

The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly and meets three times a year at the UN Office in Geneva. 

The 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council has just concluded its working meetings. This session started on February 22nd and ended on March 24th and, due to the pandemic, the participation of the member States and civil society representatives has been mainly online. 
What follows is a list of the oral statements delivered or co-sponsored by IFOR during the session. At this session IFOR addressed issues such as conscientious objection to military service, criminalization of solidarity, migration, civil disobedience, nuclear disarmament, human rights defenders, militarization, SDGs 2030, and referred to local concerning situation in countries such as Belarus, Colombia, Eritrea, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Singapore, Tajikistan, Turkey and Western Sahara. 
This is one piece of the work that IFOR does within the United Nations system; you can find out more by visiting our website. 

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IFOR speaks on the tragedy of the Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region and to the Eritrean indefinite National Service; 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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IFOR takes the floor at 46th UN HRC during the general debate with the High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Michelle Bachelet.

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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IFOR joins a statement on the violation of human rights of migrants and refugees in the Balkan Route: 46th UN HRC

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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IFOR joins in a call to the UN member States to "MOVE THE MONEY OUT OF MILITARY, TO FOOD"

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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IFOR at the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council: "immediate and unconditional release of all imprisoned conscientious objectors"

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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IFOR addresses SDGs 2030, civil disobedience and conscientious objection at the UN 46th HRC

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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IFOR stands with human rights defenders and addresses the case of Buenaventura in Colombia, at the 46th Human Rights Council.

Click here for more information and to read the original statement

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All statements are available in the original language of delivery.
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