The policy of the Republic of Estonia during its membership in the UN Security Council was strong. The campaign included many world security and defense aspects but focused on three categories: international law, human rights, and cybersecurity. This report looked at the critical points of Estonia’s membership, its strategic plans, and proposals on the issue of territorial regulation. In addition, the human rights section looked at Estonia’s virtual meetings and statements on citizen security in times of armed conflict. Finally, Estonia’s advantages as a pioneer in cyber security were shown. The evaluation found that Estonia’s policy in international law is sound, although it raises questions about the actual interest in the situation in Ukraine. Estonia’s human rights strategy was described as bold and directed. Estonia has shown itself to be a strong leader with a reasonable basis for its decisions in cybersecurity issues.
Introduction
The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and for over 70 years has developed strategies to resolve conflicts and regulate legal relations between countries. The Council has five veto-wielding member states and is permanent. Every year ten non-permanent members from every continent of the world are elected. Estonia became a non-permanent member in 2020 and focused on crisis diplomacy. Estonia’s primary strategy has been to ensure that the UN Security Council is informed by international law focusing on human rights and values. Through global cooperation, Estonia has contributed to solving climate issues, improving the work of the Council, and combating cybercrime (Estonia in UN Security Council). During its membership in the Council, Estonia has demonstrated diplomatic skills and has been able to make some critical statements.
International law
It is essential for small countries that international law applies equally to all. In this regard, Estonia saw international law as a fundamental security component (Raik, 2020). During the two years, the government used its own and global resources as effectively as possible to ensure awareness of the law’s peculiarities. The campaign was closely connected to human rights, as crimes against persons and humanity were regularly on the agenda of Estonian meetings.
Estonia identified genocide as one of the most criminal activities and emphasized the situations in Ukraine and Georgia. During official speeches, Estonia has repeatedly pointed to the need to include the division of regions in the international law agenda (Estonia in UN Security Council). The country’s representative explained that because of the proximity of the European Union (EU) to Ukraine and Russia, the latter has a potential threat of increased aggression. Therefore, international law on border sharing and annexation should be reviewed to resolve the situation and uphold the rights of Ukraine and Crimea. Despite the severity of the statement and statements about strengthening defense by redistributing Estonia’s GDP, the chairman called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Estonia called for a solution to the conflict in Georgia, also emphasizing territorial integrity. On the whole, Estonia’s actions for the regulation of international rights can be accepted positively, as they are based on legislation. In addition, during its membership, the state has sought to resolve conflicts peacefully, which is a consequence of the experience of a small country. This has probably played an additional role in its policy because concern about compliance with the law is significant for countries with a small gross domestic product (Morin and Paquin, 2018, p. 180). However, it is impossible to call Estonia’s policy regarding the division of territory entirely correct. The proposal to withdraw troops and negotiate was positively received, but no physical action was taken. Therefore, Estonia’s genuine interest in solving these conflicts remains debatable.
Human Rights
Among Estonia’s actions concerning human rights, numerous meetings have discussed major social conflicts and raising protection issues. The country drew attention to the safety of children and women, stating problems of sexual violence, social inequality, and the use of these groups for military purposes. During its membership, Estonia used reliable statistics on the EU and the U.S., reported on the action of the UN Security Council, and pointed to the need for a review of activities (United Nations, 2021). In addition, Estonia has paid particular attention to civilian security during hostilities.
In the meetings initiated by Estonia, several strategic views have been put forward that are important for the Security Council to meet its purpose. In May 2020, Estonia made an official statement on the need to respect international humanitarian law to protect civilians from armed conflict. President Kirsti Kaljulaid pointed to the need to review the law and address the lack of protection of the general population. In addition, in early September 2020, Estonia held a video meeting on human rights in Belarus. Estonia was convinced that freedom of speech should be granted to all who are forced to remain silent (United Nations, 2021). Other important events included a meeting in June 2021 at which Estonia made a statement about the need to protect children in military conflicts.
Estonia’s human rights policy was correct, as it mainly deals with the rights to life and freedom of speech. Considering the diplomacy crisis in 2020-2021 (conflicts in Georgia, election of the president in Belarus), the actions of Estonia were relevant. In addition, the country relied heavily on international law and repeatedly pointed to the need to increase the Security Council’s influence on armed conflicts. Estonia also told to the inappropriateness of the veto power of the permanent members (Jürgenson, 2021). That is a bold step because a small non-permanent member needs to consider its plans. Thus, Estonia’s human rights policy was strong and courageous because it actively promoted its international priorities.
Cybersecurity
Estonia joined the Council at a difficult time, having caught a crisis in diplomacy due to the abrupt transition to a new format – remote discussion because of Covid-19. However, this did not stop Estonia from conducting its policy; on the contrary, it was improved. Estonia has demonstrated digital skills due to the transition to a virtual format (Raik, 2020). Based on this, the statement about the need for cyber security became a winning one and was regularly on the agenda of meetings. At the end of May 2020, Estonia held a meeting on cyber-attacks and stability in the digital space, updating the impact of the network on world politics. In June 2021, Estonia renewed its demands to raise awareness of cyberspace (United Nations, 2021). The cybersecurity campaign has been one of the greatest strengths during Estonia’s membership. Although all countries did not receive the cyberspace plan well, its relevance was not lost on Estonia’s confident leadership.
Conclusion
During its membership in the UN Security Council, Estonia has demonstrated high diplomatic skills and strong leadership. In international law, Estonia has shown itself as a state with a strong position on the territorial issue, but the reasons for interest in the Ukraine issue are questionable. In human rights meetings, Estonia has touched upon the right to life and freedom of speech, drawing attention to the safety of women and children during armed conflicts. Finally, the cybersecurity campaign has enabled Estonia to establish itself as an advanced digital state.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has turned into a long, dangerous, and unpredictable PKO. By April 2022, MINUSMA forces suffered 275 confirmed fatalities (United Nations Peacekeeping, 2022). Initially established in April 2013 to assist transitional authorities of Mali, the mission was charged with such duties as support of political dialogue and protection of civilians (United Nations Peacekeeping, 2022). However, the achievement of these goals is currently under serious threat, as the central and northern regions of the country are still occupied by jihadist groups (Lyammouri, 2022). More importantly, MINUSMA activities are severely hindered by the ruling military junta that staged a successful coup in May 2021. In particular, the junta has adopted an aggressive populist strategy that prioritizes violent raids against alleged terrorist forces instead of dialogue and gradual reconciliation (Lyammouri, 2022). The potential civilian casualties and escalation of hostilities do not concern the Malian junta as long as the brutal approach wins political support in the government-controlled territories (Lyammouri, 2022). As a result, the MINUSMA forces are currently pushed away from the peacekeeping process due to the aggressive political stance taken by the Malian regime.
As the UN peacekeeping force, MINUSMA does not have the mandate to overthrow the government, even if it actively disrupts the mandated peacekeeping process. Therefore, the UN and MINUSMA should utilize the only leverage they have available in the current situation — negotiations. In particular, the PKO leadership should try to convince the junta that violence breeds opposition to the regime and makes local populations more inclined to join the armed resistance. Consequently, the junta may lose its power as quickly as it took it since the MINUSMA mandate does not include saving the military regime, collapsing due to its own faults. As such, the only viable long-term solution for the Malian government is cooperation with MINUSMA. In the end, pacification and reconciliation would help the junta to keep the political power, which is its obvious goal. Whereas this outcome may be considered suboptimal for the country, a compromise with the current Malian government is necessary to continue MINUSMA peacekeeping activities. Otherwise, the country will likely relapse into an even bloodier conflict, and the MINUSMA may be remembered as a complete failure.
In the current international system, terrorism is the major threat facing all actors, including the United Nations. Countries are faced with both internal and external threats, but terrorism remains the major threat. Terrorism is a problem that cannot be solved unless United Nations delves into its origins. Terrorists use violence to frustrate governments in the world, irrespective of whether the country is developed or poor.
In other words, no country or individual is spared by the heinous acts of terrorists. States have been forced to cooperate in order to combat terrorism. In the modern international system, there are various categories of terrorists, each with its own mode of operation. Some of the terrorists posses weapons of mass destruction while others resort to suicide bombing. Scholars argue that terrorism is a result of depression, melancholy, hopelessness, helplessness, and defeat.
Before the Cold War era, terrorism was not a big issue in the international system because Islam was under control of the US and the Soviet Union (Sasley 2011, p. 21). The hostilities between the US and the Soviet Union did not give room to terrorism. The United Nations faces a big challenge as regards to terrorism.
Weapons and Mass Destruction
Production of weapons and availability of weapons of mass destruction is another threat to world security in the current international system. It is upon this that the Atomic Agency was created to supervise the production and distribution of weapons of mass destruction.
Before the Cold War, only powerful states, such as Russia and the US, had the capability of producing weapons of mass destruction. In this regard, the weapons could not be used to destroy life and property. In fact, the superpowers wanted to prove to each other that they were well off technologically.
They could not engage in war because they were mutually assured of destruction. Currently, a number of states have the ability to produce weapons of mass destruction. For instance, countries such as India and Pakistan have the ability to produce nuclear weapons. This is very dangerous to world security, especially when such weapons get into the hands of terrorists (Hudson, 1998, p. 19).
Iran and North Korea are some of the countries that are believed to support terrorism in the world. They agree to enter into agreements barring them from producing nuclear weapons yet they do not honor the accords. For instance, Iran has always claimed that it will use nuclear energy to support its domestic energy supply. The problem arises when nuclear weapons get into the hands of terrorists.
The Gap between the South and the North
The third problem facing the United Nations in the current international system is the gap between the poor and the rich states. Studies show that the gap between the south and the north is ever increasing. The problems facing countries of the south is how to develop. However, scholars blame colonialism for the problems facing the south.
The effects of colonialism were severe to an extent that solutions to problems are inapplicable (Khalid 2012, p. 18). For instance, the issue of anger and insecurity cannot be solved through provision of aid and monetary assistance. Colonialists focused so much on establishing a cash economy by emphasizing on cash crops such as coffee and tea. This has always affected the agricultural policies of developing countries.
Moreover, the infrastructural development was tempered with during colonialism. Colonialists developed certain regions that were strategic to their economy. Some regions were underdeveloped because they were denied resources. This has always generated civil wars because some regions believe that they are neglected. Conflicts in various parts of Africa have led to loss of life and property. Moreover, they have destabilized the world peace.
Economically, the south has failed to take off because of unbalanced trade. Goods are manufactured in the poor countries and are exported to the developed countries for processing. The same goods are exported to the south countries to be sold at an exorbitant price. Countries of the north force countries of the south to buy their products at an exaggerated price. This means that the gap between the south and the north will always increase.
The core controls the world economy while the periphery is incorporated as underdogs. In the international system, there is always tension between the south and the north over resources. The north is accused of funding tribal clashes, particularly in Congo, because it benefits them. During elections, countries of the north will always ensure that leaders supporting their missions acquire power. This is a big challenge to the UN agencies (Weiss, Forsythei & Coate 1994, p. 65).
Environmental Challenge
The last challenge pertains to the environment. Environmental challenges are faced by all countries in the world. It is one of the common problems faced by both countries of the south and north. The depletion of the ozone layer affects all people in the world, irrespective of the region.
However, states in the international system have failed to agree on how to preserve the environment. For instance, countries of the south claim that countries of the north must fund programs aimed at preserving the environment. This comes upon the realization that the developed countries are the leading in terms of polluting the environment. Studies show that the US and Japan are the leading countries in environmental pollution.
On the other hand, countries of the north accuse countries of the south for coming up with companies without considering environmental damage. The countries of the north observe that sustainability should be taken into consideration when designing developmental policies (Snow 1994, p. 16). The UN faces a great challenge of convincing the countries to adopt environmental laws (Ehteshami 2007, p. 54).
Suggested Solutions
In order to resolve the issues affecting the international system, the international community, particularly the United Nations, should establish institutions charged with the responsibility of designing and implementing policies. For instance, the International Criminal Court should be given more powers to prosecute those who violate human rights.
Moreover, the United Nations should ensure that international standards and norms are followed to the later. Aristotle observed that law would never let down an individual. Therefore, laws and norms should always be respected (Coate 1994, p. 54). As the only institution with powers to slap sanctions to non-compliant states, it should influence other states to obey the laws and norms.
For instance, all countries should cooperate in ensuring that nuclear weapons do not get into the hands of terrorists. In this regard, democracy should be restored in all parts of the world. It is proved scientifically that democratic regimes cannot support terrorism. Regimes that embrace dictatorship should be eliminated and be replaced with democratic regimes that consider public opinion before formulating foreign policies. The United Nations has a big role to play in ensuring this.
The institution is charged with the responsibility of ensuring fairness and equality. The United Nations should engage countries in negotiations to abandon their aggressive behaviors. Moreover, the United Nations should act as the mediator between the rich and the poor countries. For instance, the actions of the United Nations through protocols such as Kyoto protocol should be encouraged (Lawson 2009, p. 59). Kyoto protocol has achieved a lot as far as environmental conservation is concerned.
List of References
Coate, R 1994, The Future of the United Nations, US Policy and the Future of the UN, The Twentieth Century Fund Press, New York.
Ehteshami, A 2007, Globalization and geopolitics in the Middle East: Old games, new rules, Routledge, London.
Hudson, MC 1998, Middle East dilemma: The politics and economics of Arab integration, Columbia University Press, New York.
Khalid, S 2012, The UAE and Foreign Policy: Foreign Aid, identities, and Interests, Routledge, London.
Lawson, F 2009, Comparative regionalism, Ashgates, Farnham.
Sasley, B 2011, Studying Middle Eastern International Relations through IR Theory. Ortadoğu Etütleri, Vol. 2, no. 2, pp 9-32.
Snow, D 1994, Uncivil Wars: International Security and the New internal Conflicts Boulder, London.
Weiss, G, Forsythei, D, & Coate, F 1994, The United Nations and Changing World Politics, Westview Press, Colorado.
The ongoing conflicts in Syria have claimed the lives of many innocent people whose main aim is to introduce democracy in a country that has always been under dictatorial rule. The international community is unable to intervene, even though various options exist. This is because of varying opinions and conflict of interests among superpowers. The United Nations report shows that over sixty thousand people have been killed so far and an additional seven-hundred thousand have been displaced from their homes. Recent report by the United States claims that deadly weapons were used on innocent demonstrators at Aleppo. This is shocking because the leadership of the country could be propagating terrorism. The US has committed itself to using full force to challenge the leadership of the country in case it is conformed that weapons of mass destruction were used on citizens.
Conflicts have given room to emergence of Jihadist groups, such as Jabhat al-Nusra, which are demanding establishment of the Islamic state. Russia and China are being blamed for supporting Assad, yet innocent people are suffering. The Syrian regime is unresponsive to wishes of the majority hence it should be removed. In a recent UN meeting, Moscow and Beijing vetoed the UN Security Council declarations, which prevented the use of force against the indifferent regime in Syria. The UN Security Council was proposing isolation of Assad whereby he would not be recognized as the head of state, as well as imposing economic sanctions on his regime1.
Russia and China are against the idea of slapping economic sanctions and imposing a no-fly-zone rule, which would prevent the killing of innocent people in the country. Other actors in the international system, under the hospices of the United Nations, are considering arming the opposition and giving it technical assistance to oust the Assad administration, which has caused pain and agony to the people of Syria2. This article reviews the role of the United Nations in mitigating crises and conflicts in the international system. The paper looks at the progress of the United Nations, as far as extenuating the Syrian crisis is concerned.
The Action of the United Nations
The United Nations felt in 2012 that Kofi Annan would not manage the Syrian crisis hence he was replaced with a veteran diplomat referred to as Lakhadar Brahimi who would be recognized due to his religious affiliation. Brahimi was named the new UN-Arab League special envoy in September 2012 to spearhead the peace process in the failed state of Syria. The envoy vowed to implement the Geneva plan, which was designed by UN officials to resolve the Syrian crisis. The UN resolution called for a ceasefire and the formation of an inclusive government that would represent the face of the country. The leader of the new government would have exclusive powers meaning that he would have powers to make and implement policies3.
However, such a leader would assume office through a general election that would be presided over by the United Nations. The Plan was supported by both the United States and Russia, which has constantly supported Assad. Unfortunately, the Syrian people, both the government led by Assad and the opposition, are not interested in implementing the proposal. The opposition demands the departure of Assad while the president is unwilling to surrender power to the opposition forces, terming them rebels who should operate outside state borders.
The Geneva plan is the only strategy that the United Nations has formulated to deal with the Syrian menace. The plan is supported by a number of European powers, including Britain and France. The UN-Arab League special envoy Brahimi urged all international actors to honour the Geneva plan because it would resolve the Syrian crisis. In particular, he requested the UN Security Council to make its policies based on the Geneva action plan. The United States has always demanded the immediate resignation of Assad while Russia is against this demand. Therefore, the Geneva plan is the best for all actors because it does not favour any group.
The Geneva Plan
The plan was spearheaded by the United Nations, together with the Arab League. The secretaries of the United Nations and the Arab League played a critical role in drafting the plan in June 2012, which is viewed as containing the solution to the ongoing Syrian conflict. The representatives of the five UN Security Council members were present, as well as the representatives of the Arab League, led by Iraq and Turkey. Moreover, the meeting was attended by the officials of the European Union and other Middle East states, such as Kuwait and Qatar. The UN special envoy and the Arab league envoy chaired the meeting that took place at UN quarters offices in Geneva.
The meeting was convened following deadly attacks on innocent citizens. All members in attendance condemned the situation in Syria and promised to act in their capacities to end untold sufferings. The UN was concerned because the rights of citizens could not be protected given the fact that the government would comfortably order its forces to attack the people it is mandated to protect. Moreover, the UN suggested that the conflict could lead to a serious regional crisis if adequate measures were not put in place. Therefore, it urged members present at the meeting to adopt a common position and embrace a joint international action to prevent a large-scale conflict.
While foreign actors would be allowed to intervene in Syria to protect human life, they were reminded to consider the sovereignty, freedom, national principles, and territorial integrity of Syria. Members were further requested to commit themselves to the ideals that would allow them to work intensively in order to stop brutality and human rights abuses in the country. This would facilitate the process of transition that would meet the justifiable objectives of the people of Syria. This would perhaps go along a way to allow Syrians to determine their destiny democratically and autonomously. The fourth agenda of the Geneva plan outlined some of the measures that would be employed in order to realize peace in the country.
The fourth agenda has three basic measures. One of the measures entails identifying necessary steps that would ensure full execution of the six-point plan. The first strategy would pave way to the implementation of the UN declarations. These resolutions provide that the two warring factions in the country should cease fire, as soon as possible. The second principle provides some of the guidelines that would guarantee political transition. This would definitely reflect the wishes of the majority in Syria. The third strategy would be to develop some ways through which special envoys would be helped to resolve the Syrian crisis. The United Nations is optimistic that these strategies will facilitate peace not only in Syria, but in the entire region.
Concerning execution of the six-point strategy and the UN declarations, all parties will have to adopt certain measures. All actors must channel their energies and resources towards cessation of fire and armed violence. In fact, each actor should work independently without necessarily waiting for the actions of the other player. For the Syrian forces and the opposition rebels, they must respect the UN resolutions and the six-point plan. In particular, the government of Syria should cease violence and aim at cooperating with the international community to resolve the crisis. The UN requested the Syrian government to release all political detainees, particularly the vulnerable. Individuals arrested during political demonstrations should be granted their freedom since it would facilitate the process of healing.
Before releasing political prisoners, the list of all those detained, as well as the place they are being held, should be provided to the UN office. The Syrian government should also provide adequate information to the UN regarding the status of prisoners in the country. To ensure that the freedom of citizens is guaranteed, journalists should be give visas without discrimination. Freedom of movement should not be denied because it deprives people their rights and freedom. The government should further allow people to demonstrate, provided they do not interfere with the rights of others. This would facilitate political development whereby the government would be held responsible4.
The Assad led government should show full respect to the United Nations and other relevant international actors, such as humanitarian organizations whose role is to provide and supply basic needs to the suffering citizens. The government should understand that it has a moral responsibility of ensuring that people are safe hence it should participate in evacuating the wounded and other individuals who feel their lives are in danger. Both the government and the opposition forces should obey the international law on protection of civilians. The sixth principle is the most important because it outlines the process of transition whereby group members must be committed to the principles set at the conference.
It was agreed that any political decision reached regarding transition must be in line with the views of the majority in Syria. Moreover, transition must have a time limit since the people of Syria are suffering, yet the current administration is unwilling to address problems. The transition proposal should be all-inclusive meaning that it must be implemented in a safe environment. Furthermore, it has to ensure order and tranquillity in the country. The proposal should be in a position to realize its objectives and aims without any bloodshed since the people of Syria have suffered enough.
UN Proposed Actions
Perspective for the Future
In a study conducted to ascertain the views of Syrians, the UN established that many people in the country support an administration that would be genuinely democratic and pluralistic. This would allow emerging political actors to take part in the management of state affairs reasonably and uniformly through periodic elections. Moreover, the country should be committed to the ideals of multiparty politics whereby leaders would be tolerant to the divergent views. Democracy should prevail beyond the initial elections. Elections conducted in future should be consistent with the internationally established standards. In terms of political participation, the government should always respect human rights, respect the rule of law, allow the judiciary to operate as an independent entity, and hold government officials responsible.
For all these to happen, the state must come up with a strong constitution that would facilitate the creation of strong institutions to protect the rights of all people. To ensure economic and political development, the leadership of the country should ensure that individuals are provided with equal opportunities to enable people achieve their interests. In this regard, the government should never attempt to interfere with the market fundamentals, but instead the market should operate according to its internal logics. The role of the state is to create an enabling environment that would ensure individual fulfilment. This entails provision of healthcare, education, and infrastructural development5.
Clear Steps in the Transition
Peace in Syria will only be attained when the antagonists come to the realization that they need each other to develop their country. Therefore, the solution proposed should offer an irreversible step towards lasting stability. In this regard, a transitional governing body should be instituted. The transition government should have the capability of forming a neutral environment that would support transition. The transitional governing body should be given full powers meaning that it should enjoy executive powers. Since it is the role of the people of Syria to determine the type of government they want, all of them should be allowed to participate through a national dialogue process. Any policy formulated should always reflect the outcomes of talks. Re-examination of the instrument of government and the legal structure is critical as far as realization of lasting peace in the country is concerned. Constitutional review would be approved through a popular vote, particularly through a referendum. This would then pave way for credible elections to determine the leadership of the country. Moreover, all groups must be included in the constitutional making process, including women and the youths.
Safety, Stability and Calm
Transition entails change meaning that some problems will always be encountered when implementing change, particularly political change. In this case, the proposed solutions to the Syrian crisis should be executed in a way that would allow stability and safety. The UN suggested that all parties to the conflict should cooperate fully with the transitional governing body to ensure that no further violence is witnessed in the country. The government should withdraw forces from the opposition strongholds and the militias should be disarmed. The vulnerable groups, such as women, the disabled, and children, should be protected irrespective of their political affiliation. The process of releasing political detainees should be speeded up before any reforms are implemented. In the civil service, only qualified individuals with adequate skills should be given jobs.
Rapid Steps to Come to a Credible Political Agreement
Due to the violent nature of conflicts in the country, the people of Syria should be helped to realize their dreams, even though time is not on their side. Although international actors are willing to intervene, it should always remain clear to them that Syria is an independent and sovereign state, with its own territory. Other actors must therefore respect the territory of the country and aspire to promote unity through cooperation with Syrian leaders. Imposing on people would be a violation of their rights. Instead of intervening militarily, it is suggested that the international community should embrace peaceful dialogue and negotiation to prevent additional bloodshed, which has rocked the country for the last two years. The UN is trying its best to ensure that favourable conditions exist, which would guarantee political settlement.
If all parties commit to the six-point plan, there would be no atrocities6. It is also suggested that all actors interested in resolving the Syrian crisis should engage genuinely with the joint special envoy instead of coming up with new resolutions. An actor should channel its idea through the joint special envoy. Any decision reached should be pleasant to the people of Syria, which means that citizens must be involved effectively in designing and implementing policies. To achieve its political ambitions, actors in the international system should offer adequate education and information to the people of Syria. Information would help citizens to develop the courses of actions.
Conclusion
The United Nations has committed itself to resolving the issues affecting Syria, even though divisions among major world actors are affecting its operations. Recently, the UN Security Council came up with two resolutions titled 2042 and 2043, but China and Russia vetoed the resolutions meaning that they could not be adopted. The United States on its part suggested an alternative course of action whereby the opposition would be provided with arms to fight the central government. Russia and China were opposed to this decision because it would escalate the conflict. The fact remains that the problem facing the country would better be resolved through the Geneva plan.
Bibliography
Beinin, Vairel. Social Movements, Mobilization, and Contestation in the Middle East and North Africa. Stanford: Stanford University press, 2011.
Dabashi, Hamid. The Arab Spring: The End of Post colonialism. New York: Macmillan, 2012.
Haddad, Bassam, and Bsheer, Rosie. The Dawn of the Arab Uprisings: End of an Old Order? London: Pluto Press, 2012.
Lutterbeck, Derek. Arab Uprisings, Armed Forces, and Civil-Military Relations. Armed Forces & Society, 39.1 (2013), 28-52.
Ottaway, Marina, and Choucair-Vizoso, Julia. Beyond the Façade: Political Reform in the Arab World. Washington: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2008.
Phares, Walid. Coming Revolution: Struggle for Freedom in the Middle East. New York: Simon & Schuste, 2010.
Footnotes
Vairel Beinin, Social Movements, Mobilization, and Contestation in the Middle East and North Africa (Stanford: Stanford University press, 2011), 90.
Marina Ottaway and Julia Choucair-Vizoso, Beyond the Façade: Political Reform in the Arab World, (Washington: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2008), 16.
Bassam Haddad and Rosie Bsheer, The Dawn of the Arab Uprisings: End of an Old Order? (London: Pluto Press, 2012), 43.
Walid Phares, Coming Revolution: Struggle for Freedom in the Middle East (New York: Simon & Schuste, 2010), 89.
The role of the United Nations in sustaining international peace and its present-day level of effectiveness in global governance is often questioned. In recent years, the UN has performed a number of processes aimed at strengthening its ability to rid the world of the scourge of war.1 It was caused by the weakening of the effectiveness of international policy and proved that the organization needs critical changes. Consequently, politicians have come to realize that the United Nations is outdated and needs to be revised in light of trends reflecting the modern world.
This research paper was written to analyze the relevance of the UN policy. The importance of the topic is explained by current events in the world with the constant aggravation of military conflicts. The identification of problems in the work of the main peacekeeping organization can lead to the prevention of crises in the future. Despite the fact that, in general, the UN’s work and political strategy seem very effective, some areas still require changes.
Overview
Since its inception, the United Nations has been an organization that has constantly adapted to the modern world. Over the past few decades, the pace of geopolitical, economic and technological changes has led to unprecedented challenges.2 However, new opportunities have been opened to support the work of the Security Council and numerous proofs of its necessity.
Efficiency
As an international organization, the UN has significantly succeeded in establishing collective security, which it considered its priority after the end of World War II. The organization adheres to the policy that interference does not resolve 3 but aggravates the conflict, which is why diplomacy remains the basis of relations for many years. The organization has also successfully implemented humanitarian rights worldwide, serving as a platform for peace and compromise between States.
Challenges to Efficiency
Critics of the UN’s activities question the effectiveness of the organization’s work, criticizing its main provisions and policy directions. For example, the logic of collective security becomes questionable against the background of difficulties in its application. The political limitations of the UN are confirmed by the war in Nagorno-Karabakh or the conflict in Ethiopia.4 Environmental policy is also criticized by opponents of the organization. The most powerful economic powers continue to damage the nature of production in order to strengthen their economic power.
Reasons of Failures
Firstly, the UN resorts to solving local problems, thereby limiting the possible prospects of its projects. In other words, the lack of systematic thinking jeopardizes noble intentions, which can potentially lead to counterproductive consequences.5 Secondly, along with the peacekeeping agenda, the UN avoids risks and continues to insist on the peaceful settlement of conflicts where these methods are no longer appropriate. In the long run, this creates the illusion of solving the problem that does not strive for the actual eradication of evil.
Conclusion
To date, the UN, despite numerous criticisms and the reasonableness of the arguments given, has repeatedly proved its adaptability to solving world problems. Due to new monitoring capabilities, the CIA data also confirm the progress of the United Nations.6 Potentially, this may mean that the continuation of such a policy may lead to the solution of minor local problems and the designation of further directions in the development of countries. Consequently, the preservation of efficiency will require more significant measures in the direction of research and further proposed projects.
MacQueen, Norrie. “Is it worth it? Success and failure in UN intervention.” Chap. 7 in Humanitarian Intervention and the United Nations. Edinburgh University Press, 2022.
Weiss, Thomas, and Sam Daws, eds. The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations. New York: Oxford University Press, 2018.
Footnotes
“Five challenges the UN’s ‘sustaining peace’ agenda needs to address,” Saferworld. Web.
Weiss, Thomas, and Sam Daws, eds., The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018), 27.
Norrie MacQueen. “Is it worth it? Success and failure in UN intervention,” chap. 7 in Humanitarian Intervention and the United Nations, (Edinburgh University Press, 2022).
“Ten Challenges for the UN in 2021-2022,” Crisis group. Web.
Anastas, Paul, and Julie Zimmerman. “The United Nations sustainability goals: How can sustainable chemistry contribute?” Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 13 (2018): 150. Web.
Fritz, Steffen et al. “Citizen science and the United Nations sustainable development goals.” Nature Sustainability 2, no. 10 (2019): 922. Web.
In September 2000, 191 members of the United Nations ratified a charter known as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MGDs). The MDGs established goals that were to be achieved by all UN member states by 2015. The goals were premised on the desire to improve healthcare by improving access to universal education, gender equality, eradication of poverty and hunger and international cooperation.
Summary of eight MDGs and their relation to health
The united nations MDGs were ratified by member states to the United Nations and this signified the beginning of a journey to improve living standards by the end of 2015. First, member states made a commitment to eradicate poverty and extreme hunger from their countries.
The United Nations noted that most member states had more than half their population living below the poverty line. By 2000, it was estimated that over 1.2 billion people were exposed to extreme poverty, hunger and deplorable living conditions. Developing countries contributed a larger number of people living below the poverty line according to the United Nations (Piebalgs, 2010).
Under the Millennium Development Goals, members made a commitment to achieve specific goals aimed at reducing the level of poverty in their countries. Based on the first goal of the MDGs, member states made a commitment to lower the number of people earning less than a one dollar per day.
Under this goal, the member states committed to providing productive employment and proper working condition for all without gender or age discrimination. Nations that ratified the declaration also committed to reducing by half the number of people living in extreme poverty.
A poor nation cannot be able to support the healthcare needs of its people due to lack of adequate facilities. By improving the economic status of the people through poverty eradication, the Millennium Development Goals sought to ensure that everyone had equal access to universal healthcare (Vilsack, 2013).
Achieving access to universal primary education by 2015 was the second goal of the declaration. Member states made a commitment to ensure that all children have access to universal primary education irrespective of their social and economic status. Before the ratification of the declaration, most developing countries lacked adequate capacity to provide universal primary education to children.
With low literacy levels, residents of developing countries lack the capacity to control and manage infectious diseases. The high mortality and morbidity rates in Africa and some parts of Asia can be attributed to the low literacy levels (Vilsack, 2013).
The promotion of gender equality and access to employment opportunities, education and healthcare facilities was the third goal of the MDGs. Elimination of gender disparity within primary and secondary education in member states is essential in achieving other goals that are part of the declaration.
By 2015, signatories to the MDGs made a commitment to ensure that all its citizens have equal access to education and training opportunities irrespective of gender. The fourth goal of the declaration sought to reduce child mortality rates in member countries by two thirds (Kjorven, 2011).
In the developing countries, preventable diseases such as malaria, pneumonia and measles are the main causes of death in children under the age of five (Lomazzi & Laaser, 2014).
The fifth objective of the MDGs is to reduce by three quarter the number of maternal deaths across the globe. In 2013, the world health organization estimated 289,000 women died during childbirth. Though the level of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa has remained high, current figure remain promising.
Combating HIV/Aids and other infectious conditions such as malaria, pneumonia and measles by 2015 is the sixth goal of the MDGs. Mortality cases arising from malaria and HIV/AIDS have remained relatively high due to lack of access to healthcare facilities and treatment. Under this principle, countries will be able to integrate principles of sustainability into their policies and programs.
Such an effort will reduce the loss of scarce environmental resources and introduce new ways for exploitation (Piebalgs, 2010). To eliminate infectious diseases, member states made a commitment to improve access to clean water and improve overall sanitation by 2015.
The seventh goal of the MDG sought to integrate sustainable development within the policies of different countries. Through this goal, the United Nations intends to improve the level of forest cover and reduce carbon dioxide emission. Finally, the eighth goal of the United Nations under the MDGs sought to enhance global partnership to ensure equitable development among member states.
Under this goal, nations will improve their cooperation to improve ICT development and provision of healthcare facilities to developing nations. For example pharmaceutical companies should cooperate with member states to improve access to quality drugs(Lomazzi & Laaser, 2014).
Feasibility of accomplishing the Millennium Development Goals
By the time the MDGs were introduced, countries had varying levels of development and capacity to achieve the goals within the set time limit. The eradication of poverty has remained elusive in different parts of the world especially Africa. By 2010, over a billion people were still exposed to extreme poverty according to estimates released by the United Nations.
The number of children suffering from malnutrition has also remained high despite the progress made in achieving these goals. With reports indicating that one in every five children suffer from stunted growth in 2013, reducing poverty by half in 2015 will be impossible especially in developing countries (Lomazzi, 2012).
The push to achieve universal primary education by 2015 has slackened out despite the progress that has been made so far. Today, the high number of school dropouts has affected the achievement of this goal in different parts of the globe. With over 50% of school going children living in conflict prone regions, access to universal primary education will remain elusive.
Liberia, Brazil and other countries have women leaders today, a demonstration of the impact of the third goal of the MDGs. Most signatories to the declaration have enacted laws which ensure that women have equal access to elective and selective leadership opportunities (Lomazzi & Laaser, 2014).
The introduction of quotas in some countries has also enhanced the achievement of gender parity goal across the globe. However, this goal has remained elusive in predominantly Muslim nations, where women have low access to education and employment opportunities. To achieve this goal, member states must eliminate discriminatory religious and traditional laws.
Substantial progress has also been made in the desire to reduce child mortality rates across the globe. However, preventable disease still remains the major cause of child mortality in different parts of the globe. As a result, the world has failed to achieve this MDG target based on results published in 2012.
With infectious diseases still wreaking havoc in developing nations, achieving this target by 2015 will be impossible. Asia and sub-Saharan African remain major deterrents to achieving this MDG goal globally (Kjorven, 2011).
Maternal mortality is still high despite the progress that has been made this far by the member states. The inability to achieve the first and second goals makes this goal elusive to most countries.
Poverty and low access to quality education has increased the number of adolescent births and deaths according to a progress report released in 2014. Access to prenatal and postnatal care facilities is critical in achieving the fifth goal (Lomazzi & Laaser, 2014).
Through research, collaboration and increased sensitization, new HIV/AIDS infections have considerably reduced. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is currently accessible to most HIV victims across the globe, thanks to the success of the eighth goal. Youths and women are currently enlightened on issues associated with HIV/AIDS infection and ways to control malaria.
Attaining sustainable development has remained elusive due to uncontrolled industrialization and intensive farming (Lomazzi, 2012). Large forest reserves are cleared every year to give way for agriculture and settlement. This has led to an increase in the level of global greenhouse gas emission.
Though the first seven goals have met significant challenges, global partnership has been enhanced. As a result, most developing countries have access to aid and grants to support their development agenda (Vilsack, 2013).
Summary
Though independent to a certain degree, the eight declarations are related to the desire to improve access to quality healthcare. Before the ratification of the declaration, most developing countries lacked adequate capacity to provide universal primary education to children.
With only one year left before the period established under the declaration ends, most countries have not achieved the goals as captured in the declaration. Despite the dismal performance this far, achieving the Millennium Development Goals will be possible if access to quality education and healthcare facility is enhanced.
References
Kjorven, O. (2011). Why so far the Millennium Development Goals have been a success. Web.
Lomazzi, M. (2012). The Millennium Development Goals survey. Journal of public health policy, 34(1), 1-22. Web.
Lomazzi, M., & Laaser, U. (2014). Millennium Development Goals: How public health professionals perceive the achievement of MDGs. Global health action, 7(1), 243-252. Web.
Piebalgs, A. (2010). More and better aid needed for making Millennium Development Goals a success. Web.
Vilsack, C. (2013). 1000 days to reach the millennium goals. Web.
The prevailing diversity of people, as witnessed in the United Nations (UN) has, is, and continues to draw the attention of different people. How the nations came together and how they understand and work together despite their variations remains the biggest question. However, one can ask, ‘What is the United Nations?’ The UN, first used by the former US president Franklin Roosevelt, and founded in 1945 immediately after World War II, is an organization, whose sole agenda is to foster international peace, friendly relations, social progress, and security, among others. Currently, the UN has a membership of 192 states with its work reaching all the corners of the world. It is obvious that these nations differ in many ways, politically, economically as well as communication-wise. This paper addresses the latter though all make use of language. Therefore, following the wide range of languages used around the world, one can be curious to know whether the nations experience any barrier as far as communication is concerned. He/she can also seek clarification on the number of languages represented in the organization. Building on these mind-triggering questions, as experienced by many people, this paper seeks to clarify the facilitation of communication in the UN. Do they use interpreters?
Interpretation
Whether the UN does or does not use interpreters triggers the minds of many people. While some insinuate that, UN officials employ a common language in their communication, others, following the difficulty associated with the aforementioned possibility, imagine the use of interpreters in the organization. It is possible to tell which can and which cannot work between the two possibilities. For instance, with a hint of the organization’s coverage, it might prove hard for all the UN to employ a common language comprehensible to all members. However, this is possible but the conditions are too high for one to meet. Every official in such a scenario will be required to familiarize himself/herself with such a language, which may not be friendly to the majority. The issue of interpreters remains the only possible option. Therefore, the UN has a department that strictly checks the issue of interpretation, otherwise referred to as ‘The United Nations Interpretation Service (UNIS). This service as Howard says, “…provides interpretation from and into Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish for meetings held at UN Headquarters, and those at other locations which the department is responsible for servicing” (23). Expounding on this issue, the UN has come up with a standard number of languages demanding each official to familiarize himself/herself with at least one of them to minimize the number of interpreters required. The issue of captioning too triggers the minds of many people.
Captioning
The question of whether the UN employs captioning of languages is subject to discussion. Captioning is possible but it can be of no use to other people still in the organization. However, some plausible reasons exist explaining why captioning is not worth employing in the UN. One has to consider the number and the diversity of the people accommodated by the organization. For instance, there is a diversity of languages and bearing in mind that captioning can be effective if only one language appears on the screen, the language chosen to appear will not be familiar to the majority and hence not a good way of facilitating communication. In addition, blind people are also featured in the organization. As a result, it will make no sense to communicate using a model that requires people to use their eyes, while some cannot see at all. Moreover, what appears on the screen corresponds with the speed of the person bringing it, and therefore there are high possibilities of his/her speed differing from the speed of the reading of the audience. Therefore, some words will just be disappearing unread, affecting the message he/she wants to deliver to the audience. Captioning is possible but not a conceivable mode of communicating in the UN. Since the use of interpreters remains the only effective way, one can be curious to know how the organization chooses the interpreters.
Criterion of Choosing
Before one is preferred for in any job, there are underlying qualifications he/she should possess and interpreters are not an exception. Language is a key requirement for these people. The interpreter must have majored in at least one of the UN’s preferred languages. It is possible for one to have majored in one of these languages but still fail the test of a UN interpreter. Therefore, they must go through other protocols. For instance, for one to pass for a UN interpreter, he/she must be a college graduate. In fact, Lisbon comes in handy to say, “A university degree is required to become a United Nations interpreter” (11). However, this is only the ‘pass mark’. Fluency is an additional requirement that goes hand in hand with the language majored in. Experience is a crucial necessity considered by the UN in their choosing of their interpreters. One has to have several-year experience in the interpreting sector before he/she scoops a chance as a UN interpreter. Another question of where the interpreters come from arises.
Where do they come from?
The issue of who provides the interpreters too is subject to debate. While some think that each country provides its own, others claim that they (interpreters) are part of the UN staff. The former claim that each country provides its own interpreters is far from being true. This follows from the fact that an organization cannot have 192 of them interpreting at ago. Clarifying this issue, Charles asserts, “UN Interpreters belong to the Interpretation Service, which is part of the Meetings and Publishing Division” (para.3). The interested reader then realizes that the interpreters form part of the UN staff. However, these interpreters work from behind scenes. They are not visible to all in session, a case that makes sure that the audience remains attentive to the speaker. Their pay remains a question to many.
Pay
Following the various categories of UN interpreters, their pay is different and not standard for all. There is the one whose job is to translate text from a given tongue to another. The other category “…is the simultaneous interpreter who… translates speech from one language to another while listening contemporaneously” (Charles Para. 2). The pay for the latter is approximately $850 per day while the former receives between (15-25) cents per word. The organization also takes care of the deaf.
The Deaf
Worth noting is that there exist sign language interpreters for the deaf, who take care of the deaf incorporated within the organization. These interpreters, just like the others, are part of the UN staff and not freelance. Following the keenness and proficiency exercised by UNIS in selecting their interpreters, issues of misinterpretation or lack of access to language interpretation have never been observed. As Thomas confirms, “…language barrier is removed, due to the fast interpretative services, these linguists provide” (12). Therefore, it suffices to declare UN interpreters the smartest in terms of facilitating communication.
Works Cited
Charles, Jean. From Russian into English: An Introduction to Simultaneous Interpretation, 2003. Web.
Howard, Elena. United Nations Interpretation Service: Information for Incoming Headquarters Staff, 2000. Web.
The League of Nations was established on January 10, 1920, during the Paris Peace Conference after the ending of the World War I. It was the first organization to be established with a mission of promoting peace across world nations (Fomerand 67). The mission was to prevent war from recurring by establishing collective security and disarmament. Besides, international disputes were to be solved through negotiation and arbitration.
Various challenges faced the organization whereby it did not have the military and economic power. It had to rely on powerful nations for sustainability. The organization tried to curb slave trade, human, and drug trafficking, but the efforts were hampered by the violation of rules by powerful economies. Moreover, powerful nations were reluctant to issue economic sanctions to their counterparts that violated the agreement, which led to great inefficiencies (Fomerand 27).
In 1945, the League of Nations was declared ineffective before its abolishment. The United Nations was established with a different mission of promoting international co-operation. The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, after the ending of the World War II with only 51 member states (Fomerand 89). The organization gets money from voluntary contributions from member states.
Its main objectives include maintaining world peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic growths and developments, protecting environmental degradation, and providing aid in cases of disasters, famine, civil, and military wars (Fomerand 97).
The League of Nations was declared ineffective due to economic crises, human rights violations, and the emergence of World War II (Fomerand 176). The United Nations have since proved effective ever since its establishment. The two organizations were established for the same purpose where the UN succeeded the failed League of Nations (Fomerand 235).
Works Cited
Fomerand, Jacques. The A to Z of the United Nations, Lanham: Scarecrow Press, 2009. Print.
UNICEF is one of the well-known health care organizations providing health care and empowerment to children and women. This paper presents the nature of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and the legal and ethical system of the organization. It has reached out to all countries in the world distributing essential items to the children. This paper presents the weakness and strengths of the organization along with recommendations to revise the functions of the organization.
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, which is well known as UNICEF is an international health care organization established by the United Nations general assembly on December 11, 1946. The prime objective of the organization at the time of establishment was to distribute emergency food and health care to all children who have been suffering from the after-effects of the Second World War. Now it grants developmental assistance to children and mothers who belong to the developing countries, placing it in headquarters in New York City. “UNICEF is the world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries. The organization supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS.” (Khan, 2009, UNICEF seeks outside help for mobile strategy, para.4).
It is spread throughout the world, working in around 190 countries and it provides to children and mothers essential articles such as life-saving vaccines, medicines for children and mothers affected by HIV, nutritional supplements, and things that are necessary for education and shelter. UNICEF receives contributions from governments and private well-wishers and it makes use of this money to fund the different projects for the welfare of children throughout the world. It actualizes the objectives through its agencies and various non-governmental organizations.
UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre was established in 1988 to strengthen researches on various issues related to children and to facilitate children’s rights throughout the world. It works with a focus on various areas like child survival and development, basic education and gender equality among children, HIV/AIDS, and children, child protection from abuse and exploitation, policy advocacy, and partnership for the welfare of the children communication for development. It uses different methods for the smooth implementation of its programs. It implements the programs through its agencies and NGOs. The different strategies for the actualization of the projects are a collection of statistics and monitoring, evaluation, situational analysis, etc.
Ethical system and legal system of UNICEF
UNICEF established an Ethics Office in 2007 to meet the highest standards of ethics and staff are instructed to strictly follow the ethical system. The establishment of this system focuses on the cultivation and nourishment of cultural integrity and accountability. “UNICEF’s Ethics Office oversees a comprehensive Ethics Program, which includes protection from retaliation, financial disclosure, and the general promotion of ethical behavior through staff learning activities.” (Abdi, 2008, p.2). UNICEF has initiated a number of steps to bring higher standards of ethics to the organization; financial disclosure and whistleblower are some of the examples for such steps. Principal advisor is in-charge of ethics-related issues and he is responsible for formulating, reviewing and dissimilating policies, increasing awareness on ethical standards and required behavior of UNICEF staff members, controlling and managing the financial disclosure program, leading staff with a focus to ethical behavior and standards and promoting the ethics within UNICEF. “The terms of reference for the Ethics Offices of all United Nations funds and programs are outlined in the Secretary-General’s bulletin (ST/SGB/2007), including the collaboration among the Ethics Offices under the guidance of the United Nations Ethics Officer.” (Report on the accountability system of UNICEF: Ethics office, 2009, p.19). The accountability system of UNICEF is another step to meet ethics in all its dealings. This accountability system helps achieve better results through the system for children and women with a view of humanitarian development.
There is a well-established legal and regulatory system for the functioning of UNICEF. The legal system promotes the formulation of policies for the protection of children from abuse and exploitation. The executive body of UNICEF consists of positions such as the chairperson, the first vice-chairperson, the second vice-chairperson, the treasurer, and other elected members as per Article 6 of the GSA Constitution. Twenty-one members are included in the executive committee and this committee is responsible for conducting general meetings and making sure the well running of parliamentary procedures, conducting emergency sessions, proposing agenda for the global meetings, publication of relevant information in time, publishing an annual report on the initiatives and results and conducting annual sessions. The UNICEF senior management is responsible to reveal the annual report of the initiatives and results to the member states and the information on all the activities of UNICEF is accessible to the public. Two policies have been formulated, namely, whistleblower and financial disclosure to make sure that the organization’s work is ethical and moral.
Strengths and weaknesses of UNICEF
Every country has benefited from the committed work of UNICEF. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of UNICEF are given here. The strengths include: it has become a long-term presence in 190 countries working for the welfare of children and women. From the time of establishment, it began to grow and it has become the best international health care organization working for the right and empowerment of children and women. It was successful in framing the strategies suitable for local situations. Since it is an international organization, the strategy framed from one point of view may not be applicable in all cultures. Therefore, it started to make localized strategies to be applicable everywhere. The approach of UNICEF is action-oriented and it is effective in attaining the objectives of the organization. Another merit of this organization is that it works with the collaboration of different governments in various countries. Therefore, it is easy for the organization to frame policies in the interest of the people. The immunization program is one of the relevant contributions of UNICEF in defense of children’s health care. UNICEF is a leading agency for the protection of children’s health, working with humanitarian perspectives and it facilitates the inter-agency processes and works. It is successful in fundraising through receiving contributions from governments and private donors and other multiple sources. It strengthens the partnership with the governments, nongovernmental institutions, and civil society, and supports the nongovernmental institutions to actualize its projects. Now it has an image among all countries and every country attempts to enhance the projects of UNICEF. It is an authoritative organization that works for girls’ education, fighting against HIV among children and women. It responses immediately to the needs of the children and the external communication and advocacy are very systematically framed. Accounting, evaluation, and control systems are very effective and there is an improvement in the supply of essential things for the welfare of children and women.
Some of the weaknesses that can be observed in its functioning are: UNICEF has a self-image worldwide and at the same time there is distance inaccessibility of the common people. There has been a diversification of partnership with various governments, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society and it has formulated its strategy for the partnership but at the same time, the strategies of partnership are restricting the scope of the partnership. Even though there is a strong relationship with the government, it is not willing to work according to the government’s suggestions. There are a number of staff and bureaucrats working in the organization. The human resource is not made use of well and it can be observed that staffs are being appointed uselessly and thereby the financial loss is very high. Failure in reporting takes place sometimes. Local agencies have to collect the outcome and results of projects and sometimes there are manipulations in the reports. The accurate system of accountability of UNICEF is hampered due to the irresponsibility of some of the regional managers. They are not responsible and accountable to the result of their work. Human resource management becomes a problem since there is no timely recruitment and the incidence of staff’s burning out.
Recommendations
“Recommendations on UNICEF’s urban child program draws attention to a limitation of many development program, the tendency to focus action on readily observed problem symptoms to the neglect of more difficult and intractable causes.” (Korten, 1990, Symptoms versus causes, para.1).
“UNICEF has a potential requirement for a consulting firm/individual to develop an overall internal and external mapping of the mobile telecom industry and recommendations to contribute to UNICEF’s strategic direction and organizational framework required to engage mobile technology as per the technical specifications outlined in 2(d) and 2(f).” (Khan, 2009, UNICEF seeks outside help for mobile strategy, para.3). A diversified mechanism between DEID and UNICEF should be developed to make sure a good communication and dialogue. CO should use the means to collect information and data form unapproachable and inaccessible areas and there should be focus to improve reporting and monitoring of the entire process. There should be a multidisciplinary evolution system to identify the improvement of the functions of the organization. Cross-sector synergies should be conducted to hand over the exact information. There should be a focus on the monitoring of the programs and there should be provisions to know whether essential information is provided to the management and the operations are conducted in the desired and expected way.
“CCCs should be revised, especially the timeframe, which is not adapted to slow onset crises and protracted conflicts. UNICEF should continue to improve its early warning and preparedness system by strengthening OPSCEN and EMOPS Geneva, creating an ERT, boosting its surge capacity and developing standard operational procedures. UNICEF should strengthen RO’s and EMOPS’ roles in their guidance role to CO.” (Grunewald, Barr, Toscanno, & Gades, 2005, Recommendations). UNICEF should proceed with the work of protection of the children who are suffering from the after-effects of war since a number of children are still in the chaos created by war. UNICEF should become operational where it does not find the partner to work and the places where the organization has no accessibility. “Global database of mobile costings and services, that mobile providers can update as needed, and that UNICEF can look at a global level to ensure coherence across country and regional programs.” (Khan, 2009, Key tasks, para.3).
UNICEF is the best international organization that provides health care to children and women in the world. It is well structured and its functions are organized well to make reach the care of this organization to the children throughout the world. It has been successful in its activities and at the same time there are a number of weaknesses also. The recommendations will certainly help UNICEF to improve the quality of the health care provided to all children and women for their empowerment.
Conclusion
This paper presents the nature of United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund which is an international health care organization working for the protection and welfare of children and women. The ethical and legal systems of the organization are well defined and organized. The strengths and weaknesses of the organization and some of the recommendations to improve the functions of the organizations are summed up in this paper.
Reference
Abdi, O. (2008). Office of the executive director: An effective ethics office. United Nations Children’s Fund. Web.
Grunewald, F., Barr, E., Toscanno, A., & Gades, A. Base de donnees d’evaluation: Evaluation report: 2005 global: Joint UNICEF- DFID evaluation of UNICEF preparedness and early response to the Darfur emergency. UNICEF. Web.
Khan, M A. (2009). UNICEF seeks outside help for mobile strategy: Key tasks. Mobile Marketer: The News Leader in Mobile Marketing, Media and Commerce. Web.
Khan, M A. (2009). UNICEF seeks outside help for mobile strategy. Mobile Marketer: The News Leader in Mobile Marketing, Media and Commerce. Web.
Korten, D C. (1990). Symptoms versus causes: Observations and recommendations on UNICEF’s urban child programme. Environment and Urbanization, 2 (2), 46-57. Sage Journals Online. Doi: 10.1177/095624789000200206
Report on the accountability system of UNICEF: Ethics office. (2009). United Nations Economic and Social Council. Web.
Mali’s military officials ordered the restrictions on March 16, alleging that the two channels were spreading false claims regarding the army’s civil rights violations. The High Commissioner for Human Rights in the United Nations condemned Mali’s proposal to ban French news organizations and urged the country’s military leadership to reconsider their steps (Bibbo, 2022). According to the spokesman for High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, the organization is saddened by the Malian press regulator’s action to permanently prohibit Radio France International and France24 (Bibbo, 2022). Those prohibitions are among the latest in a series of acts aimed at restricting freedom of the press and speech in Mali. Moreover, it is mentioned that less scrutiny and control of the press is needed at such a time. Lastly, media organizations have criticized an upsurge in assaults and defamation efforts against journalists in the last year, particularly targeting members of French news organizations. Domestic and international journalists reporting on Mali have expressed concern about the country’s media culture deteriorating.
As for the analysis, the first noteworthy detail about the article is its addressing of the highly important issue of fundamental rights. The content illuminates the violation of basic human rights that concern freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The article maintains a clear focus on the given issue and does not cover other countries or issues. Moreover, another vital factor that contributes to the evaluation of the article is the audience. The target audience for the article written by Bibbo is the international community. By accentuating the injustice in a developing country, the material could also serve as a call for action. Consequently, the aim of the reporter is to not only shed light on the oppression of media outlets in African countries but to show the indifference of other nations and organizations, striving to induce strong emotions. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the article follows a strict structure. First, the author draws the attention of the readers to the location where the incident takes place and the core event, and then he accentuates the commentary of other parties. The article ends with a description of the overall situation in Mali and expresses concern. Lastly, the article is notable for its simple lexical and grammatical structures, which aid the understanding of the material.