Posts tagged with "united nations"

UN Report: Systemic Gender-Based Violence by Israel Against Palestinians

A recent report issued by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of Palestinians. The report, released on March 13, 2025, alleges that Israel has increasingly employed sexual, reproductive, and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians as part of a broader effort to undermine their right to self-determination.

Need to Know:

  • The UN report documents a range of violations against Palestinian women, men, girls, and boys since October 7, 2023.
  • The Commission’s findings suggest that sexual and gender-based violence is being used as a strategy of war by Israel.
  • Specific acts of violence reported include forced public stripping, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence to genitals.
  • The report also highlights the destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare facilities in Gaza and the denial of humanitarian assistance, which has led to deaths from pregnancy complications.
  • The Commission found that these acts amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and even genocidal acts.
  • The report emphasizes a climate of impunity regarding these crimes and calls for accountability through the International Criminal Court and national courts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The findings in the UN report are extremely serious and warrant further investigation.
  • The report highlights the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
  • The destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the denial of essential medical supplies have severe consequences for reproductive health and overall well-being.
  • Accountability for alleged human rights violations is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims.

Implications for America and American Culture:

The findings in this report can have several implications for America and American culture, particularly regarding its role in the Israel-Gaza conflict:

  • Public Opinion and Political Discourse: The report’s findings may influence public opinion in the United States regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Israel. It could fuel debates about the level of support and aid provided to Israel and raise questions about accountability for human rights violations.
  • Activism and Advocacy: Human rights organizations and activist groups in the U.S. may use the report to advocate for policy changes, such as conditioning aid to Israel on human rights improvements or supporting investigations by international bodies.
  • Cultural Narratives: The report could challenge existing narratives about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within American culture, prompting discussions and re-evaluations of historical and political contexts.
  • Role in International Relations: As a major global power with a close relationship with Israel, the U.S. may face increased pressure to address the allegations in the report and take action to promote accountability and human rights.
  • Domestic Polarization: The Israeli genocide of Palestinians is a highly polarizing issue in the U.S., and the report’s findings could further exacerbate divisions and intensify political debates.

Although the report’s allegations are contested, thanks to Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) posting their war crimes and crimes against humanity on social media and independent journalism the world continues to bear witness to these atrocities. The seriousness of the  UN report warrants attention, accountability and discussion, both within the international community and within the United States.

The Commission’s detailed report can be found here. The Commission’s findings on sexual and gender-based violence committed by the military wing of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023 can be found here.

Background: The UN Human Rights Council mandated the Commission on 27 May 2021 to “investigate, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law leading up to and since 13 April 2021.” Resolution A/HRC/RES/S-30/1 further requested the Commission of inquiry to “investigate all underlying root causes of recurrent tensions, instability and protraction of conflict, including systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity.” The Commission of Inquiry was mandated to report to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly annually commencing from June 2022 and September 2022, respectively.

More information on the work of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, can be found here.

For more information and media requests, please contact: Todd Pitman, Media Adviser for the Human Rights Council’s Investigative Missions, at todd.pitman@un.org, Cell: +41 76 691 1761, or Pascal Sim, Human Rights Council Media Officer, at simp@un.org.

MSM Silent on UN Investigators Report Accusing Israel of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in Gaza

A recent UN probe has delivered a scathing indictment of Israel’s actions in Gaza, accusing the country of deliberately targeting healthcare facilities and personnel as part of a broader assault on the region. The report, released by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry, alleges that Israel is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including extermination, through its relentless attacks on medical infrastructure and personnel.

The commission, established in 2021 to investigate alleged international law violations in the region, found that Israeli security forces have killed, detained, and tortured medical workers, while also restricting access to healthcare for Gazan civilians. These actions, the report argues, have caused “incalculable suffering” and are contributing to the “destruction of generations of Palestinian children.”

The report also highlights the abuse of Palestinian detainees in Israeli military camps and detention facilities, where thousands, including children, have been subjected to torture, sexual violence, and other forms of mistreatment. The commission found that these abuses were often carried out under direct orders from Israeli officials, and fueled by government statements inciting violence and retribution.

In addition to its findings on Israel’s actions, the report also accuses Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the torture and abuse of Israeli and other hostages held in Gaza. The commission called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The Israeli government has rejected the findings of the report, accusing the commission of bias and “systematic anti-Israeli discrimination.” However, the report’s findings are likely to add to the growing international pressure on Israel to end its offensive in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The main findings of the UN probe into Israel’s actions in Gaza are:

  • Deliberate targeting of healthcare: Israel is accused of intentionally attacking healthcare facilities and personnel, leading to the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system.
  • War crimes and crimes against humanity: The report alleges that Israel’s actions constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, including extermination, due to the severe impact on the civilian population.
  • Abuse of Palestinian detainees: The probe found widespread abuse, torture, and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees, including children, in Israeli military camps and detention facilities.
  • Responsibility of Israeli officials: The report states that the abuse of detainees often occurred under direct orders from Israeli officials and was fueled by government statements inciting violence.
  • Hamas and Palestinian armed groups also accused: The report also accuses Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the torture and abuse of Israeli and other hostages held in Gaza.

The legal basis for the UN probe into Israel’s actions in Gaza stems from its establishment by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021. The commission’s mandate is to investigate alleged international law violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories. This implies that the probe is grounded in international humanitarian law and human rights law, which are applicable to the situation in the region.

The UN probe’s findings have several potential implications for the international community:

  • Increased pressure on Israel: The report’s accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity could lead to greater international pressure on Israel to cease its offensive in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis. This pressure could manifest through diplomatic channels, economic sanctions, or calls for investigations by international criminal courts.
  • Calls for accountability and reparations: The report’s documentation of abuses against Palestinian detainees and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure could lead to demands for accountability and reparations for the victims.
  • Impact on Israeli-Palestinian relations: The report is likely to further strain relations between Israel and Palestine, making the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the conflict even more challenging.
  • Increased scrutiny of Hamas and Palestinian armed groups: The report’s findings also implicate Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in war crimes, which could lead to increased scrutiny and pressure on these groups to cease their attacks on civilians and release hostages.
  • Broader implications for international humanitarian law: The report’s findings could have broader implications for the enforcement of international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Women Continue to Shape Universal Human Rights

International Day of Women in Diplomacy is celebrated annually on June 24th to recognize the important contributions and achievements of women in the field of diplomacy. The day aims to promote gender equality in diplomacy and to encourage the participation of women in peace and security negotiations.

History

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. The resolution was co-sponsored by over 50 countries and was adopted by consensus.

Importance

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in diplomacy and to raise awareness of the challenges they face. The day also serves to promote gender equality in diplomacy and to encourage the participation of women in peace and security negotiations.

Challenges Facing Women in Diplomacy

Women in diplomacy continue to face a number of challenges, including:

  • Gender discrimination: Women are often underrepresented in diplomatic positions and are less likely to be promoted to senior positions.
  • Sexual harassment and violence: Women in diplomacy are often subjected to sexual harassment and violence, which can create a hostile work environment and make it difficult for women to succeed.
  • Lack of access to training and opportunities: Women in diplomacy often have less access to training and opportunities than men, which can limit their career development.

Progress

Despite the challenges, there has been some progress in terms of gender equality in diplomacy. In recent years, more women have been appointed to senior diplomatic positions and there have been a number of initiatives to promote the participation of women in peace and security negotiations.

Did you know?

  • There are 31 countries where 34 women serve as Heads of State and/or Government as of January 2023.
  • Of the five United Nations-led or co-led peace processes in 2021, two were led by women mediators, and all five consulted with civil society and were provided with gender expertise.
  • In 2022, the Security Council held its first-ever formal meeting focusing on reprisals against women participating in peace and security processes.
  • In multilateral disarmament forums, wide gaps persist in women’s participation and women remain grossly underrepresented in many weapons-related fields, including technical arms control – only 12 percent of Ministers of Defense globally are women.
  • Countries where there are more women in legislative and executive branches of government have less defense spending and more social spending.

Conclusion

The International Day of Women in Diplomacy is an important opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in terms of gender equality in diplomacy and to reaffirm the commitment to achieving full gender equality in this field.

To watch the United Nations Commemorative Event to mark International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2024, click HERE

Restitution Study Group Take Fight Over Benin Bronzes to United Nations

Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely, Harlem, USA’s Ambassador to the United Nations, and Antonio Isuperio of Brazil, representing the Restitution Study Group, delivered a compelling statement at the United Nations, urging action on the ownership and management of the Benin bronzes.

The statement was delivered during the Arts and Culture Panel Discussion at the 3rd session of the Permanent Forum of People of African Descent in Geneva, Switzerland. The session commenced on April 16th and continued until April 19th.

 

The Restitution Study Group’s statement outlined five key points:

  • Recognition: Emphasizing the slave trade origin of the Benin bronzes, calling for global acknowledgment of this historical context.
  • Inclusion: Advocating for the inclusion of Afrodescendants in the global management of these cultural relics.
  • Ownership Rights: Asserting Afrodescendants’ rights to ownership of the Benin bronzes.
  • Provenance Research: Proposing the implementation of the PFPAD protocol for provenance research, considering the slave trade origin of the Benin bronzes and all African artifacts to prevent repatriation to slave trader heirs and ensure protection of the moral ownership rights of Afrodescendants.
  • Healing Dialogue: Encouraging dialogue between Nigeria, the Benin kingdom, and Afrodescendants on the issue of the slave trade Benin bronzes for mutual understanding and healing.

They also announced the forthcoming establishment of the Benin Kingdom Museum in Harlem USA — a place for cultural heritage education, atonement and healing. http://www.theBKM.org

The Restitution Study Group’s impassioned plea at the United Nations reflects a global call for justice, recognition, and healing concerning the ownership and legacy of the Benin bronzes.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, J.D., M.A., Executive Director
Restitution Study Group – www.rsgincorp.org – 917.365.3007

Paying Tribute to Women on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made towards gender equality and to call for further action.

History of International Women’s Day

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911, and it was organized by the Socialist Party of America. The day was chosen to commemorate the 1908 strike by female garment workers in New York City. The strike was successful in winning better working conditions for women, and it helped to raise awareness of the need for gender equality.

International Women’s Day became an official holiday in the Soviet Union in 1921, and it was later adopted by other countries around the world. In 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Themes of International Women’s Day

Each year, International Women’s Day has a different theme. The theme for 2024 is “Investing in women: Accelerate progress.” International Women’s Day (IWD) organizers said, “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.”

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day

There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. Here are a few ideas:

  • Attend a local event or rally.
  • Learn about the history of International Women’s Day.
  • Read books or articles about women’s rights.
  • Watch movies or documentaries about women’s issues.
  • Donate to an organization that supports women’s rights.
  • Talk to your friends and family about inspiring inclusion.

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for further action towards gender equality. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made and to renew our commitment to creating a better world for all women and girls.

 

March for Gaza: Thousands Rally in DC for Global Day of Action

Thousands rallied at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., Saturday as part of a global day of action calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war that started on Oct. 7 after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel killing about 1,300 people.

Since the start of the war, Israel has launched an aggressive bombardment of Gaza and other parts of Palestine in response, sending shockwaves across the world. More than 23,350 people have been killed – mostly children and women – during its retaliatory attacks on Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. 

Last week South Africa brought a case against Israel accusing it of committing the “crime of all crimes: genocide.”

Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are to decide whether Israel, in its war in Gaza, is guilty of an attempt to “destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part,” as defined by the 1948 Convention on Genocide.

Freedom Plaza overflowed onto Pennsylvania Avenue with marchers chanting the popular “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” as they waved a sea of flags in support of the Palestinian people who remain under siege.

Some marchers prayed on mats in the crowd, and outside the FBI building. Some of the speakers shared stories of losing hundred of people in their families and waiting helplessly for word on relatives surviving the night. The Biden administration has not called for a ceasefire in spite the urging of the international community, including the United Nations.

Escalation in Israel-Hamas Conflict: October 7, 2023

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has once again escalated, leaving countless civilians dead and the international community deeply concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis. On October 7, 2023, the region witnessed a surprise attack by Hamas, a militant Islamic resistance movement, that caused a significant spike in violence, marking a disturbing chapter in this long-standing conflict. This article provides an overview of the events that transpired on that fateful day and the broader implications of this intensifying confrontation. The Israel-Hamas conflict is a protracted struggle that dates back several decades. Rooted in historical, territorial, and religious tensions, it has resulted in numerous clashes, wars, and ceasefires, all of which have left a lasting impact on the people living in the region.

October 7, 2023 – A Day of Escalation

On October 7, 2023, violence in the region escalated significantly. The day began with a series of rocket attacks launched by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. These rockets targeted civilian areas, posing a severe threat to the lives and security of Israeli citizens. In response, Israel initiated a swift and powerful counterattack, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launching airstrikes on multiple Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. The IDF’s disproportionate response was immediate, as they aimed to destroy the resistance groups’ infrastructure and minimize their ability to launch further attacks. As the day progressed, reports of casualties on both sides began to emerge. The situation rapidly deteriorated, and it became clear that this was one of the most serious escalations in violence seen in recent years. Making matters worse, is the western media and government’s response to the crisis in favor of Israel’s right to defend itself, inspite of the inhumane and unjust occupation of the region after WWII that led to the creation of the Jewish state.

“Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been illegally occupied by Israel since 1967. Since then, the Israeli government has established a two-tiered legal and political system that provides comprehensive rights for Jewish Israeli settlers while imposing military rule and control on Palestinians without any basic protections or rights under international law. The Israeli government has also engaged in a regular practice of inhumane acts, as well as extrajudicial killings, torture, denial of fundamental human rights, arbitrary detention and collective punishment. The UN Human Rights Council-mandated Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem, and Israel concluded in June 2022 that continued occupation, as well as discrimination against Palestinians, are the key causes of recurrent instability and protraction of conflict in the region.” – R2P

An Israeli soldier patrol a street of Gaza on October 21, 1973, during the 1973 ArabñIsraeli War. On October 6, 1973, on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, an Arab military coalition led by Egypt and Syria launched a simultaneous surprise attack in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights, territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 ArabñIsraeli War. This war provoked the oil shock of 1973 and led to the opening of peace negotiations between Israel and Egypt, concluded by the Camp David agreement in 1978. (Photo by Gabriel DUVAL / AFP) Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, an Arab military coalition led by Egypt and Syria launched a simultaneous surprise attack in the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights, territory

Humanitarian Concerns

The Israel-Hamas conflict has always posed a significant humanitarian challenge. The renewed hostilities on October 7, 2023, only exacerbated these concerns. Civilians on both sides of the conflict found themselves in the crossfire, with innocent men, women, and children suffering the consequences of the violence. Hospitals in Gaza are being bombed and facing an influx of injured individuals, stretching their already limited resources. In Israel, residents of southern communities spent much of the day in bomb shelters, living in fear for their safety. The impact of these ongoing hostilities on mental health, particularly among children, is profound and deeply troubling. The disinformation and misinformation of the hospitals bombing in Gaza has also flared tensions across the globe. Israel has shut off water, electricity and other essential supplies and aid in Gaza, creating a greater humanitarian crisis and internationals calls to immediately cease fire and restore water and electricity, and to permit aid to reach civilians.

International Response

The international community has responded to the escalating conflict with growing alarm. Nations worldwide have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to exercise restraint. International organizations, such as the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity have expressed their concern and called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Various actors, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinkenhave attempted to mediate and de-escalate the situation. Egypt, a historical mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict, has been in contact with both parties, striving to broker a ceasefire. International envoys and diplomats have also been working tirelessly behind the scenes, aiming to find a path toward peace.

Implications for the Region

The escalating violence on October 7, 2023, underscores the complex and volatile nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict. As this situation unfolds, several key implications become apparent:

  1. Regional Destabilization: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Hamas, has broader implications for regional stability. It can influence the dynamics of other conflicts in the region, including those involving neighboring countries.
  2. Impact on Civilians: The civilian population, on both sides, continues to bear the brunt of the violence. The physical and psychological toll on the people of Gaza and southern Israel remains a pressing concern.
  3. Stalled Peace Process: The conflict poses a significant obstacle to the peace process in the Middle East. A lasting resolution has been elusive, and these recurrent hostilities make it even more challenging to achieve a meaningful peace agreement, including a two state solution.

The events of October 7, 2023, in the Israel-Hamas conflict serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the region. The international community’s calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution are critical, but history has shown that achieving lasting peace remains a complex and elusive goal. As the world watches the situation with growing concern, the hope remains that diplomatic efforts will ultimately lead to an end to the violence and a path toward a more stable and secure future for all those affected by this enduring conflict.

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China & America: The New Geopolitical Equation

BY JEANETTE LENOIR

 

A recent talk in New Hartford sponsored by Upper Mohawk Valley Chapter of the United Nations Association, (UMVUNA) highlighted some of the factors facing U.S.–Sino relations as the two sides work to settle contentious trade agreements. Visiting Assistant Professor of Government & Politics, Jun T. Kwon, Ph.D. says to fully grasp the foreign policy directions of both countries we have to understand the Five T’s; Thucydides Trap, Trade, Taiwan, Tibet and Tiananmen.

Starting with the first T, Kwon says the two sides share a relationship that is mainly rooted in the “Thucydides Trap,” referring to ancient Greek historian Thucydides’ reasoning of the Peloponnesian War. “It was the rise of Athens and the fear that this instilled in Sparta that made war inevitable.” Kwon says, “The 21st Century belongs to China.” He says it’s this fear that’s causing disruptions in U.S.-China relationships. “China’s power is growing and it’s causing fear in America,” he said. He explains that despite the pessimistic prospects of the two countries, some are optimistic of China rising especially as it pertains to world politics. “They welcome China challenging the U.S. in world politics.”

When it comes to the second T; Trade, Kwon says, “There’s definitely a trade war going on. Free trade benefits everyone. The issue is who will gain more? The U.S. wants to curb China gaining but the U.S. and China are economically intertwined. And, so many other countries are losing to U.S. in trade policy. Chinese growing power is striking fear.” Despite the circumstances, Kwon says, “There’s a compromise expected in the next couple of weeks on the U.S.-China trade dispute.” He adds that ultimately, without an agreement, its American consumers that stand to lose because they’ll see prices skyrocket when China retaliates over trade disputes. Kwon says the negotiations are ongoing because trade relations should be reciprocal.

The third T; Taiwan, may be one of the most contentious issues between China and the U.S. Although Taiwan is a self-governed island under U.S. protection, China claims it as part of the PRC, (People’s Republic of China). Kwon states, “President Trump signed Taiwan Travel Act last month which would facilitate and expand high level visits and exchanges between senior officials in Washington and Taipei. It has fueled the already strained relations between the U.S. and China. One China policy is a principle from China’s point of view that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China.” He goes onto say that China sees it as U.S. intervention into Chinese domestic affairs. “Nothing is angering China more than perception of foreign intervention into domestic affairs.”

The issue of Tibet covers the fourth T. Tibetan independence is undoubtedly an issue causing social instability in China. Kwon says the U.S. stands accused by the Chinese government of instigating Tibetan independence and with an expected White House visit from the Dalai Lama soon, China is concerned about what President Trump will do to harm already strained relations. Kwon says, even though China is eagerly awaiting the death of the Dalai Lama who has tirelessly worked—even in exile–toward Tibetan independence, the concern is a real one for the country because other minorities want to break away from China too. “Tibet refers to one of the most sensitive sources of social instability in China, which is so-called ethnic minority issue. In particular, two notable minorities which have expressed their independence sentiments are Tibetans and Uyghurs who are Turkish speaking Muslims residing in Xinjiang Province in Northwest of China.”

The final T is centered on an important moment in China’s political liberation; 1989 Tiananmen Square. “There has been no meaningful protest since,” Kwon says. This, despite the human rights violations China stands accused of by the U.S. and other world organizations. When the Chinese government removed constitutional term limits to allow President Xi Jinping to be president for life, the Chinese people didn’t seem to care about removing the 10-year term limits and Professor Kwon says, “This is a problem with the lack of activism since Tiananmen Square.” Adding, “China is not democratic at all. But how democracy should be defined is relative. Whether human rights are universal is relative. And, what is democracy? How do you define it? Comparing U.S. and China; U.S. is focused on the By The People part while China focuses more on the For The People part,” he says, adding, “The U.S. wants to use human rights and democracy to make China look bad.” Nonetheless, Kwon says democracy in China will take time and imposing values on others is not democracy.

In a labor intensive industry the U.S. can’t compete with China because China has labor power. “And this threatens U.S. markets.” Asked if the fear is justified, Kwon says, “China wants to come back as the super power. To be number one on the world’s stage. There will be conflict because the U.S. does not want China to take over. If that happens, it’s going to be a major conflict similar to a 1920s war.” Professor Kwon explained that China is not interested in injecting their influence around the world other than in East Asia. However, China does want to expand its economic power around the world, especially in Africa. “The U.S. has military alliances with 58 countries. China has only one; North Korea.”

There is some good news coming from the attention China is receiving as it negotiates new trade agreements with the United States. China, a member of the Paris Agreement, is actively working to reduce pollution. One way is by controlling the purchase of cars by putting limits on purchases, and working to expand where people live and work by building mega cities all over the country to entice people to relocate there and ease congestion in its larger more densely population cities like Shanghai and Beijing. And as it pertains to its relationship with North Korea, Kwon says, “China is nervous about North Korea drifting away from them and forming a relationship with Trump. China wants North Korea to pull back because it’s concerned they are moving too fast to meet with the U.S.”

The recent and third inter-Korean Summit’s focus was the geopolitical landscape and according to Kwon North Korea will not give up its nuclear weapons. He says, “Security guarantee from the U.S. is the only way North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons and that’s never going to happen.” He adds, “The U.S. goal is to handcuff North Korea. And, North Korea is scared. They feel threatened.” As it pertains to unification, Kwon says it would mean the collapse of North Korea unless it’s a very slow process of unifying the two Korea’s. He says part of the problem has to do with pathological nationalism. “North Koreans have been brain washed by pathological nationalism. They are brainwashed to worship their leader and blame the U.S. for their economic hardships.” Regardless of the views held from either side of the geopolitical landscape on the future of U.S.-Sino relations, it’s safe to surmise; China’s time as the world’s number one super power will come.

 

Public Broadcasting In The U.S., The Changing Media Landscape And Its Impact On Global Policies

 

BY JEANETTE LENOIR

 

A visiting media scholar from Jagiellonian University in Poland, Dr. Rafal Kus, gave a poignant public lecture for the United Nations Association at the Unitarian Universalist Church in New Hartford on Thursday. Dr. Krus was invited by Utica College’s Communications and Media Department thanks to a grant from the Erasmus Program of the European Union. Dr. Krus specializes in the study of American television media.

The local United Nations chapter—Upper Mohawk Valley Chapter of the United Nations Association—is tied to a global network of UN supporters and educators dedicated to educate, inspire, mobilize and strengthen the U.S. system in order to achieve the goals stated in the UN charter. The talk, which aims to do just that, focused on public broadcasting in the U.S., media and politics, and the impact of media systems in the world.

Part of the goal, according to organizers is to learn how U.S. foreign policy has been shaped by the international media climate and how it relates to the United Nations. There’s currently a bill being considered in Congress that aims to slash funding to the UN And Greg M. Smith who serves as Vice President of the local chapter, UMVUNA, says the cuts are in addition to the UN reducing its own budget by $200 million. “Now the United States is saying an additional $250 million needs to come away. That’s problematic because if we do that then we’re going to lose some of the seats we have within the United Nations. And, without a voice or a presence in committees we don’t have a voice in what happens within the United Nations and very easily the UN could become the League of Nations which we all know didn’t’ do very well to prevent WWII.”

The full talk can be heard here: