A fresh start on migration in Europe
New Pact on Migration and Asylum
Migration is a complex issue, with many facets that need to be weighed together. The safety of people who seek international protection or a better life, the concerns of countries at the EU’s external borders, which worry that migratory pressures will exceed their capacities and which need solidarity from others. Or the concerns of other EU Member States, which are concerned that, if procedures are not respected at the external borders, their own national systems for asylum, integration or return will not be able to cope in the event of large flows.
Based on a holistic assessment, the Commission is proposing a fresh start on migration: building confidence through more effective procedures and striking a new balance between responsibility and solidarity.
Will Work with Citizens and Civil Society to Create More Transparent, Inclusive, and Participatory Governments
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) welcomes 56 new local jurisdictions composed of 64 local governments and civil society organizations to join OGP Local, a partnership of reformers in and outside of government working to transform how government serves its citizens. This expansion, the largest in OGP history, comes at a critical moment as provinces, cities and local communities are at the forefront of efforts to respond to COVID-19 while also facing strained budgets and climate insecurity. The 56 new OGP local members (full list below) were selected out of a pool of 112 applications jointly submitted by governments and non-governmental stakeholders.
The 20 jurisdictions currently in OGP Local have been at the forefront of innovation taking bold steps to address persistent challenges. For example, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, government and civil society partnered to ensure marginalized communities have access to reproductive health; and in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana, citizens can digitally access information on applications for infrastructure projects empowering them to fight corruption and illegal construction activities. Following the success of the first 20 OGP local members, the OGP Steering Committee agreed to expand the cohort in 2020.
Earlier today, October 13, 2020, the UN General Assembly elected 15 new members to the Human Rights Council, the UN’s top human rights body, for the 2021-2023 term. With 16 candidates for 15 seats, only one candidate was not elected - Saudi Arabia. China and Russia, while elected, got the least number of votes of any candidate elected in their respective groups.
The Human Rights Council’s effectiveness relies on its members and their readiness to respond fully to the Council’s mandate set out in GA resolution 60/251. A commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad is essential criteria for membership.
In a disappointing move, all but one region presented closed uncompetitive slates in today’s election, assuring candidates in those slates a seat on the Council. ‘Competitive elections are a prerequisite to enabling 193 members of the GA to apply the membership criteria when casting their ballot. The fact that Saudia Arabia, a country with a record of serious human rights violations and poor cooperation with UN mechanisms, was not elected, demonstrates the importance of competitive elections,’ said ISHR’s Salma El Hosseiny.
Council of Europe - STOP SEXISM BROCHURE
Direct Link – 24 Pages: https://rm.coe.int/brochure-sexism/16809fba84
Global Network for the Right to Food & Nutrition
Direct Link to Full 59-Page 2020 Publication:
https://www.righttofoodandnutrition.org/files/rtfn_watch12-2020_eng.pdf
Translations: ENG, SPA, FRE & POR). Watch is accompanied by a supplement with the key messages, images & infographics.
