France has always played a special role with regard to Human Rights. It inspired the Universal Declaration of 1948 and, today, continues to fight to ensure these rights are respected throughout the world, through its pivotal role within the Human Rights Council as well as through its actions in the Security Council. During the 1980s France initiated the right of humanitarian intervention, introduced by Bernard Kouchner and Mario Bettati, and promotes the notion of “Responsibility to Protect,” included in the 2005 World Summit Outcome. It also supports actions to combat impunity to prevent further abuses of power and helped establish the International Criminal Court; it was one of the first States to ratify the statute of this court.
Showing posts with label UN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UN. Show all posts
Role of France in UN - Policies Making
Contributions of France in UN
France is one of the leading contributors to the UN. It is the 5th largest contributor, after the United States, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom, providing a 6.3% share of the regular UN budget in 2008. As a permanent member of the Security Council, France’s contribution to the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) budget amounts to 7.51%.
Role of France in UN - Peace and Security
In the area of peace and security, France plays a key role in terms of disarmament. It has worked on the development of numerous treaties, most recently for the Convention on the Prohibition of Cluster Munitions adopted in 2008. It is very involved in actions to enforce the non-proliferation regime and played a key role in adopting the various resolutions on Iran and North Korea. France and the United Kingdom were the first two States to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1998 and France is striving for its entry into force. France was also the first State to decide and then take steps to dismantle its installations devoted to the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. It supports the resumption of efforts relating to the negotiation of a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. More generally, it tries to consistently endorse an ambitious and effective role for the United Nations based on international law and consensus. During the Iraqi crisis in 2003, it opposed the unilateral use of force and advocated a central role for the United Nations. Its military and police forces are strongly represented beyond its borders: in 2009 it took part in 10 of the 15 United Nations PKOs, with more than 2000 UN blue helmets deployed on the ground, essentially in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In addition to this direct contribution, it makes a major commitment in terms of UN authorized forces that are not blue helmets, with more than 7800 French soldiers involved in these operations. France has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2002 (Operation Licorne) in this capacity. It also contributes to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan and to the European Union forces in Bosnia (EUFOR- Althea) and in Kosovo (EULEX).
Role of France in UN's reform
France is very involved in United Nations reform. The recent crises confirmed the central role that the UN plays, but they also emphasized the need to make the organization more efficient, and more representative of current global indicators. This is why France is an advocate for Security Council reform. Just as it supported the transformation of the G8 in the G20, it supports the expansion of the Security Council within the framework of the negotiations relating to this issue that were initiated at the General Assembly at the beginning of 2009. It thus supports the accession by Germany, Brazil, India and Japan to a permanent seat as well as the increased presence of African countries in the Security Council, particularly among the permanent members. There is also the question of the presence of an Arab State as part of the permanent members of the Security Council. France is also promoting a review of Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs), with the aim of making them more efficient and more able to achieve their objectives. France, together with the United Kingdom, put forward some proposals to its partners in the Council.
A possible UN role
A possible UN role
Support grows for Goh in race to take over as secretary-general. By David Nason, The Australian.
Jul 21, 2006
MOVES to have former Singaporean prime minister Goh Chok Tong succeed Kofi Annan as UN secretary-general are gathering momentum in New York as the Security Council prepares to hold an informal "straw poll" for the candidates later this week.
The vote, tentatively scheduled for tomorrow, will gauge the level of early support for the four officially declared Asian region candidates: -
* Former UN undersecretary-general for disarmament affairs Jayantha Dhanapala of Sri Lanka;
* UN undersecretary-general for public information Shashi Tharoor of India;
* Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai; and
* South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon.
But the vote won't preclude other candidates coming forward before the Security Council's final recommendation is made in September or October and speculation continues to surround Mr Goh, who is believed to have significant support among the nations of the Non-Aligned Movement.
So far, Mr Goh has given no indication of his intentions and, for now at least, is hamstrung by the fact that Dr Surakiart has been nominated by ASEAN, the Southeast Asian regional bloc that includes Singapore.
But if Dr Surakiart does badly in the straw poll and withdraws from the race, ASEAN would be free to propose another candidate.
However, Dr Surakiart has indicated to supporters that he intends to stay in the contest no matter what the outcome of the straw poll.
Mr Goh, an economist and social conservative known for his strong views on multi-racialism, meritocracy and terrorism, was prime minister of Singapore from 1990-2004.
In 2005, he was made an honorary Companion to the Order of Australia by John Howard for services to Australian-Singaporean relations.
A spokesman for Pakistan's influential UN ambassador, Munir Akram, confirmed NAM's interest in Mr Goh and said the group "wants to have its own position" on the new secretary-general, even though the selection process is controlled by the Security Council.
He said Mr Goh was being discussed as part of NAM's enduring concerns for "General Assembly revitalisation".
The straw poll will be a secret ballot of the 15-member council that comprises permanent members Britain, France, Russia, China and the US, and 10 non-permanent members - Argentina, Denmark, Greece, Japan, Tanzania, Congo, Ghana, Peru, Qatar and the Slovak Republic.
It is designed to test the water and create conditions for unpopular nominees to withdraw and new nominees to enter the contest.
The ballot paper will allow the council members to indicate either "encouragement", "discouragement" or "no opinion" on each of the four candidates.
Each candidate will be told his own score and the top and bottom scores, but how each nation voted will remain a secret.
The process for selecting a new secretary-general involves the Security Council reviewing the nominations and forwarding a recommendation to the General Assembly, which then rubber-stamps the decision.
Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the successful nominee must receive at least nine votes and not be subject to a veto by any of the permanent five nations that, in reality, dominate the process.
China is expected to be the main player this time around because of the regional rotation system that decrees the next secretary-general must come from Asia.
At this stage none of the four nominated candidates has emerged a clear favorite, raising speculation that Mr Annan's successor is yet to enter the race.
The Australian
Support grows for Goh in race to take over as secretary-general. By David Nason, The Australian.
Jul 21, 2006
MOVES to have former Singaporean prime minister Goh Chok Tong succeed Kofi Annan as UN secretary-general are gathering momentum in New York as the Security Council prepares to hold an informal "straw poll" for the candidates later this week.
The vote, tentatively scheduled for tomorrow, will gauge the level of early support for the four officially declared Asian region candidates: -
* Former UN undersecretary-general for disarmament affairs Jayantha Dhanapala of Sri Lanka;
* UN undersecretary-general for public information Shashi Tharoor of India;
* Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai; and
* South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon.
But the vote won't preclude other candidates coming forward before the Security Council's final recommendation is made in September or October and speculation continues to surround Mr Goh, who is believed to have significant support among the nations of the Non-Aligned Movement.
So far, Mr Goh has given no indication of his intentions and, for now at least, is hamstrung by the fact that Dr Surakiart has been nominated by ASEAN, the Southeast Asian regional bloc that includes Singapore.
But if Dr Surakiart does badly in the straw poll and withdraws from the race, ASEAN would be free to propose another candidate.
However, Dr Surakiart has indicated to supporters that he intends to stay in the contest no matter what the outcome of the straw poll.
Mr Goh, an economist and social conservative known for his strong views on multi-racialism, meritocracy and terrorism, was prime minister of Singapore from 1990-2004.
In 2005, he was made an honorary Companion to the Order of Australia by John Howard for services to Australian-Singaporean relations.
A spokesman for Pakistan's influential UN ambassador, Munir Akram, confirmed NAM's interest in Mr Goh and said the group "wants to have its own position" on the new secretary-general, even though the selection process is controlled by the Security Council.
He said Mr Goh was being discussed as part of NAM's enduring concerns for "General Assembly revitalisation".
The straw poll will be a secret ballot of the 15-member council that comprises permanent members Britain, France, Russia, China and the US, and 10 non-permanent members - Argentina, Denmark, Greece, Japan, Tanzania, Congo, Ghana, Peru, Qatar and the Slovak Republic.
It is designed to test the water and create conditions for unpopular nominees to withdraw and new nominees to enter the contest.
The ballot paper will allow the council members to indicate either "encouragement", "discouragement" or "no opinion" on each of the four candidates.
Each candidate will be told his own score and the top and bottom scores, but how each nation voted will remain a secret.
The process for selecting a new secretary-general involves the Security Council reviewing the nominations and forwarding a recommendation to the General Assembly, which then rubber-stamps the decision.
Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the successful nominee must receive at least nine votes and not be subject to a veto by any of the permanent five nations that, in reality, dominate the process.
China is expected to be the main player this time around because of the regional rotation system that decrees the next secretary-general must come from Asia.
At this stage none of the four nominated candidates has emerged a clear favorite, raising speculation that Mr Annan's successor is yet to enter the race.
The Australian
UN’s Myanmar envoy holds talks with regional leaders in Singapore
20 November 2007 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Adviser on Myanmar is in Singapore, where he is meeting with various regional leaders taking part in this week’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Ibrahim Gambari met today with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines and held informal consultations with six ASEAN foreign ministers, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters in New York.
The envoy also met with Prime Minister Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Nyan Win of Myanmar.
Ms. Montas noted that Mr. Gambari is using his time in Singapore to meet with officials who are interested in dealing with Myanmar.
“The ASEAN leaders recognized that the recent visit to Myanmar had resulted in several steps in the right direction and that the UN has been playing a vital role in the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar,” she stated. “They also encouraged the leaders of Myanmar to continue to work with the UN in several concrete ways.”
Mr. Gambari, who travelled to Singapore at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his capacity as the Chair of ASEAN, is scheduled to hold bilateral consultations tomorrow with various leaders.
Following his stop in Singapore, the Special Adviser will travel to Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam. While he does plan to return to Myanmar before the end of the year, Ms. Montas noted that a date has not been fixed yet.
In a related development, Mr. Ban has congratulated the Heads of State meeting in Singapore on the signing today of the ASEAN Charter.
“In declaring their commitment to the principles of human rights and democracy, the ASEAN leaders have collectively taken a historic step towards closer integration and cooperation to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations in the region,” the Secretary-General said in a statement issued today
Ibrahim Gambari met today with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines and held informal consultations with six ASEAN foreign ministers, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters in New York.
The envoy also met with Prime Minister Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Nyan Win of Myanmar.
Ms. Montas noted that Mr. Gambari is using his time in Singapore to meet with officials who are interested in dealing with Myanmar.
“The ASEAN leaders recognized that the recent visit to Myanmar had resulted in several steps in the right direction and that the UN has been playing a vital role in the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar,” she stated. “They also encouraged the leaders of Myanmar to continue to work with the UN in several concrete ways.”
Mr. Gambari, who travelled to Singapore at the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his capacity as the Chair of ASEAN, is scheduled to hold bilateral consultations tomorrow with various leaders.
Following his stop in Singapore, the Special Adviser will travel to Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam. While he does plan to return to Myanmar before the end of the year, Ms. Montas noted that a date has not been fixed yet.
In a related development, Mr. Ban has congratulated the Heads of State meeting in Singapore on the signing today of the ASEAN Charter.
“In declaring their commitment to the principles of human rights and democracy, the ASEAN leaders have collectively taken a historic step towards closer integration and cooperation to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations in the region,” the Secretary-General said in a statement issued today
Senior Iraqi judges complete UN-backed study programme in Singapore
2 August 2009 – High-ranking members of Iraq's judicial system today wrapped up a United Nations-organized visit to Singapore aimed at studying the country's use of technology for the administration of justice.
A 17-member delegation of senior judges learned about the benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) installed in the Singapore Judiciary and its possible applications to Iraq through the study visit arranged by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Participants in the 11-day study programme, led by the Chief Justice for Iraq's Federal Supreme Court, visited Singapore's Supreme and Subordinate Courts, the Singapore Academy of Law, the Law Society of Singapore as well as CrimsonLogic, the company which developed Singapore Courts' Electronic Filing System (EFS), widely considered one of the most advanced of its kind.
The study visit is part of the UNDP–Iraq project to support rule of law and justice development in the war-torn country. The European Commission funded project aims to modernize two pilot courts in Erbil and Basra using computerized case management systems.
A 17-member delegation of senior judges learned about the benefits of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) installed in the Singapore Judiciary and its possible applications to Iraq through the study visit arranged by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Participants in the 11-day study programme, led by the Chief Justice for Iraq's Federal Supreme Court, visited Singapore's Supreme and Subordinate Courts, the Singapore Academy of Law, the Law Society of Singapore as well as CrimsonLogic, the company which developed Singapore Courts' Electronic Filing System (EFS), widely considered one of the most advanced of its kind.
The study visit is part of the UNDP–Iraq project to support rule of law and justice development in the war-torn country. The European Commission funded project aims to modernize two pilot courts in Erbil and Basra using computerized case management systems.
SG’s role in UN- Singapore to host regional centre for intellectual property disputes – UN
28 July 2009 – Asia’s first centre for dealing with disputes related to intellectual property including trademarks, copyright and patent issues will open in Singapore, the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported today.
An agreement signed by WIPO and the Singaporean Government will pave the way for training and advice on procedures and provide a dedicated dispute resolution facility in the region, according to a joint communiqué.
The new centre is designed to complement the mediation work carried out by WIPO’s Geneva office, which was set up in 1994 and has handled a caseload of over 30,000 disputes since then with the amounts in dispute ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Any parties may avail themselves of the dispute resolution procedures offered by the centre, regardless of nationality or domicile. They may be held anywhere in the world, in any language and under any law chosen by the parties.
“WIPO’s expertise in arbitration and mediation will be applied to the specific needs of the film sector,” said Francis Gurry, Director-General of WIPO. “This will dovetail with our efforts to achieve a conducive environment for the creation, anchoring and exploitation of media assets and intellectual property,” he added.
Given the rapidly expanding needs of the Asian film industry and corporate and technology sectors, Singapore’s role as an arbitration and legal hub for the intellectual property field made it an optimal location for this initiative, WIPO noted.
Of the many disputes submitted to the centre, disputes over registration of domain names constitute a large proportion of cases. WIPO is venturing into new territory in exploring what may constitute copyright infringement in the age of social networking, holding workshops and maintaining discussion boards on such vexing issues as whether “tweeting” is protected by copyright.
An agreement signed by WIPO and the Singaporean Government will pave the way for training and advice on procedures and provide a dedicated dispute resolution facility in the region, according to a joint communiqué.
The new centre is designed to complement the mediation work carried out by WIPO’s Geneva office, which was set up in 1994 and has handled a caseload of over 30,000 disputes since then with the amounts in dispute ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Any parties may avail themselves of the dispute resolution procedures offered by the centre, regardless of nationality or domicile. They may be held anywhere in the world, in any language and under any law chosen by the parties.
“WIPO’s expertise in arbitration and mediation will be applied to the specific needs of the film sector,” said Francis Gurry, Director-General of WIPO. “This will dovetail with our efforts to achieve a conducive environment for the creation, anchoring and exploitation of media assets and intellectual property,” he added.
Given the rapidly expanding needs of the Asian film industry and corporate and technology sectors, Singapore’s role as an arbitration and legal hub for the intellectual property field made it an optimal location for this initiative, WIPO noted.
Of the many disputes submitted to the centre, disputes over registration of domain names constitute a large proportion of cases. WIPO is venturing into new territory in exploring what may constitute copyright infringement in the age of social networking, holding workshops and maintaining discussion boards on such vexing issues as whether “tweeting” is protected by copyright.
Indian and Pakistan Conflict
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was set up in 1949 in January to supervise the ceasefire that was agreed upon by India and Pakistan in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, renewed hostilities had the UNMOGIP monitors the ceasefire called for by the United Nations Security Council.
Background Information of the Indian and Pakistan Conflict
When the British withdrew from the India after the World War Two, it was divided, primarily on religious grounds, into the two states of India and Pakistan. Kashmir was included in India, but the issue of which state it should belong to has been contested ever since, largely because Kashmir's population is predominantly Muslim.
UN’s Intervention
India and Pakistan declared independence on August 1947. Under the scheme of partition provided by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Kashmir belonged to either India or Pakistan. This became a catalyst for the conflict between two countries and fighting ensued the next year.
In January, the Security Council established the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to mediate the dispute. In April 1948, the council decided to enlarge the membership of UNCIP to recommend more measures to stop the fighting. In July 1949, India and Pakistan signed the Karachi Agreement establishing a ceasefire line which is supervised. The Council decided that with the termination of the UNCIP, the UNMOGIP should continue with the supervision. Thee UNMOGIP’s functions were to observe, report and investigate complaints of ceasefire violations.
However, hostilities broke out again at the end of 1971. The ceasefire came into effect with a few positions on the 1949 ceasefire line changed. In July 1972, India and Pakistan signed an agreement defining the line of Control with slight deviations established in the Karachi Agreement in 1949. Pakistan, however, did not accept the new agreement.
Both countries had disagreements about the UNMOGIP’s mandate and functions. However, the agreement can only be terminated by the Security Council. The Pakistan Government has continuously lodged complaints about ceasefire violations whereas the Indian military had restricted the activities of UN observers in India. However, both countries have continued to provide accommodation, transport and other facilities to UNMOGIP.
India and Pakistan Relations today
Despite numerous territorial disputes and military conflicts, attempts to warm ties have been made. Agreements talks, confidence building measures and aid in times of disasters have eased strained political ties.
Firstly, India voiced increasing concern over Pakistan’s nuclear weapon programmes and Pakistani arm purchases. Thus, in the effort to curtail tensions, the two countries formed a joint commission to examine disputes. In December 1988, the prime ministers of both countries signed a pact to not attack each other’s nuclear facilities. Agreements on cultural exchanges and civil aviation were also initiated.
Secondly, In June 1997, the foreign secretaries identified eight "outstanding issues" around which continuing talks would be focused. The agreement talks broke down over the structure of how to deal with the issues of Kashmir, and peace and security.
Thirdly, India offered generous aid to Pakistan during the 2005 Earthquake. India pledged monetary and relief material to the victims of the earthquake. This generous gesture opened a channel for co-operation between both India and Pakistan.
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was set up in 1949 in January to supervise the ceasefire that was agreed upon by India and Pakistan in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. However, renewed hostilities had the UNMOGIP monitors the ceasefire called for by the United Nations Security Council.
Background Information of the Indian and Pakistan Conflict
When the British withdrew from the India after the World War Two, it was divided, primarily on religious grounds, into the two states of India and Pakistan. Kashmir was included in India, but the issue of which state it should belong to has been contested ever since, largely because Kashmir's population is predominantly Muslim.
UN’s Intervention
India and Pakistan declared independence on August 1947. Under the scheme of partition provided by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Kashmir belonged to either India or Pakistan. This became a catalyst for the conflict between two countries and fighting ensued the next year.
In January, the Security Council established the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to mediate the dispute. In April 1948, the council decided to enlarge the membership of UNCIP to recommend more measures to stop the fighting. In July 1949, India and Pakistan signed the Karachi Agreement establishing a ceasefire line which is supervised. The Council decided that with the termination of the UNCIP, the UNMOGIP should continue with the supervision. Thee UNMOGIP’s functions were to observe, report and investigate complaints of ceasefire violations.
However, hostilities broke out again at the end of 1971. The ceasefire came into effect with a few positions on the 1949 ceasefire line changed. In July 1972, India and Pakistan signed an agreement defining the line of Control with slight deviations established in the Karachi Agreement in 1949. Pakistan, however, did not accept the new agreement.
Both countries had disagreements about the UNMOGIP’s mandate and functions. However, the agreement can only be terminated by the Security Council. The Pakistan Government has continuously lodged complaints about ceasefire violations whereas the Indian military had restricted the activities of UN observers in India. However, both countries have continued to provide accommodation, transport and other facilities to UNMOGIP.
India and Pakistan Relations today
Despite numerous territorial disputes and military conflicts, attempts to warm ties have been made. Agreements talks, confidence building measures and aid in times of disasters have eased strained political ties.
Firstly, India voiced increasing concern over Pakistan’s nuclear weapon programmes and Pakistani arm purchases. Thus, in the effort to curtail tensions, the two countries formed a joint commission to examine disputes. In December 1988, the prime ministers of both countries signed a pact to not attack each other’s nuclear facilities. Agreements on cultural exchanges and civil aviation were also initiated.
Secondly, In June 1997, the foreign secretaries identified eight "outstanding issues" around which continuing talks would be focused. The agreement talks broke down over the structure of how to deal with the issues of Kashmir, and peace and security.
Thirdly, India offered generous aid to Pakistan during the 2005 Earthquake. India pledged monetary and relief material to the victims of the earthquake. This generous gesture opened a channel for co-operation between both India and Pakistan.
Asian economies can benefit from greater intra-regional trade, says top UN official
25 October 2009 – The top United Nations official in Asia and the Pacific today highlighted the opportunities to promote trade and investment among countries in the region, while presenting a new development plan less dependent on exports to the West.
“The economic crisis has exposed the limitations of a 'manufactured in Asia – consumed in the West' model for economic growth,” said Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Speaking at the Fourth East Asia Summit, taking place in Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand, Ms. Heyzer added that there are “enormous” opportunities to promote trade and investment within East Asia.
“I believe that a more coordinated and connected Asia will emerge from the current crisis a global leader in development,” she told the gathering, while renewing the UN's commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
Ms. Heyzer noted that the UN is promoting connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region through a five-pronged approach that encompassed improved transport routes, a “paperless trading system,” investment within the region, energy security and social protection.
“The UN's work on the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement as well as the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway are cornerstones of this strategy,” she said, referring to the eventual 114,000 kilometres of railway that will link countries from Singapore to Turkey and 142,000 kilometre road network connecting 32 Asian countries with Europe.
The world body is also promoting a regional framework that will shift development in the region to a low-carbon path. “It will connect producers and consumers of energy resources and facilitate new markets for clean and efficient energy technologies,” said Ms. Heyzer.
Social protection systems are also important, she added, noting that “providing minimum wage and unemployment insurance will buffer people from financial uncertainties and help drive economic recovery.”
This is the first time that a UN official has been invited to address the summit, which brings together the leaders of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand.
“The economic crisis has exposed the limitations of a 'manufactured in Asia – consumed in the West' model for economic growth,” said Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
Speaking at the Fourth East Asia Summit, taking place in Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand, Ms. Heyzer added that there are “enormous” opportunities to promote trade and investment within East Asia.
“I believe that a more coordinated and connected Asia will emerge from the current crisis a global leader in development,” she told the gathering, while renewing the UN's commitment to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
Ms. Heyzer noted that the UN is promoting connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region through a five-pronged approach that encompassed improved transport routes, a “paperless trading system,” investment within the region, energy security and social protection.
“The UN's work on the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement as well as the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway are cornerstones of this strategy,” she said, referring to the eventual 114,000 kilometres of railway that will link countries from Singapore to Turkey and 142,000 kilometre road network connecting 32 Asian countries with Europe.
The world body is also promoting a regional framework that will shift development in the region to a low-carbon path. “It will connect producers and consumers of energy resources and facilitate new markets for clean and efficient energy technologies,” said Ms. Heyzer.
Social protection systems are also important, she added, noting that “providing minimum wage and unemployment insurance will buffer people from financial uncertainties and help drive economic recovery.”
This is the first time that a UN official has been invited to address the summit, which brings together the leaders of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand.
Singapore highlights its role in UN peacekeeping operations
PM Lee said that he supports the partnership of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN DPKO) and INTERPOL to bring the role of police peacekeepers to the forefront of the international security agenda.
Meeting the Challenge of Transnational Crime
Today, we all live in a globalised world. Our economies and societies are linked in so many ways. Trade and travel have seen exponential growth. Goods move freely all over the world. Our peoples visit one another’s countries with increasing frequency. Bits and bytes travel even more freely than physical goods and people. Our computers are linked by the worldwide web, and we can communicate by Skype, email, SMS, MSN, Twitter, and so on. Billions of dollars in digital currency can be transferred between jurisdictions in the blink of an eye, whether legally or illegally.
Globalisation has brought untold benefits to countries and to millions of people worldwide. But it has also created some difficult challenges. Crime too has become global. Criminals can move around more easily and run transnational operations and they often direct crime from offshore bases. Using modern communi¬cations tools, criminals can freely exchange information, coordinate their operations and even share “best crime practices”. Jihadist terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime are all global in scale and transnational in nature. The same modern day technologies and techniques that improve our lives are easily applied to more sinister ends.
Enhancing International Police Cooperation
To deal with new crimes and more sophisticated criminals, it is necessary, but not sufficient, for Police authorities also to become smarter and better equipped. Police officers must learn the latest technologies, understand how they might be abused by felons, as well as how they could be deployed to enhance policing work. Police services must raise the capabilities of their officers, help them to master the new tools and always to stay one step ahead of criminals. But in addition to this, countries have to cooperate more closely with one another, by sharing intelligence, watching for international fugitives and conducting joint enforcement actions. Only by working together can we effectively tackle transnational crime and terrorism.
INTERPOL plays a vital role as the largest police organisation dedicated to international cooperation. It brings together 187 member countries and facilitates international police cooperation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. It does this by respecting the limits of existing laws in the different countries. Its constitution forbids any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character. This encourages member countries to contribute information on fugitives, terrorists, stolen goods, and stolen or lost travel documents. These are then collated into databases which can be accessed securely. Such cooperation has enabled countries to extend the long arm of the law beyond traditional borders to take collective action against a common enemy. I am happy to note that the INTERPOL network is growing, and that by the end of this Assembly, Samoa will join, making it 188 member countries.
INTERPOL has led or coordinated many successful operations to cripple international syndicates. It has also helped to build global capacity in police agencies, through training and establishing intelligence-sharing protocols for member states. These efforts have enabled police authorities all over the world to prevent, detect and suppress crime.
Singapore benefits greatly from international police cooperation. We are an open, cosmopolitan city, highly connected to the world. Working with other police services multiplies our effectiveness. Through INTERPOL, wanted criminals and terrorists have been returned to Singa¬pore to face justice. We use the Mobile INTERPOL Network Database system to screen travel documents at checkpoints for stolen or lost passports. We have also participated in joint operations. For example, the Singapore Police Force was part of a regional task-force together with China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in two INTERPOL-coordinated operations, codenamed SOGA 1 and 2, which were held in 2007 and 2008 respectively. These two highly successful operations targeted illegal soccer gambling controlled by organised crime gangs. Operation SOGA 2 alone resulted in the arrest of over 1,300 persons across the various countries, and disrupted betting records of almost US$1.5 billion.
Meeting the Challenge of Transnational Crime
Today, we all live in a globalised world. Our economies and societies are linked in so many ways. Trade and travel have seen exponential growth. Goods move freely all over the world. Our peoples visit one another’s countries with increasing frequency. Bits and bytes travel even more freely than physical goods and people. Our computers are linked by the worldwide web, and we can communicate by Skype, email, SMS, MSN, Twitter, and so on. Billions of dollars in digital currency can be transferred between jurisdictions in the blink of an eye, whether legally or illegally.
Globalisation has brought untold benefits to countries and to millions of people worldwide. But it has also created some difficult challenges. Crime too has become global. Criminals can move around more easily and run transnational operations and they often direct crime from offshore bases. Using modern communi¬cations tools, criminals can freely exchange information, coordinate their operations and even share “best crime practices”. Jihadist terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime are all global in scale and transnational in nature. The same modern day technologies and techniques that improve our lives are easily applied to more sinister ends.
Enhancing International Police Cooperation
To deal with new crimes and more sophisticated criminals, it is necessary, but not sufficient, for Police authorities also to become smarter and better equipped. Police officers must learn the latest technologies, understand how they might be abused by felons, as well as how they could be deployed to enhance policing work. Police services must raise the capabilities of their officers, help them to master the new tools and always to stay one step ahead of criminals. But in addition to this, countries have to cooperate more closely with one another, by sharing intelligence, watching for international fugitives and conducting joint enforcement actions. Only by working together can we effectively tackle transnational crime and terrorism.
INTERPOL plays a vital role as the largest police organisation dedicated to international cooperation. It brings together 187 member countries and facilitates international police cooperation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. It does this by respecting the limits of existing laws in the different countries. Its constitution forbids any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character. This encourages member countries to contribute information on fugitives, terrorists, stolen goods, and stolen or lost travel documents. These are then collated into databases which can be accessed securely. Such cooperation has enabled countries to extend the long arm of the law beyond traditional borders to take collective action against a common enemy. I am happy to note that the INTERPOL network is growing, and that by the end of this Assembly, Samoa will join, making it 188 member countries.
INTERPOL has led or coordinated many successful operations to cripple international syndicates. It has also helped to build global capacity in police agencies, through training and establishing intelligence-sharing protocols for member states. These efforts have enabled police authorities all over the world to prevent, detect and suppress crime.
Singapore benefits greatly from international police cooperation. We are an open, cosmopolitan city, highly connected to the world. Working with other police services multiplies our effectiveness. Through INTERPOL, wanted criminals and terrorists have been returned to Singa¬pore to face justice. We use the Mobile INTERPOL Network Database system to screen travel documents at checkpoints for stolen or lost passports. We have also participated in joint operations. For example, the Singapore Police Force was part of a regional task-force together with China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in two INTERPOL-coordinated operations, codenamed SOGA 1 and 2, which were held in 2007 and 2008 respectively. These two highly successful operations targeted illegal soccer gambling controlled by organised crime gangs. Operation SOGA 2 alone resulted in the arrest of over 1,300 persons across the various countries, and disrupted betting records of almost US$1.5 billion.
PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE
Security Council Expansion
In the run-up to the 60th Anniversary Summit, expansion of the Security Council has dominated discussions on UN reform.
This is to be expected as the Security Council lies at the heart of the UN system. Because the stakes are huge, the positions taken by various countries have become sharply polarised. Whether a vote is taken on any particular resolution or not, the issue has become very divisive.
Singapore continues to believe that there should be an expansion of the Security Council to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
However, we are of the view that new permanent members should not have the veto because this will make it even more difficult for the Security Council to be an instrument of world peace.
In the run-up to the 60th Anniversary Summit, expansion of the Security Council has dominated discussions on UN reform.
This is to be expected as the Security Council lies at the heart of the UN system. Because the stakes are huge, the positions taken by various countries have become sharply polarised. Whether a vote is taken on any particular resolution or not, the issue has become very divisive.
Singapore continues to believe that there should be an expansion of the Security Council to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
However, we are of the view that new permanent members should not have the veto because this will make it even more difficult for the Security Council to be an instrument of world peace.
Singapore to host regional centre for intellectual property disputes
28 July 2009 – Asia’s first centre for dealing with disputes related to intellectual property including trademarks, copyright and patent issues will open in Singapore, the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) reported today.
An agreement signed by WIPO and the Singaporean Government will pave the way for training and advice on procedures and provide a dedicated dispute resolution facility in the region, according to a joint communiqué.
The new centre is designed to complement the mediation work carried out by WIPO’s Geneva office, which was set up in 1994 and has handled a caseload of over 30,000 disputes since then with the amounts in dispute ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Any parties may avail themselves of the dispute resolution procedures offered by the centre, regardless of nationality or domicile. They may be held anywhere in the world, in any language and under any law chosen by the parties.
“WIPO’s expertise in arbitration and mediation will be applied to the specific needs of the film sector,” said Francis Gurry, Director-General of WIPO. “This will dovetail with our efforts to achieve a conducive environment for the creation, anchoring and exploitation of media assets and intellectual property,” he added.
Given the rapidly expanding needs of the Asian film industry and corporate and technology sectors, Singapore’s role as an arbitration and legal hub for the intellectual property field made it an optimal location for this initiative, WIPO noted.
Of the many disputes submitted to the centre, disputes over registration of domain names constitute a large proportion of cases. WIPO is venturing into new territory in exploring what may constitute copyright infringement in the age of social networking, holding workshops and maintaining discussion boards on such vexing issues as whether “tweeting” is protected by copyright.
An agreement signed by WIPO and the Singaporean Government will pave the way for training and advice on procedures and provide a dedicated dispute resolution facility in the region, according to a joint communiqué.
The new centre is designed to complement the mediation work carried out by WIPO’s Geneva office, which was set up in 1994 and has handled a caseload of over 30,000 disputes since then with the amounts in dispute ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Any parties may avail themselves of the dispute resolution procedures offered by the centre, regardless of nationality or domicile. They may be held anywhere in the world, in any language and under any law chosen by the parties.
“WIPO’s expertise in arbitration and mediation will be applied to the specific needs of the film sector,” said Francis Gurry, Director-General of WIPO. “This will dovetail with our efforts to achieve a conducive environment for the creation, anchoring and exploitation of media assets and intellectual property,” he added.
Given the rapidly expanding needs of the Asian film industry and corporate and technology sectors, Singapore’s role as an arbitration and legal hub for the intellectual property field made it an optimal location for this initiative, WIPO noted.
Of the many disputes submitted to the centre, disputes over registration of domain names constitute a large proportion of cases. WIPO is venturing into new territory in exploring what may constitute copyright infringement in the age of social networking, holding workshops and maintaining discussion boards on such vexing issues as whether “tweeting” is protected by copyright.
Singapore highlights its role in UN peacekeeping operations
PM Lee said that he supports the partnership of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN DPKO) and INTERPOL to bring the role of police peacekeepers to the forefront of the international security agenda.
Speech by Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at opening ceremony of INTERPOL – UN Ministerial meeting and 78th INTERPOL General Assembly, 12 OCTOBER 2009
Enhancing International Police Cooperation
INTERPOL plays a vital role as the largest police organisation dedicated to international cooperation. It brings together 187 member countries and facilitates international police cooperation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. It does this by respecting the limits of existing laws in the different countries. Its constitution forbids any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character. This encourages member countries to contribute information on fugitives, terrorists, stolen goods, and stolen or lost travel documents. These are then collated into databases which can be accessed securely. Such cooperation has enabled countries to extend the long arm of the law beyond traditional borders to take collective action against a common enemy.
INTERPOL has led or coordinated many successful operations to cripple international syndicates. It has also helped to build global capacity in police agencies, through training and establishing intelligence-sharing protocols for member states. These efforts have enabled police authorities all over the world to prevent, detect and suppress crime.
Singapore benefits greatly from international police cooperation. We are an open, cosmopolitan city, highly connected to the world. Working with other police services multiplies our effectiveness. Through INTERPOL, wanted criminals and terrorists have been returned to Singa¬pore to face justice. We use the Mobile INTERPOL Network Database system to screen travel documents at checkpoints for stolen or lost passports. We have also participated in joint operations. For example, the Singapore Police Force was part of a regional task-force together with China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in two INTERPOL-coordinated operations, codenamed SOGA 1 and 2, which were held in 2007 and 2008 respectively. These two highly successful operations targeted illegal soccer gambling controlled by organised crime gangs. Operation SOGA 2 alone resulted in the arrest of over 1,300 persons across the various countries, and disrupted betting records of almost US$1.5 billion.
By continuing to eschew political, religious and racial considerations, we will maintain the common ground for fruitful cooperation. Singapore is also keen to do our part. Our police force is a small one, but our officers are happy to help wherever we can. It was a great honour for our Police Commissioner, Mr Khoo Boon Hui, to be elected as INTERPOL’s president last year.
Supporting International Peacekeeping
Besides fighting crime, police officers have taken on growing responsibilities in international peacekeeping. This has come about because international agencies increasingly recognise the valuable roles that civilian police forces can play. While military forces are indispensible for establishing initial security, civilian police forces are more suited for law and order tasks and for maintaining security. Police officers by instinct and training are more adept at keeping the peace. They do so by building strong institutions and proper governance systems and by progressively establishing an orderly environment that can be sustained over a long period. Consequently, the number of Police officers deployed in peace-keeping operations worldwide has increased from just over 100 in 1964, half a century ago, to more than 12,000 now, and demand for their services continues to grow.
Singapore has actively contributed to peacekeeping operations. Since 1989, over the last two decades, nearly 450 civilian police officers have taken part in 10 peacekeeping operations. We have been involved in various missions, usually under UN auspices – police training, enhancing the operational readiness of local police, and supervising UN-sponsored elections. We have been in Cambodia and Nepal, and further afield, in Namibia and South Africa. Currently, the Singapore Police Force has a 21-member contingent serving in Timor-Leste.
Singapore takes its peacekeeping duties seriously. In our globalised world, disorder or worse breakdown of political authority in one country threatens regional and international security. Failed states can become breeding grounds for international terrorism or bases for transnational criminal organisations. Countries therefore need to help others to help themselves. When we commit police peacekeepers to rebuild failed states, promote good governance and foster sustainable peace, we are also contributing to our own security. Hence I support the partnership of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN DPKO) and INTERPOL to bring the role of police peacekeepers to the forefront of the international security agenda.
Singapore has also provided indirect support. From 1994 until the programme ended in 2005, in other words, for more than a decade, we collaborated with the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR), to host a number of international conferences. These conferences bring together peacekeepers, policy-makers, academics and research teams, in order to pool their expertise and improve the conduct of international peacekeeping.
Speech by Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, at opening ceremony of INTERPOL – UN Ministerial meeting and 78th INTERPOL General Assembly, 12 OCTOBER 2009
Enhancing International Police Cooperation
INTERPOL plays a vital role as the largest police organisation dedicated to international cooperation. It brings together 187 member countries and facilitates international police cooperation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. It does this by respecting the limits of existing laws in the different countries. Its constitution forbids any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character. This encourages member countries to contribute information on fugitives, terrorists, stolen goods, and stolen or lost travel documents. These are then collated into databases which can be accessed securely. Such cooperation has enabled countries to extend the long arm of the law beyond traditional borders to take collective action against a common enemy.
INTERPOL has led or coordinated many successful operations to cripple international syndicates. It has also helped to build global capacity in police agencies, through training and establishing intelligence-sharing protocols for member states. These efforts have enabled police authorities all over the world to prevent, detect and suppress crime.
Singapore benefits greatly from international police cooperation. We are an open, cosmopolitan city, highly connected to the world. Working with other police services multiplies our effectiveness. Through INTERPOL, wanted criminals and terrorists have been returned to Singa¬pore to face justice. We use the Mobile INTERPOL Network Database system to screen travel documents at checkpoints for stolen or lost passports. We have also participated in joint operations. For example, the Singapore Police Force was part of a regional task-force together with China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in two INTERPOL-coordinated operations, codenamed SOGA 1 and 2, which were held in 2007 and 2008 respectively. These two highly successful operations targeted illegal soccer gambling controlled by organised crime gangs. Operation SOGA 2 alone resulted in the arrest of over 1,300 persons across the various countries, and disrupted betting records of almost US$1.5 billion.
By continuing to eschew political, religious and racial considerations, we will maintain the common ground for fruitful cooperation. Singapore is also keen to do our part. Our police force is a small one, but our officers are happy to help wherever we can. It was a great honour for our Police Commissioner, Mr Khoo Boon Hui, to be elected as INTERPOL’s president last year.
Supporting International Peacekeeping
Besides fighting crime, police officers have taken on growing responsibilities in international peacekeeping. This has come about because international agencies increasingly recognise the valuable roles that civilian police forces can play. While military forces are indispensible for establishing initial security, civilian police forces are more suited for law and order tasks and for maintaining security. Police officers by instinct and training are more adept at keeping the peace. They do so by building strong institutions and proper governance systems and by progressively establishing an orderly environment that can be sustained over a long period. Consequently, the number of Police officers deployed in peace-keeping operations worldwide has increased from just over 100 in 1964, half a century ago, to more than 12,000 now, and demand for their services continues to grow.
Singapore has actively contributed to peacekeeping operations. Since 1989, over the last two decades, nearly 450 civilian police officers have taken part in 10 peacekeeping operations. We have been involved in various missions, usually under UN auspices – police training, enhancing the operational readiness of local police, and supervising UN-sponsored elections. We have been in Cambodia and Nepal, and further afield, in Namibia and South Africa. Currently, the Singapore Police Force has a 21-member contingent serving in Timor-Leste.
Singapore takes its peacekeeping duties seriously. In our globalised world, disorder or worse breakdown of political authority in one country threatens regional and international security. Failed states can become breeding grounds for international terrorism or bases for transnational criminal organisations. Countries therefore need to help others to help themselves. When we commit police peacekeepers to rebuild failed states, promote good governance and foster sustainable peace, we are also contributing to our own security. Hence I support the partnership of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UN DPKO) and INTERPOL to bring the role of police peacekeepers to the forefront of the international security agenda.
Singapore has also provided indirect support. From 1994 until the programme ended in 2005, in other words, for more than a decade, we collaborated with the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR), to host a number of international conferences. These conferences bring together peacekeepers, policy-makers, academics and research teams, in order to pool their expertise and improve the conduct of international peacekeeping.
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