The High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has announced a plan to combat antisemitism, a toxic ideology rooted in bigotry. Miguel Ángel Moratinos emphasized the need to eradicate antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, especially as the world approaches the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust.
Key Points of the Plan:
The plan focuses on the UN system and includes recommendations such as establishing a Working Group to monitor policies addressing antisemitism and enhancing awareness among UN personnel. The goal is to mainstream the Action Plan across UN policy frameworks and activities.
Mr. Moratinos mentioned launching dialogues to exchange views on countering religious intolerance and bigotry, with a specific focus on antisemitism.
Escalating Violence in Eastern DR Congo:
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and OCHA express concerns over violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) resulting in the displacement of 237,000 people in a year. The situation in North and South Kivu provinces is a humanitarian crisis with widespread human rights violations and massive forced displacement.
OCHA reported attacks and displacement figures in Masisi and Lubero territories in North Kivu and Fizi territory in South Kivu. An immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law has been called for by both agencies.
Dignity for Migrants:
Actress Cristiana Dell’Anna highlighted her film ‘Cabrini’ in Geneva, inspired by the true story of Mother Francesca Cabrini, who protected vulnerable migrants in the US a century ago. The film sheds light on discrimination faced by Italian migrants and aims to raise awareness about the challenges migrants continue to endure in today’s world.
International Year of Peace and Trust:
The UN General Assembly has launched the International Year of Peace and Trust, 2025, sponsored by Turkmenistan. The initiative aims to foster peace and dialogue between Member States, with activities culminating in the International Forum for Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in December.
Keynote addresses were made by senior officials including the President of the General Assembly, the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and the head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.
