In this written statement by Friends World Committee for Consultation to the 25th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), Quakers ask that the Right to Food be considered in the development of new policy frameworks for trade and investment in agriculture. It calls on the HRC to encourage the design of alternative approaches to trade and investment rules with people, sustainability and food at the centre and the creation of an enabling international legal environment that supports domestic efforts towards the realization of the right to food.

In this statement, delivered to the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers) highlights the serious and negative implications for conscientious objectors, when the right of conscientious objection is not fully recognised and implemented in practice, and makes recommendations to address the situation and ensure that they can enjoy fully their civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.

To view a video recording of the oral statement by QUNO's Emily Graham, click here. QUNO's statement begins at 01:46:50 and can be accessed by selecting the Chapter 47 link in the index listed on the right of the website.

See also:

Conscientious Objection to Military Service, written statement submitted by FWCC to the 25th session of the Human Rights Council

Presentation shared during an off the record expert consultation convened by QUNO on a New Framework on Trade and Investment in Agriculture. Participants were invited to review of changes in food systems since the conclusion of the WTO's Agreement on Agriculture and other trade agreements, to better understand the current climate, need and potential for change so that trade and investment rules support all people's food security. 

Presentation shared during an off the record expert consultation convened by QUNO on a New Framework on Trade and Investment in Agriculture. This presentation shared the results of a survey carried out by QUNO in 2013 to gather opinions of the adequacy of the current international rules which govern trade and investment in agriculture.

97.5% of survey respondents felt that the current rules are not adequate to address food security and environmental challenges.

Responses were gathered from individuals from within NGOs, States, Farmers` movements and secretariats of international institutions such as FAO and the WTO. Participants shared important issues to be addressed by the international system, also ideas for how changes can be made to achieve a system which adequately addresses food security and environmental challenges.

These briefing papers on sui generis options for plant variety protection (PVP) are to encourage and support governmental officials and others who wish to develop a PVP system that matches their country’s needs. These briefing papers are the third and fourth in a series on TRIPS-compatible alternatives to UPOV.

Rachel Brett, QUNO's representative for Human Rights and Refugees, delivered training to conscientious objectors at the Foro Internacional Por la Objeción de Conciencia al Servicio Militar Obligatorio in Bogotá, Colombia. This presentation focused on the international standards on the right to conscientious objection to military service and alternative service applicable to Colombia.

The Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) is working with others to explore the purpose, structure and direction of the governance of trade and investment in agriculture. To do this, we are stepping back from international negotiations relating to trade and investment in agriculture and asking questions about what an ideal framework to govern trade and investment in agriculture should look like. This document outlines QUNO's NFTIA vision.

The New York office is pleased to share our most recent Newsletter, featuring articles on the crisis in Syria, sustainable development, women building peace, and QUNO's recognition as one of the world's 100 most influential actors in armed violence reduction.

This document highlights the experiences of children with a parent(s) accused of a capital crime. From the point of arrest, to sentencing, to release or execution of the sentence, the study points out the devastating effects on these children’s physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, these consequences are not paid much attention in criminal justice systems. The study concludes with recommendations for States.

See also

• Lightening the Load of the Parental Death Sentence on Children
• Briefing Paper: Children of Parents Sentenced to Death
• Report: Children of Parents Sentenced to Death