QUNO’s Sustainable and Just Economic Systems programme has been closely involved in discussions on trade and environment between members at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In this space, QUNO prioritises supporting members to work collaboratively on trade policies which support global environmental sustainability and ensure a sustainable and just future for all.

QUNO welcomes the UN High Commissioner’s report on Covid-19 and human rights and its emphasis on structural inequality and discrimination.  In an oral statement to the 46^th Session of the Human Rights Council we responded to this report, focusing on the human rights of migrants. (Full video of the statement is available below)

With the postponement of the 26th Conference of the Parties under the UNFCCC (COP26) to November 2021, many in the climate sphere are reflecting on how to keep up the momentum on international climate negotiations as well as support increased ambition on climate action in 2020. This was the central topic discussed by panelists on the “COP26: Ramp Up the Ambition” panel co-hosted by QUNO as part of the “Faiths Unite: Visions for Transformative Climate Action” online events series last week.

QUNO was pleased to welcome the High Commissioner’s report on the impact of arms transfers on human rights (A/HRC/44/29, 19 June 2020) which goes beyond the focus on women and girls to include specific considerations on the gendered impacts more broadly and the role of violent masculinities in facilitating violence and militarism.

QUNO works on the human rights of migrants at the international level to promote the protection of human rights of all regardless of migration status. As part of this work, QUNO delivered a statement at the 45th session of the Human Rights Council General Debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. This declaration supports understanding of the human rights of migrants, recognizing and reaffirming the dignity and inherent worth of all.