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 NY Programme Assistants (PAs), Molly Burger and Hannah Patterson, presented about QUNO to Quakers at the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) Section of the Americas Meeting. The biannual Meeting was held virtually this year due to COVID-19, but still drew together Quakers from North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean for worship, workshops, and activities. Molly and Hannah found this virtual space quite engaging in sharing the role of QUNO at the UN, as well as their experiences as Programme Assistants.

As part of our recent efforts to raise the issue of racial injustice in migration governance, QUNO had the opportunity to address the 46th session of the Human Rights Council as part of the Panel Debate on Racial Discrimination. (Full video of the statement available below)

At the 46th Session of the Human Rights Council, QUNO's Human Impacts of Climate Change programme submitted a statement welcoming the reports of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment on water and biodiversity. (Full video of the statement is below). 

Together with partner organisations who champion the child rights in criminal justice systems we are calling on all actors to support the vision expressed in our Kyoto Pledge for Child Rights and Criminal Justice. Released ahead of the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice the Pledge sets out a vision for criminal justice systems in which children are seen, children are heard, and children’s rights are upheld and asks States and others to commit to:

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)