Funding

Opportunity

Grants are available from the London & SE Region Trust for projects undertaken by a branch or an individual that further the objectives of UNA-UK; branch capital funding; meeting/hustings or local group support; study tours. Eastbourne UNA, Merton UNA and Dartford UNA have all received funding from the Region in 2015. Do you or your branch have a project that will benefit from some funding? Contact Catherine Pluygers (Chair) for an application form (119 Woolstone Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 2TQ/ catherinepluygers@hotmail.com)

Congratulations…

…to the Region’s Deputy Chair,

Dr Kishan Manocha, on his appointment

as Head of the Freedom of Religion or

Belief Unit and Deputy Head of Human

Rights at the Organisation of Security

and Cooperation in Europe's Office of

Democratic Institutions and Human

Rights.

This post is based in Warsaw, but

Kishan is in the process of making

arrangements that will allow him to

return to London to attend to his UNA

and other commitments.

For more information about the work of

the OSCE and the Office of Democratic

Institutions and Human Rights, visit

www.osce.org

PART I: IN-HOUSE LONDON & SE REGION BUSINESS

Region’s Spring Council 1-2

Emails to the Editor 2

General Election Hustings 3

Obituary 3

What’s been going on in the Region? 4

Peace Focus: International Congress of Women 5

Women and the UN 5

13th Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen

International Law Lecture 5

Book Review - Kolade’s Canons 2: Business & Economy. Nation-Building. Ethics 6

Rich States in UN Peace-keeping: Time to Lead by Example? 6

Support UNA-UK's Foreign Policy Manifesto 6

Communication Matters 7

Your Vote, Your Say 7

Study Tour to Vienna 7

Forthcoming Events 8

Copy date for

the next issue:

5th October 2015

Contribution guidelines and past issues, go to: www.unalondonandse.org Editors: Neville Grant & Linda Leung (editor@unaondonandse.org)

The London and South East Region is part of UNA-UK, currently serving 23 branches in the Region. Views expressed in this membership newsletter do not necessarily represent the policy of UNA-UK or the Region.

Region’s 2015 Spring Council

The two-part meeting successfully concluded on 7th

March at the Resource Centre. Part I covered Region business; and part II featured a discussion on Israel/Palestine. David Wardrop provided the following account.

Chaired by Catherine Pluygers, the session covered in-house Region matters, including welcoming Meena Storey as our 11

th committee member.

The agenda included 'UN and Faith' where Dr Kishan Manocha (Region’s Deputy Chair) observed that faith could be seen by some as an obstacle to reconciliation but as a powerful force in the lives of so many and recognised by the UN; as such, it must be taken into account. He reported on successful services held at Golders Green Unitarian Church marking International Human Rights Day and Inter-Faith Harmony week. Executive Committee member Keith Hindell gave an excellent overview on the challenges of running successful study tours and members were encouraged to contact him should they require advice in this area. (Note: Westminster UNA is organising a study tour to Vienna this October. See page 7 for details.) The Chair reminded all present that the UNA UK Policy Conference and AGM would be held at the Resource Centre on 16th May. She also commended the excellent series of meetings to be hosted by UNA Merton titled ‘The Road to Dignity by 2030-Ending poverty, transforming all lives and protecting the planet’. (See page 8 for details) Finally, Catherine reminded all present that the Summer Council meeting will be held at the Resource Centre on 27

th June. The meeting will address matters

relating to Climate Change.

ISSUE

25 MAY 2015 London & SE Region

United Nations Association

TRIANNUAL NEWSLETTER

OF THE LONDON &

SOUTHEAST REGION

PART II: HOW SHOULD HMG CONTRIBUTE TO A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE ISSUES?

Region’s 2015 Spring Council (cont’d)

The session was moderated by Neville Grant.

SPEAKERS: Carol Gould Dr Fady Abusido Arthur Goodman Jewish author and Representative in UK Diplomatic and Parliamentary film maker and Ireland Fatah Inter- Officer for Jews for Justice national Relations Commission for Palestinians

Carol Gould recalled her early years in Philadelphia, USA, where the Jewish community was more liberal than in the UK. Family ambitions for the new state of Israel were primarily for a cultured community which had come about.

She wished equally for such a Palestinian community and had felt that the initiatives of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in seeking reconciliation with Palestinians as well as with neighbouring states had been the most hopeful in memory. His successors have not shown that degree of confidence and resilience.

She commended the coverage by the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Canadian Lyce Doucet on Palestinian matters and drew attention to the efforts of American-Palestinian multi-millionaire Bashar Masri, the driving force behind a new Palestinian city in the hills of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This is the sort of bottom-up development the UK government should support, she concluded.

Dr Fady Abusido referred to the UK’s influential position as a UN P5 member, major EU member, close ally of the USA and one traditionally engaged on Middle East issues. He noted the UK parliament’s vote recognising Palestinian statehood although he recognised that this was a non-binding decision and will not change government policy. However, the debate raised the profile of the issue in the UK.

So where was the seat of the conflict? It was related to land and surely could be peacefully resolved although he feared this would not be possible with the current Israeli leadership. Rather, he argued, the economic dimension should be reviewed and pursued.

In 1998, he recalled, the Palestinian Authority had no need for aid but it was failure to properly implement the Camp David Accords that led to a climate of doubt and fear. In the past two years, new strategies by HAMAS based on an absence of ‘allies’ in Israel has led to stasis but one which the EU, vigorously supported by the UK, should seek to resolve, even if as far as in the International Criminal Court. He commended the efforts of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, who is finalising the EU’s policy on the issue.

Arthur Goodman also noted the several roles the UK could and should play and urged the EU to exercise the degree of leverage it had at its command. He urged what were sometimes non-traditional methods of applying pressure in the Israeli government. He cited clauses in EU agreements which could be utilised such as trade restrictions and the denial of logistic support, especially those relating to armaments and defence equipment of which US$86 million had been supplied by the UK since 2008. However, he recognised that the UK is currently dependent on Israel for the deployment of some of its drone fleet.

Fundamentally, he argued, the 1967 borders should be recognised as the only ones on which agreement should be sought. Further, the UK should support Palestine if it chose to approach the International Criminal Court in resolving such issues.

Neville Grant then invited the audience to comment and ask questions. Issues raised and opinions voiced covered the efficacy of Tony Blair’s office; UK influence on the US, if any at all; the recent address by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the US Congress; the proposed legislation in the Israeli Knesset making Israel the Nation-State of the Jewish People; evidence of corruption in the Hamas-led government in Gaza; and the UK government’s appetite for energetic leadership in seeking the sustainable solution referred to in the discussion‘s title.

Neville thanked the speakers for their contributions and led well-supported applause.

Emails to the Editor Hilary Evans @ Richmond & Twickenham UNA Do we really want Jeremy Greenstock speaking as Chair of UNA on The World at One saying that he would like to see us increasing our defence budget to over 2%? (Maybe not quite as bad as David Hannay condoning the sidelining of the UN over the Iraq war and then becoming Chair within months - I resigned from UNA over that and only rejoined after he was replaced). Alison Williams @ Merton UNA I didn’t read page 7 of the February LaSER until it was too late to vote, but perhaps there is still time to contribute to the general feedback. I strongly support the “Yes to BDS”. The suffering of the Palestinians is indeed disproportionate and Israel has ground them down with impunity for far too long already. The injustice of the decades since the UN recognised the state of Israel remains a running sore throughout the region and beyond, but we can’t blame the Palestinians for the brutal aberra-tions of Islamist extremists today. I’m encouraged by the European Parliament’s recognition “in principle” of Palestinian statehood last December and hope it is followed by the EU taking that “carefully calibrated movement of BDS” referred to in Neville Grant’s argument. Shalom/Salaam. Keith Hindell@Westminster UNA Israelis have not ground the Palestinians down "with impunity" as Alison Williams says. Palestinians in Gaza and their Arab allies in Lebanon and Syria have been trying to destroy Israel for more than sixty years. As these attacks have persisted Israel has responded , sometimes brutally, and at the same time moved steadily to the right. One sided economic pressure on Israel is unlikely to lead to a solution. Alison Williams @ Merton UNA Yes, we must agree to differ on this one, Keith. I wonder how you see the impact of the UK Arms Trade - have just forwarded one on that subject to a few lists this morning and will follow this with that one. Pax Vobis!

PAGE 2 LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015

www.unalondonandse.org

General Election 2015

Branches were encouraged by UNA-UK to hold hustings meetings in the lead up to the General Election. Meetings were held by Enfield and the Barnets, Streatham & Clapham, and Blackheath & Greenwich.

MERTON UNA ALISON WILLIAMS

Merton UNA’s Election Hustings meeting took place on 15

th April. It was co-sponsored by

Merton UNA and WDC-CND and attracted local groups including Friends of the Earth, Palestine Solidarity, Anti-TTIP and a Residents’ Association. Our panel consisted of three candidates for the Wimbledon constituency (for the Green, Liberal Democrat and UKIP parties), plus two representatives for the larger parties as their candidates were unable to come. . Within the 2 hours we took 9 questions, with flexible chairing allowing some responses back and forth among the speakers and one intervention “for information” from the floor. We began with the issue of Climate Change – how Britain could help achieve a legally binding global agreement and whether public funds should be invested in renewable energy rather than armaments. We moved on to the NPT and the ICJ ruling on Nuclear Weapons; then T-TIP and the risk of sacrificing European values for American corporate profit. 4 questions related directly to the UN: (i) How can the many Security Council

resolutions on the Israeli Occupation of Palestine – specifically about the settlements and the detention of children –be implemented?

(ii) How we could ensure that the 0.7% we now commit to overseas aid is well spent?

(iii) How best to honour the R2P commitment (speakers found this question particularly challenging)?

(iv) How can Britain still justify its position as a Permanent Member of the Security Council?” Response to this question was surprisingly in consensus. They concurred that it could not.

Many of us UNA members may agree with that opinion but I doubt if we’d advance it as a no-brainer or expect to see Security Council reform achieved any time soon. UNA members at the Hustings saw once again how little the wider public understand the UN and what it can or can’t do; and how it could and should be supported rather than written off as a well-meaning talking shop. The speakers gave the UN credit for its humanitarian and development work, but showed little understanding of its role and potential on the peace and security. A few people asked about the un charter afterwards and someone took my copy of it home. Something to follow up in this 70

th

anniversary year. GREENWICH UNA NEVILLE GRANT The aim of UNA-UK's initiative was to put international issues on the political map. Sadly, the map here in Greenwich was nearer an ordnance survey map of the UK than one of the world: many people have commented

in the media about how extraordinarily insular the campaigns by almost all parties have been. Hardly a mention of the big issues that face the world, rather than just our own islands next to our offshore continent.

Blackheath & Greenwich UNA’s hustings meeting took place on 15

th April. The

meeting was hosted in partnership with Mycenae House, a local community centre. Six candidates attended. Free publicity - glossy fliers, and a piece in the local community newspaper the Westcombe News - meant that some 150 people attended the event: standing room only! The downside was that our partners did not just want an international hustings. It was felt that it would be undemocratic not to allow people to ask questions, vent their anger especially on issues closer to home. The result: a compromise. Questions on domestic issues like the NHS, housing and the economy are of course important but our local UNA hoped to broaden the agenda by focussing on Britain's place in the world, rather than only on domestic issues. UNA members were primed to ask key questions on such issues. It worked quite well. Questions on the NHS, the economy, education (two primary school pupils asked about increasing stress levels), added to those on immigration, Trident and defence, TTIP, climate change, and the need to reduce international dependence on coal and oil. Our six candidates – Conservative, Labour, LibDem, Green Party, UKIP, and TUSC (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) spoke well, though the chairman (from UNA) did have to give the occasional nudge to address important issues. For example, when questions relating to human rights came up, he asked candidates to consider what effect opting out of the European Court of Human Rights might have internationally, if other less acceptable regimes decided on a similar course. On Trident, how far are current policies on Trident compatible with our commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty? Such questions were on the whole not well answered by any candidates. The meeting was deemed a success nonetheless. The UN's flag displayed on the top table reminded people of the role that the UN had played in replacing the bullet with the ballot round the world. But there remained a lingering sense that our country's role in the world, and that of the UN, were not really deemed important as election issues by those who spoke.

Obituary

Westminster UNA mourns the premature departure of Rudi Albesa, one of our beloved committee members. Struck down in the prime of his life by illness, Rudi bore his burden in silence, with stoic and positive attitude. A lover of sports, Rudi’s speciality was fencing. He trained the Olympic Team 2012, was a coach and a member of Saxon, one of London’s oldest Fencing Clubs. A committee member since the 1990’s, Rudi had made valuable contribution to the branch and the committee also acting as its Honorary Secretary for a short while. Rudi was able to spend his last summer camping at Ben Nevis which he undoubtedly enjoyed. Blessed with a good-spirited and kind nature, Rudi will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. During his branch appearance in this January, before a committee who was still unaware this would be their last time together, Rudi paid tribute to the hard-working Filipino Community in the UK, in particular those active in social work and nursing. Westminster UNA will honour Rudi’s memory by making sure this translates into action in the near future. Angela Viano

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association

PAGE 3 LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015

What’s been going on in the London & SE Region?

Friday 28th

November 2014 saw some 120 local sixth form students from ten Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge schools gathering at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall for a day's lively discussion of international affairs at the annual Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA). Preparation had begun in June, with the organising committee of local teachers and UNA representative Brian Beeley, deciding the topics for debate, and drafting the initial resolutions. In October, the students all met at Tonbridge School, which generously hosts the MUNGA Briefing Day each year. There, the delegates were introduced to the workings of the UN, and attended workshop presentations by expert speakers from academia and the voluntary sectors on the resolution subjects, and on the issue of third world debt. They had the opportunity to meet each other and to start networking, and then participated in an emergency debate by way of preparation for the actual event. One of the main distinguishing features of this MUNGA is the level of student participation. Thus, although the pre-planning and preparation for the conference is carried out by the teachers' committee, on the actual day teachers disappear into the background and all business is carried out by the students themselves. This year, committees chaired by students from Kent College, Skinners and Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School debated resolutions on the environment, women's rights and international conflict. With issues as diverse as fracking, civil war in Ukraine, and rape as a weapon of war, there was much heated debate, while press teams produced both a tabloid and a broadsheet newspaper during the course of the day. The event was presided over by MUNGA veterans Lily Noall (ex Kent College) and Elle May (ex Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School) who took a break from their university studies to work with the students. Skinners School sixth former Alex Stevens, who represented Iran, was voted best delegate for his well-researched and effective contribution, and presented with his prize by Jane Beeley, Tunbridge Wells UNA Chair.

Over 40 attended this by invitation only meeting, including UNA-UK, several UNA branches and, in particular, Stephen O'Brien, who was about to take over from Baroness Amos as Under-Secretary-General

for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. Lord Hannay, as chair of the UN APPG, chaired the session. A gaggle of young Parliamentary interns sat in rows behind the horseshoe arrangement of desks. My two London UNA

colleagues felt it was regrettable that more MPs did not attend such sessions themselves, but delegate to their interns. Matthew Rycroft spoke about his role under three headings: Peace and Security, International Development, and Human Rights. He highlighted the fact that ⅔ of the Secretary General’s time is spent on Africa, and the largest peace-keeping mission is in the Congo. He himself had recently visited Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. On international development, he highlighted the need to consider those countries not represented on the P5. He touched on the relevance of good governance, justice, peace and security and referred to the September summit on sustainable development and the December climate summit. On human rights, he noted we need to fight robustly, especially for civilians’ and women’s rights. As regards Russia and China, we need to confront and tackle concerns. He said it was worth bearing in mind that of the 63 Security Council resolutions passed in the last year, 60 of them were passed unanimously. Half were on Chapter 7. He then invited questions and comments. Comments were heard from Natalie Samarasinghe (Executive Director, UNA-UK), Thomas Nash (Director, Article 36), Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Paddy Beck (Chair, WACUNA), Baroness Onora O’Neill (Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission) and David Wardrop (Westminster UNA). This was an important and worthwhile meeting. We hope UNA members will be able to attend future UN APPG meetings. With the expertise of our local branch members, we are following up on the successful 2013 First Aid workshops in Mbale (Uganda) with a more ambitious series of workshops in July and August 2015. UNA Uganda, with whom we have long-standing links, are facilitating the Kampala workshops and providing the support of UNAU groups in eastern Uganda. Mr. Bastable, First Aid instructor and examiner, is able to attend thanks in large part to a generous travel grant from the London & SE Region. In Uganda, especially in schools, there is a huge unmet demand for training in First Aid. Our efforts may be small in the scheme of things but highly appreciated locally and to our members a very enriching experience. A report on our survey of Health & Safety in Bulambuli district schools and on the evaluation of our First Aid workshops will be available in September. Eastbourne UNA is also very engaged in supporting the tree planting programme in eastern Uganda as part of a commit-ment to support climate change mitigation. Locally we have the support of over 100 businesses, institutions and indivi-duals. Our target is to plant some 20,000 trees in 2015. Currently we have funds for 7,000 trees and over the next two months we are eager to reach our target. Our branch would really appreciate the support of UNA branches in the Region, even if only to contribute the cost of 100 trees (£12.50). For details please visit our website www.unaeastbourne.org.uk. Let’s just remember UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s 2014 statement, ‘Climate change is the greatest threat to humanity’. Let’s also not forget the mantra from the UN Earth Summit of 1992 ‘Think Globally Act Locally’. Let’s act now, let’s act from here and let’s act together.

)

www.unalondonandse.org

UN APPG: ‘A testing time for the UN’ Jane Beeley [This is a pre-posting meeting with Matthew Rycroft, incoming UK Ambassador to the UN, 3pm on 12th March 2015 at the Houses of Parliament]

Eastbourne UNA Ian Elgie

PAGE 4 LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015

MUNGA in Tunbridge Wells Beverley Johnstone [This report came in just a tad late for the previous issue]

Peace Focus: International Congress of Women

On 28th

April 1915, the International Congress of Women gathered at The Hague, Netherlands. More than 1,200 delegates from 12 countries—including Britain, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Poland, Belgium and the United States, gathered. Dedicated to the cause of peace, they joined in a desperate attempt to stop the catastrophe of WWI.

To mark the centenary of this momentous event, and in another attempt to ensure that the politics of peace replaced those of war, the Women's International League of Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and other sister organisations, held two major events at the Hague in April 2015. Three-day conference entitled

“Uniting a Global Movement”, attended by nearly 1,000 delegates worldwide

Followed by the WILPF International Congress. Over 280 delegates from WILPF worldwide attended this historical centennial congress

Among their number was UNA member Jane Grant, who is also a member of WILPF. She writes: "The two events were extremely inspirational. They were very well organised by WILPF International, and were attended by around 1,000 people from many parts of the world, including

strong contingents from Africa. Many issues were discussed, among them: sexual violence against women, the failure to implement the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, (strong words against the renewal of Trident on all sides), and the international arms trade, which fuelled conflict around the world. If even half the money spent on armaments was spent on education, health and development, most of the world's problems could be solved."

For more information, visit www.wilpfinternational.org

Women and the UN

Putney and Roehampton UNA asked (i) what does the UN do for women? and (ii) what do women do for the UN? Rodney Mantle reports on the meeting on 9

th March 2015.

Between “A lot” and “Not much” could have been the responses to both questions from the participants, supplied with statistics by speakers Natalie Samarasinghe (UNA-UK Executive Director) and Jane Grant (Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom). Encouragingly, 45% fewer women die in childbirth worldwide now than in 1990. However, 800 women still die daily from preventable, pregnancy-related causes. The UN has never had a female Secretary General. Women were significant in the genesis of the United Nations. The International Congress of Women in April 1915 in The Hague contributed to founding the League of Nations and thus the UN. Adopted in 1948 by the General Assembly, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms […] in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex […].” The low status and vulnerability of women, especially in conflicts, led to UN Decade of Women 1975-85 and the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, 1995. This produced a Platform for Action, which formed the basis for subsequent meetings and for Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000). This urges “Member States to ensure increased representation of women […] in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention […] and resolution of conflict […]” and “the Secretary-General to appoint more women as special representatives […].” In early 2015, two of the UN’s 13 senior posts were filled by women. In many states, women still experience discrimination. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the General Assembly, is often described as an international women’s bill of rights. However, sanctions against offenders are limited to “shadow reports” by NGOs, peer reviews by similar states and occasionally referral to the International Criminal Court. The situation is not all negative. Many countries have made progress: Liberia, good in political representation; Mongolia, with virtually no gender gap in health; and Botswana, which has gender parity in education. What can be done? The UK is not a model in meeting the UN target of 30% of women in parliament. More than 40 years after the Equal Pay Act, women working full time still get around 15% less per hour than men – the equivalent of women working for free each year from 2 November onwards. Charity begins at home?

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association

From left to right, Catherine Pluygers (London & SE Region Chair), Natalie Samarasinghe (UNA Executive Director), Jane Grant. Photo @ Neville Grant

LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015 PAGE 5

13th Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen

International Law Lecture

25.02.15 | Brunei Lecture Theatre, SOAS, London

Dr Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of

Iran, gave a most interesting talk on ‘The United Nations Special procedures system and the challenges of human rights implementation'. Dr Shaheed discussed the stresses now threatening a human rights mechanism never envisaged in the UN Charter. He argued for greater use of the special procedures system, including closer integration into the Rights Up Front framework proposed by Ban Ki Moon in 2013. The system’s primary function of holding governments to account must be safeguarded. But, he asked, how can this be achieved and sustained? This, and others question, generated a lively discussion. A reception followed.

*The international law lecture is an annual event organised by Westminster UNA.

Kolade’s Canons 2:

Business & Economy. Nation-Building. Ethics.

Neville Grant reviews Dr Christopher Kolade’s 2nd

book.

Dr Christopher Kolade is a teacher, broadcaster, corporate executive, diplomat, university administrator and preacher. I know him well as a student and a friend. He has spent his life consistently applying the right principles, in private and in public. He is in high demand by organisations in the public and private sectors to give a keynote address, lecture or just a few remarks.

I got to know Chris Kolade when I was working in Nigeria. He was a well-known broadcaster with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He subsequently registered as one of my MA student at the University of Lagos. He may be better known in the UK as a former Nigerian High Commissioner in London. He has now produced a second volume of his thoughts and speeches which give a welcome corrective to the way Nigeria is all -too often perceived by the world. He gives his views on the principles and values that should drive strategy, policy and decision making. This book features many deeply thought-out commentaries on the management of responsibility across the professions that drive performance in different sectors of the economy. While these thoughts were originated from experience derived from the Nigerian environment, they also have direct relevance to the practice of management in both mature and emerging economies. The main thread that runs through the book is the critical importance of integrity in the task of leading institutions and communities. “This book will appeal to readers because everyone is either a beneficiary or a victim of the performance of responsibility holders,” says Kolade. “The thoughts expressed in this book are the result of both research and hands-on experience I gained over many years.” Published in three volumes, “KOLADE’S CANONS 2” provides teachers, students, policy makers and executors deep insights to think and talk about, as well as test in the arena of practice. “KOLADE’S CANONS 2 By Christopher Kolade is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Rich States in UN Peacekeeping:

Time to Lead by Example?

The 13th

annual conference to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers will take place on 20

th May,

2015 at the Royal United Services Institute, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET The UN has introduced more robust mandates, which have sometimes demanded more than the deployed contingents can fulfil. So, as the UK and its NATO allies seek to refocus their priorities after withdrawal from Afghanistan, the time is right to consider the role that UN peacekeeping should play in Western security strategies. What expertise have they gained which can be successfully applied to UN peace support operations? What benefits could the UK get from strengthening its contributions? A distinguished group of speakers will address a number of issues on UN Peace Operations. This annual conference is jointly organised by the Royal United Services Institute and the United Nations Association, Westminster Branch. Priced at just £15 with a special rate of £6 for students (inc VAT), it has established itself as one of the UK's most authoritative reviews of UN peacekeeping activities. To book a place, visit www.rusi.org/events Wreath-Laying Ceremony Following the conference, as in previous years, members of the diplomatic community and other organisations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph at 13.00 in remembrance of those from the 122 participating nations who have been killed whilst serving as UN peacekeepers. This year, the Gurkha regimental band will be taking part. This ceremony is free and open to the public.

Support UNA-UK's Foreign Policy Manifesto

As we have seen from recent exchanges about western involvement in Libya, UK

political parties have only just begun to grapple with the complex foreign policy

issues which define Britain’s place in a changing world and which have hardly got

a mention in the election campaigns.

UNA-UK's foreign policy manifesto 'A global force for good' contains 10 recommenda-

tions for UK Government action that we believe, with full public support, represent an

investment in Britain’s future and in a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.

This is not a wish list requiring huge amounts of expenditure. These are targeted ideas

for how the UK can use its strengths – leadership, a global network, expertise and

diplomacy – to deliver wide-ranging national and international benefits.

To download the Manifesto, sign or to show support or to read UNA-UK’s (which was

statement released ahead of the UK General Election) in the context of the

Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act

2014, visit www.una.org.uk/manifesto

PAGE 6 LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015

www.unalondonandse.org

Communication Matters

The London & Southeast Region currently serves 23 branches in the Southeast (London, Kent, East & West Sussex). We are the largest and most active region in UNA-UK. How is the Region communicating with UNA members?

Whilst members normally engage with their own branches, the Region facilitates communication on policy and other issues to UNA-UK HQ, and encourages branch collaboration in running joint events. It also acts as a forum for sharing of ideas and social gathering for the like-minded. It is through the diverse range of grass-route activities - ranging from speaker and fundraising events, film screenings, to discussion workshops and Model UN debates – that aware-ness of and interest in the work of the UN is raised. On a strategic level, the Region’s current chair sits on the Board of Trustee of UNA-UK. The Region is therefore in a position to articulate the branches’ concerns and impact on how UNA-UK is run, and what its policies and priorities should be. We engage and keep in touch with UNA members through a variety of channels: NEWSLETTER LaSER is published 3 times a year, and goes out to over 1,000 UNA members, individuals and organisations. Whether you receive the newsletter by email or in hard copy (or both!), you will find reports on Region policy events and branch meetings, opinion pieces, campaign topics, discussions on topical matters, and also notices for future meetings. We are constantly looking for contributions from branches, so please keep sending your pieces and photographs. E-NEWSLETTER AND AD HOC ALERTS We aim to send out e-newsletters on a monthly basis. There might be some months when we don’t manage it or multiple mail shots are sent out to draw members’ attention to urgent or important matters.

These electronic communications are sent using the Mad Mimi platform (https://madmimi.com). If you have provided an email address to UNA-UK but are not receiving any electronic communication from us, please first check your email’s spam folder and mark us as “not spam” or “safe”. You can opt out or receiving the e-Newsletters anytime by clicking the “Unsubscribe” button at the bottom. If you would like to be added to the distribution list or recommend a friend, please let us know. WEBSITE If you have not already done so, visit the Region’s website www.unalondonandse.org. You will find, amongst general information and event updates, past copies of all LaSER and e-newsletters. We try our best to keep the website updated and will welcome members’ help in pointing out areas where we can do better. PERSONAL EMAILS You may also, from time to time, receive emails from Executive Committee or branch members promoting an event or alerting you to an important issue. We would like to hear from you! So, whether you’d like to provide an event report, promote your branch’s activities, share your views on a UN/UK/international issue, or need some help organising an event or need a speaker, do get in touch and we will see how best to help. With the wealth of expertise and enthusiasm in the London & Southeast Region, there is no limit to what we can achieve together.

Your Vote, Your Say

In the previous issue of LaSER (February 2015 | Issue 24), we invited readers to vote on two questions. We did not receive as many responses as we would like but recognising that the Region only just started to poll members’ views, we are encouraged by your participation. More members have since been in touch after the surveys were closed. Summarised below are the results as at the closing date. Should liberal democracies adapt

and change? Or should other cultures and faiths adapt to

recognise they are living in a pluralistic society?

Is the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanction) strategy a solution

to the Israel/Palestine Issue?

Note: most respondents believed the

options should not be mutually exclusive. The right answer lies

somewhere in between.

Note: many respondents commented that BDS might be a solution – but only

one amongst others.

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST REGION United Nations Association

LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015 7

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Study Tour to Vienna

5-9 October 2015 UNA Westminster invites UNA members and their guests to join this Study Tour to the ‘UN City’, host to important UN agencies and programmes. You will attend briefings with senior staff from six UN agencies and also visit headquarters of the Organisation for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). You will hear about the priority issues of the UK Mission to Vienna which handles all UN agencies as well as the OSCE. There will be opportunities to explore the enchanting and compact city, from its Schönnbrun and Liechtenstein Palaces, museums and concert halls to its famous cafes. Cost: £425 (shared room) and £520 (single occupancy) Please note that the above cost does not include flights. You can choose which airport to use. If not direct, Linz and Bratislava are two attractive nearby cities to consider. For full details, visit www.unawestminster.org.uk

Forthcoming Events

PAGE 8 LaSER | Issue 25 | May 2015

www.unalondonandse.org

London & SE Region Summer Council 27th June 2015 (Saturday) 1.30-5.00pm Resource for London 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA 1.30 Notices and general Region business 2.15 Break 2.45 Main meeting

"GLOBAL WARMING - SURELY THERE MUST BE A LAW AGAINST IT!"

Keynote speaker include Stephen Hockman QC, Region President and a strong advocate of an International Court for the Environment Attendance is free. All welcome. Contact Catherine Pluygers catherinepluygers@hotmail.com

London & SE Region United Nations Association

London & SE Region, London WILPF and Network of Eritrean Women invite you to a meeting 9th June 2015 (Tuesday) 6.30-8.30pm House of Commons, Committee Room 3 HUMAN RIGHTS IN ERITREA Discussion will be chaired by Jenny Jones Baroness of Moulsecoomb. Attendance is free but please register due to limited space. Contact Catherine Pluygers catherinepluygers@hotmail.com

London & SE Region United Nations Association

Meeting Series hosted by Alison Williams (Merton UNA) 12.30-2.30pm (bring packed lunch) or 7.30-9.30pm Flat 11 Wilberforce House, 119 Worple Road, London SW20 8ET

THE ROAD TO DIGNITY BY 2030 - ENDING POVERTY, TRANSFORMING ALL LIVES & PROTECTING THE PLANET

26th May 2015: Strengthening Cooperation between UN & Regions/Sub-regions 30th June 2015: High-Level debate on Climate Change Attendance is free but booking is essential due to limited space. More info, contact Alison Williams alisonwilliams36@btinternet.com or 020 8944 0574

2015 Summer Conference 23rd May 2015, 10.30am – 4.30pm Wesley's Chapel, 49 City Road London EC1Y 1AU (closest tube: Old Street) SURVIVING THE 21ST CENTURY - GLOBAL CHALLENGES, THREATS AND PROSPECTS FOR PEACE Distinguished speakers explore 3 urgent and important issues facing humanity: (i) War and Peace Building, (ii) Islamophobia Interfaith Dialogue, (iii) Climate Change Crisis and Solutions. Attendance is free. Donation greatly appreciated. More info, visit www.unitingforpeace.org or contact Vijay Mehta (vijay@vmpeace.org / 0207 791 1717 / 07776 231 018) or Brian Cooper (0131 446 9545).

Westminster UNA and Institute of Commonwealth Studies (University of London) invite you to a Conference to mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic age which has overshadowed humanity

27th June 2015, 1.30-5.00pm The Chancellor's Hall, Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

‘SOWING THE WHIRLWIND’: NUCLEAR POLITICS AND THE HISTORICAL RECORD

The decision taken 70 years ago to use untried technology to speed the end of the war introduced Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the international lexicon. “Yesterday we clinched victory in the Pacific, but we sowed the whirlwind" wrote Hanson Baldwin in the New York Times. The conference will consider the contestation over knowledge about nuclear bombs and warfare, including the impact and roles of misinformation and secrecy, from the start of the Second World War until the present day. The last 70 years have seen a number of moments – such as the Cuban Missile Crisis – when it seemed that the horror of Hiroshima would be repeated, but the key actors pulled back from the brink. This will be explored, as well as efforts by campaigners and the UN to prevent such a great catastrophe. A concluding Round Table will provide an opportunity to review where we are now, and where we are going. Refreshments and post-conference reception included. Registration: £20 and £10 (students and concessions) More info and booking click here or visit www.unawestminster.org.uk/future_events.html