UN Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai told a UN panel on civil society yesterday that governments must give as much attention to human rights and civil society issues as they do “issues of trade, security, and other strategic interests.” The remarks, which came at a high-level event on the the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, were part of a speech titled “Sounding the Alarm: emerging threats to civil society and the need for a coordinated international response.” The event was hosted by US President Barack Obama. Kiai said that the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association are essential to democracy and development due to the values of inclusiveness and diversity that they promote. But sadly, challenges to these freedoms have increased, despite rhetorical commitments from UN Member States. “Tolerance of others must be harnessed,” Kiai said. “We don’t have to agree with what people do; but as long as it is done peacefully, and does not incite violence and hatred, it should be allowed.” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and several heads of state were in attendance. Presentations were also made by Presidents Obama, Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico and Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of Mongolia. The full text of the speech is available here. The pre-event press release can be found... Continue reading →
United Nations Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai will address a high-level UN panel hosted by US President Barack Obama on Sept. 23, 2013. The panel, which will be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, is focused on supporting civil society in the face of shrinking space globally. Kiai is the UN special rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, a position he has held since May 2011. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and several heads of state are expected to be in attendance. Presentations will also be made by Presidents Obama, Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico and Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of Mongolia. “It is a great honor to be invited to address this distinguished group,” Kiai said. “It is also a great opportunity – a chance to directly address these leaders on the most pressing issues confronting civil society globally. “This is an ideal forum to urge the governments of the world to recognize and cement the role that civil society plays in political, civic, economic and social development. ” Kiai’s speech, titled “Sounding the Alarm: emerging threats to civil society and the need for a coordinated international response,” is expected to focus on emerging areas of concern, particularly governmental restrictions on funding for... Continue reading →
