UN City Supplement 2018

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

THIS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COPENHAGEN POST IN ASSOCIATION WITH UN CITY

UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

PROMOTING DENMARK’S LIBERAL FREEDOMS ON AN INTERNATIONAL STAGE ‘We will fight for liberal values and freedoms’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen

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iberal values and freedoms are under pressure globally. Basic human rights are violated every day in many corners of the world. The international rules-based order, which we have taken for granted for so long, is fraying at the edges. More than ever, we need a strong liberal voice in defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Some of the worst human rights offenders are members. The council’s agenda is biased against Israel. The US has withdrawn its membership.

Denmark agrees with much of the criticism made by the US. But we also believe that the only way to get results is to engage actively and make our voice heard.

Last week, the UN General Assembly elected Denmark to serve as a member of the Human Rights Council for the first time ever. For the Danish Government, this is a chance to promote internationally the liberal freedoms that Denmark is built upon and that we firmly believe every person is entitled to.

For this reason, reform of the council will be a Danish theme during our membership. This means pushing for working methods that ensures efficiency and ability to act. Denmark will work for a credible council that is clear in its defence of human rights.

Universal freedoms

Upholding high standards

Put plainly, we believe that every person should be entitled to the same freedom of speech, freedom from torture, freedom of religion and belief and other basic freedoms that the Danish people enjoy every day. This is a key driver behind our council membership.

As a member, we will take all human rights violations seriously, not least in situations where the Security Council is blocked, such as Syria. While Russia has used its veto power in the Security Council to shelter the Syrian regime, the Human Rights Council has established the Independent Commission of Inquiry which has documented atrocities by the Syrian regime that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Such documentation is crucial in order to bring the perpetrators to account.

We will also work to ensure that members uphold the highest standards of human rights, as stated in the founding resolution. Much too often, countries have been elected members in spite of dismal human rights records.

We need to take a closer look at how we can avoid such situations in the future – for example by working for more transparency in the election process and encouraging more qualified candidates to come forward.

Reforming the council But we also recognise that the Human Rights Council is far from perfect.

We need to work hard to ensure that the council lives up to its full potential.

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Much still needs to be done to fulfil our aim for a more liberal world order with increased respect for fundamental freedoms. The government welcomes this opportunity to make a contribution through the Human Rights Council.

www.cis.dk

UN CITY CELEBRATES THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS DECLARATION

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he Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted at the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948 in the wake of World War II. It was the first time in history that the world’s most powerful leaders came together to describe individual rights. The rights apply to all people all the time and include freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the right to education and a paid work without harassment, and the right to travel freely. In all, there are 30 articles with rights that are universal, independent, equal to all and non-discriminatory.

Human rights are at the core of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. The Sustainable Development Goals reaffirm member states existing commitment to the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They offer a universal, integrated and indivisible vision for sustainable development and reiterates the responsibilities of States to respect, protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability or other status.

In this special supplement, the 11 UN agencies residing in UN City Copenhagen celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by showcasing how they work for human rights around the world.

Magicians aren’t magic, our teachers are Aha moments – that’s what our teachers create every day. Just ask our students. They all have stories to share: About individual attention, about being challenged academically and about teachers going the extra mile.

Visit www.UN.dk for more information about UN City Copenhagen.

At CIS we are fortunate to have the means to recruit the best. From Pre-K to grade 12, our teachers are all very skilled, experienced and committed to their students: They could teach anywhere in the world, and they chose CIS. We are proud of that. Because a school is defined by its teachers, and those magical moments of learning that make a good school great. To learn more please visit cis.dk

Photo: Adam Mørk

Cover page photo: Amanda Nero / IOM 2017 Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen Journalist: Stephen Gadd • Layout: CPH POST Info: hans@cphpost.dk • Tel: +45 2420 2411

UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

REDUCING INEQUALITY, DISCRIMINATION AND EXCLUSION

UNDP uses mobile courts to resolve criminal and civil matters, and provides access to justice in hard-to-reach areas. @Fatimah Inayet/UNDP Pakistan

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UNDP, the UN Development Programme NDP works to fulfill the mandate of the United Nations and to advance the closely intertwined agenda of peace, development and human rights.

Present in 170 countries, UNDP supports governments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. We focus on eradicating poverty in all its forms everywhere, promoting transformation to sustainable societies and building resilience to withstand and recover from crisis. In all our work, UNDP applies a human rights-based approach.

This aims to further the realisation of human rights and gain a better understanding of power dynamics and structural inequalities. These inequalities often lie at the heart of development problems, and UNDP works to redress discriminatory practices and unjust distribution of power that impede sustainable development.

Improving governance to achieve peaceful, just and inclusive societies is a central part of what we do, and how we work to advance human rights. It includes supporting UN member states to meet their human rights obligations by strengthening national human rights systems, aligning national legislations to international human rights standards, strengthening rule of law and provide access to justice.

Access to Justice Inequality, discrimination and exclusion remain severe obstacles to human development. Poor people and marginalised groups may not be aware of their legal rights and often lack legal protection and access to mechanisms to remedy their grievances, resulting in increased vulnerability.

UNDP supports national governments to address security and justice, to nurture public participation and trust, and to expand access to justice, especially for women, youth, persons with disabilities, marginalised groups and displaced communities. This includes advancing legal aid mechanisms and the use of mobile courts to resolve criminal and civil matters in hardto-reach areas.

UNDP engages in legal awareness programmes and works directly with justice and security institutions to address the needs of disadvantaged groups in accessing justice, from linguistic and geographic barriers to issues of systemic discrimination and marginalisation. From 2014 to 2017, UNDP provided access to justice for 4.1 million people in 39 countries, 51% of them women.

Promoting the rights of people with disabilities

Strengthening national human rights systems

Over the last decade UNDP has also helped over 70 UN Member States to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

UNDP does not have a monitoring mandate in relation to human rights.

We seek to strengthen national human rights frameworks, including the capacities of governments to meet their human rights obligations and facilitate people’s ability to exercise their rights.

Over 1 billion people are estimated to have a disability and 80 percent live in developing countries. Many of them are consistently left out of development gains and discriminatory attitudes limit their full participation in society.

We implement the Human Rights for Development mandate in over 100 countries by providing policy advice, technical support and building capacities to support the harmonisation of national legislation with international human rights standards.

UNDP supports countries to develop and strengthen disability law and policy frameworks, improve accessibility of services, social protection, livelihood opportunities, and promote the participation of people with disabilities in political and public life.

Our work is underpinned by the key principle of national ownership.

Supporting National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) as accountability mechanisms and bridges between stakeholders and the state is critical as key cornerstones of the national human rights architecture. Since 2008, UNDP has supported over 90 NHRIs around the world.

In these different ways and more, UNDP works tirelessly, throughout the world, to advance human rights to ensure a life in dignity for all and a world where no one is left behind.

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PROTECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS International Organization for Migration (IOM)

eventy years have passed since the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human rights, aspiring to protect, respect and fulfil the human rights of all people around the world.

Although much improvement has taken place since then to advance the human rights situation of individuals, migrants are still one of the groups that continue to face significant challenges when trying to access their human rights.

Migrants at risk Migrants are often disproportionately affected by human rights violations and abuse, and the risk increases greatly when they migrate irregularly. We see daily how the right to life of migrants is at risk as they resort to smugglers when trying to cross borders by sea, in deserts, travelling in unsafe and overcrowded trucks, containers and boats.

During their journey, they are at risk of exploitation and many end up in human trafficking without any respect for their right to liberty and to freedom from slavery. Even when migrants find employment they regularly continue to face discrimination at the work place. They do the same kind of work as nationals but are only paid a fraction of the salary.

Some migrants have their rights violated even before their journey has begun as certain states deny them their right to leave their own country to prevent them from migrating irregularly to another. Other migrants manage to leave but during their travel they end up in unlawful and arbitrary detention where the conditions are deplorable and their access to justice is limited – if they have any justice at all.

Migrants, in particular irregular migrants, often live among those who are already marginalised in society and struggle with accessing the right to education, health, adequate housing, nutritious food and potable water.

A rights-based approach This is not the story of all migrants but the reality for far too many. It is for this reason that IOM takes a rights-based approach to migration. At a policy level IOM works with governments to develop law and policy in line with the international legal framework, protecting the rights of all migrants, including those with an irregular status.

Similarly, IOM works to raise awareness on human rights amongst professionals and others who directly assist migrants. IOM recently trained over 100 health workers in El Salvador on vulnerabilities faced by migrants and how to identify human rights violations against migrants.

In other cases, IOM supports the capacity of migrants themselves to claim their rights. In Hong Kong, IOM runs a project that fosters the protection of migrant domestic workers’ rights by enhancing their access to justice. This involves private sector entities such as pro bono lawyers to undertake legal action and submit cases of labour exploitation.

Engaging with migrant communities in South Sudan to make the video “All we want is peace. Photo: Amanda Nero / IOM 2017”.

In crisis situations, IOM works on strengthening the protection of human rights by assisting with the immediate needs resulting from emergencies, humanitarian disasters or displacement. IOM currently does this in various locations around the world including Cox Bazaar, Libya, Lampedusa, Yemen, among others.

A continuous challenge Migration has rarely been as central a topic as during the last few years.

However, we are facing a tougher political climate around the world today and we must remember that the actual enjoyment of human rights for migrants continues to be a challenge.

Migration can be an empowering and positive experience for both migrants and societies. It can support development and even strengthen the realisation of human rights for many individuals. However, for migration to be beneficial for migrants, states and development, human rights must always be recognised, respected and never put aside in the name of national security and border control. Universal human rights are for all, including migrants.

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

UTILISING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE HUMAN RIGHTS UNIDO, the UN Industrial Development Organization

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limate change is one of the greatest threats to human rights in our generation.

A healthy and functional environment is integral to the enjoyment of human rights, such as the right to life, health, food and shelter. Climate change action, therefore, requires a global rightsbased response to ensure that all persons have the necessary capacity to adapt to climate change.

The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is working through its Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) to accelerate action on the ground and ensure human rights in the context of climate change.

Ensuring that poor communities living in coastal Bangladesh have access to fresh water Having access to safe drinking water and adequate shelter is necessary for basic survival. Yet billions of people still do not enjoy these fundamental rights. In Bangladesh, sea-level rise and natural hazards, including floods and tropical cyclones, are causing saline water intrusion in coastal areas to increase significantly, while fresh water flow is gradually decreasing. As a result, a growing area of land is becoming saturated with saline water, and potable water is becoming scarcer. Approximately 38 million people are facing displacement due to water scarcity and housing that is not able to withstand such intense climate change.

Bangladesh requested help from the Climate Technology Centre, co-hosted by UNIDO and UN Environment, to assist with the identification of household-level desalination techniques as well as low-cost climate-resilient housing options in coastal areas of Bangladesh.

The CTCN’s member organisation, the Green Technology Center (GTC) of Korea, had the right experience for the job. “We recognised the need for a tailor-made approach to tackle the saline water and vulnerable housing issues by taking into account the socioeconomic and cultural contexts and working together with local stakeholders to find the best solutions,” said the Director of GTC Mr Kyung-Nam SHIN. As a result of building safe housing, local residents will no longer need to seek other housing in times of inclement weather, nor rebuild or repair their homes every year. This assistance will have a direct impact on Bangladesh’s most vulnerable

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populations, including women and children, by providing clean drinking water and safe houses during cyclones, storm surges and coastal flooding in targeted communities. Based upon the success of these first efforts, the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of the Republic of Korea have already agreed to scale up the project to other coastal communities.

Collaboration increases food security and brings new technology and investment for Mali In Mali, climate variability threatens food security and farmers’ livelihoods. The Climate Technology Centre and Network was therefore asked by a farmers’ organisation in southern Mali to identify energy efficient technologies and financing opportunities for drying, processing and storing local produce in order to preserve foods longer and improve agricultural resilience. The resulting collaboration led to an effective technology solution, capacity building and more than 300,000 Euros in investment funds.

CTCN members, the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) and ENDA Energie, identified a group of technologies for processing, drying and storing mangoes, okra, potatoes and tomatoes – all powered by solar energy.

The solar drying and storage technologies are increasing the shelf life of produce, while introducing considerable energy and cost savings, thereby increasing resilience and food security in a country which counts on agriculture for 45% of its GDP.

The CTCN: Providing free technology transfer The Climate Technology Centre and Network delivers free technology assistance at the request of developing countries as they strive to develop energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient societies. In order to provide expertise on a broad range of technology issues (including agriculture, disaster risk management, energy, transport, waste management, water issues, etc.), the Centre mobilizes a global network of more than 450 technology companies and institutions to design and deliver customised solutions for countries. This matchmaking increases the rate of technology transfer in countries and enhances sustainable development.

Read more about UNIDO and the CTCN at: www.unido.org and www.ctc-n.org

Bangladeshi communities learn new water desalination techniques

HUMAN RIGHTS

AND CLIMATE CHANGE UNEP DTU Partnership

Mobile phone based adaptation for vulnerable farmers in Ghana. Photo: VOTO mobile

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lobal Warming is increasing the variability of our climate and with that the frequency of natural disasters such as rising sea-levels, floods, heat waves, droughts, and the spread of tropical and vector-borne diseases.

These effects of the changes in the world’s climate threaten a range of human rights, including the rights to life, food, water, health, electricity and development.

Not only is climate change potentially affecting the rights of billions of people, the negative impacts are mostly borne by some of the most vulnerable people in parts of the world, that have contributed least to the problem.

The negative impacts caused by climate change will increase with the rising global temperatures and even if we reach the Paris Agreement Goal of staying below 2°C degrees, the impacts will be dramatic, affecting billions of lives.

Concrete rights-based climate action The UN is advocating for a human rights based approach to climate change, and as a part of UN Environment, UNEP DTU Partnership works actively to assist developing countries deliver on the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.

The Paris Agreement makes it clear that all states “should, when taking action to address climate change, respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on human rights”.

By working in developing countries, UNEP DTU Partnership is part of focusing climate actions on protecting the rights of those most vulnerable to climate change.

Technology for climate, development and rights As an organisation working to integrate climate action for both mitigation and adaptation in development strategies, UNEP DTU Partnership directly bases its work on the right to development, emphasising that for development to benefit all, it has to be sustainable not just economically but also environmentally.

Given that many of the world’s poorest people depend directly on the environment for their daily livelihoods, climate change and development is inextricably linked.

A sustainable approach In 2017, UNEP DTU Partnership worked in 68 countries around the world with specific projects, such as climate resilient livestock farming in Costa Rica, cell-phone based adaptation for vulnerable farmers in Ghana, access to global finance for clean energy solutions in Mongolia and renewable energy for public schools in Chile.

In Jamaica, UNEP DTU Partnership has been part of creating a sustainable business case for climate friendly aquaponics farming.

Changing weather patterns threaten the already sparse farmland and the right to food on the island, while rising sea levels brought on by climate change is set to make the situation much worse in the near future.

Aquaponics is innovative farming, combining aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless crop production). It has a production rate that is up to 10 times higher than traditional farming and requires less water, energy, labour and cost.

Women, youth, and people with disabilities have easier access to be part of the workforce through this method of farming, positively affecting not just human rights on the island, but several Sustainable Development Goals.

The sustainable business model based on UNEP DTU Partnership research, means that the outcome of this project is contributing to sustainable development in Jamaica long after the initial development aid investment has ended.

Setting the stage Parallel to UNEP DTU Partnership’s work assisting concrete climate actions in the developing world, our research also feeds in to the global climate negotiations.

Each year UNEP DTU Partnership manages the production of the Emissions Gap Report that document how far the countries of the world still have to go, before living up to the goals in the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 13.

The Emissions Gap Report is a UN Flagship report, that sets the stage for the COP negotiations and much needed global action.

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS

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UNICEF Supply Division

hildren’s rights are human rights. It doesn’t matter where children live, what language they speak, whether they are boys or girls, what their culture is, whether they have a disability or whether they are rich or poor – every child has an inherent set of rights.

This includes access to clean water, access to education and freedom from violence, among other things. All these rights are enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child – an international treaty agreed to by 196 countries.

Tangible and integrated Children’s rights do not exist on their own. They must be made tangible and integrated into sustainable ways of working. Supplies for children are a direct realisation of child rights. This is where UNICEF steps in. Traditionally, UNICEF has worked with governments to strengthen, promote and uphold children’s rights, which are also a critical component of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. But the responsibility to protect these rights lies equally with the private sector.

As businesses grow in global reach and influence, their practices and supply chains increasingly have an impact on children’s rights, growth and development. Business practices may directly affect children – e.g. through child labour – or address children’s rights through support for their parents – e.g. through parental leave policies.

Quality, availability and affordability of the right products for children is key to realise children’s rights and can be live saving – e.g. through vaccines. In partnership with UNICEF, businesses in Denmark can make a positive impact on the rights of children and young people here and across the globe.

Partnering with suppliers As the world leader in the provision of humanitarian assistance to children and their families, it is important to UNICEF to partner with suppliers and other businesses that recognise international human rights standards for children, including through each stage of the supply chain.

In Copenhagen, UNICEF operates the world’s largest humanitarian aid warehouse. When children’s rights are at risk because of a disaster or conflict, UNICEF ships essential lifesaving supplies to where they are needed most. In Yemen, UNICEF sends essential medicines to health clinics and hospitals in areas blocked by conflict.

In the Philippines after a major typhoon, UNICEF provides children with backpacks, notebooks and pencils so that they can attend school. In South Sudan, UNICEF delivers drinking water to remote communities and helps people build protected wells to avoid falling ill from contaminated water. To support children’s rights in these ways, UNICEF strives to work with suppliers and service providers who implement policies with their impact on children in mind.

Empowering parents Ways in which UNICEF’s business partners can promote human rights directly can start with policies that allow parents to care

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for and nurture their children. In Indonesia, UNICEF has worked with palm oil producers to make it easier for female migrant workers to have time to care for their children. In Vietnam, UNICEF has engaged the footwear and garment industry to improve conditions for adolescent workers and strengthen community initiatives that promote quality housing, education and child care. And in Egypt, UNICEF has worked with businesses to modify parental care expectations and give children more quality time with their fathers.

Protecting the environment Protecting the environment also has a major impact on children’s rights.

UNICEF is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint through a shift toward procuring supplies locally and sustainably. This supports children’s rights by improving household incomes and producing less pollution, which can improve children’s economic access to education and nutritious foods.

Even in war-torn countries likes Syria, UNICEF has been able to source 70 percent of life-saving supplies from within the country. These practices build the economies of local communities and strengthen children’s rights through healthier and safer environments.

UNICEF continues to be at the forefront of ensuring the protection and promotion of children’s rights around the world. Through greater partnership with the private sector, including through child-centred business practices and sustainable procurement, children’s rights will be reinforced and strengthened.

Denmark’s most effective Danish courses! www.kiss.dk

Photo: UNICEF/2018/Naftalin

ADVERTISMENT

Niels Steensens Gymnasium Niels Steensens Gymnasium (NSG) is a private school with both a primary and a high school (gymnasium) section.

We are part of a worldwide network of Jesuit schools with more than three million students from universities, high schools, and primary schools in more than 70 countries.

NSG is committed to academic quality, and we strive to create a climate which will promote excellence. At the same time, each student is allowed to develop and to accomplish objectives at a pace suited to his or her personality.

At NSG the teaching is in Danish. Even so, we have considerable experience in teaching students of non-Danish origin.

A traditional aim of Jesuit education has been to train leaders. The years at NSG will help students develop the qualities of mind and heart to work with others and for others. Education is a life-long process and we seek to instill a joy in learning and a desire to learn that will remain beyond the days in school.

The international dimension is very important to life at NSG. Our students have diverse national, cultural and religious backgrounds, and throughout the school year we visit our partner schools in Germany, France, and Spain. In addition, students may participate in twoweek exchange programs at Jesuit schools in Kentucky and Ohio during their 2nd year in high school.

ity of commun A real sense al outlook Internation cellence Academic ex

Chinese culture and language is another special feature of NSG life. We are proud of our teaching record and of the fact that our school has the highest number of students in Denmark learning Chinese. Naturally, we also have an exchange program with a prominent high school in Beijing, The High School Affiliated with Renmin University.

Niels Ste ensens Gy mnasium · Sankt Kjelds Gade 3 · 2100 Københav n Ø · Telefon: 39 16 23 40 • More information c an be found at www.nsg.dk

UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

1968

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS RECOGNISED

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UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund

he year was 1968. An iconic year that lent its name to an entire generation when young people took to the streets around the world. Young people wanted the world to change for the better.

And a historic decision was indeed made that year with the potential to change the lives of couples – and of women in particular – for the better.

On 22 April 1968, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlevi of Iran and his wife Empress Farah welcomed delegations from 84 countries to Teheran.

The more than 350 official delegates – with less than 40 women among them – considered “that couples have a human right to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children …” This recognition of “reproductive rights” in a meeting room in Tehran was, well, as revolutionary as any street demonstration that took place in 68.

Record population growth In 1968, world population had just passed 3.5 billion. It had increased with 40% – a billion people – in just 17 years. World population grew faster than ever before (or after) with more than 2% per year. Women had five children on average globally. Even in some developed countries, hunger and malnutrition were not distant problems – geographically nor historically.

The New York Times writes that the second half of the 1960s “was a boom time for nightmarish visions of what lay ahead for humankind” with headings such as ‘Make Room! Make Room!’ and ‘The Population Bomb’.

However, in the 1960s controlling fertility also became easier when the contraceptive pill was approved and soon became very popular among users. The feminist movement gained momentum and argued that denying access to contra-

ception was a violation of women’s rights. ‘The green revolution’ improved yields and saved millions from starvation.

The decision to recognise reproductive rights as human rights was made at a time of great population concerns but also at a time of great possibilities.

No unmet demands for contraception Since then, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has worked to meet this human right of women, men and young people. The goal is to have zero unmet demand for contraception. This means that women who are of reproductive age, in a relationship and who do now want to get pregnant, should be protected by contraception.

UNFPA works to ensure that women, men and young people have access to the information and services they need to make this come true.

For young people this entails age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education; for all ages, it means access to correct and comprehensive information and counselling. It means access to a contraceptive method of own choice – and therefore, that a wide range of contraceptive methods should be offered.

Still a long way to go As we mark the 50th anniversary of reproductive rights, remarkable developments have taken place: women now have less than 2.5 children on average globally and the world population growth rate is halved to 1% per year.

Still, there is a long way to go: 214 million women in developing countries have an unmet need for family planning. This means that about one in four women in developing countries with a need for contraception is left at risk for an unplanned pregnancy.

UNFPA supports more than 155 countries to meet human rights. Since 2012, the unmet need of 38.8 million women has been met in 69 of the world’s poorest countries.

In 1968, reproductive rights were recognised.

At their 50th anniversary, the time has come to fulfil this right for all women, enabling them to have children by choice, not chance.

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HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS: BUILDING A SAFE SPACE FOR HONDURAN YOUTH

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UNOPS, the United Nations Office for Project Services

he human right to health comes with freedoms and entitlements which all too often aren’t met.

At UNOPS, we believe that every person has the right to access dignified and quality healthcare. This is why, from procuring vital medicines to building healthcare centres, we work with our partners around the world to improve access to health services for all.

In Honduras, UNOPS together with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health, have joined forces to improve access to health services for youth living in remote locations.

A disparity of access Honduras is considered one of the poorest countries in the region, creating large disparities in access to health. Sixty percent of households live below the poverty line, while in rural areas, approximately one out of every five Hondurans lives in extreme poverty.

With a birth rate of 101 births for every 1,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19, Honduras has the second-highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in Latin America. An estimated 26 percent of Honduran women give birth before the age of 18.

The unmet need for sexual and reproductive education and family planning is a latent

problem throughout the country. Social conditions and little public discussion around contraception, family planning or sexual and reproductive health, combined with insufficient coverage and a lack of adequate medical infrastructure, makes it difficult for young people and adolescents to access quality education, and sexual and reproductive health services.

Reducing high maternal mortality rates is also important in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3: to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. One of the greatest challenges in reducing these numbers is finding ways to reach all women, no matter where they live or their socio-economic status.

Providing a safe space To help ensure youth are provided with quality healthcare, UNOPS and its partners are working to improve access to health services for youth in 34 remote communities across Honduras. This includes improving infrastructure in health centres and establishing family friendly health units.

These centres will help provide a safe space for underprivileged youth to receive the dignified and quality healthcare they deserve.

“We had a youth committee, but we did not have friendly spaces for teenagers and youth either in the communities or in the countryside. Now we are going to see the difference,” said Karen Martínez, the doctor in charge of the health unit in Santiago de Puringla.

The health centres will provide an opportunity for young people to access information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and family planning, in an effort to decrease rates of STDs and early pregnancy. Sufficient space and medical equipment will be provided to ensure pregnant girls receive dignified care.

Restoring faith in themselves One health centre in the municipality of La Paz is expected to receive and serve more than 1,500 young people between the ages of 13 and 18 annually.

Flor Matute, a National Program Officer at UNFPA, explained: “We hope that young people can identify that this is a place where they can be cared for in an open manner, and they feel embraced by the system. Our youth have been so stigmatized that we must restore their faith in themselves.”

Read more about UNOPS work with partners around the world to improve access to health, by visiting our website: www.unops.org

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

MEALS NOT MARRIAGE WFP, the UN World Food Programme

Warm food at school can keep children nourished, educated and in the classroom until they are ready to graduate.

School meals – getting girls to school

Pabitra Nayak (10) and Roshika Nayak (9) on their way to school. Photo: WFP/Lilu KC

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n far Western Nepal boys eat first, are given more food than their sisters, do less housework and they marry later. Here, as well as in several other places around the world, boys and girls often have a different start to their lives.

For girls, marriage and not school work can dominate their childhoods. Nepal is home to the third highest levels of child marriage in Asia. Thirty seven percent of girls marry before the age of 18, and 10 percent marry before they are 15. The legal age for marriage in Nepal is 20.

High levels of poverty, a low value attached to daughters, a patriarchal culture and a lack of access to education drive the high levels of child marriage in Nepal.

The repercussions of child marriage are devastating. Married girls in Nepal are ten times more likely not to attend school than their unmarried peers. Once married, girls lose the opportunity to overcome the cycle of poverty through education. By staying at home and raising children, their ability to earn their own income to support their families is limited.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is working to keep all children in school by providing them with nutritious meals. These meals are a powerful incentive for parents to send their children to school — and to keep them there. WFP provides school meals for 260,000 school children in Nepal daily.

The remote area of Far Western Nepal, an eighthour drive from the capital Kathmandu, offers few opportunities for women and girls to break the cycle of poverty, start their own businesses and further their education. Where parents struggle to feed their children, WFP’s School Meals Programme serves as an incentive for parents in these communities to send their daughters to school.

Discussing the taboo subject of child marriage Bir Bahadur Bohra’s two children attend Shree Kalika Primary School in Dadeldhura district in Far Western Nepal. Bohra himself was a student in this school and returned to serve as an English teacher soon after completing his education.

“I got married when I was 15 and my wife was only 13 years old,” Bir Bahadur Bohra says. “It is a cultural norm for children to get married so young in the far west. However, things are slowly changing for the better.”

Today, Bir Bahadur’s son Prakash studies in grade 7 and his daughter Basanti in grade 6. Both attend school regularly and have big aspirations for the future.

“I want to be a teacher like my father when I grow up,” says Prakash. “I wish to be a nurse in the hospital,” adds Basanti.

Bir Bahadur is pleased to see that both his children are taking their education seriously and don’t ask to get married. In addition, they do not skip school after their lunch break as they receive a midday meal at school. For the children at the school, the school meals are making a difference; the number of child marriages is very low.

Helping children to learn School meals serve as a powerful means to ensure girls attend school and contribute to gender parity and women’s empowerment. Every day, countless children across the globe turn up for school on an empty stomach, which makes it hard to focus on lessons. Many simply do not go, as their families need them to help in the fields or around the house. For all of them, a daily school meal can mean not only better nutrition and health, but also increased access to and achievement in education.

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food (Article 25). Everyone has the right to education (Article 26). Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Bir Bahadur Bohra with his son and daughter.

Photo: WFP/Lilu KC

HEALTH IS A HUMAN RIGHT WHO, the World Health Organization

“I’m used to taking care of my sister, I know how to move her to avoid bed sores and infections, to maintain good hygiene and feed her,” explains Aaliyah*.

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ach day, Aaliyah wakes up to a dark sky in her home near the Mediterranean city of Mersin, in southern Turkey. Before leaving the house to catch the first bus of the day, she checks on her sister Lilah*, bedridden since a bomb hit the family house in the Syrian city of Homs. The explosion caused burns all over her body as the roof fell over her head. She is now unable to walk, move her hands or even talk.

Syrian girls playing outside in Sweden. WHO’s work is guided by the principle that everyone has the right to health. Photo: WHO/Malin Bring past 70 years. The home care programme in Turkey is just one practical example of how WHO implements the principles established in its Constitution.

The right conditions

As the high expenditures for her sister’s treatment began to pile up, Aaliyah heard from some acquaintances that Mersin’s Refugee Health Training Centre was seeking applicants for its new home-care programme. Through this programme, WHO supports Turkey’s Ministry of Health in its aim to provide care to older and disabled Syrian refugees in their homes. Once certified, Aaliyah will make regular home visits to Syrian patients to ensure their well-being, employed under the supervision of Syrian doctors and nurses serving in 7 WHO-supported Refugee Health Training Centres.

In addition to accessible, affordable health care, ensuring the right to health for everyone means making sure that the conditions that promote health and well-being exist: that people have safe water, sanitation, food, housing, health-related information and education, and gender equality. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, agreed 2 years ago, underline that health and well-being are linked to and dependent on many other factors. They also recognise that prioritising the needs of those furthest behind, towards greater equity, is fundamental to a rights-based approach to health.

The Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) came into force in 1948, the same year as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. It states “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.” This concept of “health for all” has guided WHO’s work for the

From developing water safety plans together with local communities, assessing the quality of institutional care for people with intellectual disabilities, establishing guidelines on air quality, ensuring vaccines are safe and effective, promoting access to HIV treatment, supporting people-centred health system reform, strengthening capacity to address health threats, building health sector capacity to

respond to violence against women, implementing a strong legal framework to stop tobacco use, reinforcing the provision of sexual and reproductive health services, and countless more examples, WHO works across many sectors, and from local to global levels, promoting everyone’s right to health.

Recommitting to universal health coverage This year, to celebrate its 70th Anniversary, WHO called on countries to recommit to universal health coverage – so all people can use quality health services, when and where they need them, without experiencing financial hardship. No-one should have to choose between buying medicines or putting food on their table, or paying the rent.

“Health is our most precious asset. It must not be a luxury enjoyed by the privileged. We all benefit socially, economically and environmentally from a world that seeks health for all. It is time that we come together and make this a common goal,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. * Name changed at request of interviewee.

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

= HUMAN RIGHTS UN Women

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he right to education. The right to work and to receive a just remuneration for your work. The right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being for you and your family. The right to take part in the governance of your country.

These are some of the rights that were endowed to all of us in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 70 years ago. For many of us living in Denmark they may now seem self-evident but for many, enjoyment of these rights is still an unrealised reality. Often it is the women and girls who are left behind.

Helping women to realise their economic rights Alta Verapaz is one of the poorest regions of Guatemala. Finding a dependable source of income is a struggle. Women in particular have limited options for livelihood. Olga Macz was one of these women. She still remembers the days when she had almost no income and every day was a struggle for survival for her and her four-year-old daughter.

Now Olga runs a thriving business producing shampoo from local plants.

She sells her products in Guatemala City and speaks with excitement about her brand and how she has diversified her production. Her voice bubbles with enthusiasm when she talks about her plans to invest some of the money she has earned and saved.

A turning point for Olga was the training and support she received from a UN joint programme for rural women. The programme has enabled her and 1,600 other women to develop small businesses based on traditional practises – like shampoo making – but applying modern production, packaging and marketing tools. The programme combines UN Women’s gender knowledge with expertise of the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development to help rural women in

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Olga Macz is one of the 1,600 women in Guatemala who have received support from a UN joint programme to set up a successful small business. Now she has more income, more hope and more skills to claim her rights.

Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

Guatemala and six other countries to realise their economic rights as they often face the toughest barriers to economic equality.

Improved access to governance In many countries, women’s participation in their country’s governance is hindered by social norms and traditions. Even if women have the right to run for political office, they are expected to stay at home and care for their families.

This was the experience of Alice Wahome. She ran three times before winning a seat in Kenya’s Parliament in 2013. Even after considerable successes in the Parliament during her first term, she still confronted attacks linked to her gender while running for her second term. “The society says women are making noise. But I say no, women are speaking. We are having democratic conversations about the future of this country”, she says.

Leading up to Kenya’s 2017 elections, UN Women trained more than 400 female candidates to better understand the electoral process and its regulations to improve their capacity to access the governance system. After the election, women’s presentation in the National Assembly edged up to 21 per cent, a slight increase from the previous election. Women also gained new leadership positions: three female governors and three female senators were elected. These positions had never been held by a woman before.

Despite the advances in women’s human rights over the last 70 years, a lot of work still lies ahead. Discrimination against women continues both by law and in practise, and women regularly suffer violations of their rights.

Therefore, human rights continue to be at the heart of UN Women’s work.

We work around the world to ensure that everyone regardless of gender can enjoy their rights and live a life of dignity.

UNHCR SECURES HUMAN RIGHTS FOR MILLIONS OF REFUGEES

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

“I begged them not to torture my family”

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he Somali refugee mother Amina recalls the 15 months she was captured and tortured by human traffickers in Libya. The struggles for her and her family began when their home in Mogadishu was destroyed by a bomb that killed both her husband and brother.

Together with her niece and sons, in danger of forced recruitment by the armed group al-Shabaab, Amina took to flight. After a long journey the family ended up in Libya and in the hands of criminals.

Amina was given electric shocks. She was beaten. She was tied up and left outside in the cold. For months the abuse continued and her body began shutting down.

Now, Amina and her family are safe.

Respect for rights at the core UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has rescued hundreds of refugees from detention in Libya and has evacuated more than 1,800 of the most vulnerable out of the country, seeking long-term solutions in safe third countries.

The respect and safeguard of the human rights of Amina as well as millions of other forcibly displaced people stand at the very core of the work of UNHCR. Refugee protection is essentially human rights in action. And refugee protection is also the inseparable requirement when serious violations of human rights, both in times of peace and war, continue to trigger flight – and force women, men and children to leave their homes.

At the end of 2017, a record high 68.5 million people were uprooted, and it’s the duty of UNHCR to seek to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms for these people.

Photo: © UNHCR/Hannah Maule-ffinch

Seeking asylum is a human right UNHCR serves as the guardian of the 1951 Refugee Convention, one of the greatest human rights instruments ever put into effect, defining refugees, and outlining their rights and the obligations that states have to protect them. It has saved millions of lives – and continues to do so.

Like the Colombian couple Daniela and Sofia who as LGBTI-activists experienced direct threats and harassments for years. They always felt they had to look over their shoulders, and when two activist friends were murdered, they realised that they would have to flee to be safe.

They went to Switzerland and applied for asylum. Now, they are starting a new life, learning the language, studying and volunteering.

The institution of asylum is directly derived from The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, setting out the right to seek and enjoy asylum.

But numerous other fundamental rights are central in UNHCRs work to help the forcibly displaced, not only with lifesaving aid but with the provision of opportunities to rebuild lives: The right to nationality, the right to work, the right to education and the right to family unity.

As the case of Numeir who was only 15 years old when he fled war-torn Syria, afraid of being enrolled in the army. He had to leave his entire family behind and was all alone, crossing the Mediterranean and travelling through Europe to Germany where one of his uncles lives.

For three years, Numeir missed his family, but with help from UNHCR he applied for family reunification. His application was approved and Numeir was finally able to embrace his parents and younger siblings again, greeting them upon arrival in Hamburg Airport.

From this one refugee family being reunited to the millions of forcibly displaced people worldwide, UNHCR is striving to secure their rights.

And to make sure the international community never forgets to include them in the ambitions to ensure human rights and reach the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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NO POVERTY

ZERO HUNGER

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

QUALITY EDUCATION

GENDER EQUALITY

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

REDUCED INEQUALITIES

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

CLIMATE ACTION

LIFE BELOW WATER

LIFE ON LAND

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

LEARN MORE AND BOOK YOUR VISIT ON OUR WEBSITE

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All school visits are offered in both Danish and English. To book a visit in English, please contact us through our website.

UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS, A ‘NEVER ENDING PROCESS’ SAYS NEW UN RIGHTS CHIEF

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Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. UN Photo/Manuel Elias

n August, Michelle Bachelet, twice-elected President of Chile and the first head of UN Women, was confirmed as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, replacing Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

So, I sort of put all my energies into that, and that is why I started working on defence issues to be able to speak to the military, because I never thought I was going to be Minister of Defence or President of the Republic.

As the UN’s top human rights official, the High Commissioner is mandated to promote and protect the enjoyment and full realisation, by all people, of all rights established in the Charter of the United Nations and under international human rights laws and treaties.

So, I said: they understand the full power, I will have the power of knowledge; to be able to be a counterpart on discussing this issue. And then we started building a process of reconciliation, and saying, look, we might never agree on what happened in the past, but we all love the nation, we need to ensure that the future of the democracy in the nation is not in danger.

The mandate also includes preventing human rights violations, promoting international co-operation to protect human rights, being the co-ordinator of action across the UN, and strengthening and streamlining the whole UN system in the field of human rights.

Minutes after she was approved, UN chief Antonio Guterres told reporters he was “delighted” by the news of her official appointment, describing Ms. Bachelet, a “pioneer”, has been “as formidable a figure in her native Chile, as she has at the United Nations”.

Shortly after assuming office in early September, Ms. Bachelet was in New York for the General Assembly’s high-level general debate. She spoke with UN News on the rights situation around the world, the priorities for her tenure, and how can rights be better protected.

Bearing in mind her own personal experience of being detained and tortured in Chile, the interview started with a question on how she overcame the hardships she suffered under the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Michelle Bachelet (MB): I think that, for one hand, probably because, in my family, as a child, I had a very caring and loving environment. My mom and me are very resilient, if I may say, because I think that helps a lot.

But […] there was a period of my life that I really hated what was happening – I had so much rage. But afterwards, I started thinking, “you know what, I do not want this to happen anymore in Chile or in any other country of the world. So, what can I do to contribute, so that Chile will be a peaceful, democratic society?”

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I would say it permitted me to understand that first of all, lessons were learned, and if you really want a particular objective, and in a possible, constructive way, it can be achieved.

As the High Commissioner, you have come in at a time when human rights are under serious attack globally. What are your priorities going to be?

MB: I arrived, and two days later it was the Human Rights Council for two weeks, and here the third week, in New York. But I would say first of all of course, my priorities are to do what my mandate tells me to do, to be the voice of the voiceless. But also to engage with governments so they respect human rights, protect people from rights violations, and promote human rights.

But in some countries it is not a state policy to not do the right thing, but because they do not have the capacity, so one of the tasks of my office is to help build capacity. Many countries have asked us to support their judiciary system so it will be independent, or the police or armed forces understand the importance of respecting human rights and international laws, and also technical co-operation. We also monitor and report on issues where we receive allegations [of rights abuses and violations] from different parts.

But one of my particular priorities from the Secretary-General is prevention. I am not saying I will succeed on that, maybe not. But I will try to design a system where we can have early warning signs and try to think about early action. And of course I will work with member states to support and

engage them in the task of promoting and protecting human rights, and that sense, also with intergovernmental bodies, like the Human Rights Council, and also with other bodies, such as Treaties Bodies, Special Procedures and other rights mechanisms in the UN. Right now, some countries do not want to co-operate with OHCHR or question the worth of the Human Rights Council. How do you plan on bringing everyone together?

MB: In my opening statement, I spoke about, that consensus could be possible, that we should not lose ourselves in sterile disputes. Of course human rights is a very political thing and you see that here in the General Assembly, in the Security Council, so it is not in the Human Rights Council, by itself.

I mean, countries have their visions, their interests, and sometimes, they are not interested in some issues. But what I have been doing is meeting, not only with the whole council, but with groups of countries in Geneva such as the Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries, the African countries, the Arab countries, the Asia-Pacific countries, the West European and other countries, the Eastern European countries, speaking but also listening. Because sometimes you know what you have to do, but the way you do it can be more successful than others. Sometimes you need to speak out. Sometimes you need to strategise in terms of saying, look, it will work better if we do diplomatic prevention, if we start engaging the government.

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But today the world is complicated, and it is very polarised on some issues. I will do my best, and I hope I succeed. But anyway, the Human Rights Council, it is also in a process of reforming itself, they have defined that they want to be more effective and efficient, and OHCHR provides the secretariat to them. So, we will support the efforts in improving their results and outcomes, but at the end, it is a political issue, so we will work very hard, and I hope we will get important outcomes.

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

What progress do you think has been done in the past 70 years?

MB: There has been a lot of progress, but it is difficult to believe: Every time you turn on the television, you see all the awful things that are there. And that is also true, I mean, but there has been progress.

Think of 1948: how many countries allowed women to vote, for example; how many respected of freedom of speech. If you think of the different aspects of the human rights, even in more complete things that usually people do not think of as human rights, but they are human rights: on health, on education, on sanitation, on housing.

The world today is better than 70 years ago. But having said that, there are a lot of threats, there are a lot of threats to multilateralism, there is a lot of threat and pushback on human rights. It used to be for all: universal human rights, the three pillars: Peace & Security, Development, and Human Rights, and we see a pushback.

We see a pushback, we see that in some documents, human rights is not mentioned, and when you ask, they say, “it is mainstream.� And if it is mainstreamed, it is fantastic, because everybody’s doing their job. But if it is invisible, mainstream, that is not a good thing. On the other hand we see human rights defenders and civil society having their space shrink. They have been under attack. Journalists have been killed.

So there are a lot of challenges. The only thing I can say is that the struggle for human rights probably will never end, because it is a process where you advance, but there will be always people who want to push back, and that could be governments or that could be armed groups. The task of the UN is to ensure and promote the whole human rights system. And I will do what I have to do about it, but it cannot be only the task of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, it has to be the task of the whole UN system.

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT I would like to ask you about protecting those who protect: human rights defenders are often targets of abuse and violence. How can they be better protected?

MB: Well, the curious thing is that, as we are celebrating the 70th year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are celebrating 20 years of the Declaration on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. And in November 2017, a resolution on the protection of human rights defenders was approved unanimously by the General Assembly.

No country voted against it. So, the issue is: on paper things can look very good, but reality is another thing. I think we have the task of making people accountable for the things they have approved. Second, to monitor implementation of those agreements that everybody has made, and engage governments, and in the cases where things are happening, holding them accountable and responsible for the killings, the torture, the detentions of many human rights defenders.

One of the most pressing issues for the entire world is climate change. How are human rights linked to the environment?

MB: Well they are very important. First of all, because if we are not able to stop climate change, the people who will suffer most are the poorest, the women, the children, and most the vulnerable ones. They will have challenges accessing water, food or agriculture. Many of them, for example, from the small islands, they will have to leave the island if the sea level rises, they will have to go somewhere as a migrant.

There are so many concrete consequences that will affect people’s lives and their rights.

That is why we also believe that working strongly to combat climate change is a very essential task, including of the High Commissioner. I think also that

Michelle Bachelet, newly-appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

we need to be more part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and how we support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I know that not all, but the idea of advancing by 2030 and not leaving anyone behind, it means, at the end, to have human rights respected throughout the world.

And climate change is of huge importance, because I have seen places where there is no more water and people who depend on agriculture, mainly women, and now have to think how they get their incomes. With climate change, we have seen, and scientists tell us … about worsening natural disasters and extreme weather, forest fires. And all of these will have a lot of consequences for the life of people. It is very important to work very closely on that, too. I completely agree with the Secretary-General when he said that this is one of the major, major challenges that we have.

This article originally appeared in UN News on 17 October 2018

VISIT UN CITY UN City Copenhagen is a unique addition to the Danish capital. Here, more than a thousand employees from 11 agencies work together under the mission of the United Nations.

Located on Marmormolen (Marble Pier), an artificial island in Copenhagen’s Northern Harbour, you will find UN City surrounded by water. The iconic starshape, with the eight arms, symbolises the UN’s efforts to reach out to people all over the world.

UN City is certified Platinum by LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) and the winner of the European Commission’s Green Building Award for New Buildings as well as the 2016 Energy Efficiency Visionary Award.

VISIT UN CITY Every Friday at 14:00, UN City opens its doors to the public. Anyone may request a tour, which is free of charge. During the tour, you will learn more about the work of the UN, the agencies present in UN City, and the building itself. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes.

If you are a group of fifteen or more people, interested in learning more about the UN and UN City, you are able to choose a guided tour or a lecture, or both.

Tours and lectures are offered as free services.

When setting foot in the building, visitors will quickly grasp how different the agencies actually are, and how different their goals and visions are. What is shared, however, is a common commitment to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with governments, academic institutions, private sector and civil society.

Visit www.UN.dk for more information.

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Photo: Adam Mørk

EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS UN Women is the UN organisation dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality, and works with governments and civil society to design laws, programmes and services needed to implement these standards.

UN Women stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life, focusing on five priority areas to unlock rapid transformation:

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Increasing women’s participation and leadership Ending violence against women Engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes Enhancing women’s economic empowerment

Strengthening and implementing a comprehensive set of global norms, policies and standards on gender equality UN Women also co-ordinates and promotes the UN System’s work in advancing gender equality.

PRESENCE IN THE NORDIC REGION UN Women’s Nordic Office liaises with Nordic governments, parliamentarians and key decision-makers, as well as UN Women national committees in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, the private sector, media, civil society, and all UN agencies based in Copenhagen.

The Nordic countries have a steadfast relationship with the UN, and

have historically been strong advocates for gender equality both within their own countries and as part of their international development co-operation policy.

Visit www.unwomen.org to learn more.

LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND United Nations Development Programme – UNDP – is the UN’s leading development organisation. Established in 1966, UNDP works to tackle one of the greatest violations of human rights – poverty, which kills more people than any wars or diseases, and prevents humans and societies from fulfilling their potential.

Today, we work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and to fulfil their commitment to leave no one behind. As a trusted partner of governments, civil society and private sector, UNDP is present in some 170 countries. We focus on eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions everywhere, promoting transformation to sustainable societies and building resilience to withstand and recover from crisis. We do so by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, strengthen rule of law and effective and accountable government, and by building resilience against natural and man-made crisis. Advancing gender equality and human rights is central and an integral part of all our programme support.

IT connectivity and a Nordic Representation Office (NRO). UNDP also hosts the UN City’s Common Services.

NRO serves as a liaison and communication office with a public outreach function to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. The office works to inform and raise public awareness of the SDGs and UNDP’s work and results, and to strengthen and expand partnerships with Nordic stakeholders, including with civil society and the private sector.

Visit http://www.dk.undp.org for more information.

Between 2014-2017 UNDP improved the living conditions for 37,3 million people, created 3 million new jobs, secured access to justice for 4.1 million, and helped 104 countries implement lowemission and climate resilient measures.

UNDP IN DENMARK UNDP has several headquarter functions located in Denmark, including our global human resource department, procurement,

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

LEADING THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGENDA Denmark, UN Environment is represented by its collaborating centre, UNEP DTU Partnership (UDP), the UNEP-DHI Centre and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN).

UDP is a leading international research and advisory institution on energy, climate and sustainable development. It is institutionally a part of DTU Management Engineering and an integral part of UN Environment’s Climate Change Strategy and Energy Programme. UDP, conducts leading international research and provides policy analysis and capacity building on clean energy, low-carbon and resilient development to developing countries. It comprises two centres: The Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development, and the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency, which serves as the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) Energy Efficiency Hub.

Lighting lives with solar power.

Photo: UNEP Database United Nations Environment sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UN Environment has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, with six regional offices and various country offices and collaborating centres globally. In

The UNEP-DHI Centre is a UN Environment centre of expertise dedicated to improving the management, development and use of freshwater resources from the local to the global level.

CTCN promotes the accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate resilient development at the request of developing countries. It provides technology solutions, capacity building and advice on policy, legal and regulatory frameworks tailored to the needs of individual countries.

UNFPA – ENSURING RIGHTS AND CHOICES FOR ALL

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled … WHERE EVERY PREGNANCY IS WANTED UNFPA enables women, men and young people to enjoy the human right to decide when to have children and how many to have. In 2018, this right celebrates its 50th anniversary and since 1968, the fertility rate in developing countries has declined from over 6 to 2.6 children per woman. … WHERE EVERY CHILDBIRTH IS SAFE UNFPA educates midwives and builds strong health systems to help women have a safe pregnancy and childbirth. Skilled attendance at birth, referral and emergency assistance (e.g. caesarean sections, blood transfusions or medicines) can save lives.

Since 1990, the rate of women dying from complications in pregnancy and childbirth has been halved, but more than 800 women still die every day from such complications. … WHERE EVERY YOUNG PERSON’S POTENTIAL IS FULFILLED UNFPA promotes age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, access to youth-friendly services and gender equality. UFNPA supports the abandonment of harmful practices such as early and forced marriage and female general mutilation.

UNFPA sees young people as a resource for positive change.

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IN ADDITION UNFPA also supports women, men and young people in emergency and crisis situations with all of the above, to have dignity and to be free from gender-based violence.

DID YOU KNOW? UNFPA is the world’s largest procurer of contraceptives for public funds enabling millions of women, men and young people to plan their pregnancies.

The UNFPA global procurement team and the UNFPA Nordic Office are located in UN City, Copenhagen, with a total of 60 staff members.

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UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

PROTECTING REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PEOPLE WORLDWIDE home in order for them to build a better future. Furthermore, UNHCR works to eliminate statelessness.

The world is facing an unprecedented level of global displacement – more than 68.5 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and we need continued support to help and protect them.

UNHCR is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions from governments, intergovernmental organisations, corporations, foundations and individual donors.

Photo: © UNHCR/Rocco Nuri

WHAT WE DO UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is leading international action to protect and assist people, who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence and persecution. With a staff of almost 12,000 across 128 countries, UNHCR works tirelessly to help millions of people of concern.

We deliver life-saving support like shelter, food and water in emergencies around the world. We help safeguard fundamental human rights, including access to territory and the right to seek asylum. We develop solutions that ensure that people have a safe place to call

The private sector brings great value in its ability to mobilise funds, raise awareness and build engagement – and through partnerships we can also leverage the technical know-how and innovation capacity of the private sector for the benefit of refugees.

UNHCR IN DENMARK UNHCR is headquartered in Geneva, but UN City in Copenhagen hosts several of our Headquarter functions. They include the Private Sector Partnerships Service, Field Information Coordination Support Section, Registration and Identity Management and The Education Section among others.

UNHCR’s Regional Representation for Northern Europe, which covers the eight Nordic and Baltic countries, is also present in UN City in Copenhagen through a Liaison Office.

Please visit www.UNHCR.org to learn more.

FOR EVERY CHILD tonnes of life-saving supplies to support development programmes and emergencies each year. In 2016, UNICEF procured over USD 3.5 billion worth of supplies and services for children, including 2.5 billion vaccine doses that reached 45 percent of the world’s children under five years old.

UNICEF’s mission is to advocate for the realisation of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works with governments and partners for equal access to services and care that can make all the difference in children’s lives.

For tens of millions of children, vaccines, medicines, therapeutic food and items for learning and play are tangible expressions of UNICEF’s commitment. Copenhagen is home to Supply Division, UNICEF’s procurement and logistics headquarters, sending 14,000

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Responding urgently to infectious disease crises, in 2016, UNICEF Supply and partner action included the procurement and delivery of one million oral cholera vaccine doses to Haiti, more than 29 million yellow fever vaccine doses to Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo and 191 million polio vaccine doses to Nigeria and neighbouring countries. UNICEF, partners and industry launched a systematic effort to develop a point of care diagnostic device and discover a vaccine to stop the Zika virus. In the seemingly interminable upheavals of emergencies that have forced 50 million children to flee for their lives, supplies were fundamental to sustaining hope and accelerating results for children.

INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation and environmental sustainability.

For more info, please visit www.ctc-n.org and www.unido.org.

“Empowering women is empowering humanity. Gender equality and women’s empowerment is central to UNIDO’s work as it is not only a matter of human rights, but also a precondition for sustainable development and economic growth, which are drivers of poverty reduction and social integration. When women and men are more equal, economies grow faster, more people are lifted out of poverty and the overall well-being of societies is enhanced.”

GENDER EQUALITY The importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly women’s economic empowerment, is at the core of UNIDO’s mandate. Enhancing the role of women as drivers of poverty reduction, promoting female investors and entrepreneurs, and recognising the link between gender equality and safeguarding the environment all promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

Li Yong, UNIDO Director General, International Gender Champion

TECHNOLOGY MATCHMAKER IN COPENHAGEN UNIDO, together with UN Environment, hosts the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), located in Copenhagen’s UN City. The CTCN promotes the accelerated development and transfer of climate technologies for energy-efficient, low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The centre utilises the expertise of a network of nearly 400 technology companies and organisations around the world to deliver technology solutions at the request of developing countries in sectors ranging from agriculture and energy to industry and transportation.

The CTCN technology platform (www.ctc-n.org) provides descriptions of hundreds of clean technologies along with examples of their use around the world. It also offers over 14,000 other technology publications and webinars organised by country and technology sector, including a Gender and Technology hub.

MIGRATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL ACTIVITIES IOM’s mission and vision are reflected in our work with the complex and ever-changing migration landscape in the world of today. IOM delivers its services to migrants and governments through a diverse range of programmes and activities such as migration policy and governance, resettlement, integration, labour migration, counter-trafficking, Assisted Voluntary Returns, and many more. IOM activities world-wide aim to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Central African Republic - N’dele. Socio-cultural activities organised by IOM in Djamassinda as a part of social cohesion initiatives.

Photo: Amanda Nero, IOM

IOM will be the co-ordinator of the UN Network on Migration to be established in connection with the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in December 2018.

MISSION AND VISION The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency.

Locally and globally, through logistic assistance and humanitarian aid delivered by more than 9,000 staff in over 100 countries, IOM tracks, protects and provides direct assistance to millions of migrants every year.

IOM works with its partners to advance the understanding of migration issues, to encourage social and economic development through migration, and to uphold the dignity and well-being of migrants.

IOM is an organisation with a high operational capacity, delivering in close proximity to the migrants, governments and partners we work with around the globe.

IOM’s vision is for a world in which migration is driven by choice and not by desperate necessity. Where migration is managed in a safe, smart and orderly manner, and where migrants’ lives and rights are protected.

IOM AT UN CITY The IOM office in Denmark was opened in 2009. In Denmark, IOM works with migrants in partnership with Danish authorities and other actors.

UN CITY SUPPLEMENT

WORKING FOR A WORLD WITH ZERO HUNGER As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030, one in nine people worldwide still do not have enough to eat. Food and food-related assistance lie at the heart of the struggle to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.

On any given day, WFP has 5,000 trucks, 20 ships and 92 planes on the move, delivering food and other assistance to those in most need.

WFP’s efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations. Two-thirds of our work is in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict.

When the emergency subsides, WFP helps communities rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods. WFP also works to strengthen the resilience of people and communities affected by protracted crises by applying a development lens to the humanitarian response.

Two-thirds of WFP’s work is in conflict-affected countries, where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict.

Photo: WFP/Abeer Etefa Assisting 80 million people in around 80 countries each year, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organisation saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

WFP NORDIC OFFICE The WFP Nordic Office works to raise awareness of the results achieved by WFP in collaboration with its Nordic partners. The Nordic governments are important donors to WFP. In 2017, they were the fifth largest donor to WFP, and remain among WFP’s top donors of flexible funds. The Nordic governments are also important strategic partners to WFP and play a critical role in mobilising global support to the fight against hunger.

FOR BETTER, MORE EQUITABLE HEALTH The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for public health within the United Nations system. To provide leadership in global health matters and deliver tailor-made assistance, the organisation works from a global base in Geneva, through six regional offices in strategic locations around the world, and at national level via 150 country offices.

diseases, disease prevention, health determinants, health systems, environment and health, child and maternal health, health information and evidence. WHO/Europe also works to support those affected by health emergencies and humanitarian crises, such as the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the civil war in Syria, and many others.

WHO AT UN CITY The WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), based at UN City in Copenhagen, is one of WHO’s six regional offices. It has over 500 staff, 29 country offices and several technical centres of excellence.

The goal of the office is the attainment of equitable and sustainable health for the 900 million people in the WHO European Region.

www.euro.who.int

Every year in September, ministers of health from the 53 countries in the region meet to set health objectives. WHO/Europe supports countries to deliver high-quality, effective health services, and works with partners to encourage and enable collaboration across sectors, under the ‘Health 2020’ policy framework. Health 2020 emphasises improving health for all and reducing inequalities, strengthening leadership on health issues and building participation in decision making. It shares the values and has successfully laid the groundwork for implementing the new 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which seeks to ‘leave no one behind’.

WHO/Europe provides technical expertise in health and well-being across areas including communicable and non-communicable

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Packing trauma kits in Kilis, Turkey, for shipment to northern Syria. Credit: WHO

HELPING PEOPLE BUILD BETTER LIVES SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED UNOPS provides practical solutions to assist our partners to save lives, to protect people and their rights, and to build a better world.

We bring to this task the values and principles of the United Nations, and the innovation, boldness, speed and efficiency of a self-financed institution.

UNOPS projects range from helping partners build schools, roads and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

The aim is to manage projects and programmes of every size, while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of developing countries to manage their own initiatives.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. Our vision is a world where people can live full lives supported by appropriate, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and by the efficient and transparent use of public resources in procurement and project management.

In 2016 UNOPS supported more than 900 projects worth around $1.4 billion for our partners. Forty-three percent of this was in support of the UN family, while 25 percent was in direct support to governments. In 2016, UNOPS designed, constructed or rehabilitated 3,025 kilometres of roads, procured more than $900 million worth of goods and services for our partners, and provided over 50,000 days of technical assistance and advice. In addition, more than 3 million days of paid work were created for project beneficiaries UNOPS AT UN CITY UNOPS global headquarters are based at UN City in Copenhagen.

Through a network of more than 30 regional, country and partnership offices, UNOPS undertakes activities in over 80 countries.

YOUR CONSCIENTIOUS LUNCH PARTNER Fazer Food & Co challenges traditional workplace catering. We strive to inspire with tasty, healthy, nutritional choices - and beyond.

We recognise lunch as an important part of your workday – a time for rejuvenation and reflection. Therefore, human rights and environmental sustainability are as important a part of our planning strategy as optimal flavour and nutritional value.

We make conscientious choices – not only for our guests, but for the benefit of everyone.

Vegan beetroot tatare

Welcome to Fazer Food & Co – enjoy!

FOOD THAT MAKES YOUR DAY

Visit us at www.fazerfoodco.dk

Sheer Driving Pleasure

THE DIPLOMATIC WAY TO A QUICK SOLUTION. THE BMW 5 SERIES.

If you are looking for the perfect solution, BMW Diplomatic Sales specialize in giving you the best advice to choose exactly the car that suits you and your life in Denmark. Visit us or contact Direct and Speciel Sales Specalist Christoffer Østerby, cos@jan-nygaard.dk for an individuel appointment.

Prices from DKK. 222.010,- excl VAT and taxes – EUR. 29.800,-

JAN NYGAARD AS www.jan-nygaard.dk

Kgs. Lyngby

Firskovvej 33

2800 Kgs. Lyngby Tlf.: 4588 6600