In October, the UN APPG hosted two key meetings, including its inaugural meeting in the new parliament with a briefing from Lord Collins, as well as a humanitarian breakfast roundtable with UN Agencies based in London
On 17 October, the UN APPG met to confirm the appointment of its four officers: Alice Macdonald MP, Lord Hannay of Chiswick, Baroness Anelay of St Johns and Melanie Ward MP. Following the vote, the group was briefed by Lord Collins - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Africa and multilateral and human rights (including the Commonwealth and United Nations ) - on the outcomes of the UN Summit of the Future which was held in September this year, as well as on the UK’s relationship with the United Nations more generally.
The group discussed the importance of the UK government’s commitment to multilateralism, particularly at a time when the impact of the United Nations is being questioned. Further discussion focused on the hard work that was put in to achieve the Pact for the Future, which managed to achieve consensus despite a last minute, failed attempt from Russia to challenge its progression. Those in attendance agreed on the importance of the UK continuing to be a champion of the UN, particularly as it is evident that the UN remains an essential forum for multilateral dialogue.
Following this, on 22 October, the UN APPG was delighted to host representatives from UN Agencies in London to discuss the current humanitarian landscape. We were joined by representatives from the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The roundtable provided an opportunity for representatives from these agencies to brief new and returning MPs on the unique but interconnected mandates of each agency. Over the course of the discussion representatives highlighted that the global humanitarian situation is in crisis, as a result of escalating conflicts, climate change, and economic instability.
Both the UN and NGOs do have the tools but needs have just dramatically increased…and the changes related to climate and conflict are the key drivers - Geraldine O’Callaghan, WFP
The discussion highlighted that a huge surge in humanitarian needs, coupled with generic public familiarity with ongoing humanitarian crises, has resulted to some extent, in a perceived disregard for those suffering in affected countries. Although NGOs and the UN are trying to meet these needs, difficult decisions are being taken as to how to distribute assistance. In response, Parliamentarians stressed that it is often difficult to push development or humanitarian agendas in the chamber but representatives of the UN Agencies urged they continue to cement humanitarian issues in every conversation they are having, to challenge social norms and to stand up for the rule of law.
The discussion went on to cover many important topics, including migration, the impact of conflict on gender, climate change and more. There are no easy solutions but with so many people in need of help, a refocus towards the humanitarian landscape is critical.
UNA-UK acts as the secretariat for the UN APPG. For information on the group’s activities, please contact Lauren Muir on muir@una.org.uk.
