Ailish Campbell’s Post

Today on the margins of the 78th UN General Assembly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken convened the first ministerial meeting of the Resettlement Diplomacy Network (RDN).      The Refugee Hub and the Migration Policy Institute serve as the inaugural secretariat for the RDN to support the U.S. chairmanship. The RDN is a new multilateral initiative launched by the government of the United States. Its goal is to drive high-level strategic and diplomatic engagement among resettlement states, to strengthen and expand global refugee resettlement and additional third-country pathways to protection.     The RDN provides a collaborative governmental forum to identify opportunities for closer cooperation among its participants and avenues for collective action to amplify, enhance, and elevate the importance of resettlement and complementary pathways as part of the global protection system.     Under the chairmanship of the United States, ministers and representatives from Australia, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the United Kingdom took part in the ministerial meeting, joined by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs.     At today's meeting, RDN members agreed to join forces and work together to strengthen global resettlement in several important ways, including:    •  The RDN will establish a new Emergency Coordination Platform, a ‘Red Phone’ to ensure Closer and more efficient collaboration between leading resettlement states.      •  RDN States reaffirmed their enduring commitment to respond to the situation of Afghans at risk. States will leverage the RDN to enhance cooperation and address practical obstacles in reaching individuals at risk.    •  The RDN will explore opportunities for solidarity and strengthened cooperation in specific regions and for specific populations of concern, notably in Central and South America; along the Central Mediterranean route; and in Southeast Asia.    •  RDN members also intend to collaborate to expand solutions for LGBTQI+ individuals fleeing persecution and Human Rights Defenders.  #RDN2023 https://lnkd.in/dnnZ6EJB

We are deeply concerned about the recent decision by Israel to ban visas for representatives of the United Nations (UN). This move raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and cooperation with international organizations. The United Nations plays a vital role in fostering global cooperation, dialogue, and diplomacy. Its representatives work tirelessly to promote peace initiatives, monitor human rights situations, and provide essential humanitarian aid. By restricting access for UN personnel, Israel risks isolating itself from valuable channels of communication and collaboration. Diplomatic relations between countries rely on effective engagement with the United Nations. The visa ban imposed by Israel could strain these relationships as it may be perceived as an attempt to limit scrutiny or criticism regarding its policies or actions in certain regions. While national security concerns are undoubtedly important considerations for any country, it is crucial to strike a balance between security measures and maintaining transparency within international organizations like the UN. Openness allows for constructive dialogue aimed at finding peaceful solutions while ensuring accountability when violations occur. The visa ban could have tremendously adverse effects on humanitarian efforts carried out by the UN in Israel and occupied territories. Humanitarian aid workers often rely on UN representatives for coordination and support in delivering essential assistance to those in need. Restricting their access hampers their ability to effectively carry out their crucial work. It is heartening to see that the international community has expressed concern over this decision by Israel. Calls have been made for dialogue, transparency, and respect for diplomatic norms. It is imperative that these concerns are addressed through constructive engagement between all parties involved. As global citizens committed to upholding human rights principles and promoting collaboration among nations, let us raise our voices against this visa ban. By advocating for open dialogue, transparency, and respect for diplomatic norms we can contribute towards finding a resolution that balances national security interests with maintaining transparent cooperation with international organizations. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d_vz2vWF #TransparencyMatters #CollaborationForPeace #UNEngagement

"Climate, contraception and the queer-nexus. This unlikely triad of foreign assistance priorities has become the face of Canada in the developing world. Foreign policy – and how Canada applies it on the world stage – usually receives scant public attention. Amid the current array of domestic troubles – cost of living, housing crisis, urban blight, opioid overdoses, revolving-door criminal justice – it is hard to excite voters about how Canadian taxes are being used overseas. When foreign affairs do get noticed, typically the front-facing actions of the prime minister, foreign affairs minister or defence minister are scrutinized. And why not, since it’s a target-rich environment, with Canada experiencing some spectacular failures over the Liberals’ nine years in office. In 2020, after an intense and costly push, Canada failed to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council that its foreign policy establishment had long craved. A year later, Canada was left out of AUKUS, a new defence and security pact among the United States, United Kingdom and Australia intended to counter China’s expansionism. Just last month, 23 U.S. senators from both parties issued a letter deeply critical of Canada’s parsimonious defence spending. And then there’s the symbolic damage wrought by Canada’s performative prime minister, such as his cringeworthy decision on a 2018 state visit to India to dress himself and his family in traditional Indian wedding garb. A largely unexamined though arguably even more important feature of foreign policy, however, is the back end, the foreign assistance administered and funded through Global Affairs Canada. Under the Justin Trudeau government, assistance diplomacy has been transformed – and in ways at least as worrisome and damaging as the more high-profile examples cited above. The words “development assistance” probably conjure up images of Canadian specialists overseeing the provision of clean water in dirt-poor rural areas, conducting immunizations of vulnerable children, building roads, planning much-needed energy infrastructure in regions that still use dung fires and candle-light, constructing new schools, fighting forest fires, or organizing and staffing colleges that turn out agronomists, foresters, hydrologists, engineers and so on. In other words, doing the things needed to, first, address crises that are killing people and shortening lives, and second, providing poor countries the tools needed to lift themselves out of poverty over the long term. But if these were ever the priorities, they have been deliberately cast aside." Anna Farrow charts the radical remaking of foreign assistance in which Canada uses foreign aid to interfere in the domestic politics and local cultures of recipient countries, turning the mild-mannered middle power into a practitioner of coercive diplomacy and cultural imperialism – arguably even neo-colonialism.

Abkhazia wants to be part of Union State with Russia, Belarus — top diplomat "We understand that a path to a Union State is quite long and difficult, but a large part of our population supports such an approach," Abkhazian Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba stressed March 5/ Abkhazia sees its future in a Union State with Russia and Belarus, Abkhazian Foreign Minister Inal Ardzinba said. One of the key tasks today is the Belarusian project. Although we have no diplomatic relations with Belarus so far, the heads of state have exchanged visits," he said during a discussion on the topic of Russia in the current international environment as part of the World Youth Festival. "We understand that a path to a Union State is quite long and difficult, but a large part of our population supports such an approach," he stressed. "That is why we will be seeking this." "As for Belarus, we are now building the basis. We maintain trade and economic relations, investment cooperation, and active development is beginning," he said. "We see our future in this - in strengthening union with Russia and in our striving for a Union State," Ardzinba said and thanked Russia for supporting his country. "Our people appreciate this. And, I think, the results of voting at the Russian presidential election in Abkhazia will give a clear picture that you people know what thanks and gratitude are," he added. The top Abkhazian diplomat also said that his country plans to invigorate humanitarian assistance to and information support for Donbass. "We hope that we will be able to go to Donbass soon to support our brothers and friends. As a country, we support the special military operation, we support fair international relations, and we support [Russian President] Vladimir Putin," he stressed. According to Ardzinba, the majority of Abkhazia’s population "support the special military operation because they pin their hopes on forming a fairer world order, on respecting nations’ rights, their specifics and history, regardless of their political or economic might." "Our people and government believe that although having a geographically local nature, the special military operation has a global mission, including from the point of view of integration processes in the post-Soviet space, which are very important for our country," he added. More than 250 tons of humanitarian aid have been sent to the zone of the special military operation in the past two years. The World Youth Festival is taking place in the Sirius Federal Territory in far southern Russia on March 1-7, 2024. More than 300,000 people from 190 countries have applied to take part. Participants in the festival’s regional program will visit 30 Russian cities on March 10-17. #business #finance #financialservices

China in a peacekeeping role? At least within West Asia. They’re calling for a large-scale international peace conference to discuss the establishment of a sovereign & independent Palestinian state. I see the need for a peace conference to foster that discussion, the discussion wouldn’t make it through the Security Council. Israel’s constant bombardment of Gaza & refusal of allowing significant aid in has led to the ‘worst humanitarian crises faced by any civilian population this century’ according to the Norwegian Refugee Council…considering what else is going on in the world…this is saying something. Unfortunately for Israel & the west—Hamas’ popularity is growing--both within Gaza & the West Bank…it’s like I said last week—you can’t get rid of a resistance movement if you keep terrorizing a population I agree that Germany is unfit to define genocide & shouldn’t be rushing to the defense of Israel at the ICJ I totally agree with the Colombian president—the South African legal team deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for bringing Israel before the ICJ Hezbollah is still launching missiles towards the north part of Israel, & Yemen stated they will still ‘intercept’ any Israeli-related ships within the Red Sea And now Turkey is the ‘executive arm of Hamas’? Just because they arrested (and may deport) an Israeli footballer? I think all of the Israeli legislative and military leaders—need psychological evals & possibly drug tests Unfortunately 30 Palestinians have been killed within the West Bank this year. Also within the West Bank…they’ve been demolishing homes within refugee camps—displacing over 600 Palestinians. The number of dead, missing, possibly ‘detained’, and wounded keeps going up at an alarming rate in Gaza. Due to the constant bombardment—over 70% of hospitals and primary care facility are non-functional. The rest are dealing with dwindling medical supplies, & little to no fuel. It’s been over 100 days since this shit-show started…military force isn’t freeing any Israeli hostage (at least not alive). All it’s done is caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, & ‘removed’ Israel’s mask to the world (at least in terms of their leaders & military) Can there be peace? Maybe…hopefully…BUT as I stated last week—Israel HAS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for everything they’ve done over the past 75 years. Human lives NEED to rank HIGHER than oil, natural gas, land, other exploitable natural resources & money. It’s time that we leave what is left of those exploitable natural resources in the ground. It’s beyond time that we reinvest in biofuel and renewable energy research & tech; reinvest in education, the sciences, the arts & humanities, infrastructure, and our communities. Because that is how we will survive—working together, not bombing each other, not displacing each other but working together as a diverse global community. #myviews #notsorry #istandwithhumanity

  Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis The United Kingdom has expressed ongoing serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, along with the significant influx of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia. #Armeniasovereignty #Conflictresolution #Diplomacyandpeace #Humanitarianaid #Humanitariansituation #Independentaccess #Internationalcooperation #NagornoKarabakhcrisis #Refugeeinflux #UKconcerns

What other Middle East countries could help with Dubai to bring balance back to the world and how? Several Middle East countries have the potential to contribute to bringing balance back to the world, alongside Dubai. Here are a few examples: 1. United Arab Emirates (UAE): As a country, the UAE has shown a commitment to promoting stability, peace, and development in the region. It has played a role in mediating conflicts, supporting humanitarian efforts, and investing in infrastructure and development projects in other countries. The UAE can continue to leverage its economic resources, diplomatic influence, and regional partnerships to foster cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable development in the Middle East and beyond. 2. Qatar: Qatar has been actively involved in regional diplomacy and mediation efforts. It has played a role in facilitating negotiations and peace processes in conflicts such as the Afghan peace talks and the Sudanese peace process. Qatar's diplomatic initiatives can contribute to resolving conflicts, promoting stability, and fostering dialogue in the region. 3. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia, as a major regional power, has the potential to play a significant role in bringing balance back to the world. The country has been undertaking economic reforms and diversification efforts, such as the Vision 2030 plan, which aims to reduce dependence on oil and promote social and economic development. Saudi Arabia can leverage its economic resources and diplomatic influence to support sustainable development, promote regional stability, and contribute to resolving conflicts in the Middle East. 4. Jordan: Jordan has been a key player in promoting peace and stability in the region. The country has hosted numerous refugees and has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts. Jordan can continue to play a role in fostering dialogue, supporting conflict resolution, and promoting regional cooperation, particularly in addressing the Syrian refugee crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 5. Oman: Oman has a long-standing tradition of diplomacy and mediation. The country has played a role in facilitating negotiations and peace processes, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Yemen peace talks. Oman's diplomatic efforts can contribute to resolving conflicts, promoting dialogue, and fostering regional stability. 6. Lebanon: Despite its internal challenges, Lebanon has historically been a cultural and economic hub in the Middle East. The country has a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene. Lebanon can leverage its cultural and economic assets to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in the region. It can also play a role in addressing regional challenges, such as the Syrian refugee crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These are just a few examples of Middle East countries that have the potential to contribute to bringing balance back to the world.

Since taking office, the Biden administration has focused on using diplomacy in foreign affairs and has used it to solve global issues by strengthening regional partnerships. On Friday, President Biden hosted the first leaders’ summit for the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP). Biden announced the creation of APEP in June 2022 to establish a forum positioned to improve the economies of countries in the western hemisphere, with the idea that stronger economies will be able to address economic inequality, bolster supply chains, and “restore faith in democracy by delivering for working people across the region.” APEP is also designed to strengthen the Los Angeles Declaration for Migration and Protection that established a responsibility-sharing approach to addressing this era’s historic migration flows. Rather than working solely on getting Congress to pass legislation to fix the border—as Biden has urged since the beginning of his term—the administration has focused on the prosperity and security of the countries from which migrants come, so that they feel less pressure to leave. The administration has worked hard to develop that strategy. Vice President Kamala Harris took the lead in “diplomatic efforts to address root causes of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras,” and in July 2021 she released a report on strategies to slow migration from the region. In June 2022, at the 9th Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, the administration helped to bring to reality a long-standing realization among many countries that migration must be addressed on a regional level rather than with patchwork attempts by individual nations. That’s when the U.S. got 21 governments to sign on to “a comprehensive response to irregular migration and forced displacement in the Western Hemisphere,” known as the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. The Biden administration has emphasized that it wants to work with the region, not dictate to it, and the leaders of APEP are working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to fund improvements to infrastructure and train skilled workers and entrepreneurs. A senior administration official on a background call on Friday noted that “the APEP countries are collectively hosting the majority of refugees and migrants in the Western Hemisphere” and that “each has been significantly impacted by the historic flows in recent years.” The official said that President Biden deeply appreciates how regional partners have offered new legal status to millions of people displaced in the western hemisphere, and noted that APEP is part of stepping up to support those countries and create incentives for other countries to do the same. “The bottom line is that President Biden believes that targeted economic investment in top refugee and migrant host countries is critical to stabilizing migration flows,” the official said.