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The Latest from UNA-NCA
Ian Sloan, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee Member
Between those noteworthy moments, attendees were able to read brochures that allowed them to take a timeline journey into Eleanor’s legacy and receive initial or continued motivation to be involved in that work. Inspiring involvement in this kind of work was also the main objective of honoring three other significant anniversaries this year in the brochure:
1. 78th Anniversary of the United Nations: the international organization tasked with maintaining global protection, harmony, and civility.
Guests also were able to write posted notes on two wall posted sheets focusing on the following: The first centered on sharing one fact that we can learn from the Former First Lady's human rights advocacy as a template for how to provide aid to marginalized groups. The second provided participants a space for expressing which article(s) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) inspire them to further their human right advocacy in their lives.
In addition to welcoming the attendance of current UNA-NCA members and supporters, the Human Rights Committee was also excited to receive guests unfamiliar with the UNA-NCA but were interested in learning more about the efforts of Eleanor, as well as the organization as a whole. This openness to the public demonstrated the utmost inclusivity and cordiality as established priorities throughout this event. To know more about the UNA-NCA membership and other volunteer opportunities, visit here.
How to get involved: The Human Rights Committee meets on the first non-holiday Monday of each month at 6:00pm, and our next meeting will take place on 11/1 at 6:00pm. If you would like to learn more about the committee and attend the next meeting, please reach out to Leila Hanafi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kate Lovas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By A. Edward Elmendorf, Past President, UNA-NCA
UN supporters and UNA-NCA members looked forward with great interest and engagement to President Biden’s September speech in the UN General Assembly (UNGA). So, I have read and reread his speech against the hopes and anticipation that we brought to it, and particularly in light of the recommendations for U.S. priorities in the Assembly for this year formulated by Advisory Council and recently sent by Council Chair Sam Worthington to the United States Representative Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Presented by the Advisory Council of the United Nations Association-National Capital Area (UNA-NCA)
In the face of widespread challenges to democracy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is evident that backsliding is universal and persistent. The United States, with its exceptional position of influence, has a crucial role to play in leading and collaborating with other nations to reverse these trends.
The U.S. can strengthen democracy at home, while also promoting it worldwide, through a combination of strength and humility. The potential of democracy to deliver positive outcomes at home and abroad cannot be underestimated. By leaning into these challenges, the U.S. can leverage its considerable assets to reshape the global narrative during these uniquely challenging times.
Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality
By Danielle Dean, UNA-NCA Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council will convene its 54th Session on Monday, September 11th, and the agenda promises an expansive discussion on everything from country reports on the Universal Periodic Review, the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and sessions on cyberbullying, youth, and gender equality. But there is one discussion I will be following closely. On October 5th, the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement will present its recently released report following experts' tours of several prisons in major cities in the United States, including Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York.
UN OHCHR Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
In recognition of the International Day for People of African Descent on August 31st, UNA-NCA invites members to hear from UNA-USA leader London Bell, to learn more about the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.
2023 Summer Intern Model Arab League
By Peter Toto, Global Classrooms DC Program AssistantThe Summer Intern Model Arab League (SIMAL) was a chance for the interns of the National Council of United States Arab Relations (NCUSAR) to experience the rules and parliamentary procedure of the Arab League. For some, it was a chance to show their Model Arab League/United Nations skills; for others, it was an opportunity to gain firsthand experience of these activities. The day would be spent deliberating on the issue of the safety of journalists in Palestine and ultimately passing a resolution on the matter.
UNA-NCA at the Rangel Summer Enrichment Program
By Peter Toto, Global Classrooms DC Program AssistantVeronica McIntire, Program Coordinator for the Summer Enrichment Program, began the session by briefly introducing each speaker. First was Gabrielle Gueye of Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS). She then Introduced Sarmat Chowdhury of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area. Veronica described the panel as having a question-and-answer format. She would later ask a few general questions to the speakers directly and then defer to the Rangel scholars for a more direct Q&A session.
The UN, the US, and Me…
By Jill Christianson, UNA-NCA Board ChairWhile the United States and many other nations celebrated Pride this June, state sanctioned discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ has expanded, especially in the form of legislation.
The global backlash on human rights has weaponized attacks on identity and diversity, curtailing the rights and freedoms of the most vulnerable. As the United Nations Human Rights Council convenes its 53rd Session, we must highlight the continued assault on LGBTQ+ rights. For me, this issue is international, national, and personal.
Coverage of the 2023 UNA-NCA Annual Meeting
By Andrew Rovinsky, Global Classrooms DC Research AssistantJill Christianson, UNA-NCA Board Chair, opened the program with the statement that this meeting would be a “reflection on where we have been and where we are going.” This assertion perfectly encapsulates what this evening was about. In the following two hours, various speakers would highlight the incredible achievements from 2022 and 2023, but also explain what the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area will do in the next year.
