Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) yesterday criticized the UN's 2005 World Summit Outcome for what they said was its lack of reforms or practical solutions to crucial issues.
The 2005 World Summit Outcome was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Friday, providing the international community with a unified stance on a range of issues ranging from combating poverty to condemning terrorism.
The document, passed by acclamation at the end of the three-day meeting in New York, expressed a strong commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and to pledged to raise an additional US$50 billion a year by 2010 for fighting poverty.
It set up two new bodies, a Peacebuilding Commission to help countries in transition from war to peace, and a Human Rights Council. The document also called for international condemnation of terrorism, genocide and crimes against humanity.
Although Taiwan has failed its 13th bid to become a member of the UN this year, representatives of a number of local NGOs met yesterday to voice their concerns about the UN's reform efforts, as shown in the document, and urge further reform efforts.
Mab Huang (黃默), vice president of the International Human Rights Education Consortium, said that Taiwan should support the UN's concern for world peace and its upgrading its Human Rights Commission to the Human Rights Council.
"But we will have to see whether the council can restore the bad reputation earned by the Human Rights Commission, which had countries with bad human-rights records as members," he said.
Chien Hsi-chieh (
"Cross-strait relations are crucial for maintaining peace and safety in Asia. It is an international issue, and the UN should intervene, instead of sitting idly by," Chien said.
The NGOs questioned the budget allocated for fighting poverty. They suggested that at least 1 percent of a country's gross national product is necessary to achieve this goal.
Participants said that as a member in the international community, Taiwan should be more responsive to the UN's development. They called on the government to provide more solutions to human-rights issues, especially when more immigrants are becoming members of society in this country.
"The government should sign and carry out treaties that promote international human rights and world peace, put an end to the death penalty and show the world our efforts in promoting human rights," said Wu Chih-kuang (
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS