Visit us also at
As of August 19, the World Humanitarian Day, only 33% of the required funding for 2022 has been received, which is channeled through UN agencies, funds, NGOs and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The U.S. is by far the largest donor with over 10 billion USD, followed by the European Commission and Germany. China contributes 0.008% of the U.S. amount. With 2.9 billion USD, Ukraine is currently the largest recipient, far ahead of Afghanistan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Somalia or Syria.
The 50th UN Human Rights Council convened in Geneva from 13 June to 8 July. The impact of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine was one of the main topics in the debates. Amongst others, the EU delivered a joint statement on food security. The increasing restrictions and repression of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Russia, especially since Russia’s repeated illegal invasion of Ukraine were also addressed. The situation in China was in focus as well and the prompt release of the report on Xinjiang was demanded. In addition, gender was one of the central issues. An urgent debate on women's rights in Afghanistan was held and numerous resolutions were adopted, including one on the extension of the mandate of the independent expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Belarus was also extended.
The Work Programme on Electronic Commerce was adopted at the second WTO Ministerial Conference in 1998. Members agreed not to impose tariffs on electronic transmissions for the time being ("E-Commerce Moratorium"). This exemption has been extended at all subsequent WTO Ministerial Conferences so far. An extension of the Moratorium during the 12th Ministerial Conference cannot be taken for granted.
At the beginning of the 50th UN Human Rights Council, the Netherlands delivered a cross-regional joint statement (JST) on behalf of 46 other states in which they expressed their grave concern about the human rights situation in China, particularly in Xinjiang. This comes in the context of the publication of the Xinjiang Police Files and the recent visit of UN High Commissioner Bachelet to China. Cuba on the other hand opposed any politicisation, double standards or interference in China's internal affairs in the name of 69 states.
During the 75th World Health Assembly Ukraine and Russia introduced resolutions on 23 and 24 May that addressed the health emergency in Ukraine and in refugee-hosting countries. While the Ukrainian resolution, among other demands, clearly condemns the aggressor and calls on Russia to stop military attacks on health facilities, the Russian resolution makes no reference to the instigator of the war and the attacks on health infrastructure. Instead, it refers to the humanitarian situation “in and around Ukraine” blurring lines about the victims of the war of aggression.
On 12 May, the 34th Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on the deteriorating human rights situation in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression took place in Geneva. Ukraine had requested the session and also submitted a draft resolution. It was adopted with only China and Eritrea voting against. It strengthens the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry. Many diplomats also expressed concern about the global impact of the war on food and energy security. Russia boycotted the meeting.
The 49th UN Human Rights Council convened in Geneva from February 28 to April 1, 2022. It was the longest session in the Council's history and a particular test for multilateral diplomacy, not only because of the situation in Ukraine. In addition to the emergency session and the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, there were other important votes, including on the extension of the mandate of the UN High Commissioner to further investigate human rights violations in Belarus or the establishment of a group of human rights experts on Nicaragua. Numerous joint statements were delivered, including on the human rights situation in Russia and in Yemen. Meanwhile, China, once again spoke out in favor of a state-centered "human rights dialogue" and a modified role for the Office of the UN High Commissioner in order to avoid criticism and scrutiny.
On 25 March 2022, the Governing Body, the executive organ of the ILO, will elect the new ILO Director-General. The Governing Body is composed of 56 regular members (28 Governments, 14 Employers members, and 14 Workers members). Ten of the regular government seats are permanently held by countries of major industrial importance, including Germany, China, the USA, and Russia. The other Government members are elected by the Conference every three years (the last elections were held in June 2014). The Employer and Worker members are elected in their individual capacity. There are also 66 deputy members (28 governments, 19 employers, and 19 workers), which are not shown on this map. This map depicts the regular members and their respective functions.
Director KAS Genf Office
