GENEVA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States has not learned the proper lesson from its failed wars, Richard Falk, emeritus professor of international law at Princeton University, told Xinhua in a recent interview via video link.

Falk had first-hand experience visiting wartime Vietnam in 1968, which led him to question the lawfulness and the legitimacy of U.S. wars abroad.

"When I had the opportunity to visit Hanoi and meet some of the leaders there and see the effects of a high technology war machine being used against a peasant society that was trying to establish its own right of self-determination, it changed my understanding fundamentally," he recalled.

The United States, rather than learning the lesson of the Vietnam War, has repeated the mistake time and again, according to Falk.

"The U.S., ever since its defeat in Vietnam, despite having overwhelming military superiority, has failed to learn the basic lesson that military intervention is not an effective geopolitical tool," the renowned scholar explained, adding that the U.S. military adventures in the Middle East have further discredited "regime-changing interventions followed by prolonged occupations and state-building undertakings in the post-colonial period."

The empirical record, Falk stressed, "suggests that excessive reliance of American foreign policy on the military instrument was a consequence of retaining a quasi-war posture ever since World War II."

"The U.S. became a very militarized state bureaucracy with a high peacetime military budget, and this led it to consistently exaggerate security threats, coupled with the related claim that military approaches to foreign policy challenges continued to be effective," he commented.

Despite the preaching of the virtues of a "rules-based international order" in the current U.S. administration's foreign policy prescriptions, such an affirmation "certainly doesn't seem to mean respect for international law," Falk pointed out.

"It seems to mean that others will be held accountable if they depart from U.S. perceptions of what rules should govern," he added. "But it leaves the U.S. itself in a position of pursuing its geopolitical ambitions without any kind of visible respect for the limits set by international law or the UN (United Nations) Charter."

By Xu Chi

Ahead of the World AIDS Day, which falls on Wednesday, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) issued a stark warning saying that if leaders fail to tackle inequalities the world could face 7.7 million AIDS-related deaths over the next 10 years.

We talk to Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS executive director and an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations on this and more.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

This joint statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is issued by the United Nations system in Georgia, the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the Council of Europe Office in Georgia, the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgiaand the Embassies to Georgia of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we express our support for and solidarity with women and girls who have experienced violence. We call for further resolute action to prevent and eventually eliminate violence against women and girls once and for all.

Violence against women and girls is a global scourge and, unfortunately, still one of the most serious human rights violations in Georgia and worldwide. 

Georgia can rightfully claim notable progress achieved in recent years, including the adoption of comprehensive legislative framework and gender quotas, and strengthening institutions to enforce these laws, tackling some of the discriminatory social stereotypes, providing specialized services for victims/survivors and raising public awareness on the need to combat gender-based violence.  

Despite these efforts, Georgian women and girls still face violence in their private and public lives due to pervasive social and economic inequality, limited political participation of women, entrenched discriminatory social norms, stigma and deeply rooted harmful stereotypes.

Sexual violence in Georgia persists, not least due to slow shifts in public attitudes. Almost one third of the Georgian population still blame women rape victims for inviting the attacks by their behavior. This is preventing many women from seeking help. Reporting of sexual violence crimes remain extremely low.

Women and girls from vulnerable social groups, including communities affected by conflict and people with disabilities, are facing an increased risk of violence, deepened by the economic and social crisis brought on by the pandemic.

Women’s political participation and their influence on critical decision-making remain low. The latest parliamentary and local elections showed improvements in increasing women’s political representation but still left Georgia with a men-dominated political landscape.

Government authorities at all levels in Georgia need to work to uphold the rights of women and girls in all areas of their lives, and to promote women’s economic and political participation and empowerment that are key factors to preventing gender-based violence against women. Georgia needs to take concrete action to fully implement the Istanbul Convention - including the legal definition of rape - given its commitment to the Gender-Based Violence Action Coalition of Generation Equality global movement in 2021. Effectively investigating and prosecuting incidents of violence against women and girls must be given high priority by the police and judicial institutions. Prevention strategies, which address the root causes of violence against women and girls need to be stepped up, including actions that engage men and boys to challenge harmful stereotypes. We all have crucial roles to play in ending gender-based violence against women and building a future in which everyone has a real and fair chance at success, safety and well-being.

We stand ready to support the Government of Georgia, civil society and other partners in this vital work.

Source: UN Georgia

On November 3, 2021, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Vepa Hajiyev met with the Regional Representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia, Ryszard Komenda, via videoconference.

Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan, also took part in the meeting.

During the meeting, the sides discussed issues related to further development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN specialized agencies on human rights. There was a constructive exchange of views on strengthening and protection of human rights, including implementation of the obligations and provisions of the human rights conventions in which Turkmenistan takes part.

Noting Turkmenistan's achievements in the field of human rights, the sides discussed procedures for the practical implementation of humanitarian standards in national legislation.

As is known, Turkmenistan, consistently fulfilling its obligations in the humanitarian sphere, has acceded to most UN conventions, covenants and protocols on human rights. The protection of human rights and gender development issues are reflected in the national programs of socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.

The sides also discussed the activities of the Working Group of the Interdepartmental Commission on compliance with Turkmenistan's international obligations on human rights and international humanitarian law. In this regard, the sides considered the key areas of implementation of the Joint Action Plan of the Interdepartmental Commission on compliance with Turkmenistan's international obligations on human rights and international humanitarian law and of the United Nations (UN) Mission in Turkmenistan for the second half of 2021.

Regular contacts between the Government of Turkmenistan and the International Labor Organization (ILO) for the coordination of joint projects and the organization of visits to Turkmenistan by ILO experts were emphasized.

During the talks, gratitude was expressed to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for Central Asia for organizing and conducting meetings related to the provision of technical assistance and coordination of activities in the implementation of UN projects on human rights.

The Caucasus, a beautiful land of mountains, glaciers, and rivers, has already lost 40% of its glaciers. During the last two decades alone, the speed of glacier loss in the eastern Georgia has exceeded projections from the end of the 20^th century. We fully share the alarm presented by the UN Secretary-General's latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that declared a ‘code red for humanity,'" Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at the World Leaders Summit, within the scope of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
According to the Head of Government, greater ambition and effort is needed if we are to meet the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement and avert a global disaster.
The Prime Minister thanked the United Kingdom for its dedication to making the COP26 a reality in light of the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, also pointing out the importance of joint efforts necessary to deal with the challenges triggered by climate change.
According to Irakli Garibashvili, the Government of Georgia has a development plan with a clear vision for 2030 that aligns perfectly with the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The investments in clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and enhanced adaptive capacity represent concrete steps for reducing emissions and preparing our societies for the unavoidable impacts of climate change, the Head of Government added.
"The next generation are counting on us to deliver on our promise," the Prime Minister stated.

Keynote Speech Delivered by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia at COP26

Press Service of the Government Administration

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia is participating in the 26^TH United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held on November 1-2, 2021 in Glasgow along with other world leaders. The Head of Government of Georgia has left for the UK with a delegation comprising David Zalkaliani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Ilia Darchiashvili, Head of Government Administration of Georgia. The Prime Minister will address fellow world leaders participating in the Summit on November 1, 2021 and focus on the significance of joint efforts to be deployed for coping with threats stemming from climate change. Within the scope of the COP26, the Prime Minister of Georgia will hold bilateral meetings as well.

26TH United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) will take place in Glasgow from October 31 through November 12, 2021. Within the scope of the world leader summit, heads of states and governments, as well as experts and subject-matter professionals will discuss ways of intensifying and coordinating actions to achieve goals of the Paris Treaty and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Summit engages almost 120 world leaders this year.

Press Service of the Government Administration

50 years have passed since the People's Republic of China restored its lawful seat in the United Nations. What do UN officials have to say about China's role and contribution?

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations, a milestone not just for China but for the UN and the entire world.

Today, as China is moving closer to the center of the world stage, it is working with all other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a commemorative meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations here next Monday, when he will deliver an important speech at the event, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Friday.

Over the past 50 years, China has greatly enhanced its cooperation with the United Nations and made notable achievements.

On various occasions, President Xi has reiterated China's support for the UN-centered international system and pledged greater contributions to advancing the noble cause of the United Nations.

The following are some highlights of his remarks in this regard.

Oct. 14, 2021

Addressing via video link the opening ceremony of the Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference, Xi said China will continue to hold high the banner of true multilateralism, and stay connected with the world and abreast with the times.

"This way, we will contribute more to global development while pursuing our own development," he said.

China will not change course in its pursuit of a new system of open economy of higher standards, and China will not waver in its resolve to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, Xi said.

"China's door of opening-up will only open wider, and will never be closed," he added.

Oct. 12, 2021

Addressing via video link the leaders' summit of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Xi called on the international community to enhance cooperation, build consensus and pool strength to build a community of all life on Earth.

Noting that China has made remarkable progress in building an ecological civilization, Xi said China will continue to advance ecological progress, stay committed to implementing the new development philosophy emphasizing innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all, and build a beautiful China.

Sept. 21, 2021

China is always a builder of world peace, contributor to global development, defender of the international order and provider of public goods, Xi said in his statement delivered via video at the general debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

"We must improve global governance and practice true multilateralism," Xi said.

"In the world, there is only one international system, i.e. the international system with the United Nations at its core. There is only one international order, i.e. the international order underpinned by international law. There is only one set of rules, i.e. the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," he added.

Sept. 22, 2020

China is the largest developing country in the world, a country that is committed to peaceful, open, cooperative and common development, Xi said while addressing the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly via video.

"We will never seek hegemony, expansion, or sphere of influence. We have no intention to fight either a Cold War or a hot war with any country," Xi said.

China firmly upholds the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, he said.

"Global governance should be based on the principle of extensive consultation, joint cooperation and shared benefits so as to ensure that all countries enjoy equal rights and opportunities and follow the same rules," he said.

Jan. 18, 2017

China is a founding member of the United Nations and the first country to put its signature on the UN Charter, Xi said in his speech at the United Nations Office at Geneva.

China's support for multilateralism will increase as the country continues to develop itself, Xi said.

"China is ready to work with all the other UN member states as well as international organizations and agencies to advance the great cause of building a community of shared future for mankind," Xi said.

Sept. 28, 2015

Addressing the general debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, Xi said China will continue to contribute to global development.

"We are ready to share our development experience and opportunities with other countries and welcome them to board China's express train of development so that all of us will achieve common development," Xi said.

"China will continue to stand together with other developing countries. We firmly support greater representation and say of developing countries, especially African countries, in the international governance system," Xi said.

"China's vote in the United Nations will always belong to the developing countries," he said. 

Vaccination process against COVID-19 has been initiated at the Asylum Seekers Reception Center of the Migration department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs as part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’s global campaign -"No one is safe until everyone is safe".

The vaccination process was personally attended by the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs - Ekaterine Tikaradze and Head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Georgia - Kemlin Furley. The Guests were hosted by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs – Aleksandre Darakhvelidze and familiarized with work specifics of the Asylum Seekers Reception Center.

Beneficiaries were voluntarily vaccinated with a vaccines produced by different countries in a specially arranged mobile laboratory, equipped with appropriate medical necessities, which ensures that the vaccination process and its follow-up period are carried out in a safe environment.

The Global Vaccination Campaign was initiated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and UN Secretary-General - Antonio Guterres across the world. The purpose of the campaign is to facilitate the access to the COVID-19 vaccine for refugees and asylum seekers to ensure their relevant health protection.

Press Service of the MIA