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U.S. Withdrawal from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) [October 17, 2017]
"On October 12, 2017, the State Department announced that the United States will withdraw from the U.N. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The department stated that the decision 'reflects U.S. concerns with mounting arrears ... the need for fundamental reform in the organization, and continuing anti-Israel bias of UNESCO.' The United States seeks to 'remain engaged' as a nonmember observer. Generally, observers have participated in selected UNESCO meetings and activities but are not able to vote in some UNESCO bodies or hold leadership positions. Under the terms of the UNESCO constitution, the U.S. withdrawal is expected to take effect on December 31, 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2017-10-17
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United Nations Issues: Congressional Representatives to the U.N. General Assembly [Updated August 5, 2019]
From the Document: "The annual session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly is held at U.N. Headquarters in New York City. Generally, the President appoints one Democrat and one Republican to serve as U.S. representatives to the session, alternating each year between the House and Senate. At the 73rd session of the Assembly, which opened in September 2018, two Senators (Ron Johnson and Jeff Merkley) served as congressional representatives. Two members of the House will likely serve as representatives to the 74th Assembly session, which is scheduled to open on September 17, 2019."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Weed, Matthew C.
2019-08-05
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding of U.N. Peacekeeping [Updated August 14, 2019]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to U.N. peacekeeping activities. Congress authorizes and appropriates U.S. contributions, and it has an ongoing interest in ensuring such funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations. For 2019, the United Nations assessed the United States share of U.N. peacekeeping operation budgets at 27.89%; however, since 1994 Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that the current assessment is too high. For FY2019, total enacted U.S. funding for U.N. peacekeeping is $1.65 billion."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2019-08-14
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated September 11, 2019]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. contributions to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. funds are used efficiently and effectively. Since 2017, the Trump Administration has proposed significant overall decreases in U.S. funding; however, Congress has generally funded U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration has requested. Compared to FY2019 funding levels, the President's FY2020 budget proposed reducing U.N. peacekeeping funding by 27%, decreasing U.N. regular budget and specialized agency funding by 25%, and eliminating funding to some U.N. funds and programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2019-09-11
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United Nations Issues: U.S. Funding to the U.N. System [Updated March 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States is the single largest financial contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) system. Congress has long debated the appropriate level of U.S. contributions to U.N. system activities and whether U.S. funds are used efficiently and effectively. Since 2017, the Trump Administration has proposed significant overall decreases in U.S. funding; however, Congress has generally funded U.N. entities at higher levels than the Administration has requested. Compared to FY2020-enacted funding levels, the President's FY2021 budget proposed reducing U.N. peacekeeping funding by 29%, decreasing U.N. regular budget and specialized agency funding by 34%, and eliminating funding to some U.N. funds and programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2020-03-10
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Abortion and Family Planning-Related Provisions in U.S. Foreign Assistance Law and Policy [Updated October 23, 2019]
From the Summary: "This report details legislation and policies that restrict or place requirements on U.S. funding of abortion or family planning activities abroad. The level and extent of federal funding for these activities is an ongoing and controversial issue in U.S. foreign assistance and has continued to be a point of contention during the 116th Congress. [...] This report focuses primarily on legislative restrictions and executive branch policies related to international abortion and family planning."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2019-10-23
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U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Issues in the U.S. Ratification Debate [June 28, 2011]
"The Senate may consider providing its advice and consent to U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, or the Convention) during the 112th Congress. CEDAW is the only international human rights treaty that specifically addresses the rights of women. It calls on States Parties to take measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including political participation, employment, education, healthcare, and family structure. CEDAW has been ratified or acceded to by 187 States Parties. The United States is the only country to have signed but not ratified the Convention. Other governments that have not ratified the treaty include Iran, Nauru, Palau, Somalia, Sudan, and Tonga. President Jimmy Carter signed the Convention and transmitted it to the Senate in 1980. The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (SFRC) held hearings on CEDAW in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002. It reported CEDAW favorably, subject to certain conditions, in 1994 and 2002. To date, however, the Convention has not been considered by the full Senate. […] This report provides an overview of CEDAW's background, objectives, and structure, including the role of the Convention's monitoring body, the CEDAW Committee. It examines U.S. policy and issues in the U.S. ratification debate, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, its effectiveness in combating discrimination, and its role as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-06-28
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U.N. Population Fund: Background and the U.S. Funding Debate [April 11, 2008]
"The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), established in 1969, is the world's largest source of population and reproductive health programs and the principal unit within the United Nations for global population issues. In 2006, the organization provided services in some 154 developing and transition countries, with funds totaling $605.5 million, drawn exclusively from voluntary contributions made by 180 nations and some foundations. The United States, with strong support from Congress, was an important actor in the launch of UNFPA in 1969. During the mid-to-late 1960s, Congress began to express heightened concern over the impact of rapid population growth on development prospects in poor countries. In 1967, Congress earmarked funds for population assistance programs, urging the United States to channel family planning resources through the United Nations and other international organizations. […] For the past five years, the Bush Administration has transferred UNFPA appropriations to other foreign aid activities. For FY2009, the Bush Administration requested that $25 million be made available for UNFPA if it is determined eligible under the Kemp- Kasten amendment. The appropriated funds would be drawn from the Child Survival and Health Programs account. While UNFPA receives voluntary contributions from many countries and some private foundations, most of its income comes from a handful of donors. The Netherlands and Japan recently have been the largest contributors. Throughout the last decade, when the United States has contributed to UNFPA programs, the U.S. contributions have represented about 8% of UNFPA's regular budget. This report will be updated as policy changes or congressional actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-04-11
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U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Issues in the U.S. Ratification Debate [November 17, 2009]
"The Senate may consider providing its advice and consent to U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, or the Convention) during the 111th Congress. CEDAW is the only international human rights treaty that specifically addresses the rights of women. It calls on States Parties to take measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including political participation, employment, education, healthcare, and family structure. CEDAW has been ratified or acceded to by 186 States Parties. The United States is the only country to have signed but not ratified the Convention. Other governments that have not ratified the treaty include Iran, Nauru, Palau, Somalia, Sudan, and Tonga. […] This report provides an overview of CEDAW's background, objectives, and structure, including the role of the Convention's monitoring body, the CEDAW Committee. It examines U.S. policy and issues in the U.S. ratification debate, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, its effectiveness in combating discrimination, and its role as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2009-11-17
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U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Issues in the U.S. Ratification Debate [June 23, 2011]
"This report provides an overview of CEDAW's [Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women] background, objectives, and structure, including the role of the Convention's monitoring body, the CEDAW Committee. It examines U.S. policy and issues in the U.S. ratification debate, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, its effectiveness in combating discrimination, and its role as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-06-23
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U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Issues in the U.S. Ratification Debate [May 7, 2013]
"The Senate may consider providing its advice and consent to U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, or the Convention) during the 113th Congress. CEDAW is the only international human rights treaty that specifically addresses the rights of women. It calls on States Parties to take measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life, including political participation, employment, education, healthcare, and family structure. CEDAW has been ratified or acceded to by 187 States Parties. The United States is the only country to have signed but not ratified the Convention. Other governments that have not ratified the treaty include Iran, Palau, Somalia, Sudan, and Tonga."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2013-05-07
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U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Issues in the U.S. Ratification Debate [April 15, 2011]
"This report provides an overview of CEDAW's [Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women] background, objectives, and structure, including the role of the Convention's monitoring body, the CEDAW Committee. It examines U.S. policy and issues in the U.S. ratification debate, including the Convention's possible impact on U.S. sovereignty, its effectiveness in combating discrimination, and its role as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-04-15
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U.N. Population Fund: Background and the U.S. Funding Debate [September 20, 2007]
"The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), established in 1969, is the world's largest source of population and reproductive health programs and the principal unit within the United Nations for global population issues. In 2006, the organization provided services in some 154 developing and transition countries, with funds totaling $605.5 million, drawn exclusively from voluntary contributions made by 180 nations and some foundations. The United States, with strong support from Congress, was an important actor in the launch of UNFPA in 1969. During the mid-to-late 1960s, Congress began to express heightened concern over the impact of rapid population growth on development prospects in poor countries. In 1967, Congress earmarked funds for population assistance programs, urging the United States to channel family planning resources through the United Nations and other international organizations. […] In 14 of the past 23 years, the United States has not contributed to the organization as a result of executive branch determinations that UNFPA's program in China was in violation of the Kemp-Kasten amendment banning U.S. aid to organizations involved in the management of coercive family planning programs. For the past five years, the Bush Administration has transferred UNFPA appropriations to other foreign aid activities. While UNFPA receives voluntary contributions from many countries and some private foundations, most of its income comes from a handful of donors. The Netherlands and Japan recently have been the largest contributors. Throughout the last decade, when the United States has contributed to UNFPA programs, the U.S. contributions have represented about 8% of UNFPA's regular budget. This report, originally drafted by Larry Nowels, will be updated as policy changes or congressional actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2007-09-20
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U.N. Population Fund: Background and the U.S. Funding Debate [July 24, 2008]
"The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), established in 1969, is the world's largest source of population and reproductive health programs and the principal unit within the United Nations for global population issues. In 2006, the organization provided services in some 154 developing and transition countries, with funds totaling $605.5 million, drawn exclusively from voluntary contributions made by 180 nations and some foundations. The United States, with strong support from Congress, was an important actor in the launch of UNFPA in 1969. During the mid-to-late 1960s, Congress began to express heightened concern over the impact of rapid population growth on development prospects in poor countries. In 1967, Congress earmarked funds for population assistance programs, urging the United States to channel family planning resources through the United Nations and other international organizations. […] On June 26, 2008, the Administration announced that UNFPA was ineligible for FY2008 funding under the Kemp-Kasten amendment. For FY2009, the Bush Administration requested that $25 million be made available for UNFPA if it is determined eligible under the Kemp-Kasten amendment. The appropriated funds would be drawn from the Child Survival and Health Programs account. While UNFPA receives voluntary contributions from many countries and some private foundations, most of its income comes from a handful of donors. The Netherlands and Japan recently have been the largest contributors. Throughout the last decade, when the United States has contributed to UNFPA programs, the U.S. contributions have represented about 8% of UNFPA's regular budget. This report will be updated as policy changes or congressional actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-07-24
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U.N. Population Fund: Background and the U.S. Funding Debate [January 11, 2008]
"The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), established in 1969, is the world's largest source of population and reproductive health programs and the principal unit within the United Nations for global population issues. In 2006, the organization provided services in some 154 developing and transition countries, with funds totaling $605.5 million, drawn exclusively from voluntary contributions made by 180 nations and some foundations. The United States, with strong support from Congress, was an important actor in the launch of UNFPA in 1969. During the mid-to-late 1960s, Congress began to express heightened concern over the impact of rapid population growth on development prospects in poor countries. In 1967, Congress earmarked funds for population assistance programs, urging the United States to channel family planning resources through the United Nations and other international organizations. […] The issue has centered on the extent to which, if any, UNFPA aids China's coercive family planning programs and policies. In 14 of the past 23 years, the United States has not contributed to the organization as a result of executive branch determinations that UNFPA's program in China was in violation of the Kemp-Kasten amendment banning U.S. aid to organizations involved in the management of coercive family planning programs. For the past five years, the Bush Administration has transferred UNFPA appropriations to other foreign aid activities. While UNFPA receives voluntary contributions from many countries and some private foundations, most of its income comes from a handful of donors. The Netherlands and Japan recently have been the largest contributors. Throughout the last decade, when the United States has contributed to UNFPA programs, the U.S. contributions have represented about 8% of UNFPA's regular budget. This report will be updated as policy changes or congressional actions warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-01-11
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U.N. Peacekeeping Operations in Africa [September 23, 2019]
From the Document: "Many Members of Congress have demonstrated an interest in the mandates, effectiveness, and funding status of United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeping operations in Africa as an integral component of U.S. policy toward Africa and a key tool for fostering greater stability and security on the continent. [...] The United States, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, plays a key role in establishing, renewing, and funding U.N. peacekeeping operations, including those in Africa. For 2019, the U.N. General Assembly assessed the U.S. share of U.N. peacekeeping operation budgets at 27.89%; since the mid-1990s Congress has capped the U.S. payment at 25% due to concerns that the current assessment is too high. [...] This report focuses on U.N. peacekeeping missions in Africa; it does not address broader policy issues related to U.N. peacekeeping, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), or the U.N. Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Arieff, Alexis; Blanchard, Lauren Ploch
2019-09-23
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: Background and Policy Issues [June 9, 2011]
From the Summary: "U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of the Child (hereafter referred to as CRC or the Convention) may be a key area of focus during the 112th Congress, particularly if the Barack Obama Administration seeks the advice and consent of the Senate. CRC is an international treaty that aims to protect the rights of children worldwide. It defines a child as any human being under the age of 18, and calls on States Parties to take all appropriate measures to ensure that children's rights are protected--including the right to a name and nationality; freedom of speech and thought; access to healthcare and education; and freedom from exploitation, torture, and abuse. CRC entered into force in September 1990, and has been ratified by 193 countries, making it the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world. Two countries, the United States and Somalia, have not ratified CRC. The President has not transmitted CRC to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification. […] This report provides an overview of CRC's background and structure and examines evolving U.S. policy toward the Convention, including past and current Administration positions and congressional perspectives. It also highlights issues for the 112th Congress, including the Convention's possible impact on federal and state laws, U.S. sovereignty, parental rights, and U.S. family planning and abortion policy. In addition, the report addresses the effectiveness of CRC in protecting the rights of children internationally and its potential use as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy. It will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-06-09
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United Nations Regular Budget Contributions: Members Compared, 1989-2005 [Updated December 14, 2006]
"Starting January 1, 2001, the United States was assessed to pay 22% of the annual United Nations regular budget. For calendar year 2005, 22% of the U.N. regular budget amounted to $439,611,612. Prior to January 1, 2001, the assessment level for the United States was 25%. This report shows, for the years 1989 through 2005, the assessment level, actual payment, and total outstanding contributions for the United States and each of the other U.N. members assessed at 1% or higher. For 2004 and 2005, a new category was added: the eight countries with assessments at 0.5% or larger but less than 1%. Three of these countries had, at some time since 1989, been assessed at 1%. Aggregated figures are provided for the rest of the U.N. membership. In 2005, the United States and 16 other nations were assessed to pay 86.408% of the U.N. budget. Contributors in the middle category were collectively assessed to pay 5.986%. In 2005, of the top 17 assessed countries, Brazil and the United States failed to pay their entire assessment and maintained unpaid or outstanding contributions. The matter of U.S. funding to the United Nations has been a high-profile congressional issue for a number of years. This report is updated annually, as the U.N. document upon which the data is based is published."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann; Blanchfield, Luisa
2006-12-14
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United Nations Regular Budget Contributions: Members Compared, 1989-2006 [Updated January 28, 2008]
"Starting January 1, 2001, the United States was assessed to pay 22% of the annual United Nations regular budget. For calendar year 2006, 22% of the U.N. regular budget amounted to $423,464,855. Prior to January 1, 2001, the assessment level for the United States was 25%. This report shows, for the years 1989 through 2006, the assessment level, actual payment, and total outstanding contributions for the United States and each of the other U.N. members assessed at 1% or higher. For 2004, 2005, and 2006 a new category is included: the eight countries with assessments at 0.5% or larger but less than 1%. Three of these countries had, at some time since 1989, been assessed at 1%. Aggregated figures are provided for the rest of the U.N. membership. In 2006, the United States and 16 other nations were assessed to pay 86.408% of the U.N. budget. Contributors in the middle category were collectively assessed to pay 5.986%. In 2006, of the top 17 assessed countries, Brazil and the United States failed to pay their entire assessment and maintained unpaid or outstanding contributions. The matter of U.S. funding to the United Nations has been a high-profile congressional issue for a number of years. This report is updated annually, as the U.N. document upon which the data is based is published."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann; Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-01-28
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United Nations Regular Budget Contributions: Members Compared, 1989-2005 [October 27, 2006]
"Starting January 1, 2001, the United States was assessed to pay 22% of the annual United Nations regular budget. For calendar year 2005, 22% of the U.N. regular budget amounted to $439,611,612. Prior to January 1, 2001, the assessment level for the United States was 25%. This report shows, for the years 1989 through 2005, the assessment level, actual payment, and total outstanding contributions for the United States and each of the other U.N. members assessed at 1% or higher. For 2004 and 2005, a new category was added: the eight countries with assessments at 0.5% or larger but less than 1%. Three of these countries had, at some time since 1989, been assessed at 1%. Aggregated figures are provided for the rest of the U.N. membership. In 2005, the United States and 16 other nations were assessed to pay 86.408% of the U.N. budget. Contributors in the middle category were collectively assessed to pay 5.986%. In 2005, of the top 17 assessed countries, Brazil and the United States failed to pay their entire assessment and maintained unpaid or outstanding contributions. The matter of U.S. funding to the United Nations has been a high-profile congressional issue for a number of years. This report is updated annually, as the U.N. document upon which the data is based is published."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann; Blanchfield, Luisa
2006-10-27
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United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women [June 3, 2008]
"The United Nations (U.N.) system supports a number of programs that address international violence against women (VAW). These activities, which are implemented by 32 U.N. entities, range from large-scale interagency initiatives to smaller grants and programs that are implemented by a range of partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national governments, and individual U.N. agencies. U.N. member states, including the United States, address VAW by ratifying multilateral treaties, adopting resolutions and decisions, and supporting U.N. mechanisms and bodies that focus on the issue. Many U.N. activities and mechanisms address VAW directly, while others focus on it in the context of broader issues such as humanitarian assistance, U.N. peacekeeping, and global health. U.N. entities do not specifically track the cost of programs or activities with anti-VAW components. As a result, it is unclear how much the U.N. system, including individual U.N. agencies, funds, and programs, spends annually on programs to combat violence against women. […] This report supplements CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report RL34438, 'International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues'. It provides an overview of recent U.N. efforts to address VAW by the Secretary-General and highlights key U.N. interagency efforts. The report also discusses selected U.N. funds, programs, and agencies that address international violence against women. It does not measure the extent to which VAW is directly addressed or is part of a larger initiative or program. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-06-03
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United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women [July 12, 2011]
"The United Nations (U.N.) system supports a number of programs that address international violence against women (VAW). These activities, which are implemented by 36 U.N. entities, range from large-scale interagency initiatives to smaller grants and programs that are implemented by a range of partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national governments, and individual U.N. agencies. U.N. member states, including the United States, address VAW by ratifying multilateral treaties, adopting resolutions and decisions, and supporting U.N. mechanisms and bodies that focus on the issue. Many U.N. activities and mechanisms address VAW directly, while others focus on it in the context of broader issues such as humanitarian assistance, U.N. peacekeeping, and global health. U.N. entities do not specifically track the cost of programs or activities with anti-VAW components. As a result, it is unclear how much the U.N. system, including individual U.N. agencies, funds, and programs, spends annually on programs to combat violence against women. […] This report provides an overview of recent U.N. efforts to address VAW and highlights key U.N. interagency efforts. It also discusses selected U.N. funds, programs, and agencies that address international violence against women. It does not assess the extent to which VAW is directly addressed or is part of a larger initiative or program. For information on international violence against women, including its causes, consequences, and U.S. policy, see CRS Report RL34438, International Violence Against Women: U.S. Response and Policy Issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-07-12
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United Nations Regular Budget Contributions: Members Compared, 1989-2007 [Updated January 29, 2009]
This Congressional Research Service (CRS) report discusses UN contributions. "Starting January 1, 2001, the United States was assessed to pay 22% of the annual United Nations (U.N.) regular budget. For calendar year 2007, 22% of the U.N. regular budget amounted to $493,464,855. Prior to January 1, 2001, the assessment level for the United States was 25%. This report shows, for the years 1989 through 2007, the assessment level, actual payment, and total outstanding contributions for the United States and each of the other U.N. members assessed at 1% or higher. From 2004 to 2007, a new category is included: the countries with assessments at 0.5% or larger but less than 1%. Three of these countries had, at some time since 1989, been assessed at 1%. Aggregated figures are provided for the rest of the U.N. membership. In 2007, the United States and 16 other nations were assessed to pay 86.514% of the U.N. budget. Contributors in the middle category were collectively assessed to pay 6.220%. In 2007, of the top 17 assessed countries, the United States only failed to pay its entire assessment and maintained unpaid or outstanding contributions. The matter of U.S. funding to the United Nations has been a high-profile congressional issue for a number of years. This report is updated annually, as the U.N. document upon which the data is based is published."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann; Blanchfield, Luisa
2009-01-29
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United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women [April 21, 2011]
"The United Nations (U.N.) system supports a number of programs that address international violence against women (VAW). These activities, which are implemented by 36 U.N. entities, range from large-scale interagency initiatives to smaller grants and programs that are implemented by a range of partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national governments, and individual U.N. agencies. U.N. member states, including the United States, address VAW by ratifying multilateral treaties, adopting resolutions and decisions, and supporting U.N. mechanisms and bodies that focus on the issue. [...] Were the 112th Congress to decide to use U.N. mechanisms to combat VAW, a number of programs and options might be considered. Congress has appropriated funds to the U.N. Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women, for example, as well as to U.N. agencies, funds, and programs that address types or circumstances of violence against women and girls. These include the U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), World Health Organization (WHO), U.N. Development Program (UNDP), U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Senate has also provided its advice and consent to U.S. ratification of treaties that address international violence against women and girls--including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. [...] This report provides an overview of recent U.N. efforts to address VAW and highlights key U.N. interagency efforts. It also discusses selected U.N. funds, programs, and agencies that address international violence against women."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2011-04-21
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United Nations Regular Budget Contributions: Members Compared, 1990-2010 [January 15, 2013]
"The United States is the single largest contributor to the United Nations (U.N.) regular budget. As such, Members of the 113th Congress will likely continue to demonstrate an interest in the United States' assessment level, the cost of the U.S. assessment each year, how U.S. contributions to the regular budget compare to those of other countries, and how assessment levels have changed over time. This report provides the assessment level, actual payment, and total outstanding contributions for the United States and other selected U.N. member states from 1990 to 2010-the last year for which data are publicly available. In 2010, the United States was assessed to pay 22% (or $532,435,102) of the regular budget. The next largest contributors were Japan (12.53%), Germany (8.018%), the United Kingdom (6.604%), and France (6.112%). This report is updated annually, or as the U.N. document upon which the data are based is published."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Browne, Marjorie Ann; Blanchfield, Luisa
2013-01-15
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United Nations System Efforts to Address Violence Against Women [August 12, 2008]
"The United Nations (U.N.) system supports a number of programs that address international violence against women (VAW). These activities, which are implemented by 32 U.N. entities, range from large-scale interagency initiatives to smaller grants and programs that are implemented by a range of partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national governments, and individual U.N. agencies. U.N. member states, including the United States, address VAW by ratifying multilateral treaties, adopting resolutions and decisions, and supporting U.N. mechanisms and bodies that focus on the issue. Many U.N. activities and mechanisms address VAW directly, while others focus on it in the context of broader issues such as humanitarian assistance, U.N. peacekeeping, and global health. U.N. entities do not specifically track the cost of programs or activities with anti-VAW components. As a result, it is unclear how much the U.N. system, including individual U.N. agencies, funds, and programs, spends annually on programs to combat violence against women."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2008-08-12
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United Nations Human Rights Council: Issues for Congress [February 4, 2014]
"On March 15, 2006, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution replacing the Commission on Human Rights with a new Human Rights Council (the Council). The Council was designed to be an improvement over the Commission, which was widely criticized for the composition of its membership when perceived human rights abusers were elected as members. The General Assembly resolution creating the Council modified voting procedures, increased the number of meetings per year, and introduced a 'Universal Periodic Review' process to assess each member state's fulfillment of its human rights obligations, among other things. The United States, under the George W. Bush Administration, was one of four countries to vote against the resolution. The Administration maintained that the Council structure was no better than the Commission and that it lacked mechanisms for maintaining credible membership. During the Council's first two years, the Bush Administration expressed concern with the Council's disproportionate focus on Israel and lack of attention to other human rights situations. In mid- 2008, it announced that the United States would withhold a portion of its contributions to the 2008 U.N. regular budget equivalent to the U.S. share of the Human Rights Council budget. The Administration further stated that the United States would engage with the Council only in matters of deep national interest."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2014-02-04
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child [February 6, 2014]
"U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of the Child (hereinafter referred to as CRC or the Convention) may be a key area of focus during the 113th Congress, particularly if President Barack Obama seeks the advice and consent of the Senate. Background and Current Status - CRC is an international treaty that aims to protect the rights of children worldwide. It defines a child as any human being under the age of 18, and calls on States Parties to take all appropriate measures to ensure that children's rights are protected--including the right to a name and nationality; freedom of speech and thought; access to healthcare and education; and freedom from exploitation, torture, and abuse. CRC entered into force in September 1990, and has been ratified by 193 countries, making it the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world. Two countries, the United States and Somalia, have not ratified the Convention. The President has not transmitted CRC to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2014-02-06
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Issues in the U.S. Ratification Debate [January 21, 2015]
"The Senate may consider providing its advice and consent to U.S. ratification of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, or the Convention) during the 114th Congress. CRPD is the only multilateral treaty that specifically aims to protect the rights of those who are disabled. To date, 151 countries have ratified or acceded to the Convention. It has been signed by 159 countries, including the United States. […] Generally, issues related to disability rights have received bipartisan agreement in Congress, and there has been support for CRPD among some Senators from both parties. Many policy makers--including those in the Obama Administration--agree that existing U.S. laws are generally in line with CRPD's provisions, and that no U.S. laws or policies would change as a result of U.S. ratification of the Convention. At the same time, other policy makers contend that ratification of CRPD would adversely affect U.S. sovereignty and interests."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa; Brown, Cynthia
2015-01-21
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United Nations Reform: Background and Issues for Congress [May 15, 2015]
"Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations (U.N.) has undergone numerous reforms as international stakeholders seek ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.N. system. During the past two decades, controversies such as corruption in the Iraq Oil-For-Food Program, allegations of sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers, and instances of waste, fraud, and abuse by U.N. staff have focused attention on the need for change and improvement of the United Nations. Many in the international community, including the United States, continue to promote substantive reforms. The 114th Congress may focus on U.N. reform as it considers appropriate levels of U.S. funding to the United Nations and monitors the progress and implementation of ongoing and previously approved reform measures. Generally, Congress has maintained a significant interest in the overall effectiveness of the United Nations. Some Members are particularly interested in U.N. Secretariat and management reform, with a focus on improving transparency and strengthening accountability and internal oversight. In the past, Congress has enacted legislation that links U.S. funding of the United Nations to specific U.N. reform benchmarks. Supporters of this strategy contend that the United Nations has been slow to implement reforms and that linking payment of U.S. assessments to progress on U.N. reform is the most effective way to motivate member states to efficiently pursue comprehensive reform. Opponents argue that tying U.S. funding to U.N. reform may negatively impact diplomatic relations and could hinder the United States' ability to conduct foreign policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchfield, Luisa
2015-05-15
