We concentrate on the 2020 Universal Periodic Review of the USA with the United Nations Association of the USA in Greater Cincinnati Meeting Nov 16th 2019
Let us create a new United Nations Association of the USA in Greater Cincinnati, November 16th, 2019 thst concentrates the Universal Periodic Review of the USA on May 2020.
WE are joining the United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) is a movement of Americans dedicated to supporting the United Nations. With over 20,000 members (60% under the age of 26) and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that each of us can play a part in advancing the UN’s mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Under 25 free and if older, $25 for your first year.
UNAUSA_Handbook_June24_FINALThe United Nations Association of the United States Mission is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations and its agencies. Our nationwide network is committed to strengthening the United Nations system, promoting constructive United States leadership in that system, and achieving the goals set forth in the UN Charter. UNA-USA is a program of the United Nations Foundation. UNA-USA and its partner organization, the Better World Campaign, comprise the largest network of UN advocates in the world.
UNA USA Universal Periodic Review Toolkit
UPR-ToolkitWe will create a chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA in Greater Cincinnati around 2 Submissions to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2020 Universal Periodic Review of the United States of America in the Third Cycle.
Our first submission
JSTMP25_UPR36_USA_E_Main-2-1We do this work around creating a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy model using the global Sustainable Development Goals made local through the Chapter that includes erasing systematic and institutionalized racism in County Government at all levels to mirror the like pledge we received from the Hamilton County Commissioners for this past Juneteenth.
In May 2020, the U.S. will undergo a Universal Periodic Review of its domestic human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council. In other words, the Human Rights Council is going to take a long, hard look at the human rights situation here in the U.S. Think of it as our civil society based human rights commision for the whole country – only in our case based on the model we create in Hamilton County as a member of a national organization with over 200 chapters.
But how does the Human Rights Council know what to look at when assessing our nation’s human rights progress? That’s where you come in.
To understand what’s actually going on in communities around the country, the Human Rights Council relies on information submitted people who actually know — people on the ground and those directly impacted. Your personal experiences, observations, and ideas are crucial to help illustrate what human rights looks like right now in the U.S. and ultimately catalyze change through a universal UN process. Chances are, reports will find that the U.S. definitely needs to boost its rating in a few areas. Your input will help ensure no injustices go unrecognized.
Right now, in the lead up to May 2020, American citizens and NGOs are encouraged to organize local “UPR consultations” where diverse groups of advocates compile feedback that’s later shared with the UN in a brief “shadow report.” For the sake of my metaphor, think of this as a big meet-up where likeminded community partners collaborate and discuss common themes around their human rights experiences, and decide which “Yelp reviews” (i.e. recommendations) are most productive.
Kind of like Yelp, the Universal Periodic Review process is accessible to everyone — that’s what makes it such an excellent tool. Americans of all experience levels, backgrounds, and interests can (and should) contribute their voices. On top of that, participating in a UPR consultation is the perfect way to turn frustration into action and change (perhaps that’s what makes it the most Yelp-esque of all).
Our plan is that this sets a national model.
Our second submission
Our partner in this second submission was Vision Works, Inc. which is a non-governmental social justice and policy advocacy organization, established as a 501(c)(3) in 2003 in Cincinnati, OH. From the submission –
“Our mission is to promote leadership and foster change that transforms communities and the national cultural landscape for African American families. Our goal is to eliminate disparity by empowering stakeholder groups to understand systems that impact their mobility and to create initiatives that will eliminate the obstacles that inhibit their success. Our mission is to alleviate the impact of racism and help people move out of poverty.
Our President & CEO, Dr. Vanessa Enoch holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Social Change, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Enoch is a trained community organizer, who is passionate about Social Justice and Human Rights causes.
She has worked alongside state legislators and state court judges on judicial reform efforts. In 2018, Enoch she received an award from the Society for Professional Journalism for her work in Criminal Justice reporting. She earned the Eugene Ruehlmann Fellowship and several academic awards as a Ph.D. Student. She volunteers on several local and national non-profit boards, and she became one of the youngest to ever serve on The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce board.“
The Issue covered by Dr. Vanessa Enoch joint submission: INJUSTICE
FAU_UPR36_USA_E_MainIn her study she found that it costs $200K plus to jail a kid vs about $10K to send them to school.
Solutions will be sought by our Chapter.