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The Latest from UNA-NCA
An Interview with UNA-NCA's 2023 Perdita Huston Human Rights Award Honoree: Stephanie Ortoleva
By Karen Mulhauser, UNA-NCA Past Board Chair; and Kate Lovas, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee Co-Chair
We at UNA-NCA had the honor to sit down with the 2023 Perdita Huston Human Rights Award Honoree, Stephanie Ortoleva, International Human Rights Lawyer and Activist.
David Luna, Co-Chair of the Peace and Security Committee, UNANCA
2023 Young Professionals Career Dinners in International Law, Human Rights, and Gender Equality
By Cesar Fernandez, UNA-NCA Program Assistant
On October 28th, 2023, the UNA-NCA Young Professionals (YP) Program hosted their semi-annual Career Dinner Series. This in-person series focused on Careers in the United Nations, International Law, Human Rights, Gender Equality and Advocacy, and Technology for Development. Part of the Young Professionals Career Dinner Series, discussions featured various professional individuals working in these respective fields. The speakers within this event offered inspirational guidance toward students and young professionals, sharing important perspectives and personal stories with respect to their fields.
A Celebration of UN Day: An Interview with UN Assistant Secretary-General Angelique M. Crumbly
By Angela He and Autumn Buckley, Assistants to the President
The United Nations (UN) stands as a beacon of hope and progress in our world, and its mission to maintain peace among nations is more indispensable than ever. In an enlightening interview with Angelique M. Crumbly, the Assistant Secretary-General and Assistant Administrator at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the significance of increasing awareness about the UN's mission becomes evident.
Ian Sloan, UNA-NCA Human Rights Committee Member
Between those noteworthy moments, attendees were able to read brochures that allowed them to take a timeline journey into Eleanor’s legacy and receive initial or continued motivation to be involved in that work. Inspiring involvement in this kind of work was also the main objective of honoring three other significant anniversaries this year in the brochure:
1. 78th Anniversary of the United Nations: the international organization tasked with maintaining global protection, harmony, and civility.
Guests also were able to write posted notes on two wall posted sheets focusing on the following: The first centered on sharing one fact that we can learn from the Former First Lady's human rights advocacy as a template for how to provide aid to marginalized groups. The second provided participants a space for expressing which article(s) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) inspire them to further their human right advocacy in their lives.
In addition to welcoming the attendance of current UNA-NCA members and supporters, the Human Rights Committee was also excited to receive guests unfamiliar with the UNA-NCA but were interested in learning more about the efforts of Eleanor, as well as the organization as a whole. This openness to the public demonstrated the utmost inclusivity and cordiality as established priorities throughout this event. To know more about the UNA-NCA membership and other volunteer opportunities, visit here.
How to get involved: The Human Rights Committee meets on the first non-holiday Monday of each month at 6:00pm, and our next meeting will take place on 11/1 at 6:00pm. If you would like to learn more about the committee and attend the next meeting, please reach out to Leila Hanafi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kate Lovas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By A. Edward Elmendorf, Past President, UNA-NCA
UN supporters and UNA-NCA members looked forward with great interest and engagement to President Biden’s September speech in the UN General Assembly (UNGA). So, I have read and reread his speech against the hopes and anticipation that we brought to it, and particularly in light of the recommendations for U.S. priorities in the Assembly for this year formulated by Advisory Council and recently sent by Council Chair Sam Worthington to the United States Representative Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Presented by the Advisory Council of the United Nations Association-National Capital Area (UNA-NCA)
In the face of widespread challenges to democracy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is evident that backsliding is universal and persistent. The United States, with its exceptional position of influence, has a crucial role to play in leading and collaborating with other nations to reverse these trends.
The U.S. can strengthen democracy at home, while also promoting it worldwide, through a combination of strength and humility. The potential of democracy to deliver positive outcomes at home and abroad cannot be underestimated. By leaning into these challenges, the U.S. can leverage its considerable assets to reshape the global narrative during these uniquely challenging times.
Towards Transformative Change for Racial Justice and Equality
By Danielle Dean, UNA-NCA Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council will convene its 54th Session on Monday, September 11th, and the agenda promises an expansive discussion on everything from country reports on the Universal Periodic Review, the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and sessions on cyberbullying, youth, and gender equality. But there is one discussion I will be following closely. On October 5th, the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement will present its recently released report following experts' tours of several prisons in major cities in the United States, including Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, and New York.
UN OHCHR Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
In recognition of the International Day for People of African Descent on August 31st, UNA-NCA invites members to hear from UNA-USA leader London Bell, to learn more about the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent.
