Addis Ababa — A UN of the 21st Century could strive to do more to assist host countries in Africa that face economic and social disruptions from the large numbers of refugees being forced into their countries by internal and inter- state conflicts, participants in the second panel discussion at the African Regional Hearing on the Millennium Assembly have stressed.
The growing phenomenon of xenophobia and the emergence of stringent asylum laws on the continent were proof that the legendary African hospitality had been stretched to the limit, it was said.
Participants in the panel, whose theme was "Approaching Humanitarian and Human Rights issues within a Global Context", noted that the UN's response to the refugee crisis in Kosovo had far outweighed its work in helping Africa's refugees. It was felt that there was a lack of political will to follow international standards in establishing camps on the continent, while the UN was also criticised for failing to give the requisite level of seriousness to human rights violations that occurred within camps established by the refugee agency, UNHCR. Instances cited included cases where refugee camps were attacked by the military, and where they served as recruitment posts for militias.
On the protection of the rights of women, one participant urged that the issue should no longer be relegated to a mere slogan, but should instead be given the seriousness it deserved. In the context of addressing gender disparities, it was also suggested that the wording of the UN Charter be amended from the current "We the People" to the more gender-sensitive language of "We the Women and Men".
The UN and the international community were urged to ensure that social development reached all women in Africa. Humanitarian aid should also gradually be replaced by aid to promote entrepreneurship. Moreover, the UN was asked to opt for smaller, more implementable projects that tangibly benefit the intended targets, rather than more ambitious projects that in the end help relatively few.
In the next millennium, it was noted, Africans should push the UN towards meeting their needs. This would call for their countries to get their houses in order, to promote and implement "home-grown" policies, and to forge ahead on the basis of common African positions.
ECA was commended for its efforts to date to ensure the equal participation of civil society in development, and was requested to share its experiences with other bodies in the UN.
For further information please contact Peter da Costa, Cabinet Office of the Executive Secretary, UN ECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251-1-51-58-26 (direct) or 251-1-51-72-00 (main switchboard), Ext. 354866 Fax: +251-1-51-22-33 E-Mail: ecainfo@un.org
