United Nations Flashcards
Statistics and Facts
What does the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) do?
Address climate change and mitigation.
What were the failings of UNFCCC?
In the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement (NDCs chosen by countries) there was a lack on consequences for failing to meet targets.
What was the aim of UNEP?
Formed in 1985, aim to protect the ozone layer. Phased out ODS (like CFCs) and was greatest success in UN history.
What has the UN achieved?
Decreased maternal and child mortality rates and reduced the number of people with HIV/AIDs/malaria. The number of children in primary school increased.
What does WHO do?
Sets standards and policies for health, diseased control and eradication, coordinate responses to health emergencies/pandemics, address major health challenges.
What are the disadvantages of WHO?
The NGO relies heavily on voluntary contributions, decision making process is slow, politics can override scientific evidence and face challenges in building and maintaining capacity.
What is the World Trade Organisation?
Represents 97% of all trade, forum for Govs to make trade agreements, provides a level playing field for smaller economies (free trade cuts costs of living).
What are the negatives of the World Trade Organisation?
Free trade create job loses and reduce income and it is argued that WTO does not manage global economy impartially.
What do Oxfam supply?
Humanitarian aid - provisions to relive famine and to develop strategies to prevent famine.
What was Oxfam’s failure?
Corruption in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake where Oxfam workers took advantage of the victims.
What is the International Red Cross?
Approx. 17 million volunteers, Founded to protect human life and health - respect all all humans and alleviate suffering.
How did the American Red Cross fail?
Haitians urged people not to give to money to the NGO - 2015 report found donations had been squandered, ~$500 million pledged to build 700 permanent homes but only 6 built.
What do the UN Peacekeepers do and how did they fail in Haiti?
Help war-torn countries (e.g. after 15 years in Liberia and disarmed more than 100,000 combatants) -there was a cholera outbreak in Haiti due to a sewage leak.
What are SAPs?
Reduce state intervention in the economy, promote liberalisation and international trade - However they have made situations worse.
