Being a youth ambassador for ERI has provided me with many unforgettable moments, however the opportunity to visit the UN in Geneva was a truly exciting adventure which has shaped my understanding of justice work and the role of NGOs and the difference that they can make at an international level.
Before visiting the UPR session at the UN, we visited the ERI office in Geneva for an information session to help us better understand what was going on during our observations. We had a great discussion about the ways in which the UN works and how ERI helps to lobby for important issues and make a real difference in advocacy work.
One of the great analogies we were given about the work of ERI that really resonated with us was that of the snowflakes on a branch. The work may not make an impact straight away, but as more and more suggestions and concerns about human rights are raised the snowflakes can build up to the point in which the branch breaks and a difference is made. It is a really inspiring analogy which gives a sense of determination to persevere and that your effort could be the final push needed and if not, then there is still hope to keep going.
After a lunch in the UN café, we entered the chamber for the UPR hearing of El Salvador, it was intriguing to listen out for some of the things we had learnt about in the morning, such as ratification of UN Treaties, being raised as recommendations by certain nations. It was interesting to note the most prevalent issues raised by many delegations including the continuing state of emergency in the country, the lack of fair trials and the recommendation to the ratify the treaty of the committee for protection against enforced disappearances and the prevention of human trafficking.
On the second day at the United Nations we attended the review of Bolivia. When member countries were given the opportunity to speak, they all offered positive acknowledgement of the good being done, while making suggestions for improvement particularly regarding women’s rights, education, LGBTQ rights, the environment and child labour.
In the afternoon we visited Geneva’s International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. The Museum’s layout and innovative style of interaction enabling people to explore the museum at their own pace made this museum visit memorable.
As one progressed through the museum, there were different themed rooms and exhibitions featuring how the Red Cross has helped throughout history guided by its fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service and Unity.
The exhibition on the tracking of displaced children in Rwanda following the 1994 Civil War was particularly memorable.
-Thanks to Jack Savage, St Mary’s College, Crosby, Elizabeth Harris and Cole Jubb, St Aidan’s Sunderland for contributing to this article.