The United Nations (U.N.) predicts a $75 million cash deficit because some 86 countries, including the United States, have reneged on promises to pay their U.N. dues, which in total amounts to $728 million. According to the U.N., it will need to use money designated for its peacekeeping budget in order to meet staff payroll and other operating expenses. This budget juggling would force the U.N. to stop payment to countries that contribute troops to peacekeeping operations worldwide. The U.N. reports that of the 54 peacekeeping operations set up since 1948, two thirds (36) have been established since 1991.
In an attempt to avoid possible embarrassment during President Bush’s address to the U.N. General assembly in September, the Bush Administration is urging Congress to release millions of dollars in back dues owed to the U.N., while downplaying Administration discussions to “unsign” U.S. signature to the Rome Statute for an International Criminal Court that will bring to justice perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Related News: Conservatives Oppose ICC, Payment of UN Dues
TAKE ACTION! Urge the Bush Administration and Your Senator (s) and Representative (s) to support the International Criminal Court and Oppose ASPA.
ICC Activists School –October 6-9, 2001
Learn more about the advances of women’s human rights through the International Criminal Court at the Activists School on the International Criminal Court to be held in October 2001. The Activist School is designed to teach international human rights, and women’s rights activists key skills on how the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court can be used to bring to justice war criminals and those responsible for genocide and war crimes against women and girls.
