Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Frank Forde, signing the UN Charter at a ceremony held at the Veterans’ War Memorial Building in San Francisco on 26 June 1945 On 1 November 1945, Australia became a founding member of the United Nations. Australia played an important role in the establishment of the United Nations. The countries involved … Continue reading On this day (Australia): In 1945, Australia became a founding member of the United Nations
Tag: United Nations
January 10, 1946 – First meeting of the United Nations
The first General Assembly of the United Nations, comprising 51 nations, convenes at Westminster Central Hall in London, England. One week later, the U.N. Security Council met for the first time and established its rules of procedure. Then, on January 24, the General Assembly adopted its first resolution, a measure calling for the peaceful uses … Continue reading January 10, 1946 – First meeting of the United Nations
November 29, 1947 – U.N. votes for partition of Palestine
Despite strong Arab opposition, the United Nations votes for the partition of Palestine and the creation of an independent Jewish state. The modern conflict between Jews and Arabs in Palestine dates back to the 1910s, when both groups laid claim to the British-controlled territory. The Jews were Zionists, recent emigrants from Europe and Russia who came to … Continue reading November 29, 1947 – U.N. votes for partition of Palestine
North Korea wants to host Summer Olympics
Kim Jong Un, rotund ruler of North Korea, expressed a desire for North Korea to hold the next Summer Olympics when it is held in 2016. He was quickly informed that it had been decided years ago that it would be held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 2016 and in Tokyo, Japan in … Continue reading North Korea wants to host Summer Olympics
Australian girls among millions forced to become child brides worldwide
An eloquent and heart-wrenching video message from an 11-year-old girl who escaped being sold into a marriage to an older man has thrown the spotlight on forced marriages. In her video soliloquy, Yemeni girl Nada Al-Ahdals defiantly declares: "I'm not an item for sale." Nada says she fled to her uncle's house when her parents … Continue reading Australian girls among millions forced to become child brides worldwide
UN says Australia has no ethics on asylum seekers
The head of the UN High Commission for Refugees in Australia has expressed alarm at the "mean-spirited" public debate on asylum-seekers, warning that the nation is at a "crossroads" and must decide if it will continue to pursue harsh policies of deterrence. The UNHCR's regional representative, Richard Towle, said while Australia had an effective and … Continue reading UN says Australia has no ethics on asylum seekers
United Nations refugee agency slams Australia’s tough new asylum seeker policy
The UN refugee agency took Australia to task Wednesday over a tough new policy that allows boat people who reach its mainland to be sent to remote Nauru or Papua New Guinea for detention while their asylum claims are processed. The so-called "excision" rules, passed last week, extend previous legislation which only allowed the authorities … Continue reading United Nations refugee agency slams Australia’s tough new asylum seeker policy
Craig Hill 