Diplomacy & Defense Think Tank News

Sklaverei ist kein Relikt der Vergangenheit, sondern stellt bis heute ein ernstzunehmendes globales Problem dar. Ihre modernen Formen –wie Zwangsarbeit und Lohnknechtschaft – finden nach wie vor statt; auch in Europa und vor allem entlang internationaler Lieferketten. Zwar wird Sklaverei offiziell seit der Erklärung der Menschenrechte von 1948 weltweit geächtet. Ein Jahr später wurde sogar der 2. Dezember durch die Generalversammlung der Vereinten Nationen zum Welttag für die Abschaffung von Sklaverei erklärt. Doch trotz vielfacher Bemühungen erfahren wir immer wieder von Produkten, bei deren Herstellung moderne Sklaverei vorkommt. Nach Schätzungen der Internationalen Arbeitsorganisation (ILO) leben immer noch über 40 Millionen Menschen in Verhältnissen moderner Sklaverei. Davon sind fast 25 Millionen Menschen Opfer von Zwangsarbeit, in Fabriken und auf Farmen, als Hausangestellte oder auf Baustellen. Viele arbeiten als Teil globaler Lieferketten, die auch bei uns in Europa enden.

Die NGO Electronics Watch dokumentierte zum Beispiel Vorfälle illegaler Anwerbungsgebühren die zu Schuldknechtschaft führen bei der Herstellung von Druckern, Laufwerken und weiterem Computer-Zubehör in Thailand. Die „Kampagne für Saubere Kleidung“ ruft dazu auf, Zwangsarbeit in der Chinesischen Provinz Xinjiang zu stoppen. Fälle von Schuldknechtschaft und Einschränkungen in die Bewegungsfreiheit von Textilarbeiterinnen, indem ihre Pässe einbehalten werden oder sie direkt in firmeneigenen Unterkünften wohnen müssen, sind in Bangladesch und Indien dokumentiert. Selbst in Lieferketten, die bereits von Nichtregierungsorganisationen und Unternehmen verstärkt überprüft werden, kommt es zu Verstößen gegen nationale und internationale Vorgaben. Im Agrar- und Rohstoffsektor gibt es ebenfalls immer wieder Fälle von moderner Sklaverei, sei es in Minen zur Gewinnung seltener Erden oder beim Anbau von Kakao.

Wie bei vielen sozialen Problemen in internationalen Lieferketten, versuchte man diese lange Zeit mit Appellen an Privatkonsument*innen zu lösen. Doch diese Bemühungen konnten der strukturell verankerten modernen Sklaverei bislang kein Ende setzen. Moderne Sklaverei, Zwangsarbeit und weitere soziale Herausforderungen entlang internationaler Lieferketten können nicht mit einem einzelnen Gesetz oder einer gezielten Initiative erfolgreich bekämpft werden. Vielmehr ist auch hier ein „smart mix“, so der Rat für Nachhaltige Entwicklung, aus verschiedenen Politikinstrumenten nötig. In den letzten Jahren setzen politische Entscheidungsträger verstärkt auf gesetzliche Verpflichtungen für private Unternehmen, die freiwillige Leitlinien ersetzen oder ergänzen. Ein weiteres Instrument hierzu ist die nachhaltige öffentliche Beschaffung. Die Aufnahme von sozialen Kriterien bei Einkäufen der öffentlichen Hand, die alleine in der Europäischen Union ein Volumen von schätzungsweise 2,4 Billionen Euro haben, schafft konkrete Anreize für faire Arbeitsbedingungen in Lieferketten.

Den bisher nur freiwilligen Selbstverpflichtungen der Industrien – wie die Leitprinzipien für Wirtschaft und Menschenrechte der Vereinten Nationen und die OECD Leitlinien für Multinationale Unternehmen – werden zunehmend nationale gesetzliche Regelungen an die Seite gestellt. Am prominentesten und explizit auf das Thema moderner Sklaverei ausgerichtet ist der UK Modern Slavery Act von 2015. Gesetze zur menschenrechtlichen Sorgfaltspflicht von Unternehmen zielen in dieselbe Richtung und decken auch weitere grundsätzliche Arbeitsrechte ab, wie beispielsweise die ILO-Kernarbeitsnormen. Nachdem in Frankreich bereits in 2017 ein solches Gesetz verabschiedet wurde, nahmen die Diskussionen darüber auch in anderen Ländern zu. Die Schweiz entscheidet noch in diesem Monat über ein solches Gesetz. Auch in Deutschland und auf europäischer Ebene werden bereits erste Gesetzentwürfe entwickelt und diskutiert.

Eine nachhaltige öffentliche Beschaffung enthält auch den Ausschluss von Zwangsarbeit (ILO Übereinkommen 29 und 105). Welche Aspekte hierbei Beachtung finden, ist in der Praxis jedoch sehr selektiv. Die Britische Regierung initiierte 2017 einen „Call to Action on Modern Slavery“ bei den Vereinten Nationen, dem sich 85 Länder angeschlossen haben. Deutschland ist bis heute nicht dabei. Der Aufruf erklärt die Vergabepraktiken der öffentlichen Hand zum wichtigsten Instrument zur Adressierung des Problems.

Um moderne Sklaverei und Zwangsarbeit aus den Lieferketten zu verdrängen braucht es das Zusammenspiel von Maßnahmen im „smart mix“ für eine sozial wie ökologisch nachhaltigere Wirtschaftsweise. Nachhaltige öffentliche Beschaffung kann dabei, durch die Einführung und Kontrolle von sozialen Kriterien, eine zentrale Rolle spielen, auch über moderne Sklaverei hinaus. Nationale Gesetzgeber und die Europäische Union müssen diesen Mix aus Instrumenten jetzt rechtlich verankern um einen Flickenteppich zu vermeiden und gleiche Bedingungen für alle Marktteilnehmende zu schaffen. Darüber hinaus müssen sie allen betroffenen Akteuren – von Privatunternehmen bis zu öffentlichen Auftraggebern – nötige Unterstützung bieten. Nur so können menschenrechtliche Sorgfaltspflichten in möglichst allen globalen Lieferketten realisiert werden.

Long-term global scenarios have underpinned research and assessment of global environmental change for four decades. Over the past ten years, the climate change research community has developed a scenario framework combining alternative futures of climate and society to facilitate integrated research and consistent assessment to inform policy. Here we assess how well this framework is working and what challenges it faces. We synthesize insights from scenario-based literature, community discussions and recent experience in assessments, concluding that the framework has been widely adopted across research communities and is largely meeting immediate needs. However, some mixed successes and a changing policy and research landscape present key challenges, and we recommend several new directions for the development and use of this framework.

Long-term global scenarios have underpinned research and assessment of global environmental change for four decades. Over the past ten years, the climate change research community has developed a scenario framework combining alternative futures of climate and society to facilitate integrated research and consistent assessment to inform policy. Here we assess how well this framework is working and what challenges it faces. We synthesize insights from scenario-based literature, community discussions and recent experience in assessments, concluding that the framework has been widely adopted across research communities and is largely meeting immediate needs. However, some mixed successes and a changing policy and research landscape present key challenges, and we recommend several new directions for the development and use of this framework.

Long-term global scenarios have underpinned research and assessment of global environmental change for four decades. Over the past ten years, the climate change research community has developed a scenario framework combining alternative futures of climate and society to facilitate integrated research and consistent assessment to inform policy. Here we assess how well this framework is working and what challenges it faces. We synthesize insights from scenario-based literature, community discussions and recent experience in assessments, concluding that the framework has been widely adopted across research communities and is largely meeting immediate needs. However, some mixed successes and a changing policy and research landscape present key challenges, and we recommend several new directions for the development and use of this framework.

Compared to other Latin American countries, Costa Rica has good indicators of economic growth and social development. Historically, it has managed to combine inward growth with intelligent use of the options offered by international markets. In recent decades, the country has undergone a strong structural change, with new export activities generating well-paying jobs and accelerated urbanization. While this has allowed for solid economic growth rates, it has also meant an increase in social inequality and greater territorial disparities. A considerable part of the population living in Costa Rica's rural areas feels decoupled from the dynamics and has lost confidence in the political system. This puts the country's governance in jeopardy.
The document proposes a seal for the country's family agriculture as an instrument for promoting social and territorial cohesion. A seal that highlights the peasant origin of agricultural and agroindustrial products can enable producers to compete with imported products and ensure attractive sales channels with good prices. It can also have an important symbolic value, transmitting the message of solidarity and shared identity between the urban population and rural areas. In order for producers to perceive positive changes in the near future, several sales channels should be served simultaneously, namely supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, e-commerce and tourism. The certification process should be robust and at the same time simple, to avoid delays and high costs.

Compared to other Latin American countries, Costa Rica has good indicators of economic growth and social development. Historically, it has managed to combine inward growth with intelligent use of the options offered by international markets. In recent decades, the country has undergone a strong structural change, with new export activities generating well-paying jobs and accelerated urbanization. While this has allowed for solid economic growth rates, it has also meant an increase in social inequality and greater territorial disparities. A considerable part of the population living in Costa Rica's rural areas feels decoupled from the dynamics and has lost confidence in the political system. This puts the country's governance in jeopardy.
The document proposes a seal for the country's family agriculture as an instrument for promoting social and territorial cohesion. A seal that highlights the peasant origin of agricultural and agroindustrial products can enable producers to compete with imported products and ensure attractive sales channels with good prices. It can also have an important symbolic value, transmitting the message of solidarity and shared identity between the urban population and rural areas. In order for producers to perceive positive changes in the near future, several sales channels should be served simultaneously, namely supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, e-commerce and tourism. The certification process should be robust and at the same time simple, to avoid delays and high costs.

Compared to other Latin American countries, Costa Rica has good indicators of economic growth and social development. Historically, it has managed to combine inward growth with intelligent use of the options offered by international markets. In recent decades, the country has undergone a strong structural change, with new export activities generating well-paying jobs and accelerated urbanization. While this has allowed for solid economic growth rates, it has also meant an increase in social inequality and greater territorial disparities. A considerable part of the population living in Costa Rica's rural areas feels decoupled from the dynamics and has lost confidence in the political system. This puts the country's governance in jeopardy.
The document proposes a seal for the country's family agriculture as an instrument for promoting social and territorial cohesion. A seal that highlights the peasant origin of agricultural and agroindustrial products can enable producers to compete with imported products and ensure attractive sales channels with good prices. It can also have an important symbolic value, transmitting the message of solidarity and shared identity between the urban population and rural areas. In order for producers to perceive positive changes in the near future, several sales channels should be served simultaneously, namely supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, e-commerce and tourism. The certification process should be robust and at the same time simple, to avoid delays and high costs.

From left: Mr. Nejib Friji, IPI MENA Director, Ms. Saibatu Mansaray, Former US Assistant Director for Public Health with Ms. Amel Ouchenane (moderator).

During a webinar hosted by the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) on November 25th, an international organization affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji called for greater preventive approaches and measures to build community resilience to intolerance, religious discrimination and hate speech.

Addressing an audience comprising of over 100 youth from 52 countries at the ICYF’s Youth Council of Foreign Ministers 2020 Virtual Summit’s fourth session, entitled “Islamic Committee for Economic, Cultural & Social Affairs: Islamophobia, Minorities Rights, Social Advocacy,” Mr. Friji stressed the importance of engaging in intergenerational dialogue with the youth on such issues as the key stakeholders of our collective futures.

“Instead of reactive strategies, it is our responsibility to support proactive preventive measures for a future that encompasses tolerance, sustainability, and peace,” he stressed. He emphasized the role of education in equipping the youth with the skills and values needed to foster a sense of global citizenship, universal principles of responsibility, accountability, and cultural understanding to counter negative misconceptions and combat prejudices and hate speech.

Emphasizing that freedom of expression should not lead to tolerating hate speech or exclusionism, he pointed to public policies as key in this respect. “Government-led initiatives must use a succinct language of tolerance and respect that avoids ‘othering’ of any community,” he stated.

He also referred to the media’s influential reach and capacity as a tool to aid social advocacy in tackling cyberbullying, hate speech, and prejudices.

“Media is an integral part of the lives of entire family units, but particularly for youths today,” he stated. “They are the generation who grew up alongside the digital era. Cultural and creative communities must use this space wisely to explore a culture of peace and tolerance within future generations.”

Parallel to education and social media as preventive tools to counter discrimination are religious leaders, civil society, and communities. Mr. Friji stressed the need to engage in productive dialogue with religious and community leaders in their capacity to build awareness, tolerance, and cooperation within their societies.

“The global community holds the tools necessary to foster tolerance and sow the seeds of a culture of peace,” he concluded. “We must all lead by example. This can only be achieved through multilateral effort and cooperation to emerge stronger as a global community that is well poised to achieve durable peace and sustainable development.”

Panelist Ms. Saibatu Mansaray, former US Assistant Director for Public Health, also encouraged youth to engage in mutual respect and understanding to ensure cooperation between all societies and communities.

“We must promote the knowledge of different minorities, cultures, and their languages,” she stressed. “Protected rights of minorities can promote an inclusive, peaceful, and cohesive society which is vital to security, sustainable development, and peace.”

She called for greater interfaith etiquette, religious competence, and tolerance, particularly during times of crises and upheaval, to prevent misconceptions and judgments, along with increased participation of women.

“Women, you have a voice and we need to hear it,” she stressed. “You have a seat at the table, do not wait for an invitation.”

She concluded by emphasizing that all youth have a role to play in improving their societies, communities, and countries. “You are leading the charge on change. If we don’t improve our countries and communities, who will?”

The panel was followed by a question and answer session with youth participants from Pakistan, Nigeria, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Liberia, and other countries on the importance of being an agent of change to tackle discrimination and ensuring that peace becomes a global priority.

As the practice of the protection of civilians (POC) has evolved in peacekeeping missions, the UN has increasingly focused on “people-centered” approaches. As a result, community engagement has emerged as a core component of POC efforts. By engaging with communities, missions can build trust, gather information, and build a protective environment, ultimately improving their ability to protect civilians.

This paper examines the positive implications and impact of this increased focus on community engagement, as well as the challenges and risks it can pose for communities and missions. It analyzes the community engagement activities of the military, police, and civilian components of the UN missions in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and South Sudan. The paper concludes with recommendations for these four missions, the UN Secretariat, and UN member states on the Security Council:

• UN member states should continue to refine the language on community engagement in peacekeeping mandates.
• The UN Secretariat should develop more in-depth modules on community engagement in relevant training materials.
• Relevant UN stakeholders should explore how missions’ military personnel can improve their community engagement.
• The UN Secretariat and missions should optimize their use of community liaison assistants.
• The UN Department of Peace Operations should continue to explore where the unarmed civilian protection methodology could complement community engagement by UN missions.

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Over the past decade a number of changes can be observed within the development policy system. This paper presents and discusses these changes along three dimensions: narratives, strategies and operational approaches. Changes  are  manifold,  ranging  from  the  application  of  new  narratives,  such as the migration narrative, to alternations in strategic objectives (e.g. developing  countries’  graduation  issues),  new  instruments  (in  the  form  of development finance at the interface with the private sector), and the application  of  new  concepts  for  project  implementation  (e.g.  through  frontier technologies). We discuss the implications and effects of these changes for the current and potential future role of the development policy system, as well as preliminary ideas for a concept of global co-operation for sustainable development (GCSD), spanning beyond the development policy system

Over the past decade a number of changes can be observed within the development policy system. This paper presents and discusses these changes along three dimensions: narratives, strategies and operational approaches. Changes  are  manifold,  ranging  from  the  application  of  new  narratives,  such as the migration narrative, to alternations in strategic objectives (e.g. developing  countries’  graduation  issues),  new  instruments  (in  the  form  of development finance at the interface with the private sector), and the application  of  new  concepts  for  project  implementation  (e.g.  through  frontier technologies). We discuss the implications and effects of these changes for the current and potential future role of the development policy system, as well as preliminary ideas for a concept of global co-operation for sustainable development (GCSD), spanning beyond the development policy system

Over the past decade a number of changes can be observed within the development policy system. This paper presents and discusses these changes along three dimensions: narratives, strategies and operational approaches. Changes  are  manifold,  ranging  from  the  application  of  new  narratives,  such as the migration narrative, to alternations in strategic objectives (e.g. developing  countries’  graduation  issues),  new  instruments  (in  the  form  of development finance at the interface with the private sector), and the application  of  new  concepts  for  project  implementation  (e.g.  through  frontier technologies). We discuss the implications and effects of these changes for the current and potential future role of the development policy system, as well as preliminary ideas for a concept of global co-operation for sustainable development (GCSD), spanning beyond the development policy system

On November 23rd, IPI MENA hosted Hae-Kwan Chung, Ambassador of Korea to Bahrain, in an online event entitled “Korean Economic Development: Speedy & Sustainable.”

During the presentation, which was moderated by IPI MENA Director Nejib Friji, Ambassador Chung first presented the historical context of Korea’s economic ruin and reliance on foreign aid following its liberation from Japanese occupation, the advent of the Korean War, the People’s Revolution, and the multiple military coups.

“The government’s analyses into the causes of economic crises highlighted the areas for change,” Mr. Chung reflected, noting that the change in policy paradigms from a government-led economy to one that embraced “liberalization, market-orientation, stabilization” was key to Korea’s economic growth and resilience to this day.

He pointed to four key factors—state-led development plans; export and large companies-oriented policies; investment in human resources; and a strong work ethic— as well as four sustainable and inclusive growth policies—rural development, social welfare, education, science and technology investment— as the foundations of Korea’s economic growth, and ability to overcome the economic crises.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with government officials, diplomats, representatives of civil society, the private sector, and media.

Mr. Abdulnabi Alshoala, Chairman of Al Fanar Investment Holding, praised Korea’s short and exemplary journey to becoming a global economic powerhouse, in comparison to many developed countries in the West that have taken much longer. He also noted the role that the educational system has played, and highlighted it as an area for countries in the region to look into through further bilateral exchanges.

Mr. Ahmed Jawahery, Chairman of Middle East Trading & Engineering, suggested ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Bahrain and Korea.

Mrs. Margaret Nardi, US Charge D’Affaires to Bahrain, drew parallels between Korea’s journey towards economic development and Bahrain’s current plan, noting that there are possible silver linings to the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. She pointed to state-led diversification programs in Bahrain as a positive first step in concerted efforts to be taken by both the government and the people.

Mr. Ebrahim K. Ebrahim, founder of Fintech Robos, underlined the need for increased exchange of business delegations and beyond, to Korea and vice versa, in order to learn and gain experiences.

Bangladesh Ambassador H.E. Dr. Muhammed Nazrul Islam suggested further collaborations with other ambassadors to encourage the sharing of knowledge, practices, and experiences, noting that “economic prosperity and peace go hand in hand.” He commended IPI MENA for organizing such a platform.

Mr. Friji closed the session by posing the age-old question of “how does South Korea view an end to the conflict with North Korea and hopefully a reunify the Korean Peninsula?”, to which Mr. Chung responded that reunification is long overdue, and confirmed Korea’s position of willingness and commitment to develop peace through dialogue.

The event was part of IPI MENA’s Ambassadorial Conferences Series.

In attendance were:

Egyptian Ambassador H.E. Yasser Shaban
German Ambassador H.E. Kai Boeckmann
Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Nur Rahardjo
Moroccan Ambassador H.E. Mostafa Benkhayi
Nepal Ambassador H.E. Padam Sundas
Tunisian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Salim Ghariani
Turkish Ambassador H.E. Kemal Demirciler;
Yemen Ambassador H.E. Ali Hassan Al Ahmadi
Dutch Honorary Consul H.E. Mrs. Zeenat Dawani
UAE Second Secretary Mrs. Noof Al Mubarak
Indonesian Embassy’s Economic Affairs Officer Ms. Alia Filtrate
Sudan Embassy; Shura Council (Senate) First Vice-Chairman
H.E. Jamal Fakhro; Shura Council Member
Dr. Mohamed Al Khuzaii;
Supreme Council for Women (SCW) Head of Department of Domestic & International Cooperation, Ms. Noura Abdulaziz Al-Rifai
SCW International Cooperation Specialist, Sheikha Zain Bint Hamad Al Khalifa
GPIC Chairman Dr. Abdulrahman Al Jawahery
Bin Juma Chairman, Mr. Abdulla Juma;
Tricom Group Chairman & CEO Mr. Tareq Wafa
Al Ansari Group Chairman Mr. Jaleel Al Ansari
Gulf Daily News Business Editor, Avinash Saxena