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It is an honor to receive these emails and to realize that there are many kindred spirits.

As a friendly suggestion, may I please request the drafting committee to also explore ways to connect with those who don’t agree with us?

Yes, as you say, the absence of US obscurantism is an opportunity, and yet we have Hungary, which banned even assistance to immigrants today, and Italy, within the EU, and of course other countries, following similar approaches.

The positive thing is the pushback in the US. Civil Society is active, and is fighting what Trump and his cohort are doing. This is more than what is going on in Hungary or Poland or Turkey or Italy, if what I am reading is accurate. Or put more accurately, what civil society in these countries are allowed to do.

So how do we communicate with those who are voting these opportunistic demagogues to power? And how do we do education better? I am shocked to read the Orban is an alum of my alma mater, probably around the time I was there. How can that be? And what can we do?

I am grateful to those drafting the statement. I am also wondering if we can think collectively about how to engage others.

Respectfully.

Regards, Ravi

.-. .- ...- .. / .-. .- .--- .- -.

S. R A V I R A J A N
Professor of Environmental Studies
University of California at Santa Cruz

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Web: www.ravirajan.in

“a man of serious conscience means to say in raising urgent ethical questions that there may be some things that men should never do. The good things that men do can be made complete only by the things they refuse to do”.⁠


-- Paul Ramsay
On Jun 21, 2018, 1:55 PM +0100, Erin Daly <[log in to unmask]>, wrote:
Hi everyone,

I would certainly endorse the approach Anna has suggested. If a drafting group can generate a statement, Anna can bring it to the Core Team (the GNHRE's functional equivalent of a governing body) and we can decide promptly how best to move forward.  Thanks to all for your efforts on this initiative. 

Erin 




On Thu, Jun 21, 2018 at 5:18 AM Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Dear Anna and Sébastien,


Anna, sure - no problem! 

Sébastien, would you like to send me a few bullet points or a draft I can chew on?

Best wishes,

Lyal

Prof. Lyal S. Sunga
Visiting Professor
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Lund, Sweden
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Skype name: lyalsunga
Professional website: http://www.lyalsunga.com/
RWI website:
http://rwi.lu.se/about/staff/


From: Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: June 21, 2018 11:01
To: Lyal Sunga; Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and Environment
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
 
Maybe you and Sebastien can get it started and anyone on this list who wants to contribute and/or sign the statement can let us all know via this list. Erin can then decide about it formally representing the GNHRE.

Warmly,

Anna

Anna Grear
Professor of Law and Theory
School of Law and Politics
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3AX
Fax: +44 (0)29 208 74097
Email: [log in to unmask]
Ext: 75467

Anna Grear
Athro yn y Gyfraith a Theori
Ysgol y Gyfraith a Gwleidyddiaeth
Prifysgol Caerdydd
Adeilad y Gyfraith
Rhodfa’r Amgueddfa
Caerdydd

Ffracs: +44 (0)29 208 74097
E-bost: [log in to unmask]
Est: 75467




The University welcomes correspondence in Welsh or English. 

Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to any delay.


Mae'r Brifysgol yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu'n Saesneg. 

Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn creu unrhyw oedi.

 













From: Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, 21 June 2018 09:57
To: Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>, Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and Environment <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

Dear Anna,


Thanks - I would be honoured to contribute to any drafting effort.


Best wishes,


Lyal



Prof. Lyal S. Sunga
Visiting Professor
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Lund, Sweden
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Skype name: lyalsunga
Professional website: http://www.lyalsunga.com/
RWI website:
http://rwi.lu.se/about/staff/


From: Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: June 21, 2018 10:46
To: Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and Environment; Lyal Sunga
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
 
Dear Lyal and Silja,

Are you both interested in a drafting effort? You will have seen my response to Sebastien already, doubtless! Lyal—you have some really pertinent, critical observations that should be key to any GNHRE statement, assuming that Erin and others are also supportive.

Warmly,

Anna

Anna Grear
Professor of Law and Theory
School of Law and Politics
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3AX
Fax: +44 (0)29 208 74097
Email: [log in to unmask]
Ext: 75467

Anna Grear
Athro yn y Gyfraith a Theori
Ysgol y Gyfraith a Gwleidyddiaeth
Prifysgol Caerdydd
Adeilad y Gyfraith
Rhodfa’r Amgueddfa
Caerdydd

Ffracs: +44 (0)29 208 74097
E-bost: [log in to unmask]
Est: 75467




The University welcomes correspondence in Welsh or English. 

Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to any delay.


Mae'r Brifysgol yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu'n Saesneg. 

Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn creu unrhyw oedi.

 













From: Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and Environment <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and Environment <[log in to unmask]>, Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, 21 June 2018 08:25
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

Dear Sébastien,

Sébastien, thanks for sharing the statement of the Center for International Environmental Law and for pointing out that with the absence of the US delegation at the Human Rights Council, could signal an opportunity to move things forward on human rights and the environment, and on certain other areas as well which face active US obstructionism in the Council itself and in other fora. Of course, neither the US nor any Human Rights Council member has any kind of veto since resolutions are adopted at the Council by majority vote, as you well know, so in one sense the US only ever had one vote there. However, your point goes much deeper than the superficial Council voting point I just made in the sense that the US has indeed lobbied very intensively with other Council members as well as behind the scenes to push its own agenda and frustrate progress on human rights and the environment. While the US withdrawal does not of course prevent its Delegation from continue to lobbying behind the scenes, it definitely hampers its role in the Council itself which, you pointed out very well, does present an opportunity. So I very much agree with you that some kind of GNHRE statement along those lines could be useful, and not only that, I like your approach at searching for an opportunity for constructive, positive action in the face of superpower adversity.

Best wishes from The Hague,

Lyal

Prof. Lyal S. Sunga
Visiting Professor
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Lund, Sweden
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Skype name: lyalsunga
Professional website: http://www.lyalsunga.com/
RWI website:
http://rwi.lu.se/about/staff/


From: Sébastien Duyck <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: June 21, 2018 6:17
To: Global Network for the Study of Human Rights and Environment; Lyal Sunga
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
 
Dear all,

Thank you Anna for having initiated this conversation and to Lyal for the critical perspective on the role of a GNHRE contribution to this situation.

As the issue of the added-value of a statement by GNHRE was raised, I wanted to share with you the statement released by the Center for International Environmental Law on the withdrawal. 

I wonder whether there is not a role for the Global Network to stress the final point made in this statement: that the withdrawal of the US from the HRC should be seized as an opportunity to advance the developments of norms that the US had been actively undermining in the past, in particular in matters that are relevant to the protection of human rights in environmental context (global recognition of the human rights to a healthy environment, TNC treaty, recognition of the linkages between human rights and climate change...).

Perhaps this is a niche in which the GNHRE's voice might be more relevant and where its message might find more resonance.

Best regards,

Sébastien


CIEL Statement on United States Withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
June 19, 2018

Today the United States announced that it is withdrawing from the United Nations Human Rights Council, the most important international forum for advancing a shared understanding of fundamental human rights and exposing and addressing grave abuses of those rights. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issued the following statement:

The United States’ withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council undermines the protection of human rights worldwide and sets a dangerous precedent for countries that commit or permit serious human rights abuses. It sends a reckless signal to the world that the United States is further retreating from the international community, turning its back on people living under oppressive regimes, and fleeing international scrutiny for its own mounting acts of repression and abuse.

This unwelcome and ill-advised withdrawal from the HRC neither relieves the United States of the international human rights obligations by which it and every nation are bound nor insulates it from accountability for its own failures to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill human rights.

As the 70th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights draws near, other States must seize this opportunity to reaffirm their strong commitment to universal human rights, to the international rule of law, and to the institutions that safeguard both. At the same time, the Human Rights Council should take full advantage of the US departure to make real progress in areas where the United States has actively obstructed the advancement of international human rights, including with respect to transnational corporate accountability and the human rights implications of climate change.

-- 
Sébastien Duyck
Senior Attorney - Climate and Energy Programme

Center for International Environmental Law
15 rue des Savoises, 
CH-1205 Geneva, Switzerland

Direct Line: +41.786.966.362
Main CIEL Line:  +1 202.785.8700
Fax:  +1 202.785.8701
www.ciel.org

On 20 June 2018 at 15:42, Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Dear Anna,


I agree with you fully.

Warmest wishes from The Hague,

Lyal


Prof. Lyal S. Sunga
Visiting Professor
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Lund, Sweden
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Skype name: lyalsunga
Professional website: http://www.lyalsunga.com/
RWI website:
http://rwi.lu.se/about/staff/


From: Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: June 20, 2018 15:21

To: Lyal Sunga; [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
 
Dear Lyal,

That approach sounds excellent. I think it will turn on whether members have the appetite for it now. It just seems like a timely moment we could use to make the broader, more critical point. I think we need Erin to say if she is keen/not keen on this as the Director, perhaps, too.

Warmly,

Anna

Anna Grear
Professor of Law and Theory
School of Law and Politics
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3AX
Fax: +44 (0)29 208 74097
Email: [log in to unmask]
Ext: 75467

Anna Grear
Athro yn y Gyfraith a Theori
Ysgol y Gyfraith a Gwleidyddiaeth
Prifysgol Caerdydd
Adeilad y Gyfraith
Rhodfa’r Amgueddfa
Caerdydd

Ffracs: +44 (0)29 208 74097
E-bost: [log in to unmask]
Est: 75467




The University welcomes correspondence in Welsh or English. 

Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to any delay.


Mae'r Brifysgol yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu'n Saesneg. 

Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn creu unrhyw oedi.

 













From: Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, 20 June 2018 13:03
To: Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>, "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

Dear Anna,


Thanks for your response! I see that I omitted a few words: it should read 'lack of respect for international law ...".

I am glad the nub of my position did come across clearly - perhaps a much more comprehensive statement would be in order as you suggest - something that does indeed highlight withdrawal from the HRC, alongside, or let us better say, as part of a greater pattern of current Administration withdrawal from multilateralism, not least on protection of the environment and human rights.

Thanks again and best wishes,

Lyal

Prof. Lyal S. Sunga
Visiting Professor
Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Lund, Sweden
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Skype name: lyalsunga
Professional website: http://www.lyalsunga.com/
RWI website:
http://rwi.lu.se/about/staff/


From: Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: June 20, 2018 12:16
To: Lyal Sunga; [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
 
Dear Lyal,

Thank you so much. This statement of yours, just below, for me, nails—in one—the reason why we might consider addressing it. It would have to be in the context of the broader issues concerning the effect of the current US trajectories on precisely these matters, all of which involve serious human rights matters. Short of that, there is not much point, as you say, in simply addressing the withdrawal in isolation. I’m agnostic on the issue of a formal statement from the network. I thought it worth raising as an idea, however.  Warmly, Anna

The concern should be current official and unofficial US policy on climate change, migration, racism, free trade, judicial independence, free speech, possible electoral interference, human rights, lack of international law and multilateral institutions including the UN, EU, OSCE, NATO etc etc etc. 


Anna Grear
Professor of Law and Theory
School of Law and Politics
Cardiff University
Museum Avenue
Cardiff
CF10 3AX
Fax: +44 (0)29 208 74097
Email: [log in to unmask]
Ext: 75467

Anna Grear
Athro yn y Gyfraith a Theori
Ysgol y Gyfraith a Gwleidyddiaeth
Prifysgol Caerdydd
Adeilad y Gyfraith
Rhodfa’r Amgueddfa
Caerdydd

Ffracs: +44 (0)29 208 74097
E-bost: [log in to unmask]
Est: 75467




The University welcomes correspondence in Welsh or English. 

Corresponding in Welsh will not lead to any delay.


Mae'r Brifysgol yn croesawu gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu'n Saesneg. 

Ni fydd gohebu yn Gymraeg yn creu unrhyw oedi.

 













From: Lyal Sunga <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, 20 June 2018 11:11
To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>, Anna Grear <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Statement on US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

The concern should be current official and unofficial US policy on climate change, migration, racism, free trade, judicial independence, free speech, possible electoral interference, human rights, lack of international law and multilateral institutions including the UN, EU, OSCE, NATO etc etc etc. 

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