Ending Animal Cruelty
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Campaign - UN Action on Breaches of International Law and War Crimes
1. The Issue (Problem) 5%
The Campaign we have chosen to Lobby is a highly emotive topic and a long time coming!!!!
Our lobbying advocacy campaign ‘ Urging stronger UN action against countries that commit war crimes and breach international law. It needs to take a definitive stand and follow through on sanctions against violators’
The issue at hand is the United Nations' inaction and ineffectiveness in addressing breaches of international law and war crimes – which are serious violations of international humanitarian law that occur during armed conflicts and involve actions that harm civilians, prisoners of war, or other individuals who are not taking part in the hostilities. Intentionally directing attacks against buildings, material, medical units and transport, and personnel. These are grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions 1949 under Article 8 War Crimes.
The UN's primary objectives include maintaining international peace and security, promoting and protecting human rights, and ensuring the rule of law in international relations. Despite the UN's mandate (UN Charter) to maintain international peace and security, numerous conflicts continue to rage on, often involving grave violations of international humanitarian law and the perpetration of war crimes. The failure to hold those responsible accountable for their actions undermines the principles of justice, peace, and international cooperation.
2. The Context 10%
The world is witnessing an alarming rise in conflicts (global-conflict-tracker) and atrocities that demand immediate attention. The context includes ongoing crises in Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela other notable examples include Syria (allegations of chemical weapon use), Sudan (Darfur conflict), and Myanmar (Rohingya crisis).and many other regions where innocent civilians suffer the consequences of armed conflicts.
Currently, we cannot not ignore the most obvious disastrous atrocity happening as we speak! The Israel and Palestine conflict. Some current stats on this conflict –
The death toll in Gaza is 7,000 mostly civilians, including more than 2/3 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. More than 18,000 have been injured and more than 1,000 bodies are still trapped beneath the rubble.
In Israel, more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians, have been killed and some 3,300 others were injured, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Deaths have been in the millions of some of the worse conflicts around the world.
The UN's failure to take decisive action exacerbates these conflicts and allows violators to act with impunity. Although we have the International Criminal Court (IIC) in The Hague, a judicial institute established to prosecute those accused of War crimes. The challenges include limitations in jurisdiction, political interference, non-cooperation of states, impunity for high-level officials, delays in justice, resource constraints, lack of enforcement mechanisms. All these collectively hinder the ICC's effectiveness in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Therefore, is important for the United Nations (UN) to act strongly because the UN possesses broader diplomatic and political tools to influence countries and address international law violations. The UN, through its member states and the Security Council, can exert political and economic pressure, facilitate negotiations, and promote peaceful conflict resolution efforts.
If we as we nation do not take a stance now, and get the powers of Be -The UN to hold account the countries breaching international law. Then we will continually face devastating consequences, including loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, economic devastation, human rights abuses, and social upheaval!
3. Applicable Laws, Policies, Procedures, Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals, and the Rule of Law. 5%
· International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Our campaign is grounded in IHL, which governs the conduct of armed conflicts, including the prohibition of war crimes and protection of civilians. Violations of IHL must be addressed, including the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.
· National Foreign Policy: The foreign policy of the UK and other relevant countries will shape their positions on the campaign's objectives.
· UN Security Council Procedures: Our lobbying campaign understands the procedures and processes of the UN Security Council, particularly in relation to resolutions and sanctions.
· Universal Declaration of Human Rights: This body of law provides standards for the protection of human rights, which can be invoked to advocate for accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes. Upholding human rights, justice, and the right to life for all people, irrespective of their nationality, is crucial.
· The United Nations Charter: The UN Charter outlines the principles and purposes of the United Nations, including its responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
· Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16): SDG 16 focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions provides a framework for our advocacy campaign. Advocating for accountability and the rule of law contributes to achieving this goal.
· Human Rights Principles: Our campaign aligns with the principles of human rights, including the right to life, freedom from torture, and the right to a fair trial.
· The Rule of Law: The fundamental principle of international relations that all states are equal and subject to international law should be upheld. Upholding the rule of law is central to our campaign's objectives. This principle ensures that no one is above the law and that justice is applied consistently and fairly.
4. Objectives 10%
So what do we want? -our primary objectives are as follows:
1. Press for Immediate UK Action: UK government push for stronger UN resolutions or sanctions against violators of international law. Urging the UN to take immediate, effective, and impartial action in response to breaches of international law and war crimes.
2. Strengthen Accountability: Advocate for the establishment of mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, thereby deterring future violations. Enhance mechanisms to hold individuals and state leaders accountable for their actions. This includes targeted sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans, and international arrest warrants for those responsible for war crimes.
3. Promote Conflict Resolution: Encourage diplomatic solutions and peace negotiations in conflict-ridden regions. Invest in conflict prevention efforts to address the root causes of conflicts and reduce the likelihood of war crimes occurring in the first place. Early warning systems and mediation can be valuable tools.
4. Political and Economic Isolation: In extreme cases, the international community can isolate countries that consistently violate international law through diplomatic, economic, or political means.
5. Stakeholders 10%
· Victims and Affected Communities: The individuals and communities directly affected by war crimes and international law breaches are among the most critical stakeholders, as their voices and experiences lend authenticity and urgency to the campaign.
· UK Government Officials and Policymakers: As our primary advocate and member of the UN Security Council, the UK plays a crucial role in influencing UN policies and actions. So Government Officials and Policymakers:
· Members of Parliament would include (MPs)
· Members of the House of Lords
· Government ministers and officials responsible for foreign affairs and sanctions
· Prime Minister and Cabinet members
· UN Member States: Encourage other nations to join our cause and support our advocacy.
· Advocacy Organisations and NGOs: Collaborate with NGOs and human rights groups to create public awareness and grassroots support. Human rights organisations. Advocacy groups focused on international law and conflict resolution. Peacebuilding and humanitarian organisations. Grassroots activists and community leaders.
· International Community: Engage with international allies, including the European Union, to strengthen our collective voice. e.g. United Nations (UN) officials and representatives
Diplomatic missions and ambassadors from countries supportive of our campaign. Like-minded countries and international organisations can be valuable allies in advocating for the campaign's objectives on a global scale.
· Media Outlets and Journalists: They can help disseminate campaign messages, raise awareness, and hold decision-makers accountable.
· Religious Leaders and Organisations:
· Religious leaders who can advocate for peace, justice, and human rights
· Interfaith organizations and initiatives
· Youth and Student Groups:
· Youth organisations, student unions, and campus groups interested in global issues
· The General Public:
· The wider public can be engaged through awareness campaigns, petitions, and grassroots mobilizationTop of Form
· Celebrities and Influencers: bring attention to our campaign through their social influence and support.
· Environmental Organisations: where environmental consequences are a concern (e.g., Destruction of natural resources during conflicts), they would support the campaign’s goal
Lastly not forgetting the:
· Private Sector and Business Interests: Businesses and industries that have economic interests tied to the countries in question may have an impact on the campaign's success. This can include industries with investments or trade relationships with the countries involved.
· Trade Unions: where trades and labour practices are relevant, trade unions may be valuable allies in advocating for ethical business conduct
Now I pass over to Stefaniia to look at the next steps:
6. Opportunities, Challenges, and Obstacles 5%
Opportunities:
· Political Influence: The UK wields influence in international forums, including the United Nations. Engaging with UK policymakers can potentially lead to positive outcomes.
· Growing global awareness of humanitarian crises and National interest
· Increasing public support for humanitarian causes - The public in the UK often expresses concern over human rights abuses and war crimes. Building on this public sentiment can generate support for your lobbying efforts.
Challenges and Obstacles:
· Highly emotive situation – needs to be dealt with care
· Competing Interests: Policymakers often face competing international and domestic priorities, which can impact their willingness to prioritise our campaign's objectives.
· Lack of Accountability: Some countries accused of war crimes and human rights violations evade accountability, further undermining global efforts to address these issues.
· Political Will: Convincing the UK government to take a strong stance against other countries may require navigating complex political considerations, including economic interests and alliances.
· Geopolitical interests may hinder UN action.
· Resistance from states involved in conflicts.
· Potential reluctance to allocate resources.
· Complex Decision-Making: The UN is a multilateral body with complex decision-making processes. Gaining consensus on strong action can be challenging.
7. Strategy: Call to Action and Message 10%
Prevention of War Crimes:
The UK government, in line with its international commitments, has expressed a commitment to preventing and addressing war crimes. This includes support for international bodies such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and efforts to bring war criminals to justice.
Call to Action: We urgently call upon the UK government to champion a resolute stance within the United Nations and the international community, advocating for immediate, decisive action against any breaches of international law and war crimes. Transparency, honesty, and forthrightness will fortify our integrity, underscoring the imperative of our objectives.
Message: "The UK stands for justice, accountability, and the protection of innocent lives. It is our moral duty to demand swift and effective action from the United Nations in response to breaches of international law and war crimes. We urge the UK government to use its influence within the UN to prevent further suffering and ensure a more just and peaceful world."
Adaptation and Engagements:
- Be transparent and open about our objectives to fortify our reputation.
- Tailor messages and calls to action, ensuring they are relevant and personalized.
- Provide independent evidence, offering practical solutions rather than merely highlighting problems.
- Employ direct and indirect engagement channels such as speaking platforms, workshops, publishing reports, and engaging with the broader audience base, including political advisers, assistants, and policymakers.
By aligning our call to action and message with these principles, we aim to drive a more effective, targeted, and compelling advocacy campaign, ensuring a more receptive and impactful response from the target audience and stakeholders.
8. Resources Required 5%
· Human Resources – e.g Campaign leaders, organisers and advocates, Policy advisors, Public relations, Legal experts, Grassroots mobilisers and volunteers
· Funds for lobbying efforts - Financial resources for campaign operations, including staff salaries, travel expenses, events, and advocacy materials. Budget for travel to meet with policymakers, diplomats, and international organisations. Fundraising efforts to sustain the campaign - Budget for advertising and outreach efforts to raise public awareness about the issues and campaign goals.
· Research and advocacy materials - Data and documentation related to war crimes and international law violations. Access to relevant legal and policy expertise. Analytical reports and research on the issues at hand. Outreach and awareness campaigns.
· Technology and Infrastructure: Computer equipment, software, and internet access for campaign operations. Data management and analytics tools. Communication Tools: Website and social media platforms for campaign information and updates. Email marketing tools for outreach. Media contacts and press release distribution.
· Legal Support: Legal assistance for drafting resolutions, policy documents, and advocacy strategies. Expertise in international law and human rights.
· Public events and conferences. Space and logistics for campaign events, meetings, and advocacy initiatives.
9. Implementation: The Strategy, Action Plan and Execution 35%
1. Develop a Strong Message: Craft a compelling and concise message that highlights the urgency of the issue and the need for decisive UN action. The message should resonate with policymakers, the public, and the media.
2. Build a Coalition: Identify and collaborate with organisations, experts, and individuals who share our campaign's goals. A diverse and strong coalition can provide a broader base of support and amplify our advocacy efforts.
3. Collaboration with Allies: We will work closely with like-minded countries and international organisations. Some of the organisations that are working on this issue currently and have taken up the cause of advocating for stronger international responses to violations of international law, so we will connect with:
Amnesty International UK: Amnesty International is a global human rights organization that often campaigns for justice and accountability for human rights violations, including war crimes.
Human Rights Watch: While Human Rights Watch is not based in the UK, it has a presence there and is actively engaged in monitoring and advocating for human rights and international law enforcement.
Oxfam GB: Oxfam is an international organization that often works on conflict-related issues, and they may engage in campaigns related to preventing war crimes and holding violators accountable.
Action Aid,
Action for Humanity
Conflict, Security, and Justice Group (Chatham House): Chatham House is a think tank in London that conducts research and policy analysis on a wide range of international issues, including conflicts and justice. They may contribute to the discourse on international law enforcement.
British Red Cross: The British Red Cross often works in conflict zones and may be involved in humanitarian efforts related to the consequences of breaches of international law and war crimes.
4. Lobbying Efforts: By Identify Key Decision-Makers, pinpointing the specific government officials like (MPs) we engage with government officials and lawmakers to advocate for our objectives. So Foreign Affairs MP: Tom Tugendhat (Conservative) was the Chair of the Foreign Affairs committee. MPs with expertise in International Law and Human Rights: Joanna Cheery is a QC with a background in law and human rights. MPs with an interest in conflict resolution: Lord Alderdice (Liberal Democrat) has a specific interest in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. MPs with experience in Humanitarian Work: Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour) has worked as a humanitarian doctor
5. Work with existing campaigns already lobbying like War on Want –which is a membership organisation of people committed to social justice, in the UK and around the world. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (https://palestinecampaign.org/ ) which is supporting the application of international law and principles of human rights.
6. Public Awareness Campaign: Utilise media, social networks, and grassroots efforts to raise awareness. Launch a public awareness campaign to educate and engage the public on the importance of our campaign. Press releases, and public events will help raise awareness.
Utilise UN press –Third Committee Spotlight highlights the current Human Rights Abuses in Conflicts, Stressing Need to End Terrorist Attacks, Genocide, Illegal Hostage-Taking, Enforced Displacement
7. Online Petitions and Letters: Create online petitions and letter-writing campaigns to allow the public to voice their support for your campaign. Present these petitions to decision-makers.
8. Drafting Resolutions: Develop and present resolutions at the UN Security Council. Crafting formal documents that propose specific actions or measures to address breaches of international law and war crimes aims to secure international support for stronger measures against violators.
9. Peacebuilding Initiatives: Support peace negotiations and conflict resolution efforts. Regularly sharing findings and progress with our coalition partners and supporters will keep them engaged and informed, fostering transparency and trust in the campaign's management.
Now I pass over to Jingjing to unfold the Strategy further and potential Timeline for the campaign.
Strategy and Timeline :
The timeline would need to be modified under different situation that arise. However, we need to maintain consistent communication and transparency with our coalition partners and supporters throughout the whole lobbying campaign .
· Month 1-2 : Pre-Campaign Preparation
- Define objectives, strategy, and message
- Conduct initial research, data
- identify key stakeholders and partners
- develop advocacy materials and media strategy
· Month 3-4: Build a Coalition and Plan Launch
- contact potential coalition partners
- formulate a detailed advocacy and media strategy
- build the campaign website and social media presence
- press release and media briefings
· Month 5-6 Initial Engagement
- Begin engaging with MPs and key stakeholders
- Media outreach
· Month 7-8: Public awareness and Advocacy
- increase public awareness and grassroots mobilisation
- meet MPs and government officials and related Party’s
- organise rallies
· Legislative initiatives and Diplomacy
- Work with supportive MPs to propose relevant legislation
- Engage with diplomatic missions and international organizations
- collaborate with foreign governments and build international support
Budget for our campaign: 1. Personnel:
Staff Salaries: may hiring additional staff
Professional Lobbyist/PR Expert
2. Travel and Accommodation:
Travel Expenses for Staff/Volunteers
Accommodation
3. Meetings and Conferences:
Registration Fees for Conferences
Venue Rental for Press Conferences
Audio-Visual Equipment for Events
4. Advocacy Materials and Outreach:
Printing of Advocacy Materials (brochures, reports)
Social Media and Online Campaigns
Advertising and Promotional Materials
5. Legal and Consulting Fees:
Legal Services (if required)
Consulting Services (e.g., for campaign strategy)
6. Administrative and Miscellaneous:
Office Space and Utilities:
Phone and Internet
Miscellaneous Expenses (e.g., office supplies, postage)
7. Event Costs:
Special Event Planning and Coordination
Event Venue Rental
Catering and Refreshments
8. Contingency Fund:
revolving fund
10. Monitoring and Evaluation 5%
· Monitor Government Actions: Keep informed on the government's actions and statements regarding the issue. Respond quickly to developments and adjust our advocacy strategies as necessary.
· Campaign Evaluation: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our campaign. Assess the level of support from policymakers, the public, and the media. Adjust our strategies based on the campaign's impact.
· Legal Framework and Compliance: Ensure our campaign operates within the framework of UK laws and regulations governing lobbying and advocacy activities.
· Coalition-Building: Regularly communicate and collaborate with our coalition partners to coordinate efforts, share information, and present a unified front.
· Track the impact of public awareness campaigns.
· This Advocacy campaign will require persistence: Continuously engage with stakeholders, decision-makers, maintain public awareness and adapt the strategy as needed to achieve objectives.
· Regularly assess progress: in UN actions against war crimes and international law violations.
· Specific Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation
1. Immediate Impact Indicators
- The frequency and strength of UN resolutions or sanctions proposed and supported by the UK government
- The rapidity of the UN's responses to breaches of international law
2. Accountability and Preventative Measures
- The number and effectiveness of mechanisms in holding perpetrators accountable
- The success of imposed sanctions, asset freezes, travel bans, and international arrest warrants
3. Conflict Resolution and Prevention
- The progress in diplomatic solutions and peace negotiations in conflict-ridden regions
- The effectiveness of conflict prevention efforts and early warning systems in addressing root causes of conflicts
4. Isolation and Diplomatic Measures
- The number and effectiveness of diplomatic, economic, or political actions taken against persistent violators
- The success of these isolation measures in influencing violators' behaviors
5. Long-Term Outcome Indicators:
- Policy Implementation:
Indicator: Ratification or implementation of UN resolutions and sanctions proposed by the UK government against violators of international law.
Data Collection: Government publications, official statements, and UN records.
- Increased Accountability:
Indicator: Successful prosecutions or legal actions against perpetrators responsible for war crimes.
Data Collection: Legal reports, court judgments, and international criminal justice institutions' records.
- Resolution and Prevention of Conflicts:
Indicator: Reduced frequency and severity of armed conflicts in regions experiencing diplomatic solutions and peace negotiations.
Data Collection: Conflict reports, peace negotiations progress reports, and humanitarian organization assessments.
- Effectiveness of Political and Economic Isolation:
Indicator: Economic, diplomatic, or political sanctions leading to changes in the behavior or policies of violator countries.
Data Collection: Economic, political, and diplomatic engagement records, policy changes, and international relations reports.
Our campaign will serve as a strong platform for the UK to assert its commitment to international peace, justice, and the rule of law while striving to prevent further breaches of international law and war crimes worldwide.
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