Read on Twitter
After many months, the UN General Assembly is meeting to adopt a resolution on COVID-19. I hear it will be voted on. http://webtv.un.org/
Jason Mack, the U.S. diplomat representing the U.S. at the meeting did not take his mask off when speaking.
The U.S. is asking to vote on a paragraph because it includes "sexual and reproductive health."
Everyone seems to be rusty or new to UN procedure after months of no live UN meetings. Kind of funny.
Here is the result of the vote. The U.S. lost. But many countries abstained. The votes who abstained are those who feel they cannot cross the European Union, but would otherwise support the U.S. position.
Another reminder of the incredible control the European Union exercises over UN social policy. And how much work remains to be done for U.S. pro-life diplomacy to succeed.
The COVID-19 resolution as a whole was adopted, with the U.S. and Israel voting against.
There is going to be a joint statement from Australia, Mexico, and other countries to chastise the U.S. attempt to delete the paragraph on sexual and reproductive health.
Germany, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the U.S. attempt to delete "sexual and reproductive health" sent a "terrible signal." Citing the World Health Organization, the EU said this was "essential health services."
Australia, speaking on behalf of 42 countries mainly from Europe and Latin America, also complained about the U.S. request to delete "sexual and reproductive health."
Citing the Secretary-General's report on COVID-19, the Australian ambassador said COVID-19 disrupted access to "sexual and reproductive health."
He called the U.S. effort "unfortunate" and described it as an effort to go back on UN consensus.
He called the U.S. effort "unfortunate" and described it as an effort to go back on UN consensus.
Russia distanced itself from the term "outcomes of review conferences" which refers to UN conferences held regionally, and are not adopted by all UN member states. These conferences are known for promoting abortion, LGBT, and sexual autonomy for children.
Iraq sided with the U.S. in saying this was not the "suitable" place to address sensitive social issues.
Libya said "sexual and reproductive health" was "controversial terminology." Their diplomat said the UN should not use this language "against our country" and asserted its right to draw up legislation in line with national priorities and according to its cultural heritage.
The U.S. diplomat, Jason Mack, keeps sporting his Underarmor mask as he speaks. His first salvo is against the Chinese Communist Party and the World Health Organization for failing to share information early in the pandemic.
I think Mack is the only diplomat so far who has not taken his mask off while speaking.
I feel bad for him. At times he seems to be struggling for breath.
The statement is strong. He cited President Trump's statement that "Americans will never tire of defending the unborn" and denied that abortion is a human right. Quite good.
I'll post the whole statement as soon as it comes online to the @USUN website.
I'll post the whole statement as soon as it comes online to the @USUN website.
The biggest development here is that the U.S. gave the inclusion of "extraneous" issues as the reason for voting against the resolution, and cited both the language against Israel and "sexual and reproductive health."
This is a first.
This is a first.
The U.S. has never before voted against a resolution because of concerns it can be used to promote abortion. it sets a new bar.
