FFTN NEWS:

Hans Blix gets Food for Thought!

THE Food for Thought Greek- Australian Women’s Network were among several dignitaries and other groups to meet the President of the World Federation of the United Nations Association, Dr Hans Blix, at a special conference in Melbourne last week.

Dr Blix, who is also the Chairman of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, was invited by the United Nations Association of Australia to be the keynote speaker at their National Conference. Network President Varvara Ioannou said they were privileged to hear Dr Blix’s speech, where he reaf-firmed the faith of the human rights and discussed pressing social issues. where he addressed the significance of the UN’s role within Australia, and the ongoing war in Iraq. "Dr. Blix reiterated the importance of the UN Association of Australia in being able to save succeeding generations from war" Mrs Ioannou said. "He also commented on the war on Iraq and the weapons of mass destruction saying: Iraq would have been better off if the war hasn’t happened. Sadaam would still be in power but what we have got now is un-doubtedly worse."

The key message conveyed on the day was the performance of the Australian government on the world’s stage. Dr Blix presented Australia and United Nation: Report Card, which rates Australia’s participation in the UN with regards to 10 social issues. The results were not good, as Australia’s ratings across the board were generally low with grades ranging from D to B+. The areas analysed included Australia and the 61st Session of the General Assembly 2006; human rights; the Millennium Development goals; climate change; peacekeeping and peace building; disarmament; the global movement of people; the status of women; sexual and reproductive health in Australia’s aid pro-gram; and youth.

To access the full report, visit www.unaa.org.au/pdf/UNAA%20Report%20Card%202007.pdf  

As appeared in Neos Kosmos English Weekly, 3 September.