Aisatou Fisiru

I attended The Emergency Special Session called by the United Nations Security Council for the first time since 1982 to address the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As a Lehman student present at this moment, I was intrigued by the conversations and power in the room. I’m present at the highest human rights institution in such a consequential but eventful time. This is more than just an experience to me. I am witnessing history being made. 

I attend meetings where world leaders discuss their Common Agenda and sustainable development goals in an effort to make the world more livable for everyone. I am interning at the Permanent Mission of the Gambia to the United Nations and I have the opportunity to attend meetings held by the General Assembly. The General Assembly is a body of the United Nations made up of 193 countries. Every country apart from the General Assembly has Ambassadors, Delegates, and representatives. 

At this moment, The Russia-Ukraine conflict has captured the attention of people across the world whereas it is a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations was built on the foundation to prevent war and maintain world peace. On February 17th, 2022 I attended the Security Council meeting which was set to bring negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Each representative gave a speech to help establish peace between the two countries. Every country preached peace and chose to save humanity. Although this meeting failed to make Russia ceasefire, the collective solidarity, and purpose of the United Nations were highlighted. 

The General Assembly held the Emergency Special Session called by the UN Security Council for the first time since 1982.  In this meeting, they emphasized the importance of maintaining international peace and obeying international law. The General Assembly adopted a resolution that mandated Russia to end military operations in Ukraine. 141 member states voted in favor of the resolution, and this decision revived the United Nations. The room was filled with applause and hope.  I was able to witness the power and authority of human rights. 

As a human rights student being present in such historical times at the United Nations, I am reminded that human rights are imperative to all humans throughout the world. I have been present at meetings that discussed matters that affect my life and people in the world. Issues such as migration, poverty, racism, gender equality, and more were talked about. I have a clearer understanding that the world is in danger. Many people’s lives are at stake, and the simplest rights they deserve to have in life are hindered by so many circumstances. There is a need for more human rights practitioners, especially for those whose human rights are hindered. 

Although I am just a Lehman student, being present at the United Nations and encountering NGO relations, I am more aware of the impact human rights have on my daily life. From a very early age in life, I understood that my parents had to migrate from their home country to the U.S for a better life. My parents as well as so many others did not have access to necessities that you would think any human would have to survive. I was born and raised in the Bronx and it is just another place in the world that does not have the capabilities to practice its human rights. However, there is a way to change the conditions that people are suffering from across the world.. Institutions such as the UN need people that can carry out the values and mission set forth to protect the world. Witnessing how the United Nations stood up for the people in Ukraine, it is clear that human rights practitioners are the key to making the world a better place. Human rights have the power to make the world better. 

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