A Message from UNA-USA Regarding the Conflict in the Middle East. READ FULL STATEMENT HERE.
We, at the United Nations Association of the USA, are horrified by the situation in the Middle East and call for the following immediate actions:
- An immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Hamas and Israel;
- Immediate and unconditional release of civilians held hostage by Hamas;
- Unimpeded humanitarian access to meet the urgent needs unfolding in Gaza;
- Compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, including principles of distinction and proportionality.
We ask our partners here in the United States and abroad to join us in this call, until civilians in the region are secure from indiscriminate acts of war.
Furthermore, we call for all individuals to combat misinformation and disinformation, which is hindering the potential for a peaceful resolution. We encourage the utilization and circulation of factual information from reliable sources to enable a true understanding of this crisis.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “it is more than a humanitarian crisis; it is a crisis of humanity.” Throughout this conflict, many of us have wondered how to uphold the United Nations’ values and principles, including peace, security, and human rights.
It’s simple; we can pick up the phone and ask our Members of Congress to support:
- An immediate humanitarian ceasefire and clear entry for humanitarian convoys to essential facilities in Gaza, prioritizing safety measures.
- Liberating innocent civilian captives, with special attention to the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly.
- Authorizing the immediate medical evacuation of severely ill patients needing urgent care.
- Calling for all parties to abide by international humanitarian law, including principles of distinction and proportionality.
Every single phone call helps your Members of Congress know how much of a priority an issue is for their constituents. By standing with UNA-USA and the UN Secretary General’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East, we can take meaningful action to save innocent lives.
Find Your Member of Congress’ Phone Number
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, we are seeing an increase in disinformation and misinformation. The spread of inaccurate information, whether intentional or not, is dangerous and risks promoting racially motivated anger and escalating the conflict in an electronic fog of war.
What is the difference between disinformation and misinformation? Misinformation is false or inaccurate information—getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is false information which is deliberately intended to mislead—intentionally misstating the facts.
How can we change the narrative? The United Nations Department of Global Communications launched a one-stop multimedia news portal: UN News. It is the entry point that can help you navigate the work of the United Nations easily. Chapters, UNA members, and the public are encouraged to amplify UN News by retweeting, sharing, or even purposing UN News’ posts on social media. 
