Dear all,

Russia has not yet asked the Fifth Committee to vote on its proposal to repeal the Secretary General’s policy recognizing all legal couples at the UN. 
 
The Fifth Committee began its March session yesterday. 
 
Russia, during its opening statement to the Committee, urged for the withdrawal of the policy. The US and the EU used their opening statements to defend the prerogative of the SG to issue administrative instructions.
 
The vote may happen at the end of March, but I’m still trying to find out more.
 
In the meantime, please know that FICSA and CCISUA have used a UN-GLOBE drafted message to reach out to close to 30 member states over the past few days. These are countries targeted because they are either undecided or amenable to change their votes.
 
Allies among the LGBTI human rights organizations, and allies in the Administration are also working hard to prevent success for the Russian proposal .
 
I will continue to keep you posted.
 
Best,
Hyung Hak Nam (Alfonso)
President, UN-GLOBE