© 2025 United Nations Association - Minnesota Chapter
United Nations Association of the USA
Minnesota Chapter
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Dedicated to educating, inspiring and mobilizing Minnesotans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations and its Agencies.
The Mission of the United Nations Association
The mission of UNA-USA (United Nations Association of the USA) is to educate, inspire, and mobilize Americans to support the United Nations, strengthen the UN system, promote constructive US leadership in the UN, and achieve the goals outlined in the UN Charter. They aim to foster a strong US-UN relationship and encourage public and political support for the UN among Americans.
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​This includes promoting human rights, sustainable development, international peace and security, and other goals outlined in the UN Charter.
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The 2025 Message from the Minnesota chapter's president: Click here.
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A Message About UN Human Rights Day and On Behalf of All Minnesota Somali Citizens
Human Rights Day 2025, Minnesota’s Somali Community Deserves Protection
by Geoffrey Kaweesa
UNA-MN Board Member
Every December 10th the World commemorates Human Rights Day. However, this day in 2025 comes at a moment when Minnesota is being tested. As the nation observes this year’s global theme “Our Everyday Essentials”, meant to refocus attention on dignity, safety, health, and basic human wellbeing, Somali immigrants in Minnesota are facing intensified scrutiny and fear due to recent U.S. immigration enforcement practices. This contradiction raises a critical question: How can we celebrate universal human rights while members of our own communities feel unsafe in their everyday lives?
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Minnesota is home to over 60,000 Somalis, making it one of the largest and most vibrant Somali diasporas in the world. For decades, Somali Minnesotans have contributed to our economy, built thriving neighborhoods, energized our schools, and strengthened the cultural fabric of our state. Yet today, many find themselves living with heightened anxiety, fear of raids, abrupt detentions, and the possibility of being separated from their families. These experiences are not abstract political debates; they directly threaten the “everyday essentials” that Human Rights Day seeks to uplift.
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Safety is a human right, yet many Somali parents in Minnesota feel uncertain about leaving for work or sending their children to school. Dignity is a human right, yet constant stereotyping and misinformation fuel discrimination in workplaces, housing, and public spaces. Family unity is a human right, yet current immigration actions jeopardize the stability that families rely on to thrive.
When human rights are discussed, they often sound philosophical or distant. But for Minnesota’s Somali community, they are as practical as being able to pick up your child from daycare without fear. As fundamental as being able to access healthcare without worrying that a visit could expose immigration status. As essential as having clean water, livable wages, or the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family will not be torn apart overnight.
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Minnesota prides it’s self on fairness, care for neighbors, and community. These values call us to reject policies and rhetoric that dehumanize immigrants and instead embrace solutions that ensure the wellbeing of all residents. That includes strengthening legal support networks, demanding humane immigration processes, and uplifting the voices of Somali Minnesotans in policymaking spaces. It means recognizing that human rights are not optional, but they are rather the foundation of stable, healthy communities.
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As we mark Human Rights Day 2025, Minnesota must lead by example. Upholding “our everyday essentials” means standing firmly with Somali Minnesotans, ensuring they enjoy the safety, dignity, and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to human rights is only meaningful if it applies to everyone who calls this state home.
Learn About Your UNA Minnesota Chapter.
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ACTION ALERT
President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026
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The Administration released the President's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026, which included severe proposed cuts to U.S. contributions to the United Nations.
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The United Nations plays a vital role in promoting peace, security, development, and human rights—efforts that directly benefit the United States and help save lives across the globe. As a founding member of the UN, the U.S. has long been at the center of decisions that ensure we are safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Proposed budget cuts for fiscal year 2026 threaten to weaken U.S. leadership at the UN, jeopardizing both our security and the lives of vulnerable people worldwide.
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Restoring funding is essential to sustaining peacekeeping operations, advancing global health, and addressing international crises—efforts that save lives and protect communities. The world’s problems won’t wait, and neither can we.
For More Information, See the Better World Campaign’s Statement.
Fascinating UN Facts
Most countries spend less than 1% of their national income on foreign aid; even small increases could make a big difference
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Foreign aid has played a crucial role in improving the lives of millions around the world, from supplying food during famines to fighting diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
These big successes have been achieved with a relatively small amount of money. In 2023, the world gave around $240 billion in foreign aid — a tiny fraction of most rich countries’ economies. In fact, only five developed countries met the UN’s target to give 0.7% of their gross national income (GNI) to foreign aid.
As you can see in the chart, most aid comes from governments, not large private philanthropic donors. This means that citizens can strongly influence the global aid budget by building public support for more generous aid budgets from our governments.
Let’s imagine that the public in developed countries pressured their governments to step up and meet the UN’s 0.7% target. If all developed countries achieved this, we’d add an extra $216 billion, almost doubling the amount of foreign aid from governments.
Read an important article by Hannah Ritchie (Our World in Data) on foreign aid and the United Nations by scanning this QR code.
Act For Our Common Future
Embrace the possible. That’s the call of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint for a better world. We don’t have to wait for the future we want—we can create it right now. Everyone can join the global movement for change.
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ActNow is the United Nations campaign to inspire people to act for the Sustainable Development Goals.
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The Goals can improve life for all of us. Cleaner air. Safer cities. Equality. Better jobs. These issues matter to everyone. But progress is too slow. We have to act, urgently, to accelerate changes that add up to better lives on a healthier planet.
What happens when millions of people act together for our common future? A lot. Join the campaign to learn more— and do more.
