• Policy and programs for elimination of child labor would be continued in a more focused, integrated and convergent manner.
• The National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) would be expanded to cover 150 child labor endemic districts.
• Child Labor efforts would be linked with the scheme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education For All) of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to attempt to ensure that children in the age group of 5-8 years get directly linked to schools and the older children are mainstreamed to the formal education system through the rehabilitation centers of NCLPs.
• Efforts will be made to strengthen the formal education mechanism in the child labor endemic areas in the country both in terms of quality and numbers in such a manner as to provide an attractive schooling system to the child labor force and its parents so that motivational levels of both the parents and such children are high and sending these children to school becomes an attractive proposition.
• It is also proposed to engage master vocational trainer for each NCLP for training of vocational teachers of the NCLP schools in order to lay emphasis on vocational training.
• Convergence with ongoing schemes of the Department of Education, Rural Development, Health and Women & Child Development would be critical for the ultimate attainment of the objective of elimination of child labor in a time bound manner.
• A provision to attach a Medical Doctor for every 20 schools to take care of the primary health needs of the children has also been provided.

Q: Ambassador Nambiar, what was India’s position on Iraq before the U.S.-led war against Iraq? (David, 15, USA) Dear Ambassador Nambiar, As an American citizen, the current hostilities with Iraq have had a large affect on my country. What formal position does the Indian government take on the war in Iraq and how does the majority of the Indian population feel about this military action? As well, what role do you think India will play in rebuilding Iraq? (Drew, 13, USA)

A: India’s position before the US-led war against Iraq:
India has consistently taken the position that Iraq should implement the resolutions of the Security Council which called upon that country to cooperate fully with the UN in the activities of UNMOVIC to uncover and destroy all weapons of mass destruction that it may possess. While India did support and abide by the sanctions that had been imposed upon Iraq we had made it clear that the enormous suffering this had caused to the Iraqi people should be addressed and alleviated to the maximum extent through a modification of the sanctions process. Also we were in favor of a more people-friendly implementation of the Oil-for-Food programme covering more than just essential foodstuffs.

India has had traditional ties with Iraq over the decades and had relatively good relations with Saddam Hussein until the period when sanctions were imposed after the Gulf War. In respect to the US call for more stringent action against Iraq, including armed action to topple the Saddam regime, the Indian view was that whatever action was needed should be taken through the United Nations. We had stressed the need to avoid giving the issue any religious or communal dimension. India is home to the second largest population of Muslims in the world after Indonesia and as such we were conscious of the impact unilateral action might have on Islamic sentiment around the world. There are, additionally, more than 3 and a half million Indians working in the Gulf. The impact of political tension in the region upon their safety was an additional consideration.

When the US launched its attack on Iraq, the Parliament of India deplored the attack. We had reiterated that enforcement action should have been taken under the aegis of the United Nations. We drew attention to the increased suffering this would cause to the people of Iraq. The majority of the people of India would seem to share this view.

After the US forces had successfully entered Baghdad and pronounced an end to the military operation, India had stressed the need for the international community to work for an early end to the conflict and the restoration of normalcy in the country. We had underlined our willingness to contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq and announced humanitarian assistance which included rebuilding a hospital near Najaf with Jordan as well as meeting emergency food requirements of the people. Much of the supplies to Iraq under the Oil for Food Programme which had remained unimplemented due to the disruption of the war were resumed. India also expressed its willingness to participate in the Madrid Conference on October 2003 and to play a meaningful role in the reconstruction of Iraq. An amount of approximately US$ 25 million was pledged for this purpose. India has experience in working with the Iraqi people and there is an enormous fund of goodwill for India among the people there. This is also the reason why we would not like to be seen as part of any “occupation force” in Iraq.

Q: I’ve read in the newspapers in Sweden about the U.S. wanting to apply the “Indian” model of democratization in Iraq. What are the main components of the Indian model of democratization? Why do you think the US has chosen to use the Indian model? (Jani, 28, Sweden)

A: Applying an Indian model of democracy to Iraq? There is no single model of democracy that can be imposed upon any country. Indian democracy has evolved over more than half a century and possesses its own unique characteristics that cannot be superimposed on any other society just as Swedish democracy cannot. What is perhaps being implied is that attempts should be made to provide within the new institutional system in Iraq the kind of provisions India has in its political system to preserve and promote a secular, multi-communal, pluralistic, tolerant and modernizing kind of society. There may be elements or experiences of India’s management of its Centre-State relationship that may be adaptable to Iraq. The constitution of India guarantees to every citizen and person basic political rights and freedoms which are justifiable in the Indian courts of law. Also our strong human rights institutions and free and independent press have gained considerable credibility around the world. These elements of India’s political culture could constitute a model for emulation but it must be clearly understood that each nation must have or be enabled to have the space to create and evolve its own political culture.

Q: Do you think America should go out of Iraq immediately? (Mohamed, 19, Kuwait)

A: At the present juncture it is not easy to answer that question. While the withdrawal of US and other occupation forces alone can bring normalcy to Iraq, an immediate withdrawal without arrangements for the stabilization of the country is likely to result in chaos and anarchy which could have serious effects on peace and security in the entire region. This will not be in anybody’s interest. For this reason, whatever our views on the political wisdom of the US military invasion of Iraq, we must examine what is the best way to bring stability into that country while ensuring the earliest possible time frame for restoration of sovereignty to the Iraqi people and for foreign forces to withdraw.

Q: What do you think about the position that Germany and France took towards the war on Iraq? (Meshari, 21, Kuwait)

A: The French and German positions on Iraq were dictated by their own evaluation of the situation from their specific national perspective. To the extent that these positions involved an emphasis on the continuing role of the UN in establishing whether Iraq was in breach of the UN resolutions in respect to the possession of weapons of mass destruction and the need for greater consensus in the multilateral process on enforcement action in Iraq, this differed dramatically from the US position. In other respects there has not been very much of a difference in the western perspective of how to tackle the situation in Iraq.

Q: Are you planning to send humanitarian help to Iraq? (Nadia, 20, Kuwait)

A: Yes. Indian had announced its intention to provide humanitarian assistance to Iraq at a very early stage. Indeed India had been in the forefront of activities to help in the provision of food and other supplies to Iraq under the Oil-for-Food programme. After the entry of US troops in Iraq, India announced the setting up of a hospital near Najaf along with Jordan. We also announced our willingness to send urgent food and medical supplies. At the latest Madrid Conference India announced a contribution of US$ 25 million towards the rehabilitation of the country.

Q: We are doing Model United Nations and one of the issues we have is about North Korea and its current issues with the nuclear plant. I would like to know what you think about the issues in North Korea as an ambassador. It would help me see how an ambassador sees this kind of issue. What would you say in a UN meeting? (Mina, 15, South Korea)

A: India played an important role under the UN flag during the Korean war in the fifties. Though India has had a resident mission in Pyongyang since the seventies, the nature of our contacts with that country has been varied. The DPRK is a member of the nonaligned movement. In the context of the economic difficulties faced by Pyongyang in 2002, India donated wheat and rice, blankets and polyethylene sheets for agricultural use.

Officials in India have been disturbed by reports of clandestine exchanges between the DPRK and Pakistan involving supply of enriched uranium by one party and missile technology by the other. More than a year ago, our authorities had detained a North Korean vessel at an Indian port when it was discovered during routine checking that it was carrying contraband supplies of equipment and components for missiles from the DPRK while the goods were declared to be something altogether different. The matter was taken up with the DPRK authorities and the response received was not satisfactory. We view the recent actions of the DPRK on nuclear testing and missile proliferation in this light. India is of the view that while seeking unequivocal commitments from the DPRK to desist from following the above path, it is necessary to address the security concerns of that country and to ensure that these are met through appropriate guarantees. India supports the recent actions of the five powers including the US in pursuing a multilateral dialogue process with North Korea in order to achieve a resolution of this issue. While stating the above we continue to stick to our principled position on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty which we consider flawed inasmuch as it is unequal and discriminatory and does not contain a balance of obligations and responsibilities on the part of the nuclear weapon states.

Q: What are your viewpoints on the country of Pakistan and why are there such bitter relations between India and Pakistan? (Steven, 14, USA) Why are they so close to armed conflict? (Greg, 22, Japan) What do you think has to be done before India and Pakistan will be on the road to a peaceful harmonious future? (Judith, 17, USA) What steps should India take to create peace with Pakistan? (Peter, 13, USA)Do you think the India-Pakistan relationship will be good again soon? What is the main reason that Pakistan and India do not come to the negotiation table? (Liaqat, 23, Pakistan)

A: The partition of the Indian subcontinent was essentially the work of the British colonial authorities prior to their departure. True, inter-communal tensions or rivalry did exist in the past. But these tensions were resolved within a larger political and social context that stressed unity and coexistence. It is arguable also that faced with the inevitability of Indian independence and of the division of the subcontinent, the UK began to consider how this would impact on the post-war world particularly in the context of the post-war division of the world into rival military blocs. Indian leaders had, even before independence spoken in favor of a foreign policy of “positive neutrality,” which later got to be described as non-alignment. In contrast to India, the West hoped the new state of Pakistan would be aligned to the West. This happened as Pakistan joined the Baghdad Pact. This accounted for the biased approach of the Western powers against India on many issues during the fifties. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was a strong advocate of Afro-Asian resurgence and his strong advocacy against apartheid and for the de colonization of Africa and Asia placed him at odds with the erstwhile colonial powers.

Over the years India’s relations with Pakistan have remained unstable due to a variety of reasons. While the main purported factor in this continued tense relationship has been the differences over Jammu and Kashmir, the truth is that, over the years, whatever the diplomatic atmospherics between the two countries, the political establishment in Pakistan especially the Pak army has cultivated an attitude of compulsive hostility which was consciously embedded in the very self image of the army and other elements of the bureaucratic and political circles. This has resulted in no less than four wars between the two countries with Pakistan attempting, in each of these wars, to try to seize the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir by force of arms. In each of these instances it proved unsuccessful. But that has not prevented Pakistan from making fresh efforts every few years. Even today though one-seventh the size of India with a fifth of our population, Pakistan still speaks of maintaining military parity with India. On our part we are conscious that we have a political and security environment which requires us to maintain our preparedness taking into consideration the larger challenges in the region covering all our neighbors as well as the compulsions of our very large coastline.

To transform India Pakistan relations would require addressing the above reality. I believe it would require Pakistan to reconfigure the very self-image of its political establishment. It is not merely a question of redefining the attitude of Pakistan towards India in terms of the two-nation theory itself. Pakistan has long said that India has not reconciled itself to the existence of Pakistan. The fact is that Pakistan will have to be reconciled to the fact of a secular united and democratic India. This it is unwilling to do. It would rather have an extremist Hindu revivalist India ready to splinter itself over questions of communal, caste, linguistic and social differences. India cannot afford to allow this to happen. Our commitment to democracy, secularism and an open society is well established. The evolution of our institutions and the empowerment of the various sections of our people are part of a colossal socio-political project which is developing continuously and has produced its own dynamic. Though this has sometimes hampered our economic growth, there are signs of a major thrust in this direction too. Undeniably, there are some elements within the Indian political spectrum that mirror the Pakistani establishment and nourish similar hostility towards that country. However, the nature of the evolution of Indian politics, its diversity and variegated quality and our broader involvements in economic growth, social empowerment and cultural pluralism have prevented our being overwhelmed by any such animosity.

As in the case of India-China relations in recent years, where both sides were able to agree to work for the all round development of relations across a wide spectrum of issues without making improvement of ties contingent upon the satisfaction of expectations upon a single “core issue,” India and Pakistan should set in motion a composite dialogue covering a range of issues. Both sides must work for the building up of people to people contacts, normalizing trade relations, cultural and social contacts and the development of better understanding between them through greater interaction between the media. Such contact will help in building up vested interests in good relations between the two countries among their peoples. Meanwhile, on the question of Jammu and Kashmir, cross-border terrorism must stop. While there is unlikely to be any early, magic solution of the question, both sides could work for a diffusion of the situation, building of greater confidence among the population of Jammu and Kashmir, contacts between the people on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), greater economic exchanges etc. The recent policies of the Government of India in consultation with the newly elected state government of Jammu and Kashmir and in respect of political dialogue with a broad range of political groups within the state as well as the economic measures introduced by both governments with regard to the developmental needs of Jammu and Kashmir are also designed to contribute to this process.

With regard to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), unless a clear modus vivendi is worked out between India and Pakistan, SAARC cannot expect to take off. As long as relations between these two neighbors remain tense, the temptation on the part of others to leverage these tensions for bilateral advantage against India will continue. It should be clear to Pakistan as well as our other neighbors that the process of improvement of relations should be built on a healthy bilateral and sub regional basis. It should be clearly understood that a tactic of ganging up would be unproductive. The tendency to leverage India’s difficulties with other countries to score polemical points will have to be avoided. The reality is that each member of SAARC has a border only with India and not with any other SAARC country. Given its size, India inevitably has a number of unresolved issues with each. These will have to be addressed and solved bilaterally through a policy of give and take. At the same time, India recognizes the need to take a broader and more generous outlook towards the region. This outlook was typified in the so-called Gujral Doctrine which envisaged the granting of unreciprocal preferences to our smaller neighbors.

Q: Dear Ambassador Vijay Kunhianandan Nambiar, I am a student in Chattahoochee High School. I am in the 10th standard. I live in Atlanta, Georgia but I was born in India. I wanted to know your opinion on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. I want to know what you are doing and planning to do over the issue. What do you think should happen to Jammu and Kashmir? Should we advance and gain more position over Jammu and Kashmir? OR should we try to sign a neutrality act to split Jammu and Kashmir equally? (Aditya, 16, USA)

A: I have given a detailed response to Jammu and Kashmir above. There are a number of books which provide a detailed historical background of the case from the Indian standpoint. (Two recent books are “War and Diplomacy in Kashmir 1947-48” by C Dasgupta; Sage Publications 2002 and “Conflict Unending” by Sumit Ganguly; Columbia University Press 2001.)

To resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, India needs first to tackle the issue with the state government of Jammu and Kashmir and to discuss a broad political package with the democratically elected state government as well as the different political groupings within the state. The Government of India is also prepared to discuss the issue with Pakistan within the context of a composite dialogue between the two countries on the basis of the Simla and Lahore Agreements. This can only happen after Pakistan takes credible and sincere measures to stop cross border terrorism against India.

You must be quite aware that in October 1947, the then Maharaja of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir signed an Instrument of Accession as a result of which the State of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India. Today the state of Jammu and Kashmir is an inalienable part of India. As such there is no question of “splitting Jammu and Kashmir equally.”

Q: We are having a Model United Nations conference at my school. I was wondering if you could tell me if India is for or against the self-determination of the Tibetan people. Thank you very much. (Stefi Staszak, 13, Mexico)

A: India is bound to Tibet by deep ties of history, culture and religion. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is highly revered in India as a religious and spiritual figure of extraordinary standing around the world. Since 1959 when he was provided asylum by the Government of India, His Holiness has lived in India as an honored guest. India has also welcomed and provided sanctuary to a large number of Tibetan refugees within India.

At the same time, India recognizes the reality of China’s relationship with Tibet. In 1954 India and China formalized a border trade agreement which recognized Tibet as a region of China. Since that time, India has on several occasions recognized Tibet as an autonomous region of China. During the latest visit paid by the Prime Minister of India to China in June 2003, the Indian side stated that it “recognizes that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China and reiterates that it does not allow Tibetans to engage in anti-China political activities in India.” As such we believe it is for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his people to negotiate details of Tibet’s political relationship with China peacefully through direct talks with China.

Q: Dear Ambassador Nambiar, What is your response to what is happening in the Aceh province of Indonesia. If you were a student like me, what could you do to help improve the situation? I would LOVE to hear from you. Sincerely, Momo (Momo, 13, Indonesia)

A: India believes that the political differences in Aceh province of Indonesia should be resolved by Indonesia with the Achenese people peacefully and without outside interference. In the current international context, it is important not to allow such problems to get aggravated by the intrusive attention of outside powers. At the same time, care should be taken not to allow the problems to fester and to assume proportions where they would provide a breeding ground for extremist and terrorist forces.

Q: How will India help develop Afghanistan? Do you think Indian companies will invest in Afghanistan? (Patrick, 12, USA)

India is helping Afghanistan. India has provided around US$ 250 million of assistance in grant and commercial credit to that country for its reconstruction over the past two years. During bilateral meetings held at various levels including at the summit level between the leaders of India and Afghanistan, bilateral cooperation aimed at reconstruction and rehabilitation in post conflict has been discussed and the status of existing cooperation -including in the field of education, health, and training facilities- assessed. These include the following new areas:

Education

• Rebuilding of Educational infrastructure, including six schools, polytechnics and supply of teaching aids, to Afghanistan.
• Rehabilitation of some of the existing educational institutions in Afghanistan.

Health

• Rebuilding of Health Infrastructure, including construction of six medical care centers, and mobile medical facilities in Afghanistan.
• Rehabilitation of some of the existing medical facilities in Afghanistan.
  Information Technology
• Setting up of computer training and maintenance facilities in Kabul
• Computer hardware and software support to various Afghan Government Ministries

• Provide 50 buses and other vehicles and material support as identified by the Afghan Interim Administration for rebuilding appropriate public transport facilities in Kabul and other areas.

• Rehabilitation of existing Industrial Park in Kabul and construction of new Industrial Park as per Afghan priorities. Energy
• A composite Indian team to go to Afghanistan to undertake feasibility studies of various projects related to water and power sectors.
• To examine various avenues of specific cooperation in the field of non-renewable energy resources.
• To examine projects for cooperation specifically with regard to development of rural areas in Afghanistan

• To impart training to Government officials from various Afghan Ministries at various institutions in India related to capacity building and human resources development in different sectors.

Q: What do you think about future relations between India and Israel? (Ali, 21, Kuwait)

A: India has had a Jewish population from almost before the Christian era. Jews in India were never persecuted. The Government of India recognized Israel on 17 September 1950. After India’s recognition, the Jewish Agency established an office in Mumbai which was soon converted into a Consulate. Governmental contacts, though sparse, continued in the fifties and early sixties though political relations deteriorated with the worsening of the Arab-Israeli dispute after the 1967 war. India welcomed Camp David accords and stated that “all states in the region, including Israel, should have the right to exist in peace within secure boundaries.”

Since the establishment of Embassies in New Delhi and Tel Aviv in 1992, a large number of ministerial visits have taken place. President Ezer Weizman visited India in Dec.‘96 - Jan.’97. Bilateral trade has grown jumping to US$ 994 million in 1999, a five-fold increase since 1992. The first Indian Trade Exhibition in Israel was held in May 2000 which contributed to an increase in Indian exports to Israel. At the governmental level, a number of agreements were signed to provide the legal framework for trade and economic cooperation. The State Bank of India built correspondent banking relations with eight major Israeli banks and India invited Israeli banks to open branches in India. A joint insurance agreement was signed. Substantial bilateral cooperation developed in agriculture, technology transfer, construction sector and in industrial R&D. Approximately 170 collaboration agreements between Indian and Israeli companies have been signed in areas such as drip irrigation, greenhouse technology, floriculture and horticulture. A bilateral Science & Technology cooperation agreement was signed in May 1993 when Foreign Minister Shimon Peres visited India. Under this mechanism a large number of research projects were carried out in fields such as advanced materials, electro-optics, biotechnology, genetics etc. An Agreement on cooperation in Tourism was signed in 1993 as well as a Cultural Agreement. An Air Services Agreement was concluded in 1994. The number of Israeli tourists visiting India has increased steadily. Both countries also have ongoing co-operation in the defense field. There are approximately 45,000 Jews of Indian origin in Israel today. Israeli Minister Ariel Sharon visited India early September 2003. There are good prospects of stable relations between India and Israel. While saying this it must be stressed that India has continued to pursue a principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue and strongly supports the two-state solution of the issue as well as the efforts of the Quartet.

Q: Ambassador Nambiar, it is an honor to communicate with the UN through you. We are doing research in Universal History about the Arab-Israeli conflict and from all the research done until now it seems both sides have their reasons. The conflict continues and many innocent people from both sides keep dying. Why doesn’t the UN intervene in a definitive way to reach a solution? Can we expect to obtain peace in the short term? (Gabriela, 13, Venezuela) Is India playing an effective role in the Middle East peace process? What is that role? (Bashayer, 19, Kuwait)

A: Despite the efforts of the international community in pushing Israel and Palestine toward the path of a negotiated settlement of the issue, the main reason why the conflict continues in the Middle East is because there has not been sustained or consistent pressure on the part of the major power upon each side at critical junctures. Even the efforts of the Quartet have not been sustained at critical moments and this has led to the adoption of extreme positions which have aggravated the situation on the ground. More sustained US pressure on Israel is needed. At the same time the Palestinians need also to exert greater control over the activities of extremist elements. India has supported the efforts of the international community especially in the UN. Though not a member, India has participated in the consideration of this issue in the UN Security Council. We are active members in the concerned Committees of the UN General Assembly and have worked for a balanced and purposive consideration of the question there.

Q: How do you view India-China relations? (Nada, 30, Kuwait)

A: India and China are two of the world’s oldest civilizations with contacts spreading over thousands of years. Our contact has generally been peaceful and served to further understanding between our peoples. The Silk Route connected us through commerce, but also facilitated the flow of ideas and thinking on a range of intellectual, religious, spiritual and cultural issues. The message of the Buddha was transmitted to China from India, Our maritime trade links provided mutual contact and also created a confluence of cultures in South-East Asia. During the colonial era there was mutual sympathy and support and during the early years of our independence a strong emotional identification among our peoples. The Cold War and mutual differences on the boundary question led to estrangement and a brief war in 1962. China’s relations with Pakistan since the sixties has been the subject of some concern especially in the military, nuclear and missile technology exchanges. However, India and China have emerged from this period of mistrust and recovered a modicum of mutual understanding. Since 1988 we have succeeded in building a broad base for cooperation in a wide range of fields.

With regard to the future, both India and China recognize that:

• We are the two most populous countries of the world,
• We have the two fastest growing economies in the world. In any economic forum in the world these days, the focus is on India and China.
• Both have continent-sized markets, with advantages of economies of scale.
• We also have problems of unequal development, income disparities, and a potential digital divide. Exchange of developmental experiences can prove useful.
• We are both at the forefront of developing and applying technologies to drive the Knowledge Economy.
• India and China possess a balance of strengths. India’s strengths in Information Technology, software engineering, management and financial services are well matched by the Chinese expertise in hardware, construction and industry.
• In the broader context of the dialogue of developing countries, India and China have congruent positions. If we act in concert, it would be difficult for the world to ignore us.
• Both countries have frequently expressed their commitment to developing a multi-polar world order. In the current international situation, there is a role each can play to restore the authority of international organizations.

Bilaterally we have been taking steps to increase mutual trust and understanding, through greater interaction at many levels. Our cooperation has expanded and diversified. Bilateral trade has grown to around US$ 5 billion dollars. Indian business and industry have overcome their initial cultural and commercial apprehensions of Chinese business and are strengthening their linkages. Indian investment in China, currently around US$ 65 million, is growing.

The bilateral dialogue today encompasses international issues such as terrorism, security, environment and sustainable development. We have an increasing commonality of interests within the World Trade Organization and overlapping concerns on globalization. Our coordination and collaboration in various multilateral institutions is expanding into newer and newer areas.

As two large developing countries at roughly the same stage of development, sharing the same neighborhood, pursuing similar growth trajectories, with comparable economic priorities and similar political ambitions, it is inevitable that comparisons will be made between India and China. There will also be an unavoidable element of competition in some areas between us.

But we need to distinguish between healthy competition and divisive rivalry. As has been underlined at the highest levels on both sides, there is no objective reason for discord between India and China. Neither of us is a threat to the other. The developing world in general and our two countries, in particular, can benefit by absorbing the lessons from our mutual experiences. This is the principal foundation of the future partnership between India and China. We cannot wish away our differences. We must address them realistically. Even here we have made some good progress. By adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and showing sensitivity to each others core concerns we are convinced that we shall be able to resolve even these differences.

Q: What is the relationship between Kuwait and India? Is the relationship good? (Shaima, 20, Kuwait)

A: India and Kuwait enjoy traditional friendly relations. Our geographical proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities and the presence of a large number of Indian expatriates serve to sustain and nurture the longstanding relationship. India is a natural trading partner and a destination for higher learning. Until 1961, the Indian rupee was legal tender in Kuwait.

We have no bilateral problems. Both are members of NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) and share common perceptions on various regional and international issues and cooperate in regional and international fora. On India-Pakistan issues, Kuwait has favored the solution of these problems through bilateral discussions within the framework of agreements signed between the two Governments. Kuwait has appreciated India’s principled stand on Arab-Israeli issues.

The two countries cooperate in the field of Science and Technology. A number of Indian scientists and researchers work with the Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research and other organizations under a protocol governing such cooperation. A joint committee has identified various areas for bilateral technical cooperation such as oil refining industry, energy optimization in refining and refrigeration industries etc. Cultural ties are also good and there are growing exchanges in this field. There are around 280,000 Indians working in Kuwait whose presence in itself, plays a positive role in fostering India-Kuwait relations. Amongst them are old established families of Indian businessmen who have flourishing trade relations with Kuwait.

Q: Does India support Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba? (Ivan, 16, Spain)

A: India supports the Fidel Castro regime in Cuba. We have diplomatic relations with Cuba and have an Ambassador there. President Fidel Castro is highly respected in India and has visited India. Indian leaders have also visited Havana. India and Cuba have developed strong political and economic ties and are both active members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Both at the UN and in the Non-Aligned Movement we cooperate closely on a number of issues.

Q: Hi, I really respect your position and it is my dream to work for the UN. How did you achieve your position and what events helped you get there? (Amanda, 14, USA) (Eustaquia, 14, Spain) Do you like your job? (Gloria, 14, Spain)

A: I have been in the Indian Foreign Service and have spent 37 years acquiring experience and serving in various capacities connected both with bilateral relations as well as multilateral relations concerning India. In the course of my assignments in various countries spanning different regions and different functional specializations, I have been able to get a very valuable insight into the nuances of the priorities and concerns of the different countries of the world. This has also required an open mind, a strong sense of perspective of India’s historical and current interests and an ability to articulate the views of India effectively at different forums. I have obtained immense satisfaction in my work both because of its variety, challenge and the opportunity it has given me to get exposed to different cultural and political viewpoints. It has been an immense education for me throughout my professional life.

Q: It has been my dream to participate in the UN for quite some time now. Do you have any advice that may help me to get to my dream? Keep in mind that I am still a high school student. (Carolyn, 16, USA) Hi, could you tell me how one can best prepare oneself to become an ambassador beginning from high school? For example, what courses in high school and what major in college must I take? I want to represent India just like you. (Tejas, 15, USA)

A: First of all you will need to preserve your strong sense of commitment to the ideals of the UN. Your professional qualifications could include those that could help you join the diplomatic service of your country and from there on to specialize in multilateral diplomacy. These days however, specialization is possible in any one of a great variety of areas ranging from international relations, developmental economics, education, public health and the prevention of disease, poverty alleviation, to areas like international law, peacekeeping, prevention of conflict, information and communication, etc. All you need to do is find a special field of interest to you and you will see that there is much you can do at an international level. You will be able to find the intersection of your field of specialization with the work being done within the UN. In general students grounded in international law, international relations as well as areas of functional specialization find it easier to secure entry into the diplomatic service and eventually to work in missions to the UN as well as in the UN secretariat itself.

Q: I have always been attracted by the diplomatic career. I find it very interesting and consider it very relevant although some people may not think it is. I think it is beautiful to represent your country with dignity. What does it feel like being a spokesman in an organization of such magnitude? (Silvia, 21, Peru) How do you feel taking part in making some world decisions? (Ernesto, 13, Mexico)

A: There is a lot of pride you derive in representing your country abroad but it is also a task that involves great responsibility and hard work. You must remember that like any job this one also involves patience, dedication and long hours of boring and painstaking drudgery as well as repetitive work. You need to inculcate the basic physical, mental and attitudinal attributes that promote an interest and curiosity about other cultures and modes of thinking as well as a firm grounding in your own beliefs and national positions.

Q: Mr. Ambassador, since the General Assembly itself meets for only several weeks in September, what are ambassadors such as yourself occupied with for the rest of the year? Thank you, Ian (Ian, 15, Canada)

A: These days the General Assembly meets around the year. True, the four months between September and December are the busiest periods of the work of the General Assembly, but these days there are all kinds of meetings taking place throughout the year. If there is one thing you cannot complain of it is not having enough to do. On the contrary most delegation find that they are not able to involve themselves in the work of many of the committees or sub-groups and therefore have to restrict their attention to selected areas of particular interest to their countries.

Q: Dear Ambassador Vijay Kunhianandan Nambiar, My name is Claudia. In my class at school we are doing our subject on the United Nations and I was wondering if you could answer my question: What does an Ambassador do in the United Nations? (Claudia, 11, Australia)

A: An Ambassador basically represents the interests of his country in the United Nations. He makes statements on behalf of his government at meetings and works with other ambassadors to negotiate agreements, resolutions or declarations on various issues. These agreements then constitute the basis for his government’s policy in these fields. Essentially therefore, an Ambassador tries to work out the basis for policy affecting the people of his country in organizing their relations with other countries and in achieving the objectives, goals and targets of his government.

Q: What has been India’s best achievement in economic and social development? (Luis, 20, Mexico)

A: The best achievement of India in economic and social development has been the empowerment of its people on a mass scale. It is the gradual sense among the broadest sections of the poorer and middling classes of India of their strong sense of involvement in the development of their country and the sense that they are improving their lot. This is provided by the democratic process within India. Over the years the progress made in India in the elimination of poverty, in raising the levels of public health, education, social equality and gender equality have been remarkable even though there is much that remains to be done. We must remember that there are still large proportions of the country below the poverty line and major hurdles still remain in raising the levels of public health and education, female empowerment and gender equality especially in relation to the girl child in India. But still I would classify this rather than the advances in higher education, software industry or even the rapid strides made by India in the frontiers of science and technology as the most profound achievements of the country.

Q: What are new challenges that India faces? (Ronald, 22, Mexico)

A: The new challenges the country faces are connected with the growth process within India. These include essentially what our President, Dr. Abdul Kalam, has recently characterized as PURA that is providing urban amenities to rural areas. It consists of bringing physical, economic, infrastructure and electronic connectivity for the rural areas of India to the rest of the country. This includes the building of both hard and soft infrastructure.

Q: Sir, it must be wonderful being an ambassador to such a wonderful organization and moreover an Indian. My question is how would you encourage the youth of India to achieve much from this world of competition, especially considering the poverty and lack of education that remains a major problem in India? (Claudia, 23, India)

A: Recently the President of India placed a ten point challenge before the youth of India. These included the commitment to take concrete action to promote literacy, better civic awareness, to establish better contact between rural and urban areas, to eradicate the sense of a religious or communal divide amongst people. There are a number of challenges in the country but these can only be overcome by a spirit of sacrifice and commitment on the part of youth, a willingness to put in hard work and a sense of confidence in the future. Today the youth constitute almost sixty percent of the population of the country and there is a strong sense of self confidence and determination among them. There is also a strong sense of realism and pragmatism among them and an unwillingness to be taken in by popular slogans and shibboleths.

Q: Dear Ambassador Nambiar, where do you see India in twenty years? Do you think that India can have the kind of success China has had with a market economy? Why or why not? What role do children play in the future of India? And what steps should India take to destroy all vestiges of the caste system and become a wealthy nation? Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtful response. (Peter, 13, USA)

A: I strongly believe that in the next twenty years, that is, by 2024, India will be among the top three or four countries of the world in terms of what has been described as “comprehensive national strength.” You will have heard of the recent Goldman Sachs report which indicates that India could become the third largest economy in the world if it grows at an average 5.5 per cent a year, and by 2050 it could well be the fastest-growing economy in the world. The results are based not merely on extrapolations from the current levels of economic inputs, but also take into account the exchange rate appreciation, reform process and the resultant factor productivity growth. Clearly there is an expectation that India will be able to have the kind of success that China has had over the past decade. The methodology used in the calculations is not very complex. The report not only extrapolates current growth rates but also sets out "clear assumptions about how the process of growth and development works" and also by "applying a formal framework to generate long-term forecasts". It uses the latest population projections "and a model of capital accumulation and productivity growth" with which to plot GDP growth, income per capita and currency movements. There is nothing foolproof about the conclusions. There are also chances of the estimates going awry. But purely in terms of the specific economic content, the projections have been regarded as "sensible, internally consistent and provide a clear benchmark against which investors can set their expectations". I must also stress the point made earlier that the social empowerment process should also have progressed sufficiently especially in the northern provinces of the country if the growth is to be stabilized within a strong and viable political framework. It is also notable that the Goldman Sachs report does suggest that China could overtake the US by 2041.

Q: My question is, what important roles does India play in the United Nations? (Justin, 14, Canada) What benefits have you acquired for your country? (Alejandra, 17, Mexico) (Laura, 15, Spain)

A: India plays an important role in virtually all the major aspects of the work of the UN. As you are aware, some of the major activities of the UN General Assembly cover political and security issues, issues relating to economic development, social and humanitarian issues as well as human rights matters, decolonization issues, questions of peacekeeping and prevention of conflict, legal and treaties questions, matters relating to the Law of the Sea, UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law), etc as well as a large clutch of issues relating to the Funds, Programmes, and the specialized agencies. In all these areas, India plays significant roles. Though we are not members of the UN Security Council either in a permanent or non-permanent capacity, India participates in open sessions of the Council. On most matters on the agenda of the Council, India keeps itself informed and holds constant consultations with Council members on issues of concern to it. These are given due consideration by the members of the Council. The benefit India derives is both direct and indirect. Direct benefit is to promote a better appreciation on the part of other countries of its position, policy and concerns on specific issues. It also seeks as far as possible to prevent the world body from taking any action or adopting a policy that is contrary or detrimental to its interests, concerns or policies. These positions then constitute the basis for direct bilateral actions with other countries in specific policy areas whether in the political field or in other fields.

Q: I would like to know if children are protected in India, what is being done for them, why do they live in extreme poverty? (Adela, 30, Mexico)

A: The Indian Government, with its various schemes, caters to all its citizens irrespective of caste, creed, gender, age or geographical origin. Children are taken due care of by the government by various means and measures. Article 39 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India pledges that the State will direct its policy towards children with an aim of providing them the opportunities and facilities to grow in a healthy manner, in conditions of freedom and dignity, and to protect them from exploitation. Child welfare programmes have occupied a prominent place in the national plans of the human resource development of the government. India adopted a National Policy on Children in 1974 which was aimed at ensuring equality of opportunity to the children. The policy provides the framework to address the needs of the children. India is a signatory to the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children. In pursuance of its commitment, the Department of Women and Child Development, has formulated the National Plan of Action for Children. The areas addressed by the plan include health, nutrition, education, water, sanitation and environment. The female child who should be treated as the source of prosperity of the house is, in some parts of the country considered a burden by her parents. To ensure that the female child is no longer discriminated, the government has been campaigning effectively and a National Plan of Action for the Girl Child seeks among other things to prevent female feticide and infanticide, to eliminate discrimination based on gender, rehabilitate and protect girls from exploitation, assault and abuse.

The Education for All campaign of the government addresses 19 to 24 million children in the age group 6 to 14, of which 60 percent are girls. Apart from these activities, numerous Non-Governmental Organizations in India are providing means to provide shelter, better health, education and training to the street children, thereby rehabilitating them.

India's stand on child labour has evolved over years. The Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act of the government aims at banning employment of children below the age of fourteen years in factories, mines and hazardous employment.

Q: Do most children in India get a college education? (Michaela, 9, USA)

A: The literacy level in India is over fifty eight percent. This means that the number of literate population in India should be a little less than six hundred million. Yet, only around twenty five per cent of this figure actually manage to pursue an education beyond the secondary school level and only around six per cent manage to get a college degree.

Q: What is the main purpose of sending an Indian satellite into space? Is it for a military purpose or an informational purpose? (Hasan, 24, Kuwait)

A: The prime objective of the Indian space research effort has been to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. Since 1969, when it was set up, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has established space systems like the INSAT for telecommunication, television broadcasting and meteorological services, and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) for resources monitoring and management. ISRO has also developed the satellite launch vehicles PSLV and GSLV to place these satellites in the required orbits. Over the years India’s focus has not been on manned space missions so much as on space applications. We have similar launch capabilities to China with launch vehicles like the GSLV. If we are willing to spend, we can build a similar manned space mission in five years." Such a mission would require twice the existing reliability levels, specially for life-support and spacecraft re-entry systems. India 's space budget at present is around US$ 500 million. China spends at least five times more on its military-linked space programme.

Q: What are the uses of nuclear energy in your country? Are there any ideas about the use of solar energy? (Hanouf, 21, Kuwait)

A: India's original nuclear power program was based on a policy of self-reliance and three stages of development: 1) building pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) for the production of electricity and plutonium, 2) developing commercial fast breeder reactors, and 3) exploiting the country's thorium resources by converting Thorium-238 to Uranium-233 in breeder reactors. However, ambitious early plans for development of nuclear power in India have been drastically curtailed, and budgetary support for the program from the government has been dramatically reduced. Until 1995 nuclear power supplied only about 2 per cent of India's electricity.

There is little doubt that India, as a developing country with a huge population, has growing needs of energy. At present the country is said to be facing a shortfall of about 40,000 megawatts (MW). The conventional thermal energy generation that involves the burning of coal releases twice as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This will have a disastrous effect on our environment when trees that could absorb this carbon dioxide are being cut down in large numbers. Economic reforms that include privatization of power plants and attracting foreign capital do not seem to be helping either. More than a billion dollars on an average is lost every year because of inefficient distribution. Electricity theft and indifferent administration add further to the loss of the electricity boards. All these things do not necessarily mean that we need to embark on nuclear power generation alone.

After a reassessment of the potential of non-conventional energy sources, we have upgraded the potential realization in the wind power sector from 20,000 MW to 45,000 MW. A master plan has been prepared for 80 potential sites in 10 States on the revised criterion based on mean annual wind power density (MAWPD). India currently has a total installed wind power capacity of 1,080 MW and at least five billion units have been fed into the grid since the 1970s.

As for solar power, we already have solar fridges, solar radios, and even solar hearing aids. We have solar cookers in various shapes and sizes. Now the world's first solar-powered crematorium is built in the Indian state of Gujarat. In Rajasthan, the 140 MW Mathania solar power project is due or has become operational. Solar photovoltaic cells are still two to five times as costly as power from the grid. Yet, the sale of solar photovoltaic cells expanded 42 per cent last year. If annual production grows by 25 per cent a year, solar capacity could reach 106,000 megawatts by 2020, generating as much as 30 to 40 large nuclear plants. Since 1980, the price of solar cells has fallen by 80 per cent. A Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) water pumping system can pump water from a depth of eight meters through the optimum of 6.5 meters. It can ideally function in a wide-mouth well with a flow rate of 70,000 liters a day. The system costs about US$ 5,000. Considering its potential large scale use by farmers, the Indian Ministry for Non-Conventional Energy Sources and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency have provided a subsidy of half the cost and an equal amount as soft loan.

Q: Dear Ambassador, I want to know why in countries such as India or my own country, Mexico, there is so much mistreatment of women and girls as if we were less than men? (Andrea, 9, Mexico) Ambassador Nambiar, the fight for equality, women’s social rights and their active participation in the society is an important aspect of our time. How are India’s women being supported and how do those who make the laws in India support women’s rights? (Griselda, 28, Guatemala)

A: There is no denying the fact that the lot of women in India in general needs to be improved. For this reason, women are taking the center stage of planning so that they come to occupy their rightful place in the development process. Many innovative programmes have been launched for generating employment, improving income and creating awareness among women. The ultimate goal is to make women economically independent and self reliant. Some of these schemes, which go back to the 1960s and 1970s, lay emphasis on upgrading training and skills of women and opening more job opportunities for them. In 1992, the National Commission for Women was set up to investigate and review matters relating to safeguards for women and also to act as an agency for redressing all of their grievances. Two important schemes launched in 1993 were Mahila Rashtriya Kosh, the women's national fund, to meet the credit needs of women, and Mahila Samridhi Yojna to inculcate the habit of thrift among rural women. The task of creating a sense of awareness, particularly among the rural women, to enable them to become active participants in the process of social transformation and regeneration has been entrusted to the Indira Mahila Yojna.

India has a strong womens' movement now and the country is well represented in all international fora for women. At the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, India was well represented and the government had prepared itself for the event by getting reports from 14 core groups covering all important activities of women's development. Yet, it is necessary to concentrate on imparting social education before giving any concrete shape to their political empowerment. Without academic and social education, the political empowerment of women cannot prove effective. Uneducated women are often subjected to exploitation at the hands of government machinery. It is not prudent to restore the rights of the women belonging to the affluent section of the society only. It is necessary to give due share to each and every section of the Indian women. Without removing social stigma, no progress or development can be achieved. The National Commission for Women has been working for the welfare of the women apart from governmental efforts. But its efforts have not been adequate to date. First of all the female child must be treated on par with the male ones so that equality is restored amongst them. No restoration of property right would be meaningful without making the female child psychologically strong.

Q: Bearing in mind that India is the second largest country on the planet in terms of population, does your country intend to seek a permanent seat in the Security Council at any time in the future? (Mindaugas, 21, Kuwait)

A: There are many objective reasons why India is an obvious candidate for an expanded Security Council. In terms of size, the strength of the economy, our legacy, the maturity of our political system and the fact that over the years, we have been at the forefront of de colonization movement in the UN, we can claim to play a role in the UN that is at least as significant as many of the permanent members. We have been at the forefront of many major political movements including disarmament and our recent decision to assume a minimum nuclear deterrent was to assure ourselves of a degree of strategic autonomy in a world that is increasingly subject to the influence of the major powers. Our contribution to the maintenance of peace and security is evidenced in the fact that we are one of the largest troop contributing countries for UN peacekeeping operations. In the larger developmental debate at the UN, we have been again at the forefront in espousing the cause of the developing world. I feel this makes us well qualified for permanent membership of the Security Council. We do not look for this just for the sake of the status of a great power. Again this is not something that is there for somebody else to give and for you to receive. It is a responsibility and a reality in terms of the power structure of the contemporary world. Ultimately, the question to be asked is whether the UN Security Council can perform effectively and credibly in the world without India serving on it. Can we honestly think of the Council being truly representative of the interests and aspirations of the people of the world if the government that represents one sixth of the people is outside it?

Q: Respected Ambassador, we are six friends and graduates of veterinary and animal sciences in India. We wish to get a higher education in UN countries with scholarships. Can the Indian government help us? With hopeful expectations, we are waiting your reply. (S. Arjunan, 26, India)

A: You should be contacting the Embassy of India in Kuwait if you are looking at studying in India. If you are looking for opportunities for higher education in member states of the UN, you will have to enquire with each of 191 countries. This will mean a careful research of the facilities available in each country in the light of your requirements. You will have to narrow your field to a handful of countries and approach them directly. There are several countries that offer scholarships but the competition is fierce and you should be able to convince the authorities of your talents and capacities.

Q: Your Excellency, I used to think that only European countries belonged to the UN. I am happy that there are countries of other continents in the organization. I would like you to explain to me if it was a long process for India to join the UN or if it was quick. Thank you for giving a little bit of your time. (Noemi, 14, Spain)

A: India was a founding member of the UN even before our independence. The process of joining the UN is not very difficult. On attaining independence, a state formally applies to join the United Nations and this application is then considered by the General Assembly as well as the Security Council each of which takes a decision on the membership at a formal meeting. After that the concerned state is invited to occupy its seat in the General Assembly.

Q: Which religion is practiced the most in India? (Ivan, 16, Spain)

A: The religion that is practiced the most in India is Hinduism.

Q: What type of political system is used in India? (Ivan, 16, Spain)

A: India attained freedom on 15 August 1947 and declared itself a Republic on January 26, 1950. The Constitution, shaped by leading political and constitutional minds in India seeks to ensure justice, liberty and equality for all its citizens. It provides for single and uniform citizenship for the whole nation and confers the right to vote on every person who is a citizen of India and 18 years of age or older. The Constitution is flexible enough to adjust to the demands of social and economic changes within a democratic framework. The first general elections were held in 1952 and since then have been held regularly every five years. India is a Union of 26 States and six centrally administered Union Territories. The States are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The centrally administered territories are Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.

The Fundamental Rights of every Indian citizen include the freedom of speech, expression, belief, assembly and association, migration, and choice of occupation or trade. These rights also protect every Indian from discrimination on grounds of race, religion, creed or sex, and are enforceable in courts of law. India has a parliamentary form of government based on universal adult franchise. The executive authority is responsible to the elected representatives of the people in the Parliament for all its decisions and actions. Sovereignty rests ultimately with the people.

The legislature is bi-cameral and consists of an Upper House or Rajya Sabha consisting of 250 members, of whom 12 are nominated by the President of India and the rest elected. It is not subject to dissolution, one-third of its members retiring at the end of every second year. Elections to the Council are indirect. The Lower House or Lok Sabha consists of 545 members. Of these, 530 are directly elected from the 25 States and 13 from the seven Union Territories. Two members are nominated. Unless dissolved sooner, the term of the House is five years from the date appointed for its first meeting.

The Executive: The President of India is the Head of the State and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He is elected by an electoral college composed of members of both the Houses of Parliament (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) and the legislatures of the nation's constituent States. The President holds office for five years and can be re-elected. The President does not normally exercise any constitutional powers on his own initiative. These are exercised by the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, which is responsible to the elected Parliament.

The Judiciary: The judiciary is independent of the executive. It is the guardian and interpreter of the Constitution. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial tribunal, positioned at the apex of a single unified system for the whole country. Each State has its own High Court. A uniform code of civil and criminal laws applies to the whole country.

The States: The States have their own Legislative Assemblies and in certain cases a second Chamber. All members of the Legislative Assemblies are elected by universal adult franchise. The Head of the States are called Governors. Appointed by the President, they normally exercise the same powers in the States as the President does at the Union government level. As in the Central Government, each State has a Cabinet headed by the Chief Minister responsible to the elected State Legislature.

Election Commission: The electoral machinery is centralized in an independent statutory body called the Election Commission. The Commission is responsible for the 'superintendence, direction and control' of the electoral rolls for all elections to Parliament and to the State Legislatures and also for conducting the elections.

Q: I am a social studies student in Canada and have been asked a question that I thought you could help me out with, so here is my question: How effective has the United Nations been in maintaining peace and security in the world? Thanks so much. (Ben, 19, Canada) What are the implications of the recent US-Iraq war to the continued existence of the United Nations and what can we do as member countries to ensure its relevance? (MB, 18, Nigeria) What is the UN for, if the United States was able to go to war anyway? (Natalie, 17, Chile) Do you think that the Security Council has been diminished because of the war? (Silvia, 21, Peru)

A: With regard to how effective the UN is, you should see some of the answers I have already provided earlier about specific issues covered in earlier sections. I believe that the UN has been effective especially in the developmental field and has been an enormous force for good in the world. Even in the political area, if the UN has failed to perform, it has been due to the political interests of the powerful nations of the world. This is not to find fault with them but to sound a note of realism. Ultimately the United Nations can only be as forceful and effective as its members allow it to be. The reality of the present situation is that the UN is not given credit where it has taken effective action and is often blamed for the ills of the world. This is manifestly unfair to the organization.

Q: Dear Ambassador Nambiar, my name is Rachel. I go to St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Brisbane, Australia. My hobbies are netball which I play every Saturday and I like to play with my little sister and friends too. I have a question: How can we stop so many siblings from being killed in war? We all have faith in the UN but is it really working now? (Rachel, 11, Australia) I think the United Nations is a good idea, but is it really working? (Claudia, 11, Australia)

A: Please see my answer above.