Virgin Unite

Virgin Unite is the independent non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group – uniting people and entrepreneurial ideas to create opportunities for a better world.

[The Elders @TheElders]

Violations of international law have devastating consequences for the world’s most vulnerable people.

Following their board meeting in Nairobi, the Elders urge leaders across all sectors of society to defend international rule of law and the values and principles of the UN Charter on which it is based.

Click 'Show more' to read the statement in full:

Major powers are violating the international rule of law and systematically undermining multilateral institutions. The most vulnerable people are paying the highest price in terms of lives lost to conflict, and disruptions to vital food, fertiliser and energy supplies.

The aggression launched by the USA and Israel against Iran has plunged the Middle East into instability. Iran has long committed grave crimes against its own people, while its retaliatory blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – and Israel’s attacks against Lebanon – constitute further violations of international law.

The backdrop to today’s crisis is one of corrosive leadership decisions over many decades, from the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and the West Bank.

The international order created in 1945 rested on a foundational commitment: that no state, however powerful, has the right to wage aggressive war or use force except in conformity with the UN Charter.

Today, this commitment is under sustained assault by the very powers who were supposed to be its guarantors.

Major powers invoke international law selectively against adversaries while disregarding it in their own conduct or that of their allies, including through the repeated use of the veto that is eroding the UN Security Council.

With every successive violation we drift further from the values and principles of the UN Charter. Others feel emboldened to violate laws and rights themselves, knowing that there is no credible global referee. Every failure to respond normalises the unacceptable.

The consequences are visceral: the girls killed when their school is bombed, the mothers raped in front of their children, the hospitals, health workers and journalists deliberately targeted by state forces, and the judges and lawyers intimidated and murdered into silence.

As we meet in Nairobi at the same time as African leaders, we are acutely aware of the horrific conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All parties to these wars, including Rwanda with its forces’ incursion into the DRC, and the multiple foreign sponsors of the two sides in Sudan, are responsible for atrocities against civilians, including rampant sexual violence.

The scale of war crimes and suffering is outrageous. Leaders who believe in the rule of law must speak with one voice to insist that rights are respected, and those who abuse them are held to account.

International rule of law is not an abstraction. It is distilled from some of the bloodiest chapters of recent human history. It also underpins all our daily lives in countless unseen ways: our ability to travel, trade, use telecommunications networks and live in security and dignity.

All sectors of society thus have a responsibility to step up and defend the international rule of law, including politicians, multilateral institutions, business leaders, trade unions and civil society coalitions.

History teaches us that a world defined by “might is right” always ends in disaster.

As Presidents Xi and Trump meet, they and all leaders must act urgently to restore the primacy of the rule of law and protect one of humanity’s greatest political achievements: peaceful coexistence governed by law rather than force.

Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chair of The Elders

Graça Machel, Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, Co-founder and Deputy Chair of The Elders

Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the WHO

Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former head of the UN Development Programme

Elbegdorj Tsakhia, former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Hina Jilani, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and co-chair of the Taskforce on Justice

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate

Denis Mukwege, physician and human rights advocate, Nobel Peace Laureate

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico

https://t.co/LdYGTG2tBj

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

Hurricane Melissa has destroyed homes, flooded communities and left thousands displaced. In response, Virgin has been supporting relief efforts for those worst affected. Learn more here: https://t.co/TRpInQNysw

[Project Dandelion @projdandelion]

Did you know that women smallholder farmers feed the world — but receive less than 1% of climate finance? That’s not just a funding gap, it’s a $1 trillion missed opportunity.

When given access to resources, women farmers deliver results. In India, women have become leaders in bamboo cultivation, creating climate-resilient, long-term livelihoods out of barren, depleted land.

Visit https://t.co/bvtFiMcK8M and use the widget to tell leaders at COP30 to invest where the impact is greatest.

@IFAD @gatesfoundation @hellowrthy

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

“Smart criminal justice reforms aren’t about politics – they’re about our shared values of fairness, safety, and opportunity." - Joshua Wiese.

Here's a closer look at the business case for rehabilitation: Lessons from San Quentin - https://t.co/vQPK71yAwJ

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

.@richardbranson sat down with @ChloeMelas from @NBCNews to discuss the devastating impact landmines are having on Ukrainian soldiers and what he hopes visitors will take away from the @superhumans_com exhibit in NYC this week: https://t.co/rKiagmq2WB

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

The U.N. Must Listen to President Zelensky and Ukraine. From calls for accountability to amplifying Ukrainian voices, @RichardBranson’s @TIME article is a rallying cry for global action: https://t.co/x9SzGXxXWQ

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

This UN General Assembly, join @superhumans_com in New York City to experience and learn more about the Three Second Goodbye.
Visit us at 262 Mott Street, New York, NY 10012
Tues 23rd September 10am - 6pm / Weds 24th September 11am - 6pm

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

At Virgin Unite, we believe that boardrooms should be as human as they are strategic. The latest paper from 100% Human at Work lays out six powerful levers that can transform board culture and governance to be more equitable, resilient, and purpose driven: https://t.co/wNXVLRZefi

[Richard Branson @richardbranson]

The death penalty is bad business for California. Very compelling piece by Matthew Stepka highlighting why Governor Newsom should commute his state’s death sentences: https://t.co/olF9dxT4Ql

[Richard Branson @richardbranson]

(1/5) The humanitarian response movement is underfunded, overstretched and under attack: https://t.co/eRZpjMnwJR

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

On the day the war began in Ukraine, Olena’s leg was torn off by shrapnel from a bomb. She now shares her story and plea to the world: "People in every country must come together, help and believe - so that Ukraine stands." https://t.co/mX9PGKsxvO

[Richard Branson @richardbranson]

Russia and Ukraine must seek a proper framework for talks, says Juan Manuel Santos, chair of @TheElders:
https://t.co/KSmIzL3IbQ

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

The team from Virgin Unite was so proud to help @RichardBranson and @OleksandrUsyk launch Ukraine: Defending Freedom – a powerful new campaign supporting @Superhumans: https://t.co/1K5IAFa7UB

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

Virgin Unite is supporting Project Pure Hope – an extraordinary initiative by a coalition of UK healthcare leaders and humanitarians - all working to provide life-saving medical care and support to children who are unable to receive the care they need where they are.

[Richard Branson @richardbranson]

Over recent months, the situation in #Gaza has gone from dire to unimaginable. Project Pure Hope provides a way to respond to the immediate need of innocent children: https://t.co/JgWm2dOLRV

[Tent Partnership for Refugees @TentOrg]

This #WorldRefugeeWeek, @TentOrg is honoring the resilience, talent, & drive of refugees around the world – and the companies that are opening their doors to them.

See how this work is transforming lives and workplaces across the Americas & Europe. 🌎🫶🌍

#WorldRefugeeDay

[UNITED24 @U24_gov_ua]

For 3 years, UNITED24 has been a community, uniting people worldwide around Ukraine’s freedom. Together, we have raised $1,447,374,749 to support Ukraine. We’re proud and grateful for each and every one of you💙💛
Thank you for walking this road with us!
https://t.co/xZZMGNyDIT

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

Two young girls have been safely evacuated from Gaza - and have arrived in the UK for urgent medical care. Behind this moment is Project Pure Hope - a coalition of NHS clinicians, lawyers and partners. Learn more here: //virg.in/4m3KTDV

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

The world of work is evolving - and with it, a powerful opportunity to reimagine work centred on humanity.
Through the 100% #HumanAtWork network, we’re bringing businesses together to build a future where people thrive. Join this movement and help us change work - for good

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

Over the past 20 years, the Virgin Unite Constellation has united business leaders, entrepreneurs and philanthropists to co-create solutions for the world's toughest challenges. Enjoy the story of how the network formed & how it continues to drive change https://t.co/lZo1Upx1at

[Virgin Unite @VirginUnite]

Help us shape a new vision for mental health in the workplace. By sharing your experiences, insights, and ideas, you’ll help us identify where the system is falling short and build solutions that work for everyone https://t.co/PFQmvI2ZhD 100%#HumanAtWork @MQmentalhealth