II. CREATING A CULTURE OF
PEACE: Banner of Peace Ð Manifesto
2000
III.
FROM GRASSROOTS TO GLOBAL: the
power of thinking small
IV.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE PLIGHT OF
REFUGEES
V.
INTERNATIONAL DISTINCTION TO
THE UNESCO CHAIR OF THE ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI
VI.
GOVERNING GLOBALISATION :
Issues and Institutions
VII.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE MASS
SUICIDE Ð statement by Mary Lou Cook
VIII. COOPERATION IS A TWO-WAY STREET Ð by Keith Suter
IX.
2003 Ð INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF
FRESHWATER
X.
GREAT INVOCATION Ð in English
and Swedish
If there is anything
that is becoming clearer in todayÕs chaotic, confused and mistrusting world, it
could be that nothing any longer can be judged by its appearance or categorized
by what it seems to be. And the contours between fact and fiction are becoming
ever harder to tell. This at the same time as issues of human and planetary
concern seem to draw us closer together, demanding our individual as well as
collective attention..
The shadow of terrorism looms high over us all, descending
in ever shifting shapes into our neighbourhoods, defying definition and hiding
in unexpected places.
But when terrorists strike, unlawfully violating a
countryÕs or a personÕs space with murderous intent, and when governments or
persons responding in kind are also breaking internationally agreed codes of
conduct, causing similar human suffering Ð people everywhere must wonder what
the future will bring.
Terrorism in all its
shapes and forms, whether on domestic or international levels, is not merely
unlawful and criminal, but is also an assault on the dignity of the human
spirit and despoiling our culture. No wonder that one of the characteristics of
a terrorist has always been the deliberate dehumanization of the opponent so as
to justify and ease the way for any immoral and illegal course of action or
retribution.
Today governments are
seeking to polarize humanity into two camps through the simple but very
effective means of inclusion or exclusion. But humanity at large seems
reluctant to oblige. As a human family we feel responsible for our tragically
misguided sons and daughters. And while having little or no sympathy for
terrorism of any description, people are expressing more understanding of the
connection between the deep-running resentments, the violence, intolerance and
disrespect for human rights experienced in every society, which Ð all fanned by
the fires of frustration and hopelessness - can result in desperate acts of
destruction and self-destruction.
There is a growing
public feeling that perhaps these heinous attacks on people and their places of
living and working mark the end of an era. That it is fully possible that we
stand on the threshold of a new civilization which embraces all cultures and
peoples as equals, upheld by domestic and international lawfulness and
conscience, and in which globalisation has come to mean a sense of wholeness.
Although fighting
terrorism by military might and muscle could be deemed necessary, it is not a
remedy, and many people throughout the world are choosing a path of
reconstruction, understanding and healing of all relationships Ð bringing into
being a new civilization.
II. CREATING A CULTURE OF PEACE
Banner of Peace Ð Manifesto 2000
ÓHandspanÓ is the name of a large sculpture created to symbolize a culture of
peace in the New Zealand city of Wanganui. Peace Through Unity initiated and
fundraised for this Culture of Peace project. The sculpture was designed by
local artist and potter Ross Mitchell-Anyon and, on the 21st September 2002,
dedicated by the Governor-General of New Zealand, the Honourable Dame Silvia
Cartwright to Òa culture of peace and non-violence for the children of the
worldÓ.
Preparing for and the building of this unique, interactive work of art, has taken almost exactly two years. The ÒHandspanÓ design was chosen from among other entries to a culture of peace sculpture design competition. This impressive structure is approximately 20m in diameter and 3 meters high and consists of a double-spiral pathway on which one can walk to the top. On each side of the pathway are walls covered with more than 4000 clay hand casts, made mostly from hands of community members of all ages, although some hand casts from outside Wanganui have also been included. Approximately 50 hand casts made in glass (by Wanganui UCOL glass studio), are also placed on the walls, through which a fibre-optic lighting system illumines the path way of the sculpture at night.
Apart from the gathering, making and firing of the thousands of hand casts, which has involved the work of many volunteers, the construction of the sizeable structure itself has required the skills and expertise Ð and often the ingenuity Ð of many other crafts people. Engineers and architects, construction workers, electricians, plumbers and plasterers and others, under the supervision of master-builder Jamie OÕLeary, all made invaluable contributions to the completion of the sculpture. Community involvement, cooperation and generosity are the qualities that have given life and meaning to this culture of peace work of art.
The sculpture stands on public land donated by the Regional District Council Ð on a hill at the heart of Wanganui, steeped in the history of the Maori and early Settlers.
On 20 December 2002, a coffee-table type of book, published by Peace Through Unity, was launched which describes the process of building the sculpture and tells about the people involved in the project.
It also mentions some of the visionaries who helped initiate the idea of a culture in which all cultures can stand united for peace, and prompted the UN General Assembly to pronounce 2001-2010 the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.
The book, called ÒWanganui Culture of Peace Ð
2002Ó, begins with a statement by Peace Through
Unity saying: ÒThrough this book we have sought to express our thankfulness
to the One Life pulsating through all creation, each heartbeat offering new
opportunities for learning and growing and loving together; the dream carried
in the heart of humanity not even a breath away Ð its realization in our
handsÓ.
It is now truly up to us, the worldÕs peoples, to
resolve to work together for the emergence of an assembly of peoples and
cultures Ð for peace.
(Hard copies of this book can be obtained from Operation Peace Through Unity and will be sent on request. To recover printing cost and costs of posting and packaging a donation of US$30 would be much appreciated)
In September 1999 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2001-2010 the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.
We Ð all of us Ð must become involved and work together for such a culture to come about. A sense of unity Ð within which all cultural, religious and racial differences are recognized and respected Ð must be established as the firm foundation on which a culture of peace can be built..
Great visionaries within humanity have already begun this work and provided us with tools and inspiration on which to build.
In 1935 the historical ÒRoerich PactÓ, with its symbol the ÒBanner of PeaceÓ, was signed by the official representatives of the USA and all members of the Pan-American Union.
This pact asks that all educational, artistic and scientific institutions, together with all the people working within these fields of human endeavour, will forever be protected in times of upheaval and warfare, and that the banner be displayed as a sign of the neutrality and commitment to peaceful co-existence of all places of culture.
Nicholas Roerich envisioned that the day would come when people, from childhood onwards, would Òwitness that there exists not only a flag for human health (the red cross flag) but also there is a sign of peace and culture for the health of the spiritÓ. He hoped and believed that this banner would be unfurled over all centers of spirit, beauty and knowledge, summoning Òthe conscience of men to the protection of that which in essence belongs not to one nation alone, but to the entire world and constitutes the real pride of the human race.Ó
The symbol on the Banner of Peace Ð three spheres surrounded by a circle Ð is an ancient one, used by cultures throughout the world. Recently this symbol has been used in connection with Peace Through UnityÕs Culture of Peace Sculpture Project, completed September 2002 in the New Zealand city of Wanganui.
The large illustrated book describing the Peace Sculpture project outlines Nicholas RoerichÕs vision and concludes with the question: ÒCan we not hope that this sacred symbol, touching so many cultures throughout human history, may be revived in the international decade for a culture of peace and non-violence for the children of the world and come to stand for an assembly of races and cultures Ð for peace?Ó
The book also refers to Manifesto 2000, a pledge formulated by the Nobel Peace Prize winners, which to
date has been signed by some 75 million people worldwide. Through signing the
pledge, which in its simplicity comprises every aspect of our complex global
community, a commitment is made to: respect all life; reject violence;
share with others; listen to understand; preserve the planet; rediscover
solidarity.
On the foundation of this pledge all our many efforts, campaigns, projects and strivings towards building a better, fairer and more enlightened world can be united. And this unity could be made visible through the banner, carrying a symbol which has been used by humanity throughout the ages Ð a unity through which each endeavour will be strengthened.
Peace through UnityÕs proposal is that:
to display the banner of peace as a visible symbol of unity of purpose:
ÒI/we (individual/organization/institutionÉ) hereby resolve to promote actively, consistently, and in every way possible the creation of a culture of peace, built upon the foundation of right human relations and the basic oneness of all life.
In accordance with Manifesto 2000, I/we (individual/organization/institutionÉ) make the solemn pledge to:
respect all life; reject violence; share with others; listen to understand; preserve the planet; and rediscover solidarity. Ò
Peace Through Unity invites cooperation and
welcomes any thoughts, comments and suggestions.
In the ÒGreenpaperÓ the Economics Institute seeks to explain the basic idea behind its proposal for helping economically disenfranchised people the world over through using the image of a beautiful resilient plant, setting down firm and healthy roots Òin the tiniest sidewalk crackÓ. Likewise the Institute will find and identify a ÒcrackÓ in the economic system and then demonstrate how economic strength can Òspring from the smallest nicheÓ.
As evidence that this simple model works, the Economics Institute describes in some detail its flagship project, the Crescent City Farmers Market. Having first identified a ÒcrackÓ, namely the lack of a direct market mechanism for local growers to sell to local consumers, this farmers market was created, which now offers local growers in the Greater New Orleans region three opportunities weekly to sell their produce directly to New Orleans consumers.
The ÒGreenpaperÓ discussed the difference between the so-called Ògrass-root modelÓ and the top-down economic development and poverty reduction programmes which can sometimes bypass or even harm the people they aim to assist. Top-down development models may for instance insist on indigenous farmers accepting genetically engineered seeds from a giant conglomerate Òfrom whom they then must purchase fertilizer and pesticides to produce a crop that can only be sold at the price the conglomerate names to the conglomerate itselfÓ. It is no surprise that this type of aid more often than not ends up benefitting the conglomerate first and the local growers last Ð if at all.
By contrast the model proposed by the Economics Institute, called the Òorganic gearÓ model, will involve the local stakeholders, through looking into:
The Economics Institute together with the New Orleans chapter of Bread for the World has created the Global Network for Justice.
Contact: Global Network for Justice, Loyola University New Orleans, 7214 St. Charles Ave, Box 907 New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
IV. A Glimpse into the
Plight of Refugees
The desperate plight of a group of Colombian Refugees in Costa Rica, a country noted for its relatively good human rights record, nevertheless calls for attention because, although only about a thousand in number, their suffering and treatment may well typify that being experience by millions of refugees worldwide. According to 2002 figures, there are approximately 50 million uprooted people around the world Ð refugees seeking safety in another country as well as people displaced within their own country. And 75-80 per cent of these are women and girls.
Costa Rica has signed up to many different conventions and international agreements regarding the treatment and human rights of refugees. The UN High Commission is actually based in San Jose. Yet the very basic human rights of these refugees are being denied them.
Radio for Peace International, based in Costa Rica, has taken up their cause, claiming that the discrimination against them on the part of the Costa Rican authorities is no longer tolerable and have published a detailed account highlighting their treatment and inviting a response from the public.
The report mentions an interview with a 67 year old grandmother, who for years has lived in Costa Rica, revealing that she has never received the right to health care. Women applying for appointments to have their qualifications recognized so that they can obtain work are being told: Òthere is nothing for you here. Why donÕt you go into prostitution?Ó
Although 170 countries have signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, such an attitude is not uncommon in many places. One in five women worldwide are victims of rape, more than half of these girls under 16.
The refugees complain that the High Commission for Refugees is allocated funds for the specific purpose of ensuring their well-being, but the funds are not being distributed
The Association for the Defense of the Human Rights of Colombian Refugees are appealing through Radio for Peace International for e-mails to be sent to Ruud Lubbers c/- Alto Comisionado para los Refugiados: lubbers@unhcr.ch , requesting the High Commission to play its part in protecting the refugees and to ensure that their rights under the conventions are upheld.
Peace Through Unity hopes this course of action will lead to improvement in the treatment of the Colombian refugees but also will send a message to other countries where the treatment of refugees urgently needs to be improved.
Radio for Peace International began 13 years ago, initially operating in an area Òlittle bigger than a closerÓ. Fulfilling a long-term vision they today have offices and studios and a high-powered short wave transmitter capable of providing a quality signal with 24 hour programming to their listeners. RFPI claims to have trained over 300 peace journalists in the areas of human rights, social justice and environmental reporting.
Contact: RFPI, POB 75, Cuidad Colon, San
Jose, Costa Rica, Central America.
E-mail info@rfpi.org or rfpiradio@yahoo.com website www.rfpi.org and click on Pay Pal icon.
V. International Distinction to the
UNESCO Chair of the
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
Greece
The
UNESCO Chair on Education for Human Rights and Peace of the Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki, Greece, has recently received the UNITWIN/UNESCO
Chairs Award for its outstanding and multidimensional activities.
The
abovementioned distinction was awarded to a small number of UNESCO Chairs
throughout the world, during the 1st World Forum of UNESCO Chairs
(Paris, November 2002) for the celebration of the 10th Anniversary
(1992-2002) of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme.
It
is worth noting that the UNESCO Chair of the A.U.Th. was the only awarded Chair in the field of Education for
Human Rights and Peace. The Award was received by the Director of the UNESCO
Chair, Professor Dimitra Papadopoulou.
In
the Presentation Ceremony of the UNESCO Awards, it was stressed that the UNESCO
Chair at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki illustrates the great
potential of Higher Education Òto construct peace in the minds of men and
womenÓ, according to the constitutional
mission of UNESCO. Emphasis is also laid on the UNESCO ChairÕs capacity to
activate and involve a significant number of academics, teachers and students
in its various programmes and activities. Furthermore, the ChairÕs ability to
cooperate closely with the academic community both at national and
international levels, as well as with IGOs (UNICEF in particular) and NGOs, is
of major importance. The UNESCO Chair of the Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki is described as Òan active and substantial contributor to
UNESCOÕs related programmesÓ.
Some Information on the UNESCO Chair
The UNESCO Chair on
Education for Human Rights and Peace of the Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki, was founded in the beginning of 1997 by a bilateral Agreement
between UNESCO and the Aristotle University.
The purpose of the UNESCO Chair is Òto promote
an integrated system of research, training, information and documentation activities
in the field of human rights, peace and democracy at local, sub-regional and
regional levelÓ.
The activities of the UNESCO
Chair are designed according to the spirit of:
i) the U.N. Decade for Human Rights
Education, 1995-2004
ii)
the
Τransdisciplinary Project of UNESCO ÒTowards a
Culture of PeaceÓ
iii) the International Decade for a
Culture of Peace and Non Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010
The UNESCO Chair of the A.U.Th. maintains a profile of academic-educational as well as community-oriented activities. Academic activities include an undergraduate and a graduate course, whereas those community oriented involve specific actions ranging from training courses, conferences and seminars to cultural events (art exhibitions, concerts, theatre etc.).
Through its activities, the ÒChairÓ attempts to sensitise as many Target Groups as possible, from University Professors and Schoolteachers of Primary and Secondary Education, to students, pupils and to youth in general, military officers and the public at large.
From the beginning, the ÒChairÓ has adopted an interdisciplinary / pluridisciplinary approach in all its activities by making use of the expertise and knowledge of University Professors from all disciplines and University Schools.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and other Universities of the country have wholeheartedly responded to the ÒChairÕsÓ invitation, supporting its target actions by teaching and contributing voluntarily whenever this is required.
Since its establishment, the UNESCO Chair of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki adopted a tactic of cooperating with all the Schools of the A.U.Th., with other Greek Universities, IGOs (UNICEF, UN International Centre - Athens), NGOs (Amnesty International, Doctors Without Frontiers, Doctors of the World, Organisation Mondiale pour l' Education Prescolaire, etc.), with the Greek Army, with teachers of primary and secondary education, artists, etc. Due to the above mentioned cooperations, the activities of the UNESCO Chair have always had a significant impact on the academic community as well as the intellectual and cultural life of Greece on issues related to Education for Human Rights and Peace and to the Culture of Peace.
Throughout its six-year existence (1997-2003), the UNESCO Chair of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, has continuously worked with full devotion for the promotion of the values-components of the Culture of Human Rights and Peace and for the construction of defenses of Peace in the minds of men and women.
Activities
During the period 1997 - 2002, the UNESCO Chair has been engaged in the following activities:
v
Interfaculty, Interdisciplinary
Academic Programme on Education for Human Rights and Peace
(Undergraduate level - Title:ÒContemporary
World Problems and the Scientist's Responsibility: an Interdisciplinary
ApproachÓ)
The Programme is designed and
directed by the UNESCO Chairholder
Professor Dimitra Papadopoulou. It is offered to
undergraduate
students of almost all Schools of the A.U.Th. Since 1997 more than 40
Professors from 19 Faculties have given lectures on 55 different topics, such
as Non-violence and peace research * Xenophobia, Racism, Social
Exclusion
* The rights and protection of political refugees * Chemical Weapons and its
consequences
etc. Around 1200 students
have enrolled and attended the Programme since 1997.
v
European MasterÕs Degree Programme
in Human Rights and Democratisation
The ÒChairÓ participates in this
programme since 1998, representing Greece through the Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki. UNESCO and UNICEF Officials and Professors from 4 Schools of the
A.U.Th. have taught in the Programme.
v
National Network of Schoolteachers
for a Culture of Peace and Non Violence
Created in 2001, the Network directs its activities towards the
promotion of the
values of the UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme, according to the UNESCO
Manifesto 2000
for a Culture of Peace and Non Violence and other UN/UNESCO Resolutions. Since
1998, the UNESCO Chair, through its programme Education for Human Rights and
Peace in Schools
in collaboration with the Institute of Education for Peace, organises Educational
Interventions in
Schools in order to sensitise pupils on basic concepts of Human Rights and
Peace.
v
Collaboration
with the Greek Armed Forces
Since 1998, the Higher School of War (MA Degree level, Thessaloniki) and the School of National Defence (Ph.D. level, Athens) invite the UNESCO Chairholder, Professor Dimitra Papadopoulou, to give lectures on topics concerning the Culture of Human Rights and Peace to high ranking officers of the Greek Army.
v
Conferences, Symposia, Cultural
Events
The UNESCO Chair has
organised
two International Conferences and one Pan-Hellenic Conference, on the topics:
Ò50 years of the Universal Declaration of Human RightsÓ (1998), ÒTowards a Culture of
Human Rights and Peace Ð The Role of UniversitiesÓ (1999), ÒThe Role of Teachers
in the Culture of Human Rights and PeaceÓ (2001).
The UNESCO Chair also organised two
Symposia: ÒYouth for a Culture of PeaceÓ (1998) and Ò2000 Ð
International Year for a Culture of PeaceÓ (2000), and several cultural
events: Concerts, Painting exhibitions, Documents Exhibition on ChildrenÕs
Rights etc.
Plans for the future
The UNESCO Chair plans to expand its activities in the coming years. More specifically, the Chair plans
¬ to create a Network of Greek Universities which will offer programmes of courses related to the Culture of Peace, so that the Education for Human Rights and Peace be introduced to the Curricula of other Greek Universities in addition to the A.U.Th.
¬ to launch a Mediterranean Summer School on Education for Human Rights and Peace
¬ to initiate a Post-Graduate Programme of Study in the above-mentioned field.
VI. GOVERNING
GLOBALISATION:
Issues and Institutions
ÒGoverning
Globalisation: Issues and InstitutionsÓ is the title of a two-year study,
conducted by the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the
United Nations University.
The study finds that
there is an urgent need for reform of the United Nations system as well as the
Bretton Woods institutions, stressing that changes and events in the world
since these institutions were created Ð in particular in the last decade Ð have
eroded their credibility and effectiveness.
The response of the
international community and the UN system to humanitarian crises, such as
helping refugees, peace keeping and supporting reconstruction, has been Òad
hoc, inadequate, or simply not forthcomingÓ. Furthermore, insists the report,
there is no system in place for taking care of or preventing Òcomplex
humanitarian emergenciesÓ.
The policy brief offers
many suggestions for reforming the United Nations, pointing out that crises
should be welcomed as Òcatalysts for changeÓ. The Security CouncilÕs membership
should be increased, and the five permanent membersÕ veto powers be ÒcircumscribedÓ. It also calls for the establishment of
a volunteer peace force to provide a prompt, collective security response
whenever emergencies arise.
The study calls for the
creation of an Economic Security Council, which should govern globalisation and
act as Òan international regulatory authorityÓ.
Without effective international coordination Òinternational public
ÒbadsÓ (such as international crime, or international trade in drugs, arms, organs
and people) are bound to increase while public ÒgoodsÓ (such as world peace and
sustainable development) are most likely to decreaseÓ.
The study identifies
what it believes to be two fundamental flaws in the performance of the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund:
The editor and
co-author of this important policy brief, Deepak Nayyar, says that the time has
come to Òreform reformersÓ, to re-think conditionality and to dispense with
the standardized package of policies. Because, says the co-author, Òone size
does not fit allÓ.
Governing Globalisation
furthermore calls for the establishment of a Global Peoples Assembly, running
parallel to the General Assembly, modeled after the European Parliament.
Contact: Ara Kazandjian,Media and Public Relations, World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations Universityl
Katajanokanlaituri 6 B, 00160 Helsinki,
Finland.
e-mail ara@wider.unu.edu
website: www.wider.unu.edu
_____________________________
VII. NUCLEAR WEAPONS ARE MASS SUICIDE -
statement by Mary Lou Cook
ÒMankind is on the brink of self-annihilation. Nuclear weaponry is humanityÕs absolute urgent issue! Any thinking person has to be deeply concerned with this instrument of death. In full scale nuclear war, its destructive capacity could kill almost everyone. For unlucky survivors, everything left would be lethal, with agonies of disease, poisons in the air and water, complete absence of medical care, on and on. And the hopeless sense of a civilization destroyed for nothing, knowing that we could have prevented it and did not.
These dangers are known, but so depressing that we are in denial and donÕt wish to face them. If we had a realistic sense of the actual consequences, we would be more willing to confront our leaders re their continual support of nuclear terror. Billions, nay trillions are spent, nations competing with one another in stockpiling, testing and improving weapons systems. It is insanity to continue with this madness. Yet itÕs never too late to change, even though itÕs 11:55 on the nuclear clock.
Where is the justification and common sense for this huge build-up to kill people? Have we learned anything from the endless, devastating history of warfare? War solves nothing. We see no other possibility for sustained life on our planetary home without the positive, social and healing force of peace. We long for this with all our hearts.
There is another way. Nuclear disarmament and peace are the signposts toward the path of a brighter human condition that is life giving, rather than life taking. Senator Dennis Kucinich of Ohio suggests a national Department of Peace, wherein we can through conscious efforts change the context of our existence from peril to peace.
This is appropriate work for the human family, of people demanding that governments put down their weapons and respond in this crisis to protect the planet. Now is the time for new thinking, to organize and achieve both nuclear disarmament and peace. Kucinich has a practical vision for peace, indeed he is the wise leader we have been waiting for. Look him up at http://www.house.gov/kucinich/action/peace.htm Ò
Mary Lou has initiated a campaign for the
establishment of a New Mexico Department of Peace.
Contact: Bishop Mary Lou Cook, 321 Calle Loma Norte, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Tel: 505/083-2894 Ð Fax: 505/983-5828
.
VIII. COOPERATION IS A TWO-WAY
STREET
The following article, sent to us by Keith Suter, first appeared in The Canberra Times, Friday 5 July, 2002, under the title: ÒUS needs to help UN to do its jobÓ
The Bush Administration is in favour of law and order at home Ð but not evidently overseas. The United States has taken its opposition to the new International Criminal Court a step further by trying to block an extension of the UN peacekeeping operation in Bosnia.
There are two immediate concerns. First, will the US be hostile to all UN peacekeeping operations, or just those in which American forces are deployed? If it is the latter, then this is not a major problem because the US is not a major supplier of personnel to UN operations. The US prefers to mount the operations that it will run itself (such as Afghanistan). A poor country like Pakistan has supplied more forces to the UN than the US.
Meanwhile at the military operational level, the antics of politicians do not count for much. The US has not accepted the Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions dealing with international conflicts and the treaty banning land mines. But Allied defence personnel and Amerian personnel have found ways to continue their military cooperation regardless. AmericaÕs non-involvement in the court will not be a problem at the operational level.
But if the US takes its blanket opposition to the court to be a blanket opposition to all UN peacekeeping operations, then this will be a major problem. There are about 15 UN operations under way around the world at present. Given the increasing fragmentation of countries, we can expect that other operations will have to be mounted. But other governments may decide not to offer personnel to the UN if there is a risk that they will be enmeshed in a dispute over the court.
Looking to the longer term, the dispute over the court creates three problems. First, what is the US actually worried about? Many international lawyers still remain unclear as to what is the fear of the US about the International Criminal Court. America says that it is worried that its personnel could be brought before the court. But the treaty makes it clear that the court will not be able to handle a case that is being, or has been, investigated by the country concerned. Presumably the US will always investigate allegations of war crimes committed by its own personnel itself, and so what is it worried about?
AmericaÕs opposition to the court may be more a matter of domestic political considerations overshadowing foreign policy. Being seen as aggressive towards the UN may be a good vote-getter at home, but it is a poor way for the worldÕs superpower to run its foreign policy.
Second, is there any treaty that President Bush likes? He has opposed a string of them, with this court treaty and the Kyoto Protocol on climate change being only the most recent examples. On the one hand, the US expects countries to rally around and help it in its war on terrorism, but on the other hand the US does not want to play its part in developing the international legal order.
Third, there is the worry that the US has a longer-term policy of opposing international cooperation because, with the end of the Cold War, it now has a policy of aggressive unilateralism. Other than the war on terrorism, the US has evidently decided that it does not need close allies. It can browbeat countries into accepting its view.
However, some countries have not accepted that dominance quite so easily. On the Bosnian vote, for example, Britain and France have disagreed with the US. Even quiet little Australia has its moments: it is one of the vast majority of countries that vote in the General Assembly each year for the US to end its unilateral sanctions against Cuba. Only Israel and Uzbekistan support the United States over Cuba.
Therefore, AmericaÕs allies need to make it explicitly clear that international cooperation Ð such as over the war on terrorism Ð is a two-way street. If the US wants support then it has to be equally willing to work with them in promoting the international legal order.
Dr Keith Suter is a Senior Fellow at Global Business Network
Australia.
e-mail kdsuter@wesleymission.org.au
IX. 2003 Ð INTERNATIONAL
YEAR OF FRESHWATER
During this year all UN member states, the entire UN system and all major groups are encouraged to raise public awareness of the essential importance of Freshwater resources Òfor satisfying basic human needs, for health and food production and the preservation of ecosystems, and for economic and social development in generalÓ
One of the major conferences of the year, the Third World Water Forum, will be held in Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka, Japan, from 16 to 23 March.
Several important publications will be launched on
this occasion. Among these are: the ÒWORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORTÓ, prepared
by the UN system; two volumes of the ÒENCYCLOPAEDIA OF LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMSÓ
released by UNESCO, and UNICEF, who has prepared much material including
child-friendly versions of key documents,
is also co-organising with children and young people the ChildrenÕs
World Water Forum at Kyoto, which will include a panel discussion on the theme
Òchildren and young people as stakeholders in water and sanitation sectorÓ.
In the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the UN member states resolved to halve (by 2015) the proportion of people who are unable to reach or to afford safe drinking water; to stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources by developing water management strategies and to promote both equitable access and adequate supplies.
In the material provided by the United Nations to help raise public awareness on the central role water, freshwater in particular, plays in all our lives, we are reminded that Ð although 70 per cent of the worldÕs surface is covered by water, only 2.5 per cent is freshwater, of which 70 percent is frozen in ice caps. The remainder is present as soil moisture, which leaves less than one per cent of the worldÕs freshwater resources accessible for human use.
While space probes are searching for water on other planets as the first and foremost sign of life, we here on earth tend to forget, ignore or take for granted this essential resource on which all life depends. Perhaps it is high time we are all reminded of its importance. Yet 1.1 billion people lack access to safe water at the same time as others are wasting it needlessly. 2003 International Year of Freshwater is urging us all to use this precious commodity wisely.
.
X. THE GREAT INVOCATION
From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let Light descend on Earth.
From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men
May Christ return to Earth.
From the centre where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men Ð
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.
From the centre which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light and Love and Power restore the plan on
Earth.
