The lack of progress in the rural standard of living and the lack of jobs for youth had led to growing unease. Blaise Compaoré's proposal to change the term limits set in the Constitution was the issue which set fire to the discontent a year ago.
It is certain that there are no easy solutions to the problem of mass exodus. There will have to be complex changes in attitudes and values so that we see ourselves as citizens of the world with a joint responsibility to care for and protect the seven billion on the planet.
In 2011 the United Nations General Assembly established July 30 as the International Day of Friendship. The day was to be a continuation of the themes of dialogue and mutual understanding proposed in the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
The violent presidential election in Burundi highlights the need for UN election-monitoring services. On the eve of the July 21st presidential election, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs warded that “The grave danger the country faces should not be underestimated, given the increasing polarization and the apparent choice of Burundian leaders to put personal interest before those of the country.”
On July 3, 2015, the concluding day of its summer session, the UN Human Rights Council welcomed the report of the “Gaza Conflict Commission of Inquiry” which indicated that the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups may have committed war crimes during the Israeli “Operation Protective Edge” campaign.
The continued aggression of Saudi Arabia against civilians in Yemen, and the use of cluster munitions, highlight the crucial links between human rights, arms control, and the resolution of conflicts through good faith negotiations.
Copyright Toward Freedom 2019