In these modern times, our world seems to be walking backwards, repeating history over and over again, now including peaceful Canada. Not only has it been tested, but it has forever altered how we see ourselves as "peacekeeping" Canadians. No longer can we say that terrorism is something that happens "over there": in Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States. We are now a part of that unfortunate list. Is this a statement of truth or a reactionary opinion … [Read more...]
Global Update: Special UN General Assembly Edition
September 25, 2014 by
As the General Assembly began the general debate of its sixty-ninth session, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented to the Assembly his annual report on the work of the Organization. UN Photo/Mark Garten 24 September 2014 – Warning that the world’s “fasten seat belt” light is illuminated, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today opened the 69th annual debate of the United Nations General Assembly with a call for decisive leadership at a time when the ghosts of the Cold War have returned and … [Read more...]
World peace?
September 7, 2014 by
These are the only 11 countries in the world that are actually free from conflict As new wars and civil unrests seem to be flaring up every week, we look for the only countries in the world that could be considered ‘conflict-free’. With the crisis in Gaza, the rise of Islamist militants in Iraq and Syria and the international stand-off ongoing in Ukraine, it can sometimes feel like the whole world is at war. But experts believe this is actually almost universally the case, according to … [Read more...]
UN Foundation, Elizabeth Gore
September 3, 2014 by
Can becoming an entrepreneur help a refugee live a better life? I recently had the opportunity to join the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for a visit to the Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, where I met seven incredible women entrepreneurs who have formed the Twitezimbere tailoring group. And through them, I learned the answer is yes. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, these women have been able to create and grow a business serving their neighbors in the eighth largest … [Read more...]
Iraq: Isis warns women to wear full veil or face punishment
July 25, 2014 by
Sunni insurgents issue guidelines in mosques on how clothes should be worn to prevent women 'from falling into vulgarity' 'Anyone who is not committed to this duty and is motivated by glamour will be subject to accountability.' Photograph: Ali Al-Saadi/AFP/Getty Images Islamic State (Isis), the al-Qaida offshoot that seized large swathes of northern Iraq last month, has warned women in the city of Mosul to wear full-face veils or risk severe punishment. The Sunni insurgents, who have … [Read more...]
NGOWG MAP – November 2013
November 6, 2013 by
The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security has released the November 2013 version of our Monthly Action Points (MAP) on Women, Peace and Security for the UN Security Council. For November, in which China has the Security Council presidency, the MAP provides recommendations on the situations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Central African Region, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan / South Sudan, and Syria. Our findings remain clear: while there has been development in policy and … [Read more...]
Syria: A brighter tomorrow -Take Action!
September 17, 2013 by
Syrian children may feel little hope today, but this week we have a powerful chance to help save their future. A staggering 6 million Syrians have fled the fighting, many of them children. In many wars, they become a 'lost generation' that knows guns more than books, and never get a chance to build a better life. But this time, there's an exciting plan to change that. Inspiring 16-year old campaigner Malala Yousafzai and UN Education Envoy Gordon Brown are teaming up with our community to … [Read more...]
Children are Children – STOP this madness, Syria – Take Action!
September 14, 2013 by
First Syrian Refugees Land in Germany 'Is Hanover Near the Sea?' Some are injured, some are traumatized, but all have been forced to flee. A million Syrians have left their country because of the civil war. Germany has agreed to offer temporary asylum to 5,000, and the first refugees took off for Hanover on Wednesday. Departing from Beirut: Some 107 refugees from Syria flew from Lebanon to Germany on Wednesday. Sisters Noura and Nada lost most of their family in a rocket attack. Their … [Read more...]
SYRIA: A DISASTER FOR WOMEN
September 14, 2013 by
PETER BIRO/INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE Syria: It's a problem, a political conundrum—and a disaster for women and children, who make up the bulk of the 2 million people who have fled the country. Even when they arrive in camps in neighboring countries, female refugees find little security; instead they're often subjected to rape and sexual harassment. Shelter, water, medical care—all are in short supply in the camps. Fortunately, many international nonprofits are helping bridge that gap. … [Read more...]
Can diplomacy work with Syria?
September 12, 2013 by
International responses to the apparent use of chemical weapons in Syria continue to evolve rapidly. US plans for military intervention are on hold for now as various parties consider a Russian-led proposal-below to place Syria's chemical arsenal under international supervision. My team of Middle East, US and Russia analysts has been covering the Syrian crisis extensively, and we caution that while any non-military route is to be welcomed in principle - given the grave implications of … [Read more...]
A Solution for Syria – Take Action NOW!
September 7, 2013 by
Just weeks ago the kids in this image were gassed to death in their sleep. There is one peaceful way to stop these massacres - if Iran and the US sit down to talks and bring the warring parties to the table to get a ceasefire. For the first time the two Presidents are showing dialogue is possible. Let's tell them the world wants talks to start saving lives now! Sign the Petition NOW! Just weeks ago the kids in this image were gassed to death in their sleep, but it feels the world … [Read more...]
