UNSC passes Libya resolution

Posted: March 18, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Bahrain, democracy, human rights, Libya, Middle East & North Africa, UNSC | Tags: , , , | 2 Comments

After weeks of indecision, and much Libyan blood unnecessarily spilt, the UN Security Council has finally responded to the pleas for a no-fly zone, from a besieged Libyan opposition fearful of a brutal Gaddafi revenge.

It’s “11th hour” resolution, as the last opposition stronghold of Benghazi appeared to increasingly exposed as Gaddafi’s forces advanced, authorises “all necessary measures” to prevent attacks on Libyan civilians by the Gaddafi regime.
The protection emphasis in this resolution is striking and one can only hope that this marks the start of an international community ready to take action to protect civilians from brutal governments.

Hopefully in Libya’s case, it is not “too little too late”, as the opposition has appeared increasingly weak in the past few days, both in terms of territory, casualty figures and importantly morale – as it looked like the world may turn its back on struggle, like it has done to many others in the past.
The US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice stated during the Security Council debate:

“The future of Libya should be decided by the people of Libya. The United States stands with the Libyan people in their quest for their universal human rights.”

Whilst Libyan’s in Benghazi cautiously celebrate, spare a thought for those in Bahrain.

Bahraini’s in Manama and beyond will tonight be questioning: Why their quest for human rights, democracy and equality has been so cruelly crushed? Why the world has practically abandoned them? Finally, how their quest for human rights is any different to the equally brave citizens of Libya?

Bahrain imposes martial law

Posted: March 16, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Bahrain, democracy, freedom of expression, human rights, Middle East & North Africa, protests | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Whilst the international community’s attention is concentrated on the unfolding crises in Japan and Libya, the ruling family of Bahrain seem to have all but given up on meaningful dialogue with the democracy-seeking protesters; instead falling back on the well-tested “Tiananmen model” of responding to protests – unleashing disproportionate (and often lethal) force.

It tried this method nearly a month ago with a dawn raid on sleeping protesters at the Pearl Roundabout. It backfired spectacularly, not only resulting in horrific injuries, fatalities and international condemnation; but more importantly in cementing the resolve of protesters to continue their struggle for equal rights and a more democratic political system.

A somewhat weakened Bahraini Royal Family entered talks with the opposition, appearing initially to yield to some of their more moderate demands. However, as the weeks have dragged on, and with global attention concentrated elsewhere, the Bahraini Royals have seized the opportunity to crush the protests – unashamedly employing military assistance of its numerous (autocratic) friends in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

Martial law has been declared for three months, giving military forces a virtual ‘carte-blanche’ to crush the ongoing unrest. Doctors have spoken of “hundreds of casualties”, serious injuries including those who have gunshot wounds to the eyes and head.

It is therefore difficult to envisage how the ruling elite plan to build trust and enact meaningful reforms which meet the aspirations of the Bahraini people, whilst simultaneously violently suppressing their (human) right to protest.

Illinois abolishes the death penalty

Posted: March 12, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Death Penalty, human rights, North America, USA | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Illinois has become the 16th state in the USA to abolish the death penalty.

“If the system can’t be guaranteed, 100% error-free, then we shouldn’t have the system,” (Governor Quinn,2011)

Governor Pat Quinn’s courageous decision means that Illinois will become the fourth US state in just two years to turn its back on capital punishment.

Articles 3 and 5 in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everybody has “the right to life”; and the right “not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment”.

Capital Punishment is a clear violation of both.

Despite warnings of electoral mountains ahead, Governor Quinn has shown leadership, a respect for human rights, and long term vision. – If only we saw these qualities more frequently in other leaders!

Let’s hope more US states follow Illinois example in turning their back on a practice which helps puts America in the unsavoury company of China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.