THE birthday of the United Nations was celebrated all across the globe commemorating the establishment of the organization on October 24, 1945. In 1971, the UN General Assembly recommended all member states to observe this day as a public holiday. New goals are set each year, former achievements are discussed, meetings and conferences are held on this day each year.
The biggest challenge faced on a global platform this year is the issue of climate change that needs to be adressed without further delay. Global warming is one phenomenon which is hitting the world with all its might.
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General has appealed to one and all to come together and fight this challenge. He said that ‘business as ususal’ is a business at risk and collectively the whole world can face down this challenge.
The peace process in Nepal is facing unparallel challenges and the UN has urged parties there to reach an agreement on future steps. Realistic targets need to be set for the elections timetable which were scheduled to be held next month but have now been postponed. According to reports, the UN mission in Nepal (UNMIN) is monitoring arms and armed personnel to serve the purpose of fostering confidence and goodwill. On the eve of UN Day, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal issued a statement welcoming a recent decision by the country’s cabinet to institute quotas for recruiting women and members of marginalized groups to fill vacant posts in the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.
Disarmament still remains the top priority on the UN agenda. Weapons of mass destruction have always posed a threat to the very existance of humanity. We don’t want another Hiroshima-Nagasaki but the hunger for aquiring more nuclear weapons by countries stands as the biggest challenge before us today.
In a message to the 57th Pugwash Conference held recently in Italy, Ban Ki-moon said: “Developments in science and technology are raising hopes that new innovations could contribute to improving the quality of life of people throughout the world.”
However, it is important for us to focus on disarmament in order to maintain global peace.
Dr Rahul Rai, Director of Indian Institute of Human Rights says, “The United Nations and Human Rights are interlinked. Today, we are faced with the problem of climate change which is s global challenge. It is not a problem being faced by India alone, but we need to begin with imparting the right education at the school level. Emphasis must be laid on elimination of carbon emmisions which is the biggest reason for global warming.”
Alok Vats, CEO of AN Info Solutions opined, “ There are ample policies and rights in India, but they are hardly implamanted. An individual motivation is required to see to the implementation of the various rights, only then can India become free from the vicious circle of social evils.”
Dr Tanuja Trivedi of Indian Institute of Human Rights adds, “ I think that disparity and poverty are the biggest challenfes being faced by our country today. Majority of Indians working aboroad are facing the problem of discrimination. Motivation needs to be present at an individual level in order to implement the various policies and rigts in India. A massive campaign needs to be started in order to motivate every individual.”
Gagandeep Singh, an exesutive working with an MNC states, “ People working abroad in the same company are paid three-four times higher han what we are paid in India. There is a lot of discrimination at every step.”
Children remain the most vulnerable segment of the society. Despite the number of Child Rights in our country, there is lack of awareness and implementation. Everywhere innocent children are being exploited ruthlessly. Whether they are in our homes serving as domestic help or are being sexually abused children all over the world are the worct victims. There are a number of children who have lost their families in war, have been abused by their loved ones, have resorted to becoming street urchins because their families could not afford to feed them. Thousands of children are sold each year and become bonded labourers, they are illtreated and are often beaten mercilessly. Who is to be blamed for this?
Dr Trivedi opines, “Children suffer the worst part of abuse in a minimum lifespan. It is the duty of grown-ups to see thst children are protected and we must feel responsible towards the society.”
Indira Ilias, a schoolteacher, says, “ Both children as well as their parents must be educated about their rights. Human Rights awareness needs to be created in a big way. If people are not aware of their rights there is no way they can get them implemented.”
Evern after 60 years of independence, India is still struggling to free itself from the viscious cycle of poverty. According to a recent report 70 per cent of Indian are living below $2 per month.
Dr Rai says, “ The irony is thet we are not a poor country at all but people in India cannot even nake ends meet. We are the largest democracy of the world and are still struggling with the issue of poverty. We display the worst Human Rights records in the world. There is complete lack of governence in our country and I feel that it is people like you and I, every individual who is to be blamed for our own plight. We are not living in a monarchy but in a democract where it is the people wno govern. Thus, we must stop blaming the government and take the responsibilit for our individual actions.”
It is the duty of each individual to fight the various challenges that are piling up in our society today. We must take initiative to make this world a better place and set individual goals for ourselves. We need to stop playing the blame game, only then can we achieve eternal bliss and harmony.
By Rachel Arora
Source: http://www.merinews.com/
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
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