Israel-Palestine: Tension-reduction Measures Urgently Needed

In Being a World Citizen, Conflict Resolution, Current Events, Human Rights, Middle East & North Africa, NGOs, Solidarity, The Search for Peace, Track II, United Nations, World Law on April 11, 2023 at 7:05 AM

By René Wadlow

The Association of World Citizens (AWC) calls for urgently needed tension-reduction measures in the Israel-Palestine-Lebanon area.

Tensions have led to a barrage of missiles from Gaza and Lebanon and rapid Israeli missiles in return aiming at weakening Hamas and Hezbollah.

Growing tensions had led to Israeli police attacking Palestinian worshipers celebrating the holy month of Ramadan within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on April 5-6, 2023. The images of Israeli police firing teargas and beating worshipers were widely seen on social media outlets and other media.

Tensions in the area have been growing since the formation of the Netanyahu-led government with right-wing ministers. Government proposals for changes concerning the court system and the appointment of judges have led to strong and widespread protest demonstrations. However, Palestinian issues were not directly addressed by these demonstrations.

Tensions between Israel and Iran and Iranian-backed groups in Syria have also been growing. The dangers of further violence have been raised in the United Nations Security Council, but no positive actions were undertaken. United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon are on “high alert”.

For the moment, there are no high-level public negotiations underway or planned. Thus, tension-reduction measures must be undertaken as unilateral measures by the government of Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the government of Lebanon. Such tension-reduction measures are urgently needed but may be unlikely. Thus, the AWC calls upon civil society organizations and persons of good will to consider what measures can be taken immediately and what structures may be established so that tension-reduction processes continue. This is an urgent call for creative and courageous actions.

Prof. René Wadlow is President of the Association of World Citizens.

Conscience: The Inner Voice of the Higher Self

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 5 April as the International Day of Conscience. An awakened conscience is essential to meeting the challenges which face humanity today as we move into the World Society. The great challenge which humanity faces today is to leave behind the culture of violence in which we find ourselves and move rapidly to a culture of peace and solidarity. We can achieve this historic task by casting aside our ancient national, ethnic, and social prejudices and begin to think and act as responsible Citizens of the World.

An awakened conscience makes us sensitive to hearing the inner voice that warns and encourages. We have a conscience so that we may not let ourselves be lulled to sleep by the social environment in which we find ourselves but will remain alert to truth, justice, and reason. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says in Article 1 "All human beings are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."

There is a need to build networks and bridges among Companions of Conscience. Companions of Conscience create a ground for common discourse and thus a ground for common, life-affirming action. As Companions of Conscience, we take firm action to formulate effective responses to the challenges facing the emerging world society: armed conflicts, human rights violations, persistent poverty and ecological destruction. We strive to make the world a more humane dwelling place for ourselves and for future generations as we move toward a peaceful, just and ecologically-responsible future. We do not hide from ourselves the complexity of these challenges. However, we believe in the effectiveness of common action and enlightened leadership to build a culture of cooperation and solidarity. The circle of Companions of Conscience is growing world wide. Conscience-based actions are increasingly felt.

Rene Wadlow, President, Association of World Citizens

Disappeared via death squades

Today, 30 August, is the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. The Day highlights the U.N. General Assembly Declaration on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances, resolution 47/133 of 18 December 1992. In a good number of countries, there are State-sponsored "death squads" - persons affiliated to the police or to intelligence agencies who kill "in the dark of the night" - unofficially. These death avoid a trial which might attract attention. A shot in the back of the head is faster. In many cases the bodies of those killed are destroyed. Death is supposed but not proved. Many family members keep hoping for a return. In addition, non-government armed groups and criminal gangs have the same practice. The Association of World Citizens stresses that much more needs to be done in terms of prevention, protection, and search for the disappeared persons. Your help in these vital efforts is much appreciated. 

Rene Wadlow, President, Association of World Citizens

référence: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journ%C3%A9e_internationale_des_victimes_de_disparition_forc%C3%A9e