Human rights week
In New Zealand it is currently Human Rights Week. Not that most people are aware of it or care. In the US this was apparently held in January. But whenever it is held, it is an opportunity to reflect on human rights abuses around the world and in our own countries and the increasing threats to the human rights we currently take for granted in the west. In New Zealand they have a good site outlining our human rights at:
http://www.humanrights.net.nz/topics
The Human Rights Network Portal
They are showing some excellent films which are worth watching if you get a chance. Some of them are the following:
Breaking ranks (Canada)
4 US soldiers take sanctuary in Canada to resist serving in Iraq.
Barakat (Algeria)
A doctor’s journalist husband goes missing.
Breath of Peace (New Zealand)
70 years of peace activists in New Zealand.
Carla’s List (Switzerland)
Balkan justice after 1999.
Coca: Dove of Peace (Switzerland)
Russian atrocities against Chechens.
Goal Dreams (France)
Dilemmas of the Palestinian football team.
Iron Wall (Palestine)
The plight of Palestinians.
Race is a four letter word (Canada)
Being black.
Shape of Water (USA)
Women in developing countries.
Total Denial (Italy and Bulgaria)
Western corporations doing business deals with a military dictatorship.
Too few people think about human rights. We take them for granted in the west. We're too busy buying the latest material possessions, popping pills or drinking drinks to keep us going, while ignoring sleep, healthy food and exercise. In New Zealand we call it the "she'll be right" attitude - "I'm okay so why should I worry? I'm not affected." That is until they find themselves on the receiving end of human rights abuses or injustices. Then they wonder why no-one else seems to care.
Regardless of when Human Rights week is internationally, take some time to reflect on them.
PS I do wish this site would display font size accurately.
