All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Africa’s Contribution to the Global Movement for a Culture of Peace

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article by David Adams in The Thinker abbreviated and reprinted by permission (full article available by subscription)

At the end of the Cold War, during the 1990’s UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, embarked on an ambitious project called “the culture of peace.” It was conceived as a radical change in the very nature of human civilization, as a transition from the culture of war that has characterized most societies for thousands of years, to a new and universal culture free from the scourge of war. . .

Adams
Illustration of article from The Thinker (copyright ZainDee)

Unfortunately, for many years after a change in leadership at UNESCO, there was little support for the culture of peace. In fact, there was opposition. Exceptionally, however, the Africa Department of UNESCO has recently again taken up the challenge. With UNESCO support, Angola hosts an annual conference for the culture of peace, formally endorsed by the African Union, and networks of African women, youth and research institutions for a culture of peace have been established.

[To escape from the culture of war, we need consciousness, methodologies and institutions for a culture of peace.]

Culture of Peace Consciousness

. . . the Culture of Peace News Network (CPNN: www.cpnn-world.org) [tells] what is happening around the world to promote a culture of peace. The more people read and discuss these articles, the more they will see that a culture of peace is not only possible, but the seeds for it are being planted every day and around the world. . .

Africa is the leading continent of the world for peace education and media for peace. Almost every month we have new articles in CPNN about initiatives in this regard. . .

Consciousness is important. In fact, in the long run it is the basis for historical change. However, it is not enough. We need to develop methodologies and institutions that can replace those of the culture of war.

Culture of Peace Methodologies

. . . In this regard, Africa has already shown its leadership in recent years with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and the Gacaca in Rwanda, enabling Africans to overcome bitter conflicts and enter a path of reconciliation. These processes have been based on the ancient, pre-colonial practices of conflict transformation, often known as the Palabra, the word, as well as the African tradition of Ubuntu, “I am because you are.” . .

(Article continued in the column on the right)

Question(s) related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

(Article continued from the column on the left)

Culture of Peace Institutions

. . . During the transition period in South Africa following Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, as part of the National Peace Accord, a broad set of regional and local peace committees were established that united representatives from political organizations, trade unions, business, churches, police and security forces to resolve disputes at local and regional levels.

The work of the regional and local peace committees was at the heart of the Accord. It directly engaged people in conflict management on a grass roots level throughout the country. At their peak, there were 11 regional committees and over one hundred local peace committees, with an annual budget of almost $12 million which enabled the hiring of full time staff for regional offices.

Unfortunately, the system of regional and local peace committees was not continued on an independent basis once elections took place and a government of national reconciliation was installed. . .

Elsewhere in the world, there have also been attempts to establish regional and local peace committees. . .

Networking

The world has not yet arrived at the point of establishing regional networks of culture of peace institutions in cities, towns and regions. There simply are not yet enough such institutions. But if a culture of peace is to succeed in replacing the culture of war, this next step will be essential.

I hope that as a result of this article, I will make contact with Africans who are developing local peace commissions in Africa, and that Africa can take a leading role with a regional network of such commissions.

Conclusion

We have seen here that Africa has already made major contributions to the key elements of the global movement for a culture of peace that are needed to make the transition from the culture of war. Africa is the leading continent of the world for peace education and media for peace, contributing to the consciousness that a culture of peace is possible. African methodologies for conflict resolution are exemplary. And, although they were not continued, the regional and local peace committees of the National Peace Accord in South Africa provided a model for the institutionalization of culture of peace that we need in the future.

Historically, Africa may be in a good position to take a leadership role in the global movement, because in the course of history, with the exception of the ancient empires of Egypt, Africans did not develop culture of war empires and states to the same extent that they were developed in other continents. And the rich tradition of Pan-Africanism provides an alternative model to that of empires and states. A Pan-African union could be based on a culture of peace rather than culture of war. It would be within the tradition of peace-building by Nelson Mandela. And it would fulfill the dream of that great African-American, W.E.B. Dubois, which he shared at the end of his life with Kwame Nkrumah and the people of Ghana, an Africa at peace with itself and the world.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Africa: How to Achieve the Freedom Promised

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article by Nestor Bidadanure in The Thinker abbreviated and reprinted by permission (full article available by subscription)

What is the main ideological factor that has led to so much violence around the question of identity in post-colonial Africa? Can the concept of culture of peace contribute to the establishment of lasting peace in Africa? And, if so, how?

Nestor
Illustration of article from The Thinker (copyright shutterstock)

The legacy of freedom

“Each generation must, with little help from the past, discover its mission, fulfill or betray it” said Frantz Fanon in his book “Wretched of the Earth,” which was written in 1961 and which had a strong influence on the political consciousness of anti-colonial and Third World activists in his time. If we compare ourselves to the generations that have lived through slavery, colonization and apartheid, we can say with some caution, that the political reality of the African continent has generally improved today. The laws that legitimized the inequality and justified the occupation of territories of peoples of different cultures have been abolished. African leaders who are progressive have overcome the identity manipulations imposed by colonialism; they have unified the freedom fighters of their own country, organized pan- African solidarity, and promoted international solidarity with other peoples struggling for freedom. Despite the political and economic violence that many African peoples still experience, we should not forget the victories over oppression. Thanks to the peoples’ struggles, significant economic and social rights have been achieved in much of the continent. Human rights and gender equality have emerged to a certain extent from the ruins of discriminatory laws. We must remember that no right is natural: each area of freedom we enjoy today is the result of the epic battles in the past by peoples for justice and human dignity. The promise of freedom is the fruit of resistance.

In addition to the culture of resistance, we are also heirs to values and techniques of peaceful conflict resolution. In the face of tragedies such as apartheid, the genocide in Rwanda and the war in Mozambique, the African people have tapped into their ancient culture to break the impasse and reconcile those who have been bitter enemies.

Thanks to the legacy of the freedom fighters of yesterday, we can look ahead today with optimism and say with certainty that a better Africa is possible. In fact the major challenge of our generation is not to begin the story, but to keep it going, not allowing it to be stopped at midpoint of the long road traveled by the generations who preceded us in the struggle for freedom. For as long as war and poverty continue in even the smallest part of the African continent, the freedom promised by the fathers of Pan-Africanism will require other heroes to ensure its fulfillment. As long as people lack freedom somewhere in the world, no one of us can feel completely free.

Therefore, the mission of our generation, post-colonial and post-apartheid is the struggle for a lasting peace in Africa. To do this, it is essential to first understand the belief system that continues to enable the poverty and violence linked to identity in our continent. In other words, we must identify the major obstacle to the emergence of an Africa that is free, democratic and inclusive for which previous generations have struggled. An Africa where peace is no longer a dream but a reality.

It is our point of view that most of the political and economic violence suffered by the African peoples today is rooted in a system of thought we call the Radical Identity Populism (abbreviated PIR). So what is PIR and how can the concept of culture of peace serve as an antithesis to the prejudices that serve as its backbone?

(Article continued in the column on the right)

(Click here for a French version of this article.)

Question(s) related to this article:

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

(Article continued from the column on the left)

Radical Identity Populism

. . . In Africa, the decolonization in the legal sense has not been followed by an ideological break with the colonial model of governance by some of the political elite. Violence against the people has been perpetuated beyond independence. While the enemy for the colonialists was those who sought independence, now for the post-colonial elite who have not been mentally liberated from colonial prejudices, the new enemy has become the “other” who is perceived to be different. Discrimination against the colonized peoples has been replaced by discrimination against other ethnic groups, against other religions, against people from other regions, against foreigners … The colonial practice of divide and rule is continued today as the favorite political weapon of extremist elites. The phenomenon of crimes against humanity such as genocide of Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994, the ethnic massacres in Burundi in 1993, the fratricidal war in Southern Sudan, the mass crimes orchestrated by the army of the lord, the LRA in Uganda and the DRC, the war waged by the radical Islamist organizations al-Shabab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al Qaeda and the Islamist state in Libya, North Africa and Mali are all rooted in theorized system of thought that legitimize extreme violence. . . It is against this phenomenon of Radical Identity Populism that the new generation of freedom fighters must struggle if someday Africa is to live in peace with herself.

By populism, we mean the political demagoguery expressed through the discourse of hate against others who are different. . . By identity, we mean the manipulation of real or perceived differences for the purpose of gaining or maintaining power. . . By radical, we mean the will to exterminate the other who is different. . .

Towards an Africa in peace

The Culture of Peace is not a closed concept. It is a concept that is integrated with the elements of the peoples’ traditions for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the diffusion of he values of peace. From this point of view, the philosophy of Ubuntu, the tradition of the Ubushingantahe in Burundi, the traditional and participatory justice of the Agacaca in Rwanda are all components of the Culture of Peace. Let us now consider the key constituents of the Culture of Peace in relation to the African situation.

1- Respect for life, for the human person and for his rights. . .

2-Access of all citizens to economic and social rights . . .

3- Peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation . . .

4. Equality between men and women and the inclusion of diversity . . .

5- Democracy and freedom of expression . . .

6. Respect for the environment . . .

Conclusion

The Culture of Peace should be considered and taught as an ideal that ties together and strengthens that which has been torn apart. It is the antithesis of Radical Identity Populism, a theory of inclusion and reconciliation with which we can achieve the freedom promised, an Africa at peace with herself and with the world. It considers the differences within a nation to be a precious resource. It reminds us that there is no national identity except the diversity, both cultural and human, of all its citizens. The Culture of Peace demands all the human rights for all the people, because, as always, it is poverty and ignorance that continue to provide the fertile soil for the growth of identity demagogy.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Asia and the Middle East lead rise in arms imports; the United States and Russia remain largest arms exporters, says SIPRI

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

A press release by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

The volume of international transfers of major weapons has grown continuously since 2004 and rose by 14 per cent between 2006–10 and 2011–15, according to new data on international arms transfers published today (22 February 2016) by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

SIPRI

Six of the top 10 largest arms importers in the 5-year period 2011–15 are in Asia and Oceania: India (14 per cent of global arms imports), China (4.7 per cent), Australia (3.6 per cent), Pakistan (3.3 per cent), Viet Nam (2.9 per cent) and South Korea (2.6 per cent). Viet Nam’s arms imports rose by 699 per cent. Arms imports by states in Asia and Oceania increased by 26 per cent between 2006–10 and 2011–15, with states in the region receiving 46 per cent of global imports in 2011–15.

‘China continues to expand its military capabilities with imported and domestically produced weapons,’ said Siemon Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. ‘Neighbouring states such as India, Viet Nam and Japan are also significantly strengthening their military forces.’

Imports by Middle Eastern states on the increase

Arms imports by states in the Middle East rose by 61 per cent between 2006–10 and 
2011–15. In 2011–15 Saudi Arabia was the world’s second largest arms importer, with an increase of 275 per cent compared to 2006–10. In the same period, arms imports by the United Arab Emirates rose by 35 per cent and those by Qatar went up by 279 per cent. Egypt’s arms imports increased by 37 per cent between 2006–10 and 2011–15, primarily due to a steep rise in 2015.

‘A coalition of Arab states is putting mainly US- and European-sourced advanced arms into use in Yemen,’ said Pieter Wezeman, Senior Researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. ‘Despite low oil prices, large deliveries of arms to the Middle East are scheduled to continue as part of contracts signed in the past five years.’

Arms exporters: the USA remains well ahead

With a 33 per cent share of total arms exports, the USA was the top arms exporter in 
2011–15. Its exports of major weapons increased by 27 per cent compared to 2006–10.

(Article continued on the right column)

(Click here for a version of this article in French or here for a version in Spanish.)

Question for this article:

Does military spending lead to economic decline and collapse?

(Article continued from the left column)

Russian exports of major weapons increased by 28 per cent between 2006–10 and 2011–15, and Russia accounted for 25 per cent of global exports in the recent 5-year period. However, in 2014 and 2015 Russian exports returned to the lower annual levels observed in 2006–10.

Chinese exports of major arms were just above those of France in 2011–15, growing by 
88 per cent compared to 2006–10. French exports decreased by 9.8 per cent and German exports halved over the same period.

‘As regional conflicts and tensions continue to mount, the USA remains the leading global arms supplier by a significant margin,’ said Dr Aude Fleurant, Director of the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme. ‘The USA has sold or donated major arms to at least 96 states in the past five years, and the US arms industry has large outstanding export orders, including for a total of 611 F-35 combat aircraft to 9 states.’

Other notable developments

Between 2006–10 and 2011–15 imports by states in Africa increased by 19 per cent. Algeria and Morocco remained the two largest arms importers in the region with a combined total of 56 per cent of African imports.

Due to economic constraints most sub-Saharan African states imported only small volumes of arms in 2011–15, despite many being involved in armed conflicts during that period.

Mexico’s arms imports grew by 331 per cent in 2011–15 compared with 2006–10.

Azerbaijan increased its arms imports by 217 per cent between 2006–10 and 
2011–15.

Arms imports by Iraq rose by 83 per cent between 2006–10 and 2011–15.

France concluded several major arms export contracts in 2015, including the first two firm contracts for its Rafale combat aircraft.

Imports by states in Europe decreased by 41 per cent between 2006–10 and 
2011–15.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, global

L’Asie et le moyen-orient menent la hausse des importations d’armement ; les Etats-Unis et la Russie demeurent les plus grands exportateurs d’armement, selon le SIPRI

.DESARMAMENT & SECURITE.

Un communiqué de presse du Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

Le volume des transferts internationaux d’armes majeures n’a cessé de croître depuis 2004 et a augmenté de 14 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15, selon les nouvelles données sur les transferts internationaux d’armements publiées aujourd’hui (22 février 2016) par le Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

SIPRI

Six des 10 plus grands importateurs d’armes, sur la période de cinq ans, 2011-15, sont en Asie et en Océanie : l’Inde (14 % des importations mondiales d’armement), la Chine (4,7 %), l’Australie (3,6 %), le Pakistan (3,3 %), le Vietnam (2,9 %) et la Corée du Sud (2,6 %). Les importations d’armement du Vietnam ont augmenté de 699 %. Les importations d’armement par les États d’Asie et d’Océanie ont augmenté de 26 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15, avec des États de la région recevant 46 % des importations mondiales d’armement sur la période 2011-15.

« La Chine continue d’étendre ses capacités militaires avec des armes importées et produites
dans le pays », déclare Siemon Wezeman, chercheur principal du programme Armes et
dépenses militaires du SIPRI. « Les États voisins tels que l’Inde, le Vietnam et le Japon
renforcent aussi significativement leurs forces militaires. »

Hausse des importations par les États du Moyen-Orient

Les importations d’armement par les États du Moyen-Orient ont augmenté de 61 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15. En 2011-15, l’Arabie saoudite était le deuxième plus grand importateur d’armement au monde, avec une hausse de 275 % par rapport à 2006-10. Dans la même période, les importations d’armement par les Émirats arabes unis ont augmenté de 35 % et ceux du Qatar de 279 %. Les importations d’armes de l’Égypte ont augmenté de 37 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15, principalement en raison d’une forte hausse en 2015.

« Une coalition d’États arabes met en service une grande partie des armes avancées provenant d’Europe et des États-Unis au Yémen », affirme Pieter Wezeman, chercheur principal au programme Armes et dépenses militaires du SIPRI. « En dépit des prix bas du pétrole, d’importantes livraisons d’armes au Moyen-Orient devraient se poursuivre dans le cadre de contrats signés au cours de ces cinq dernières années ».

Exportateurs d’armement : les États-Unis demeurent largement en tête

Avec une part de 33 % du total des exportations d’armement, les États-Unis sont le premier exportateur d’armement durant la période 2011-15. Ses exportations d’armes majeures ont augmenté de 27 % par rapport à 2006-10.

(Voir suite sur colonne de droite. . . )

(Cliquez ici pour la version anglaise de cet article ou ici pour la version espagnole.)

Question for this article:

Does military spending lead to economic decline and collapse?

(. . . suite)

Les exportations russes d’armes majeures ont augmenté de 28 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15, et la Russie représente 25 % des exportations mondiales de ces 5 dernières années. Cependant, en 2014 et 2015, les exportations russes sont revenues aux niveaux annuels plus bas observés en 2006-10.

Les exportations chinoises d’armes majeures se situent juste au-dessus de celles de la France en 2011-15, avec une hausse de 88 % par rapport à 2006-10. Les exportations françaises ont diminué de 9,8 % et celles de l’Allemagne ont diminué de moitié durant la même période.

« Étant donné l’accroissement des tensions et des conflits régionaux, les États-Unis restent de loin le principal fournisseur d’armes au monde », souligne Dr Aude Fleurant, directrice du programme Armes et dépenses militaires du SIPRI. « Les États-Unis ont vendu ou donné des armes majeures à au moins 96 États au cours de ces cinq dernières années, et l’industrie d’armement américaine a d’importantes commandes en cours d’exportation, dont un total de
611 avions de combat F-35 à 9 États. »

Autres évolutions notables

* Entre 2006-10 et 2011-15, les importations par les États africains ont augmenté de 19 %. L’Algérie et le Maroc demeurent les deux plus grands importateurs d’armes dans la région avec un total combiné de 56 % des importations africaines.

* En raison de contraintes économiques, la plupart des États d’Afrique sub-saharienne n’ont importé que de faibles volumes d’armes en 2011-15, et ce en dépit du fait que plusieurs d’entre eux étaient impliqués dans des conflits armés au cours de cette
période.

* Les importations d’armes du Mexique ont augmenté de 331 % en 2011-15 par rapport à 2006-10.

* L’Azerbaïdjan a augmenté ses importations d’armes de 217 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15.

* Les importations d’armes de l’Irak ont augmenté de 83 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15.

* La France a conclu plusieurs contrats d’exportation d’armes majeures en 2015, dont deux premiers contrats fermes pour ses avions de combat Rafale.

* Les importations par les États européens ont diminué de 41 % entre 2006-10 et 2011-15.

* Les sous-marins constituent un élément important des forces maritimes pour un nombre croissant d’États. En 2011-15, un total de 16 sous-marins ont été exportés vers 8 États.

Uncategorized

Asia y Oriente Medio lideran el crecimiento de las importaciones de armas; Estados Unidos y Rusia se mantienen como mayores exportadores, afirma el SIPRI

. . DESARME Y SEGURIDAD . .

Un comunicado de prensa de Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

El volumen internacional de transferencias de grandes armas ha crecido de forma continuada desde 2004 y se incrementó un 14% entre 2006—10 y 2011—15, según los nuevos datos sobre transferencias internacionales de armas publicadas hoy (22 de febrero) por el Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

SIPRI

El volumen internacional de transferencias de grandes armas ha crecido de forma continuada desde 2004 y se incrementó un 14% entre 2006—10 y 2011—15, según los nuevos datos sobre transferencias internacionales de armas publicadas hoy (22 de febrero) por el Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Seis de los 10 principales importadores de armas en el periodo de cinco años 2011—15 son de Asia y Oceanía: India (14% de las importaciones globales de armas), China (4,7%), Australia (3,6%), Pakistán (3,3%), Vietnam (2,9%) y Corea del Sur (2,6%). Las importaciones de Vietnam crecieron un 699%. Las importaciones por parte de países de Asia y Oceanía crecieron un 26% entre 2006–10 y 2011–15 y algunos Estados de la región recibieron un 46% de las importaciones globales del periodo 2011–15.

‘China continúa ampliando sus capacidades militares con armas importadas y producidas en el propio país,’ afirma Siemon Wezeman, investigador senior del Programa de Armas y Gasto Militar de SIPRI. ‘Los países vecinos como India, Vietnam y Japón, también están reforzando significativamente sus fuerzas militares.’

Crecen las importaciones de los países de Oriente Medio

Las importaciones de armas por parte de Estados de Oriente Medio crecieron un 61% entre 2006–10 y 2011–15. Durante el periodo 2011–15, Arabia Saudí fue el segundo mayor importador mundial de armas, con un incremento del 275% comparado con la etapa 2006–10. En el mismo período, las importaciones de armas por parte de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos creció un 35% y las de Qatar subieron un 279%. Las importaciones de Egipto aumentaron un 37% entre 2006—10 y 2011—15, debido principalmente al pujante crecimiento de 2015.

‘Una coalición de Estados árabes está usando armas avanzadas, principalmente provenientes de Estados Unidos y de Europa, en Yemen’, asegura Pieter Wezeman, investigador senior del Programa de Armas y Gasto Militar de SIPRI. ‘A pesar de los bajos precios del petróleo, hay programadas grandes entregas de armas en Oriente Medio para dar continuidad a los contratos firmados en los últimos cinco años.’

Exportadores de armas: Estados Unidos se mantiene al frente

Con el 33% del total de las exportaciones de armas, Estados Unidos fue el mayor exportador de armas en el periodo 2011–15. Sus exportaciones de grandes armas crecieron un 27% en comparación con el periodo 2006–10.

(El artículo continúa en el lado derecho de la página)

( Clickear aquí para la version inglês o aquí para la version francês)

Question for this article:

Does military spending lead to economic decline and collapse?

(Artículo continúa desde la parte izquierda de la página)

Las exportaciones de grandes armas de Rusia crecieron un 28% entre 2006–10 y 2011–15, y el país contabilizó el 25% del total de exportaciones en el último periodo de cinco años. Sin embargo, en 2014 y en 2015, las exportaciones rusas volvieron a los niveles anuales más bajos observados en el periodo 2006–10.

Las exportaciones de grandes armas por parte de China se situaron justo por encima de las de Francia en el periodo 2011–15, con un crecimiento del 88% en comparación con la etapa 2006—10. Las exportaciones francesas decayeron un 9,8% y las alemanas se redujeron a la mitad en el mismo periodo.

‘Mientras los conflictos y las tensiones regionales continúan creciendo, Estados Unidos se mantiene como el principal proveedor global de armas con un margen significativo’, afirma la Dra. Aude Fleurant, directora del Programa de Armas y Gasto Militar de SIPRI. ‘Estados Unidos ha vendido o dado grandes armas al menos a 96 Estados en los últimos cinco años, y la industria militar norteamericana tiene pedidos de grandes exportaciones pendientes, incluidos un total de 611 aviones de combate F-35 para 9 estados.’

Otros datos destacables

• Entre 2006–10 y 2011–15 las importaciones por parte de Estados africanos aumentaron un 19%. Argelia y Marruecos se mantuvieron como los dos mayores importadores de armas de la región con un total conjunto del 56% de las importaciones africanas.

• Debido a las restricciones económicas, la mayoría de Estados del África Subsahariana importaron sólo volúmenes pequeño de armas durante 2011–15, a pesar de que muchos estuvieron implicados en conflictos armados durante este periodo.

• Las importaciones de armas en México crecieron un 331% en el período 2011-15 comparado con el de 2006-10.

• Azerbaiyán incrementó sus importaciones de armas un 217% entre 2006-10 y 2011-15.

• Las importaciones en Irak aumentaron un 83% entre 2006-10 y 2011-15.

• Francia cerró varios contratos de exportaciones de grandes armas en 2015, incluidos los dos primeros contratos en firme por su aeronave de combate Rafale.

• Las importaciones de los países europeos descendieron un 41% entre 2006-10 y 2011-15

• Los submarinos son un elemento importante de las fuerzas marítimas para un número creciente de Estados. En 2011-15 se exportaron un total de 16 submarinos a 8 Estados.

Uncategorized

USA: Privacy Activists Rally Around Apple in ‘Most Important Tech Case in a Decade’

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

An article by Nadia Prupis for Common Dreams (reprinted according to provisions of Creative Commons)

Supporters are rallying around Apple in a watershed privacy rights case against the FBI, with activists, whistleblowers, and activists all lining up to express their support of the tech company in its refusal to hand over encrypted information to the intelligence agency.


apple
Dozens gathered at Apple’s flagship store on Wednesday to support the tech company in its privacy fight against the FBI. (Photo: Fight for the Future)

National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Edward Snowden said Wednesday in a series of tweets, “This is the most important tech case in a decade…The FBI is creating a world where citizens rely on Apple to defend their rights, rather than the other way around.”

Hours later, the Information Technology Industry Council, a trade group representing some of Silicon Valley’s most powerful companies—including Google, Facebook, Microsoft, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and others—released a statement that read, “Our shared fight against terrorism must be grounded in principle. We worry about the broader implications both here and abroad of requiring technology companies to cooperate with governments to disable security features, or introduce security vulnerabilities into technologies.”

“Our fight against terrorism is actually strengthened by the security tools and technologies created by the technology sector, so we must tread carefully given our shared goals of improving security, instead of creating insecurity,” the Council continued.

(Article continued in the right column)

Question(s) related to this article:

Free flow of information, How is it important for a culture of peace?

(Article continued from the left column)

And dozens of people rallied at Apple’s flagship store in San Francisco on Wednesday evening in a rapid-response event organized by the digital rights group Fight for the Future, which is planning additional actions next Tuesday.

The FBI, with the help of a federal judge, is demanding that Apple unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the suspected San Bernardino shooters, which the tech company says is essentially a demand to build a backdoor to encryption, threatening all of its users’ privacy rights and enabling a dangerous expansion of the government’s authority.

“Governments have been frothing at the mouth hoping for an opportunity to pressure companies like Apple into building backdoors into their products to enable more sweeping surveillance,” said Evan Greer, campaign director at Fight for the Future. “It’s shameful that they’re exploiting the tragedy in San Bernardino to push that agenda.”

Other whistleblowers also expressed their support of Apple’s stance. Mark Klein, an AT&T technician who exposed the telecom company’s cooperation with the NSA in 2006, said Wednesday, “It’s nice occasionally to have a company that has the balls to stand up to the government. The government—especially people like [CIA Director John] Brennan—is trying to brow beat everybody using the threat of terrorism. This allows the government to continually expand its powers.”

And the San Francisco-based digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which is planning to file an amicus brief in support of Apple, released this statement: “We are supporting Apple here because the government is doing more than simply asking for Apple’s assistance. For the first time, the government is requesting Apple write brand new code that eliminates key features of iPhone security—security features that protect us all. Essentially, the government is asking Apple to create a master key so that it can open a single phone.

“And once that master key is created,” EFF wrote, “we’re certain that our government will ask for it again and again, for other phones, and turn this power against any software or device that has the audacity to offer strong security.”

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North America

Spain: DemosPaz, a new Institute of UAM and the Foundation Culture of Peace

EDUCATION FOR PEACE .

A blog by Montserrat Ponsa (translated by CPNN)

On Friday 19 February 2016, I was honored to attend one of those unforgettable events that make history. At 10.30 h in the morning, the Rector of the UAM [Universidad Autónoma de Madrid] José María Sanz Martínez and the President of Fundación Cultura de Paz Federico Mayor Zaragoza signed an agreement to establish the Joint Institute for Human Rights, Democracy, Culture of Peace and Nonviolence between the UAM and the Culture of Peace Foundation. It will be known as DemosPaz.

mayor inauguration
video of inauguration

The audience was impressive as it was attended by the deans and professors of different faculties, Social Council, friends and colleagues from the world of human rights and peace.

At the podium in addition to the Rector and Federico Mayor were the Dean of the Faculty of Law Yolanda Valdeolivas, the Dean of the Faculty of Science José María Carrascosa, and the dean of Philosophy and Lettersw, José María Cascón.

Their speeches touched us by their emotion. It was not a mere formal act. It was a unanimous decision involving all members of the Rectorate, the Governing Council and the Social Council.

The function of the University, said Yolanda Valdeolivas, is the promotion of knowledge and life styles to be sustainable. Hence the need to work with society, given that peace is more than the absence of war. It is a question of values and attitudes gained through dialogue. Both the UAM and the Culture of Peace Foundation share the rigorous methodology that has always been promoted by Federico Mayor Zaragoza. This agreement with the UAM will enable us to enlarge this and to share it with others.

The Dean of Philosophy Jose Maria Cascón said all the faculties of the university wish to be involved. This brings to an end the neoliberalism and ultra liberalism from the days of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, a capitalism that is difficult to reconcile with peace. He criticized the discussions taking place these days in Brussels among those who run the world, calling it shameful. They continue to blame the poor. Our enthusiasm, coincides with the basic principle of this new Institute, to combat the neo-liberal ideology. Hence, the Joint Institute for Human Rights, Democracy, Culture of Peace and Nonviolence, and the ambition and enthusiasm of our Rector, our Deans, and Federico Mayor Zaragoza.

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(click here for the Spanish version)

Question for this article:

What is the relation between peace and education?

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The Dean of Science José María Carrascosa, said it was an honor to participate in this event, and to share the energy of Dr. Federico Mayor Zaragoza, with whom I had the pleasure of working at the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa. He was pleased that the UAM is supporting this new field of multidisciplinary research. Science has contributed much to life, but the lack of control of some advances has enabled death and atomic destruction, hence the need to achieve our goal which is peace.

Federico Mayor Zaragoza spoke emotionally, saying he was happy and grateful to the UAM, one of the most important centers of the world, for its clear mission: to change from the culture of force and imposition, teaching how to think, to create a philosophy of life, to be free and educated. They undertake intergenerational responsibility on a daily basis with the clear premise that all human lives are equal. He emphasized that we must all share and change from confrontation to discussion. Economics must be subordinated to social justice to ensure a decent life for everyone, a life free from fear. He welcomed the opportunity to work together for the triumph of human rights, especially for those who have not yet known these rights.

Closing the ceremony the Rector José Maria Sanz, thanked Mr Mayor for the confidence he has shown in the UAM: offering us the opportunity for innovation so that, in this 21st Century, research can generates knowledge that transfer to society values that are different from those of the past. His proposal gives us the opportunity to enter this frontier of knowledge, training, and debate. It will allow us to incorporate new areas into UAM, as well as in the society in general. We must focus on interdisciplinary culture in all areas of knowledge, to end inequality, poverty and violence. The UAM will be the engine to offer and go for the opposition values, that build the society of well-being for all without discrimination. The DemosPaz Institute should not only be for UAM but national and international in scope.

The audience was moved by the words we heard. No doubt there will be a beaufiful future for this initiative. No doubt it will achieve great things!

EDUCATION FOR PEACE, Europe

España: DemosPaz, un nuevo instituto de la UAM y Fundación Cultura de Paz

. . EDUCACIÓN PARA LA PAZ . .

Un blog de Montserrat Ponsa

El viernes 19 de febrero 2016, tuve el honor de asistir a un acto de los que hacen historia, para no olvidar. A las 10,30h de la mañana, el Rector de la UAM José Mª Sanz Martínez y el Presidente de Fundación Cultura de Paz Federico Mayor Zaragoza han firmado el acuerdo de creación del Instituto Mixto de Derechos Humanos, Democracia, Cultura de Paz y No Violencia, entre la UAM y la Fundación Cultura de Paz. Será conocido con el nombre DemosPaz.

mayor inauguration
video of inauguration

Impresionante la Sala de Actos, con la presencia de los Decanos y Profesores de las distintas Facultades, Consejo Social, amigos y colaboradores, que nos movemos en el mundo de DH y Paz.

En la Mesa, junto al Rector y a Federico Mayor estaban la Decana de la Facultad de Derecho Yolanda Valdeolivas, los Decanos de la Facultad de Ciencias José Mª Carrascosa, el de Filosofía y Letras José Mª Cascón.

Nos emocionaron sus discursos, nos transmitieron su emoción, no se trataba de un mero acto protocolario, era una decisión unánime, a la que dieron su beneplácito, TODOS los Miembros del Rectorado, Consejo de Gobierno, Consejo Social.

La función de la Universidad dijo Yolanda Valdeolivas es la promoción de conocimientos y patrones de vida de ámbito sostenible. De ahí la necesidad de trabajar con la sociedad, teniendo en cuenta que Paz no es solo ausencia de guerra, son valores, actitudes a través del dialogo. En esto coincide la UAM con la Fundación Cultura de Paz, la metodología-rigor que ha pregonado siempre Federico Mayor Zaragoza. Intentaremos engrandecer, desde la UAM esta iniciativa que compartiremos con otras entidades.

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( Clickear aquí para la version inglês.)

Question for this article:

What is the relation between peace and education?

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El Decano de Filosofía José Mª Cascón comentó que todas la Facultades se quieren sumar. Que acabó el neoliberalismo y el ultra liberalismo que existía en tiempos de Margaret Tatcher y Ronald Reagan, un capitalismo difícil de hacer compatible con la Paz. Comentó las Conversaciones habidas estos días en Bruselas entre los que dirigen el mundo, que calificó de vergonzantes. Se niega, se culpabiliza siempre al pobre. Nuestro entusiasmo, coincide con el principio básico de este nuevo Instituto, para luchar contra la ideología Neo Liberal. Instituto Mixto de Derechos Humanos-Democracia-Cultura de Paz y No Violencia, la ambición e ilusión de nuestro Rector, de nuestros Decanos, de Federico Mayor Zaragoza. Comienza un gran camino, es preciso trabajar mucho.

El decano de Ciencias José Mª Carrascosa, dijo que era un honor participar en este acontecimiento, constatar la energía del Dr. Federico mayor Zaragoza, con el que tuvo el placer de colaborar en el Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa. Que le complace que la UAM se adhiera a este nuevo ámbito de Investigación multidisciplinar. La ciencia ha aportado mucho a la vida, pero la falta de control de algunos avances han comportado muerte y destrucción atómica, de ahí la necesidad de alcanzar nuestro objetivo: Paz.

Federico Mayor Zaragoza emocionado, dijo sentirse feliz y agradecido a la UAM, uno de los centros más importantes del mundo porqué tienen clara su misión: Cambiar la Cultura de fuerza e imposición, enseñar a pensar, a crear filosofía de la vida, a ser libres y educados. Tienen responsabilidad intergeneracional en la exigencia diaria. Premisas claras de que la vida de los seres humanos es igual. La necesidad de compartir y cambiar la confrontación por la discusión. Que la economía debe ser subordinada a la justicia social para conseguir, para todos, una vida digna que nos libere a todos del miedo. Agradeció la oportunidad de trabajar unidos en una misma dirección, la de conseguir para todos, el triunfo de los DH, para muchos, desconocidos.

Cerró el acto el Rector José Mª Sanz, que agradeció a FMZ la confianza que ha tenido respecto a la UAM: ofrecernos la oportunidad de innovación para que, en este SXXI, la Investigación que genera conocimientos, permita transferir a la Sociedad valores diferentes. Su propuesta, nos da la oportunidad de entrar en esta frontera del conocimiento, formación, debate. Nos permitirá incorporar a nuestra UAM diferentes ámbitos, pero también fuera de ella. Apostamos por la Cultura interdisciplinar en todas las áreas del conocimiento, para acabar con la desigualdad, la pobreza, la violencia. La UAM será el motor para ofrecer y apostar por los valores opuestos, los que permitan construir la sociedad del bienestar para todos sin discriminación. El Instituto DemosPaz no debe ser solo para la UAM sino Nacional e Internacional.

La emoción planeaba sobre todos los asistentes, que agradecimos tan entrañable Acto. No dudamos que tiene un hermoso futuro. Lo conseguiremos, fueron las palabras más coreadas.

Uncategorized

Search for Common Ground: Take Action to End Violence against Civilians

TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY .

An email from Shamil Idriss, President and CEO of Search for Common Ground

Violence against civilians – from mass shootings to genocide – is a horror we all want to prevent. Such terrible tragedies should be unconscionable. Learn more and take action:

1. Save lives from Boko Haram

Recently, Boko Haram murdered at least 86 individuals, kidnapped children, and burned down homes in Dalori, Nigeria. It happened just 11 miles one of our bases of operation. Click here for Program Manager Gideon Poki’s take as he speaks with TIME Magazine about the violence. Thankfully, none of our staff or their families was harmed. But, Boko Haram has killed about 20,000 people and driven 2.5 million Nigerians from their homes in 6 years. They’ve been gaining momentum, with deep roots in economic desperation and grievances. Boko Haram’s increasing attacks terrorize civilians in northeast Nigeria, leaving broken families, widespread loss of life and property, breakdown of basic services, hunger, and increased poverty.

idriss

Right now, Search is piloting an early warning system in two communities at the heart of the attacks. Think of it like Paul Revere’s ride or a tornado siren, using trained volunteer community responders. Check out a similar system we used to help stop violence around Nigeria’s elections last year. We need to expand this vital warning system to more communities. We also need to bring civilians and government officials together, building trust so they can anticipate threats and prevent them together. Give now to stop violence against civilians.

2. Urge U.S. Congress to take action

After mass violence, the world looks back in shame. Why did we allow it to happen? Couldn’t we have saved thousands, even millions, of lives? Genocide and other mass violence is an unspeakable crime that can be prevented. If you’re a U.S. citizen, here’s a chance to join the effort.

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Question for this article

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

Readers’ comments are invited on this question and article. See below for comments box.

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The Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act will create opportunities for civilian-led efforts to prevent mass violence:

• Authorizes the President to establish an Atrocities Prevention Board (APB). It will coordinate the U.S. government’s efforts to prevent and respond to atrocities.

• Trains all Foreign Service Officers in recognizing early warning signs of emerging conflict or atrocities – similar to how Search is training Nigerian community responders (above).

• Makes mass violence prevention the U.S.’s official policy, so that resources and political will may be mobilized in time to save lives.
Through the Peace Alliance, you can easily send letters to your representatives in Congress. Urge them to support the bill.

3. Listen and share radio spots

Radio can cut across diverse landscapes to the most rural areas. It can divide people and stir up hate, as it was used in the Rwandan genocide. Or it can dispel rumors and build peace. Our fearless radio partners around the world are an objective voice in a biased news cycle. In celebration of World Radio Day, we’ve rounded up some of the most critical ways we used radio in 2015 to stop violence and bring people together. From Burundi’s political violence to Nepal’s earthquake response to Niger’s refugee tensions, radio is a powerful tool to prevent violence from spinning out of control. Check out our radio spots.

We can all agree that violence against mothers and fathers, boys and girls who are simply going to work and school, living their lives, is wrong. We’re getting smarter, as people, as countries, and as a global community, about how to stop mass atrocities before they happen. Understand what’s at stake and what we can do. Then let’s come together and get it done.
  
Thank you for your tireless efforts,

global, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Goma, Nord Kivu, Congo: Third edition of the Amani Music Festival

… EDUCATION FOR PEACE …

An article from Radio Okapi (translation by CPNN)

The third edition of the Festival of Music and Dance “Amani” concluded on Sunday 14th February in Goma (North Kivu). Under the theme “Dancing to change, sing for peace”, the festival promotes a culture of peace and reconciliation among the people of a country beset by armed conflict for over two decades.

Goma
An extract of the performance by Werra Son

The festival featured artists from the Congo and the subregion of the Great Lakes including Noel Ngiama Makanda a.k.a. Werra Son.

The Senegalese artist-musician Ismae Lô highlighted the conclusion of the festival with his favorite songs including “Africas” and “Dibi Dibi Rek”.

He expressed his desire to return again to the Amani Festival and to continue, with other artists, the work of promoting peace not only in eastern Congo but throughout the Great Lakes region.

(Click here for a French version of this article)

 

Question related to this article:

What place does music have in the peace movement?

As of now, there are 36 CPNN articles on this theme, which shows the great extent to which music is the universal language of peace! These include the first and second editions of the Amani festival at Goma.

Africa, EDUCATION FOR PEACE