With this being our fourth blog, I am beginning to notice a pattern with articles related to refugees. The majority of them are in regards to refugees from Syria attempting to go to other countries for safety whether it is Jordan, Australia, or, in this case, Lebanon. All of the articles seem to offer similar scenarios and themes. Refugees risking their lives for freedom and safety while placing an extreme burden on the country they have found refuge. This week, the article I chose is an article entitled, “Lebeanese live ‘in limbo’ over Syria”. The article depicts a heartbreaking picture of two young boys crying. The content of the article discusses how over 750,000 Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon and it is beginning to wear of the social and political structure of the country. Specifically in this article, doctors of hospitals offering subsidized medical care discuss how they went from treating about 10 Syrians per day to 100 or more. The war in Syria is having a major impact on the political happenings in Lebanon and is causing increasing tension between these countries and Hezbollah.
When I saw the pictures of the little boys, I immediately started thinking about how I would feel about my child growing up in an environment where he was constantly terrified. I cannot stand the thought and I do not know how these families are so strong in coping with the horrors that they deal with on a daily basis. Not to mention the fact that they feel like they do not belong anywhere. It reminded me of what we discussed in class about everything from politics to economics to social order is connected to one another. This article depicts what an upset in the balance can cause and how difficult it can be to recover. I also thought about David Batstone’s Not For Sale book and how so many of the children in that book were forced into labor, prostitution, and war because their parents were unable to care for them are they needed to work to help their families survive which was a common theme in many of the countries discussed in the book. It is just tragic that people have to endure this horror and make these life-altering choices just to survive and to feel safe and accepted.
Doucet, Lyse (2013, September 18). Lebanese live ‘in limbo’ over Syria.. BBC News: Europe. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24150315
Kristen- This article made me have thoughts about many things. Like you, I was touched by the children pictures and their questions about when they could go back to school. It reminded me how privileged our United States children are. Where I work at a residential treatment facility, the kids complain about school almost every day because they claim it is boring. This is a huge difference. It seems to be unjust and the people need help and those that are helping are struggling because they are helping. Lebanese is making the sacrifice to help the refugees but they are really feeling their sacrifice. The comment about them taking the left overs really put the connection together for me regarding how one’s countries conflict or situation can affect so many things and so many other places. I wonder how much they will sacrifice before they stop helping or if the helpers will eventually need their own help.
Oh my goodness. This article broke my heart. I cannot imagine living in fear of whether or not it safe to send your kids to school, go to work, or to do anything for that matter. The article talked about how in Lebanon they have lived through war before so it’s really no big deal for them to get up in the morning and go on about their normal day. However, it also said that the longer things go on like that, the more it affects them. I would guess that to be very true. It would be a horrible feeling to get up in the morning and not know whether or not you are going to be safe. I really had not thought about the issue with the refugees until I read your blog and this article. Like you said, refugees are risking their lives for freedom and safety, especially these refugees from Syria. The article said that at one of the Lebanese clinics they are now treating 100 Syrians a day, compared to the previous 10 a day they used to treat. That is crazy! Those people just want out of Syria! I really enjoyed reading your blog and your article.
Wow. Just wow. This was such a heartbreaking article. The picture of the boys crying, how they went from giving medical attention from 10 to 100 a day, and then just the comment in the article of "our lives are on hold". It is scary for me to know there is a war going on but not like it is frightening for them because they are living in it. They are in the middle of it all and they have no idea what is going to happen next. The picture of the little boys crying is so saddening and you just know they have no clue what is going on but they are just terrified
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24059038 South Korea’s Growing Credit Problem Topic: Debt Rachel Moran
In search for an article this week which related to debt, I came across South Korea’s Growing Credit Problem. South Korea has been ranked one of the top credit card users in the United States and becoming a problem for even the poorest citizens. Recently, The National Happiness Fund has been set in place for applicants to receive debt amnesty. The fund has strict criteria for those that are applying. However, if you are an applicant like Park Jong-hyun, The National Happiness Fund would be very beneficial to you and perhaps your family. Park stated that he used to have 10 credit cards, used for various day to day items, other household and office supplies, and of course the big purchases. Out of 150,000 applicants that have applied as well, debt collectors have granted to write off 50% of Park’s debt. How amazing it must feel to know that out of 150,000 applicants… you were chosen, you are receiving debt amnesty. In the article it mentioned that of the applicants that apply, the debt on average is just over $10,000, and they make an income of less than half of that. This is a similar to what we discussed in class: “Should poor countries have their debts forgiven”? In South Korea, they did not just forgive all debt, but they wrote up criteria and then had people apply for this fund that would allow the debt collectors to write off 50% of their debt. With this criteria and having applicants apply, debt collectors will be able to question whether or not they can properly manage money. How will they use this 50%? How did the debt build up? Kwon Young-dae, the Scheme’s General Manager had said that the purpose is not to fund lavish lifestyles, it is just simply to relieve some of the money that has been building up; this is a start for those people. Park Geun-Hye, The President of South Korea, declared that he wanted to “devote himself to growing inequality in the country”. What if every government decided to write-off 50% of everyone’s debt-just like South Korea did for Park Jong-hyun? Wouldn’t that make a difference in the lives of others?
Rachel- I liked your article but I was curious about one thing... do the people who receive the grant to reduce their debt have to close out the credit cards they are paying off? Without this requirement it would be hard for me to support this kind of debt relief. It's so easy to just put an item on your credit card instead of following a budget and paying cash (I am guilty of this!). It would be interesting to complete a follow-up study, in say 5 years, on the same people who were chosen for the grant and see how many of them were able to stay out of credit card debt. Interesting topic! Good Job!
Lisa, It did not say anything about closing out credit cards but I agree with what you are saying. They would have to make some type of committment in order for them to recieve it. It would be hard to give them some type of relief if they were just going to build up more debt. If you understand what I am saying? I never did think of a follow up study but you are absolutely right!! That would be interesting to see how effective the fund was for the people that were chosen. Thank you!
The article was interesting but raises many questions for me. It was hard to believe the average household debt rose over 160% and they have become the largest credit card users. It seems the article implies, but maybe I am reading to deep, that part of this program is aimed at helping overburdened families with their debt, yet they mention the government wants people to spend more to stimulate the economy. To me this means, those that incured large credit card debt, whether out of neccessity or pleasure will have the debt relieved, but 'wink, wink', keep spending. My questions would be are they providing finance education and understanding on spending to the ones involved in this program? Does the government own any of the credit companies or will programs like this jeapordize their financial stability? Finally, I know several friends that had their loans forgiven, paid off by others, or filed bankruptcy. Everyone of them has returned to their old spending ways and is in more financial debt now than before. It seems they were enabled and the problem was only solved temporarily. The human side of the story is wonderful for those struggling and may give them a new chance a success, but without an agreement or education on how it happened, I feel many will return to achieve their previous debt. It seems this is what the government wants.
Does the Delhi gang rape sentence bring closure? Topic: Discrimination Submitted by: Lisa Norton 9/21/13 The BBC News is reporting on the sentencing of four men who gang raped a college student who was walking home after an evening movie. The event has led to public outrage over the violent treatment and open discrimination of women and what can be done to open a discussion seeking change. The author of this article describes India as a country where the young men are semi-skilled, poorly educated, unmarried and frequent users of alcohol. Women are also viewed as second class citizens and are not respected or given equal rights. This article very much reminded me of our assigned reading Not for Sale where many of the women and children were viewed as objects and were discarded like trash after they had been used. The men remained in a place of power although their activities were illegal (murder, rape, theft prostitution, human trafficking etc.) and they were rarely punished for their crimes. After a major public outcry, the city of Delhi is being forced to implement tougher anti-rape laws. To me this raises a huge question- why did a woman have to be raped to the point of death before the city toughened up on the perpetrators of vicious sex crimes?
The article addresses part of the issue as too many crimes and a broken justice system. Meaning there are not enough police to enforce the laws and when they do the investigations are shoddy, the trials are questionable and the conviction rates are low. To me this is the worst excuse imaginable. Blaming the “government” (legal system and police) for not being able to prosecute the criminal, how about changing the way you view women so that a rape doesn’t happen to begin with. They are sending a message to men that it is ok to violate a woman or a child; you will only get a slap on the wrist. In this case, we are not only talking about discrimination but a violation of human rights. Part of the problem seems to exist due to a notion that women have been raped and mistreated by male relatives and family members for many generations and it has just been accepted. In a country that is historically known for its close-knit family structure, why does this violence continue to exist? The author attempts to answer this question by stating that an equitable society cannot exist until the issues of violence and poverty are addressed. We know this to be true because in nearly every story in Not for Sale the victim found themselves in a financial bind and became indebted to someone who took advantage of them in a physically and sexually violent way.
This week’s article is similar to last week’s article because both article are about people seeking criminal justice for genocide that has been ignored in the past. The theme of the articles I am reading regarding genocide is that recently people are seeking justice and recognition for genocides that happened at least twenty years ago. The difference in this article is that the killings were not triggered by ethnicity or land the genocide happened to prisoners that were “deserved” incarcerated in Periprava labor camp from 1958 to 1963. Romania has approximately 500,000 of political prisoners during that time. According to historians one fifth died while incarceration. As of today there are only 3,500 Romanian surviving political prisoners down from 40,000 that were still alive when communism was overthrown in 1989.
Now, after all this time there is a there are people seeking criminal justice. Andrei Muraru (Muraru), head of the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes states the camp was an extermination camp. He has interviewed at least 21 survivors of the camp that have reported that they were beaten, malnutrioned, lack of medicine, forcing prisinors to drink dirty water, unsanitary conditions and terrorized by the commander of the camp, Ion Ficior (Ficor) and others. Muraru has requested that the prosecutors in Bucharest pursue Ficor for being responsible for at least 103 deaths. Muraru has requested that the prosecutors put a travel ban on Focr for fear that he will attempt to flee to the United States where he has a son. As recently as this Monday the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes began to dig up bodies at the Periprava labor camp. They have already found five bodies. The bodies were not buried with coffins, clothes, personal items, or marked graves. Today Ficor is 85 and the only statement he has made is that that the “ former prisoners were militiamen who supported the Nazis during World War II and who deserved to be incarcerated”. It does not sound like he is remorseful for anything. His comments made me think about many things regarding human rights. For example, we learned a lot about United Nation’s human rrights. I wondered where was The United Nation’s human right number 4, “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms”. 5 “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or right number” and several other rights that should have applied from The United Nations rights We learned that the United Nations was adopted in 1948 which makes me wonder why bother having the rights there and published if countries do not have to follow them. Are human rights not for the imprisoned and if they are not, why not? And if they are, then why where they not enforceable. How could this have happened in 1958 to 1963 if the United Nations had already formed in 1948? The accused are just now being prosecuted 55 years later in their own country in their local towns, where was everyone, where was The United Nations. I am left with more questions about human rights than I have answers. I now understand more about our classroom discussion regarding why some are questioning, why bother with The United Nations and the possibility that it is a wasted expense. On September 03, 2013 there was an arrest of another prison commander that operated at the Sarat prison. The Sarat prison camp was the Romanian elite were incarcerated. He is not serving time and he is free and awaiting a pending trial date that has not been set. Personally it breaks my heart that this happened. It breaks my heart to read about this week after week. It makes me feel guilty for the privileged life I live. I can only hope that learning more and more will make me more aware and more of an activist so that my privileges do not go in vein.
When reading the article about the rape in India, and if this brings closure, the title gives me the impression, ‘hey let’s not talk about this anymore and it will go away. ‘ Our reading in Chapter 5 discusses the link between poverty, political corruption, and displacement as an underlying cause for the increases in violent actions. Girls and Women who are displaced are more vulnerable to attacks, usually because they are alone and no one is there to protect them, not even the justice system, that is not an excuse, it is the reality, if there is no punishment, no order, nor rules, then chances of this occurring over and over are increased. It is a sickening thought to have, just because a woman is a woman, then it is okay to rape and abuse her. According to the article there have been some laws put into place to address these issues, but leaves to question how enforceable are these laws going to be? It is my opinion, that more public awareness and more widespread the issues are debated about, and less corruption, then the more likelihood change will take place. If people are ignoring this issue in India, then it will continue to grow. The deprivation in India from reading this article, and the effects that the economy and justice system has had on the increase of violence against women, and violence overall. As our text shows the more impoverished, politically corrupted, displaced, and oppressed a region is, then the higher the crime rates tend to be. When police, those who are supposed to protect, are involved in such gruesome acts, it gives little hope to citizens for protection and aide. It is inspiring to see that students in universities in India are talking about these issues, but this also needs to transpire to the poorer regions as well. I also agree with your response, that looking for a cop-out of blaming the system is not the answer. The answer lies in educating people about rights of women, and learning to respect others, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social class. The reference you give in your blog about Not For Sale is parallel to the chapter from our text, and the solution is simply better education, stiffer laws and punishments, and increase in public awareness of the horrific crimes against women and children that occurs not only in India, but throughout the world.
Jalena - After reading your article and blog for the week I had a couple of different thoughts. The first thought I had was that these men seem to have been tortured and treated unfairly during their imprisonment and, you're right, the UN should be intervening in these situtations much earlier than now. I also think about all of the World War II Nazi's who are still in the works of being prosecuted for crimes from the 1930's and these men are now in their 90's and still have not answered for their horrific and unacceptable behavior. In fact, most of them have lived very fulfulling lives after the war which is not fair. The second thought I had was, you know that they would not have gotten away with this for so long had it been in the United States, so how is it then if we in the U.S. are so good at prosecuting people that we have one of the highest crime rates in the world? I am not sure what the solution to our crime problem is, I just noticed it in this weeks reading in Chapter 5 and felt that it related to your article.
My response is for Lisa Norton's blog. When I read your article, you had a lot of shocking information, but when I went back and read the actual article I found even more information that is almost unbelieveable. Or maybe I don't want to believe it? What has happened to India? Looking back at my childhood movies like Indiana Jones, which seemed to paint quite a different picture of India--with it's colorful garb, enchanting music and thriving culture, I can't help but wonder what happened over the years. India used to be a place I wanted to travel to, but now, no thanks! I like how you related your article to the Not For Sale book, and you are right, a lot of those wowen who are raped in India are thrown away like trash, like those in our book. In the article it stated that 1/5 of India's 725 million eligible voters were from the ages 18-23. 725 million people in India is a lot of people, I can't hardly fathom it! This year alone, the country has seen an increase in the number of rapes being reported. This is good, except for the fact that India has too few judges, policemen, and low conviction rates as well as shotty investigations to really make a difference. I can only imagine how hard it would be to manage a population of that size, but I find it harder to imagine that with that many people, law enforcement could be so short staffed. Across the world India is known as the "rape capital of the world" and that is really, really sad. I only hope that the 18-23 year old eligible voters who make up 1/5 of the population step up and defend themselves since they are the most vulnerable to being raped, but again what good would it do with a corrupt government where most perpetrators get away with their crimes? Good article!
Reply to Lisa: I agree it would be an advancement in human rights should India and other countries with rampant sex crimes toward women and children change their outlook toward these victims so they will be viewed in an equally with protected human rights. I also agree that part of this problem is grown in family practices/ structure. These women and children may be raped or mistreated by male relatives and family members as a historic practice. After reading this statement, I considered other readings from class and my own research in this area. Not for Sale clearly emphasizes women and children are considered property by their parents or husbands in that world region. As long as a person is considered property, they are always at risk for poverty, injustice, and violence. I also critically considered how people in India are unique from the United States socially (the US has crimes like this, but they are not accepted). One very important difference is religion. Our Bible (Christianity) does not promote actions such as these. Hinduism and Islam are different. Obviously not all Hindus and Muslims would act criminally toward women and children, but the practice of violent sex crimes and practices have been religiously tolerated for thousands of years. One article I read indicated that Hindu untouchable baby girls who are not first born have been dedicated and sold into prostitution to a Hindu goddess for blessing to the family. This happens at birth and the girls are taken to the temple once they turn about ten years old and live as temple prostitutes until they are let go because of age. They may not marry men because they were dedicated to the religion. This practice is illegal now, but still occurs underground. These girls are often shipped to the red light districts of Indian cities today for prostitution. This problem is very complex because there is the argument to support this type of exploitation and violence in their religion (what they are likely to trust to be right). Christian mission work in these areas of the world would aid in solving this violence. Also time to pass for public education and adoption for change in outlook would help. It is obvious people need to advocate for a change in how women and children are viewed/ treated in India. This education, as you also state, needs to be directed to the family unit as well. I am pasting the article I found in case you would like to read it also: http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=36941
I can not imagine not having any rights and treated like property just because I am a female. After reading this article, I was sickened at the crimes against women just because they are female. It reminded me of what we are reading in class about sex trafficking. Females are considered second class citizens and are viewed as a piece of meat. I would not know how to react if I felt I was not protected and to be degraded because I was a female.
Topic: Poverty Title: China’s transformation frays traditional family ties, hurting many seniors Date: 9/18/13
The article begins by describing the dilapidated homes that the elderly are living in. The article also discusses that the aging population in China, and how this has become the rising population. The article discusses the demographics to the aged populations, and how the economy has played a part in how the aged are now treated. This ties into my topic of poverty because the elderly are the leading population of poverty in China. There is a slide of pictures that accompanying this article that depicts the conditions that the elderly live in. Societal turmoil, the move from communism into capitalism, are components to the cause of families no longer having strong ties. The country has pushed to economically advance itself and move forward to keep up with the ever changing world, and from this, many children had to move to larger areas to find work. The article discusses the issues of poverty, depression, and illness that the elderly are going through, because their children are no longer around. This in turn has caused the elderly to tend for their selves. The article stated that a law was put into place that parents can sue their children, if they fail to visit and support them. However, the strict housing restrictions have led to the children needing to move far off to find employment and seek housing elsewhere. The article stated that 1 in 4 of the nation’s elderly live below the poverty line. Also, more than 1 in 3 suffer with daily activities, and depression is an issue that 40% struggle with. China is the fastest growing elderly population in the world, and the societal changes that have taken shape for decades has put more emphasis on work, and not on family. This rapid increase in the aging community has also caused distress for the current government, and the question is how is this issue going to be addressed? The plan is to adopt communal nursing homes, similar to that in Western Countries. The article discusses that the elderly live on less than $10 a day, so they usually grow their own food, but that too is difficult for most, due to the physical health they are in. It is estimated that by 2053, 35% of the population will be elderly and the elderly population will be more than the total population living in the US. Added to this, the children who are or will be taking care of their parents, are apt to be in poverty as well, because of the one child policy, one child could ultimately be caring for four aging adults. Many of the families depicted in this story, and the displacement of families, reminds me of the readings from our text. Families are broken up and morals and traditions are soon forgotten, because of displacement. The poverty the elderly are suffering and the rapid aging of the country as a whole is definitely something to monitor. China could possibly have a chance to lead the world on elder care, if it is able to come up with a system to address this issue. I also think about the class discussion we had, somewhere around 2 weeks ago, of countries borrowing from one another and helping one another, and this is the time for China to ask for help and for it to be offered. Too many times it seems that the mindset is throw the elderly off in a corner and forget about them, but what happened to family traditions, is money more important than family, and the flip side to that is it takes money to care for the elderly. This is definitely a quandary for the country to be in, and I am sure the world is watching to see what happens, and other countries will hopefully assist, or at least learn from China as how to better care for their aging populations.
I found your article relating to my topic (aging). One thing that stood out in the article. It stated that the rural population is not respected by their children like it use to be in the past when families had control over younger generations. There are a lot of articles relating to China's aging population. With more than 185 million people over the age of 65 there is going to be even more poverty in this country. I read the article last month when the courts in China favored for the elderly mother, when she sued her daughter and now the middle generation not only has to take care of their children but now they have a legal obligation to take care of their parents.
Taking care of elderly and the poverty level of them are serious issue in Korean too. Younger generations are not respect and try to take care of their old parent any more in Asian countries as they did in the past. Many of these Asian countries do not have proper care system for the elderly as Western countries have. Because of this problems, the suicidal rate of elderly in Korea is high now. Many elderly suffer from depression and loneliness because they have been isolated from the society. Due to the development of medical skills and tools, most of the elderly live much more longer than before in Korea but their quality of life is not very developed. Recently many researches have been conducting to solve this social problem but I personally believe that government should intervene and create social system to support elderly people financially and medically. Society changes so fast and family system too. Government need to catch this kind of social changes and find out the best way to support the minority group in the society.
Liberating Africa’s Widows By Tendai Makaripe and Vimbai Muchapondwa
The authors are trying to get across to their readers and others around the world that women in Africa need help with inadequate shelter, violence, banishment, discrimination, poverty, and healthcare. When people tend to think of widows, most think that widows are elderly. With the pandemic of HIV/AIDS and ethnic cleansing, widows are becoming younger and younger. Widows now compromise between 7 to 16% of all adult African women depending on which study you read. Not only are women being widowed, these women are caring for young orphans of others in their villages.
Not only are these women experiencing grief and sadness from losing their husbands but they are being treated harshly. Some widows are seen as impure and blamed for their husbands’ death. We talked about the “shaming” piece within class that some cultures shame their woman. While others become homeless, and forced to be with other family members. Some widows are not told the causes of their husbands’ deaths such as HIV/AIDS and in return these women do not know if they are sick as well. We can see a lot of human rights being violated throughout Africa. As we have been focusing on women in our class, we can see how oppression, discrimination, and victimization are only a few of the things these women go through daily. Women in Africa need to be empowered and protected from people that prey upon them and take advantage of them by their government.
The article points out abuse done to widows and children are one of the most serious violations of human rights. Again in class we have talked about many countries that are participants within the United Nations and continue to violate human rights. The authors are asking that we help these widows; many are able to work and contribute their communities due to how young they are becoming widows. The United Nations has declared a day for widows; the International Widows Day is on June 23rd. This is a way to let people know the needs of widows around the world. They are asking for women to become independent by being educated and empowered and these women need protection from violence, proper representation, and access to healthcare.
I can truly say that with all that I am hearing and reading about what is going on in Africa, this article did not surprise me. The women are being treated as if they have no human rights, but are being asked to stand up and be independent. In my opinion this is impossible for the African women to do whether young or old due to they are living under a government system that does not recognize them as being valuable citizens. Millions of widows in the world endure extreme poverty, banishment, violence, homelessness, health problems and discrimination. These women are seen as being uneducated and impure. I find it interesting that the UN would create a day for Widows. I wonder how many countries actually observe the day?
Shianne, Your article was mind blowing for me. I was amazed that nearly 70% of the children in this area are being supported solely by widowed mothers. 70% is a staggering number and this may not be accurate. As the article describes many widowed women are not even accounted for in the census related to having no living husband. When I stop and think about the projections for the future if this type of mistreatment continues, I am saddened by the possibility that things could only get worse for widowed women and fatherless children. Articles such as this leave me asking myself, "where do we go from here?". I wonder what type of effect microenterprise would have on the women in this area? If the women could be empowered and had a product to sale would this make them more valuable in the eyes of others within the country? Would the women as a result be able to embrace their independence? Or would others who already violate their human rights daily simply steal their products? Good article. This brings about a lot of unanswered questions for me.
Yolonda Armstead Clash in Greek Jail, over a dozen injured. http://english.irib.ir/news/political4/item/117264-clash-in-greek-jail,-over-a-dozen-injured September 16, 2013 Greek police say over a dozen inmates have been injured in a clash among detainees at the country’s main prison, notorious for its overpopulation. The Korydallos prison in located in Southern Athens, and the detention center is infamous for being overcrowded as it holds over 2,300 inmates despite having a capacity of 800 prisoners. The clash occurred due to one detainee stabbed another detainee the day before. Earlier this year in July, close to 200 detainees went on hunger strike to complain about primitive conditions and the lack of their care. The prison houses regular detainees with detainees that have infectious diseases. Even though the detainees are incarcerated due to offenses that they have committed, this should not mean that they should be housed in a prison that has almost tripled the number of detainees housed in one facility. There should also be some serious consideration taken on behalf of the detainees that have serious medical conditions. There should be some form of segregated housing for the detainees with medical issues from those that do not have medical issues. This should fall under their Human Rights being violated Article 25 because when you force a person who has does not have a terminal illness such as AIDS/HIV unknowingly cohabitate with a person who has AIDS/HIV, you are violating their rights due to neither person the ill person nor the one who is not ill will be receiving the “right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself”. This includes their medical care. The Greek Police should be required to have separate units for any detainee that has a serious medical condition. When reading this article I wondered how many deaths they have had occur due to their negligence on how they handle their detainees, and if there is a police that prevents the detainees once they are released from custody that would prevent them from being able to take out a law suit against the facility.
Michaela Vaillant, Terrorism, 23 September 2013, - 12.24 am Kenya mall attack: Somalia's al-Shabaab group claims responsibility (AP) http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/21/kenya-mall-attack-al-shabaab The article of this week addresses the killing of about 30 people in an attack on a Nairobi mall frequented by affluent Kenyan and expatriate Somalis by Somalia's militant group al-Shabaab, executed as retribution for Kenya’s intervention in Somalia in 2011. The article captures predominantly multiple individual perspectives experienced during the attack, giving the reader details about the group and how the event went down. Eye-witnesses report how Muslims were spared and non-Muslim targeted and attacked, which was confirmed by African, Caucasian and Asian ethnicities identified among the dead and injured, giving it a strong notion of “ethnic cleansing” (Sernau, p. 158). The attack however goes beyond the cultural/ethnic factor: Kenya is experiencing retaliation for intervening on their own and participating in African Union’s peacekeeping missions in Somalia. Uganda experienced attacks for the same reason in previous years. Sernau mentions leaders who seek to settle “old scores” and gain regional power (p. 158). It appears that Al-Shabaab does just that, and more. The communality aspect of social identity (identification with reference groups, Garcia, p. 106) reflected in Al-Shabaab’s ties to Al-Qaeda indicates also that, by definition of identification, they seek ultimately Islamic world dominance based on a religious worldview. Eye witnesses remember “black”(s), Somalis, and a woman being among members of Al-Shabaab, making the religious worldview a cultural and empowering bond across different ethnicities with far reaching sociopolitical ramifications. Sernau talks also about the transition from world war into regional conflicts, which cross regional boundaries and destabilize neighboring regions using terrorism as a weapon (p. 159). Somalia’s instability and violence has not necessarily destabilized Kenya, but certainly made an impact (i. e. refugees influx, border wars) on its decision to intervene and participate in peacekeeping missions. Al-Shabaab’s use of terrorism as weapon for justification is reflected in their tweet commenting that the attack is only a small representation of what ”Muslims in Somalia experience at the hands of Kenyan invaders”. I might be biased, but it would be interesting to know what they exactly mean by that, since Islam is the official religion of Somalia, which defines the entire population Muslim. More likely is that Kenyan peacekeepers targeted extremist groups such as them to deter insurgent activities, not because they were Muslim. Sernau talks also about terrorist actions having an impact far away. Considering that Nairobi is the host to UN quarters for the developing world, and the transport and commercial hub of East and Central Africa, actions of Somali extremist groups in Kenya impact many areas. The reported use of small-arm weaponry in this attack (AK-47’s) confirms also this week’s reading, showing the disastrous consequences of a global arms trade. Assuming that Al-Qaeda ties translate also into financial support, and considering that AK-47 can be purchased for as little as $ 20.00 in war-torn regions (Sernau, p. 161), further attacks are likely to be funded and continue, bringing so international terrorism to Kenya’ threshold from another angle.
This is a reply to Jalena's article. It was interesting to read an article tied to my country of origin. As the prisoners were reported mostly political, I searched Article 2 of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention to get more understanding. I was surprised that it does not mention “political group” when it outlines what genocide entails. However, it indicates the manner of infliction which corresponds to the reports of the surviving prisoners. Either way, regardless of deserving or not incarceration (Ficor) this has nothing to do with preserving their basic human rights. I completely understand your indignation about the UN’s missing presence, but to be fair, and as discussed in class, the UN has evidently limited leverage to enforce individual adherence in participating states, and this only if conditions are brought to their attention. Given the communication restrictions imposed during communism, it is hard to believe people at that time had the opportunity or courage to report them, even if aware of them. I don’t know exactly what it takes to present a case before the UN, but I imagine that it has to pass officially through a certain chain of command. During communism, this was very hard to accomplish. If attempted, it would have been mostly harshly suppressed as questioning superiors and linked to betraying the ideological framework, and daring advocates would have crowded the same places the people they might have advocated for. Visinescu’s comment that he was “just following orders” is somewhat a typical argument for obedience due to indoctrination and often based on personal bias, fear or self-preservation. As Garcia mentions repeatedly, oppression might be observed, but ignored to avoid personal discomfort. I’m not in any way defending his position, especially since it resembles comments of Nazi leaders presented in the Nuremberg trials. Such oppressive environments, similar to military regimes, present serious threats to any opposition. This is congruent with what Garcia indicates as “the social construction of race and the subsequent categorization of social groups”(p. 42). Although it refers to American society, the “social arrangements of advantage, based on an ideology of white supremacy” where made equally in Nazi-Germany (against the Jews) and in Romania (white supremacy substituted by communist superiority). In Germany, those belonging to the Arian race were privileged and Jewish people oppressed. In Romania, those adhering to the system and ideology were doing ok so far in comparison to those less supportive, questioning or openly resistant. This has a lot to do with psychological conditioning. In this regard, I’m reminded of the boys involuntarily recruited young in the LRA (Not for Sale) where the brutal indoctrination practices led many to believe that what they were doing was all right. In Romania, as in other communist countries (and correspondingly in every country’s history book to some extent, see Sernau p.118, liberal education), many were equally psychologically conditioned or born into these conditions and prevented from knowing better. You ask about why they are being tried now. I imagine one reason is because after communism ended in 1989, the country continued to be ravaged by political corruption and power abuse and many other facets which arose when it opened up to the West, trying to enter the global market. Now after 20 and some years maybe some form of stability has arrived to focus more on humanitarian issues. Although it is a great tribute to justice when prosecuted, I hope setting this example will encourage other countries to follow suit. Personally, and without disregarding these people’s traumatic experiences/abuse, I see the human trafficking issues in Romania as much more pressing, as they happen now and affect thousands of women and girls in the present time. This is why the expansion of Padre Cesare’s Regina Pax centers is so encouraging, reflecting how small seeds can sprout into big plants.
Slavery/Human Trafficking Investigation in Wales (United Kingdom)
Article Date: September 23, 2013
The article I read this week was about a recent human trafficking investigation in Wales, more specifically the Marshfield area, located in the United Kingdom. The article referred to the crime as “slavery and servitude” rather than any form of trafficking; I thought that was kind of interesting. The investigation began when police found a 43-year old man, who had been missing for 13 years, to be living in very poor conditions. The police believe that there have been people kept living in these poor conditions and forced to work for no pay. Earlier this year there was also another 43-year old man that was found at the same place that had been missing for over a decade. After the initial man was found, another man was taken to the hospital to assess his physical and mental condition. A team of 100 police officers have arrested 4 men for possible involvement in this crime, and according to the article they are conducting an inquiry into slavery and servitude. The article also stated that police believe that the body of an unknown person may be buried at this site.
This article just goes to show you how trafficking can happen in your own back yard and no one is even aware of it. The man they found had been missing for 13 years! You would think that in 13 years someone would have discovered what was going on. Human trafficking perpetrators are skilled at hiding their covers. They would have to be, or it would not be such a social problem. As we discussed in class, for a crime to fall under any kind of trafficking force, fraud, or coercion must be used. If the police are correct in this case, the perpetrators definitely used force to keep and control their victims. It seems as though these people were forced to stay on this site and work for no pay. They were probably facing threats of death, or even harm to their loved ones if they did not do the work. I hope the police are able to fully investigate this case and hopefully put an end to the labor trafficking that has been occurring is Marshfield.
I have learned a lot about human trafficking over the past year or so, but I still cannot wrap my mind around why in the world people would do this. It is just heart breaking! When I first starting learning about the topic I honestly had no idea that it happened so often, and that it happened everywhere. But as we read in Not for Sale, it literally does happen all around the world. I think this would be an awesome area of social work to work in. We have talked in class about how prevalent the issue is, and how it is right up there with drugs and guns when it comes to killing people. I believe that this issue is only going to continue to grow requiring more and more social workers to be involved. I also think people need to be educated on this issue. Many people do not know that it is such a problem. If we as social workers could play the role of an educator and teach people how get involved, and how to help prevent human trafficking, it really could make a difference.
This would be an interesting article to follow and see what more information can be found. After taking two human trafficking courses, it still never ceases to amaze me when I hear new stories. I also thought it was interesting that in the article they stated that the police are investigating slavery and servitude but did not mention charges of human trafficking. However, towards the end of the article they said that the police are working with the UK Human Trafficking Center. I would be curious to find out where these men originally came from as the article stated that it is only clear that they are from Easter Europe, and I would also be curious to see if all of these individuals, including the one suspected to be buried, are all from the same farm as the article was not especially clear on that information either. Also, late notice but I was told that there is a human trafficking segment on the WHAS 11 news channel tonight at 11:00.
Amanda, can you record the human trafficking segment or send me a summary. I don't have cable. I will look at the website tomorrow to see if they post something. Thanks for letting us know, Candace
Leslie Carver 9/24/13 3:30 PM I too would agree that this would definitely be an article worth following throughout the investigation. Sara, it is so true what you said about it being in our backyard, you never know. Just like the film we watched last week in class with the little girl. She would dream of her mother coming to get her and taking her to America. Little did she know that her dream of wonderful America was not such a dream- discovering she was already in America as a sex slave at a very young age. I wonder what that little girl’s life turned out to be, if she would even live to her twenties. The man in your article that had been missing for 13 years will be an interesting interview to see. Like we discussed in class about the story of the girl who lived at her home and was being trafficked in her home from boys at school makes me wonder if he was pulled into this slavery cycle before actually going missing. I’m sure he is going to have health problems both physical and psychological stemming from the poor living conditions stated in the article. According to some of our reading on victims like this could have problems stemming from poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, poor personal hygiene, brutal physical and emotional abuse, and the general lack of quality of medical care. Those just to name a few, are definite things that need to be investigated for Darrell Simester. The follow up story on Simester and his family will be one of inspiring I’m sure.
As we continue to unravel the mind boggling acts of human trafficking, with the use of force, fraud, or coercion to enslave individuals for a selfish reason. Since watching the video and completing the book, Not for Sale, I have pondered on the trafficking that goes on in our own backyard. What I find perplexing, is how long it takes to uncover and recoup the victims. I understand that this social problem is one that cannot be acted upon rashly due to the sensitive nature of one’s life. I also find it difficult to imagine being missing or gone for that long, some 13 years, before someone goes to looking into one’s whereabouts. I would hope that I would be missed within the week as opposed to not being sought after for more than a decade. I am curious to see what the mental and physical status of the 43-year old man yields. It is the investigations and inquiries to tips, that organizations are alerted to, that helps flesh out the reasons, conditions, and after effects into this social problem that only appears to be growing with the desperation some of our other countries experience in such economic duress.
I can't help but feel an extreme amount of empathy towards the victims of human trafficking. I think that what is most sad to me is that the victims of human trafficking and their loved ones are made to think that they are going to be able to live an amazing life when in reality they are likely living in worse conditions than they would if they were to remain in their home countries. This article really made me reflect on how often that this may happen in our backyards. I'm sure we wouldn't have to look far to find this happening in our own home towns. While reading the article I was shocked to find out that four people were arrested in connection with the crime concerning the 43 year old man. What's even more disturbing is to think that it is highly likely that there are more individuals who knew that knew he was being kept for free labor and that he was kept in such deplorable conditions and were afraid to speak up. Hopefully they will be able to catch all individuals who were involved.
German court rules Muslim girl must take mixed-sex swimming lessons Topic: Religion Link: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/germany/130911/german-court-rules-muslim-girl-must-go-mixed-sex-swimming-lessons
In Germany, a Muslim girl recently went to the courts to get a legal ruling stating that she would not have to take swimming lessons with boys at her school. She would have to prove that the clothing options would go against her Muslim beliefs in order to get a ruling in her favor. However, she was unable to do so. Instead, the courts have decided that she can wear a full-body bathing suit and still adhere to her religion. The girl's lawyer argued that it would not only be inappropriate for the girl to wear a bathing suit in front of the boys in her class, but that it would be inappropriate for her to be interacting so closely with boys who were only wearing swim trunks. The courts however, disagreed with all arguments that the thirteen year old girl's lawyer made and ruled against her.
The swimming lessons were taking place at the girl's school as a part of their educational requirements. The judge who ruled on the cases simply stated that it would be unrealistic to think that the courts could accommodate all religious requests within the educational settings. He also believes that because of this ruling, swimming lessons will become increasingly separated according to gender.
At first I thought that the girl in this article was given an unfair ruling. However, after I thought about it for a few minutes, I am not so sure I still feel that way. I understand what the judge meant when he said that the courts could not accommodate every religious concern. It also made me feel better that they gave her the option of a full-body bathing suit so that she does not have to show as much as the non-Muslim girls.
This article reminds me of the topic of women's rights that we read and discussed about a couple of weeks ago in class. However, it still leaves me feeling conflicted. It makes me think about how differently the women in the Muslim religion are treated and how different the expectations are for them. It seems unfair to me that she would be expected to go to such extreme measures to cover her body or get swim lessons with only girls and yet the boys have no worries. They do not have to worry about covering their body or seeing a girl's body because of their religion. However, it is part of her religion, and according to the Declaration of Human Rights, everyone should be allowed to practice the religion of their choice. So, if being Muslim is her choice (which is unclear in the article), is it really unfair that she have these expectations? I begin to think that it is not so unfair.
In response to Amanda's article: This article made me a little sad. I truly do not see how she was made to participate when this is a culture where females do not interact with males in the same way that the German culture does. "Covered" or not, she clearly will feel uncomfortable and feel that she is violating her religion and I think that takes it one step too far. If she was wearing the burkini in a class full of female students then I feel that would be a different issue. However, I think her religious rights are not being upheld and neither are her rights as a citizen of Germany. I do not necessarily agree that she chose to be Muslim, because the article does not really specify. She could have been born Muslim and in their culture, do they really have a choice to not be at that age? Are they allowed to practice opposite of what their parents practice? Muslim women do not have an many rights as we as women have depending on how strict they practice and what country they reside in. I am leaning towards her not having a choice, which is why so many women are prosecuted when they attempt to seek out other religions. Either way, no matter her religious preference, she has a right to practice and to decide whether or not she must swim with boys of the opposite sex. She is pretty young too, so I am wondering why they even have swim classes that are co-ed at that age. It must be a common occurrence in Germany since the judge ruled against her. I assume that this means they have probably been down this road before and they think the burkini is an alternate and a way to meet in the middle. I cannot say I agree.
‘Confidence growing’ for small Scots firm as labour market ‘strengthens’ The Federation of Small Business (FBS) conducted a survey and after a three year high small firms in Scotland are conveying confidence. They anticipate increasing capital investment, even though profits were limited. The survey presented a slight trace of job creation. According to the Bank of Scotland’s monthly recruitment monitor they found placements were remaining to grow strongly. The survey conducted by FSB results indicates a fifth quarter of growing business confidence. Increasing capital investment is what three in ten firms intended. Out of the 2,330 companies taking part, 247respondents trailed behind the confidence level for the UK as a whole. Growing business expenses led to more companies estimating a decline in profits than those anticipating an increase, by 34% to 31%. Even though there was decreasing replacement volume as orders picked up, FSB has not indicated if small businesses proposed to hire more employees. FSB’s Scottish policy convener, Andy Willox reports “the findings suggest a fledging Scottish small business recovery is under way.” Willox reports improved revenues and decreasing replacement volume proposes that firms are busier that they have been for an extended period; however their profits and growth prospects continue to be put in danger by increasing overheads. A lot is to be done to warrant that small business secure some of the benefits from all of their additional effort. The Bank of Scotland recruitment monitor proposes a clearer image on jobs. It proposes the labour market has improved, with demand for recruits rising at an accelerating pace. With permanent hiring continuing at a record high recorded last month, provisional employment has increased intensely. John Swinney, finance secretary received the conclusions of the Bank of Scotland analysis. Swinney reported that Scotland has the greatest competitive business milieu anywhere in the UK, supported by significant investment in our infrastructure. He continued to say Scotland has a higher employment rate than the UK, stronger economic growth and youth employment numbers that continue to out-perform the UK; a survey involving the entire UK for accountants BDO and the Quoted Companies, revealed business confidence attaining a two year high. As I read this article I often thought about what I read in the book Not for Sale. What would it be like for those countries, not only countries but the people in them if they had the confidence to obtain more? If they had the opportunity to find work and take care of their selves? As I read this article, I realized that these small companies were getting stronger as they were able to make a profit, is that not what the people in these countries do if they had the means and opportunity to make a honest wage to be able to support themselves and there families. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-24100371
Melissa McIntosh Topic: Human Rights Date- 9/23/13 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24075841 My article for this week in entitled Somali crisis: Amnesty criticizes evictions in Mogadishu. Many people have found refuge in Mogadishu from conflicts, droughts, and famines. Families here do not live in comfortable homes like we do here in the U.S. Instead they live in tents that they have constructed themselves out of whatever materials they could find. The article estimates that approximately 370,000 people are currently residing in this area as a place of refuge. These people have fled to this area in hopes to find peace. However the government of Mogadishu has other ideas in mind. In January of this year the government announced a goal of rebuilding the city. One main objective of rebuilding the city was to move the families and people living in tents there to camps just outside of town. Amnesty International has begun to investigate this forcing out of people residing in this area and has concluded that the human rights of the residents are being violated. It has been reported that on August 4th during a protest of the relocation of the homeless in Mogadishu security forces opened fire on the protestors resulting in the death of a mother of nine children and an 8 year old child. The government contends that it holds the right to reclaim any buildings or land in Mogadishu that is currently being inhabited by refugees. Amnesty International feels that this movement to relocate the homeless and rebuild the city could have been a positive thing if it had been approached and carried out appropriately. Reportedly entire camps have been destroyed by bulldozers and women have been gang raped within the camps. People placed in positions of authority over the camp have reportedly been misusing assistance for the homeless and some of the food and other assistance may be going to militants. I related the information in this article to chapter six of Sernau’s Global Problems book, War. The reason that many people are living as homeless people in tents within the borders of Mogadishu is in an attempt to escape some type of war or conflict. In response the government of Mogadishu maintains a war like stance against these people trying to find refuge. Violence and suffering seem to have become so intertwined in the culture in Mogadishu that to this government it is acceptable to violate human rights and take the lives of innocent women and children. When reading stories such as these I feel overwhelmed by the lack of regard for human life, justice, and rights of others in areas similar to Mogadishu. In pages 158- 159 Sernau, describes and discusses regional conflict such as that taking place in Africa. This reading from Sernau can be directly tied into the text, not for sale in regard to human rights violations and violence. Sernau states, “Often it is difficult to tell where war, terrorism, and crime end, as each overlaps the other”. This reading reminded me of the stories of children in Uganda who were forced to serve as soldiers and the young women who were raped in Not For Sale. This article leaves me asking the question, “If the government wanted to relocate these people, why couldn’t they have done it in a peaceful manner?”
This article concerns the increase in child labor in Lebanon due to the Syrian war. The UN reports that Syrian child refugees have to contribute to the family’s basic needs by earning money. Although Lebanon is allowing the refugees to enter the country, Lebanon is a very poor country and does not have a ready supply of emergency camps for the refugees. These refugees are working to purchase basic needs and their laboring children are missing school to contribute. The impoverished families rely on their children to work for food. One representative indicated that Lebanon has 400,000 official refugee children with only a fourth enrolled in school. For those who can attend school, they do not have access to regular classrooms because they are living in tents and migrant. They continue to move the tent sites for safety. Permanent locations create additional risk of harm to the refugees. The number of refugees is expected to double by the next year so these problems just increase. These families often have no male in their household and little options to meet their needs. Women and children are now working on farms, factories, selling products on the street, etc. as result of the devastation. UNICEF is working to reduce the exploitation and abuse that comes from these situations. They are also working with employers to allow children time off for school. The UN reports that half of the refugees fleeing Syria are children. UNICEF is working to aid for education and sanitation. Syrian parents still demonstrate their support of education, however. Many parents walk their children to school amidst fire so they can be educated. This article is a good present example of the plight of children who are living in world poverty amid war. Not for Sale indicates poor children are at risk for child labor, and war further complicates this injustice. Sernau references that in times of war, especially civil war, civilians are caught in the middle. The influx of refugees into impoverished countries, like the article states, does not guarantee their needs will be met. Refugees and their children in Lebanon are now vulnerable to crimes and abuse since many are working on the streets as vendors. After reading the article, I also thought of how UNICEF is advocating for these children (and their families). It is clear they can advocate on all three levels: educational, instrumental, and practical (McLaughlin’s article indicates social work may advocate on three levels). They state they are helping in education and sanitation. They could easily be helping the people find the resource of clean water and where safe areas are to reduce risk for harm and abuse. In spite of all this devastation, it is still apparent, however, that people are still welcoming the need for education, as UNICEF, advocates. Many parents will walk through fire shot to take their child to school and invest the child’s human capital. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/20/us-syria-crisis-unicef-idUSBRE98J0TG20130920
Michelle, I like how you pointed out in the article that just because refugees are able to flee from one country to another, their life may not be a whole lot better. We are working on the topic of Cuban refugees in my group and I have always tended to see refugees as those leaving a country for a better life such as opportunities in America. The issues with war-torn Syrian refugees "escaping" to war-torn Lebanon really helped challenge this idea. I guess the refugees must keep heading "north."
“Heavy rains and landslides leave more dead in typhoon-hit region”
There are many articles out there right now about the devastation that Super Typhoon Usagi is unleashing in the Pacific, but this one adds a bit more human depth to the story. The article briefly reports about the effect the typhoon has had on China as well as the Philippines. Surprising to me, the article casually states that “Usagi is the most powerful typhoon to hit the Western Pacific this year,” implying that this is a regular occurrence in this region.
As of the printing of the story, landslides alone in the province of Zambales, have left 17 people dead in the Philippines. Of those dead, most were presumed to be victims of heavy rains that fell in the night while people slept without the benefit of any organized warning. The mayor of Subic, stated that the rains and “chest-deep” floods have trapped the town of 160,000 people. In China, landslides have caused similar situations. One sad recurring theme that I have noticed when reading natural disaster related articles on these impoverished regions is that they are poorly prepared to handle these recurring emergencies.
The article also states that the typhoon has had an effect on economies. Shipping routes between China and Taiwan have been halted. This made me think of our readings that explain how the world has become so connected through trade. Although China and Taiwan are thousands of miles away from the United States, we will probably feel the impact of this on our own economy, just as the string activity demonstrated in class.
The article concludes with the mayors in the Philippines appealing for help in all forms, including “inflatable boats.” One mayor was asking the U.S. to send some U.S. Marines to help them who are stationed there for “war games.” I’m sure we will send help now, but I wish we would assist them in risk reduction in the future. Everyone knows that these things are going to happen repeatedly in the same areas, yet we as a global community do little to assist in preparedness.
Of all of our blogs, this week’s education piece really caught my attention. I am well aware of the black market and how it operates. However anytime I think of “black market” I do not think about it being synonymous with “text books”. Normally, we hear a lot about guns, drugs, and different pieces of technology that flood the industry illegally and for high profit. When I read the article and learned that textbooks are also a high commodity in some countries, I was stunned. Furthermore, when I learned that officials are the ones guilty of the stealing them, and then selling them, I was even more shocked. Those who sell them, including some principals, price them incredibly low. Then the new owner resells for a cheap price, but still enough to make quite a profit off of the books. At the same time, it was nice to see an article that expressed both sides points of views. Some are forced to buy textbooks on the black market. They see no other viable options for their children who cannot get the texts that they need at school. The parent commented that for the books they do receive, they are in poor condition. Then, on the other hand, education officials say they are being hurt from the demand of the books on the black market and that is why they cannot supply good textbooks. One thing is for certain, staff and school officials are guilty of selling the books and that needs to stop. I can see how the practice is hurting schools as a whole and taking away much needed resources. It is hurting students even more. It was interesting to note that this problem has been going on for a while in Yemen and that they are just not vamping up the strategies to try to stop it. To me, it seems that someone needs to advocate more for the cause. It does not seem to be an issue that everyone is made aware of. As we discussed in class and our readings, there are different types of advocating that can be done. First, they mentioned putting bar codes in their books to track them. This is a good idea but I do not think it will curb their problem. They need someone in a social arena to make some noise about the situation, without fear of doing so. Children need proper tools to learn, as education is a basic fundamental right. Then, they need to educate their society about the causes and effects of allowing such a practice to continue. Schools could take part in this because they see the effects firsthand. Parents could also have input because they are the ones forced to buy the textbooks out of necessity. Together, they could try to come up with more viable options, besides just coding their books. In fact, it seems that there would need to be harsher penalties, especially for staff who are involved in the process. If not, children will continue to receive substandard education and books will probably start flooding the black market due to supply and demand. I thinks this article directly relates to our social justice handout because someone somewhere needs to advocate harder to make a change.
Kenya’s economic crisis Junghyun Lee Sep 24, 2013 5:30pm This week I read an article entitled “High debt appetite exposes Kenya to global financial risks.” It reported that Kenya has been confronting high debt crisis by receiving a syndicated loan from China. This article introduced president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta’s, visitation to China and showed how he was welcomed by the Chinese government. But it explained the reality behind this connection that might endanger Kenya’s economic situation. Even though Kenya considered China as a kind business partner, the loan that Kenya borrowed from China was not as safe as the loans from the West because they are commercial loans that meet the needs of borrowing project from China. IMF already warned of its serious results and requested to waive and modify the debts. In the past, international lenders were mostly capitals from western countries, but now China is the dominant creditor. Most of the western countries seriously consider the political situation and carefully examine the nation’s financial records so it was not easily accessible to the indebted countries. Many African countries including Kenya thirst for this quickly accessible money because they have lots of national projects that are required to be urgently developed. But the conditions of these commercial loans are not favorable because its interests are expensive and even though Kenya is the country that initiates the project, it cannot hire employees with its own countrymen in carrying out the project and Kenya cannot receive the benefits by raising the employment rate through the project. This is one of the examples of the imbalanced relationship between creditors and indebted nations. Creditors can take an advantage of an indebted nation’s urgent situation and it always worsens the indebted nation’s economic situation. These unbalanced relationships that are globally formed between creditors and indebted nations reminds me of the relationship between those traffickers and victims from “Not for Sale” that I read last week. Through this book, I learned that traffickers always tried to take advantage of those victims’ desperate poverty, lack of parents, illiteracy, ignorance about legal processes to protect themselves and something urgent situations to survive. Because of the characteristics of the victims, those who are the most vulnerable, mostly children become the victims. When I read this article, I thought about the necessity of creating loans that can meet urgent needs of the indebted countries by not considering their political situations and examining detailed financial histories. Also it does not require unfavorable conditions such as high interest rate and importing contractors from the lenders. Only through creating a new loan system can indebted countries escape from bankruptcies and it prevents the downfall of the global economic system. In the same way, vulnerable children and women’s urgent needs should be met not by exploiters’ hands but by ethical entities in the right way. Sin is not just doing something wrong, but also not doing the right thing when you already knew it. www.googlenews.com http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000093571&story_title=high-debt-appetite-exposes-kenya-to-global-financial-risks&pageNo=4 http://www.iearn.org.au/clp/archive/write30.htm
This week’s blog involves desperate migrants creating havoc in order to cross one of the two Spanish borders from North Africa. This particular incident occurred on the Morrocon/Spanish border where approximately 300 migrants violently attacked a 20-foot fence completely taking it down. During this raid, migrants assaulted the security officers resulting in 6 injuries and one migrant suffered a broken leg when the fence came down. Spanish officials reported that only about 100 migrants successfully made it across the border. In a separate incident on the other border, Ceuta, approximately 350 migrants attempted to swim to one of the beaches in hopes of entering illegally into the country, a spokesman reported that of the 350 migrants that made the attempt only 91 were successful. Authorities stated that those who entered into the country would be housed in one of the two immigrant reception centers. The center in Ceuta currently houses around 750 immigrants while it was built for 400 and in Melilla it is already doubled the capacity. Officials say that these attempts are due to increased fighting in Northern Africa and the crackdown on migration causing migrants to enter in the country in any way possible. Some of the Human Rights groups stated that many migrants are trafficked from other African countries and camp out in the wild waiting for an opportunity to cross. We learned from the real-life book, Not for Sale, how big the problem with human trafficking is. With the numerous examples from the book of how desperate individuals are “tricked” or “lured” into situations where they must endure horrific conditions and torturous acts for a chance of a better brighter future. In our text by Sernau, it highlights the relationship between the “sending” country and the “receiving” country economies. Both are significantly impacted be an increase in population driving up the demand of food, jobs, and housing, while a decrease is experienced in the country who has lost potential economic stability by not having as many contribute to the economy driving up supply and demand. There are many social issues that are affected by illegal entry into another country despite the reason. Despite the Immigration/Migration laws that are in place to protect borders, despite people call for despite measures regardless of the consequences that could be sanctioned, the possibility still remains that “I may be the one who makes it through”. http://www.news.com.au/world-news/africa/incredible-footage-of-desperate-immigrants-raiding-moroccan-border/story-fnh81gzi-1226722294881?from=public_rss
Kasey Gray Blog 9-24-13 This is my link http://www.nbcnews.com/science/pakistan-earthquake-creates-new-island-mud-volcano-blame-4B11248003 This is a fairly new story that has emerged in Pakistan, the news stories say that it is said to have been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit western Pakistan early Tuesday morning. Homes that were nearby where the earthquake hit were demolished and it is said that the earthquake killed multiple people. Scientists are suspecting the formation of an island that has appeared after the earthquake was caused by a jet of mud, sand and water that gushed to the surface as the tumbler churned and it pressurized under the ocean floor. The picture shows the island that is not far from where photographers took the actual picture. The article suggest that these kind of things happen under the sea, and that formation of an island would not be seen if the earthquake had been a three to four magnitude quake. However, it was said that it takes a stronger trembler, maybe even a seven or eight magnitude to change the landscape. As I talked about earlier, this earthquake was said to be at a magnitude level of seven. Scientist are also surprised with the distance of the island. The article suggest the scientists said that distance of the island from the epicenter of the quake is a little bit surprising, granted the sediments are quite soft and susceptible to this. When trying to relate this to class it was somewhat difficult, but I believe this could be related to just about anything we have talked about in class, because this could happen anywhere. This could be prevalent in many other countries as well. But the main thing I want to focus this on is global warming. We have discussed global warming briefly in class, and I have read about it in other articles concerning this topic. I do believe global warming had something to do with this earthquake, and there may be many more to come. Global warming is supposed to be happening right now with wild plants and tree’s in rain forest, so the question is, is this also going on under the sea?. I believe the answer is yes, or we would have frequent deadly earthquakes and so many bad storms. Why else would wild plants and trees be moving? Why else would we keep having such huge earthquakes in other countries?
Civil Wars September 23, 2013 Shawn Lanham When I began researching civil wars for our class assignments, I honestly thought most occurred in other parts of the world. Fortunately, this is true, but I was very surprised to learn an American company, which we all know, contributed to a civil war as a means to coerce and extort local families and workers for their own benefit. Chiquita is being sued by thousands of Columbian families whose relatives were victims of a civil war that lasted decades. The company based in North Carolina owned plantations for their banana production in Columbia. During this time, they have admitted to hiring a military group and paying almost two million dollars to threaten violence against its own workers over many years. Although they have admitted to the wrongdoing, they are now asserting they were bribed to commit these crimes. Even though they did deny the claims, they were found guilty and had to pay a $25 million dollar fine. The family’s lawsuit has cleared many preliminary hurdles and rulings, but Chiquita continues the fight to have this case dismissed. Their defense is that not all killings during this time can be attributed to their own hired gunmen. This is crazy and I cannot believe this story is not getting more airtime. Chiquita also wants the case dismissed because it is now an American based corporation, which cannot be sued by foreigners for human rights violations. REALLY? I did not know human rights had borders. The article states that lawyers are creating motions to drag this case on as long as possible making victims’ families continue to wait for justice. The article describes the experiences of two women and the horror they experienced at the hands of the hired military group. One of the women lost her husband as she fled with their child, while another lost a brother and was forced off their land. This article has so many pieces that reflect the many topics discussed in class. The story is like the old adage of peeling the layers of an onion. You want greed and extortion, peel a layer. You want violence with family displacement, peel another layer. You want threats over your job directed toward your family, peel yet another layer. Chiquita has ceased utilizing Columbian plantations for their banana production since 2004. During this time, a Spanish militia was fighting a Columbia militia in an ongoing civil war, which Chiquita found itself becoming involved. According to the article, many massacres took place as part of the civil war, yet many could be attributed to Chiquita’s involvement, according to the Columbian families. The company will continue to fight this lawsuit and has the time, money and resources available to frustrate the families and hope they give up. The way the information was presented in the article and the hidden powers backing a large American corporation, leads me to believe that many families will in fact give up or lose out. I was so surprised about the callous nature Chiquita is displaying. It is as if they said, “Yes we did it, we are Americans and you can’t touch us, so we will use our power and money to drag this out until you give up.” This week I asked a few of my friends if they knew a banana company hired a military to threaten its workers and was responsible for killing many of them that were not compliant and followed orders. The same response was received every time, “What?” It is hard to acknowledge, comprehend and believe this actually happened and is ongoing. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/22/chiquita-colombia-lawsuit_n_3971616.html?ir=Business
I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!!!! So the classic "Miss Chiquita" logo has had some participation in civil conflict? It is amazing to think that the company that still places their stickers on the product by hand to prevent bruising would hire a gunman. If this situation involved a different country other than America, I bet it would get a lot of airtime. It is insane that this company wants to slip under the radar by proclaiming that they are now an American corporation. I'm sure that their Rainforest Alliance and their steps into the Fair-trade realm will overshadow their role in this Columbian civil war. "Our renewed purpose" posted all over their website will make a beautiful cause for debate in court. I am sure their sales will not even fluctuate because I guarantee this "American corporation" has done all they can to not to have this situation placed in the media. How depressing that the American need for non-bruised bananas has caused so much death and concern for families so many miles away.
The food/water issue that I came across this week was titled “Plea for Wales to match England’s free school lunches.” The Child Poverty Action Group is fighting for free lunches to be provided to children in school in Wales after it was announced that England would be offering free meals to students this year. The Action Group reported that giving children free meals would have many positive effects including boosting families budget, helping to fight child poverty, and increasing the students overall health. Offering free meals would also help to ease the pressure that families in Wales are fighting due to increased taxes, no increase in wages, and soaring food prices. These free meals are expected to save families 400 euros a year. That equals approximately 600 U.S. dollars. Funding for these free meals would come through money that England is giving the government to spend as they see fit. Democrat leaders are on board for the push for free lunches. One leader reported that by targeting this population they would be able to give each child the life that they deserve by teaching them healthy eating habits and by boosting the attainment of knowledge.
This article relates directly to Chapter four of Sernau. Chapter four focuses on education. When discussing human capital theory, Sernau mentions that education can be seen as an investment in human capital, by increasing both the productivity and the efficiency in humans. The government and the Child Poverty Action group are hoping to do the same with the children in Wales. By investing in their lives and nutrition early in life, they are hoping that it will help to make them more productive and efficient citizens when they become adults. They are also hoping that by investing in their nutrition, they will be able to help them to become healthier adults. If it works many other countries need to take after England's lead. It's never to early to invest in the lives of our children.
This is an excellent thing to do! and it does go along with chapter four in the sernau book!. I agree this would have many positive effects for families, and would fight against poverty, and would be teaching them healthy eating habits!. I agree with what was said that when investing in their nutrition habits early in life it will increase their likely hood of eating healthy down the road, and teaching their siblings or children later on how to eat healthy. Great job on your blog!
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/09/23/225369916/child-labor-is-down-but-168m-children-still-work-u-n-says http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/09/19/224075632/youth-interrupted-myanmars-underage-illiterate-workers The new International Labor Organization's report states that the number of child laborers has declined by a third since 2000. This seems like very encouraging news. It is always pleasant to hear that there are fewer children under the age of 18 working and not getting a sufficient wage or treatment around the world. As social workers, we may rejoice in the fact that the efforts of someone somewhere have benefited not only countries as a whole, but also the lives of children by beginning the progress of diminishing child labor. The disparity still remains when we realize that 168 million children are still working as laborers around the world. Commitment to political change, policy evaluations, and developments in enforcement actions have all aided in the breakdown of child labor. Mind you, "aided" is not the same thing as completely putting an end to a nite mare that is a reality for over 168 million child labors. While the average American child sits by the television dreaming about their next Christmas, wonders what toy is going be in their next Happy Meal, or debates with siblings over who gets the front seat, children in Bangladesh are hard at work. It is common for children to work all day in Bangladesh for an income of maybe $3 a day. Some may be the only one working in their family. Working conditions are unfriendly and unsuitable for a child, but children working in Bangladesh are not children, they are laborers. Half of the jobs children laborers perform are hazardous, but for societies in Southeast Asia, this is not a red flag to the government but viewed at as a pillar to economy. How frightening would it be to be a part of a society that cannot survive without a child workforce? In class we have discussed the blights of the poor. How can one provide a beautiful life for your child if you cannot provide food, education, or a safe environment for your child? Parents in Bangladesh see their child working as the only way their family can survive. There is no time for childhood if the family wants to eat. They view three dollars a day as better then two dollars a day so there is no complaint about the amount children earn. If children all over the globe have been working, why would these parents and communities think anything of another child bringing in wages to sustain a family? Seeing the difference between human trafficking and labor has become a very blurred line. If these children are not forced to work it is not viewed as human trafficking. It is EXPECTED of these children to work, not forced. As a child explains in the article on Bangladesh, he is not even thinking about girls… he already has a woman to take care of and that is his mother. People glance at articles on child labor and think, "What's new?” If these kids are not being trafficked, then why is it a big deal? It is a big deal because children should be safe, they should be provided for, they should live carefree. Factories, mines, and fields with heavy machinery are not safe. Jobs make children a contributor to the family incomes. Labor makes kids worry about what they will eat, how long they will work, and what will happen if they don't output enough products. Our goal in the realm of child labor is not to stop children from working, but to enable a way for communities to make money without using their children. Until this happens, children will continue to be used as labor, despite changes in policy and enforcement. Just as human trafficking needs a demand to survive; child labor needs a demand and a lack of income to thrive. When policies are developed to provide other means of sustainability for communities and societies/ governments stop allowing child labor, we will be able to make even more of a dent in diminishing child labor.
I really enjoyed your post, and your article. The statistics are very encouraging and I do enjoy hearing that the number of children being labored are decreasing significantly. As a social worker I like to think that one day in the future there will be no children working around the world under the age of 18 especially in such harsh conditions with no wages. I also agree with your statement that even though these kids are not being trafficked they should still be kept safe. I DO have faith in humanity that all children will be freed from hard labor, or forced to work. When I think of my childhood compared to some of these children's it makes me so mad because I didn't appreciate all of the little and big things that I had like supper on the table, a safe school to attend, parents who loved me, and a neighborhood I could run and play in where I felt safe. Overall, this is an awesome post.
Slavery farm inquiry 'shocking', says Home Office 9/24/2013 During the course of the year I have searched many articles about human trafficking and the majority of them revolved around women and children that’s why this article really stuck out to me. It is an article discussing a 6 month long investigation about a slave farm that was enslaving men. These men were found living in poor conditions making little to no pay. The first man that was found on the farm had been forced to work at the farm and had been reported missing for the past 13 years from an eastern European country. This story is extremely saddening to me because it makes me realize that these traffickers are not just after the vulnerable children and women in the world but they are capable of coercing able bodied men as well. Thankfully after the man was found according to the article the police confirmed that another man had been taken to a "place of safety". This man is believed to be from Poland. He is being assessed by the Red Cross for his physical and mental status. The police are also investigating a suggestion that there is a dead body on the farm. This relates to what we were talking about in class about how people are forced, or coerced to becoming slaves. It doesn’t indicate what way the traffickers got these specific men to the farm but one way or another they are forcing them to work with no pay. I know that grown men are not going to just work for free unless someone is making them. In my opinion slave trading should carry harsh circumstances that should be enforced internationally. No matter where someone was born in the world they should all have the privilege of not being afraid to get trafficked and forced into slavery. -- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-24215255
Mandelson raises doubts over Labour energy bill freeze Doubts have been raised by Lord Mandelson regarding Labour’s plan to freeze energy bills, he suggests that people will think it is going “backwards” in its industrial policy. Mandelson believes the party has moved on from having to choose “between state control and laissez-faire.” Caroline Flint with Labour, stated that the 1997 windfall tax supported by Lord Mandelson cost utility firms more and Mandelson had “financial interests” in energy. Flint articulated to BBC she unsure whether Mandelson was talking to the energy firms, however Flint is communicating for consumers and businesses that are going to be assisted by Labour policies. Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, cautioned that the freeze possibly will lead to the lights being turned off. Ed Miliband has debated that the public supports action to make markets reasonable. Mandelson spent Wednesday protecting his plan to intervene in the energy market if he wins the next election, in the face of attacks from energy firms, business groups and the Conservatives. Lord Mandelson’s Global Counsel business lists energy as one of its specialist areas of expertise. Mandelson reported that at the business department he tried to move on from the conventional choice in industrial policy between state control and laissez-faire. He also reports that the industrial activism he developed indicated that intervention in the economy-government doing some of the pump-priming of significant markets, sectors and technologies –was a sensible approach. Lord Mandelson reported because of Mr. Miliband’s pledge, he thought that the opinions of Labour policy remain in danger of being taken backwards. Miliband got a rousing response when he made the price freeze commitment during his Labour Party conference speech, activists welcomed plans to tackle recent rising prices. According to the Labour, the energy freeze could last from June 2015 till January 2017 and would save the average household $120 a year and business $1800.
Lebanese live ‘in limbo’ over Syria
ReplyDeleteWith this being our fourth blog, I am beginning to notice a pattern with articles related to refugees. The majority of them are in regards to refugees from Syria attempting to go to other countries for safety whether it is Jordan, Australia, or, in this case, Lebanon. All of the articles seem to offer similar scenarios and themes. Refugees risking their lives for freedom and safety while placing an extreme burden on the country they have found refuge. This week, the article I chose is an article entitled, “Lebeanese live ‘in limbo’ over Syria”. The article depicts a heartbreaking picture of two young boys crying. The content of the article discusses how over 750,000 Syrians have sought refuge in Lebanon and it is beginning to wear of the social and political structure of the country. Specifically in this article, doctors of hospitals offering subsidized medical care discuss how they went from treating about 10 Syrians per day to 100 or more. The war in Syria is having a major impact on the political happenings in Lebanon and is causing increasing tension between these countries and Hezbollah.
When I saw the pictures of the little boys, I immediately started thinking about how I would feel about my child growing up in an environment where he was constantly terrified. I cannot stand the thought and I do not know how these families are so strong in coping with the horrors that they deal with on a daily basis. Not to mention the fact that they feel like they do not belong anywhere. It reminded me of what we discussed in class about everything from politics to economics to social order is connected to one another. This article depicts what an upset in the balance can cause and how difficult it can be to recover. I also thought about David Batstone’s Not For Sale book and how so many of the children in that book were forced into labor, prostitution, and war because their parents were unable to care for them are they needed to work to help their families survive which was a common theme in many of the countries discussed in the book. It is just tragic that people have to endure this horror and make these life-altering choices just to survive and to feel safe and accepted.
Doucet, Lyse (2013, September 18). Lebanese live ‘in limbo’ over Syria.. BBC News: Europe. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-24150315
Kristen- This article made me have thoughts about many things. Like you, I was touched by the children pictures and their questions about when they could go back to school. It reminded me how privileged our United States children are. Where I work at a residential treatment facility, the kids complain about school almost every day because they claim it is boring. This is a huge difference. It seems to be unjust and the people need help and those that are helping are struggling because they are helping. Lebanese is making the sacrifice to help the refugees but they are really feeling their sacrifice. The comment about them taking the left overs really put the connection together for me regarding how one’s countries conflict or situation can affect so many things and so many other places. I wonder how much they will sacrifice before they stop helping or if the helpers will eventually need their own help.
DeleteOh my goodness. This article broke my heart. I cannot imagine living in fear of whether or not it safe to send your kids to school, go to work, or to do anything for that matter. The article talked about how in Lebanon they have lived through war before so it’s really no big deal for them to get up in the morning and go on about their normal day. However, it also said that the longer things go on like that, the more it affects them. I would guess that to be very true. It would be a horrible feeling to get up in the morning and not know whether or not you are going to be safe. I really had not thought about the issue with the refugees until I read your blog and this article. Like you said, refugees are risking their lives for freedom and safety, especially these refugees from Syria. The article said that at one of the Lebanese clinics they are now treating 100 Syrians a day, compared to the previous 10 a day they used to treat. That is crazy! Those people just want out of Syria! I really enjoyed reading your blog and your article.
DeleteWow. Just wow. This was such a heartbreaking article. The picture of the boys crying, how they went from giving medical attention from 10 to 100 a day, and then just the comment in the article of "our lives are on hold". It is scary for me to know there is a war going on but not like it is frightening for them because they are living in it. They are in the middle of it all and they have no idea what is going to happen next. The picture of the little boys crying is so saddening and you just know they have no clue what is going on but they are just terrified
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ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24059038
ReplyDeleteSouth Korea’s Growing Credit Problem
Topic: Debt
Rachel Moran
In search for an article this week which related to debt, I came across South Korea’s Growing Credit Problem. South Korea has been ranked one of the top credit card users in the United States and becoming a problem for even the poorest citizens. Recently, The National Happiness Fund has been set in place for applicants to receive debt amnesty. The fund has strict criteria for those that are applying. However, if you are an applicant like Park Jong-hyun, The National Happiness Fund would be very beneficial to you and perhaps your family. Park stated that he used to have 10 credit cards, used for various day to day items, other household and office supplies, and of course the big purchases. Out of 150,000 applicants that have applied as well, debt collectors have granted to write off 50% of Park’s debt. How amazing it must feel to know that out of 150,000 applicants… you were chosen, you are receiving debt amnesty. In the article it mentioned that of the applicants that apply, the debt on average is just over $10,000, and they make an income of less than half of that. This is a similar to what we discussed in class: “Should poor countries have their debts forgiven”? In South Korea, they did not just forgive all debt, but they wrote up criteria and then had people apply for this fund that would allow the debt collectors to write off 50% of their debt. With this criteria and having applicants apply, debt collectors will be able to question whether or not they can properly manage money. How will they use this 50%? How did the debt build up? Kwon Young-dae, the Scheme’s General Manager had said that the purpose is not to fund lavish lifestyles, it is just simply to relieve some of the money that has been building up; this is a start for those people. Park Geun-Hye, The President of South Korea, declared that he wanted to “devote himself to growing inequality in the country”. What if every government decided to write-off 50% of everyone’s debt-just like South Korea did for Park Jong-hyun? Wouldn’t that make a difference in the lives of others?
Rachel- I liked your article but I was curious about one thing... do the people who receive the grant to reduce their debt have to close out the credit cards they are paying off? Without this requirement it would be hard for me to support this kind of debt relief. It's so easy to just put an item on your credit card instead of following a budget and paying cash (I am guilty of this!). It would be interesting to complete a follow-up study, in say 5 years, on the same people who were chosen for the grant and see how many of them were able to stay out of credit card debt. Interesting topic! Good Job!
DeleteLisa,
DeleteIt did not say anything about closing out credit cards but I agree with what you are saying. They would have to make some type of committment in order for them to recieve it. It would be hard to give them some type of relief if they were just going to build up more debt. If you understand what I am saying? I never did think of a follow up study but you are absolutely right!! That would be interesting to see how effective the fund was for the people that were chosen. Thank you!
The article was interesting but raises many questions for me. It was hard to believe the average household debt rose over 160% and they have become the largest credit card users. It seems the article implies, but maybe I am reading to deep, that part of this program is aimed at helping overburdened families with their debt, yet they mention the government wants people to spend more to stimulate the economy. To me this means, those that incured large credit card debt, whether out of neccessity or pleasure will have the debt relieved, but 'wink, wink', keep spending.
DeleteMy questions would be are they providing finance education and understanding on spending to the ones involved in this program? Does the government own any of the credit companies or will programs like this jeapordize their financial stability?
Finally, I know several friends that had their loans forgiven, paid off by others, or filed bankruptcy. Everyone of them has returned to their old spending ways and is in more financial debt now than before. It seems they were enabled and the problem was only solved temporarily.
The human side of the story is wonderful for those struggling and may give them a new chance a success, but without an agreement or education on how it happened, I feel many will return to achieve their previous debt. It seems this is what the government wants.
Does the Delhi gang rape sentence bring closure?
ReplyDeleteTopic: Discrimination
Submitted by: Lisa Norton
9/21/13
The BBC News is reporting on the sentencing of four men who gang raped a college student who was walking home after an evening movie. The event has led to public outrage over the violent treatment and open discrimination of women and what can be done to open a discussion seeking change. The author of this article describes India as a country where the young men are semi-skilled, poorly educated, unmarried and frequent users of alcohol. Women are also viewed as second class citizens and are not respected or given equal rights. This article very much reminded me of our assigned reading Not for Sale where many of the women and children were viewed as objects and were discarded like trash after they had been used. The men remained in a place of power although their activities were illegal (murder, rape, theft prostitution, human trafficking etc.) and they were rarely punished for their crimes. After a major public outcry, the city of Delhi is being forced to implement tougher anti-rape laws. To me this raises a huge question- why did a woman have to be raped to the point of death before the city toughened up on the perpetrators of vicious sex crimes?
The article addresses part of the issue as too many crimes and a broken justice system. Meaning there are not enough police to enforce the laws and when they do the investigations are shoddy, the trials are questionable and the conviction rates are low. To me this is the worst excuse imaginable. Blaming the “government” (legal system and police) for not being able to prosecute the criminal, how about changing the way you view women so that a rape doesn’t happen to begin with. They are sending a message to men that it is ok to violate a woman or a child; you will only get a slap on the wrist. In this case, we are not only talking about discrimination but a violation of human rights. Part of the problem seems to exist due to a notion that women have been raped and mistreated by male relatives and family members for many generations and it has just been accepted. In a country that is historically known for its close-knit family structure, why does this violence continue to exist? The author attempts to answer this question by stating that an equitable society cannot exist until the issues of violence and poverty are addressed. We know this to be true because in nearly every story in Not for Sale the victim found themselves in a financial bind and became indebted to someone who took advantage of them in a physically and sexually violent way.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-24059601?print=true
DeleteTopic: Genocide
http://news.yahoo.com/romania-camp-commander-accused-103-deaths-134927999.html
This week’s article is similar to last week’s article because both article are about people seeking criminal justice for genocide that has been ignored in the past. The theme of the articles I am reading regarding genocide is that recently people are seeking justice and recognition for genocides that happened at least twenty years ago. The difference in this article is that the killings were not triggered by ethnicity or land the genocide happened to prisoners that were “deserved” incarcerated in Periprava labor camp from 1958 to 1963. Romania has approximately 500,000 of political prisoners during that time. According to historians one fifth died while incarceration. As of today there are only 3,500 Romanian surviving political prisoners down from 40,000 that were still alive when communism was overthrown in 1989.
Now, after all this time there is a there are people seeking criminal justice. Andrei Muraru (Muraru), head of the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes states the camp was an extermination camp. He has interviewed at least 21 survivors of the camp that have reported that they were beaten, malnutrioned, lack of medicine, forcing prisinors to drink dirty water, unsanitary conditions and terrorized by the commander of the camp, Ion Ficior (Ficor) and others. Muraru has requested that the prosecutors in Bucharest pursue Ficor for being responsible for at least 103 deaths. Muraru has requested that the prosecutors put a travel ban on Focr for fear that he will attempt to flee to the United States where he has a son.
As recently as this Monday the Institute for the Investigation of Communist Crimes began to dig up bodies at the Periprava labor camp. They have already found five bodies. The bodies were not buried with coffins, clothes, personal items, or marked graves.
Today Ficor is 85 and the only statement he has made is that that the “ former prisoners were militiamen who supported the Nazis during World War II and who deserved to be incarcerated”. It does not sound like he is remorseful for anything. His comments made me think about many things regarding human rights. For example, we learned a lot about United Nation’s human rrights. I wondered where was The United Nation’s human right number 4, “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms”. 5 “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or right number” and several other rights that should have applied from The United Nations rights We learned that the United Nations was adopted in 1948 which makes me wonder why bother having the rights there and published if countries do not have to follow them. Are human rights not for the imprisoned and if they are not, why not? And if they are, then why where they not enforceable. How could this have happened in 1958 to 1963 if the United Nations had already formed in 1948? The accused are just now being prosecuted 55 years later in their own country in their local towns, where was everyone, where was The United Nations. I am left with more questions about human rights than I have answers. I now understand more about our classroom discussion regarding why some are questioning, why bother with The United Nations and the possibility that it is a wasted expense.
On September 03, 2013 there was an arrest of another prison commander that operated at the Sarat prison. The Sarat prison camp was the Romanian elite were incarcerated. He is not serving time and he is free and awaiting a pending trial date that has not been set.
Personally it breaks my heart that this happened. It breaks my heart to read about this week after week. It makes me feel guilty for the privileged life I live. I can only hope that learning more and more will make me more aware and more of an activist so that my privileges do not go in vein.
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DeleteWhen reading the article about the rape in India, and if this brings closure, the title gives me the impression, ‘hey let’s not talk about this anymore and it will go away. ‘ Our reading in Chapter 5 discusses the link between poverty, political corruption, and displacement as an underlying cause for the increases in violent actions. Girls and Women who are displaced are more vulnerable to attacks, usually because they are alone and no one is there to protect them, not even the justice system, that is not an excuse, it is the reality, if there is no punishment, no order, nor rules, then chances of this occurring over and over are increased. It is a sickening thought to have, just because a woman is a woman, then it is okay to rape and abuse her. According to the article there have been some laws put into place to address these issues, but leaves to question how enforceable are these laws going to be? It is my opinion, that more public awareness and more widespread the issues are debated about, and less corruption, then the more likelihood change will take place. If people are ignoring this issue in India, then it will continue to grow. The deprivation in India from reading this article, and the effects that the economy and justice system has had on the increase of violence against women, and violence overall. As our text shows the more impoverished, politically corrupted, displaced, and oppressed a region is, then the higher the crime rates tend to be. When police, those who are supposed to protect, are involved in such gruesome acts, it gives little hope to citizens for protection and aide. It is inspiring to see that students in universities in India are talking about these issues, but this also needs to transpire to the poorer regions as well. I also agree with your response, that looking for a cop-out of blaming the system is not the answer. The answer lies in educating people about rights of women, and learning to respect others, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or social class. The reference you give in your blog about Not For Sale is parallel to the chapter from our text, and the solution is simply better education, stiffer laws and punishments, and increase in public awareness of the horrific crimes against women and children that occurs not only in India, but throughout the world.
DeleteMy response is intended for Lisa Norton's blog, but it keeps posting on Jalena Adams' blog.
DeleteJalena - After reading your article and blog for the week I had a couple of different thoughts. The first thought I had was that these men seem to have been tortured and treated unfairly during their imprisonment and, you're right, the UN should be intervening in these situtations much earlier than now. I also think about all of the World War II Nazi's who are still in the works of being prosecuted for crimes from the 1930's and these men are now in their 90's and still have not answered for their horrific and unacceptable behavior. In fact, most of them have lived very fulfulling lives after the war which is not fair. The second thought I had was, you know that they would not have gotten away with this for so long had it been in the United States, so how is it then if we in the U.S. are so good at prosecuting people that we have one of the highest crime rates in the world? I am not sure what the solution to our crime problem is, I just noticed it in this weeks reading in Chapter 5 and felt that it related to your article.
DeleteMy response is for Lisa Norton's blog. When I read your article, you had a lot of shocking information, but when I went back and read the actual article I found even more information that is almost unbelieveable. Or maybe I don't want to believe it? What has happened to India? Looking back at my childhood movies like Indiana Jones, which seemed to paint quite a different picture of India--with it's colorful garb, enchanting music and thriving culture, I can't help but wonder what happened over the years. India used to be a place I wanted to travel to, but now, no thanks! I like how you related your article to the Not For Sale book, and you are right, a lot of those wowen who are raped in India are thrown away like trash, like those in our book. In the article it stated that 1/5 of India's 725 million eligible voters were from the ages 18-23. 725 million people in India is a lot of people, I can't hardly fathom it! This year alone, the country has seen an increase in the number of rapes being reported. This is good, except for the fact that India has too few judges, policemen, and low conviction rates as well as shotty investigations to really make a difference. I can only imagine how hard it would be to manage a population of that size, but I find it harder to imagine that with that many people, law enforcement could be so short staffed. Across the world India is known as the "rape capital of the world" and that is really, really sad. I only hope that the 18-23 year old eligible voters who make up 1/5 of the population step up and defend themselves since they are the most vulnerable to being raped, but again what good would it do with a corrupt government where most perpetrators get away with their crimes? Good article!
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DeleteReply to Lisa:
DeleteI agree it would be an advancement in human rights should India and other countries with rampant sex crimes toward women and children change their outlook toward these victims so they will be viewed in an equally with protected human rights. I also agree that part of this problem is grown in family practices/ structure. These women and children may be raped or mistreated by male relatives and family members as a historic practice. After reading this statement, I considered other readings from class and my own research in this area. Not for Sale clearly emphasizes women and children are considered property by their parents or husbands in that world region. As long as a person is considered property, they are always at risk for poverty, injustice, and violence.
I also critically considered how people in India are unique from the United States socially (the US has crimes like this, but they are not accepted). One very important difference is religion. Our Bible (Christianity) does not promote actions such as these. Hinduism and Islam are different. Obviously not all Hindus and Muslims would act criminally toward women and children, but the practice of violent sex crimes and practices have been religiously tolerated for thousands of years. One article I read indicated that Hindu untouchable baby girls who are not first born have been dedicated and sold into prostitution to a Hindu goddess for blessing to the family. This happens at birth and the girls are taken to the temple once they turn about ten years old and live as temple prostitutes until they are let go because of age. They may not marry men because they were dedicated to the religion. This practice is illegal now, but still occurs underground. These girls are often shipped to the red light districts of Indian cities today for prostitution. This problem is very complex because there is the argument to support this type of exploitation and violence in their religion (what they are likely to trust to be right). Christian mission work in these areas of the world would aid in solving this violence. Also time to pass for public education and adoption for change in outlook would help. It is obvious people need to advocate for a change in how women and children are viewed/ treated in India. This education, as you also state, needs to be directed to the family unit as well. I am pasting the article I found in case you would like to read it also: http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=36941
I can not imagine not having any rights and treated like property just because I am a female. After reading this article, I was sickened at the crimes against women just because they are female. It reminded me of what we are reading in class about sex trafficking. Females are considered second class citizens and are viewed as a piece of meat. I would not know how to react if I felt I was not protected and to be degraded because I was a female.
DeleteTopic: Poverty
ReplyDeleteTitle: China’s transformation frays traditional family ties, hurting many seniors Date: 9/18/13
The article begins by describing the dilapidated homes that the elderly are living in. The article also discusses that the aging population in China, and how this has become the rising population. The article discusses the demographics to the aged populations, and how the economy has played a part in how the aged are now treated. This ties into my topic of poverty because the elderly are the leading population of poverty in China. There is a slide of pictures that accompanying this article that depicts the conditions that the elderly live in. Societal turmoil, the move from communism into capitalism, are components to the cause of families no longer having strong ties. The country has pushed to economically advance itself and move forward to keep up with the ever changing world, and from this, many children had to move to larger areas to find work. The article discusses the issues of poverty, depression, and illness that the elderly are going through, because their children are no longer around. This in turn has caused the elderly to tend for their selves. The article stated that a law was put into place that parents can sue their children, if they fail to visit and support them. However, the strict housing restrictions have led to the children needing to move far off to find employment and seek housing elsewhere. The article stated that 1 in 4 of the nation’s elderly live below the poverty line. Also, more than 1 in 3 suffer with daily activities, and depression is an issue that 40% struggle with. China is the fastest growing elderly population in the world, and the societal changes that have taken shape for decades has put more emphasis on work, and not on family. This rapid increase in the aging community has also caused distress for the current government, and the question is how is this issue going to be addressed? The plan is to adopt communal nursing homes, similar to that in Western Countries. The article discusses that the elderly live on less than $10 a day, so they usually grow their own food, but that too is difficult for most, due to the physical health they are in. It is estimated that by 2053, 35% of the population will be elderly and the elderly population will be more than the total population living in the US. Added to this, the children who are or will be taking care of their parents, are apt to be in poverty as well, because of the one child policy, one child could ultimately be caring for four aging adults. Many of the families depicted in this story, and the displacement of families, reminds me of the readings from our text. Families are broken up and morals and traditions are soon forgotten, because of displacement. The poverty the elderly are suffering and the rapid aging of the country as a whole is definitely something to monitor. China could possibly have a chance to lead the world on elder care, if it is able to come up with a system to address this issue. I also think about the class discussion we had, somewhere around 2 weeks ago, of countries borrowing from one another and helping one another, and this is the time for China to ask for help and for it to be offered. Too many times it seems that the mindset is throw the elderly off in a corner and forget about them, but what happened to family traditions, is money more important than family, and the flip side to that is it takes money to care for the elderly. This is definitely a quandary for the country to be in, and I am sure the world is watching to see what happens, and other countries will hopefully assist, or at least learn from China as how to better care for their aging populations.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/chinas-transformation-frays-traditional-family-ties-hurting-many-seniors/2013/09/18/50765b42-1538-11e3-961c-f22d3aaf19ab_story.html
I found your article relating to my topic (aging). One thing that stood out in the article. It stated that the rural population is not respected by their children like it use to be in the past when families had control over younger generations. There are a lot of articles relating to China's aging population. With more than 185 million people over the age of 65 there is going to be even more poverty in this country. I read the article last month when the courts in China favored for the elderly mother, when she sued her daughter and now the middle generation not only has to take care of their children but now they have a legal obligation to take care of their parents.
DeleteTaking care of elderly and the poverty level of them are serious issue in Korean too. Younger generations are not respect and try to take care of their old parent any more in Asian countries as they did in the past. Many of these Asian countries do not have proper care system for the elderly as Western countries have. Because of this problems, the suicidal rate of elderly in Korea is high now. Many elderly suffer from depression and loneliness because they have been isolated from the society. Due to the development of medical skills and tools, most of the elderly live much more longer than before in Korea but their quality of life is not very developed. Recently many researches have been conducting to solve this social problem but I personally believe that government should intervene and create social system to support elderly people financially and medically. Society changes so fast and family system too. Government need to catch this kind of social changes and find out the best way to support the minority group in the society.
Deletehttp://www.southerntimesafrica.com/news_article.php?id=8783&title=Liberating%20Africa%20s%20Widows&type=93
ReplyDeleteLiberating Africa’s Widows
By Tendai Makaripe and Vimbai Muchapondwa
The authors are trying to get across to their readers and others around the world that women in Africa need help with inadequate shelter, violence, banishment, discrimination, poverty, and healthcare. When people tend to think of widows, most think that widows are elderly. With the pandemic of HIV/AIDS and ethnic cleansing, widows are becoming younger and younger. Widows now compromise between 7 to 16% of all adult African women depending on which study you read. Not only are women being widowed, these women are caring for young orphans of others in their villages.
Not only are these women experiencing grief and sadness from losing their husbands but they are being treated harshly. Some widows are seen as impure and blamed for their husbands’ death. We talked about the “shaming” piece within class that some cultures shame their woman. While others become homeless, and forced to be with other family members. Some widows are not told the causes of their husbands’ deaths such as HIV/AIDS and in return these women do not know if they are sick as well. We can see a lot of human rights being violated throughout Africa. As we have been focusing on women in our class, we can see how oppression, discrimination, and victimization are only a few of the things these women go through daily. Women in Africa need to be empowered and protected from people that prey upon them and take advantage of them by their government.
The article points out abuse done to widows and children are one of the most serious violations of human rights. Again in class we have talked about many countries that are participants within the United Nations and continue to violate human rights. The authors are asking that we help these widows; many are able to work and contribute their communities due to how young they are becoming widows. The United Nations has declared a day for widows; the International Widows Day is on June 23rd. This is a way to let people know the needs of widows around the world. They are asking for women to become independent by being educated and empowered and these women need protection from violence, proper representation, and access to healthcare.
I can truly say that with all that I am hearing and reading about what is going on in Africa, this article did not surprise me. The women are being treated as if they have no human rights, but are being asked to stand up and be independent. In my opinion this is impossible for the African women to do whether young or old due to they are living under a government system that does not recognize them as being valuable citizens. Millions of widows in the world endure extreme poverty, banishment, violence, homelessness, health problems and discrimination. These women are seen as being uneducated and impure. I find it interesting that the UN would create a day for Widows. I wonder how many countries actually observe the day?
DeleteShianne,
DeleteYour article was mind blowing for me. I was amazed that nearly 70% of the children in this area are being supported solely by widowed mothers. 70% is a staggering number and this may not be accurate. As the article describes many widowed women are not even accounted for in the census related to having no living husband. When I stop and think about the projections for the future if this type of mistreatment continues, I am saddened by the possibility that things could only get worse for widowed women and fatherless children. Articles such as this leave me asking myself, "where do we go from here?". I wonder what type of effect microenterprise would have on the women in this area? If the women could be empowered and had a product to sale would this make them more valuable in the eyes of others within the country? Would the women as a result be able to embrace their independence? Or would others who already violate their human rights daily simply steal their products? Good article. This brings about a lot of unanswered questions for me.
Yolonda Armstead
ReplyDeleteClash in Greek Jail, over a dozen injured.
http://english.irib.ir/news/political4/item/117264-clash-in-greek-jail,-over-a-dozen-injured
September 16, 2013
Greek police say over a dozen inmates have been injured in a clash among detainees at the country’s main prison, notorious for its overpopulation. The Korydallos prison in located in Southern Athens, and the detention center is infamous for being overcrowded as it holds over 2,300 inmates despite having a capacity of 800 prisoners. The clash occurred due to one detainee stabbed another detainee the day before.
Earlier this year in July, close to 200 detainees went on hunger strike to complain about primitive conditions and the lack of their care. The prison houses regular detainees with detainees that have infectious diseases.
Even though the detainees are incarcerated due to offenses that they have committed, this should not mean that they should be housed in a prison that has almost tripled the number of detainees housed in one facility. There should also be some serious consideration taken on behalf of the detainees that have serious medical conditions. There should be some form of segregated housing for the detainees with medical issues from those that do not have medical issues. This should fall under their Human Rights being violated Article 25 because when you force a person who has does not have a terminal illness such as AIDS/HIV unknowingly cohabitate with a person who has AIDS/HIV, you are violating their rights due to neither person the ill person nor the one who is not ill will be receiving the “right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself”. This includes their medical care. The Greek Police should be required to have separate units for any detainee that has a serious medical condition. When reading this article I wondered how many deaths they have had occur due to their negligence on how they handle their detainees, and if there is a police that prevents the detainees once they are released from custody that would prevent them from being able to take out a law suit against the facility.
Michaela Vaillant, Terrorism, 23 September 2013, - 12.24 am
ReplyDeleteKenya mall attack: Somalia's al-Shabaab group claims responsibility (AP)
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/21/kenya-mall-attack-al-shabaab
The article of this week addresses the killing of about 30 people in an attack on a Nairobi mall frequented by affluent Kenyan and expatriate Somalis by Somalia's militant group al-Shabaab, executed as retribution for Kenya’s intervention in Somalia in 2011. The article captures predominantly multiple individual perspectives experienced during the attack, giving the reader details about the group and how the event went down. Eye-witnesses report how Muslims were spared and non-Muslim targeted and attacked, which was confirmed by African, Caucasian and Asian ethnicities identified among the dead and injured, giving it a strong notion of “ethnic cleansing” (Sernau, p. 158). The attack however goes beyond the cultural/ethnic factor: Kenya is experiencing retaliation for intervening on their own and participating in African Union’s peacekeeping missions in Somalia. Uganda experienced attacks for the same reason in previous years. Sernau mentions leaders who seek to settle “old scores” and gain regional power (p. 158). It appears that Al-Shabaab does just that, and more. The communality aspect of social identity (identification with reference groups, Garcia, p. 106) reflected in Al-Shabaab’s ties to Al-Qaeda indicates also that, by definition of identification, they seek ultimately Islamic world dominance based on a religious worldview. Eye witnesses remember “black”(s), Somalis, and a woman being among members of Al-Shabaab, making the religious worldview a cultural and empowering bond across different ethnicities with far reaching sociopolitical ramifications. Sernau talks also about the transition from world war into regional conflicts, which cross regional boundaries and destabilize neighboring regions using terrorism as a weapon (p. 159). Somalia’s instability and violence has not necessarily destabilized Kenya, but certainly made an impact (i. e. refugees influx, border wars) on its decision to intervene and participate in peacekeeping missions. Al-Shabaab’s use of terrorism as weapon for justification is reflected in their tweet commenting that the attack is only a small representation of what ”Muslims in Somalia experience at the hands of Kenyan invaders”. I might be biased, but it would be interesting to know what they exactly mean by that, since Islam is the official religion of Somalia, which defines the entire population Muslim. More likely is that Kenyan peacekeepers targeted extremist groups such as them to deter insurgent activities, not because they were Muslim.
Sernau talks also about terrorist actions having an impact far away. Considering that Nairobi is the host to UN quarters for the developing world, and the transport and commercial hub of East and Central Africa, actions of Somali extremist groups in Kenya impact many areas. The reported use of small-arm weaponry in this attack (AK-47’s) confirms also this week’s reading, showing the disastrous consequences of a global arms trade. Assuming that Al-Qaeda ties translate also into financial support, and considering that AK-47 can be purchased for as little as $ 20.00 in war-torn regions (Sernau, p. 161), further attacks are likely to be funded and continue, bringing so international terrorism to Kenya’ threshold from another angle.
This is a reply to Jalena's article.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read an article tied to my country of origin. As the prisoners were reported mostly political, I searched Article 2 of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention to get more understanding. I was surprised that it does not mention “political group” when it outlines what genocide entails. However, it indicates the manner of infliction which corresponds to the reports of the surviving prisoners. Either way, regardless of deserving or not incarceration (Ficor) this has nothing to do with preserving their basic human rights. I completely understand your indignation about the UN’s missing presence, but to be fair, and as discussed in class, the UN has evidently limited leverage to enforce individual adherence in participating states, and this only if conditions are brought to their attention. Given the communication restrictions imposed during communism, it is hard to believe people at that time had the opportunity or courage to report them, even if aware of them. I don’t know exactly what it takes to present a case before the UN, but I imagine that it has to pass officially through a certain chain of command. During communism, this was very hard to accomplish. If attempted, it would have been mostly harshly suppressed as questioning superiors and linked to betraying the ideological framework, and daring advocates would have crowded the same places the people they might have advocated for. Visinescu’s comment that he was “just following orders” is somewhat a typical argument for obedience due to indoctrination and often based on personal bias, fear or self-preservation. As Garcia mentions repeatedly, oppression might be observed, but ignored to avoid personal discomfort. I’m not in any way defending his position, especially since it resembles comments of Nazi leaders presented in the Nuremberg trials. Such oppressive environments, similar to military regimes, present serious threats to any opposition. This is congruent with what Garcia indicates as “the social construction of race and the subsequent categorization of social groups”(p. 42). Although it refers to American society, the “social arrangements of advantage, based on an ideology of white supremacy” where made equally in Nazi-Germany (against the Jews) and in Romania (white supremacy substituted by communist superiority). In Germany, those belonging to the Arian race were privileged and Jewish people oppressed. In Romania, those adhering to the system and ideology were doing ok so far in comparison to those less supportive, questioning or openly resistant. This has a lot to do with psychological conditioning. In this regard, I’m reminded of the boys involuntarily recruited young in the LRA (Not for Sale) where the brutal indoctrination practices led many to believe that what they were doing was all right. In Romania, as in other communist countries (and correspondingly in every country’s history book to some extent, see Sernau p.118, liberal education), many were equally psychologically conditioned or born into these conditions and prevented from knowing better. You ask about why they are being tried now. I imagine one reason is because after communism ended in 1989, the country continued to be ravaged by political corruption and power abuse and many other facets which arose when it opened up to the West, trying to enter the global market. Now after 20 and some years maybe some form of stability has arrived to focus more on humanitarian issues. Although it is a great tribute to justice when prosecuted, I hope setting this example will encourage other countries to follow suit. Personally, and without disregarding these people’s traumatic experiences/abuse, I see the human trafficking issues in Romania as much more pressing, as they happen now and affect thousands of women and girls in the present time. This is why the expansion of Padre Cesare’s Regina Pax centers is so encouraging, reflecting how small seeds can sprout into big plants.
Slavery/Human Trafficking Investigation in Wales (United Kingdom)
ReplyDeleteArticle Date: September 23, 2013
The article I read this week was about a recent human trafficking investigation in Wales, more specifically the Marshfield area, located in the United Kingdom. The article referred to the crime as “slavery and servitude” rather than any form of trafficking; I thought that was kind of interesting. The investigation began when police found a 43-year old man, who had been missing for 13 years, to be living in very poor conditions. The police believe that there have been people kept living in these poor conditions and forced to work for no pay. Earlier this year there was also another 43-year old man that was found at the same place that had been missing for over a decade. After the initial man was found, another man was taken to the hospital to assess his physical and mental condition. A team of 100 police officers have arrested 4 men for possible involvement in this crime, and according to the article they are conducting an inquiry into slavery and servitude. The article also stated that police believe that the body of an unknown person may be buried at this site.
This article just goes to show you how trafficking can happen in your own back yard and no one is even aware of it. The man they found had been missing for 13 years! You would think that in 13 years someone would have discovered what was going on. Human trafficking perpetrators are skilled at hiding their covers. They would have to be, or it would not be such a social problem. As we discussed in class, for a crime to fall under any kind of trafficking force, fraud, or coercion must be used. If the police are correct in this case, the perpetrators definitely used force to keep and control their victims. It seems as though these people were forced to stay on this site and work for no pay. They were probably facing threats of death, or even harm to their loved ones if they did not do the work. I hope the police are able to fully investigate this case and hopefully put an end to the labor trafficking that has been occurring is Marshfield.
I have learned a lot about human trafficking over the past year or so, but I still cannot wrap my mind around why in the world people would do this. It is just heart breaking! When I first starting learning about the topic I honestly had no idea that it happened so often, and that it happened everywhere. But as we read in Not for Sale, it literally does happen all around the world. I think this would be an awesome area of social work to work in. We have talked in class about how prevalent the issue is, and how it is right up there with drugs and guns when it comes to killing people. I believe that this issue is only going to continue to grow requiring more and more social workers to be involved. I also think people need to be educated on this issue. Many people do not know that it is such a problem. If we as social workers could play the role of an educator and teach people how get involved, and how to help prevent human trafficking, it really could make a difference.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-24205545
This would be an interesting article to follow and see what more information can be found. After taking two human trafficking courses, it still never ceases to amaze me when I hear new stories. I also thought it was interesting that in the article they stated that the police are investigating slavery and servitude but did not mention charges of human trafficking. However, towards the end of the article they said that the police are working with the UK Human Trafficking Center. I would be curious to find out where these men originally came from as the article stated that it is only clear that they are from Easter Europe, and I would also be curious to see if all of these individuals, including the one suspected to be buried, are all from the same farm as the article was not especially clear on that information either. Also, late notice but I was told that there is a human trafficking segment on the WHAS 11 news channel tonight at 11:00.
DeleteAmanda, can you record the human trafficking segment or send me a summary. I don't have cable. I will look at the website tomorrow to see if they post something. Thanks for letting us know, Candace
DeleteLeslie Carver 9/24/13 3:30 PM
DeleteI too would agree that this would definitely be an article worth following throughout the investigation. Sara, it is so true what you said about it being in our backyard, you never know. Just like the film we watched last week in class with the little girl. She would dream of her mother coming to get her and taking her to America. Little did she know that her dream of wonderful America was not such a dream- discovering she was already in America as a sex slave at a very young age. I wonder what that little girl’s life turned out to be, if she would even live to her twenties. The man in your article that had been missing for 13 years will be an interesting interview to see. Like we discussed in class about the story of the girl who lived at her home and was being trafficked in her home from boys at school makes me wonder if he was pulled into this slavery cycle before actually going missing. I’m sure he is going to have health problems both physical and psychological stemming from the poor living conditions stated in the article. According to some of our reading on victims like this could have problems stemming from poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, poor personal hygiene, brutal physical and emotional abuse, and the general lack of quality of medical care. Those just to name a few, are definite things that need to be investigated for Darrell Simester. The follow up story on Simester and his family will be one of inspiring I’m sure.
As we continue to unravel the mind boggling acts of human trafficking, with the use of force, fraud, or coercion to enslave individuals for a selfish reason. Since watching the video and completing the book, Not for Sale, I have pondered on the trafficking that goes on in our own backyard. What I find perplexing, is how long it takes to uncover and recoup the victims. I understand that this social problem is one that cannot be acted upon rashly due to the sensitive nature of one’s life. I also find it difficult to imagine being missing or gone for that long, some 13 years, before someone goes to looking into one’s whereabouts. I would hope that I would be missed within the week as opposed to not being sought after for more than a decade. I am curious to see what the mental and physical status of the 43-year old man yields. It is the investigations and inquiries to tips, that organizations are alerted to, that helps flesh out the reasons, conditions, and after effects into this social problem that only appears to be growing with the desperation some of our other countries experience in such economic duress.
DeleteI can't help but feel an extreme amount of empathy towards the victims of human trafficking. I think that what is most sad to me is that the victims of human trafficking and their loved ones are made to think that they are going to be able to live an amazing life when in reality they are likely living in worse conditions than they would if they were to remain in their home countries. This article really made me reflect on how often that this may happen in our backyards. I'm sure we wouldn't have to look far to find this happening in our own home towns. While reading the article I was shocked to find out that four people were arrested in connection with the crime concerning the 43 year old man. What's even more disturbing is to think that it is highly likely that there are more individuals who knew that knew he was being kept for free labor and that he was kept in such deplorable conditions and were afraid to speak up. Hopefully they will be able to catch all individuals who were involved.
DeleteGerman court rules Muslim girl must take mixed-sex swimming lessons
ReplyDeleteTopic: Religion
Link: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/germany/130911/german-court-rules-muslim-girl-must-go-mixed-sex-swimming-lessons
In Germany, a Muslim girl recently went to the courts to get a legal ruling stating that she would not have to take swimming lessons with boys at her school. She would have to prove that the clothing options would go against her Muslim beliefs in order to get a ruling in her favor. However, she was unable to do so. Instead, the courts have decided that she can wear a full-body bathing suit and still adhere to her religion. The girl's lawyer argued that it would not only be inappropriate for the girl to wear a bathing suit in front of the boys in her class, but that it would be inappropriate for her to be interacting so closely with boys who were only wearing swim trunks. The courts however, disagreed with all arguments that the thirteen year old girl's lawyer made and ruled against her.
The swimming lessons were taking place at the girl's school as a part of their educational requirements. The judge who ruled on the cases simply stated that it would be unrealistic to think that the courts could accommodate all religious requests within the educational settings. He also believes that because of this ruling, swimming lessons will become increasingly separated according to gender.
At first I thought that the girl in this article was given an unfair ruling. However, after I thought about it for a few minutes, I am not so sure I still feel that way. I understand what the judge meant when he said that the courts could not accommodate every religious concern. It also made me feel better that they gave her the option of a full-body bathing suit so that she does not have to show as much as the non-Muslim girls.
This article reminds me of the topic of women's rights that we read and discussed about a couple of weeks ago in class. However, it still leaves me feeling conflicted. It makes me think about how differently the women in the Muslim religion are treated and how different the expectations are for them. It seems unfair to me that she would be expected to go to such extreme measures to cover her body or get swim lessons with only girls and yet the boys have no worries. They do not have to worry about covering their body or seeing a girl's body because of their religion. However, it is part of her religion, and according to the Declaration of Human Rights, everyone should be allowed to practice the religion of their choice. So, if being Muslim is her choice (which is unclear in the article), is it really unfair that she have these expectations? I begin to think that it is not so unfair.
In response to Amanda's article: This article made me a little sad. I truly do not see how she was made to participate when this is a culture where females do not interact with males in the same way that the German culture does. "Covered" or not, she clearly will feel uncomfortable and feel that she is violating her religion and I think that takes it one step too far. If she was wearing the burkini in a class full of female students then I feel that would be a different issue. However, I think her religious rights are not being upheld and neither are her rights as a citizen of Germany. I do not necessarily agree that she chose to be Muslim, because the article does not really specify. She could have been born Muslim and in their culture, do they really have a choice to not be at that age? Are they allowed to practice opposite of what their parents practice? Muslim women do not have an many rights as we as women have depending on how strict they practice and what country they reside in. I am leaning towards her not having a choice, which is why so many women are prosecuted when they attempt to seek out other religions. Either way, no matter her religious preference, she has a right to practice and to decide whether or not she must swim with boys of the opposite sex. She is pretty young too, so I am wondering why they even have swim classes that are co-ed at that age. It must be a common occurrence in Germany since the judge ruled against her. I assume that this means they have probably been down this road before and they think the burkini is an alternate and a way to meet in the middle. I cannot say I agree.
Delete‘Confidence growing’ for small Scots firm as labour market ‘strengthens’
ReplyDeleteThe Federation of Small Business (FBS) conducted a survey and after a three year high small firms in Scotland are conveying confidence. They anticipate increasing capital investment, even though profits were limited. The survey presented a slight trace of job creation. According to the Bank of Scotland’s monthly recruitment monitor they found placements were remaining to grow strongly. The survey conducted by FSB results indicates a fifth quarter of growing business confidence. Increasing capital investment is what three in ten firms intended. Out of the 2,330 companies taking part, 247respondents trailed behind the confidence level for the UK as a whole. Growing business expenses led to more companies estimating a decline in profits than those anticipating an increase, by 34% to 31%. Even though there was decreasing replacement volume as orders picked up, FSB has not indicated if small businesses proposed to hire more employees. FSB’s Scottish policy convener, Andy Willox reports “the findings suggest a fledging Scottish small business recovery is under way.” Willox reports improved revenues and decreasing replacement volume proposes that firms are busier that they have been for an extended period; however their profits and growth prospects continue to be put in danger by increasing overheads. A lot is to be done to warrant that small business secure some of the benefits from all of their additional effort. The Bank of Scotland recruitment monitor proposes a clearer image on jobs. It proposes the labour market has improved, with demand for recruits rising at an accelerating pace. With permanent hiring continuing at a record high recorded last month, provisional employment has increased intensely. John Swinney, finance secretary received the conclusions of the Bank of Scotland analysis. Swinney reported that Scotland has the greatest competitive business milieu anywhere in the UK, supported by significant investment in our infrastructure. He continued to say Scotland has a higher employment rate than the UK, stronger economic growth and youth employment numbers that continue to out-perform the UK; a survey involving the entire UK for accountants BDO and the Quoted Companies, revealed business confidence attaining a two year high.
As I read this article I often thought about what I read in the book Not for Sale. What would it be like for those countries, not only countries but the people in them if they had the confidence to obtain more? If they had the opportunity to find work and take care of their selves? As I read this article, I realized that these small companies were getting stronger as they were able to make a profit, is that not what the people in these countries do if they had the means and opportunity to make a honest wage to be able to support themselves and there families.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-24100371
Melissa McIntosh
ReplyDeleteTopic: Human Rights
Date- 9/23/13
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24075841
My article for this week in entitled Somali crisis: Amnesty criticizes evictions in Mogadishu. Many people have found refuge in Mogadishu from conflicts, droughts, and famines. Families here do not live in comfortable homes like we do here in the U.S. Instead they live in tents that they have constructed themselves out of whatever materials they could find. The article estimates that approximately 370,000 people are currently residing in this area as a place of refuge. These people have fled to this area in hopes to find peace. However the government of Mogadishu has other ideas in mind. In January of this year the government announced a goal of rebuilding the city. One main objective of rebuilding the city was to move the families and people living in tents there to camps just outside of town. Amnesty International has begun to investigate this forcing out of people residing in this area and has concluded that the human rights of the residents are being violated.
It has been reported that on August 4th during a protest of the relocation of the homeless in Mogadishu security forces opened fire on the protestors resulting in the death of a mother of nine children and an 8 year old child. The government contends that it holds the right to reclaim any buildings or land in Mogadishu that is currently being inhabited by refugees. Amnesty International feels that this movement to relocate the homeless and rebuild the city could have been a positive thing if it had been approached and carried out appropriately.
Reportedly entire camps have been destroyed by bulldozers and women have been gang raped within the camps. People placed in positions of authority over the camp have reportedly been misusing assistance for the homeless and some of the food and other assistance may be going to militants. I related the information in this article to chapter six of Sernau’s Global Problems book, War. The reason that many people are living as homeless people in tents within the borders of Mogadishu is in an attempt to escape some type of war or conflict. In response the government of Mogadishu maintains a war like stance against these people trying to find refuge. Violence and suffering seem to have become so intertwined in the culture in Mogadishu that to this government it is acceptable to violate human rights and take the lives of innocent women and children. When reading stories such as these I feel overwhelmed by the lack of regard for human life, justice, and rights of others in areas similar to Mogadishu. In pages 158- 159 Sernau, describes and discusses regional conflict such as that taking place in Africa. This reading from Sernau can be directly tied into the text, not for sale in regard to human rights violations and violence. Sernau states, “Often it is difficult to tell where war, terrorism, and crime end, as each overlaps the other”. This reading reminded me of the stories of children in Uganda who were forced to serve as soldiers and the young women who were raped in Not For Sale. This article leaves me asking the question, “If the government wanted to relocate these people, why couldn’t they have done it in a peaceful manner?”
This article concerns the increase in child labor in Lebanon due to the Syrian war. The UN reports that Syrian child refugees have to contribute to the family’s basic needs by earning money. Although Lebanon is allowing the refugees to enter the country, Lebanon is a very poor country and does not have a ready supply of emergency camps for the refugees. These refugees are working to purchase basic needs and their laboring children are missing school to contribute. The impoverished families rely on their children to work for food. One representative indicated that Lebanon has 400,000 official refugee children with only a fourth enrolled in school. For those who can attend school, they do not have access to regular classrooms because they are living in tents and migrant. They continue to move the tent sites for safety. Permanent locations create additional risk of harm to the refugees. The number of refugees is expected to double by the next year so these problems just increase. These families often have no male in their household and little options to meet their needs. Women and children are now working on farms, factories, selling products on the street, etc. as result of the devastation. UNICEF is working to reduce the exploitation and abuse that comes from these situations. They are also working with employers to allow children time off for school. The UN reports that half of the refugees fleeing Syria are children. UNICEF is working to aid for education and sanitation. Syrian parents still demonstrate their support of education, however. Many parents walk their children to school amidst fire so they can be educated.
ReplyDeleteThis article is a good present example of the plight of children who are living in world poverty amid war. Not for Sale indicates poor children are at risk for child labor, and war further complicates this injustice. Sernau references that in times of war, especially civil war, civilians are caught in the middle. The influx of refugees into impoverished countries, like the article states, does not guarantee their needs will be met. Refugees and their children in Lebanon are now vulnerable to crimes and abuse since many are working on the streets as vendors.
After reading the article, I also thought of how UNICEF is advocating for these children (and their families). It is clear they can advocate on all three levels: educational, instrumental, and practical (McLaughlin’s article indicates social work may advocate on three levels). They state they are helping in education and sanitation. They could easily be helping the people find the resource of clean water and where safe areas are to reduce risk for harm and abuse. In spite of all this devastation, it is still apparent, however, that people are still welcoming the need for education, as UNICEF, advocates. Many parents will walk through fire shot to take their child to school and invest the child’s human capital.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/20/us-syria-crisis-unicef-idUSBRE98J0TG20130920
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMichelle,
DeleteI like how you pointed out in the article that just because refugees are able to flee from one country to another, their life may not be a whole lot better. We are working on the topic of Cuban refugees in my group and I have always tended to see refugees as those leaving a country for a better life such as opportunities in America. The issues with war-torn Syrian refugees "escaping" to war-torn Lebanon really helped challenge this idea. I guess the refugees must keep heading "north."
Marshall Allen
ReplyDelete9/24/13
Topic: Natural Disasters
“Heavy rains and landslides leave more dead in typhoon-hit region”
There are many articles out there right now about the devastation that Super Typhoon Usagi is unleashing in the Pacific, but this one adds a bit more human depth to the story. The article briefly reports about the effect the typhoon has had on China as well as the Philippines. Surprising to me, the article casually states that “Usagi is the most powerful typhoon to hit the Western Pacific this year,” implying that this is a regular occurrence in this region.
As of the printing of the story, landslides alone in the province of Zambales, have left 17 people dead in the Philippines. Of those dead, most were presumed to be victims of heavy rains that fell in the night while people slept without the benefit of any organized warning. The mayor of Subic, stated that the rains and “chest-deep” floods have trapped the town of 160,000 people. In China, landslides have caused similar situations. One sad recurring theme that I have noticed when reading natural disaster related articles on these impoverished regions is that they are poorly prepared to handle these recurring emergencies.
The article also states that the typhoon has had an effect on economies. Shipping routes between China and Taiwan have been halted. This made me think of our readings that explain how the world has become so connected through trade. Although China and Taiwan are thousands of miles away from the United States, we will probably feel the impact of this on our own economy, just as the string activity demonstrated in class.
The article concludes with the mayors in the Philippines appealing for help in all forms, including “inflatable boats.” One mayor was asking the U.S. to send some U.S. Marines to help them who are stationed there for “war games.” I’m sure we will send help now, but I wish we would assist them in risk reduction in the future. Everyone knows that these things are going to happen repeatedly in the same areas, yet we as a global community do little to assist in preparedness.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-24/an-heavy-rains-and-landslides-leave-more-dead-in-typhon-hit-reg/4976630
ReplyDeleteLeslie Carver 9/24/13 2:30PM
HIV/AIDS Increase= Life Expectancy Decrease
On the continent of Africa sits a country that has been hit by HIV/AIDS the hardest called Swaziland. Globally the deaths related to the infection of HIV/AIDS have reduced drastically over the years thanks to treatment. Treatment has become more efficient especially internationally.
Swaziland has a very high rate with about a quarter of the adult population infected with the virus. About 40 percent of that is mothers infected. According to UN agencies Swaziland has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world. Life expectancy has dropped from in the 1990s to be about 60 to in the year 2012 the age of 49.
According to Elias Pavlopoulos, the head of the Swaziland Mission with international aid group Médecins Sans Frontières that the country is in the stabilization phase of the epidemic. We are seeing signs of reduction at the first signs of the new HIV infections. This infection can be transmitted via breast milk, by semen during sex, and via blood. This infection can however be kept in check with drugs that are known as antiretroviral treatment or even therapy. Treatment centers have grown as well as supplies of life-saving medicine thanks to a customs union in South Africa has helped with the revenue over the past two years. They have provided greatly to the bulk of Swaziland’s budget.
Aid groups have also reached out to local witch doctors giving them resources to know symptoms of this disease. This is to allow them space to prescribe traditional remedies, but to also have them steer those who are likely to have the infection to professional clinics.
On the same continent just about 2,707 Miles away from Swaziland in Uganda in our “Not For Sale” reading- talked about how at the World Vision camp they offer women not only the education about HIV/AIDS and safe sex. But when they offer them the chance to get tested many refuse in the rural country of Uganda, for women feel especially too shameful to admit it they have the infection (p. 118). So with treatment and clinics available, will individuals seek the help in these countires?
We can even look at Lucy Borja who qualifies as one of the most controversial living figures in Peru. She wasn’t afraid to use her voice, especially when she proposed that the government funds should be used to open “healthy homes” for the children, rather than to punish exploited children at a press conference at the juvenile prison. Lucy ended up being banned from visiting the juvenile prison and from providing HIV/AIDS courses in the public schools (p. 198). Because one individual- Kanashira was livid at being upstaged by Lucy, she closed a resource to that community.
Not only in the United States but all over the world we see many “good” programs, clinics, etc. being offered, and then gets cut off for a number of reasons. At times we all struggle with power and who has it and struggle with setting aside our pride. As social workers we have to learn the environments were advocating in, and find new ways to reach the people of that area. I know in Swaziland, that loosing young adults to this infection in their most productive years result in the countries lower economic output. So what can you do to help HIV/AIDS decrease, to lead to life expectancy increase in your environment?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/23/health-aids-swaziland-idUSL5N0HJ35320130923
Of all of our blogs, this week’s education piece really caught my attention. I am well aware of the black market and how it operates. However anytime I think of “black market” I do not think about it being synonymous with “text books”. Normally, we hear a lot about guns, drugs, and different pieces of technology that flood the industry illegally and for high profit. When I read the article and learned that textbooks are also a high commodity in some countries, I was stunned. Furthermore, when I learned that officials are the ones guilty of the stealing them, and then selling them, I was even more shocked. Those who sell them, including some principals, price them incredibly low. Then the new owner resells for a cheap price, but still enough to make quite a profit off of the books.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, it was nice to see an article that expressed both sides points of views. Some are forced to buy textbooks on the black market. They see no other viable options for their children who cannot get the texts that they need at school. The parent commented that for the books they do receive, they are in poor condition. Then, on the other hand, education officials say they are being hurt from the demand of the books on the black market and that is why they cannot supply good textbooks. One thing is for certain, staff and school officials are guilty of selling the books and that needs to stop. I can see how the practice is hurting schools as a whole and taking away much needed resources. It is hurting students even more.
It was interesting to note that this problem has been going on for a while in Yemen and that they are just not vamping up the strategies to try to stop it. To me, it seems that someone needs to advocate more for the cause. It does not seem to be an issue that everyone is made aware of. As we discussed in class and our readings, there are different types of advocating that can be done. First, they mentioned putting bar codes in their books to track them. This is a good idea but I do not think it will curb their problem. They need someone in a social arena to make some noise about the situation, without fear of doing so. Children need proper tools to learn, as education is a basic fundamental right. Then, they need to educate their society about the causes and effects of allowing such a practice to continue. Schools could take part in this because they see the effects firsthand. Parents could also have input because they are the ones forced to buy the textbooks out of necessity. Together, they could try to come up with more viable options, besides just coding their books. In fact, it seems that there would need to be harsher penalties, especially for staff who are involved in the process. If not, children will continue to receive substandard education and books will probably start flooding the black market due to supply and demand. I thinks this article directly relates to our social justice handout because someone somewhere needs to advocate harder to make a change.
http://www.yementimes.com/en/1713/news/2908/City-curbs-black-market-textbook-trade.htm
ReplyDeletethe website where I retrieved my article
Kenya’s economic crisis
ReplyDeleteJunghyun Lee Sep 24, 2013 5:30pm
This week I read an article entitled “High debt appetite exposes Kenya to global financial risks.” It reported that Kenya has been confronting high debt crisis by receiving a syndicated loan from China. This article introduced president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta’s, visitation to China and showed how he was welcomed by the Chinese government. But it explained the reality behind this connection that might endanger Kenya’s economic situation. Even though Kenya considered China as a kind business partner, the loan that Kenya borrowed from China was not as safe as the loans from the West because they are commercial loans that meet the needs of borrowing project from China. IMF already warned of its serious results and requested to waive and modify the debts. In the past, international lenders were mostly capitals from western countries, but now China is the dominant creditor. Most of the western countries seriously consider the political situation and carefully examine the nation’s financial records so it was not easily accessible to the indebted countries. Many African countries including Kenya thirst for this quickly accessible money because they have lots of national projects that are required to be urgently developed. But the conditions of these commercial loans are not favorable because its interests are expensive and even though Kenya is the country that initiates the project, it cannot hire employees with its own countrymen in carrying out the project and Kenya cannot receive the benefits by raising the employment rate through the project. This is one of the examples of the imbalanced relationship between creditors and indebted nations. Creditors can take an advantage of an indebted nation’s urgent situation and it always worsens the indebted nation’s economic situation. These unbalanced relationships that are globally formed between creditors and indebted nations reminds me of the relationship between those traffickers and victims from “Not for Sale” that I read last week. Through this book, I learned that traffickers always tried to take advantage of those victims’ desperate poverty, lack of parents, illiteracy, ignorance about legal processes to protect themselves and something urgent situations to survive. Because of the characteristics of the victims, those who are the most vulnerable, mostly children become the victims. When I read this article, I thought about the necessity of creating loans that can meet urgent needs of the indebted countries by not considering their political situations and examining detailed financial histories. Also it does not require unfavorable conditions such as high interest rate and importing contractors from the lenders. Only through creating a new loan system can indebted countries escape from bankruptcies and it prevents the downfall of the global economic system. In the same way, vulnerable children and women’s urgent needs should be met not by exploiters’ hands but by ethical entities in the right way. Sin is not just doing something wrong, but also not doing the right thing when you already knew it.
www.googlenews.com
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000093571&story_title=high-debt-appetite-exposes-kenya-to-global-financial-risks&pageNo=4
http://www.iearn.org.au/clp/archive/write30.htm
This week’s blog involves desperate migrants creating havoc in order to cross one of the two Spanish borders from North Africa. This particular incident occurred on the Morrocon/Spanish border where approximately 300 migrants violently attacked a 20-foot fence completely taking it down. During this raid, migrants assaulted the security officers resulting in 6 injuries and one migrant suffered a broken leg when the fence came down. Spanish officials reported that only about 100 migrants successfully made it across the border. In a separate incident on the other border, Ceuta, approximately 350 migrants attempted to swim to one of the beaches in hopes of entering illegally into the country, a spokesman reported that of the 350 migrants that made the attempt only 91 were successful. Authorities stated that those who entered into the country would be housed in one of the two immigrant reception centers. The center in Ceuta currently houses around 750 immigrants while it was built for 400 and in Melilla it is already doubled the capacity. Officials say that these attempts are due to increased fighting in Northern Africa and the crackdown on migration causing migrants to enter in the country in any way possible. Some of the Human Rights groups stated that many migrants are trafficked from other African countries and camp out in the wild waiting for an opportunity to cross.
ReplyDeleteWe learned from the real-life book, Not for Sale, how big the problem with human trafficking is. With the numerous examples from the book of how desperate individuals are “tricked” or “lured” into situations where they must endure horrific conditions and torturous acts for a chance of a better brighter future. In our text by Sernau, it highlights the relationship between the “sending” country and the “receiving” country economies. Both are significantly impacted be an increase in population driving up the demand of food, jobs, and housing, while a decrease is experienced in the country who has lost potential economic stability by not having as many contribute to the economy driving up supply and demand. There are many social issues that are affected by illegal entry into another country despite the reason. Despite the Immigration/Migration laws that are in place to protect borders, despite people call for despite measures regardless of the consequences that could be sanctioned, the possibility still remains that “I may be the one who makes it through”.
http://www.news.com.au/world-news/africa/incredible-footage-of-desperate-immigrants-raiding-moroccan-border/story-fnh81gzi-1226722294881?from=public_rss
Kasey Gray
ReplyDeleteBlog
9-24-13
This is my link http://www.nbcnews.com/science/pakistan-earthquake-creates-new-island-mud-volcano-blame-4B11248003
This is a fairly new story that has emerged in Pakistan, the news stories say that it is said to have been a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit western Pakistan early Tuesday morning. Homes that were nearby where the earthquake hit were demolished and it is said that the earthquake killed multiple people.
Scientists are suspecting the formation of an island that has appeared after the earthquake was caused by a jet of mud, sand and water that gushed to the surface as the tumbler churned and it pressurized under the ocean floor. The picture shows the island that is not far from where photographers took the actual picture.
The article suggest that these kind of things happen under the sea, and that formation of an island would not be seen if the earthquake had been a three to four magnitude quake. However, it was said that it takes a stronger trembler, maybe even a seven or eight magnitude to change the landscape.
As I talked about earlier, this earthquake was said to be at a magnitude level of seven. Scientist are also surprised with the distance of the island. The article suggest the scientists said that distance of the island from the epicenter of the quake is a little bit surprising, granted the sediments are quite soft and susceptible to this. When trying to relate this to class it was somewhat difficult, but I believe this could be related to just about anything we have talked about in class, because this could happen anywhere. This could be prevalent in many other countries as well. But the main thing I want to focus this on is global warming. We have discussed global warming briefly in class, and I have read about it in other articles concerning this topic. I do believe global warming had something to do with this earthquake, and there may be many more to come. Global warming is supposed to be happening right now with wild plants and tree’s in rain forest, so the question is, is this also going on under the sea?. I believe the answer is yes, or we would have frequent deadly earthquakes and so many bad storms. Why else would wild plants and trees be moving? Why else would we keep having such huge earthquakes in other countries?
Civil Wars
ReplyDeleteSeptember 23, 2013
Shawn Lanham
When I began researching civil wars for our class assignments, I honestly thought most occurred in other parts of the world. Fortunately, this is true, but I was very surprised to learn an American company, which we all know, contributed to a civil war as a means to coerce and extort local families and workers for their own benefit. Chiquita is being sued by thousands of Columbian families whose relatives were victims of a civil war that lasted decades.
The company based in North Carolina owned plantations for their banana production in Columbia. During this time, they have admitted to hiring a military group and paying almost two million dollars to threaten violence against its own workers over many years. Although they have admitted to the wrongdoing, they are now asserting they were bribed to commit these crimes. Even though they did deny the claims, they were found guilty and had to pay a $25 million dollar fine.
The family’s lawsuit has cleared many preliminary hurdles and rulings, but Chiquita continues the fight to have this case dismissed. Their defense is that not all killings during this time can be attributed to their own hired gunmen. This is crazy and I cannot believe this story is not getting more airtime. Chiquita also wants the case dismissed because it is now an American based corporation, which cannot be sued by foreigners for human rights violations. REALLY? I did not know human rights had borders.
The article states that lawyers are creating motions to drag this case on as long as possible making victims’ families continue to wait for justice. The article describes the experiences of two women and the horror they experienced at the hands of the hired military group. One of the women lost her husband as she fled with their child, while another lost a brother and was forced off their land. This article has so many pieces that reflect the many topics discussed in class. The story is like the old adage of peeling the layers of an onion. You want greed and extortion, peel a layer. You want violence with family displacement, peel another layer. You want threats over your job directed toward your family, peel yet another layer.
Chiquita has ceased utilizing Columbian plantations for their banana production since 2004. During this time, a Spanish militia was fighting a Columbia militia in an ongoing civil war, which Chiquita found itself becoming involved. According to the article, many massacres took place as part of the civil war, yet many could be attributed to Chiquita’s involvement, according to the Columbian families. The company will continue to fight this lawsuit and has the time, money and resources available to frustrate the families and hope they give up. The way the information was presented in the article and the hidden powers backing a large American corporation, leads me to believe that many families will in fact give up or lose out.
I was so surprised about the callous nature Chiquita is displaying. It is as if they said, “Yes we did it, we are Americans and you can’t touch us, so we will use our power and money to drag this out until you give up.” This week I asked a few of my friends if they knew a banana company hired a military to threaten its workers and was responsible for killing many of them that were not compliant and followed orders. The same response was received every time, “What?” It is hard to acknowledge, comprehend and believe this actually happened and is ongoing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/22/chiquita-colombia-lawsuit_n_3971616.html?ir=Business
I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS!!!! So the classic "Miss Chiquita" logo has had some participation in civil conflict? It is amazing to think that the company that still places their stickers on the product by hand to prevent bruising would hire a gunman. If this situation involved a different country other than America, I bet it would get a lot of airtime. It is insane that this company wants to slip under the radar by proclaiming that they are now an American corporation. I'm sure that their Rainforest Alliance and their steps into the Fair-trade realm will overshadow their role in this Columbian civil war. "Our renewed purpose" posted all over their website will make a beautiful cause for debate in court. I am sure their sales will not even fluctuate because I guarantee this "American corporation" has done all they can to not to have this situation placed in the media. How depressing that the American need for non-bruised bananas has caused so much death and concern for families so many miles away.
Deletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-24146008.
ReplyDeleteThe food/water issue that I came across this week was titled “Plea for Wales to match England’s free school lunches.” The Child Poverty Action Group is fighting for free lunches to be provided to children in school in Wales after it was announced that England would be offering free meals to students this year. The Action Group reported that giving children free meals would have many positive effects including boosting families budget, helping to fight child poverty, and increasing the students overall health. Offering free meals would also help to ease the pressure that families in Wales are fighting due to increased taxes, no increase in wages, and soaring food prices. These free meals are expected to save families 400 euros a year. That equals approximately 600 U.S. dollars. Funding for these free meals would come through money that England is giving the government to spend as they see fit. Democrat leaders are on board for the push for free lunches. One leader reported that by targeting this population they would be able to give each child the life that they deserve by teaching them healthy eating habits and by boosting the attainment of knowledge.
This article relates directly to Chapter four of Sernau. Chapter four focuses on education. When discussing human capital theory, Sernau mentions that education can be seen as an investment in human capital, by increasing both the productivity and the efficiency in humans. The government and the Child Poverty Action group are hoping to do the same with the children in Wales. By investing in their lives and nutrition early in life, they are hoping that it will help to make them more productive and efficient citizens when they become adults. They are also hoping that by investing in their nutrition, they will be able to help them to become healthier adults. If it works many other countries need to take after England's lead. It's never to early to invest in the lives of our children.
This is an excellent thing to do! and it does go along with chapter four in the sernau book!. I agree this would have many positive effects for families, and would fight against poverty, and would be teaching them healthy eating habits!. I agree with what was said that when investing in their nutrition habits early in life it will increase their likely hood of eating healthy down the road, and teaching their siblings or children later on how to eat healthy. Great job on your blog!
Deletehttp://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/09/23/225369916/child-labor-is-down-but-168m-children-still-work-u-n-says
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/09/19/224075632/youth-interrupted-myanmars-underage-illiterate-workers
The new International Labor Organization's report states that the number of child laborers has declined by a third since 2000. This seems like very encouraging news. It is always pleasant to hear that there are fewer children under the age of 18 working and not getting a sufficient wage or treatment around the world. As social workers, we may rejoice in the fact that the efforts of someone somewhere have benefited not only countries as a whole, but also the lives of children by beginning the progress of diminishing child labor. The disparity still remains when we realize that 168 million children are still working as laborers around the world. Commitment to political change, policy evaluations, and developments in enforcement actions have all aided in the breakdown of child labor. Mind you, "aided" is not the same thing as completely putting an end to a nite mare that is a reality for over 168 million child labors.
While the average American child sits by the television dreaming about their next Christmas, wonders what toy is going be in their next Happy Meal, or debates with siblings over who gets the front seat, children in Bangladesh are hard at work. It is common for children to work all day in Bangladesh for an income of maybe $3 a day. Some may be the only one working in their family. Working conditions are unfriendly and unsuitable for a child, but children working in Bangladesh are not children, they are laborers. Half of the jobs children laborers perform are hazardous, but for societies in Southeast Asia, this is not a red flag to the government but viewed at as a pillar to economy. How frightening would it be to be a part of a society that cannot survive without a child workforce?
In class we have discussed the blights of the poor. How can one provide a beautiful life for your child if you cannot provide food, education, or a safe environment for your child? Parents in Bangladesh see their child working as the only way their family can survive. There is no time for childhood if the family wants to eat. They view three dollars a day as better then two dollars a day so there is no complaint about the amount children earn. If children all over the globe have been working, why would these parents and communities think anything of another child bringing in wages to sustain a family?
Seeing the difference between human trafficking and labor has become a very blurred line. If these children are not forced to work it is not viewed as human trafficking. It is EXPECTED of these children to work, not forced. As a child explains in the article on Bangladesh, he is not even thinking about girls… he already has a woman to take care of and that is his mother. People glance at articles on child labor and think, "What's new?” If these kids are not being trafficked, then why is it a big deal? It is a big deal because children should be safe, they should be provided for, they should live carefree. Factories, mines, and fields with heavy machinery are not safe. Jobs make children a contributor to the family incomes. Labor makes kids worry about what they will eat, how long they will work, and what will happen if they don't output enough products. Our goal in the realm of child labor is not to stop children from working, but to enable a way for communities to make money without using their children. Until this happens, children will continue to be used as labor, despite changes in policy and enforcement. Just as human trafficking needs a demand to survive; child labor needs a demand and a lack of income to thrive. When policies are developed to provide other means of sustainability for communities and societies/ governments stop allowing child labor, we will be able to make even more of a dent in diminishing child labor.
I really enjoyed your post, and your article. The statistics are very encouraging and I do enjoy hearing that the number of children being labored are decreasing significantly. As a social worker I like to think that one day in the future there will be no children working around the world under the age of 18 especially in such harsh conditions with no wages. I also agree with your statement that even though these kids are not being trafficked they should still be kept safe. I DO have faith in humanity that all children will be freed from hard labor, or forced to work. When I think of my childhood compared to some of these children's it makes me so mad because I didn't appreciate all of the little and big things that I had like supper on the table, a safe school to attend, parents who loved me, and a neighborhood I could run and play in where I felt safe. Overall, this is an awesome post.
DeleteSlavery farm inquiry 'shocking', says Home Office
ReplyDelete9/24/2013
During the course of the year I have searched many articles about human trafficking and the majority of them revolved around women and children that’s why this article really stuck out to me. It is an article discussing a 6 month long investigation about a slave farm that was enslaving men. These men were found living in poor conditions making little to no pay. The first man that was found on the farm had been forced to work at the farm and had been reported missing for the past 13 years from an eastern European country. This story is extremely saddening to me because it makes me realize that these traffickers are not just after the vulnerable children and women in the world but they are capable of coercing able bodied men as well. Thankfully after the man was found according to the article the police confirmed that another man had been taken to a "place of safety". This man is believed to be from Poland. He is being assessed by the Red Cross for his physical and mental status. The police are also investigating a suggestion that there is a dead body on the farm. This relates to what we were talking about in class about how people are forced, or coerced to becoming slaves. It doesn’t indicate what way the traffickers got these specific men to the farm but one way or another they are forcing them to work with no pay. I know that grown men are not going to just work for free unless someone is making them. In my opinion slave trading should carry harsh circumstances that should be enforced internationally. No matter where someone was born in the world they should all have the privilege of not being afraid to get trafficked and forced into slavery.
-- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-24215255
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ReplyDeleteMandelson raises doubts over Labour energy bill freeze
ReplyDeleteDoubts have been raised by Lord Mandelson regarding Labour’s plan to freeze energy bills, he suggests that people will think it is going “backwards” in its industrial policy. Mandelson believes the party has moved on from having to choose “between state control and laissez-faire.” Caroline Flint with Labour, stated that the 1997 windfall tax supported by Lord Mandelson cost utility firms more and Mandelson had “financial interests” in energy. Flint articulated to BBC she unsure whether Mandelson was talking to the energy firms, however Flint is communicating for consumers and businesses that are going to be assisted by Labour policies. Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, cautioned that the freeze possibly will lead to the lights being turned off. Ed Miliband has debated that the public supports action to make markets reasonable. Mandelson spent Wednesday protecting his plan to intervene in the energy market if he wins the next election, in the face of attacks from energy firms, business groups and the Conservatives. Lord Mandelson’s Global Counsel business lists energy as one of its specialist areas of expertise. Mandelson reported that at the business department he tried to move on from the conventional choice in industrial policy between state control and laissez-faire. He also reports that the industrial activism he developed indicated that intervention in the economy-government doing some of the pump-priming of significant markets, sectors and technologies –was a sensible approach. Lord Mandelson reported because of Mr. Miliband’s pledge, he thought that the opinions of Labour policy remain in danger of being taken backwards. Miliband got a rousing response when he made the price freeze commitment during his Labour Party conference speech, activists welcomed plans to tackle recent rising prices. According to the Labour, the energy freeze could last from June 2015 till January 2017 and would save the average household $120 a year and business $1800.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24277925
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