CLARK’s Post

#Europe on the #raise❗️ 79% #Europeans say #EU support has a #positive #impact on their region. See further measures in the video below. 💡📈 A #thesis and #personal #remark: One reason for this positive development may be the positive economical impact for European people. Of at least equal importance is that #Europe and #Europeans identify themselves as a #community of #shared #human #values. People understand that in times of unprecedented and by far unforeseeable change, a foundational set of #shared #human #values creates best #safety to get. In #stormy #whether, it is the #light of the #lighthouse that gives #best #orientation, #safety and #hope. Let‘s make sure that in today‘s times #Europe and all European #countries and #citizens stand, act and raise as #lighthouse for #global #human #collaboration and #inclusive #human #growth. 🌿👇🌎

To a United Future: Reflecting on Chile's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the pledge to prevent repetition. 🇨🇱 As we commemorate today the 50th anniversary of the military coup in Chile, it is a moment for profound reflection and a renewed commitment to the values that define us as a nation. This contemplation is not exclusive to Chileans but extends to our friends and colleagues worldwide who have witnessed our historical path towards social reconciliation and the establishment of a common groundwork for a brighter future. Chile has made significant strides in the past half-century. We have transitioned from a period of dictatorship to a thriving democracy that respects the rule of law and champions human rights. Our commitment to democracy is unwavering, and we pledge never to let the days of 1973 repeat themselves on our soil. Throughout this journey, we have learned that violence should never be the means to resolve social conflicts. Instead, we believe in the power of dialogue, negotiation, and consensus-building. We stand together in denouncing any form of violence and reiterate our dedication to peaceful solutions for the challenges that lie ahead. Our dedication to democracy, human rights, and non-violence is not just a commitment; it is a collective aspiration. We know there is still work to be done. We must continue to foster a society where justice, equality, and the wellbeing of all citizens are paramount. As we commemorate this significant anniversary, let it be a reminder of our commitment to building a Chile where unity and progress are our guiding stars. Let us work together, in the spirit of dialogue and understanding, to ensure that we never stray from the path of democracy and human rights, and that Chile becomes a beacon of hope and progress for generations to come. With respect and hope.

It’s #HumanRightsDay today, which got me thinking about armed conflict, i.e., situations where human rights are thrown out the window.  This, in turn, got me thinking about “Peace & Conflict Studies” (PACS), my major as an undergrad at University of California, Berkeley. While now defunct, this critical field has a lot to teach us: not only about armed conflict, but conflict and communication (including in the workplace!). So, I bring to you, Sabrina’s Sunday thoughts!   The premise of PACS (not to be confused with its “cousin,” Political Science) was the following: conflict can and must be understood, using a socio-economic, anthropological, historical, holistic lens. (Bonus! Conflict can actually be resolved non-violently - think Ghandi or MLK Jr.) The first essential step to conflict resolution is understanding. Digging below the surface. Looking at the history, the power struggles, identity politics (which are often invented by parties in power), the exploitation (of people, resources), and, the perception of unfairness.  Here, the word “perception” is key. Because no matter what conflict you’re looking at - an international conflict, marital or familial conflict, conflict between colleagues - perceptions typically differ, and, often, largely so. Admittedly, it’s hard to see, hear, and understand the other side. Why? Perhaps it’s against human nature (“what, of course I’m right!!”). And, it’s awfully tough to acknowledge an alternative viewpoint, and its legitimacy, when the other party is being a jackass (excuse the language!). Or, when they are literally or figuratively pointing a gun at us.  But understanding is the premise for negotiation, and, ideally, peaceful resolution - no matter the context. Ultimately, one side may have to be the bigger person. The one that extends an olive branch, shows that they are ready to listen, talk, and find compromise. (All quite idealist, I know, but history shows that it works!) And when you go high, as the very wise Michelle Obama advises, it’s actually easier to knock someone else off their high horse. Kill em’ with kindness, just wait and see! Patricia Y.C.E. Lin, PhD (feel free to correct/comment anything here - my memory is likely fuzzy on all this!) #humanrights #conflictresolution #workplaceconflict #conflict #nonviolentcommunication #nonviolence #understandingothers

“The international human rights system is one of humanity’s greatest achievements, but it requires sustained support in order to continue to function. We must speak up in its defence when it is challenged. It requires our reason, and our conscience.” Today, Minister Forssell attends the 75th anniversary of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organized by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and the UN Human Rights Office. At the anniversary, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also participates virtually through a pre-recorded video message. There he will, among other things, present Sweden's commitments in the work for human freedoms and rights. Read more: https://ow.ly/biYr50QhR8n Sweden stands up for human rights – today and tomorrow. #HumanRights75

Be it after the election, or before: we are working for a Europe of openness, solidarity and democracy. The election results are depicting an increased support for far-right parties and ideologies – also among young people. We seek to counter that by strengthening young Europeans, providing democratic citizenship education, promoting a pan-European understanding and combatting right-wing extremism, anti-Semitism, racism and other forms of discrimination. In order to join forces within civil society, we signed the position paper „Our Europe“ together with more than 80 other organisations. It is a call to action in response to the rise of far-right, threatening core European values like democracy and equality. It calls for unity, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and democratic governance, addressing climate change, and upholding human rights, urging all democratic forces to protect and strengthen Europe. Join us is in building a Europe that is democratic, diverse, and united! A Europe we want. A Europe we need. ℹ More information on the paper can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eMwtszkr __ #OurEurope #YoungEurope #SchwarzkopfFoundation

Fri 2024-03-08 18:23 On the 2nd U.S.- Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience Media Note March 8, 2024 On March 7-8, the United States and Japan held the second annual U.S.-Japan Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience in Washington, D.C. The U.S. and Japanese delegations were led by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya and Deputy Minister and Director General of the Foreign Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Kobe Yasuhiro, joined by senior representatives from their respective agencies. Both sides affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and our countries’ shared efforts to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights globally. The dialogue included discussions on our bilateral efforts to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and promote human rights internationally, including through the rights-respecting design, development, deployment, and use of technologies. Under Secretary Zeya and Deputy Minister Kobe committed to deepening multilateral cooperation, including in the Human Rights Council, UN General Assembly Third Committee, and the UN Security Council. They further discussed building democratic resilience at home and abroad through business and human rights, women’s economic empowerment, advancing the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. Stay connected with the State Department:

If not now, then when? The utopian ideal of a world in which human rights are the beacon of humanity, civilisation and prosperity, is now more needed then ever. The horrifying news that reaches us every day about armed conflicts, climate change and exclusion of people from the sources of life, for whatever reason, can make us cynical. We should never allow that. In ITE, new teachers are educated about human rights and children’s rights and we stimulate them to teach about, for and through human rights. New generations of children, all around the world, have the right to a better, more inclusive, braver, more sustainable and more peaceful world. And they have the right to reject today’s world of injustice. Human rights show us what the horizon of that better world looks like. Against cynicism, nihilism and despair. For human rights.

The 12th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights begins today. We will be particularly attentive to the discussions around people affected by large-scale land acquisitions in Africa, as well as effective remedies for human rights protection in this context. Follow the full agenda here: https://lnkd.in/dMzDUkJB