The 5 Greenest Nations & Environmental Policy's Link to Human Rights

This week, I've chosen to count down the 5 most eco-friendly nations! This list is based on the prevalence of water/air pollution and environmental burden of disease, as well as forestry practices, chemical emmissions, and agricultural practices. So, without further ado, THE 5 GREENEST NATIONS!

1- Iceland: This is a nation that has carefully preserved its volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls.

It relies on sustainable geothermal energy and hydrogen energy (which it hopes to use exclusively). All citizens have access to clean water, large quantities of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems are protected. Most importantly, Iceland has a low reliance on coal and oil (and soon it will no longer use any coal or oil). This scale of clean energy and responsible stewardship makes Iceland the MOST eco-friendly nation in the world.

2- Costa Rica: Another nation that plans to become carbon neutral in the near future, Costa Rica is second on the countdown. This nation has done a fabulous job of maintaining its

beautiful ecosystems. Costa Rica knows the vitality of its rainforest as a resource and it has gone to great lengths to preserve its national treasure. The result? Stunning biodiversity, a successful tourism industry, and a glowing example of sustainability that Costa Ricans can take pride in.

3- Switzerland: Since the beginning of the 1900's, Switzerland has been taking the preservation

initiative. They created the Alps' first Alpine park. To cut down on carbon emission, a few Swiss towns have completely banned the use of cars. Other carbon reduction efforts include hydrolic energy heating systems in hotels, homes, and schools. There are fees to dispose of trash, encouraging citizens to cut down on waste and recycle.

4- Sweden: This is a nation dedicated to environmental responsibility in both word and action. The Swedish government has made plans to become fossil-fuel dependent, and has acted on this plan. Their fossil fuel use has declined by 30 percent. Furthermore, Sweden's cars are powered

by methane from cow dung, which is a cheap and sustainable

substitution for gasoline. Finally, Sweden recognizes the importance of productive use of resources-industries use

sawdust from logging to create wood pellets that can heat homes. This nation's focus on clean energy use is a signal of hope in an increasingly alarming energy situation.

5- Mauritius: This tiny African island nation has been working towards groundbreaking

environmental policies. Its remote location and position as an island presents challenges to environmental stewardship, but the government is committed to treating their resources and ecosystems in a responsible, sustainable manner. Their innovative waste management system includes the clean burning of solid matter, a cleaner alternative to dumping garbage. Mauritius uses its bounty of water for energy, as well as utilizing wind power and sugar cane plants for renewable energy. This African nation's determination to respect the Earth is a fantastic attitude that will hopefully be mirrored by surrounding areas.

What about the link to human rights?

The green rating of a nation is not usually thought to reflect human rights, but there is a tie-in. Consideration for the beauty and sustainability of a society often reflects a respect for the rights of that society's citizens. Environmental sustainability also shows that a nation is willing to spend a considerable amount of time and money to create a more beautiful, long-lasting society that citizens and members of the international community are free to enjoy. This shows that the government is willing to fund projects that make peoples' lives easier and more enjoyable, often indicating a nation in which citizens enjoy rights and liberties.

Microfinance: A World of Opportunity

One of my favorite books, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, introduced me to the concept of microfinance and its potential to absolve poverty while elevating the status of women. Before discussing microfinancing's implications in poor communities, however, an introduction is necessary.

In essence, microfinance consists of the provision of loans to low-income individuals that lack access to traditional banking. These loans can be used to expand pre-existing family business (like a farm) or establish independent small businesses. Well-organized micro-financing operations have been extremely successful in breaking clients out of poverty. Muhammad Yunus, Microfinancing guru and founder of Grameen Bank, claims that about 15% of clients break free of poverty every year have paid back all loans and broken free of poverty each year. The success of this economic empowerment is an incredibly exciting prospect in a developing world. As banking develops microcredit could easily expand at a relatively low cost yielding economic and societal progress.

As a delegate at East Tennessee's annual Model United Nations Conference, I proposed a microcredit pilot program for the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. I started my research with the sole intention of economic opportunities for the impoverished; however, I soon discovered that microfinance can be a vehicle for sexual empowerment as well. By restricting membership to only poor women, you are giving females the chance to be financially independent. They no longer rely on spouses and gain more respect and power in their households. This gives women the freedom to demand rights, leave abusive relationships and raise their children the way they see fit.

The United Nations, MIT's Jameel Poverty Action Lab, BBC Business Weekly Program and countless professors and sociologists have conducted research on the implications of microcredit. Their findings have fueled the movement's growing momentum. Each year microfinance expands to new cities and nations, casting a wider net of opportunity. Thankfully, the days of controlling the needy by handing out rations are beginning to fade. Instead aid is becoming focused upon empowerment and economic independence and I couldn't be more excited.

Countdown of the Week!

I'm starting a weekly countdown that I think will inspire me to blog more consistently and give me human rights issues to write and research about. So without further ado, this week's countdown...

The 5 Most Oppressive Governments in the World Today

5- Somalia

Human rights abuses abound because of the complete lack of a legitimate central government since President Mohamed Siad Barre's flight from the country in 1991. Since then, transitional governments have existed, guaranteeing civil liberties that they did not provide. The most pressing human rights concerns include corruption within the judiciary system (causing horrific police brutality), restrictions on basic freedoms (including the detainment of journalists by the transitional government), and a nation-wide disregard for gender equality (which results in the routine genital mutilation and gang rape of Somalian women).

4- Syria
Syria's government is one of the most brutally oppressive in the world today. At a recent civil protest, President Bashar al-Assad ordered the death of hundreds of protestors. Shockingly, this death toll is not uncommon at such an event. Every month, at least 100 political activists are detained. The government is notorious for unwarranted arrests with ridiculous jail times. Police brutality has led to at least 20 prisoners' deaths.

3- Equatorial Guinea
The leader of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, is considered by some to be Africa's most corrupt dictator. The nation is a major oil exporter, and the abundance of oil causes government corruption and a vast, unbridgable gap between the super-rich and the direly poor. One of the most pressing concerns is the international community's refusal to recognize the corruption of the government. As a matter of fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Committee (UNESCO) named a highly sought-after prize after President Mbasogo.

2- Burma (Myanmar)
Burma is ruled by a highly authoritarian military state. Military officers hold unlimited rule at every level of government, and elections that have been conducted since 1990 have gone largely ignored by the existing Burmese government. The regime committed severe human rights abuses. Government security forces were responsible for extrajudicial killings, disappearances, rape, and torture. The government detained civic activists indefinitely and without charges. The government held detainees in life-threatening conditions. The army continued its attacks on ethnic minority villagers, resulting in deaths and forced relocation. Violence and societal discrimination against women continued, as did recruitment of child soldiers, discrimination against ethnic minorities, and trafficking in persons, particularly of women and girls.

1- North Korea

The government of North Korea is the most secretive in the world. The country is basically closed to all aid workers. North Koreans are also trapped inside their own country, and their daily lives are completely dictated by the government. The United Nations Human Rights Resolution on North Korea cites the country's "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, public executions, extra judicial and arbitrary detention, the absence of due process and the rule of law, imposition of the death penalty for political reasons, the existence of a large number of prison camps and the extensive use of forced labour". "Supreme Leader", Kim Jong-il leads the world's most oppressive cult of personality.

Sources:
http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=70&release=503

http://www.csmonitor.com/CSM/Lists/World-s-worst-human-rights-violators

http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2003/edition_02-16-2003/Dictators

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/eap/154380.htm

When Does Protest Cross the Line?

At the base of many historical conflicts between the people of a nation and its government is peaceful protest. When dissatisfied citizens compose the courage to speak out, tensions often run high and violence ensues. The London riots, for example, started as peaceful protest over a cop shooting and escalated to destruction for destruction's sake. On the other hand, the United States never would have been gained sovereignty if not for organized opposition. These contradictions seem to beg the question of exactly when protest crosses the line between productive and destructive.

It seems that the effectiveness of most protests can ultimately be traced back to the motives and discipline of said protest's architects. The key players in the London riots, for example, were young men with no clear motive but to set fire to a city that they were unhappy with. Additionally, many nobly intentioned protests (take, for example, the 2007 Burmese anti-government protests) fail to enact meaningful change because they do not have the willpower, strategy, or resources to topple societal order. The 18th century American Revolutionaries, on the other hand, had a distinct plan and governmental/military tools at their disposal because of their elite status in the preexisting society.

It is therefore (after much deliberation) my conclusion that certain conditions absolutely must exist before any kind of successful revolt can take place. The architects of protest must be informed and disciplined, the citizenry must be willing and able to call for change, and the movement must have certain resources at its disposal (whether they be financial, political, military, or cultural). If these conditions do not exist, odds are that the movement will fail loudly and violently, often causing the deaths of innocent people.

Human Rights for the Mentally Ill

I wanted to discuss an aspect of human rights that is not commonly discussed, and that is the extent to which mentally handicapped citizens have human rights in our society. Unfortunately, there are many mentally ill adults who are horribly mistreated by the mental health system, but don't have any other options. Furthermore, misconceptions about mental illness breed prejudice in the hearts of many, making it difficult for the disabled to get jobs or relationships that they deserve.

This is an issue that is affecting millions of families and individuals, and it therefore needs to be discussed. Although the mental health system is not perfect, it is designed to help those in its care. So instead of going on a crusade against this system, the mentally ill and their families, friends, and advocates should work with the system to make improvements. Then, patients would be more amenable to treatment options, and quite possibly take the steps to make huge improvements.

This would open up many doors for these patients, including living independently, having meaningful relationships, and possibly holding jobs. After all, it has been proven that having a schedule and a duty to society (according to UPenn's Martin Seligman) leads to a more fulfilling life. Additionally, these civically engaged citizens would be playing their part to make society function properly. I find these successful efforts at contributing to the world to be incredibly inspiring. In my hometown, there is a man with disabilities who has been working at the movie theatre for as long as I can remember. His hard work and kind attitude always brightens my day, and inspires me to dedicate myself to excellence as he does.

It is stories like these that reaffirm my belief that a mental handicap does not rule you out of achieving job opportunities and success. It is the right of these many citizens to have the chance to contribute. After all, a person is a person, even if they have problems (I mean, don't we all?). I believe that the mental health system must make the success and happiness of patients a huge priority so that they can live functional lives with loving relationships and a duty to society.

Is Peace More Important Than Justice?

I just wanted to pose a question before I head to bed. My query is based upon the incredible book that I'm reading right now, Dancing in the Glory of Monsters by Jason Stearns, which documents the endless cycle of violence in the Congo. Stearns discusses the fact that, even years after the Congolese War, communities mourn the senseless killing of their kinsmen. Sadly, however, the tragic victims go without justice. Often, their bodies are unburied, heaping in mass graves under ruin and rubble.

Is an unsteady peace under yesterday's unsteady military leaders worth the gross miscarriage of justice that the innocent face? It makes me sick that heartbreaking stories go unheard, senseless animosities remain commonplace, and the people of the Congo still die for no reason just for the sake of maintaining a somewhat superficial balance. Even if the war is officially "over", the Congo is so far away from true peace. I believe that to gain actual peace there, we must first listen to the stories of the persecuted (and believe me, people on all sides of this conflict have been persecuted) and seek understanding. Those who inflicted unimaginable crimes MUST be punished. Then, after justice is attained, the Congo has a chance at peace.

PLEASE feel free to post your opinions as well!

After a Brief Respite...

I know that it's been almost a month, but I have been totally occupied with Governor's School, a five week long residential summer program with two college classes (Geology and TN History) and field experiences (Paleontology and Historic Preservation. I am absolutely loving it here, but we have NO spare time, hence my lack of posting. Anyways, I am back to blogging, and so very excited to start thinking about international studies again. Right now, I am reading a lot about Rwanda and the Congo, and in the midst of all the death and destruction that has occurred there, I've been consumed with the question of peace versus justice and which is more important. Does one lead to another? Do they go together inherently? More on that later, but feel free to post opinions.

Guinea: A Human Rights Crisis Swept Under the Rug

I was scrolling through the Human Rights Watch webpage, and I happened to notice an article on Guinea, a small West African nation. I have never really seen Guinea on the news, so I was eager to learn about what is going on there. My subsequent research on Guinea was very surprising. Although it has not been widely broadcasted by the media, this nation has been under authoritarian rule since 1984. Today, I wanted to get into some of the human rights failures that have occurred recently, which requires a basic knowledge of the last 28 years in Guinea. Here's a brief timeline to give you an idea:

1984: Lansana Conte stages a military coup and establishes an authoritarian regime. During his rule, he responded to opposition with violence, resulting in murder of many innocents.

2008: Conte dies, and a small group of military officers stage a non-violent coup. They call their party the National Council for Democracy and Development. This bloodless coup caused hope of greater respect for human rights.

2009: On September 28, more than ten thousand opposition supporters gathered peacefully in a stadium to protest the President's military rule. The President's personal guard, as well as anti-riot police and militia opened fire, killing more than 150 civilians. Rape and sexual assault definitely also occurred in mass proportions.

2010: Elections in Guinea, swearing in of new President Alpha Conde.

After doing some research, I looked at the major public news sources' coverage of Guinea. Well, CNN and MSNBC had a few articles about the 2010 election, and Fox News just had a lot of articles about guinea pigs...but I was shocked that there was little coverage about the stadium massacre. After all, if 150 people had been killed in Egypt, Western Europe, or Israel, we would all know about it. The nation of Guinea (and many other African states) is being overlooked because it isn't a news hotspot, and the mass media wants the public to focus on Libya, Iraq, or the good ol' US of A. Human rights are definitely being violated in Guinea, and a lot of people are being oppressed. However, awareness is limited because, somehow, Guinea is not "significant" enough for us to know about it.

Moving on and looking towards the future, I truly hope that President Alpha Conde upholds his promises of equality and respect. After all, his was the first democratic election in Guinea since 1958, which is admirable. Also, he has been the leader of his party for a long time without any major abuses. However, it is worrisome that Conde often goes back on his word (for example, praising and scorning the 2008 coup within a matter of months). Because his inauguration is so recent, I believe that only time will tell, though I hope that any mishaps will be widely publicized and rapidly responded to, to avoid another tragedy like the 2009 stadium murders.

What's On My Dinner Plate?

I started this blog with the intention of discussing the inherent rights of humans. However, Michael Pollan's fantastic book called Omnivore's Dilemma has inspired me to post about the rights of our furry friends, the animals of the world. Pollan discusses and criticizes the industrial food system, a complex network that is essentially built upon a river of corn. Because corn is heavily subsidized, the huge surplus is used to feed to cows. Perfect solution, right? Not exactly. Cows are not designed to digest corn, and when it is fed to them in large quantities, their stomachs become acidic and their livers can develop large abscesses. Furthermore, industrial feedlots have serious effects upon the environment (waste and fertilizer runoff from such feedlots have created the giant dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico) and human health (industrial meat has become a cheap commodity and excessive beef-eating has inflamed obesity in the US).

In my opinion, meat-eating is not morally wrong, as long as it is done humanely and sustainably. However, the blatant mistreatment that the animals in feedlots is a sickening violation of animal rights. Furthermore, people have a right to know where their food came from, and the industry's attempt to hide that process is simply wrong. The workers in the meat industry are also horribly mistreated, considered no better than the meat that they slaughter at pitifully low wages.Industrial feedlots are by no means natural or "okay"-cows were not meant to be fed corn, chickens were not meant to have their beaks chopped off, and food was not meant to be pumped full of antibiotics and synthetics.

For all these reasons and more, I have become an advocate of sustainable agriculture. That means that I don't eat meat that was produced under these cruel, unsustainable, unhealthy conditions. Even if The Omnivore's Dilemma doesn't inspire a major lifestyle change for you, it will show you what goes into producing each and every meal that you eat, from a midnight McDonald's run to ten-course gourmet feast.

Osama bin Later? Mixed Emotions Towards the Death of Bin Laden

At the beginning of May, President Obama announced that Osama bin Laden, infamous leader of the terrorist group Al-Qaeada, had been killed in a covert operation in Pakistan. I heard the news during a study break in which I was perusing the Internet, and I experienced a broad array of emotions. Relief that such a despicable individual would no longer pose a threat to international security, guilt for being relieved about the loss of a human life, and concern that Al-Qaeada would unite under rage to become even more powerful. Upon reflection, however, I have come to realize that all of these emotions have their place in this situation.

There is no denying that bin Laden destroyed the lives of innumerable citizens, most of whom were completely innocent. He was clearly a human rights violator of the worst kind. The number of deaths that Osama bin Laden can be held responsible for is estimated to be as high as 100,000. Furthermore, it is speculated that "taking bin Laden alive" would have been almost impossible because of the high-security facility that he was being housed in. Therefore, killing him was not an immoral or unwise decision. If Osama bin Laden was to be taken, death was really the only option. However, I feel that the cries of "USA, USA" that could be heard around America mark an inappropriate response. Obviously, those who lost family and friends in the 9-11 attacks have the right to be relieved. But the waving of American flags and rejoicing over death is rather childish. After all, murder is hardly something that the US should be claiming "bragging rights" on.

There is also the issue of Al-Qaeada's reaction to the death of their leader. Whether or not it was the right thing to do, many Islamist radical groups have already expressed outrage over bin Laden's demise. Will this cause violence against the US? Will terrorist groups act on their cries to avenge Osama bin Laden's death? Only time will tell, but rejoicing over this death only exacerbates obvious tensions. My conclusion? We can all breathe a sigh of relief now that Osama bin Laden is no longer a threat. However, before the United States becomes immersed in joy, we must remember that there are still threats to our security. Killing Osama is only the beginning, and those who assume that this incident will result in the degradation of Al-Qaeada don't appreciate the power of these highly-organized terrorist groups.

Sources: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html

http://www.prisonplanet.com/images/july2009/020709top2.jpg

Giving African Farmers the Opportunity to Support Themselves!

I got my first issue of the New Internationalist in the mail today, and I am hooked. I really enjoyed a short article on the issues that impoverished African peanut farmers have been having. The requirement of food safety standards has been crippling to many impoverished African farmers (who make up 60% of the population) because they cannot afford to test their crops. This is a difficult situation, because food quality testing is extremely important. However, International Agricultural Research Center for Semi-Arid Tropics is producing a testing kit in Malawi. that is only $1 instead of the typical $25. Since the introduction of these discounted kits, over 4,000 farmers have sent safe peanuts to Europe. The success in Malawi has paved the way for the transfer of this project to other nations.

Many would look upon this occurrence and scoff, stating that peanut farmers can hardly make a difference in the overall improvement of Africa. I, however, have to disagree. I was talking to my friend about economic struggles in Africa, and I came to the realization that charity benefits and NGO's will do absolutely NO positive longterm effect upon poverty in Africa unless they succeed in empowering and educating Africans. Unless these people become independent, the "problem of Africa" will never be fixed. Obviously, there are steps that need to be accomplished before Africa becomes totally self-sufficient. The Western world must no longer accept the rule of cruel, murdering dictators. We can no longer ignore the pleas for help coming from victims of disease and genocide. The United States cannot shut its eyes to the poverty that seems omnipresent in Africa. Of course these changes will not happen in a month, year, or decade. However, with continual hard work, I believe that the world can make the necessary steps to make Africa self-reliant. And that's awesome.

Human Rights Violations in the United States PART I

The United States has been hailed as a land of freedom, equality, and democracy, and for the most part, we as a nation enforce these ideals admirably. However, I can't help but feel troubled when I think about some of the restrictions upon the rights of fellow Americans. Therefore, I decided to post about a topic that isn't discussed a lot--HUMAN RIGHTs VIOLATIONS IN THE USA.

Let's start with the fact that integration of blacks and whites was not achieved in the US until the late 1960's. This is absolutely unacceptable. Voting restrictions and improper education/job opportunities for blacks made it almost impossible for African Americans to gain a quality education or have a voice in their own country, which is both absurd and infuriating. Even now, discrepancies between black and white are clear. Because equal access to education is a recent occurrence, the average African American household income is about $20,000 less than the average white household income. Furthermore, in the 1980's and 1990's the US Department of Agriculture discriminated against tens of thousands of qualified black farmers by denying them much-needed loans.

Since the historic election of African American president Barack Obama (a huge step against racism), racial relations have been getting rapidly better. Or have they? To me, many Americans allowed Obama's race to play a much bigger role in the presidential election than it should have. After all, I didn't hear anyone accuse John McCain, Joe Biden, or Sarah Palin of not being an American citizen. The ugly truth is that, although racism has become politically incorrect, it is still very much present in American society, and it always will be. Presently, however, there are no pieces of law that actively discriminate based upon race, something that cannot be said for many nations. In that way, I feel that the United States is ensuring the human rights of African Americans.

What's Going On in...Uganda?

In my opinion, the atrocities committed by the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda have been swept under the rug for far too long. People know almost nothing about an outright humanitarian emergency, and this is a huge concern. So here are the basics:

The LRA rebel movement can be traced back to Alice Lakwena, who believed the Holy Spirit ordered her to overthrow the Ugandan government for being unjust. Lakwena and her followers, known as the Holy Spirit Movement, gained momentum. Lakwena was exiled leaving no leader of the movement, Therefore, Joseph Kony, who claimed to be Lakwena’s cousin, took control and transformed Lakwena’s rebel army into the LRA.

As Kony became unpopular, he resorted to abducting children and forcing them to join his rebel army. It has been estimated that 90% or more of his army were abducted as young children. The horrific crimes that these children have been forced to commit by Kony and his men are stomach-churning. Furthermore, if these child soldiers are able to return to their families, they are traumatized and unable to function with other children.

Furthermore, the LRA has violated inherent rights of women during the Northern Ugandan conflict. Terrified women have been raped by members of the rebel army, and many have been forced into marriages with LRA members (often at a very young age).

Sadly, these atrocities have been largely ignored by the nations who have the ability to help the oppressed. However, there is an organization that is very near to my heart which attempts to completely eradicate the LRA's influence in Uganda and surrounding nations. This organization, Invisible Children works by raising awareness in the United States, making change happen within the US government, and using donations to aid the innocent civilians that have fallen prey to Joseph Kony and his army.

Sources: http://www2.invisiblechildren.com/history-of-the-war

http://www.child-soldier.org/children-in-conflict-child-soldiers-in-uganda

http://townipproject09.wikispaces.com/file/view/ChildSold.jpg/70859091/ChildSold.jpg

Heading to Haiti?!

Fantastic news! I might be going to Haiti with my dad this summer to help out in a clinic there! He's a doctor who has always been interested in giving medical aid overseas, and that desire increased after the earthquake devastated Haiti last year. At first, when my dad mentioned it to me, I was unexpectedly uneasy. After all, I am so interested in human rights and international studies. I guess I knew that experiencing Haiti in the way that real, sick, impoverished Haitians experience it would be...uncomfortable. And honestly, I like my comfortable life in the United States. I guess I was scared by the thought of breaking the boundaries between my sheltered little world and the huge, poverty-stricken, world that lies beyond. Upon a lot of reflection, however, I realized that a little bit of discomfort might be exactly what I need to truly become a student of global studies. So my dad has bargained that if I act as translator (I've studied French for four years), I can accompany him to a clinic near Port-au-Prince. My reactions span from giddy excitement to jittery apprehension; most of all though, I feel so gifted to be able to explore all corners of the world and see it as it really is for millions of people living in agonizing poverty. I know that (if it happens) it will be a life-changing experience.

Looking on the Bright Side: Top 5 Human Rights Victories

Before I elaborate upon the many human rights atrocities occurring throughout the world, I wanted to take a look at a few miraculous human rights success stories of the 21st century. So here is my comprehensive list of the greatest human rights victories from 2000-2011 (in no particular order)...

1. Justice for the People of Darfur: Obviously, no apologies or promises for the future can take away the sting of international ignorance regarding the tragedies in Darfur. However, it was a huge victory for human rights when the International Criminal Court charged Sudanese President (Omar al-Bashir) with genocide in 2010. The atrocities in Darfur span back to 2003 and involve the rape, murder, and torture of thousands upon thousands of Sudanese people. Making President Omar al-bashir accountable for his crimes does not erase the 300,000 people who died in this conflict, nor does it counteract the 2.6 million who were displaced. However, it sets a crucial precedent in the prosecution of human rights violators.

2. Major Steps Gay Rights: The 21st century has brought major gains in sexual equality. For example, in 2008, the Ugandan High Court decided that constitutional rights of the nation apply to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transexual citizens. Gay couples have the right to marry in 12 countries, as well as Washington DC and California. Most could not have imagined in 2000 that these gains could have been made in 11 years.

3. Salim Hamdan Recieving a Fair Trial: Salim Hamdan was attained in Guantanamo Bay for being Osama bin Laden's personal driver (which he admitted). However, the United States justice system had violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice by not giving Hamdan a competent tribunal to determine whether or not he was a POW. This established that the United States HAS violated the human rights of potential terrorist detainees. However, it is quite encouraging that we are willing to fix our mistakes and give even a terrorist supect a fair trial. In so doing, the United States shows terrorist organizations that we are not willing to flout the system out of fear/desparation.

4. Indicting Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor: In my opinion, there is nothing more imporant than making human rights violators accountable for their actions. That's why it was a huge success when Charles Taylor (ex-president of Liberia) was captured and charged for crimes against humanity for the atrocities in Sierra Leone (he supported rebel forces guilty of horrific crimes against innocent civilians). Did this erase the happenings in Sierra Leone? Absolutely not. However, it is so important to set a precedent of no tolerance for the violation of human rights.

5. Formation of Invisible Children: Every new human rights advocacy group brings a message of hope to oppressed peoples around the globe. However, I am especially encouraged by the Invisible Children non-profit organization. The group was started by three nineteen year old guys struck by their expereinces during a recent trip to Uganda. Their philosophy, that awareness entails action, is fantastic and the approach that they take to relief in Uganda is brilliant. I believe that Invisible Children is so fresh, young, and bold that it just might hold the potential to halt the use of child soldiers by the Lord's Resistance Army.

Introductions

Hello all! I'm Raney, and I am a high school junior from East Tennessee! Recently, I became very interested in international studies (particularly human rights), and I have become somewhat of a junkie. I've stocked up on global studies books, started a Human Rights Awareness Bulletin at my school, and I thought that starting a human rights blog could be a fantastic way to become more informed as to what's going on in the world today.

My blog is open to EVERYONE and will basically include questions regarding human rights ambiguities, links to relevant articles, my perspective on current human rights violations/victories, and my experiences within my school and community regarding advocacy.

So, if you wish, delve into the exploration of human rights across the globe with me and feel free to share your opinions/suggestions! I won't lie: much of what I say won't be pretty. Human rights issues are often tragic and infuriating. However, by becoming aware, we CAN stop these horrific violations. So buckle up and get ready to stand up and speak out for voiceless citizens of the world!