Wishes for More Tolerant 2016 & Actions?
By any standard, 2015 has exhibited a negative trend for tolerance and diversity. The trend is not just limited to ISIS or Africa’s virulent conflicts as Burundi, Ogaden, Central African…
Category Archives: Diplomat Artist Buzz
#JohnLennon, #Gandhi & #GunViolence Linked by UN Art
Moved by the murder of John Lennon, a Swedish artist forged a metal sculpture of a gun with knotted barrel. The sculpture has become a symbol of non-violence that now…
UN #Police, Force for Good or….?
The role of UN police, women and men, can be particularly critical beyond just helping those facing threats in war zones and/or on basis of race, ethnicity or religion. Maintaining…
When Human Rights Abuses Masquerade as Culture: #FGM
From female genital mutilation to ingrained bias, the rationale often is culture, religion or even patriotism to deflect criticism. However, if we were to accept such rationalizations human sacrifices would…
First International Day for Genocide Victims
“One More, Never Again” is a stark reminder of man’s massive failure and complicity in genocide, the “crime of crimes.” This December 19 was an historical first step in recognition,…
Art Speaks of the Abilities of Persons with #Disabilities
UN Photo: Movement Installation Marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities As part of a series of events marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), Heidi Latsky…
#Environment & #ClimateChange Challenge at Historic Crossroads?
Forgive some for being skeptical but the struggle to save the environment and defend against climate change have been ongoing for several decades before the current Paris Conference. Even the…
Big Money for Africa’s Biggest Challenge: #ClimateChange ?
Africa has been plagued by division, conflict, corruption, hunger, epidemic and exploitation but its biggest challenge may be climate change. Or, more accurately, many of Africa’s problems emanate from or…
What #Thanksgiving is all About — Every Day
Thanksgiving is a time for memories — of our childhood, family, and friends. It is also a time to be grateful for the many blessings we have and to give…
Does this #Refugee Look like an Undesirable to be Sent Home?
The year of his birth was 1884, and at less than one year of age, John James Mates, my grandfather of Irish-Catholic heritage, sailed to America and into the Pennsylvania…