Category Archives: Global Citizen

Water, Water Everywhere But Not a Safe Drop to Drink

Sadly, this maxim is true for one-third of the world population — 2.5 billion people. These people have no access to clean toilets and proper sanitation, causing disease and deadly…

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…

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,…

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…

Day of Reckoning

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted 26 years ago today – 20 November – marks Universal Children’s Day.  Perhaps this year more than any other we are…

#University & UN Look to Future Together

The new global citizen is being educated at the globe’s university. From activism to careers, much of what occurs at the grassroots comes from new organizations and groups taking shape…

Will #Myanmar Elections on 8 November Reflect Continued Hate?

Elections in Myanmar, (Burma) are scheduled for 8 November, 2015. But will they reflect true democratic reforms, or will results be a continued mirror of injustice, hatred, and discrimination against…

#Refugees – Defying the Odds for Life

The decade of time is seamless. Those facing oppression, hunger, or threat to life and livelihood will defy the odds to provide  their families a better life, or just life….