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One Country Volume 22 Issue 4 - Oct 2012 - Mar 2013

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[Page 1]

Newsletter of the

= Bahd International Community October 2012-March 2013 Volume 22, Issue &

Inside this issue

page 2,

Perspective: Regarding Poverty and Participation

vow 4

‘atthe UN, a high level event explores how to best promote religious

tolerance »

oO

At the UN, “deep concern over

human rights violations in Iran

page 12,

In Maryland, Hoda Mahmoudi outlines

her vision for the . Baha Chair for World Peace

gage 2.0

Review: Human Rights in an Advancing iwiization by Aaron Emmel

jJONE COUNTRY

“The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens” — Baha‘u'llah

The UN and civil society begin to discuss post-2015 development goals

NITED NATIONS — When they were formulated some 15 yearsago, one of

the main ideas behind the Millennium Development Goals was to provide a

set of concrete and measurable objectives to guide UN agencies and others

in a global effort to eradicate poverty, promote gender equality, and ensure sustainable development,

And today there is wide agreement that the MDGs have brought focus and signifi- cant progress to international development,

“On the whole, the MDGshave been an incredibly effective mobilizing tool, not only for development but also for getting people to understand some of the problems in the world andin rallying civil so ciety around them,” said Minh-Thu Pham, public policy director for the UN Foundation.

Now, with the Goals set to expire in 2015, the UNhas embarked on a wide-ranging processto determine the ‘post-2015 development agenda” as the subject is commonly Inown, And civil society is eager to join in the discussion,

Anumber of broad coalitions of non-governmental and civil soctety organizations have recently emerged to address the post-2015 framework, producing statements and creating websites aimed at stimulating discussion and offering their viewpoints on the so-called "post- MDGs”

‘The UN, for itspart, has set up a series of meetings, venties, and channels for civil society input, aiming to make the process more open than when the MDGs were devised, Although the Goals can trace their priorities to the global conferences of the

Post-2015, continued on page sg

Secretary-Genera! Ban Ki-moon (buith fom right fiont sow) poses Yora group photo with the members of his High-Level Panel on the Fost-2075 Development Agenda on 25 September 2032, (UN Photo}

[Page 2]PERS PECT 1

Regarding Poverty and Participation

IN BRIEF

" Those living in poverty must be included in decision- making processes not simply because it is the “right” thing to do, but because the progress of society as a whole depends on their full participation. Expanding meaningful opportunities for participation also has intrinsic value as it respects the inherent worth

and dignity of

all peoples and provides an environment

in which their experiences and perspectives can be heard.

The task of incorporating all people, regardless of material

wealth, into the effort to advance civilization calls

for the articulation of a vibrant and compelling vision of human prosperity at its widest and most inclusive.

2. | October-March 2012-13

[Editor’s note: The following is adapted from the Bahai International Community's recent contribution to the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights regarding the participation of persons living in poverty. The full report can be read at http://www. bic.org/statements/mean- ingful- participation ]

he idea that every person has

a role to play in shaping the

processes and structures that

impact their lives is now widely accepted and considered by many as a cornerstone of social action.

Poverty is a condition that arises from the injustices of society. The very structures that perpetuate poverty also perpetuate the lack of participation of the materially poor in decisions that affect their lives. Too often, those living in poverty are not treated as part of so- ciety; social norms and structures, legal mechanisms and economic policies develop in ways that, either explicitly or not, exclude them from full par- ticipation. The responsibility lies with society — its communities and social institutions — to make it possible for all people to contribute their energies and talents to the construction of a more just and equitable global community.

The expansion of opportunities for the materially poor to voice their perspectives on issues that affect their lives has been expressed in terms of both human rights and obliga- tions. Equally important, though less acknowledged, is the reality that only by involving the people directly af- fected by decisions can the best ideas emerge and the greatest advances be made. Those living in poverty must be included in decision-making processes not simply because it is the “right” thing to do, but because if they are not, the progress of society as a whole

— impacting rich and poor alike — will be hindered.

The erroneous belief that those with power and resources already possess everything needed for society to thrive undermines the meaningful participa- tion of those who have traditionally been excluded and thwarts human de- velopment as a whole, by discounting a rich source of insights, knowledge, ideas and resources.

A key question, then, is whether efforts to involve the materially poor in decision-making are conceived in terms of their contribution to society as a whole, or whether their involvement is understood merely within the context of projects created by others — gener- ally those with access to resources and power.

It is an unfortunate reality that participatory mechanisms designed for those living in poverty often take the form of pro forma consultations or largely symbolic “listening-sessions” Participation must be substantive and creative if itis to further construc- tive social transformation. It must engage constituents in the full range of the decision-making process, from identifying challenges, devising solu- tions, and choosing approaches to determining implementation strategies and articulating criteria for evaluation. In particular, the more individuals are included in the early stages of the pro- cess, the more fully they can express their agency.

‘The present-day social order, in which materialism and exploitation have largely supplanted the organizing principles of justice and mutualism, ex- erts its influence on each one of us and shapes our understanding of ourselves and our role in society. The exclusion of individuals from relevant decision- making processes, the failure of society to consider their needs and aspirations, [Page 3]too often distorts their perceptions of their dignity and self-worth, Expanding meaningful opportunities for parti- pation, then, has intrinsic value asi respects the inherent worth and dignity of marginalized peoples and provides an environment in which their experi- ences, perspectives, their hopes and fears can be heard,

Expanding the participation of those who have historically been exduded from decision-making not only inaeas- esthe pool of intellectual resources, but can also foster the trust and mutual commitment needed for sustained, col- lective action, A diversity of opinions, onits ovm, however, doesnot provide ameansto bridge differences or resolve social tensions, A unifying process of decision-making is needed — one ‘which helps participants to formulate common goals, to manage collective re- sources, to win the good-will and sup- port of all stakeholders, and to mobilize diverse talents and capacities

‘Though much remains to be learned, certain features seer integral to such aprocess, Among these isthe effort to identify and apply moral and social principlesto the matter at hand, ‘Many well-intentioned groups can formulate approaches to the problems before them, but such plans are valt- able only to the degree that they can be translated into action, Recause good intentions and good ideas will not suffice in the face of stretched budgets, meager resources, and contending visions of progress and well-being, agreement will need to be reached on the underlying principles,

Reaching a shared vision of action requires processes of collective inquiry and decision-making that focus on ascertaining facts and assessing cir- cumstances, rather than on advancing competing daims and interests, In such an atmosphere, ideas that have been shared no longer “belong” to the individuals who expressed them, but become aresource to be adopted, modified or discarded by the group as awhole, And while individuals are free to express differing opinions and view- pointsin a candid and frank manner, interactionsneed to be dignified and

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Kanchanpur, Nepal. Meaningful participation indudes those who have traditionally been excluded, and provides a rich source of insights, knowledge, ideas, and resources.

guided by a shared search for the truth, about a given situation,

Conventional models of disputation and debate, which exclude the masses ofthe world’s people, perpetuate pat- terns of conflict, and place inordinate emphasis on the concerns of a power- ful few, have proven inadequate to the task of building a world in which all can thrive and prosper,

Building the capacity of the world’ peoples and sodal institutionsto create a Prosperous and just society will require avast increase in mowledge, Rather than un questioningly adopting “solu tions" developed elsewhere, an empha- is on strength ening local capacity to generate, apply and diffuse Inoviledge can hep to put into place an engoing process of action and reflection, Such an approach encouragesresped of the ex- {sting knowledge base of a community, raises the community’ confidence in its ability to devise, implement and assess solutions, and helpsto systematize and expand local knowledge,

Every community possesses structures or decision-making and consensus building, To the extent that they are recognized and utilized by members of the community, these structures and modes of organization can provide a starting point for efforts to give a greater voice to the perspec- tives and concerns of the materially poor in decisions that affect their lives, and the progress of the community

Thetask of incorporating all people, regardless of material wealth, nto the advancement of civilization calls for the articulation of a vibrant and compelling vision of human prosperity at its widest and most induaive, Such a vision must address the need for harmony between varying aspects of development (cultural, technological, economic, social, moral, spiritual), and must giverise to a widely- shared sense of common purpose. Approaching social progressin such a way requires a mo del of hurman rela- tionshipsthat coherently incorporates, the pervasive and growing interdepen- dence characterizing the peoples and nations of the world today, One stich, model can be found in the complexity and coordination that characterizes the human body, in which millions of cells, immeasurably diverse in form and function, collaborate to make life possible, Every cell plays a role in maintaining a healthy body and each is linked to a lifelong process of giving and receiving, The growing conscious- ness of common humanity lying just beneath the surface is redefining our relationships with one another as indi- viduals, communities, and nations.

OdtoberMarch 2012-13 | 3 [Page 4]Cams ep

At the UN, an exploration about how to best promote religious tolerance

IN BRIEF

+ A ministerial level side event sponsored by Italy and Jordan during the high level summit of world leaders in September explored the connedion between human rights and religious tolerance.

= Among other things, participants said while freedom of religion or belief is often overlooked as a significant human right, it is nevertheless crucial in promoting religious tolerance and reducing tension in many regions.

• Civil society

plays a key role in promoting tolerance.

4 | October-March 2012-B

NITED NATIONS — While the right to freedom of reli- gion or beliefis often over- looked or under-enforced by

governments it isneverthdess crucial in promoting religious tolerance — and isthus central to reducing ten- sions in many of the world’s current flash points

‘That was among the main themes ofa discussion sponsored by Italy and Jordan during the UN's anntial high level sunmit of world leadersin September.

‘As part of an initiative by the two governments to promote religious tolerance worldwide, the discussion, held on 27 September 2012, focused on the issue of “cur- rent and future challenges” in the protection of religious minorities, featuring the views of civil society representatives,

“The protection of religious liberty is clearly the challenge of our times and the challenge of the 2st Century” said panelist Elizabeth Defeis, aprofes- sor of law at Seton Hall Law School.

‘Ms, Defeis cited anew report by the Pew Research Center that says 75 percent of the world’s population lives in countries with high government restrictions on or high social hostilities towardsreligion,

“The report indicates that Christians are most atrisk, and are the subject of such discrimination in more than 110 countries,” she said, “Such actions are of course in violation of international law.

"As an aspect of sovereignty, all nations have a responsibility to protect their own populations from geno- cide, war crimes, ethnic deansing, and crimes against humanity” satd Prof, Defeis, “Sadly, violence directed

]

Panelists at a discussion on religious tolerance at the Lnited Nations on 27 September 2012 induded, left to right Pamela Falk, a CBS News foreign affairs analyst; Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha! Intern ational Community tothe United Nations, and

william Vendley, secretary-general of Religions for Peace.

ONE COUNTRY [Page 5]against civilians because of religious practices and beliefs can rise to the level of crimes against humanity”

Rant Dugal, the principal repre- sentative ofthe Baht International Community to the United Nations, said efforts to uphold religious freedom pro- vide an antidote to religiousintolerance and the resulting crises that emerge ‘when religious groups dash,

“Ithas been well established that the repression of freedom of religion, or belief leadsto political and so ctal instability, unrest, at times culminating in violent lashes and loss of life” said

‘Ms, Dugal.

“it has bean well established that the repression of freedom of religion or belief leads to political and social instability, unrest, at times culminating in violent dashes and loss of life”

— Bani Dugal, Bahd' Intemational Community

“When governments actively sup- press or repress these freedoms, they marginalize rdligious communities, exacerbate misunder standings, and encourage the propagation of harmful and hateful stereotypes”

She cited the case of Iran's perse- ution of Bahéis as a dramatic ex- ample of “state-sponsored religious persecution”

“No society isperfect, but the free- doms enjoyed in pluralistic societiesin which diversity of religion and belief is protected, coupled with the rule of lave, provide a much more stable founda- tion for peaceful relations between members of different religions and for positive dynamics in societp at large.” said Ms, Dugal.

Also on the panel were William Vendley, secretary general of Religions for Peace, who discussed a wide range of interfaith programs sponsored by his organization around the world, and James Patton of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, Pamela Falk, a CRS News foreign af- fairs analyst, moderated the discussion, which was one ofthree panels at a day- long forum on religious tolerance,

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‘Adama Dieng, the UN Secretary General's Spedal Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, was a keynote speaker at the Ministerial Level side event

con human rights as a tool for promoting religious tolerans, held at UN headquarters on 27 September 2012. (LIN Photo/Mdark Garten)

A priority for governments

Earlier in the day, Italy’s foreign minister, Guilio Terzi, joined the for- eign minister of Jordan, Nasser Judeh, to discuss why freedom of religion must be addressed as a priority by gow- emments and civil so dety. Among the best remedies to religious intolerance, they said, was increased education about human rights,

“Civil society” said Minister Judeh, “particularly human rights defenders and religious and community leaders, play a crucial role in countering all forms of extremism and hatred and in promoting tolerance, fostering dia- logue and mutual understanding.”

"The promotion of religious toler- ance and interfaith dialogue have always been the main principles that Jordan abides by and adheresto," he added,

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethern Pillay, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, and UN Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng also addressed the meeting, which was held asa side event to the annual September summit meeting of the UN General Assembly,

‘Mr, Dieng said religioustolerance and respect for freedom of religion or belief is essential in defusing “iden- tity-based” conflicts that sometimes lead to genocide,

“In aworld where societies are more and more diverse, tolerance is more likely to flourish when the human rights of all religious groups are respected and, similarly, human rights can thrive only if different groups are treated in the same way" said Mr. Dieng,

‘Ms, Bokova took note of the recent religious disturbances in many Muslim countries following the posting of an anti-Musiim film on YouTube.

"The new global public space cre- ated by the Internethas opened new challenges, but new opportunities for dialogue also” said Ms, Bokova, "We know that to achieve lasting peace nowadays, unlike 4o years ago, that co-existence isnot enough, Ithasto be upheld by mutual respect, by genuine dialogue.”

OdtoberMarch 2012-13 | 5 [Page 6]LL Llrl—“( eC”

At the UN, governments express “deep concern” over human rights violations in Iran

Ahmed Shaheed, the United

Nations Spedal Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran,

speaking at a press conference

on Wednesday 24 October 2012

(UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe)

IN BRIEF

= By a vote of 86to 32, the UN General Assembly expressed in December “deep concern” over "serious ongoing and reaurring human rights violations in Iran”

+ The vote followed new reports from the UN Secretary- General and the Spedal Rapporteur on ran that documented abuses ranging from torture and increased executions to discrimination against minorities, including members of the Baha't Faith.

6 | Odober-March 2012-13,

NITED NATIONS — In

an overwhelming vote, the

UN General Assembly in

December approved a resolu- tion expressing “deep concer” over Iran's “serious ongoing and recurring” human rights violations, decrying abuses thatinclude torture, an increase in executions, widespread restrictions on freedom of expression, and discrim- ination against minorities, including members of the Bahéi Faith,

By a margin of 86 to 32 with 65 ab- stentions, the General Assembly called ‘upon Iran to stop such violations, to release prisoners of consdence, and to open its doorsto international human rights monitors,

“This vote signalsloud and dear the international community's refusal to accept Iran’s ongoing and intensify- ing repression of its owm people — or the governments claims that such violations do nottake place.” satd Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Rahal International Community to the United Nations,

"The list of abuses outlined in this resolution islong and cruel, Overall,

the picture it paints is of a government that is 90 afraid ofits own people that it camnot tolerate anyone who holds viewpoint that is different from its own repressive ideology,

“Bor the Bahdts, there hasbeen persistent and worsening persecution at the hands of the government and its agents,” said Ms, Dugal, noting that more than 100 Bahéiswere currently imprisoned in Iran.

“The text of the resolution — which ‘was put forward by Canada and co- sponsored by 43 other countries — calls on Iran to better cooperate with, UNhuman rights monitors, particu- larly by allowing them to make visits to Iran, and asks the UN Secretary General to report back next year on Iran’ progress at fulfiling its hurman rights obligations,

“The resolution, which wasthe asth. such on human rights violation sin Iran by the General Assembly since 1985, followed the release in Qctober of two high-level reports that docu- mented and similarly condemned Iran's behavior.

ONE COUNTRY [Page 7]In his annual report on Iran to the UN General Assembly, Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon expressed “grave concern” over reports of torture, amputations, unfair trials, overuse of the death penalty, and the persecution of minorities, including Bahdis.

Ahmed Shaheed, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, also released his report to the Assembly, saying he had this year “cat- alogued a wide range” of human rights violations, including illegal limits on freedom of expression, failures of legal due process, attacks on freedom of religion, and the wrongful imprison- ment of children.

“These violations are products of legal incongruities, insufficient adherence to the rule of law, and the existence of widespread impunity,” said Mr. Shaheed.

Journalists imprisoned

Mr. Ban's report highlighted the situation of journalists, human rights defenders, and women's right activists, who he said are increasingly targeted by the Iranian government as it seeks to limit freedom of expression or assembly.

“As of December 2011, at least 40 journalists had reportedly been im- prisoned, with several others at risk of arrest,’ said Mr. Ban.

Mr. Ban also noted that human rights defenders have reportedly been tortured while in detention for “peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, association and assembly.”

He also took note of the situation of minorities, highlighting in particular the situation of Iran’s Bahd’i communi- ty. More than 474 Bahéa’is have been ar- rested since 2004, he said, and Bahdais face “severe socioeconomic pressure.” He noted for example that Bahéi stu- dents are “frequently prevented” from pursing higher education.

Freedom of religion denied

Dr. Shaheed’s report extensively discussed freedom of religion, specifi- cally addressing the situation of Bahai,

Christian, and Dervish communities in Iran. “Members of both recognized and unrecognized religions have reported various levels of intimidation, arrest, detention and interrogation that focus on their religious beliefs,’ said Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed devoted two para- graphs to the situation of the Bahdi community of Iran. He noted that while the government claims that Bahdis have “equal legal, social and economic rights,’ he continues to receive reports that Bah@is “face in- timidation and arrest because of their religion”

“For example, on 17 February 2012, officials reportedly arrived at a charity event in Mashhad, demanded the cell phones of all present, required them to report on their personal details, and identify their religion in writing and in front of a video camera...

“Moreover, individuals that iden- tified themselves as Muslims were reportedly separated from Bahéis, questioned about their relationships with Bahai attendees and released. The authorities then reportedly proceeded to arrest a number of Baha'is,” wrote Dr. Shaheed.

“On 17 February 2012, officials reportedly arrived at a charity event in Mashhad, demanded the cell phones of all present, required them to report

on their personal details,

and identify their religion

in writing and in front of a video camera.... Individuals that identified themselves

as Muslims were reportedly separated from Baha’is...

and released. The authorities then reportedly proceeded to

zara

arrest a number of Baha‘is: — Report of Ahmed Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed also expressed con- cern about revisions to Iran’s national “Islamic Penal Code,’ which he said treats men and women unequally

and institutionalizes religious discrimination.

“For example, article 558 of the revised Islamic Penal Code stipulates that diya [blood money] be equally distributed to religious minorities that are recognized by the Constitution. However, equitable application of the law does not apply to religions that are not recognized by the Constitution, such as the Bahai”

The oppression of children

Mr. Shaheed’s report also expressed concern over violation of the rights of children, noting in particular that Iran itself had recently announced that some “7o children that had not com- mitted any crime lived in prisons be- cause their mothers were imprisoned” Other reports, he noted, indicated that as many as 450 innocent children are wrongfully imprisoned in this way.

“In addition to being deprived of childhood experiences, these children are also exposed to poor prison condi- tions, including poor hygiene and malnutrition, which drastically impair their physical, emotional and cogni- tive development and place them at a serious disadvantage when they are released with their parent,” wrote Dr. Shaheed.

Dr. Shaheed concluded: “The sub- missions and interviews considered for this report provide a deeply troubling picture of the overall human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including many concerns which are systemic in nature”

October-March 2012-13

7 [Page 8]CA

New report documents violence unleashed by the Iranian government against Baha’is

IN BRIEF

= Anew report documents hundreds of incidents of torture, physical assault, arson, vandalism, cemetery deseaation and the abuse of schoolchildren directed against the Iranian Baha‘ community since 2005.

• Produced by the

Baha‘ International Community, the report says these attacks were actively encouraged by Iranian authorities and the Muslim clergy, in part by allowing attackers to enjoy utter impunity from prosecution.

• Heiner Bielefeldt,

the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, speaking at the launch of the report, said the attacks against Baha'ts in Iran are “one of the most obvious cases of state persecution” in the world today.

8 | Odober-March 2012-13

ENEVA — Anew report by the Bahét International Community documents hun- dreds of incidents of torture,

physical assault, arson, vandalism,

cemetery desecration, and the abuse of schoolchildren directed against the

Iranian Bahéi community since 2005

— all carried out with utter impunity

“The entire situation puts the Bahéfs in an impossible position because they must ask for justice and protection from the same authori- ties who are systematically incit- ing hatred against them and from a judicial system thattreats virtually every Bahai who is arrested as an enemy of the state,” said Diane Ala, the Community’srepresentative to the United Nationsin Geneva.

Titled "Violence with Impunity: Acts of aggression against Iran’s Bahét community” the 45-page report was released in March 2013 during the zand UN Human Rights Cound

Heiner Bielefeldt, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom ofreligion or belief, spoke atthe report's laumch, say- ing the attacks against Rahdisin Iran’ are “one of the most obvious cases of state persecution” in the world to day,

‘The repression faced by Bahdis spans “all areas of state activity from family law provisions to schooling, education, and seaurity” said Dr. Bielefeld,

‘The report focuses on the seven. year period from 2005-2012, During ‘that time, there have been at least 52 cases where Bahéis have been tortured or held in solitary confinement while in detention and another 52 incidents where Bahéishave been physically as- saulted — often by government agents but usually by plainclothes or uniden- tified attackers,

“This report shows that attadks on Bahdis are engineered by government agents and actively encouraged by the authorities and the Muslim clergy in Iran.

— and thet attackers are well aware that they will go unpunished,” said Ms, Als The report also describes some 49

acts of arson against Bahéf homes and shops, and at least 42 incidents of cemetery desecration, There have also been atleast 30 cases of vandalism di- rected against Bahai properties, more than 200 instances of threats made against Bahd¥s, and some 300 ind- dents of abuse directed against Baha schoolchildren.

“Many of the attacks documented in the report — such asthe cases of torture or assault during arrests and imprisonment — are undertaken di- rectly by government agents,” satd Ms, Alai, "Other attacks, such as arson, cemetery desecration, and vandalism, often come in the middle of the night, by unidentified individuals

"But in all cases, these violators need to be brought to justice, as is required by the international laws to which Iran isa party, The government's ‘unvillingnessto prosecute for these crimes, then, is yet another element in their overall campaign of religious persecution against the Bahé¥ minor- ity? said Ms, Ala. [Page 9][AOVaUCEGEOT OF WODEM)

Causes of violence against women are examined at the UN

EW YORK — Breaking the opde of violence against women willrequire baste changes at the level of culture,

attitudes and beliefs — induding a

fundamental reconception of prevall-

ing notions of power.

“These were among the ideas of- fered to this year’s United Nations Commission on the Status of ‘Women by the Bahai International Community (BIC).

Addressing the 7th Commission's main theme of the “elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls," the BIC is- sued a statement stressing the irm- portance of taking steps to prevent violence against women instead of merely reacting to it,

“Prevention must begin by identi- fying and addressing the underlying causes of the violence rather than its spmptoms, Efforts aimed at prevention must consider the prevailing concsp- tions of gender identity and of power, and the forms of discrimination and disadvantage that place women and rls at risk of violence.”

The conception of power espedally needsto be “seriously questioned and fundamentally redefined” said the statement.

“The dominant thinking of power as (power over’ must be replaced with the concept of ‘power to’ — power as a capacity of the individual or of the collective.”

Itcontinued: “Distorted expressions of power and authority promote in children attitudes and habits that are carried to the workplace, to the com- munity, and to public life.”

‘The eight person RIC delegation to the 57th Commission, which washeld 4-15 March 2013, sought to contribute these ideas — and to "build bridges

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and bring people together." said Bani Dugal, principal representative of the RIC to the United Nations.

“The last time the Commission fo- cused on violence against women was in 2003, and member states were un- able to agree on an outcome,” said Ms. Dugal. "As we spoke with delegates and other non-governmental organizations the consensus was clearly for a strong outcome document this year.”

‘The Commission’ agreed condu- sions, indeed, were hailed by many sgoups for their language in support of ‘wornen'srights and concrete measures to prevent violence and protect women,

"The Commission affirms that vio- lence against women and girlsisrooted in historical and structural inequality in power relations between women and men, and persistsin every country in the world as a pervasive violation of the enjoyment of human rights," said the Commission,

‘The document also focused on preventative measures, stich as educa- tion and awareness-raising, as well as effortsto address gender inequalities in the political, economic and social spheres.

The full BIC statement to the Comission can be read at: http://www. bic org/statements/towards-eradication- violence-against-women-and girls

Members of the Baha’! International Community's delegation to

the 57th UN Commission on

the Status of women.

Odtober-March 202-13 | 9 [Page 10][seers DEVeroOpOeOT 08

Empowerment as a means of social transformation is addressed at the UN

IN BRIEF

= Atthe UN Commission on Social Development, the Baha‘l International Community (B10) offered contributions focusing on the issue of empowerment, suggesting that traditional concepts that pit one group. against another should be discarded.

= Instead, empowerment should be "approached as auniversal and shared enterprise and not something the ‘haves’ bestow on the ‘have nots!”

= The Commission’s Chairperson, Sewa Lamsal Adhikari, said empowerment is inweasingly seen by the UN as a vital issue in addressing social transformation.

The full BIC statement, Empowerment as @ Mechanism for Social Transformation, can be read at: http! www bic.orgéstatements/empowerment- mech anism-social-transformation

10 | Odober-March 2012-13,

EW YORK — Concepts of empowerment that pit one group against another should be discarded in favor of anew

vision where social transformation is

approached asa collective enterprise in which all people are able to participate

‘That was among themain themes of a statement issued by the Bahdt International Community (BIC) to the UN Commission on Socal Devdlopment at its sist session in February 2013,

"The impulse to rectify so ial in- equalitiesis unquestionably noble, but us/them dichotomies only perpetu- ate and reinforce existing divisions,” said the statement, which wastitled “Empowerment as a Mechanism for Social Transformation”

“Careful thought nee dsto be given to ways in which empowerment can be approached as a universal and

shared enterprise and not something the ‘haves bestow on the have nots” One way to avoid such extremesis to ‘understand humanity as a single social organism, suggested the statement, “Implicitin such a conception are characteristics such as the interde- pendence of the parts and the whole, the indispensability of collaboration, reciprocity and mutual aid, the need to differentiate but also harmonize roles, the need for institutional arrangements that enable rather than oppress, and the existence of a collective purpose above that of anp constituent element” ‘The statement was among the RIC’s contributions to this year’s Commission, which washeld 6-15 February, and took asits priority theme the “empowerment of people” in addressing poverty, social integration, and full and decent employment.

Rose Kornfeld Matte, right, of Chile's National Service for Older People, speaks during a panel disaission at the offices of the Baha International Community on 7 February 2013 during the UN Commission on Social Development. At the left is Sewa Lamsal Adhikari of Nepal, Chairperson of the Commission

In the center is Ming Hwee Chong of the Bahai Intemational Community.

ONE COUNTRY [Page 11]On 7 February, the BIC sponsored a panel discussion on the topic, Among the panelists was the Commission's Chairperson, Sewa Lamsal Adhikari, who said empowerment is increasingly seen by the UN as a vital issue in ad- dressing so dal transformation.

“Empowerment of people is at the root of social development.” said Mrs Adhikari, "“Itisbecoming one of the core elements that underpin efforts towards the achievement of the three core goals of the World Summit for Social Development: poverty eradica- tion, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration.”

“Empowerment of people sat the root of social development It is becoming one of the core elements that underpin efforts towards the achievement of the three core goals of the World Summit for Social Development: poverty eradication, full and productive employment and decent work for all, and sodal integration.” —Sewa Lamsal Adhikari, cdiair,

UN Commission on Social Development

“As such, empowerment is a means towards the ends of social develop- ment” Mrs, Adhikari is Charge Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations,

‘Ming Hwee Chong, a representative ofthe Baha International Community to the United Nations, suggested that it wasno accident that the theme had reached center stage in discussions about social development,

“Itisa natural evolution of the de- velopment discourse. said Mr, Chong, who moderated the panel, “Itisreflec- tive of what ishappening around the world, part of an expanding conscious- ness of who we are, what our potential is, both individually and collectively, as the human race.”

Other speakers at the 7 February side event — formally titled

umconecountyong

Members of the Bahd'{ International Community's delegation to the 51st session of the United Nations Commission on Social Development. Leftto right, top row: Ming Hwee Chong Amanda Coleman, Mark Scheffer. Bottom row: Hou Sopheap, ludith Therese Eligio-Martinez, Nisha Patel, and Carmel Rawhani

“Empowerment: Of Whom? By what means? Towards what ends?" —in- duded Rosa Kornfeld Matte, dire ctor ofthe National Service for the Elderly in Chile; Corinne Woods, director of the Millennium Campaign; and Yao Ngoran from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

“Learning by doing”

A second panel discussion spon- sored by the BIC on 8 February, titled “Empowerment in Action,” offered reflections by grassroots development practitioners from Bahéi-inspired organizations.

Hou Sopheap, executive director ofthe Cambo dian Organization for Research, Development and Education (CORDE), said his organization takes a "learning by doing” approach that aims to build capacity in youth so that they can better serve their communities,

CORDE offers supplementary eduu- cational programs to more than 3,000 young people in northwest Cambodia, Among other things, it requires its students engage in acts of service to their home communitiesin addition to textbook work, "So everythinghas

a component of study and of action.” he said.

Judith Therese Eligio-Martinez, program coordinator for the Bahi- inspired agency, Bayan Association in Honduras, likewise said service is at the core of their program, which cur- rently reaches some 6,000 high school age students in 12 of Honduras 18 departments,

“Itis built upon the belief in the capacity of the individual to make de- cisions for him or herself, andto help develop the capacities of three major actors (in community development): the individual, the commumity, and institutions.” said Ms, Eligio-Martinez,

Developed in Colombia by a Bahdi- inspired organization, FUNDAEC, and known by the acronym SAT, for "Sistema de Aprendizaje Tutorial” in Spanish, the program trains and coordinates community-based tutors who then offer a high school education appropriate for rural areas,

“We consider SAT to be a creative way of becoming educated, but with its center being the idea of service to hu- manity and making the world a better place to live, on alocal level asmuch, as possible,” said Ms, Eligio-Martinez, "And in thisway, we feel we are con- tributing to empowerment.”

CdtoberMarch 2012-18 | aa [Page 12]PEACE

s T U D

Sy

New thinking on human nature and globalization are essential for peace, Says new incumbent of Baha'i chair

IN BRIEF

Prof. Hoda Mahmoudi, the new incumbent of the Baha’i Chair

for World Peace, outlines her view of peace studies in an inaugural lecture.

Old thinking that violence and war are inborn behaviors are challenged

by new research about the human brain, genes and evolution.

Likewise, traditional ideas about

the best way to promote peace

are challenged

by the forces of globalization.

The role of peace studies can be

to advance an educational process that will create

a body of tested knowledge that can be applied to foster a more just and peaceful order.

12 | October-March 2012-13

OLLEGE PARK, Maryland,

USA — Any contemporary dis-

cussion of peace must include a

consideration of new research on human nature — and reflection on the vast changes caused by globaliza- tion and similar forces in the modern world.

‘That's the view offered by the new incumbent of the Bahai Chair for World Peace, Hoda Mahmoudi, who presented her inaugural lecture at the University of Maryland on 16 November 2012.

“Understanding human nature is essential to any discussion of peace be- cause an examination of what scholars are learning about this subject high- lights the issue of education and its potential for building a better world,” said Prof. Mahmoudi.

“Both the nineteenth-century doctrine that biology is destiny and the twentieth-century doctrine that the mind is a blank slate have been rejected as a consequence of knowl- edge that is being generated through research in the sciences of the mind, brain, genes and evolution.”

This new thinking, she said, dis- proves the view that “that violence and warring are inborn human behaviors and, therefore, unchangeable”

‘The transformations wrought by globalization must also be factored into new considerations of how hu- manity can best achieve world peace, she said.

“Our global community is undergo- ing great transformations,’ said Prof. Mahmoudi. “Consequently, our con- ventional thinking about the political, economic and cultural components of the social order is being tested on every side”

“In an effort to study realistically the pathways that may lead to peace, considerable attention must be devoted to adapting existing theories that are no longer capable of describing the changing world. By way of example, three trends can be highlighted. These are: modernity, globalization, and cos- mopolitanism. All of these phenomena are indicators of the sea change that continues to shape the global order”

Founded in 1993 within the University’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the Chair is an en- dowed academic program that advanc- es interdisciplinary examination and discourse on global peace, generating knowledge that promotes the interests and well-being of humanity.

“Today, unfortunately, aggression and conflict characterize our social order, an order that encompasses political, religious, economic and cultural systems. In fact, many are resigned to the view that violence and warring are inborn human behaviors and, therefore, unchangeable.

— Hoda Mahmoudi

“Today, unfortunately, aggression and conflict characterize our social order, an order that encompasses po- litical, religious, economic and cultural systems,’ said Prof. Mahmoudi. “In fact, many are resigned to the view that violence and warring are inborn human behaviors and, therefore, unchangeable. Such beliefs are often responsible for and lead to a paralysis of will among individuals, a cognitive [Page 13]numbness that isnot easy to reverse, but which must be overcome, Here, the role of education is vital in remov-

ing unfounded views about human nature”

“Knowledge must take us to new ‘ways of conceptualizing the world as unity, In this way we can carry out research in pursuit of knowledge thet is relevant and valid to our ever-chang- ing global community” she said,

The struggle for peace

Prof, Mahmoudi briefly reviewed the history of humanity's search for peace, calling ita central concern, "Generation after generation, men and women have longed for, strugaled for, and perished for peace," she said.

At one point, she said, the achiewe- ment of peace waslargely viewed as “simply the elimination of war or the prohibition of the weapons and meth- ods of war.”

But, she said, “world peace is more than the elimination of war and vio- lence — which are currently the domi- nant means for managing international conflicts." she said, “Prohibiting weap- ons of mass destruction, although an important goal, will not move us loser to peace.”

“Rather, peace stems from an inner state, one that is supported by values, Here, the aspiration for peace is an attitude, awill and ayearning which promotes the discovery and imple- mentation of practical measures for peace,” she said,

She also said there are major global social issues that must be addressed before peace can reign, such as “ising global inequality, discrimination and violence against women, tensions and divisions caused by religious conflicts, a growing culture of hate, the scourge of prejudice and racism, lack of umi- versal education, and failure to teach the concept of world citizenship”

In this context, she said, the Bahay Chair is "is committed to offering students a broad, realistic and applied education for and about peace.”

"The Baha Chair for World Peace has aunique responsibility to advance an educational process that will create

umconecountyong

Prof. Hoda Mahmoudi, the new incumbent of the Bahai Chair for World Peace, delivers her inaugural ledure at the Lniversity of Maryland on 16 November 2012,

abody of tested knowledge which can be applied to foster the emergence of amore just, secure and sustainable international order” she said.

Prof, Mahmoudi holds Ph.D. in Sociology, an MLA, in Educational Pspchology, anda B.A. in Psychology from the University of Utah, Prior to joining the faculty of the Univer sity of ‘Maryland, Prof. Mahmoudi washead ofthe Research Department at the Rahal World Centre in Haifa, Israel, where she had served since 2001.

Previously, Prof. Mahmoudi was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Ilinois University in Chicago. At that in- stitution she was amember of the Department of Sodology faculty,

Refore that she served as a vice president and dean of Olivet College, where she wasinstrumental in the in- stitutional transformation that brought national recognition to Olivet.

Prof, Mahmoud’ research interests have included comparative civilizations, social change, modemity and gender equality, In her published works she has analyzed Bahdi topics and themes in the contest of established scholarly methodologies and debates,

“The first two Bahai Chair inoum- bents were Stell Bushrut (1993-2006) and John Grayzel (2006-2011),

In an official message to the University of Maryland commu-

nity, John Townshend — dean of

the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, where the Chair is hosted — praised Mahmoudi asa proven leader dedicated to scholar ship and research and a distinguished member of the Bahé¥ community”

For her part, Prof, Mahmoudi said that she looks "forward to building on the strong international reputation of the Bahéf Chair, while also moving it in new directions”

The Chair’ affiliation with an outstanding flagship university,” she continued, “combined with itslocation in close proximity to the nation’s capt- tal, places it in an excellent position to influence both scholarly and policy discussions”

Odober-March 2012-13 | 35 [Page 14]

DEVELOPMENT

The UN and civil society begin to discuss post-2015 development goals

IN BRIEF

" With the Millennium Development Goals set to expire in 2015, the UN has launched a wide discussion about formulating new goals for human well being in the next era.

" Civil society, eager to participate, has created several broad coalitions to provide input in formulating the post-2015 development agenda.

= Many want new elements in future goals that better address inequality, climate change, and employment.

" Others are also concerned that any new goals be applied universally, so that all countries are included in creating “the future we want”

= One ongoing issue is how to balance development with environmental sustainability.

14 | October-March 2012-13

Post-2015, continued from page one

19908, their actual articulation came more or less from the top, initially drafted by UN staff in the Secretary- General’s office.

“The process that has been in place this time is much more open,’ said Bernadette Fischler, who focuses on the post-MDGs as a policy analyst with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. “The UN is really trying”

Among other things, the UN Secretary-General has appointed a high level panel of “eminent persons” to make recommendations — and they have begun meeting with civil society representatives around the world.

In parallel, civil society has been invited to a series of national-level consultations in more than 60 coun- tries and a set of 11 thematic consulta- tions that have been organized by the UN Development Group to discuss possible new goals for the “post-2015 development agenda”

Emerging themes

Although it is still early, a number of ideas have begun to emerge from these consultations. These include the view that new international develop- ment goals must be more integrated and holistic than the MDGs, and that they must be more universal, requiring action not just in poorer nations but also in those considered wealthy and “developed.”

“We believe that for the post-2015 framework to be able to meaning- fully address the challenges that we are all facing, they have to be univer- sal in scope,’ said Gerard Vives, the European outreach officer with Beyond 2015, a global coalition of some 500 organizations around the world that

seeks a “strong and legitimate succes- sor framework” to the MDGs.

“They must apply to all countries, regardless of their level of develop- ment, with definite rights and respon- sibilities for each country,” he said.

“We believe that for the post-2015 framework to

be able to meaningfully address the challenges that we are all facing, they have to be universal in scope””

— Gerard Vives of Beyond 2015

Mr. Vives and others said global civil society also wants to see a larger focus on environmental issues in the post-2015 development framework, and an emphasis on going beyond simple poverty eradication to measures that would strive to reduce economic inequality.

“Most of the critics of the MDGs would say that they don’t pay enough attention to inequality,’ said Frances Stewart, a professor emeritus in development economics at Oxford University who was until last year chair of the UN Committee for Development Policy.

Civil society representatives also said other themes that should be addressed include how to achieve more and better employment, greater emphasis on climate change and environmental degradation, and goals on peace and security as they relate to poverty and under-development.

“The MDGs have lagged in the so-called ‘fragile states’ where conflict and crisis prevent the delivery of aid,” said Ms. Pham of the UN Foundation. “So the next goals need to deal with development in that context? [Page 15]History of MDGs

In the broadest sense, the MDGs evolved from the global plans for ac tion that emerged from the thematic global conferences of the 1990s, such. asthe 1992 Rio Earth Summit andthe 1995 Bejing World Conference on ‘Women, which together identified new global challengesfor sustainable deval- opment and gender equality,

‘They were further developed by UN agencies, who saw the need for measurable targets, Finally, they were given broad approval by the interna- tional community in the Millennium Declaration, made by world leaders at the 2000 Millennium Summnit,

Eight goals were established, to be realized by 2o15: to halve extreme poverty, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality, reduce child mortality, improve mater- nal health, combat global pandemics, ensure environmental sustainability, and create a global partnership for development,

‘Today, according to the United Nations Development Programme, broad progress has been made. “Extreme poverty is falling in every region’ the UNDP said in a 2012re- port, noting that preliminary estimates already show it to be less than half the sogosrate, suggesting that the first goal may already have been achieved.

‘Towards other goals, the world has achieved parity in primary education between girls and boys, said the report, and enroliment rates have increased markedly for primary school children,

Atthe same time, however, “in- equality is detracting from these gains” said the report, "Decreasesin maternal mortality are far from the 2015 target" and “hunger remains a global challenge” with an esti- mated 850 million living in hunger, more than 15 percent of the world’s population.

Because of the apparent success of the MDGs, there is general agreement that the post-2015 framework should indude some type of measurable goals and targets once again

Atthe same time, there isa strong feeling that they must also go further,

Women’s groups also mobilizing to address post-2015 agenda

‘Ms. Bani Dugal, of the Bahé'f International Community, and, at right, Ms. Eleanor Blomstrom of the Women’s Environment and Development Organization

‘Ms. Dugal was co-modertor at a consultation at LIN Women on the post-

2015 development agenda in September 2012. (Photo credit: UN Women)

NITED NATIONS — A meet-

ing in September reflected the

sowing cooperation between

UN agencies and civil society asthey work to define the post-2015 development agenda,

Co-convened by UN Women and the Global Gender Equality Architecture Reform (GEAR) cam- paign, the day-long event brought to- gether UN officials and representatives from non-governmental organizations on w September 2012,

“It seems there is alot of political vill for looking atthe complexities of women’ lives and for identifying certain things that are priorities for us, and for seeing how we can bring those to all of the discussions on the post- 2o1s agenda and the sustainable de- velopment agenda,” said Savi Bisnath. ofthe US-based Center for Women’s Global Leadership.

Lakshmni Puri, deputy executive director at UN Women, satd she be- eves her agency and civil society can collaborate to develop a transforma- tional agenda that underscores gender

equality and women’s empowerment as, defining prineiplesin future develop- ment frameworks.

Charlotte Bunch of GEAR, who moderated a discussion on alliance- building and advocacy strategies, said she hoped that UN Women could use its access to governments and other UN entities to create the necessary space for civil society’ voice to be heard,

"The post-2015 agenda ishuge but what we want isto make sure that gender equality is seen asone of the ‘underlying values and achievements that isneeded in order to have the Kind of society we would want” satd ‘Ms, Bunch,

For itspart, UN Women said it plansto setup an extranet platform to facilitate on-line engagement within and among the civil society advisory groupsthat are being set up at the global, regional and country level,

Cdober-March 2912-15 | as [Page 16]

i Katschiko Takahashi Minister of Economic Affairs at the Japanese Mission to the: UN, delivers opening remarks at @ recent Breakfast dialogue an the Fost-201.5 Development Agenda af the offices of the 8ahd'sintemational Communty in New York

that they should be more encompass- ing, and that they reflect the complexi- tes of challenges facing the world,

“The strength of the MDGsliesin their simplicity and quantification,” said Sakiko Pukuda-Parr, a professor of International Affairs at the New School in New York, who has followed the MDG process dosely,

"But there isa problem with oversim- plification, Take the idea of reducing the problem of gender inequality” said Prof. Pukuda-Parr, "In the MDGs, it iste- duced mainly to the isate of primary and secondary school enrollment for girls And then there are some things that you cant measure that are pricrities”

The big challenge

Prof, Pakuda-Parr and others said perhaps the main challenge in devis- ing the post-2015 framework iesin combining the traditional agenda for poverty eradication with the interna- tional agenda on sustainable develop- ment and the environment.

Last June, at the Rio+20 UN Summit, governments endorsed the idea of "sustainable development

16 | October March 2012-13

goals" (SDGs) to augment or even Teplace the MDGs.

“The SDG processis driven by gov- emments who are not seeking to have atich world/poor world poverty agree- ment” satd Prof, Pukuda-Parr, "They want a universal vision that combines sustainability and environmental is- sues with economic and social devel- opment, They want an agenda thet is applicable in Nigeria and Kenya, and India and China — and also the United States and Germany”

A dichotomy also occurs among non-governmental organizations, she said, where there is a split between NGOs that are ortented toward the en- vironment and those oriented towards anti-poverty efforts

Others, however, see less conflict between the two agendas, "From a ‘conceptual point of view, they are tyro sides of the same coin.” said Mr, Vives, "You cannot have development with- out environmental sustainability, And Ithink member states are getting more

TPM) 2x4 more aware of the need for auni-

fied agenda, to have a single overarch- ing framework”

Tn September, some 300 civil society representatives gathered in ‘Montreal for the 2012 CIVICUS World Assembly and issued ajoint statement that advocated a combined post-2015 framework,

“We affirm that we will work united and collaborate to ensure a legitimate and indusive development framework isin place to succeed the current ‘MDGs, that delivers lasting change in the world, We affirm that this frame- ‘work must work to genuinely integrate ending poverty, ensuring environmen- tal sustainability and promoting hu- man rights, The framework must fully reflect the priorities and perspectives of people directly affected by poverty and inequality, the majority of whom are socially excluded populations, for example, women, children, youth and indigenous peoples”

ONE COUNTRY [Page 17][wosrss0Ts SGEMOR]

In post-2015 discussions, Baha’is seek to create a space for meaningful discourse and the promotion of unity

EW YORK — The Bahai International Community has sought to contribute to the formulation of anew post- 2o1s development agenda by offering both substantive contributions about development priorities for the future and by creating spaces or meaningful discussion that can also engender a sense of unity among all participants,

“Development involves the build- ing and enhancement of the capaci- ties of individuals, communities and institutions as three main protagonists in a global effort to create an ever- advancing civilization,” said Ming Hwee Chong, a Bahé¥ International Community representative to the United Nations,

“In the contest of deliberating on the post-2015 agenda, we are striving to put forward an overarching and ‘unifying vision that can help motivate all protagonists along thispath.” said ‘Mr, Chong

Equally, Mr. Chong said, the BIC hopesto play arole in bringing all par- ties together.

“We see ourselves as partners in learning with a broad range of allies, making an effort to engage with them as sources of insight, knowledge, and experience, from which we have much to learn,” he satd.

To this end, the BIC hashosted a series of informal "br eakfast dialogues" on the post-2015 development agenda atits offices in New York, organized in collaboration with the Intemational ‘Movement ATD Fourth World.

Asof late March 2013, eight such dialogues had been held, each focusing on ageneral topic, like poverty or in- equalities, and each bringing together awide range of UN officals, ambassa- dots, and NGO representatives,

A September 2102 breakfast on the

example, brought together representa- tives from the Permanent Missions

of Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, India, Nigeria, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom with officials from vari-

ous UN agencies, including UNDP, UNICER and UN Women, Among vil society organizations present were the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung,

the Global Policy Forum Europe, the International Disability Association, the International Movement ATD Fourth World, the Stakeholder Forum and the UN Foundation.

Participants discussed whether there wasa "false dichotomy” between the Rio-+20"s Sustainable Development Goalsas the "green agenda” and the ‘MDGsas the "poverty agenda." con- duding it was important to take an ho- istic appro ach that encompasses both.

Also discussed was the degree to which the world has become “multi- polar,” with participants saying it is

critical to move away from the tradi- tional "North-South" dichotomy to better reflect global realities,

A breakfast meeting in Novernber addressed the topic of poverty, Among other things, participants spoke about the need to directly indude the poorest in consultations on the post- ‘MDGs, the importance of viewing poverty eradication and sustainable development as one agenda, and the centrality of human rights to economic development,

Participants also discussed the nit- ty-gritty of development, Diarrhea and pneumonia continue to be huge factors in infant mortality, they said. Also significant are the growing inequali- ties between stnall and large farmers, the impact of new and erratic weather patterns on development, and the challenges posed by the demographic “bulge” of youth worldwide

For more, visit ntips//www.bic org

Ming Hwee Chong a representative of the Baha’! Intemational Community, moderates a recent breakfast dialogue on the post-2015 development agenda at the BIC offices in New York. As of March 2013, the BIC with Intemational Movement ATD Fourth World has sponsored a series of eight such breakfasts

meetings for the UN community in New York.

topic of sustainable development, for

wun onecountryong October March 2012 1 | 17 [Page 18]Ceteurs oF Wee eee In New Delhi, seminar explores

ending violence against children

EW DELHI — Violence against children isa global problem, with the abuse and maltreatment of young people

happening in every country,

“That indudes India, where its vast population givesthe problem a special dimension. By one count, one in five children in the world live here.

Sadly, many of them experience some type of violence, said Dora Giusti, a child protection spedalist with UNICEF in India, Two out of three children in India report some type of physical abuse, she said, and one in two have been sexually abused.

“The protection of children from violence isa priority for action.” she said, "The need is for a multi-faceted approach to build a protective environ- ment for children.”

‘Ms, Giusti’sremarks came at a seminar on "Ending Violence against Children,” held at the Bahai House of Worship on 22 November 2012, which

addressed topics such as corporal punishment, policies and pro cesses for protection of children from violence, and the underlying causes of violence in society,

Sponsored by the Bahé¥ commu- nity of India in asso ciation with the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, the North India Chapter of the Global Network of Religions for Children, and the India Alliance for Child Rights, participantsinduded representatives of the government, non-governmental organizations, UNICER academicians, students, journalists, and farnilies from violence- affected regions,

Dr, Shanta Sinha, Chairperson ofthe National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, empha- sized the need to build a culture of non-violence as along term solution, saying that the use of corporal punish- mentis rampant in homes, schools, orphanages, and work places, creating

Partidpants in the seminar “Ending Violence against Children,” held in New Delhi on 22 Novernber, take part in an interactive session. Pictured: (from left) Farida Vahedi, Bah ail Office of Public Affairs; Dora Giusti, LINICEF; Javed Nagui, journalist; Shanta Sinha, National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights; and Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Indian Bahd'l Office of Public Affairs

18 | October-March 2012-13

anorm for violence against children. generally

“Nowhere is the child to be in- sulted, humiliated, beaten up, scolded, or showm distespect — becauise it hurts, it damages the psyche, and the child loses confidence. The child loses self-esteem and it can be of perma- nent damage to the child” satd Dr, Sinha, "Where you condone violence, whether itis small or big, itis the first step towards something big that can happen”

‘Vinay Srivastava, a professor of anthropology at Delhi University, also wamed of the effect of corporal punishment and other forms of abuse often suffered by children, even at the hands of well-meaning parents or guardians, “The humiliation that children suffer in childhood stays with them throughout their lives.” said Prof, Srivastava, suggesting there should be studies to examine the culture of violence in society,

Parida Vahedi, director of the Indian Bahét Office of Public Affairs, said one way to address violence against children iswith a new concept of trusteeship, where “every child is bom into this world as a trust of the whole of humanity.”

“Human beings are both spiritual and material beings and it isimportant to have an understanding ofthe hu- man nature and to see and understand that we are all one,” said Ms. Vehedi, saying we are all “ike the members of one human body and that our diver- sity is our strength and needsto be celebrated”

‘Ms, Vehedi satdit is only when children’sright to spiritual education, nutrition, health, shelter, security and safety are ensured that they can fulfil their responsibility towards the process of change and development.

ONE COUNTRY [Page 19]Review: Human Rights

Emmel, continued from page20

time extended to include concerns for “one's family, one’ tribe, one’s nation and eventually to all humanity”

Inhis survey, Mr, Emmel brings into the discussion insights from his study and practice of the Bahe¥ Faith He suggests, for example, that the Bahdf Paith’s emphasis on the oneness of humanity offers anew and particu- larly significant way to understand the ‘universal nature of human rights,

“Before wecan take advantage of any other freedoms we must first be free to decide who we are and what we believe. If

we believe that the universe Is knowable, we will ask questions. If we believe that humans.

have capadtty for goodness,

we will experiment with extending to them our trust”

Aaron Emmel

‘Mr, Emmel mentions that the “Bahét Faith teaches that the social imperative of the age is the recognt- tion of the oneness of humankind.” ‘This implies that rights are universal. “In other words, every individual on earth, regardless of where he or she was born or where he or she tray-

els, hasthe same rights, The Baha writings assert that these rights are endowed by God, Thismeans that they are not created by human beings or governments; they already exist, and humanity merely recognizes these rights and enforcesthem.”

‘The Bahai Faith also addresses the definition of what it means to be hu- man, he says, and how thatrelates to the intrinsic rights that we all possess ‘The Bahéi writings says the main pur- pose in life isto know and to love God,

Fromn that understanding, he writes, ‘we can understand better the moral imperative for instruments that protect everyoneSright to change or even propa gate their religious beliefs — aright that

is severdly tested around the world at Present,

“Before we can take advantage of any other freedoms we must first be free to decide who we are and what we believe because it is upon these understandings that all our choices depend” he writes “If we believe that the universe is know- able, we will ask questions. If we believe that humans have capacity for good- ness, we will experiment with extend ing to them our trust, Thought and its expression are by definition necessary for all other rational activities

“Freedom of religion and con- science includes, most broadly, the Tight to seek after truth, to investigate and adopt areligion, to engage in sd- entificinguiry, to change religion and to not have areligion;"he concludes,

Rights and Responsibilities

‘Mr, Emmel also devotes a section of the book to the idea that with human rights also come ‘tesponsibilies” He showsit to be a concept with along history. He notes, for example, that

the development of the jury system

in England in the 1éoosnot only gave people better rights to a fair trial —it also handed to citizens the responsi- biliy to serve on juries.

‘Today, he believes, the ideais rein- forced in the Bahai teachings, which, discuss the importance of service to the community at large as an essential aspect of human purpose.

Por example, writes Mr. Emel, “because the individual ispart of society and the development of each affects the well-being of the other, the responsibility to use one’srightsto ad- vance one’s own development through the cultivation of virtue isintimately Inked with a responsibility to contrib- tute to one’ fellows and the institutions that further their inter ests”

‘Written for a broad audience, Mf Emnmel’s book hasmuich to offer as an introduction to human rights, Itis a highly readable and accessible history ofhow human rights have evolved over time, It also suggests the direction in ‘which human rights are ikely to evolve in the future — to a world whererights ate more universal, more encompassing, and more widely observed and enforced,

ONE COUNTRY

ONE COUNTRY is published quarterly by the Ofice of Public Information of

the Bah! International Community,

an international non-governmental organization which encompasses and represents the worldwide membership of the Bah Feith,

For more information on the stories in this newsletter, or any aspect ofthe Baha’ International Community and ts work, please contact

ONE COUNTRY Bah International Community — Suite 120

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All material is cnpyrighted by the Baha’ International Community and subject tall applicable international copyright Faw Stories fom this newsletter may be republished by any organization provided thatthey are attributed as follows: "Reprinted from ONE COUNTRY, the newsletter ofthe Baha’! International Community”

‘© 23 by The Baha! International Community /158N 10189300

Printed using soy-based inks on paper from sustainable forests

Odober March 2012-18 | 19 [Page 20]

Ea

Where human rights have come from — and where they are likely to go

Human Rights in an Advancing Civilization

By Aaron Emmel George Ron ald, Oxford

IN BRIEF

+ Anew book examines the history of human rights to the present day and concludes that our shared definition of human nature is the key to providing a sure foundation for human rights.

= In that regard, the concept of the oneness of humanity can offer an important universal viewpoint for re-examining rights, writes Aaron Emmel.

= Mr. Emmel suggests also that we are likely to see human rights become more universal, more encompassing, and more widely observed and enforced in the future.

20 | October March 2012-18

re human rights merely a list of good ideas, to be discussed and agreed upon? Or are they trinsic tohuman existence, founded on something more fumdamen- tal? And, either way, are rights universal, applicableto all cultures and times?

‘These are among the questions addressed in anew book by Aaron Emme, titled Human Rights in an Advancing Civilization,

‘Mr, Emmel, apolicy specialist who has worked at several non-governmen- tal organizations in Washington DC, addresses these and other issuesin a broad look at the conception and de- velopment of human rightsin history and to the present day, He also looks proactively towards the future

His main theme isthat to fully com- prehend or define human rights, we must first arrive at an understanding of what it means to be a human being, Once the conception of our selves is settled, then the real basis of human rights flows logically,

“Human rights are based on the con- cept that people are entitled to certain rights simply by virtue of being human,” he writes, noting, however, that such a conception therefore revolves around what people think "constitutes @ human being” and who is therefore “qualified to daimn human rights”

Inexploring this theme, Mr, Emmel takesreaders on atour ofthe history of human rights, going back to the con- cept of sanctuary in Jewish and, later, Roman law, He disasses the rights of dtizensin Greek city-states, and the ‘contributions made by Christianity and Isiam, He then moves through the Enlightenment philosophers and to the modem day, covering the history of the UN Charter and the Universal Dedaration of Human Rights,

Along the way, he breaks the discussion into discrete topics, such as minority rights, rights and develop- ment, and the rule oflaw. He discuss- es,for example, the issue of individual and community identity — and how

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IN AN ADVANCING CIVILIZATION,

those concepts impact the evolving conception of human rights,

‘Too often in the past, he notes, a society’ limited view of human iden- tity has led to a limited view of rights for some — as, say, when minorities or ‘women are seen as having fewer rights,

But “communities and societies change” he writes, “and ideas about identity and rights — how members of the community define themselves, and the rights and expectations they have of themselves and others — change with them.”

‘And for the future, he writes, the “evolution in society as a whole is, linked to an expanding sense of self in the individual” — one that has over

Emmel, continued on pages

ONE COUNTRY �