Human rights and armed conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human rights and armed conflict - Essay Example The paper describes the patterns, developments, controversies, problems and major sub-issues regarding each issue. As part of this paper, the relationships between the two issues and possible solutions that are effective in the next twenty-five years are discussed. Armed conflicts refer to the armed conflicts between two or more organized parties in disputes about power over government and territory (Moir, 2002 p210). There are 118 armed conflicts that ensued between 1990 and 1999, of which ten were strictly inter-state conflict. Five were wars of independence, and one hundred wars were primarily internal conflicts. Violent conflicts in Europe, including Turkey, Caucasus and Russia, accounts for two-thirds of the increased incidents of wars in the early 1990s (Moir, 2002 p210). Europe in the early 1990s became one of the most violent regions in the world. The annual reduction in the number of conflicts after 1992 is as a result of changes in Europe. There are a number of factors that led to the rise of international and regional armed conflicts. Poor economic status of different nations is the leading cause of intra-state armed conflicts in the modern world. The greatest challenge facing the current governments is resource allocation. The reso urces are limited in supply, and their demand is high. Most governments normally allocate more resources to urban centers and regions that are highly productive than dry, remote area. This makes some local governments feel neglected by the central governments, and this may cause conflict between different local governments (Moir, 2002 p211). Repressive political systems in transition periods are also the other significant cause of intra-state armed conflicts. Reformists and opposition parties are often witnessed organizing riots to protest against some political policies introduced by the sitting authority. This sometimes grows worst to appoint

Celebrating The Different Cultures Around The World

Celebrating The Different Cultures Around The World Different culture all over the world is celebrating events at different times of the year. These ranges are from small family occasion honoring such things as birth, marriage and death to weeklong festival involving thousand of people. On the other hand, other festival have developed and adapted to change while absorbing influence from the societies in which they are celebrating. Festivals of many types, serve to meet specific social needs and duties, as well as to provide entertainment. These times of celebration offer a sense of belonging for religious, social, or geographical groups. Different countries have different festival to celebrate. Some are cultural, some religious, some national, historical and many more. And there are different ways to celebrate them by there origin some festivals even carried way from other culture to celebrate. Country that I choose: Turkey and Belgium have different festivals too like other countries. Turkish, they involved in different kind of festivals like others, such as Manisa Mesir Festival. Religious festival like: Eidul Fiter, Eidul Azha, Day of Ashura and many more international film, cartoon and mausic festival. On the other hand the Danish are celebrated Graspop Metal Meeting, Metal Female Voices Fest, Pest pop, Huginns Awakening Fest, and Procession of the Holy Blood etc Among those festivals I am going to discuss: The day of Ashura (Turkey) and Procession of the holy Blood (Belgium). Here I am try to give a discussion on two festivals origin, how its celebrate, its significant on the prospect of both festivals and give a clear compare and contrast of the festivals by discussion. Origin: 2.1 The ashura: The word ashura literally means in Arabic language is tenth. Ashura or the day of Ashura is the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic calendar. The day remember as of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (a.s) bin Ali was the third Imam and the grandson of the Islamic holy prophet Mohammad (Pbuh) at the battle of kabala in Iraq on the 10th of Moharram on the year 61 AH (October 10, 680 AD). The day is commemoration as religious day by the Muslim. Ashura celebrated as religious festival nationwide. 2.2 Procession of the holy blood: The procession of the holy blood (origin) is preservation of the Jesus Christs blood when he crucified. Historical tradition says after the descent from the Crucified, some of his very blood preserved by Joseph of Arimathea. A coagulated relic said each year in this day the centerpiece is the Blood of Christ became fluid. In Bruges the Procession of the Holy Blood takes place on Ascension Day every year. (History 2010) Since from 12th century, the people and associations of the city of Bruges respect and pay homage to the Holy-Blood. Celebration: 3.1 Ashura: Ashura is a nationwide celebrated festival for the Muslim ummah. Its a religious festival too. All the Muslims celebrate this festival on Arabic month 10th of Moharram. Different Muslims remember and celebrate the day in different way. 3.2 How shias celebrate: The shias congregate together and ceremonial chest beating in public places as they display their dedication to Imam Husayns (Ra) suffering on that day. Shia Muslims observe the day in mourning for Hussein and in remembrance of his martyrdom. On this day some Shia Muslims beat and flog themselves in parades, to express their misery and to redo the pain that Hussein suffered. 3.3 How Sunnis celebrate: Some other Muslims pay tribute to the Imam Husayn (Ra) by holding Majlis. Reciting the Holy Quran and Maqtal al Husayn are read. In the holy day every year of that day prophet and their followers fasted as respect. As the Prophet (Pbuh) was saying if I reach next year I am going to fast on that day 9th (e-books- Prophet in the Quran, Shahi Muslim-1134) and its mandatory for fasting two days followed by the Ashuras day or next day of ashura. In Turkey there is a custom of eating Noahs pudding called Ashure and serve to the neighbors. (Noahs pudding) 3.4 Procession of the Holy Blood: In Burges of Belgium (where the Holy Blood remain nowadays) the colorful Procession of the Holy Blood is held on Ascension Day in the spring. The bishop of Bruges carries the relic through the streets, accompanied by costumed residents acting out biblical scenes. (Festival and events) 3.5 Burges day: Thousand of people participated in the show and sixty to thousand spectators watch the procession, which is also known as Burgges Schoonste Dag (the most beautiful day in Burges). The event resembles as spiritual aspect, as many bishops, priests and nuns from all over the world come to celebrate. As the Holy Blood passes by everyone became still and silent in admiration. (Burges day 2010) In 1291 the traditional of the procession recorded first time and its followed a route around the city walls until 1578.The route is still followed today Significant 4.1 Ashura: The day of ashura is not only significant for the Imam Husayn (r) but also for many reasons for the Muslims. Like this is the day when Allah accepted the regret of Adam (a) after his exile form heaven, 4.2 some significant events: Noah (a) and Yunus (a) are saved from danger, even that day Moses was talk to Allah and given commandments and Jesus was raised to Heaven. So, on that prospectus Ashura remembered as gratitude to the Almighty Allah by fasting on the 9th and 10th of Moharram by many Muslim. [Moreover on the 10th day of Moharram in an event Imam Husayn bin Ali, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (Sm) was brutally killed by the Yazid in the battle field of Karbala in the year 680 A.D.] 4.3 Shias believes: The shias believes that the Battle of Karbala fought between the Good and Evil where Imam Husayn (r) represents good on the other hand Yazid represents evil. They do not take the day as joy rather than as mourn. Some shias hurt them by a chain including blade to show solidarity with Husayn (r) and his family. (significance) 4.4 The procession of Holy Blood: The procession of the Holy Blood tries to answer the questions every man has on the meaning of his own life and on the existence of the world. Everyone have whishes to be deeply happy. That happiness has different names, according to the cultural background, called by some Nirvana, by others Heaven, or, in the biblical tradition: the Kingdom of God, Sion or the new Jerusalem.(significance of the holy blood) Summary : Comparison and contrast between Ashura and Procession of holy blood: Ashura and Procession of Holy Blood both are a holy festival, which are celebrated every year in a particular day by their followers. These festivals resemble as a mourning day and on that particular day they are assemble and remember their holy activities. On both of them Ashura is older than procession of the holy blood by dated. Above the celebration, the festivals are celebrated in different way but the point that each of the festivals similar is, its a mourning festival to celebrate. Shias are remember the day by Husayns brutal killed against the Evil called Yazid and the Sunnis remember the day for many remarkable issues. On the other hand the Christians are celebrated the procession of holy blood by presents of many bishops carried way the holy blood of Jesus Christ. From the religious prospectus of the two festivals are carry significantly importance. Muslims remembered the day for many significant events as well as the Christians for Jesus Christ crucified Conclusion: A festival has carries a nations existence. Ashura is a religious festival celebrates by the Muslim and Procession of holy blood celebrates by the Christian also a religious festival too. Turkey and Belgium have been celebrating those festivals by own respect, belief, values and colors. But in one aspect these festivals make people close to each other.

The Challenges of Implementing The GAIN Program Essay -- Public Policy

The Challenges of Implementing The GAIN Program Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) no longer exists. A new era has arrived and the nation has moved in a completely different direction. In 1996, new legislation, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, was passed. Under this new Act, " The state and local governments wide –ranging autonomy, discretion and responsibility for serving poor women and children were returned to them. It does this by repealing AFDC, the nation’s welfare employment program (the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills Training Program), and the AFDC emergency assistance program. In its place, Congress and the president have authorized an unprecedented amount of block grant funding to states through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)". In this paper, I will briefly identify provisions and rules under TANF, identify administrative policy and programs set-up to deal with the new TANF regulations, and discuss implementation of the Greater Avenues through Independence Program (GAIN) in relationship to administrative issues at the Regional Administrator (RA) level. TANF/CalWorks/GAIN In 1998, Los Angeles County implemented new rules under the TANF program. "TANF takes welfare in entirely new directions by creating a welfare cliff: a five-year, lifetime limit for receiving assistance from federal TANF funds. A state’s failure to comply with this requirement will result in its block grant being reduced by 5%." Through its California Work Opportunities and Responsibilities to Kids (CalWorks) program, cash aid is available to needy families who meet certain requirements. Under CalWorks counties are required to enroll single parent families in welfare... ...s and what and how they feel about the services of case managers. Provides comprehensive overview of consumers opinions to help in quality service. Stocker, Robert P. and The George Washington University and Wilson A. Laura and University of Baltimore. "Verifying Compliance: Social Regulation and Welfare Reform." Public Administration Review vol. 58 (Sept/Oct 1998) 395-405 Examination study of Maryland’s welfare reform system. Two procedures are given to aid with enforcing social regulations. Includes verification and program design, administrative concerns and lessons for policy analysts. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services " LA GAIN overview" http://dpssweb.co.la.ca.us/gain/overview.htm Overview of Los Angeles County GAIN program. List and discusses participant eligibility requirements, services available, and timelines.

Research Paper on Smoking Essay

Recently there has been an abundance of media coverage regarding a public’s â€Å"war of smoking.† Recently, Washington state has begun taking vital steps to prohibit smoking in public areas in order to make Washington a better place. There are many arguments about the smoking. The health issues for the smoker and those around them increase the prices and the social unaccepted of the act. Smoking is dangerous for smoker and for the one who is around the smoker. Firstly, smoking is dangerous for smoker, when smokers are smoking, will take lung cancer. The most common form of cancer diagnosed in United States is lung cancer. Lung cancer accounts for 14% out of all cancers, and 28% out of all cancer deaths. (ALA Lung cancer Fact Sheet) According to the American Lung Association, â€Å"Cigarette smoking is responsible for an estimated 87% of lung cancer deaths, or seven out of eight† (American Lung Association). Cigarette contains more than 400toxic and 4000 chemical compounds. Nicotine is the most addictive substance in tobacco. Smoking decreases the level of oxygen from reaching the tissues, giving rise to different health problems such as strokes, heart attacks or miscarriages. Nicotine is increases cholesterol levels in the body and carbon monoxide, which decreases the amount of oxygen within the body. When cholesterol level is increase in blood, increases the chance that a heart attack. Smoking also caused of chronic coughing, short ness of breath, premature aging, recurrent infections and reduced overall fitness (Diseases Caused by Smoking). Yang2 Another example of health issues originated from smoking is emphysema. The Lung Association states that when one has emphysema, some of the air sacs in smoker’s lungs are damaged (The Lung Association). Emphysema does not develop suddenly, it comes very slowly. Years of exposure to cigarettes causes the development of emphysema. Secondly, smoking is also dangerous for non-smokers. Lung cancer is not only a trouble for the smoker, but it is also a trouble for the non-smokers. The indirect effect of smoking comes from two places; smokers breathe out from the other person smoking, and smoke from the end of a burning cigarette  (American Lung Association). The American Lung Association said, â€Å"Indirect smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals; 200 are poisons and 43 cause of cancer.†(The American Lung Association) When non-smokers are stay nearby smoker, they will get some harmful effects. Kinds of cough, nausea, headache, eye irritation, sore throat, dizziness even cancer. Workplaces alone could stop over 32,000 cancer deaths and over 75,000 heart disease deaths. According to the government, 83% of worker health complaints related to trouble with indoor air quality will decrease when workplaces become smoke-free. Constant exposure to tobacco smoke in the workplace nearly doubles the risk of having a hea rt attack. Thirdly, prices of cigarettes have been going through a dramatic increase recently. The government thinks that the increase of price will protect or even get people to quit smoking (Higher Cigarette taxes). According to several studies the increase of cigarette taxes is one of the most effective ways to decrease smoking among teenager and adults (Tobacco Free Kids). These studies show that every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes will decrease total cigarette consumption by three to five percent and decrease teenager smoking by about 7% (Tobacco free Kids). If cigarette prices were increased 10% per pack throughout the country, it would decrease the number of teenagers who become regular smokers by more than a million, saving teenager from dependence, disease and death. Studies also show that people with low income are ones that respond to the increase of prices and end up quit smoking. It is proven that smoking levels are highest among people with low incomes. Lastly, former day, people could hardly find any places without someone smoking there. Now it is prohibited to smoke in public places in many countries. While the number of smokers is increasing, the number of places they can smoke is declining. Many provinces across Canada as well as the Washington states are making it a law that all restaurants and public areas have to be 100% smoke free (U.s. Environmental). A poll conducted by Washington state today shows that 70 % of participates preferred restaurants  that were smoke-free. Over the after 45 years, smoke-free (Research about cigarette). Everyone is at risk for diseases caused from smoking when they are in public places that are not smoke-free. Even with all the evidences that prove the dangers of smoking, some businesses still look down on banning this behavior (U.s. Environmental). There is no real evidence that proves going smoke-free is bad for the business. In fact, there are many positive outcomes when a business adopts s moke-free policy. For example, maintenance cost decreases when smoke, matches, and cigarette butts are eliminated in places. Also, hardware such as equipments, floors, and furniture last longer, and of course, people’s health is freed from danger (Higher Cigarette taxes). In result, many people have different opinions about smoking. There are many characteristic proving smoke-free places are beneficial for many reasons. The government is also trying different methods to induce people to stop smoking. The great increase in cigarette prices is the main one. They figure that this will stop people not to even start smoking. Many businesses today are changing what was used to be normal in a public area: smoking. Smoke free businesses are becoming more and more common. There is no real evidence that shows that adopting smoke-free policy is harmful to businesses. It helps out the business in many areas such as maintenance. People have different opinions, but researchers prove that smoke-free public areas are good for other people’s health, not just smokers’ health. Eventually one day the society will be 100% smoke free. BIBLOIGRAPHY American Lung Association, â€Å"Cigarette smoking is responsible for an estimated 87% of lung cancer deaths, or seven out of eight† (http://www.lungusa.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/health-effects/smoking.html) The American Lung Association said, â€Å"Indirect smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals; 200 are poisons and 43 cause of cancer ( http://www.lungusa.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/facts-figures/general-smoking-facts.html) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indirect smoking is known as the cause of cancer (http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/healtheffects.html) The Lung Association states that when one has emphysema, some of the air sacs in his lungs are damaged (http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/emphysema/) The government thinks that the increase of price will protect or even get people to quit smoking, The increase of price will make them think two times about smoking. Quitting will save them money and reduce their financial needs (http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/health-of-the-public/20090303smoke-tax.html) According to several studies the increase of cigarette taxes is one of the most effective ways to decrease smoking among teenager and adults, These studies show that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes will decrease total cigarette consumption by three to five percent and decrease teenager smoking by about 7% (http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/what_we_do/federal_issues/federal_tobacco_taxes/) Yang6 The increase of cigarette taxes is one of the most effective ways to decrease smoking among teenager and adults(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539350/) Many provinces across Canada as well as the Washington states are making it a law that all restaurants and public areas have to be 100% smoke free(http://www.city-data.com/forum/politics-other-controversies/99626-positive-effects-non-smoking.html) A poll conducted by Washington states today shows that 70 % of participates preferred restaurants that were smoke-free. Over the after 45 years, smoke-free(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9791529) Even with all the evidences that prove the dangers of smoking, some businesses still look down on banning this behavior (http://www.davehitt.com/facts/banlinksarchive2.html) Hardware such as equipments, floors, and furniture last longer, and of course, people’s health is freed from danger (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/10/tech/main6194761.shtml)

Movie Review: Journey to Justice

Movie Review: Journey to Justice â€Å"Journey to Justice† is a documentary about the issue of civil rights in Canada during the twentieth century. It focuses on the role of central people who took vital actions to end the issue of racial discrimination. The movie clearly portrays the experiences of black Canadians thorough interviews of key persons including Ray Lewis, Fred Christy, Stanley Grizzle, and Viola Desmond. Throughout the twentieth century, key players in the black community continued to fight for their rights despite serious discrimination. Firstly, Ray Lewis was denied the job as a coach after he won a bronze medal in 1932 Olympics because he was Black, and had to satisfy himself with the job of a porter. Secondly, Fred Christy, who was refused to be served in a bar, took the matter to Supreme Court. However, the court ruled the matter against him and rhetorically, made racial discrimination legal. Thirdly, Stanley Grizzle was forced be a batman and a washroom cleaner when he joined the army during the second world war, until he fought for his rights with his commanding officer. This time however, he won and served as one of the best officers in the Canadian army. Moreover, when Hugh Brunette came to Dresden with his two American friends, he was not served in a restaurant, while his friends were. After this incident he created an organization called National Unity Organization to fight discrimination. In 1947, he challenged the local government to pass an equality law, which was passed on to the provincial government for voting, where the restaurant owner-a white, won the case once again. This created a controversy and the premier and a group of other minorities took this case to a higher level until the equality law was passed in 1950s. Lastly, Donald Willard, an immigrant fought with the government for three decades along with Negro Citizenship association and the Labour congress of Canada to change the way in which they accept immigrants. He argued that using racial origin in accepting immigrants to Canada is unlawful and stated that they should be viewed according to their education, skills and work experience and won the case. This case played an important role in making it one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. The point that the movie is trying to make is that issues cannot be solved if they are simply accepted. If no one stands up to fight for it as it the issue will continue to become more tense leading to even more serious effects. As in the movie, the issue of racism continued to worsen until some key people stood up to fight against racial discrimination of the Blacks. Finally, in the end they got the desired results. Not only were they able to pass a law stating discrimination is illegal, but they were also able to change the way in which immigrants were accepted to Canada. The contribution of Blacks, particularly Donald Willard, changed the way in which Canada is viewed – â€Å"The land of opportunities. † The movie is related to world issues in many ways. Firstly, it provides useful information in understanding the foundation of the issue of discrimination. Racism is an issue that is making headlines these days. For example, the rising resettlement against immigrants in Quebec and the war on terrorism, which is taking hundreds of lives today had it basis in racism. Many individuals from Islamic countries are questioned heavily by officials at American Airports after the terrorist attacks. Secondly, it openly reveals the hidden truths of the Canadian government and its political system including the Supreme Court which itself promoted racism by favouring the whites regardless of the issue or the case. These days political corruption is a major issue in developing nation particularly in south Asia and many part of Africa. Thirdly, this movie portrays the issue of Canadian Civil Rights movement, which is a movement that only a few Canadian are aware of. This movement is directly related to human rights – a growing issue in Asian countries today. Low-caste children all over Asia, more particularly India are forced to do child labour, similar to how blacks were forced to work on the rail road a century ago. Blacks were not given any other jobs because of their race and these children are deprived from education and proper jobs because of their caste. It is amazing, to see these countries making the same mistake that Canada made a few decades ago. Lastly, this movie touches on the issue of stereotyping. Even though it is not a big issue, individuals throughout the world use stereotyping to judge others, often in a negative way. This creates larger gaps between races. Even though the movie shows us that the issue of racial discrimination has ended, it still exists. It is true that the magnitude and seriousness of racism has declined but many groups of people suffer from bullying because of their race and ethnicity. For example, many â€Å"Brown† and â€Å"Asian† people are regarded as immigrants and are the victims of bullying in both schools only because they cannot quickly assimilate into the western society. ( Weakness of argument