Bienvenue à Hillsong Paris

I really loved the Bridge, the church I attended last semester, but I was really struggling to get to church regularly because of the 45 minutes to an hour distance I traveled to get there. So, I decided to attend a new church in Paris which I had heard about. It is a church connected to the Christian group Hillsong United—it is called Hillsong Paris. It was an experience unlike any I have had in Paris. The service is bilingual so there is live translation on stage. Worship songs were half in French, half in English. I think the most bizarre part to me was seeing so many French people with their hands raised in worship in the exact same way I am accustomed to people doing at home worship services. Additionally, the church was packed, filled with young and middle aged French people. It has been said that Europe is the “dark continent” which has turned its back on the church over the past century. From my experiences last semester I really felt that way about many of the people I encountered in Europe and specifically in France. So, it was shocking and exciting to see so many French people excited to praise God. At times I felt like I was back at Crescent Lake Bible Camp, as I could see the high school students jumping and clapping during some of the songs. It is really amazing how the message of the Gospel can transcend boundaries, even cultural boundaries which have been built up over generations. Seeing over 300 people praising God in two languages in the heart of the city where beauty means everything was moving. For a part of the service I forgot where I was, but I was quickly reminded that I am still in France when it came time to leave. “Pardons” and “Excusez-mois” could be heard all around, everyone’s outfits perfectly were styled, and of course goodbye cheek kisses were given rather than American hugs.

Evacuation Day

Things have quickly escalated since I last wrote. Two nights of loud gunshots and civil unrest. The military came into our neighborhood yesterday even as our neighbors were protecting the streets with large sticks and machetes. Thankfully they kept looters from stealing anything; however, just a few blocks away in the guys’ neighborhood, the military had to set off fire grenades and the boy students were locked in their apartments scared as the building security locked down their building using mattresses and Molotov cocktails. At our apartment we could only sit and wait as we heard pops of gunfire in the distance. We went to sleep more at ease than the night before with our program director staying the night with us. Today we were woken up—evacuation day. It was a surprise because it happened so suddenly; however, at the same time we knew that it was a possibility. We were told to start packing, we would be evacuated shortly. There was no time to worry about anything except fitting all of our things into the suitcases we stuffed in order to get into Egypt. We packed hastily and waited for the boys to hurry. If someone were to watch our group together waiting to evacuate, they would have laughed as we posed for photos on our “magic carpet” and rapped in the lobby of our building. Stress levels escalated when the “evacuation vehicles” arrived. Well, I should really say it was one vehicle, not the plural. One microbus, as in a van, for how many people? For 14 people—didn’t happen. However, they did manage to stack 14 suitcases on the roof of the van and after negotiations and Egyptians chatting back and forth for about one hour. We rolled through the city, roadblock by roadblock; we finally made it to the main road just to be stopped by military roadblocks. The roads were filled with garbage. We finally made it to the airport. Just when we were about to be done with our crazy ride, I was mistaken for an Egyptian woman and asked to open the bus window. Thankfully our resident director assured the military that I was just an American student. Hopefully that was the last time I will be mistaken for an Egyptian. I am sitting in the airport now. We bought the rest of the food here, galaxy chocolate bars and mars candy bars. Happy evacuation day!

Life in an Authoritarian State

Woke up this morning without internet or cell phone service. The ability to communicate within the country and to people outside of the country has been completely cut off all day. It has left us with a feeling of anxiety and paralysis as we wanted to be in contact with at minimum family in the US as well as each other in case of an emergency. Our grocery shopping plans were canceled and we were asked to return to our neighborhood by the police. The city of Alexandria was eerily calm this morning before noon prayers. The riot police trucks were lined up ready for protests to begin; however, there were hardly any people on the streets. We returned to our neighborhood and grabbed some lunch. News came from the resident director that protests had begun and teargas was fired at the protesters. We went back to our apartments and began watching the news. After being in Cairo for over two weeks, it was shocking to see the never-ending barrage of teargas and fires being set every minute. Watching the live shots of protesters attacking the riot police on the 6th of October bridge gave me the feeling that I was watching a sporting event with the commentator giving a play by play description in the background. At one point, my roommates and I clapped when the protesters took over a riot police truck. After resting for about an hour and a half, I woke up to my roommates saying things had gotten crazy. In fact, the city of Cairo looked as if it was closer to Baghdad than to the cosmopolitan city it is. The jewel and gateway to the Middle East had changed overnight. Soon our resident assistant came over to make sure that we were all ok; however, the guy students were missing—caught in the protests. Thankfully we all were able to be reunited at the girls’ apartment. It was nice to be together as a group and watch the overview of the events that had so quickly unfolded during the day. News came that the President would be addressing the nation; however, the protests continued to escalate, and the ruling party’s building was set ablaze in Cairo. Watching the news has been very surreal. Even as our relatives and friends have been worrying about our safety here, so have we been on high security alert. The feelings we have vary so much from excitement for the people of Egypt to feeling that we have lost so much freedom while here—no internet, cell phone service, limited freedom of movement. However, this feeling of lost freedom does not compare to anything that the people of Egypt have experienced and continue to experience. As an American, I cannot explain how valuable my freedom has become to me after living here. Even as America has its problems, we are possibly the freest people in the world. I cannot say that it is America’s responsibility to do anything to bring about the freedom of the Egyptian people; however, it is our responsibility to support people worldwide in their quest to attain freedom. The Egyptians are sick of being slaves to an oppressive system, and today they have showed us that they will no longer be slaves to the system. Buildings are burning, but the Egyptians are standing strong. They remain solidified in their quest to bring change to Egypt, but at the same time are solidified under their pride as Egyptians. The final shot of Cairo I have seen tonight is of the Egyptian people protecting the precious antiquities at the Egyptian Museum from fire and looters—Egyptians hold on to the parts of the past they hold dear as the parts of the past they abhor burn to the ground.

Welcom to Mesr (Egypt)!

Week one of orientation has been colorful to say the least. Biggest protests in years in Egypt have been happening the past two days in the aftermath of the success of the Tunisian protests. I have had a general feeling of uneasiness since being here; however, I would attribute that to general culture shock. The past two days, I have felt much more uneasy because of the level of high alert as a result of the protests. There is energy in the air. The Egyptian people have taken to the streets. They are asking, begging for change. Fathers and mothers are on the streets with their young children. Businessmen are heading out to protest during their lunch break; however, no change has happened. From the perspective of a non-Egyptian, it doesn’t seem like much more will happen. The energy is there, but as the government noted the protesters have not made their demands “clear.” This is a huge barrier to making a difference; however, who could really blame them for not making their demands clear. In a country with over 40% illiteracy and a high percentage of people under the poverty line, I can imagine why it is difficult to express their demands. Just take a tour bus to the pyramids and you will see poverty firsthand. You will see children picking cabbage in polluted fields and selling postcards barefoot to tourists from around the world. Further, the level of corruption is so high and so common that overthrowing the current government will not be enough to make a difference. In order to make a long term change, the Egyptian people must work to address these fundamental problems. While the protests are an amazing start to change, an equally important step would be for Egyptians to change their society day by day. They must refuse to accept corruption, educational inequity, and the appalling level of poverty in the city and countryside. By refusing to accept these things the people will undermine the government’s power and garner support from nations and people around the world. Yalla, ya Mesr!

Child Soldiers in Northern Uganda

Since the Civil War between the Government of Uganda (GoU) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) began in Northern Uganda in 1986, the humanitarian situation in the region has become dire. Though the citizens of Northern Uganda have all experienced the effects of the Civil War, children have been the most affected, as thousands have been abducted and forced into a life as child soldiers in the LRA. As the conflict continues, the human rights of children in the region are constantly in danger.

Civil War

Since 1986, the GoU has been involved in a Civil War with the LRA movement, which can be traced back to a woman named Alice Lakwena who believed the Holy Spirit spoke to her and ordered her to overthrow the GoU. (Invisible Children) When Lakwena was exiled, Joseph Kony, who claimed to be her cousin, took control. Because he lacked support, Kony and the LRA resorted to abducting children and indoctrinating them into their ranks beginning in the late 1980s and continuing today.

Recent Peace Process

The Juba Peace Talks between the GoU and the LRA commenced in 2006 and concluded in March 2008 with the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) which secured a cease-fire agreement and facilitated valuable discussion about the need to address political and economic problems in the region. (World Vision) They were conducted with EU, UN, and US support in addition to Southern Sudanese government mediation; however, they failed because Joseph Kony refused to sign, as signing would cause him to lose power and face arrest for human rights and war crimes.

Child Soldiers

The LRA attacks villages and displacement camps to abduct children for their ranks. The children are forced to commit acts of violence including cutting off hands, ears, or lips of individuals alleged to be allied with the GoU. (World Vision) The children are as young as eight, and include boys and girls, used to work as child soldiers, or to serve as “wives” of rebels. (United Nations) Since the start of the Civil War, it is estimated that 30,000 to 66,000 children have been kidnapped. (World Vision) Joseph Kony’s waning legitimacy and support from the citizens of Northern Uganda have caused him to resort to the abductions. Since over 90% of the LRA are abducted children, it is evident that the movement is dependent on child soldiers.

Individual v. Collective Rights and State Sovereignty

Understanding the debate between individual and collective rights as well as state sovereignty are key to realizing an end to the conflict. For those who value individual rights, there is motivation to take steps to protecting and restoring the rights of the children in Northern Uganda, child soldiers or otherwise. For those, like the GoU, who value collective rights, there is little motivation to take steps to protecting the rights of children when that might mean compromising political and economic stability, security, and funding available to the rest of Uganda. State sovereignty is important to consider when determining the amount of international presence and pressure in Uganda. Though there is genuine international interest in protecting the human rights of Ugandan children, there is also interest in protecting the sovereignty of the GoU to make decisions about its own country. This presents challenges in the distribution of international aid and peacekeeping.

Past and Current International Responses

The EU, US, and Canada have responded to the crisis in Northern Uganda through domestic legislation, diplomatic support, and humanitarian aid. (Invisible Children) In 2005, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Joseph Kony. The UN has coordinated aid and support for the 2006 Peace Talks; however, peacekeeping forces have not been provided. (World Vision)

Non-Governmental Organizations The most active NGOs in Northern Uganda are Invisible Children, Resolve Uganda, and World Vision. Invisible Children is committed to seeking sustainable solutions to foster an environment that encourages peace, including educational and economic development. (Invisible Children) Resolve Uganda is concerned with political collective action to end the war. (Resolve Uganda) World Vision began working in Uganda in 1986 and has secured sponsorship for more than 112,000 Ugandan children to ensure their welfare and futures. (World Vision)

Government of Uganda’s Actions In 2008 the GoU, DRC, South Sudan and the Central African Republic launched an attack on LRA strongholds within DRC. (Invisible Children) The GoU has not actively given priority to protecting, rescuing, or rehabilitating children from the LRA, despite national and international laws guaranteeing their basic rights. (World Vision) Police and judicial infrastructures, crippled during the war, are unable to address high rates of sexual violence and other crimes. (World Vision) Though the GoU has created a framework for redeveloping conflict-affected areas, the continued lack of implementation has prevented educational and economic development from occurring. (World Vision)

Future Response I would advocate for a 5 pronged attack: (1)International Engagement and Peace Process, (2)Prevention, (3)Rescue and Rehabilitation, (4)Reconciliation, (5)Economic Development.

The first step towards bringing an end to the issue of child soldiers in Northern Uganda, is bringing an end to the Civil War. Engagement from world leaders could lead to the end of LRA violence and prevent additional children from being used as soldiers. Increased political pressure from citizens of the free world will be required for government and UN action. (Resolve Uganda) Americans have succeeded in lobbying Congress and the US Department of State; however, ensuring that the government follows through on promised actions is necessary. Grassroots advocacy and information sharing worldwide about the situation in Northern Uganda and other LRA-affected areas will garner support and consensus for the peace process. It is only through peace that the abducted children of the LRA will have a chance to lead lives with productive rather than violent opportunities. Even as international engagement is important, ultimately, the responsibility for future stability and the protection of human rights in Northern Uganda falls on the GoU. Following the examples of the Rwandan end to genocide and Sierra Leonean post-conflict rehabilitation of child soldiers should be referred to in order to obtain lasting and meaningful peace.

Conclusion It is critical to bring an end to the human rights violations of children in Northern Uganda. A result of the Civil War, child soldiering will end when the war ends. The GoU has taken limited steps to bringing an end to the conflict and towards protecting and restoring the rights of Ugandan children. Similarly, the UN has not taken a satisfactory role in the peace process. Increased UN presence and assistance will bring hope for swift and sustainable peace.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php

Women's Rights in Afghanistan

Some argue that focusing on women's rights should not be a priority; however, it will be impossible to end the insurgency without improving the role of women in a society which sees “two women…as equal to one man.” (A Woman Among Warlords) At one time, women experienced great freedom in Afghan society, including economically, domestically, and politically. In “Kabul and some other cities, some girls are now able to go to school, and certain jobs are available to women, but this is the situation of a fortunate minority.” (A Woman Among Warlords) However, as a result of decades of war, the role of women in society has been greatly damaged.

First and foremost, the rights of women must be improved in their homes. Laws such as the one passed in 2009 which allows for marital rape and food deprivation, do not show support for the rights of women in marriage. Why would individual husbands and communities show respect for women’s rights when their own government does not? Such legislation is reinforcing the adage that “killing a woman is like killing a bird.” (A Woman Among Warlords) Officials like President Karzai and his wife Zeenat must set a positive example for Afghan society by showing how a husband should treat his wife with proper respect. Zeenat should consider traveling to villages and speaking to communities about the importance of education for young girls as well as against domestic violence and rape.

Since the early 20th century, “women in Afghanistan were encouraged to work in many professions”; therefore, tapping into the talents of those women who already have experience working in business, education, or medicine will establish a foundational workforce that will lead the way for future generations. For those who do not possess such skills, the first step should be ending the perils of “many Afghan girls…who know only work and subservience from a very young age." (A Woman Among Warlords) The role of microfinance could be very beneficial in empowering women who have been found better able to manage money than their male counterparts. Sarah Chayes’ current endeavors as a soap maker are a good example of a project that Afghan women are capable of doing.

Politically, women need to be granted protections in voting and running for office. Though, as Malalai Joya points out, a “person’s ideas and character matter” more than gender, “seeing women in leadership positions can give young girls hope.” (A Woman Among Warlords) Elevating the rights of women in political positions has been beneficial in other post-conflict nations, including in Rwanda where women make up over 50% of the government. The current political structure in Afghanistan leaves out a multitude of potentially successful groups including women.

For more information on this topic, please read "A Woman Among Warlords" written by Malalai Joya, an Afghan woman who refuses to settle for failure in Afghanistan.

The "war on terror"

In the name of the “war on terror,” a bomb was dropped in Waziristan this morning, May, 8, 2010, killing three and wounding many more. One must ask how this attack has impacted the war on terror. Has an attack which may have killed an individual terrorist along with civilians garnered support for the war, or is it creating enemies? Will those affected by the attack praise the actions of the US and its allies or turn to the side of the Taliban and extremist forces at work in the region?

Honestly answering such questions brings to light the need for alternative offensives in the war on terror. Alternative “offensives” could include improving education, democratic institutions, and women’s rights, as well as combating corruption and encouraging transitional justice. Focusing on such efforts would give the people of Afghanistan alternatives to joining the Taliban and would lead to long lasting, meaningful development and change in the region. Additionally, focusing efforts on curbing the power and meddling behaviors of the Pakistani government and ISI will go a long way in proving to Afghanistan that the world is willing to give them a chance to stand on their own two feet.