Thursday, July 22, 2010

toxic waste lawsuit

I read an article which explained how a company from the European Union was caught dumping waste along the Ivory Coast. The dumping of the hazardous material caused death to 15 people and has severely caused havoc for the ecological setting along the coast. The Company claims to have not known how dangerous the material was. The material caused injury to thousands of people along the coast.
The case has resulted in 210 million dollars being paid to the Ivory Coast goverment and to settle lawsuits between deceased families and the company.

I chose this article because I think it ties in to the BP oil spill in the gulf. The environment is a precious thing; yet, companies continue to ignore laws and recommendations in the pursuit of saving money. I hope someday the waterways and oceans are more patrolled to reduce the number of spills and water contamination in order to make our world a better place.

Drought in Niger

The country of Niger is experiencing an extreme drought. The drought is creating a severe lack of food for the residents of the country. Since the harvest of September 2009, the country is barely providing for their citizens. The United Nations has decided to up their spending in order to aid the country of Niger. The UN plans on feeding 7.9 million people this year including those who live within Niger.
The UN is doing a great job of helping countries in need to feed their citizens. I believe the UN has the resources to help more than they already do. While they are helping to feed the people in Niger, I believe they could also provide lessons in teaching the people how to farm.

South African Soccer dreams

A new coach has vowed to help South Africa qualify for the World Cup. Pitso Mosmane has joined with the Premier Soccer League in hope that they can train a team to qualify in 2014. Mosmane was the former assitant coach of the South African squad before being promoted to head coach. South Africa hosted the world cup this year, which was a great accomplishment for the country. South Africa has not had a social event this largest since the apartied movement.
In Mosmane's plan to create a team, he wants at least two players under the age of 23 to start in all the matches. He also believes the number of players from overseas should be limited.
I believe South Africa should have had a team to represent themselves in the 2010 World Cup. It seems almost ridiculous that the country hosting the event did not have a squad participating. I suppose the lack of participation may have been a safety issue to reduce the riots within the country and stadium. I hope Mosimane's dream of creating a wonderful team comes true. GOAL South Africa!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8845960.stm

Tutu retires

Famous peacekeeper, Desmond Tutu, in South Africa is retiring from public life. Tutu won the Noble Peace Prize in 1984 for his public talks. Nelson Mandela appointed Desmond Tutu to speak for him while he was in prison. Later, Tutu got to introduce Mandela as the president of South Africa.
Tutu says his retirement will allow him to spend time with his wife and to participate in his hobbies. He still plans on honoring any appointments he has already made.
Tutu retiring will have a major effect on the world. Tutu has made a great change in South Africa to eliminate apartied. He will truly be missed as a peacekeeper, leader, and role model.

Kenya case ruling

I read an article explaining how the victims of abuse in the 1980's are now receiving compensation. In 1988, Lawyers brought the alleged abuse to court. The lawsuit has remained unsettled since then. The Victims of the abuse are from Kenya. Kenya is located in eastern Africa.
The victims claimed to have been kept in waterlogged torture chambers. The leader of the country, Daniel Moi, claims there was no such torture. The courts ruled that a decision about the victims could not be made until Moi was no longer in control of the country. Moi retired in 2002, and the decision about the torture is now made. The victims will receive 500,000 dollars. Is money truly supposed to lessen pain and stress from torture years ago? I think not.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-10721384

Congo gold mine!

This article explains how in Congo more than 15,000 people will be forced to relocate due to the opening of a gold mine. South Africa is one of the largest producers of Gold in the world; yet, the mine to be opened in the Congo is larger than any mine in South Africa. The people who are being dislocated by the development of the gold mine are living in poverty and the move may cause death and starvation to many. The government claims no one is being violently pushed out of the area and none of the security forces are armed. A church and cemetary are also being relocated with the opening of the mine!
While the progress of trade and industry are important in Congo, It is also important that it's citizens are taken care of. With the relocation of the 15,000 whom live in the area, the government needs to be sure all find shelter and refugee.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-10728503

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

orphanages in Liberia

In Liberia, The government is facing troubles with orphanages. Several orphanages within the country are refusing to comply with standards set with in Liberia. Out of 93 orphanages only 3 have returned their application to be certified as an orphanage.
I believe this article is important in understanding family and children rights. The government of Liberia is trying to ensure that their children are placed in safe environments. Without compliance of the orphanages, their goal is nearly impossible. Liberia keep pushing in the right direction to keep our world's children safe! =))