Donate to UNICEF Pakistan Floods Relief!!!

More than six million people are in need of emergency assistance. Donate online at:

http://www.supportunicef.org/site/pp.asp?b=6161181&c=9fLEJSOALpE

Pakistan floods: Act now!!!!

Although UNICEF responds as floods affect over 3 million in north-western province is overwhelming (http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/pakistan_55400.html), but due the larger magnitude of this disaster all concern citizens of the world must act now to help the people suffering in Pakistan. Communication networks in many areas remain down or disrupted, and ground access is limited because bridges, highways and roads have been blocked or destroyed by the floods.

"There are crucial needs for food and safe drinking water," said Mr. Mogwanja, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. "Potential disease outbreaks among survivors are a major concern." Although the floodwaters are receding in some parts of the affected provinces, new storm systems are moving into the area and experts fear renewed flooding.

"There's going to be great needs in terms of water, shelter and assuring the health care of the population because of water-borne diseases," said Mr. Mogwanja. Food security will also present a challenge, he noted, adding. "Much of the food stocks have been lost."

As concern citizens of our planet, you can play a pivotal role in generously helping the people of Pakistan in many ways:


(a) Donate now

(b) Involve other potential donors to make donations

(c) Make people aware of this terrible disaster by lobbying, writing letters and articles, getting active on social networking sites and updating latest news of the flood situation in Pakistan, record appeals for support etc.

d) Any other way through which you may like to contribute in helping the flood victims will surely be well appreciated.

You can get back to me with any other information, updates or anything you may like to know from me in this regard.

On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I sincerely thank you all in advance for your generous support and concern for this catastrophic situation in Pakistan.

Bilal Masood

National Focal Point
Pakistan
UNICEF-Rural Voices of Youth

Young Voice of Pakistan

Note: Read it by clicking this post

Source:http://www.nation.com.pk/E-Paper/Lahore/2010-04-14/page-23

The Birth of Pakistan

It was good to be there at The Mohatta Palace Museum with TMS students and PYO friends, for the first time in Pakistan, an interactive exhibit is designed specifically for children that take young visitors on a journey from the Lahore Resolution of 1940 through the sacrifices made to achieve a Muslim homeland in 1947 to the early days of the new nation of Pakistan, as it struggled to stand on its feet. 'The Bith of Pakistan'is organized by The Citizens Archive at the Mohatta Palace Museum,Karachi from 23 March- 23 June, 2010.

The exhibit features a unique ‘train journey’ from India to Pakistan, recreations of make-shift government offices and refugee tents, a chance for children to explore the contents of a ‘sundook’ or trunk brought to Pakistan by a migrant, photographs and film clips of major moments in Pakistan’s early history.

Children visiting the exhibition will receive their copy of the first passport of Pakistan, learn about how millions heard about the Partition of the Indian sub-continent, first saw the

Pakistani flag or heard the National Anthem.

The exhibition also delves into facets of Quaid-e-Azam’s personality through the recollections of his friends, co-workers, admirers and supporters. The contributions of Muslim League leaders and pioneers such as Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan, the first civil servants of Pakistan and the members of the Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, police and army, Pakistan Women’s National Guard, All Pakistan Women’s Association and Radio Pakistan have been honoured.

Diya Jalaye Rakhna Hai

Diya Jalaye Rakhna Hai… 23 March,1940 remind all Pakistanis that we must not take our land for granted…the resolution which was passed on that day formed the basis for the decision of Muslim League to struggle for one state for the Muslims, we the youth-are the pillars of our homeland. Let us truly follow the Pakistan Resolution in letter and spirit… Let us ponder over the very spirit of such national days and make a resolution to build a better, educated, healthy and vigorous Pakistan… Hum Dekhenge... Woh din ke jis ka waada hai...inshAllah.. God Bless Pakistan (Ameen)!!!

Beijing at 15 online disucssions report

Gender Equality, Development and Peace

YOUNG VOICES ON GIRLS AND GENDER EQUALITY

Ahead of the fifteen-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UNICEF and WomenWatch organized a consultation on Section L about the Girl Child. A special effort was made to reach children and young people in rural areas through surveys and focus group discussions, and overall more than 100 people participated. Their key messages are presented below:

KEY MESSAGES

Girls still lack the right to make decisions about their own lives. Although more girl’s have right to access they still don’t have equal opportunity. "Girls in Scotland share the same rights as boys but there is hidden discrimination across society, particularly in the work place. This affects equal opportunities for the sexes and in workplace pay there are double standards, where women expect less than men." – Boy, 17, United Kingdom

Discriminatory norms and perceptions against girls persist. Tradition and culture are still the key obstacles to realizing girl’s rights and reinforce the lower status of girls in societies around the world. "From the moment we are born, we live up to the idea that men are superior over women. In our homes, patriarchy is always present. With this it is hard to go against our culture, our own ways in which we have been accustomed to." – Girl, 17, Philippines

"The key obstacle is the thought. In my homeland I feel that girls are treated as...they never believe that girls can do better than boys in school…they think girls [will] always be worse than boys." – Young woman, 19, China

Girls’ education is key to girls’ empowerment. Educating girls allows them to claim their rights today, and prepares them for the future to assume full responsibilities as duty bearers for the next generation. "Scholarships should be offered to girls to ease their scholar plans, more emphasis should be laid on promotion of girls` rights which should be introduced at all levels of education to ease understanding at all stages." - Young woman, 19, Cameroon

P olicies and laws relating to girls’ rights are not enforced and implemented. National laws and policies don’t reach the grass root level, and there are no consequences for those who violate rights. "We are not informed about what [leaders] are doing. Don’t perceive any sign of change" – Young woman, 19, Togo

"[Global] policies do not matter actually, because the gap between policy formulation and implementation is very wide due to no action plan, lack of education, feudal system, conservative mindsets and a majority does not even know that any policies exist. Measures must be taken to fill these gaps." –Young woman, 22, Pakistan

Girls’ rights are typically the first to be denied during times of economic crises. Economic hardships often leave girls and families with little or no choice to focus on survival and less on upholding girl’s rights. "Economic crisis is most threatening to girls’ rights because, as what I have observed in our community oftentimes, it is the girl who is asked to sacrifice her education when the family faces a financial problem."– Young woman, 19, Philippines

Those most central to girls’ rights are too often unaware of the implications of discrimination against girls. Parents, community and religious leaders have a critical role to play in leading the way for girls, as advocates for their rights. "I believe that laws can be set as much as we want, but the most important thing would be to change the mindsets of people."– Young woman, age unknown, Mauritius "Ensure community law enforcers are educated on human rights of girls because they are the problem solvers at the grassroots level."– Young man, 21, Kenya

CONSULTATION SUMMARY
The discussions revolved around 5 questions on progress, impact, obstacles, new threats and recommendations on girls’ rights.

GIRLS’ RIGHTS TODAY :

Q1. Which rights do girls have? Which rights are denied? How do these rights shape girls’ lives today and their hopes for the future? Participants agreed that girls’ rights are increasingly recognized around the world, but that there is still a long way to go before there is equality of opportunities. They have seen concrete improvements in:

The right to education – more girls are going to school
The right to expression – more girls are allowed to express themselves freely
"Girls have place [as leaders], in study, have priority in community. The right [that] shapes them is the right [to education]."- Girl, 15, Rwanda

However, many rights are still denied or not granted in full. Participants mention:
The right to participate – girls and women hold few important leadership positions, both in their communities and in their countries. The right to make decisions about their own life – although more girls are going to school, they are often not free to choose their field of study or work
The right to free movement – girls are often not allowed to move freely in their communities, most often due to safety constraints.

The right to inheritance – it is mostly boys who inherit property and family possessions
"The girls go to school, get married and raise children" – Girl, 14, Zimbabwe "One of the communities confirms that most of the speaking, expression of ideas, etc. in their youth meeting is normally done or dominated by male youth. The female youth are not prohibited to talk but it is because of their traditional upbringing, where women are not allowed to talk or express opinions during island meeting." – Focus group report, Tuvalu While not everyone perceived that rights have an impact on their lives, many mentioned that:
Knowing about rights is empowering and gives confidence
Girls today are more independent
Trying to claim their rights can create clashes with parents and community leaders
"Girls have the right to have big positions like Presidents." - Group of girls and boys, 11-14 years old, Ghana "…a girl about to go to college and wants to take a certain course socially believed to be for men alone, parents limit their daughter’s future plans according to social beliefs on degree programs that accounts only to men." – Girl, 17, Philippines

GLOBAL POLICY IMPACT Q2. Do you believe that declarations and global policies actually have an impact on girls’ lives? If so, in what way? If not, what needs to happen to ensure they have an impact? Participants were divided on this question, with some seeing both direct and indirect impacts of global policies:
Greater awareness of rights – both children and adults know more about their rights and responsibilities
More organizations providing services – it is easier to access child-friendly information and services ?
"Yes. In every localities with radio programs we girls are hearing about our rights so we are fighting for it" – Young woman, 21, Togo

"Global laws and policies that address this are extremely important for bringing a second point of view to people who otherwise would not have thought about it." – Young man, 19, Venezuela

"Yes. We have seen a reduction of female genital cutting and early pregnancy in the community" – Young woman, 20, Kenya

Other participants are skeptical about the impact of global policies:

People are not aware – the information about rights does not reach the most marginalized communities and remote areas. Policies are not enforced or implemented – there is still too much impunity and no consequences for those that violate rights, both at the country and individual level.
"No, I think the governments should be serious on every goal they declare on girls and also provide all the materials they need." - Group of girls and boys, 11-14 years old, Ghana KEY OBSTACLES, Q3. What are the key obstacles which continue to impede the realization of girls’ rights? Many issues were brought up as obstacles to girls’ rights, and most revolved around the mindsets and attitudes of duty-bearers and the environment in which girls live:

Tradition and culture – overwhelmingly, participants felt that traditional and cultural attitudes towards girls and women were the biggest obstacle.
Role of parents – among duty-bearers, parents were most often mentioned as impeding their daughters’ ability to claim their rights
Poverty – economic hardships often leave girls and families with
little or no choice but to focus on survival, and less on upholding, girls’ rights
Violence and conflict – in conflict situations, girls’ rights get little attention and are continuously violated
"We should go to our village to sensitize our parents." – Young woman, 21, Togo "Many girls are locked in their houses thus they don’t know their rights." – Boy, 15, Kenya NEW THREATS Q4. In the world today, what do you feel are the most significant new threats (such as climate change, food insecurity and economic crises) to girls’ rights, and why? Many participants noted that they didn’t see any connections between "global politics and economics" and their rights. However, some noted the links with:
Economic crisis – unemployment among parents is often the key obstacle to girls being able to go to school
Climate change – droughts, hurricanes and floods can have a devastating impact on communities, but is not viewed as a specific threat to girls’ rights
HIV and AIDS – girls are especially affected by HIV and AIDS and often have to become caregivers for the family
"Most girls turn to sell their rights themselves because of economic crises" – Young woman, 19, Cameroon "They should find a work for those parents who are not working so that, they can send them to school. So if they do that the girls will get their right." - Group of girls and boys, 11-14 years old, Ghana
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ,Q5. What future actions do you recommend should be taken by the world community to prioritize and invest in girls’ rights? The most common suggestions related to awareness and education, often with a specific focus on reaching duty-bearers:
Right to education – girls’ rights should be included in school curricula at all levels, and there should be more scholarships for girls so they can go to school even if their parents cannot support them
Empowerment campaigns – media and cultural activities can be used to raise awareness about rights and build confidence among girls themselves
Awareness-of impacts of rights violations – parents and community and religious leaders need to be educated about the rights of girls and made aware of the impacts of rights violations
"Teach all girls their right, create many NGOs help girls and support their problem. Increase levels of women’s active engagement, decision making of women who have capacity." – Girl, 15, Rwanda
ABOUT THE CONSULTATION This discussion on "Girls and Gender Equality" was part of a series of United Nations online discussions dedicated to the fifteen-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly (2000); and was coordinated by WomenWatch, an inter-agency project of the United Nations Inter-agency Network on Women and Gender Equality. For more information and other "Beijing at 15" online discussions, visit:
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/beijing15/ UNICEF Voices of Youth, in partnership with the UNICEF Gender and Rights Unit, organized an online discussion on the Girl Child to allow children and young people voice their opinions and contribute to the review process at the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2010 in New York. The consultation started in December 2009 and finished in February 2010. In addition to the online discussion, several focus group discussions and surveys were done by UNICEF Rural Voices of Youth National Focal Points in 11 countries, where more than 100 children and young people in rural areas discussed the rights of girls. These contributions were also posted on the online discussion forum. For details, please visit:
http://www.unicef.org/voy/discussions/showthread.php?t=11751

ABOUT VOICES OF YOUTH
Voices of Youth (VOY) is an Internet site created by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for young people who want to know more, do more and say more about the world. It’s about linking children and adolescents in different countries to explore, speak out and take action on global issues that are important to them and to creating a world fit for children.

ABOUT RURAL VOICES OF YOUTH
Rural Voices of Youth (RVOY) is a Voices of Youth (VOY) initiative launched by a group of young people in Nigeria in 2005. RVOY has the objective of linking young people from rural areas and the hard to reach in different countries, who do not have access to the internet, to explore, speak out and take action on global issues that are important to them in order to create a world fit for children. We would like to acknowledge as well as thank the following team of young people who are UNICEF Rural Voices of Youth’s National Focal Points, who worked with VOY in organizing the consultation with rural youths, the hard to reach and those without internet access. Md. Biozid Jessorey (Bangladesh), Ntiokam Divine (Cameroon), Michael Boampong, Emmanuel Duker and Lindsay Bayham (Ghana), Peter Gitaka Mbugua (Kenya), Masood Bilal (Pakistan), Leo Christian V. Lauzon (Philippines), Valentine Dushimiyimana (Rwanda), Peter Seenan (Scotland), Baïta Mawusi (Togo), Filiga Niko (Tuvalu), and Kucherera Edmond (Zimbabwe). TOGETHER, LET’S TURN YOUNG PEOPLE’S IDEAS INTO ACTIONS, AND NOT JUST WORDS.

For more information contact me at: debate.bilal@gmail.com

Regards,

Bilal Masood

National Focal Point Pakistan

UNICEF, Rural Voices of Youth (RVOY)

Hum Dunya Badlaingay

The Pakistan Youth Congress (PYC) is one of the biggest annual meeting of young leaders in Pakistan that unites young leaders and future youth leaders in development sector. The participants come from all over Pakistan for three days conference and they usually number around 350. They interact with each other and engage in activities and simulations that facilitate learning of essential skills to excel in our challenging and fast-changing global environment. Participants are also equipped with invaluable knowledge on drug abuse and ideas on preventive drug education and valuable life skills.

"Hum Dunya Badlaingay" it’s not just a phrase; it is the inspiration to bring all positive change within youth and society. Revolutions never come suddenly but it’s the fruit of untiring efforts where each unit of the system gives its part.

It was great to be a part of 2nd Pakistan Youth Congress (PYC), courtesy Youth Parliament of Pakistan(YPP) that made it possible for me to attend this event. It was held from March 1st to March 4th, 2010 at Karachi. The aim of this congress was to provide a platform for youth to express and share their ideas, talent and creativity. It was organized by Drug Free Pakistan.

In the words of John Biggs-Davison, " Although without Ghandi, Hindustan would still have gained independence and without Lenin and Mao, Russia and China would still have endured Communist revolution, without Jinnah there would have been no Pakistan in 1947."

"Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three." Stanley Wolpert. Jinnah of Pakistan

Time for action!!!

Pakistan, Switzerland and decision to ban the construction of minarets

Pakistan has rightly termed the public referendum in Switzerland banning minarets in the coun­try as „unhelpful” to the cause of promoting inter-faith harmony and tolerance. Though it may express the popular will in Switzerland, the decision to ban the construction of new minarets in Switzerland is a source of profound concern for people in the Muslim world.

The results of this referendum in Switzerland have sparked anger in the Muslim world with religious groups in Pakistan attacking the refer­endum as „extreme Islamophobia.” Mr. Maskuri Abdillah, the head of Indone­sia’s largest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, said that the vote reflected „a hatred of Swiss people against Muslim communities”. The Egyptian govern­ment’s official interpreter of Islamic law, Mufti Ali Gomaa, denounced the minaret ban as an „insult” to Muslims and „an attack on freedom of beliefs”. These views reflect the feelings on the results of referendum across the Mus­lim World.

However, it is heartening to know that The Council of Europe has pointed out that the ban violates fundamental hu­man rights protected by international treaties, specifically the European Con­vention on Human Rights. Even Euro­pean countries like Germany, Sweden, France, and Austria have issued state­ments of concern, condemnation, and criticism over the referendum.

Huma Yusuf, a columnist of a Paki­stani Newspaper, writes, “BIGOTED, xenophobic, reactionary, alarmist, radi­cal, hateful, rabid: these words are more commonly used to describe extremist Muslims. But since 57.5 percent of the Swiss public voted to ban the building of any new minarets in their country, the tables have turned, and the world is wondering, who’s the radical one now?”

Referendum supporters have argued that the minaret ban was an effort to improve integration and fight extrem­ism. Nothing could be further from the truth. Sociologist and urban theorist Henri Lefebvre has argued that “monu­mental space offer[s] each member of a society an image of that membership, an image of his or her social visage. It thus constitute[s] a collective mirror more faithful than any personal one”. In other words, monuments mirror societ­ies and thus help communities develop consensus and craft collective identi­ties.

At the same time, people in Pakistan and other Muslim countries must also consider the criticism and shock of Eu­ropean media on the decision by Swiss voters to ban the building of minarets. For example, The Der Standard daily described the vote as the „ugly face of direct democracy”, while the Die Pres­se newspaper said Swiss voters had done a „disservice” to their country.

Ms. Huma concludes her article: “If Europe wants Muslims to integrate, let them have their minarets. Let them literally see themselves as part of the European landscape and know that their belonging has been concretised. Isn’t it more important that Muslims in Switzerland identify with a local articu­lation of their faith—whether through practice or architecture—rather than yearn for an idealised Islam that flour­ishes in faraway places? Without any outward acknowledgment of the fact that there are Muslims in Europe, they will feel more marginalised and socially overlooked—anything but in­tegrated.

“In the event that the ban is over­turned, the Muslim world should not rest on its laurels. Across Europe, de­fenders of the minaret ban have put forth the argument that Christian sym­bols and structures are unwelcome in Islamic countries and, therefore, that European Muslims deserve no courte­sies. It is certainly true that the Muslim world’s record on tolerance and plural­ism is shoddy and, in Pakistan, the hy­pocrisy of groups such as the Jamaat-i-Islami protesting the minaret ban is apparent. In this context, the Swiss ref­erendum should serve as a reminder in the Muslim world, too, that you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Source: http://www.kurier.diplomacy.pl/site/pakistan--switzerland-and-decision-to-ban-the-construction-of-minarets

Bilal Masood in the Czech Republic

With assistance from TCS Bilal Masood attended the 11th International Youth Leadership Conference held in Celakovice, a small town outside or Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. The program focused on public speaking skills for young students within the age bracket of 14 to 17 years.

“I want to thank TCS for being a part of my life” says Bilal. “I am amazed and touched by how dedicated TCS is to empower the Pakistan’s youth and I appreciate all the motivational seeds TCS have planted within me. I am inspired to lead, to listen and to be the change I wish to see in this world”.

The conference itself consisted of a number of activities focused on enhancing leadership skills, visits to Embassies and simulations of international organizations that promote peace and broadening of social interaction.“It was an unparalleled learning experience and cross-culture adventure” says Bilal. “Not only did the conference increase my understanding, it also provided me with great opportunities to practice my speaking and listening skills and boosts my confidence. I think that if every young person had the opportunity to express their views ant think like the Conference participants were thinking, the world would be a far better place.”

Source: http://www.tcscouriers.com/pk/AboutTCS/CSR.aspx?qlink=7