Social Justice – Page 3 – www.zucchiniadvocacy.com

2017-09-252021-03-26

On peace and diplomacy: a necessity for these times

I perceive the need to leave this note- a brief note, as a concerned observer and advocate. In times of peace, no matter how frail, reflection can be golden, but also in these high pressured moments its the character that has been chiseled through years of experiences that may come to bear. I write as one concerned in recent affairs, a voice, as one with some perception, a fellow citizen of our now integrated global world, but also as one that have taken a bit of courses on conflict resolution and on interfaith issues with United States Institute of Peace- also more generally on aspects of societal mechanisms, negotiation, law as an instrument, of the need to understand root causes of conflict, as could be meaningful in resolving issues, framing alternatives, or taking proactive measures could be helpful. This is just to be taking seriously. But more still- antecedents, and also this biblical scripture, Matthew 5:9a “Blessed are the peacemakers”.

In few lines, this is what I will say- war torn areas take decades to rebuild and may cost lives. With technology and scientific advancement, dimensions of conflict or prolonged warfare go beyond knifes and bullets, it could be biological and chemical, split seconds destruction of a mass area, starvation, long term infrastructural decay, diseases possibly prolonged for generations, high level of human degradation and fatal aftermaths. These information and experiences are well researched already over the internet and libraries, so nothing gigantic, but we need to pay attention to the need for peace. In context, destruction is rarely one sided, there is the ‘mind harbours’ of revenge, the circles of violence are rarely curtailed. And at opportunities and moments of weakness loyalties may shift for some whose alliances are weak. Again, in context, on peace and diplomacy, is this an alternative too hard? What is said to a wider audience could apply to small-scale situations, as well- the willingness to engage for friendship must be pursued, though difficult, though sometimes agreeably far-fetched, but it has to be clear all efforts has been made, and that justly. Peaceful coexistence has to suffice. Beyond complexities, we must think for generations yet unborn. I give you a parable- to choose. If a group achieve their aim and need 40 years to rebuild, how about a 40 years period of building, on diplomacy and legal negotiations, and then meet the same goal?

2017-08-252023-05-25

On demystifying rights phenomenology, aiding and constructing meaning that advances the well-being of people

[Abstract] What constitute ‘rights’ raises several complexities, such as whether we connote natural right, human right, legal right or perhaps merely being right. Rights may also simultaneously invoke themes of liberty, immunity, power, priviledge. Some theorists suggest a classification based on the question of a correlative duty or enforceability.

I suggest we understand rights as a concept that carries with it an original meaning that we have to interpret in terms of its history and broadness. Rights could be analysed as a derivative of natural law, but also a creation of positive law- I argue however, whatever ascription we construct rights to be it has to be such that takes a perspective that prioritises the welfare and dignity of people, and recognises that certain rights to individuals are intrinsic and inalienable, and such to be protected, not deviated from.

Source: Israel Okunwaye, ” A Jurisprudential Quagmire on Definition of ‘Rights’- Human or Legal, Both or Neither? To What Divine and Constructive Purpose in Society?” (2017) 4(2) ijlljs 23.

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2017-08-022021-03-26

On Genetically modified food options?

‘GM’ or not? – on options

There are pertinent issues on GM foods to highlight- which first really seize my attention in conferences I attended in Shanghai and Ningbo-Hangzhou province China, on food security, some years ago. Where the world’s population is increasing significantly each decade, options for increased food production also has to be noted. The industry is estimated to have accounted for over $116 billion, between 2006 to 2012 globally.

Out of question- is allowing downsizing of numbers by deliberately prolonging conflicts through non-interventions or inactivity by responsible actors, or enacting restrictive and forceful child birth policies. The issues would include whether it’s a nutritive alternative to existing food crops? Does increased GM foods sold in commercial quantities maximise profits at the expense of local farmers? How do we ascertain if there are long-term side effects of consumption? Should we rather focus on redistribution and reducing wastage to tackle hunger epidemics? For MNCs acquiring lands to farm GM crops, are they extending a neo-colonial enterprise through acquiring vast lands or investing well-meaningly in developing value-adding mechanics at the sites of exploration? Is there a reciprocal policy in place- mutually benefiting plans for farmers and investors, researchers and regulating bodies? Shouldn’t we be looking at owning the challenge as a community and empowering grass root entrepreneurs rather than only consolidating major stakeholders- a bottom-up consideration?

And perhaps, not least, or inconsequential, how about investing in scientific research for developing preservation techniques so harvest could be stored for longer periods and for the ‘rainy day’? Chen Zhang, Robert Wohlhueter, Han Zhang in their recent article write- “Drawing from past experience it seems unlikely the technological momentum toward genetically modified foods can be stopped dead in its tracks. Or should be. The immediate advantages are too tangible to ignore or set aside out of fear of the unknown and unintended disadvantages”.
How we approach these areas of concern will vary, but strategic and meaningful thoughts I think can be raised, as the effects are far-reaching.

Source(s): Chen Zhang, Robert Wohlhueter, Han Zhang, “Genetically modified foods: A critical review of their promise and problems” (2016) 5(3) Food Science and Human Wellness 116-123; WHO, “Frequently asked questions on genetically modified foods” May 2014 <http://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/>; Marc Gunther, “Why NGOs can’t be trusted on GMOs” July 16, 2014 <https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/jul/16/ngos-nonprofits-gmos-genetically-modified-foods-biotech>