Governance

According to its Charter, the European Union (EU) ‘is founded on the indivisible, universal values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity; it is based on the principles of democracy and the rule of law.’ It is no overstateme

The United Nations stands behind its proud record of promoting the universality and indivisibility of human rights, and for many decades the institution has played an incredibly value role in promoting peace and stability around the world.

The conflict in Western Sahara seems to gain more and more visibility and importance in the regional and international geopolitics this last decade, despite the great lack of media coverage and academic analysis of its different facts, aspects, possible consequences and perspectives.

Mr. Chairman, and Ladies and Gentlemen members of the Committee:

My name is Katlyn Thomas, and I am the former Chair of the United Nations Committee of The Association of the Bar of the City of New York.

Ismail Hamdi, a Saharawi student, is from Elaaiun where he was born and raised. When he first opened his eyes to this world he saw oppression, abuses and plundering of natural resources. He has been witnessing occupation at work in his homeland: Western Sahara.

In recent months, media in Kenya has reported the re-emergence of the terror group Mungiki in parts of the central region. Mungiki, an exclusively Kikuyu ethnic militia, has over the years been blamed for atrocious violence and extortion in central Kenya, the Rift Valley and Nairobi.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Africa’s classic depiction in the mainstream media, as a giant basket case full of endless war, famine and helpless children creates an illusion of a continent utterly dependent on Western handouts. In fact, the precise opposite is true – it is the West that is reliant on African handouts.

On February 8 in Tunisia a general strike and mass demonstrations marked the response by the youth and workers to the assassination of opposition organizer Chokri Belaid.

Fellow Kenyans, I have called this press conference to inform the country of two separate but significant events that have occurred in the past one week.