Muhammad Yunus’ Post

The April 2024 edition of our distinguished personality lecture series featured Prof. Tim Murithi of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in South Africa. He spoke on the topic: Transitional Justice and the Transformation of the Multilateral System. The relevance of this topic is in interrogating the global crisis of legitimacy bedeviling the United Nations. This crisis results from a ‘fallacy of reform’ as afforded by extant geopolitics of exclusion; especially where Africa remains at the fringes of the operations of the international body. He thus contended the need for integrating African values into the reimaging of the UN to include the adoption of solidarity, justice, reconciliation and freedom. The need to reform the UN has been necessitated by the sporadic and continuous emergence of enduring ‘wars of aggression,’ as exemplified in the Rwandan (1994) and Srebrenica (1995) genocides, the Iraq (2003) and Libyan (2011) invasions; and more recently the invasions of Ukraine by Russia and Gaza by Israel. These crises have been characterized by the perpetration of impugned dominance by ‘a coalition of coercion’, which, at times, has entailed the disregard for the UN system, which remains challenged by the flawed design of the UNSC. According to him, recent events in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine accentuate the ‘tipping point of global insecurity,’ with a possibility of resulting in the end of the UN system. This could better be understood when one contextualizes the worsening refugee crises, internecine conflicts, and extremist violence that undermine the ‘still-born attempts to reform the UN’. With the emergence of the multilateral system being championed by BRICS, it is important that the transitioning global order is ‘re-legitimized’ through a bottom-up approach that prioritizes citizen representation and participation in global affairs. Prof Murithi subsequently advocated for the adoption of transitional justice principles of freedom, solidarity, justice and global reconciliation in creating ‘A World Federation of Nations’ (WFN) as a new assemblage for the committee of states. The WFN is to be structured to have a World Parliament, Council of Supra-Nations, Assembly of Nation-states, Committee of Sub-national Groups, Global Forum of NGO’s and a Global Committee of Unions and Transnational Corporations. These are to be established through a new and separate global treaty by invoking Article 109 of the UN Charter, where Africa is able to re-assert its position as having equal stakes among the comity of nations. The discussions centred around the repositioning of Africa in the global scheme of things in an age where technology serves as a major driver of societal development and social engineering. There were exchanges on the need for a people-centred leadership on the continent, including within the African Union, its organs and national sovereignties of member states in order to resist ongoing attempts at digital colonization.

The ICJ application against Israel is the latest expression of South Africa's foreign policy re-alignment in favour of a small group of feverishly anti-Western, developing countries such as Malaysia, Bolivia, Cuba, Venezuela and most importantly Iran. This re-alignment is not viewed positively by the main BRICS partners, China, India and Russia. Nor by any of the Islamic nations that matter. Evidently, the Christian nations, the USA, UK and the EU, also reject South Africa's grand standing before the ICJ, a United Nations organ that has never yet managed to contribute anything tangible to the maintenance of peace and security in international relations. South Africa opted for an irrational foreign policy preference inspired by sentiments of unacknowledged victimhood. The ANC has over decades failed to make anyone outside its own ranks believe that like the Jewish people, Black South Africans too were victims of a genocide. South Africans, just like the Palestinian people, were fortunately never targeted with genocide. The new activist bond between the ANC, Hamas and Iran is infused by unreflected anti-westernism, even though everything that Sourh Africans in their lives aspire, is Western. The USA and the EU nations are very much aware of the new South African minefield of political emotions and are engaging in damage control by emphasising the advantages for South Africa of strong trade, industrial, educational, scientific, cultural and health care relations with the West. They will also not fail to remind South Africa that its fundamental commitment to individual human rights, gender equality and rejection of the death penalty, are not shared by its new international allies of choice. The anti Western and anti-American stance of the ANC can be expected to wear off after the elections, when more pressing issues such as the re-financing of large sovereign debt packages and the re-capitalisation of the many failed SOEs and the survival of over 24 million people living under the poverty line will become pressing and even existential.

In Solidarity with Palestine: A Call for Peace and Justice The ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict is a source of immense pain and suffering for the Palestinian people. It is a conflict that has persisted for generations, casting a shadow of uncertainty, fear, and displacement over their lives. As we witness this struggle, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, acknowledging their deep-rooted grievances and hopes for a just and lasting resolution. Human Suffering: For the people of Palestine, the conflict is not merely a political dispute; it is a daily reality that affects every aspect of their lives. The loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and the displacement of families are tragedies that continue to unfold. The world must not turn a blind eye to the pain endured by the innocent, including children who deserve to grow up in peace and security. Historical Wounds: The memory of the Nakba, the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in 1948, is etched into the collective consciousness of the Palestinian people. The wounds of that period remain fresh, as many families still yearn for the right of return to their ancestral homes. Territorial Disputes: The ongoing conflict has left the Palestinian territories fragmented and isolated, hindering economic development and access to basic services. The West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem remain focal points of contention. Palestinians face daily challenges related to access, movement, and livelihood. Human Rights: The international community's focus on human rights should not waver. The Palestinian people deserve the same fundamental rights and dignity as anyone else. Their rights to self-determination, freedom from discrimination, and access to essential services are non-negotiable. International Solidarity: The Palestinian struggle is not one they should bear alone. It is a global concern, and the international community has a responsibility to help find a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic efforts and peaceful negotiations must be redoubled. Hope for the Future: While the challenges are immense, hope for a peaceful resolution remains. Numerous Palestinians and Israelis, along with international activists, continue to work tirelessly for a future of coexistence, understanding, and justice. Their resilience is a testament to the possibility of reconciliation. A Call for Empathy: In the face of human suffering, we must stand with empathy and solidarity. We must remember that the pursuit of peace is a universal aspiration that transcends borders, faiths, and backgrounds. It is a conflict that has caused immeasurable suffering to the Palestinian people. It is time to hear their voices, acknowledge their pain, and support their dreams of a brighter, more peaceful future. In solidarity with Palestine, we must work tirelessly to find a path to justice, security, and lasting peace. #InsolidaritywithPalestine

The Imperative of Peace: A Global Appeal The world we live in today is marred by conflicts that not only challenge our moral fabric but also hinder our collective progress towards a better tomorrow. The recent flare-up of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since October 7, 2023, has led to the tragic loss of over 9,227 Palestinian and more than 1,400 Israeli lives. This dire situation calls for immediate reflection and action towards peace. Yet, the narrative of violence is not restricted to this region alone. The report from the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia has unveiled the horrific reality of mass killings, rape, and other atrocities committed since November 3, 2020. Similarly, the ongoing tensions in Ukraine and Russia continue to claim lives and disrupt peace in the region. Closer home, in the United States, the alarming rate of fatal police shootings is a stark reminder of the violence that pervades society. As of October 23, 2023, a total of 707 civilians have been shot, with the rate of fatal shootings among Black Americans standing at a disturbing 5.7 per million of the population per year from 2015 to October 2023. The global response to these crises has varied. In the case of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, nations like Colombia and Chile have recalled their ambassadors, while Bolivia has cut ties completely. Argentina condemned Israel’s attack on the Jabalia refugee camp, and Jordan, one of the first Arab countries to establish ties with Israel, recalled its ambassador in light of the war. The ripple effects of this conflict are felt far and wide, with cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon adding to the volatile mix. Senator Bernie Sanders, in his address on October 25, highlighted the “horrific situation in Israel and Gaza,” reminding us of the importance of adhering to international law even in the face of adversities. He said that “Israel has the absolute right to defend itself, but added that it does not mean it can violate international law and wage indiscriminate warfare against innocent men, women and children in Gaza.” The numbers are stark, the images haunting, and the tales heart-wrenching. The common thread across all these narratives is the urgent and undeniable need for peace. We, at Grow Forward Group, LLC believe that fostering peace + preserving life a humanitarian obligation‼️ As global citizens, we share a collective responsibility to advocate for peace, to raise our voices against injustice, and to work towards creating a world where life is cherished, and humanity prevails over hatred and violence. The road to peace may be long and arduous, but let's take steps towards creating a world that values peace over conflict, understanding over discord, and humanity over hostility. #worldpeace

Reflecting on the UN's Role in the Israel-Palestine Conflict 🕊️ As I witness the devastating events unfolding in Gaza, I find myself torn between my belief in the United Nations' potential to bring about positive change and a growing sense of frustration. The UN, an organization designed to foster global cooperation and peace, often appears to be a silent observer in the face of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The ongoing violence, particularly affecting innocent children and women, raises questions about the effectiveness of the humanitarian aid provided by the UN. I want desperately to believe in the power of international collaboration, yet the persistent turmoil in Palestine leaves me questioning whether the UN is indeed a force for meaningful change or merely a symbol of hope with limited impact. In our pursuit of global development, it's disheartening to witness such a longstanding and complex issue persist without a clear solution. The UN's involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, while marked by numerous resolutions, has yet to yield the desired outcome. As we grapple with this reality, it's essential to ask ourselves: What is the way forward? How can the world collectively address this issue? Is there a solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both parties involved? While the idea of dissolving the UN may cross our minds in moments of frustration, perhaps it's more productive to explore avenues for reform and increased effectiveness. The world needs an institution that can genuinely facilitate peace, justice, and equality. Let's open a dialogue on how we, as a global community, can contribute to reshaping the UN's role in addressing conflicts like the one in Palestine. It's time to bridge the gap between hope and tangible action, ensuring that the UN becomes a beacon of true change, especially in regions where the need for peace is most urgent. 🌐💙 #UN #PeaceForPalestine #GlobalDiShashi TharoorDr Anas AliAntónio Guterres

Reflections on War: The Silent Spectators and the Chronicle of Death I'm sorry for the recent hiatus in my writing. The emotional toll from closely following the developments in a war that has persisted for 45 days has been profound. The ceaseless reports of death and destruction and the apparent ineffectiveness of international institutions in addressing the crisis have weighed heavily on my spirit and have been emotionally draining. However, I am determined to contribute the best I can. As the relentless march of time continues, so does the tragic narrative of death and destruction on the global stage. The echoes of conflict persist, leaving behind a trail of broken lives and shattered communities. In the face of such horrors, the institutions established to safeguard human rights and promote global peace operate more as instruments of selective convenience than as beacons of justice. The United Nations stands today as a paradoxical entity. The scale of death and destruction that has unfolded over the years seems to expose a stark truth – the UN often serves the interests of its founders rather than the nations it was designed to safeguard. The International Security Council is a stage for double standards. The deafening silence in the face of atrocities and the blatant inconsistency in addressing conflicts have raised serious questions about the council's effectiveness, leaving nations in turmoil and innocents at the mercy of unchecked aggression. The League of Arab Nations, ostensibly formed to promote economic, cultural, and political cooperation among Arab countries, has not escaped scrutiny. The League's response often appears tepid and fragmented in a region rife with conflict. Like other international bodies, the League seems to operate in the interests of a few rather than the collective welfare of the Arab world. Similarly, the silence and inaction of Islamic countries in the face of atrocities have added to the disillusionment. The ummah often finds itself divided and unable to address the suffering within its ranks. The lofty ideals of unity and brotherhood proclaimed by the Islamic countries seem to waver when confronted with the complexities of regional politics. The European Union’s response to humanitarian crises raises eyebrows. The dissonance between the ideals of solidarity and the reality of political maneuvering has sometimes left a void in the EU's ability to address the humanitarian crises unfolding at its doorstep effectively. As we reflect on the state of our world, it becomes imperative to hold these institutions accountable and demand a reevaluation of their roles. The journey towards a world free from the shackles of war and suffering requires rhetoric and a genuine commitment to the principles underpinning the very foundations of our shared humanity. Hisham signing off. #ReflectionsOnWar #GlobalInjustice #InstitutionalParadox