Brahma Kumaris at United Nations

The Brahma Kumaris office for the Untied Nations facilitated a workshop at the American Telugu Association (ATA) 2008 Convention held at the Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey, from July 3-5. The ATA’s main purpose is to assist and promote literary, cultural, educational, religious, social, economic, health and community activities of the people of Telugu origin as well as to promote exchange programs for students, scientists, and professionals of Telugu origin between the United States of America, Canada, and India and other countries. Its convention attracts over 10,000 people across the US.

Our workshop held on the Saturday, July 5, was called Human Rights, Spiritual Rights and Practical Life Skills. It highlighted the fact that Human rights gain a new dimension when we recognize that all human beings are fundamentally spiritual beings and that human rights and spiritual rights are closely related.

One of the stated aims of this years 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights it to give Human Rights life — to defend them, promote them, understand them, nourish them and enrich them. A way to do this is to explore their spiritual parallels and see how they show up in our lives practically. To facilitate this process the Brahma Kumaris created a booklet called “Upholding the Highest Aspirations of all People - Human Rights, Spiritual Rights”. In this booklet each of the 30 Articles of the declaration are shown opposite the corresponding spiritual right.

During this interactive session the participants where first shown a power point presentation of the booklet and then the facilitator, Julia Grindon-Welch, one of the Brahma Kumaris representatives at the UN, interviewed Sandhya Kanthan, originally from Hyderabad, who has an MS in Mathematics, works as a Project Manager in the IT world, and had been practicing Raj Yoga meditation for 18 years. With the intention of demonstrating how a human right is linked to a spiritual right and how together they show up as life skills in every day living the conversation commenced.

The article they chose to discuss was Article 26 on education. First the Human Right was read: Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” then the spiritual right was read ” Every soul is able to build capacity when provided with a learning process that facilitates it overall development and helps him/her to grow with respect, confidence, and enthusiasm.” and then Julia asked Sandhya two questions:

Question 1: Article 26 of the UDHR proclaims the rights parents have to choose the kind of education that is best for their children. Think back for a moment to your own education and to the efforts your parents and others made to assure that you were educated and prepared for the world you were to live in. Share a story about your own education.

Question 2: Now, I want to focus on spiritual education, the cultivation of our inner spirituality. What is possible when an individual is afforded an opportunity to develop his or her inner resources?

Sandhya answered question one, by sharing a story of her husband’s education: Her husband’s father had come from a large and relatively poor, uneducated family in India and had been the only child from the family who had had the opportunity to have a formal education. He grew up seeing how much difference this made in his life and he vowed that he would do anything to give his own children an education. He had ten children and by the time it came to educate the last of his children, (Sandhya’s husband) his resources were running out, so he made the choice to sell everything he possessed to fulfill his promise. All his children received an education and have become professionals with happy and productive lives. This not only benefited themselves and their immediate families, but using some of the resources they accumulted through their own education, they have established an educational foundation that educates many hundreds of children and which also flourishes financially. It is seen that the Fathers sacrifice and investment in his children brought its return, both to him and to the larger human family.

When addressing question 2 Sandhya shared that the first thing that came to her mind was how when she was a child, she had many questions about life; where did she come from; what was she meant to be doing with her life? . . . Questions that no one around her could answer. So she always felt that something was incomplete . . . . Regarding her personality she felt that there was little she could do to change this, she was born with this personality and she was basically stuck with it. It was only after she commenced her spiritual study that she realized that whom she seemed to be, personality wise, was not really who she was. She understood that it was possible to change something she didn’t like about her self, if she wanted to. So with this realization and putting into practice the spiritual education she has received there has been so much transformation in her life! If someone who knew her as a child met her now she doubted they would realize it was the same person. She felt a good education offered many opportunities in life such as a wide choice of profession and a satisfying career, it also brought financial and material rewards, but it was her spiritual education she found to be the most enriching, because one can actually transform every aspect of ones life. It made her feel that she had the capacity to offer help to others also, to help them find solutions. Before she had not known how to manage many issues in her life, even with her professional education, there were always larger issues which she didn’t know how to resolve. But by building her inner spiritual capacity she has seen that she has developed her inner resources that have helped not only her but have allowed her to help many others in her community.

After the interview, a short guided meditation was given on the theme. Participants were then guided to form groups of 2’s and 3’s to have their own conversations on various other article which had been printed on card with their respective questions on the back. Rich conversations took place and there was just enough time left at the end for a few participants to share with the larger group stories that they had heard that particularly touched them.

It was seen that to uphold the highest aspirations of a human being is to see that person with innate dignity and divinity. Policies do not give this to a person, but it allows for its unfettered expression.

For rights to be respected, they have to be integrated and assimilated into our lives at all levels, political, social, and spiritual.

Let us celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration by witnessing acts of human greatness and recommitting ourselves to appreciating all dimensions of human life and protecting each one’s right to full expression and contribution to the world’s families, communities, and societies.

Julia, NY

Article 18 of the Universal Declaraon of Human right states” Everyone has the right to thought, consciousness, religion, and belief.” It is from this article and intent that the NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion and Belief was created. This past June, the committee held its annual meeting and also to elect the Bureau (Board of Directors and officers) for the committee. The organizations represented on the new Bureau include the Bahai International Community, International Humanist and Ethical Union, B’nai B’rith International, United Methodist, Union for Reform Judaism, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. 

With only one returning memeber on the Bureau, there is a newness and freshness for the committe and the upcoming programs and activities. We plan to keep you informed here regarding the programs, ideas and activities of the committe and the Bureau. It will be a special year as we all celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.

Erik

World Environment Day is observed every year by the United Nations on June 5. This year on the occasion the weekly DPI briefing was scheduled and entitled “Kick the Habit; towards a Low Carbon Economy.” This briefing was Co-sponsored by the Values Caucus of the UN, of which the Brahma Kumaris are one of the Co-Chairs.

H. E. Rosemary Banks, the permanent representative of New Zealand to the United Nations spoke first and stated that the behavior of the world is like an addict. Before we can change any addiction or addictive behavior, we must become aware and take individual action. “Green Ribbon” rewards are being given to encourage action to help the environment.

Mr James Saffern, the following speaker from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicated that there are little things that can be done to address climate change, “the defining issue of our age”, and that ‘little things done easily, allows you to be more ambitious.”
The best action we can take is to “turn things off”. There are many “vampire” machines that are always in ready-mode and are always on, sucking up energy and power.

Ms. Miriam Horn, of the Environmental Defense Fund, offered the positive side of the environmental disaster. We cannot just oppose things but must offer constructive solutions. This environment inspires innovation and creates new businesses. In regards to biodiesel, or ethanol, a fuel made from corn, the most direct statement of the day was offered, “It is stupid to burn food.”

Just as difficulties can inspire new thinking, they can also help us look at our current thinking and guide us to be free of addictive behaviors that our damaging the self, others and the world.

Erik - New York

15 May 2008
In honor of the United Nation’s International Day of the Family a very important topic was taken for the NGO DPI briefing. “Fathers and Families: Responsibilities and Challenges”

The role the father plays in the family was put in perspective by a film shown at the start of the briefing. Parents Action founded by Rob Reiner had their movie “To Be a Father” presented it was hosted by Ray Romano, who said according to scientific studies, “by being involved fathers can have a profound impact on their kids.” The key is for mom and dad to parent together, a mother’s way of picking up the child is predictable she gets the child and holds the baby close and 9 times out of 10 a dad’s way of picking up the child is unpredictable, wanting the child to be active and is playful in his way of holding the child. A dad encourages the child to take risks…to swim in the deep end moms’ and dads’ styles can compliment one another. Even when it is difficult to stay in contact due to divorce or incarceration it is important for the father to do what is best for the children. Jails offer classes for fathers to learn about nurturing their children. This film showed the very significant positive influences a father can have on the lives of children if he plays an active role from pregnancy through life and it ended with the underlying message for fathers ….be there, be there, be there….
A couple of websites with parenting information are:
parentsaction.org
nationalpartnership.org

Mrs. Joyce C. Kafambo, Minister Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania to the United Nations, pointed out that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article16 (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.”In the African society family is very important, our lives revolve around the family. Decisions affecting our lives have to involve the family. A family like any other organization has a leader, in our culture that leader is the father.” A father is the leader of the family and the chief decision maker…the family unit in Africa is not just the nuclear family but includes aunties and uncles and grandparents. The role of fatherhood is set by different cultural influences. Things are starting to change in Africa but traditionally the role of the father with the child and the family is of the provider. From a young age boys are socialized to be the providers, leaders and the decision makers while girls are socialized to be the wives, the mothers and the caregivers. The family structure there utilizes extended family of females who are responsible for the nurturing of little children along with the mother. Fathers play more of a role in the children’s’ lives when the children are of school age and beyond.
In the families that have been able to cope with the changes they do well especially the education of the girls in the family.” The central message that I want to say concerning the fatherhood in Africa is that first of all the fathers are denied there the opportunity to be fathers because of the cultures and traditions. It is not only that the men are not willing but the society as a whole is not yet ready to encompass this new thinking.” Involve men in the promotion of equality within the household to teach the boys and not perpetuate the tradition. Fathers do play a unique role and change is necessary but will have to work out something that can work with the society as women have been accepted in more leadership positions.

Ms. Nurpur Ulkuer, Senior Adviser and Chief, Early Childhood Development Unit, UNICEF gave a slide show presentation of studies done around the world of the importance of a positive father figure in the family unit. She pointed out that boys and girls receive different gender socialization messages. And fathers and mothers help children with gender socialization from early babyhood. Some questions being asked are…Absent fathers where are they and how can we bring them back? Are fathers involved? Do we know enough? UNICEF is studying the family structure around the world and putting together a database to address global family issues. Some countries have positive father and grandfather posters to promote the concept of positive masculinity and the good example that can be set from within the family structure. Many challenges remain in the world for the family unit and for parents to be actively and positively involved in the children’s lives. Families are the duty bearers and claim holders.

Prof. Anderson J. Franklin, Department of Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Boston College, he has a specialty in dealing with African American males. His research focuses on developing his theory of the invisibility syndrome in black males and studying the resiliency and wellbeing in black Americans. He was honored to have the opportunity to present role of fathers and families. He said always fathers have played and important role it is often overshadowed by the significant contributions of mothers. It is necessary to look at how fathers are valued in the family. See how we are working with men, young men, middle aged men -elder- trying to engage men in doing things differently in the family unit as a man and as a father. To understand fathers and families manhood we must understand men’s model of manhood. In order for restructured goals to be met in the family structure and roles of men in families. Three points Professor Anderson believes are related to the topic of fathers and families. Frames a way for us as NGO’s to look at the roles of fathers and men in the work that we do.

1. Fathers are men and therefore are confronted by the challenges men create and face in the world which has a consequence for the family.
2. Fathers as men contribute to family upheaval by the challenges to our conventional notions of family roles.
3. Fathers as men continue to value, power, privilege and domination which influences how we think about and enact fatherhood.

“Now when I say that fathers are men…I am directly acknowledging in this country what we talk about the masculinity ideology and how it supersedes and prescribes how men act and think about being a father.” In working with men primarily focus on what is the concept of being a man and how does that translate into being a father. Men’s participation in being a father is governed by the brotherhood of other men as well as society determines the role of father the notion of father in our heads and how it fits into being a man. This notion of being a man determines how a man embraces paternal responsibilities. See what men did in the past, and present as well as taking a look at expectations in the future. One thought that comes in with a man is that we have to control the world. In rescuing families after hurricane Katrina it seemed that it almost exclusively meant mothers and children. Fathers were out of the loop when it came to aid and often an afterthought in inclusiveness of the family structure. How do we include man in the family even in situations of trauma? Men in the experience of Katrina this often felt more the suspects for looting and mayhem and not family caretakers. This creates a message to men and it begins to underscore existing assumptions and expectations of us as we try to transition into new roles.

Commenting on the second point men are frustrated with changing roles and adaptations. More involved helpful fathers, play with the children…careful not to step on toes of thought of manhood. Traditional role of providing income house feed and clothe the family that’s my job it’s done as well as protecting, men work with this script of being a father. This meets resistance from the brotherhood of men…to preserve traditional roles of men.

The third point being that men stature in the family and the community is paramount for man. Being able to control the surroundings and provide for the welfare of the family as well as the community which provides the insulation. As men we often focus more on systems and institutions external to the family responsibilities. If we take care of the socio economical institutions the family will also be taken care of. And thus the responsibilities of care have been assigned to the woman and the mother because the men have other priorities. Men translate their masculinity into the ability to be dominant over these institutions. What is going on in Myanmar is an example of male privilege gone wrong as they are caught up with the institution of the community and not the family. Child development is increasingly structured outside of conventional family unit. What you do at home is a model for what your children will later do in their home.

The panel was moderated by Maria-Louisa Chavez.

Kymberly Schneider

An Introduction to R2P (Responsibility to Protect)

The Responsibility to Protect describes an evolving concept about the duties of governments to prevent and end unconscionable acts of violence against the people of the world, wherever they occur.

The international community has a responsibility to protect the world’s populations from genocide, massive human rights abuses and other humanitarian crises. This responsibility to prevent, react to and rebuild following such crises rests first and foremost with each individual state. When states manifestly fail to protect their populations, the international community shares a collective responsibility to respond. This response should be the exercise of first peaceful, and then, if necessary, coercive, including forceful, steps to protect civilians.

The Responsibility to Protect means that no state can hide behind the concept of sovereignty while it conducts–or permits– widespread harm to its population. Nor can states turn a blind eye when these events extend beyond their borders, nor because action does not suit their national interests. These principles were set forth in a report entitled The Responsibility to Protect issued with the support of the Government of Canada by the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty. Today, these concepts continue to evolve and develop new meaning as the international community comes to understand that sovereignty entails responsibility. (www.responsibilitytoprotect.org)

In today’s meeting the key aspects discussed were: the effort to normatize R2P and the difficulties in implementation.

Among the distinguished guest speakers was H.E. Joseph Nsengimana, Permanent Representative of Rwanda, who highlighted a number of problems in implementation including a lack of a deciding authority, a lack of impartial organization to implement, a lack of confidence between states, especially between powerful states and developing countries, and finally, a lack of value for humanity above national interests. Throughout the discussion much emphasis was placed on the method of prevention before intervention (i.e. military action).

One participant from the floor noted that there seemed to be a lack of a holistic approach towards the responsibility to protect. He stated that almost all conflict originates from developmental issues and so developmental assisstance should be the primary preventative measure. Another participant brought up the aspect of education of human rights as a preventative measure on a local level, saying that prevention needed to begin from the family.

Joanna Weschler, Security Council Reporter, emphasized the usefulness of gaining mandates before intervention can occur, while Noel Morada, University of the Phillipines Diliman and Asia-Pacific Centre for R2P, highlighted the importance of finding champions of the the R2P concept to promote people-centred norms and dialogue among critical sectors and actors.

Edward Luck, Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General, and whose primary role is to develop conceptual clarity and consensus for the evolving norm of R2P, stated that part of the problem with implementation of R2P is that all the UN bodies have alot of information related to R2P, however there is no where for all of them to convene, which results in a lack of information sharing. He said that ideally we should look at all the data and anaysis through an R2P lens, to see how it could work together for better implementation. Mr Luck concluded by saying that although the responsibility to protect is a challenging and complicated issue, we still have the responsibility to TRY…

This discussion was the 5th out of a series of New Human Rights Dialogues leading up to the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the 10th of December 2008. This series is intended to provide a constructive, open forum to examine and debate new issues, actors, approaches, challenges and opportunities impacting on the realization of our human rights.

Gaby, NY

Yesterday morning’s briefing was moderated by the newly appointed chief of NGO/DPI Section, Maria-Luisa Chavez. The aim of the discussion was to look at the United Nations International Years as a way of raising awareness on issue’s on the organizations agenda, and secondly to discuss media outreach for this year’s DPI/NGO Conference.

Suzanne Bilello, Senior Communications Officer, UNESCO, began the discussion by showing a video giving a clear outline of who UNESCO is and what it’s main objectives are. Following that, she showed some slides of the Paris Head Quarters of UNESCO, where the September DPI/NGO conference is to be held. She then introduced the International Years theme, and 2008 as an International Year of Planet Earth.

Ms Bilello described a few ways in which UNESCO has tried to raise awareness about the International Year of Planet Earth, including a large exhibition, as well as an International launch of the year in Paris, and a Regional launch in Brazil. The focus has been predominantly on raising awareness in the geo-scientific community, and particularly in working with youth to promote Earth Sciences. However, she said that getting broader public interest and participation is very challenging, and emphasized the need to work closely with Ngo’s working on the field.

Sherrill Kazan and Anne Riccitelli, Co-Chairs, Media and Publicity, Conference Planning Committee, 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference, discussed the issue of media outreach for this year’s conference. The theme for the conference is the 60th anniversary of the International Human Rights document. They highlighted the fact that this is a theme that applies to almost any individual or group and so would resonate very powerfully with many people.

In terms of media outreach, the work that is being done so far mainly involves getting press coverage through large and small publications including magazines and journals. However, Ms Riccielli stressed the fact that their most powerful strategy was to engage the NGO community in speading the word about the conference at every opportunity, whether it be radio or television interviews, talks, or newsletters. To find out more information about the conference and the Human Rights theme, they recommended some key websites:

Yesterday a meeting was hosted by the United States Mission to the United Nations regarding the complicated US presidential election process. The three main speakers were David Bonior Bio , Frank Luntz Bio and Kerry Healey Bio .

It was a very educational discussion shedding light on the electorial process in a general, understandable way, and especially focusing on the campaigning aspect. David Bonior, a democrat, shared his insights about the current situation, explaining why the campaign could take so long, and also some of the key issues on the agenda, which included an end to the war, national and universal healthcare, the right to organize (Labour Movements), and global warming.

Frank Luntz gave a highly amusing presentation making some rather outright comments but explaining very clearly what it is that American citizens are looking for at this moment. He showed, in a few video clips, what advertising actually works and why people go for it. He said that it wasn’t so much about the issues, it was about the character of the candidate, saying “Americans are looking for people who don’t have to read someone else’s words, but someone who has them deep inside.” He emphasized authenticity and openly supported Obama saying that he was the mostly likely candidate, especially because of the fact that he has engaged the youth in politics, and he speaks their language.

Kerry Healey on the other hand, a Republican supporter said that this is a “change” election no matter what happens. Even if it is a Republican President there are going to be major changes in approach and priority, because there has never been a time when Americans have been so negative and dissatisfied - not just with the Republicans, but with government in general. She said that the new big issue is the economy and employment because people are really starting to feel the effects of high gas and food prices. She also pointed out that the country is almost equally divided on the issue of Iraq, and so that would still be a contested issue. She also commended Obama’s “Rhetoric of Hope” agreeing that it is very powerful, however, also underlined the importance of experience and the need for someone who would be able to deal with the details.

Throughout the discussion my feeling was that, with so much campaining and advertising going on, the average civilian probably gets so caught up in the “image” portrayed, that less attention is paid to the power of principles. I feel it is worthy to note that charisma and experience do not necessarily indicate strong moral standing, though they are also important attributes. Perhaps the focus of the adverts should show more what candidates can be,  not only what they can do, for America and the world.

Gaby, NY

The weekly NGO/DPI briefing today addressed the significance of Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States and the United Nations. This was the first briefing in a new series called “Focus on Faith”. These briefings will focus on the links between the UN principles and the different faiths.

There were three main speakers including:

H.E. Archbishop Celestino Migliore, Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
Sister Dorothy Farley, Executive Director, International Catholic Organizations/ Information Center at the United Nations
Mr. Peter Steinfels, Co-Director, Fordham University Center on Religion and Culture

Much of the discussion was focused on what Pope Benedict would address in His Holiness’s statement when during this visit, on April 17th, 08. This will only be the 4th time the Pope has visited the United Nations. The panelists underlined that the Pope was visiting the United Nations as a “Friend of Humanity” whose visit would be a statement of support to the UN, and that he would not be getting involved in any US political issues, nor would he have time to address the many pressing global issues with which the UN is concerned. Instead, he would probably focus on Peace, emphasizing that it is more than simply preventing conflict, and that the future should be based on respect for universal principles.

The Archbishop was asked a number of questions relating to the role of inter-faith organization at the UN, and he responded with some interesting comments. He said that although faith-based groups are doing alot of very good work, there is a “lack of stategy among religions at the UN.” However, he said that if changes are made, if we manage to unify our efforts and improve strategic participation, it should be done by the believers themselves, not the non-believers, that is, the religious individuals should work among themselves, rather than have it organized by a UN body, which would result in a mess.

He also described some discussions that had taken place between members of different faiths, and said that the one thing that could be agreed upon by all was that “Love of God and Love of Neighbour” were the two prereqisites for human dignity.

Gaby, NY

Yesterday,  April 3rd, the NGO/DPI briefing addressed the issue of Autism in commemoration of the first ever World Autism Awareness Day that took place on 2 April 2008. (www.worldautismawarenessday.org) This was a huge achievment for all thos who had been working hard to bring Autism into the UN agenda, and create awareness about this worldwide epidemic. More Information about Autism

There was a very distinguished panel of guest speakers including Dr. Edwin Trevathan Bio , Mrs. Suzanne Wright Bio , Mr. Bob Wright Bio , Mr. Lee Grossman (Bio), and Ms. Valerie Paradis Bio .

During the discussion a number of different issues arose. Mr. Wright highlighted the gap between the academic/medical level and the ground level - referring to all those affected by the disease, including the families. He said that often the academics and medical researchers don’t have much experience on the ground level and so the research done does not directly improve the treatment or access to treatment. Mr. Wright emphasized the need to get the major medical centres involved in treatment and see it implemented in a unified manner.

Dr. Trevathan also touched on this topic saying that we need to “drill down to where the people live, see where the service needs are, and link the data we have to the service needs. . . Causes are not just academic questions, they actually influence people’s lives.” He also mentioned about the difficulty in determining causes of Autism since it has multiple psycho-social symptoms which are different in every child, and also that Autism often over-laps with other disorders. Dr. Trevathan stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, the necessity for screening tests to be done at least twice before the age of 3, and that a diagnosis was crucial in being able to get access to treatment.

Mr. Lee Grossman also made some very interesting points about inadequate service-delivery because of parents not being able to get a proper diagnosis. Mr Grossman argued that “it’s not a knowledge issue right now, it’s an accessibility issue” and about how to get the knowledge out there, especially into the governments for new policies to be developed. He also noted that Autism is a human rights issue, and a discrimination issue. Together with that, he very aptly stated that “Autism is the great equalizer : it affects everyone, no matter which country, race or class”.

Both Ms. Paradis, and her son, Elijah, made very beautiful and poignant speeches about the experiences of those dealing with Autism. Ms. Paradiz herself is diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and her son with Autism. She began by saying “It takes alot to make the invisible visible” and talked about the “invisiblity”, on all levels, of this disease - the invisibility of the Autistic person, of the educational professionals and families who go unrecognized for their work, but mainly about the invisibility of the individual to him/herself. She emphasized a need for self-awareness, in all people, and suggested curricula bringing training for self-awareness and self- acceptance into education. Her son also spoke very movingly about what a video recording his experience growing up would look like - all the highs and the lows and the endless struggle and determination required to lead a fulfilling life.

This topic of self-invisibility vs. self-awareness is a very interesting one, and I thought it was remarkable to hear it brought into the discussion in a UN setting. What is so profound about it is that self-awareness is a prerequisite for awareness of others, and in the context of Autism awareness, probably even more so. To create awarness of Autism doesn’t just mean providing theoretical information about the disorder, it also includes creating an understanding of the person afftected by it. This means connecting the humanity of one individual to the humanity of another individual, in such a way that it emerges compassion and respect between them. This was why Ms. Paradis emphasized the importance of dialogue and sharing of experiences. However, in order for any person to to connect with another in this way, it is first necessary for them to be connected to their inner self (to that inner humanity or love that is within all human beings).

It was a 3 hour briefing but I remained fully engaged throughout the whole time due to the passion and deep concern with which the panelists and audience spoke. Many interesting questions, statements and debates arose from the floor as well, and all the panelists were excellent in their responses. Again, it was just wonderful to witness the fruit of the efforts of all those who worked passionately to make Autism a living and pertinent topic in the minds of many, and encouraging to hear the efforts being made for progress in this field. Gaby, NY

“Lest We Not Forget: Breaking the Silence on the Transatlantic Slave Trade”. Producer Dr. Shelia Walker premiered the groundbreaking documentary film entitled “The Slave Route: A Global Vision”. The film was an event held to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrminination (March 21) and the International Day of Rememberacne of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (March 25).Member nations recognized the everlasting effect of slavery in the modern world and acknowledged that slavery was at the heart of “profund social and economic inequality, hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice, which continue to affect people of African descent today.”