China's threatening One-Child Slogans

China comunist state has enforced a law of one child per couple. This law has been enforced with sterilisation and abortions, and encouraged by threatening slogans. Government officials are beginning to wonder if this is the best approach and are encouraging a milder tone. However, whether or not the tone is mild, China plans to continue to enforce its one-child laws. Whether or not the slogans are non-threatening, the message seems to remain the same: one child, no more, no less and make sure it stays that way. While I definitely agree that threatening slogans are not the best approach, I think the law in and of itself is wrong and should be changed. I loved Margaret Peterson Haddix's "The Shadow Children" series, which addresses these issues. While this is simply a popular children's novel, the message is the same: it is wrong to limit a family. Every possible child is special and deserves the same rights.

Gunmen attack Schools

In Nigeria, gunmen have been raiding schools, burning them to the ground. The chief instigator's name seems to be Boko Haram, meaning "Western education is sacrilege".  A man using the name Abul-Qaqa told reporters he was representing Boko Haram. This happened two days before they attacked Gamboru Primary School. The government is deploying soldiers across hot spots and giving its policemen license to search without a warrant. So far, this has brought no results and the government is trying to protect its people by having them go to numerous checkpoints. There was recently another attack in the central state Kaduna, which sits just on the dividing line between Christian south, and Muslim north. These attacks need to stop. The people are scared, and currently the government's methods are not producing results. They need to try something new to protect its people from radicals. Hopefully, this situation will get cleaned up soon, but it seems Nigeria is not the only country in need.

EU Overlooking the Denial of Rights in China

The EU recently had their annual speech, and it barely mentioned human rights. It certainly did not bring to notice the deteriorating standards for human rights in China. There have been several individual cases  made known in this particular article. It shows people who are asking for a political change or criticizing their governments being abducted and held prisoner without proper charges or evidence. People include Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo. Why has the EU not spoken out against China? I agree with this writer; if the EU ever plans to have peaceful relations with all countries, then they must enforce all international laws. These laws are being broken by the Chinese government, and the people need help. We see them speaking out for the people of Syria and other places like it, why not China?

Cease Fire in Syria

Civilians are still being killed in Syria and the UN is requesting a cease-fire. Russia and China are still protecting Syria, although the UN hopes that they will soon stop their support. The people of Syria are attempting to instate their own president and are asking their current president to step down. If the people win, which they should, Russia and China will probably lose the support of the people. The current president is attempting to beat down the people and remain in power. We have seen the situation in Syria before, and the people need help. Those who are giving weapons to the government are being requested to stop. This situation needs to change and the people need a voice. The government is meant to protect the people and these people should be able to have some power over their own government. Hopefully this will all smooth out soon.

Freedom of Speech under Threat in Hungary

The media in Hungary recently came under supervision of the government with the installation of a new constitution this new year. A newspaper critiquing the government was recently fined for someone posting a negative comment about the previous president. The television news stations are laying off many of their workers, and some believe it is for political reasons. Those who stay are being dictated on what they can or cannot write. Lastly, a radio station recently had its license to air taken away and is required to air music at least sixty percent of the time if they want their license back. The European Union is requiring Hungary to either allow media freedom or face punishment under Article 7. Hopefully, this situation will be settled without any blood spilled. However, I hope that the EU officials are not afraid to act if the case requires. If they do not act to allow freedom of speech in one country, I think there is a good chance other nations will start ignoring our rights also.

Human Rights Campaign for Homosexuals

Human Rights Campaign is working to bring equality to all people in America, including gay and lesbians. They are spreading the word and trying to bring equality to all people. They believe homosexuality is a right each person has. I am a marriage traditionalist, meaning I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. However, I don't think I have any right to tell people they can not do differently. Not everyone considers this a human rights issue. I don't think I have the answer. While I think this may not be a human rights issue, this is an issue.

Child Soldiers in Somalia

It seems Somalia is among the countries using child soldiers to protect their troops. The Al-Shabab have been abducting children everywhere to use in battle. The boys are used to protect the adult soldiers, and the girls are given as wives to Al-Shabab fighters. Many people are fleeing from the area and tons of children have died. It seems this is just one of the countries using children to protect their troops or to use as pawns. These children need a voice and protection. The government in Somalia needs to govern its people and stop the Al-Shabab from abducting children and using them. This is just one place of many that needs help.