Bloggers Unite for Human Rights

Even though human rights have been a topic of discussion for as long as I can remember, it is a burning issue now, especially after the recent occurring in Iran. Thanks to BloggersUnite bloggers all around the world have received the opportunity to unite on this issue and blog together to bring a change to this world.

Know Your Rights

Human rights refer to some basic rights and freedom which every person is entitled to have under any circumstance. These basic rights include freedom of speech, freedom of religion and culture, freedom to acquire knowledge, justice, safe childhood, physical safety etc. Sad but true, in many places of the world human rights are being severely violated everyday.

In this post, you’ll read about internet censorship, which is a form violation of a human rights.

Internet censorship is a violation of human right as it contradicts with freedom of speech and knowledge. Internet censorship is the process of blocking internet sites so that the users of a particular country or region can’t visit those sites. It also includes strict rules about publishing information on the internet, even when the information is on a private site or blog. Many countries adopt internet censorship to control the “source of knowledge and news”. Iran has very strict internet censorship rules. It has blocked more than 5 million sites including facebook and youtube. It has blocked political, human rights, women’s freedom and pornographic sites and blogs. Many bloggers and online activists have been brought to jail because the government was not happy with what they had to say. Iran is so strict about internet censorship, that it was one of the 13 countries who were labeled “enemies of the internet”.

I think internet censorship to this extend is not necessary. Every grown up should be given the right to choose between right and wrong by themselves. Everyone should have the right to gather knowledge from where ever they can and from every angle of a story. Everyone should have the right to express their feelings in a non violent way. Blog is a great way to share views and opinions. Restraining this privilege is a very bad practice, according to me.

You can ignore the censorship with the help of this links:
1. Free Gate
2. Ultrasurf

How to get involved
To promote human rights the least you can do is you can blog about it. If you decide to blog about this issue to raise consciousness, you can consider these topics which were suggested by BloggersUnite.

1. The wrongful imprisonment of journalists covering assemblies.
2. Governments that ignore the plight of citizens left tot he mercy of gangs.
3. The censorship of the Internet in order to prevent freedom of expression.
4. Harsh punishments that include torture, forced labor, and starvation.
5. Sexual assault against women by members of military or militia.

Further reading:
Internet censorship in Iran
Human rights

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Bloggers Unite: World Population Day 2009

World Population Day is an annual event which is observed every year on July 11. The day seeks to raise awareness about the ever raising population of the world. World Population Day started its journey in 1989 and it’s the 20th anniversary of this day. The theme of this year is “Fight Poverty, Educate Girls”. Thanks to Bloggers Unite for arranging a platform to blog about this issue under its banner.

Let's get on the same page

On July 11, 1987 the estimated population of the world was 5 billion. In 2000, world population reached 6.06 billion. And after 9 years, on this day, the estimated world population is 6,761,217,750 (and counting) which indicates a 78 million population increase per year. It is feared that world population might reach up to10.7 billion in the year 2050.

Where are you planning to house that entire people?

How are you planning to feed them?

Because of the ever rising population poverty is increasing, quality of life and standard of living is decreasing and it is also having a toll on the ecosystem and the environment. Wild species are becoming extinct 50-100 faster than they naturally do. Even though the population growth is slowing down, more than 90 percent of the current growth is triggered by the developing countries. In those developing countries, normally the number of properly educated women is much smaller, when compared to the number of educated men. Lack of female education is a major cause of population increase. That’s why world leaders are putting so much emphasis to female education to slow down this population explosion.

Change begins with you

I’d like to address another issue which is family planning and birth control. In my country of 150 million people, many care very less about these two very important issues. Millions of people living in villages (and cities too) don’t just feel shy about family planning, they hate it. They leave their family size in the hands of faith which is a direct result of poor or no education. Thanks to many myths about family planning and precautions, the path of my country’s prosperity is hampered in a great deal. For those who don’t know yet, my country- Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world, where overpopulation is considered the main problem.

Now it’s your turn

You have heard what I have to say about world population and now it’s your turn. Share your views and opinions. Are you from an economically developed country or a developing country? Is your country overpopulated or is the population of your country rapidly rising? What can be the best possible solution to this problem? Is raising awareness enough to fight this global problem?

More links about population:
World Clock
Population Facts

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Bloggers Unite: For a Free Iran

First of all, I’d like to beg the forgiveness to the people of Iran and to Neda Agha Soltan for being ignorant for so long. For not keeping my eyes open for what is happening around me. How could I be so self centered?

As I gradually started to go deeper into the current issues of Iran, I was literally shocked and at one stage- afraid. The videos, which youtube is offering us, are horrifying. The video clip of Neda Agha Soltan dying in the street of Iran made me shiver. Looking at her eyes has made me realize why people of Iran call her the “voice of Iran”. Without saying a single word she said and commanded everything that day.

Rest in peace Neda

Current condition of Iran

I’m not going to comment on whether the 10th Iranian presidential election 2009 was fare or not as I don’t understand politics that well. But I must say that a fair election is one of the most basic rights of a person. And if there is enough reason to believe that the election wasn’t fair, then the government should come forward and show some proof on their behalf. Using force and fire power is miles away from the right thing to do. And this kind of behavior will definitely go (has gone) against them. Their method of subduing the mass people by capturing, injuring and killing people will never work. The official death count by far is 32. This can be called anything but democracy and freedom.

The freedom of speech and communication has also been reduced by the Iranian government which is really a shameful act. More than five million websites have been blocked/filtered including facebook and youtube. Before announcing the result of the election on 13th June, net connection was taken away for about 45 minutes which also can arise many doubts in our minds.

A controversial vantage point

Actually the protest didn't start right away after the announcement of the election result. Even though there were a few clashes at the night of the announcement, the "current" protest started 3 days after it. And for that reason many believe that international organizations like CIA and Mossad has taken advantage of the unrest in Iran and influenced it so that it gets out of proportion. This unstable situation might help them to crawl over Iran again. For those who doesn't know, CIA lost their "strong influence" over Iran in 1979. To add to this, America doesn't like Ahmedinejad because of many issues regarding Nuclear Power.

The "possible" main reasons behind this protest

1. For the demand of a fair election and a change.
2. For taking away the powers from Ahmedinejad.
3. For taking away Ahmedinejad from the power so that America can finally have a talk with the Iranian government about nuclear issues.
4. For regaining the powerful position of CIA in Iran.
5. What's your view on this?

Our support

People of Iran, never think that you are alone. We are with you. You are not fighting alone. We know that during the protest your basic human rights have been violated badly and as a citizen of the world, we can not let that happen. We will fight with you for your rights.

Our demands

1. Stop arresting peaceful protesters and oppositions right now. Release those who were taken captive by the government just because they "shared their views".
2. Freedom of speech.
3. An open internet access.
4. End of violence in Iran.
5. I demand a “show cause” for the government for their recent activities.
6. I demand a transparent election commission.
7. CIA or/and Mossad must not stick their nose in this national issue of Iran.

I DEMAND A FREE IRAN

Take action

1. Write a blog post and share your voice.
2. If you don’t have a blog then comment on relating posts.
3. Turn your profile pictures green or put a green badge to your profile picture. Use this to turn your twitter profile green.
4. Sign an online petition to UN.
5.Any suggestions?

Bloggers Unite has set the floor for us to unite our voices to show our support for a free Iran. As I always say, individual efforts can result in a big change when put together. So, don’t be hesitant about sharing your voice with the world. Prior to this event, I actually didn’t know much about these occurring in Iran. Thanks to Bloggers Unite for making me aware. I hope that it makes more people aware of what is going on in there.

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Bloggers Unite: Say No to Drug Abuse

Today is the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. The aim of this day is to raise consciousness against drug abuse and its dark effects on human body, mind and the society.

Don't let drugs control your life

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed. Source

There are many reason for a teenager or a young adult to fall victim to this. Depression, trying to fit in, trying to relax or just simply trying to experiment can be some of the reasons for abusing drugs. But none of these can work as an excuse.

Some facts about drug abuse

The book called "The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy" has some very horrifying facts about drug addiction. You can collect this book from amazon.

Illegal drugs are spreading its wings over the world very quickly. The amount of money one can get by selling illegal drugs, drag thousands into drug trafficking. Currently there are about 208 million illegal drug users all over the world. The death toll for drug abuse is also very high. In USA alone 19,171 people die every year due to drug abuse. The demand for drugs in the society is increasing day by day. As the price of drugs is very high, crime rate has also raised so that the addicted people can collect the drug money.

What can we do?

We must raise awareness about the effects of taking drugs. Blogs and other media can be a nice platform for this.

Family members should be really supportive and they should keep a close eye on their youngster growing up. Drug users go through a sudden behavior and daily routine change. Parents should be aware of these changes. Taking proper steps in the early stages of addiction is far better and safer than reacting later.

Once someone is addicted to drugs and alcohol, it’s very hard for them to get away from this dark lifestyle. Professional help is needed to overcome this curse. But above all they need strong determination and support from their friends and family. Without this, I think that recovering from addiction will be next to impossible.

Addiction treatment is a way out of the endless loop of personal defeat, crime, and risky situations.

Authority must stand on a strict position to reduce and eradicate drug trafficking. As long as drugs are available in the streets, the number of illegal drug users will increase. We have to stand beside the government and create a social barricade to keep the illicit drugs out.

If you write a post on this day or on this issue, please be sure to notify me, as I’ll love to read your post.

Thanks to Bloggers Unite for giving us the floor to write about this serious issue.

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This was the 100th post of this blog

World Environment Day 2009: Duty Calls

The theme of World Environment Day 2009 is “Your planet needs you! Unite to combat climate change.” This theme is to remind us about our involvement with the environment and the planet. Everything we do can and will effect the environment directly or indirectly. As our irrational and careless steps will devastate the environment, our “green steps” will come in handy in protecting it.

On this day, I am requesting you to take a minute of your time to look around and appreciate the planet around you. This beautiful world might not be so beautiful after a few years, if we don't act now.

Some random things you can do to protect the environment:

1. Plant a tree; help UNEP achieve the Billion Tree Campaign.
2. Learn how to reduce water wastage in home and try to maintain it.
3. Look for to alternative sources of energy like Renewable Energy.
4. Let’s switch off.
5. Don’t drive if you can walk the distance.
6. Reuse and recycle.
7. Protect endangered animals.
8. Visit UNEP’s Easily Green Your Daily Routine.

Small changes can and will result in a big solution if we all contribute. Make sure that you do your part and notify others to do their part.

What changes have you made to your home or your habit to help the environment? If you have posted on World Environment Day 2009 share the summary and the link of the post on the comment section. I'm very interested in reading your posts on this subject.

If you like this post you can subscribe to this blog's feed and stay connected.

Related posts from this blog:
Bloggers Unite: Earth Day 2009
I Do My Part

Bloggers Unite: Hunger and Hope

Thanks to Bloggers Unite for giving me the floor to write this post on Hunger and Hope.

I am feeling a little embarrassed as I am writing a post about hunger with a full stomach. I will not dare to ask for forgiveness to my readers and the 963 million hungry people for this.

What is hunger?

Hunger is not just a feeling; it is the most extreme form of poverty. Hunger is not the need to have another hamburger; it is the need to eat something today so that you can live to fight another day.

Some dirty facts

Even though the world currently produces enough food to feed 12 billion people, it is failing to properly feed 6.7 billion people. Due to whatever reasons almost a billion people are considered “hungry”. In the last 19 years (from 1990), the number of hungry people in the world has been increased by 120 million people. On the average, the earth loses one person every second as a result of hunger. 60% of all child deaths are caused by hunger. On the average, a child dies every five seconds due to extreme hunger. Are these numbers enough to move us?

Hunger and Hope

As we are the more privileged people of the world, it’s our duty to extend our hands to the poor and hungry people. We have to give them some light of hope so that they can dare to dream about a better future. We have to start this moral uplifting movement in our local areas first and grow from there gradually. Many charity organizations are already working for this purpose. We can join them (World Food Program, Operation Blessing International) and donate money to help the people in need. You can also choose and buy a meaningful gift from Heifer International's gift catalog and help the hungry people. Moreover we can try to get poor people on there feet so that they don’t have to be hungry anymore. At least we can feed some hungry people once in a while.

Remember, we are not isolated islands. Everyone of us is connected to one another. If half of your body is paralyzed, will you feel happy or do nothing about it? If your answer is “no” then the poor condition of the hungry people should concern you. Then you should try your level best to lessen their pain.

Peace

Related posts:
Fighting for a Cause
let's Open Our Eyes
Bloggers Unite: Earth Day 2009

Bloggers Unite: Earth Day 2009

If you don’t care for this world, please don’t waste your time reading this post.

Today is the 39th anniversary of the Earth Day. The bloggers all around the world is participating in this day by answering the call of Bloggers Unite and writing a blog post on this day.

What is Earth Day?

I was having a lot of trouble fully understanding the meaning of the Earth Day. I wasn’t fully sure about what to write. So I had to google a lot to have a little idea. So according to my understanding the Earth Day is a day to observe the need to protect the earth and its equilibrium. It is also the day to raise awareness among mass people so that we can start performing for the betterment of the earth. It is a day to start appreciating the world around us and to stop abusing the environment for our selfish betterment.

A very brief history

Thanks to Gaylord Nelson, Richard Nixon and Denis Hayes, the Earth Day movement began its journey back in 1970. On the first Earth Day 20 million people came together and participated voluntarily. But now, on the 39th anniversary, over 500 million people and 175 countries are celebrating this day and working hard to protect the environment.

Let’s get on the same page

Is the world really dying? Yes. Because the resources are limited and we are speeding up the process by spending too much energy and polluting the environment. Willingly or unwillingly we are killing this world. Technically we have no love for this beautiful earth whatsoever as we abuse it all the time. Did you know that we could have reduced 95% carbon monoxide emission per person if we just rode on buses rather than cars? Because of our carelessness the world has become such a place which is dangerous for us to live in. For example, according to World Health Organization, in Cairo breathing daily air is like smoking 20 cigarettes a day! We are cutting down trees every second without any “backup plan” which has devastating effects over our environment; our earth. Rainforests used to cover 14% of land surface. But now it covers less than 6%. As a result the world is heating up, ice caps are melting and the environmental equilibrium is getting destroyed in a rapid pace. I wonder how long it will take to announce “the world is no more suitable for the mankind to live”. Is this what we want?

Let’s unite

Let’s try to bring a change. Let’s start to look forward to a better future where pollution is a yesterday’s topic.

* Let’s look for alternative ways to meet our energy needs. Renewable energy will play a vital role here. Renewable energy is generated from natural resources like wind, sunlight, rain, tide, geothermal heat. Windmill a wonderful example of the source of renewable energy. We have to try to set up windmills locally to meet the need of electricity. Further reading: wiki renewable energy


* We have to stop using plastic bags. A normal plastic bag can take up to 450 years to dissolve. Plastic bags (polybag) are also hard to recycle. That’s why we have to use paper bags instead.

* Though coal is a very common source of energy, it causes a lot of damage to our environment. We have to make this world coal free. Again, the alternative is renewable energy.

* Cutting down trees without any plan has to come to an end. If we cut down trees, we must plant atleast 2 trees there to fill up that empty space. If possible try to plant a tree in your backyard (or anywhere you like) within seven days.

* Replace your ordinary light bulbs with energy saving bulbs. And don’t forget to switch off the light/fan whenever you leave the room. Further reading: this time ~ this space

* Don’t ride on your car that much. Use bus, train and bicycle or just walk. It will reduce air pollution, oil/gas consumption and traffic jam. But if you really prefer to ride avoid mass transport, then you can use smart cars and bikes ran by electricity. It is important if you want to reduce 95% carbon monoxide emission caused by yourself.

* We have to have a control over the dangerously rising population. Over population spoils almost every act of saving the mother earth.

The Earth Day has a great responsibility; the responsibility to make people aware, the responsibility to start bringing a change- a change towards better, cleaner and greener future. And it is YOU who holds the responsibility of making this day count. I feel really happy to be born on this wonderful and meaningful day. I feel honored when I see that The Earth Day is also my birthday.

Peace

Related articles:
How Much Do You Care For The Environment
I Do My Part

Fighting For a Cause

Bloggers! It’s once again the time to match our voices and shout out that we care for the world around us. Bloggers Unite has arranged an event to help us unite in a noble cause. All we have to do is to join this event and write a post about Hunger and Hope on 29 April, 2009.

Let’s join thousands of caring bloggers and try to put an end to this horrible feeling of hunger. Let's start to weave a hope for better world, better future. Let's give ourselves a chance to say that “at least we tried”. Let’s care.

Some thoughts to get you started:

* Right now, more than 500 million people are living in "absolute poverty" and more than 15 million children die of hunger every year.

* World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the population is underfed and another third is starving.

* Even in the United States, 46 percent of African-American children and 49 percent of Latino children are considered chronically hungry.

Join this event. Put a badge. Write the post.

I’ll definitely be posting on 29 April. I’ll be also posting on 22 April which is the Earth Day. You can also join this event.

related posts:
I Do My Part
Our World Our Responsibility
We Can Bring a Change
Bloggers Unite: AIDS

Bloggers Unite : AIDS

Once again bloggers all around the world are united to discuss one very serious global issue- AIDS. Its aim is to raise consciousness about this epidemic. I thank BloggersUnite for this arrangement.

A Little Knowledge

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or commonly known as AIDS is caused by Human ImmuneDeficiency Virus aka HIV. Many researchers believe that HIV was originated in Sub-Saharan-Africa in early 20th century. HIV destroys the immune system of our body and makes us vulnerable to all sorts of viruses and bacteria. In simpler word HIV makes us to go into battle without any armor or weapons. The final stage of being contaminated by HIV is called having AIDS. If an HIV positive person doesn’t undergo treatment in time, it may take 8-10 years for him to become contaminated by AIDS. And let me tell you that *no cure* for AIDS/HIV has been invented yet. In time treatments can only *prolong* the lives of HIV positive persons.


A Little Statistics

AIDS is an epidemic. Though the number of HIV victims has reduced over the last couple of years we are still in extreme danger. Currently there are some 32.2 million people in the world who are living with this disease. In 2007 alone about 2.1 million people including 330,000 children were killed by this life-talking (not ‘life-threatening’) disease. Three-quarters of these deaths occurred in Sub Saharan Africa. More than 11 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. The number of HIV contamination in Bangladesh is low. At present there are some 1,495 victims of this virus in our country. But we are also at high risk as our neighboring countries like India (2-3 million) and Myanmar (200,000-520,000) have a higher percentage of people who are carrying this disease.


How Is It Transmitted

One can only be contaminated by AIDS by another *HIV/AIDS victim*. HIV/AIDS is transmitted through body fluids like *infected* blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. It *does not* spread through saliva. Drug addicts are often found HIV positive as they often seem to share a common needle when they injected drugs in their bodies. If they have one HIV+ person among them they all get contaminated by using the same needle he used earlier. Not caring (or not knowing) about safe sex is one of the main causes of AIDS. Having multiple unfaithful/careless sex partners increase the risk of being contaminated by sex. Prostitution and homosexuality play a major role in AIDS. Birth control pills can’t prevent AIDS or other sexual diseases. Not wearing condoms properly or not wearing them at all can/will increase the number of HIV+ persons. If an HIV positive woman conceives a baby there is a high *chance* that the baby will born being contaminated by HIV/AIDS. I advice HIV+ mothers to not to breast feed their children as it can kill him eventually.

AIDS *does not* spread by French kissing (unless there is blood in the mouth), taking bath in the same bathtub, eating in the same plate, drinking in the same glass or sharing the same bed.


Some Symptoms

Many people don’t have any symptoms at the early stage of HIV infection. Some may suffer from flu-like illness after 3-6 months of contamination- this illness may include fever, tiredness, diarrhoea, headache, enlarged lymph nodes etc. HIV triggers various diseases which normally don’t affect human body. It increases the risk of various cancers. The later symptoms of HIV contamination may include massive weight loss, lack of energy, lack of concentration, memory loss, personality change, shortness of breath, severe pain in arms and feet, vaginal infections, frequent fever and headache.


Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Once again let me say that there is (still) no cure for HIV/AIDS. So prevention is the only way.

*Be Smart, Use a Condom*
As no one will listen to me if I talk about abstinence, I will talk about safe sex instead. Try to be faithful to you spouse/partner. If you have multiple sex partners than you must use condoms as condoms (male/female) are the only sure way to prevent HIV contamination by sexual intercourses. If you are at the giving end of oral sex then you must keep a good oral hygiene and remember *not to* brush right before/after giving oral sex. The person at the receiving end of oral sex does not get contaminated by HIV (unless the giver’s mouth is bloody). *Source: AIDS and oral sex, male/female condoms.

*Don’t Do Drugs*
Don’t do drugs. But if you do, then be sure not to inject ‘stuff’ in you. But if you do, then don’t use the same needle.

Friends, let’s be safe. Let’s love our lives and respect the feelings of the person next to us. I strongly believe that by raising awareness, by being aware we can fight this global epidemic. I believe that one day soon AIDS will vanish from this beautiful earth of ours. Let’s be safe.

*This post was the runner up in a blog carnival.

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