The majority of armed conflicts today are motivated by and excused with religious differences.
It's this heart-breaking fact that I want to reflect on. At this point you're probably wondering what this has got to do with the MDGs. Let me tell you - an awful lot.
Ongoing warfare makes it nigh on impossible to achieve some of the goals. It is precisely for this reason that calls are being made for the UN to instate what is currently known as The Missing MDG: To Ensure Interfaith Collaboration for Peace.
Not some wishy-washy, half-baked plea, but a strong campaign to not only get recognition, but long-lasting commitment too. Those backing it want real MDG status, with targets and deadlines (like all the others) to boot.
I find it very apt that this should immediately follow Benno Hansen's post on genocide. I read with intrigue, wondering what impact a visit to a concentration camp would have, all the more curious as I myself have never been. Finding the whole subject too abstract to relate to and figuring that... Auschwitz should be in people's face now and then, got me thinking. We don't just need reminders, we need to find a tangible way of understanding complex happenings, be it from long ago or far away.
Perhaps, that's why this 'missing MDG' is appealing to so many. With a collective recognition of what is at stake, a united denunciation of violence in the name of religion or against a particular religion will form the basis for the practical steps needed to end such conflicts.
The world could of course, have done with this kind of commitment back in the 40s, but it really is just as important today. With the 'Ground Zero mosque' debate still raging, 'Burn a Koran day' looking likely to happen, rising death tolls in Iraq and Afghanistan, and not forgetting the imminent Middle East peace talks, we ought to be welcoming this MDG with open arms, don't you th!nk?
Find out more here, and sign the petition here.
[Image courtesy of thenutgraph.com]
Good reminder Lara and a very valid issue. Thanks for this!
Thanks Lara - the first signature of this petition originates from the end of April 2010. Nearly 5 months later, only 569 people have signed it… not the sort of figures you would expect, right?
Why are so few people signing up for something you portray as so important? I’m curious….
Maybe they don’t think it is possible to have TRUE interfaith collaboration for peace. Too much power and interests involved?
or…maybe we should just promote this petition more!
Lara, thanks for delivering it. Very thought-provoking. This oft-neglected issue has to start to be taken into account.
Thanks everyone.
I share your confusion Bart, why is it that so few people have signed up? I’d like to think it’s down to weak publicity. Definitely worth chasing up, I’ll post up any findings…
Hey Guys,
Thanks for reaching out and for your interest in the project. Everyday we continue to gather more support and sincerely appreciate your help in spreading the word. People know what to do, they just need to be convinced that we can have peace. Please email me with suggestions and let us know if you are interested in being part of this global movement.
Please get in touch.
The burn a koran guy is an idiot