May 14, 2009
Antonio de Aguiar Patriota illustrates the dynamic nature of Brazilian-American trade and general relations. Between 2007 and 2008, U.S. exports to Brazil via Baltimore have increased by over 100 percent. There is a sizable Brazilian community in the city as well. Brazil’s sitting President, Lula, is in his sixth year of office since his election in 2003. Under Lula’s leadership, the country has seen significant improvement in democratization and the economic sector. Oligarchical families are becoming less influential, leaving more room for others in politics. Inflation, which was rampant in the 80s and 90s, is now under control. Lula has also tripled Brazil’s foreign trade and diversified its partners; this results in global, rather than regional, influence. 35 new Brazilian embassies have opened around the world. In terms of regional policy, there has been an effort to establish better infrastructure and communications between Western and Eastern South America. The South American Community of Nations was created last year, also in service of coordination and solidarity. Brazil’s relationship with the U.S. is a foundation for the aforementioned developments. As large, multiethnic nations with similar industries, this partnership is historically and currently based on common interest and democratic initiatives.
https://bcfausa.org/video/united-states-brazil-relations-under-presidents-obama-and-lula/
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
