April 7, 2009
Benjamin L. Cardin describes his service on the Foreign Relations Committee, which is chaired by Senator Kerry, as well as the Helsinki Commission. At a recent event celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty – which forbids militarization in the area, instead devoting it to research – many foreign ministers expressed optimism about Obama’s term and his cooperative foreign policy. The Helsinki Commission is intended to hold its 56 member countries accountable for compliance with international human rights standards. It declares that the upholding of human rights is a prerequisite for security and economic justice. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is reinforced in America through the U.S. LCT Commission, which is dedicated to upholding U.S. commitments to the OSCE. The U.S. is currently being questioned on several fronts for non-compliance to European humanitarian law. Firstly, for the legality of capital punishment. Secondly, the U.S. invasion of Iraq under President Bush resulted in massive human rights violations, including torture and lack of due process. The Obama administration has voiced a recommitment to OSCE law and civil liberties, and recognized the failings of its predecessors. This would include the creation of international standards for detaining terrorism-related suspects, the elimination of CIA exceptions to interrogation rules, and the International Red Cross having access to all detainees.
https://bcfausa.org/video/the-obama-foreign-policy-meeting-extraordinary-challenges/
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.
