Since the grassroots revolution to overthrow dictators in North Africa, it seems that Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya is less willing to be toppled by his people like Zine El Abidine Ben Ali or Hosni Mubarak. Referring to Wikileaks and Twitter as the ‘Kleenex Revolution’ that holds no force, Gaddafi is determined to maintain territory via the use of military strength alone. While the world speculates on how long Gaddafi can carry on shooting his people down, my concern is mainly focused on the weapons that the Libyan army is carrying as the Western demise. Arms trade is a source of deep-rooted capitalism and security, and unfortunately, Western countries like the United Kingdom rely heavily on the arms industry as a form of national income. Sourced from an article in the Guardian newspapers, the United Kingdom was responsible for gaining an armed export license worth €58.9m from Libya, soon after the Libyan arms embargo was lifted in October 2004. While our government is urging Gaddafi to leave quietly, I shake my head at Western countries that preach justice and democracy whilst hungrily exchanging arms contract with autocratic regimes. Italy is noted as Libya’s top arms exporter, having secured an income of €276.7m over the last five years with France and the UK following second and third.
One of the major global issues that have become part and parcel of everyday diplomatic discourse is the concern over human rights. The pressure of international opinion reinforces the pressures within individual countries for safeguarding human rights and the respect for the individual. As emphasised by United Nations doctrines, the respect, promotion and endorsement for human rights is the hallmark of a democratic society, placing special responsibility on democratic nations to uphold human rights domestically and abroad. Yet the willingness to trade arms forfeits the responsibility to protect, and avoiding the commitment to guarantee that British weapons will not be used against repressing local civilians is not a legitimate excuse to act 'innocent' against the atrocities that is befalling the Libyan people today.
2 comments:
Hi Talyn,
I was looking for informations about UN intensive summer programme for 2011 and found your blog. It's very interesting and you are certainly in a good way to become a diplomat! :)
I'm also thinking about applying to this year's UN intensive summer programme and I would like to know if you liked the experience and if you recommend it. I'm sure it is a great experience but it would be nice to hear a first-hand perspective. ;)
Thank you and take care,
Marília
Thank you for your kind comments. The UN course is most certainly intensive, starting 6am and most potentially finishing at 8pm. You will get a chance to meet the Heads of UN offices and provide an excellent insight to what actually happens in the UN. The course is to help you understand the UN better rather than providing you with a better job prospect within the UN. But I made great contacts there and of course, the friendship you make is worthwhile. I was the only Brit there who flew to the States, whereas most other participants were already living in the States. I suggest you go in with an open mind and keep your personal opinion at bay unless you speak to the Officers in person. It makes for bigger impact and most likely to remember you. I hope this helps.
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