Global Awareness

MANDATORY JAIL

Malaysia is home to an estimated 46,000 refugees, but just over 36,000 are registered with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Of the total, about 12,700 are members of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority, another 12,000 are members of other Myanmar minority ethnic groups.

The Rohingyas came in the 1990s from Myanmar, but the government there disputes their origin and refuses to let them return.

Malaysia views refugees as illegal immigrants since the country has yet to sign the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, which has been ratified by more than 140 nations.
"Anyone without a travel document is subject to caning, as prescribed by the Immigration Act," the Immigration Department's enforcement chief, Ishak Mohamed, said.

Illegal immigrants face a mandatory jail sentence of up to five years and up to six strokes of the cane. Males above 50 and women are exempted from caning.

Lawyers and rights group advocates said Malaysia should ban caning, saying it was inhumane.
"Human Rights Watch condemns caning as a barbaric practice. It has no place in a civilized society," the group's Asia director, Brad Adams, told Reuters.

"Allegations that caning has been used against Rohingyas should be thoroughly investigated by independent agencies."

Malaysia's Bar Council, which groups about 12,000 lawyers, recently passed a resolution calling for a ban on caning.

The council's Legal Aid Centre said the immigration courts set up to deal with immigration cases should not be too hasty in handing out punishments.

"It is like a slaughter house," said Latheefa Koya of the Legal Aid Centre. "People come in their hundreds to these courts and all the judge really wants to do is to tear up this backlog of cases, so miscarriages can happen."

Fri, 2007-08-10 23:22.

Link: http://mostlywater.org/caning_of_refugees_in_malaysia_sparks_protest


PUBLISHING ARTICLES ON HUMAN RIGHTS TO PROTECT MYANMAR REFUGEES

In order to help Myanmar refugee to fight against human rights violation and impunity, it is vital to understand their causes, their development and their consequences, as well as their social, political and economic context. On this website the author have introduce a lot of articles on human rights and approaches to defend against violations.

The Spanish website comprises case law regarding to human rights that can be used as debate reference when legal disputes arise owing to protecting the refugee rights. This is important when legal action is taken upon saving and rescuing them. In this case, this website has given the case where European Court of Human Rights established the range and means of free expression protected under the European Convention - including political, artistic and commercial expression through the written and spoken word, television and radio, film and art.

In addition, the organization has posted up an extraordinary but interesting article on internet censorship in America. Though this has not been substantial in helping Myanmar refugee to escape from their current condition, this article has given a clearer description and illustration of how human rights have been exploited. Also, this could increase the consciousness of people of how important their rights being protected.

The website also touches organization that violates human rights. Here, world trade organization is given as an example. The article depicts activities done by lobbying ad political groups, and they have taken away human rights from the society which is under their influences. Meanwhile, Myanmar refugees have been suffering due to the same reason- political issues and failure.

Of course, the organization has collected articles from all over the world, written in different languages, providing knowledge and current issues on human rights globally. Most of the articles focus on events happened in South America, a state where most disputes and wars arise. These articles remind people that war and political intentions have killed the rights which people should possess over the years. Also, Myanmar refugees have been victims resulted in the political instability of their mother land.

All of all, publishing articles is a meaningful activity as by the time people read the articles, the articles could inspire people to seek the deeper definition of human right, and hopefully by that, people will find the true perspective of it and thus united to fight against violations, particularly of Myanmar refugee.

Organization:
Derechos human rights
Link:
http://www.derechos.org/nizkor/doc/articulos/eng.html



CYCLONE NARGIS

Before the world marvel at what China prepared for the Beijing Olympic 2008, a catastrophic event strike the union of Myanmar causing chaos, fear and death tolls amounting to an estimate of 130000 inclusive of those who were missing. So, what catastrophic event are we talking about? The country's Irrawaddy delta was hit by Cyclone Nargis which devastated the country with winds up to 215 km per hour causing a damage of 10 billion US dollar.

With a loss of 10 billion US dollar, how does the union of Myanmar recover from this natural disaster? Worry not, as there are NGOs to help the Burmese people. The NGOs can help spread global humanity by organizing campaigns to aid the people of Myanmar. One of them is the Foundation for the people of Burma. They provide humanitarian aid to Burmese people of all backgrounds, ethnics and religions. They also organize campaigns such as collecting donations. The link to the foundations website is http://www.foundationburma.org/

Besides that, United Nations (UN) also took part in organizing campaigns to help relief the pain and suffering of the Burmese. They help find donors, publishes materials for different audiences on all aspects of the refugees experience and giving legal protections through an extensive body of international law and treaties and by working with governments and other organizations as part of their campaign in promoting global morality. The link to the website is http://www.unhcr.org/country/mmr.html.

In a nutshell, the world is quite a beautiful place!

Post done by Blogging Committee(1) - Kiang Peng,Yee Chien, Wei Hao & Chong Yeow

Acts And Regulations On Humanity And Morality

Legal Restrictions on Human Liberties and Freedom

In Acts of Parliament , there are at least 14 statutes which cause severe inroads, and, for practical purposes, abrogate constitutionally protected fundamental rights.

1. Public Order (Preservation) Act, 1958.


2. Prevention of Crime Act, 1959


3. Trade Union Act, 1959.


4. Immigration Act, 1959


5. Internal Security Act, 1960.


6. Societies Act, 1966.


7. Police Act, 1967.


8. Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance, 1969


9. Universities and University Colleges Act, 1971.


10. Official Secrets Act, 1972


11. Sedition Act, 1972.
    
12. Essential (Security Cases) Regulations, 1975.


13. Printing Presses and Publicity Act, 1984.


14. Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act, 1975

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are considered entitled to:

• The right to life,


• Liberty,
  
• Freedom of thought and expression,


• Equal treatment before the law, among others
  
  

All human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated. The international community must treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis.
National laws and legal instruments pertaining to human rights are as below. Over the years, the provisions for human rights have been progressively whittled down and restricted by some acts and amendments. Acts and laws pertaining to human right must not fully restricted the rights of people. It should by enforce in such a way that peace and harmony can be achieved, at the same time people can enjoy their rights. It all lies in a thin line. If acts and laws are over-do, people will not be able to enjoy their rights. If there is no restriction for human rights, much problem will occur as people are free to do anything they want without having to face the consequences.

Liberty - Internal Security Act

The most pernicious legislation is the Internal Security Act ("ISA") which gives sweeping powers to the Executive, (the police and the Minister of Home Affairs) to arrest and detain any person for a period of 60 days; thereafter the Minister can order that person to remain in detention for a further two years, which detention can be renewed indefinitely every two years. Preventive detention is terribly insidious because a person's liberty is deprived without trial. Other extraordinary powers extend to prohibiting meetings and banning publications, books and periodicals.

Case law :
When presenting the Bill in Parliament on 21 June 1960, the then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Tun Razak stated that as there were still 583 armed terrorists in Northern Malaya there was still a need for the people to be protected from communists subversion. He also gave the assurance that the ISA would be used with the utmost care so as to avoid the abuse. Despite that assurance, more than 20,000 people had been detained during the period 1960 to 1990 under the ISA for diverse reasons which have nothing to do with communist subversion. With the signing of a formal peace treaty with exiled remnants of the Communist Party of Malaysia in Thailand in 1989, reliance no longer seems to be placed by the Executive on communism as a ground for detention.

The ISA is contrary to the fundamental liberties and core principles of international law, including the right to liberty of the person, to freedom from arbitrary arrest, to be informed of the reason for arrest, to the presumption of innocence and to a fair and open trial in a court of law. In fact, it would be impossible to find any scholar of worth or independence prepared to argue the contrary.

Freedom of Movement – Police Act, Immigration Act

Laws curbing freedom of movement include ESCAR. Provisions also appear in the Police Act and Immigration Act, curtailing freedom of movement. Thus, Malaysian citizens from Peninsular Malaysia do not have a right to travel to Sabah and Sarawak.

Freedom of Speech and Expression – Sedition Act, Official Secret Act, Printing Presses and Publications Act

These three statutes seriously undermine freedom of speech and expression. The Sedition Act in Malaysia is a law prohibiting discourse deemed as seditious. A person found guilty of sedition may be sentenced to three years in jail, a RM5,000 fine, or both.The Printing Presses and Publications Act contains numerous restrictions on the publication of newspapers and periodicals, including the requirement for an annual license which may be revoked by the Minister at any time.

Case law :

• Fan Yew Teng, Param Cumaraswamy, Lim Guan Eng and Karpal Singh were prosecuted under the Sedition Act, while Lim Kit Siang and journalists Sabry Sharif and James Clad were found guilty of offences under the Official Secrets Act.


• During the political tension of 1987 in the wake of Operation Lalang, three major national newspapers, the Star, Sin Chew Jit Poh and Watan had their licenses revoked. Self-censorship among newspapers owners, who are anyway closely linked to the governing coalition and their editors is a grave impediment to free expression in Malaysia.
  
• Publications by opposition parties are restricted to sale to party members only.


• Foreign newspapers and journals are periodically banned or delayed
  
• The broadcast media is completely denied any alternative thinking. Thus, RTM and TV3 do not broadcast material from the opposition.


• The advent of the Internet has given an impetus to on-line reporting and sites like Malaysiakini have flourished – itself a commentary on the needs of the average news-starved Malaysian
  
  

Freedom of Association – Societies Act, Universities and University College Act

Freedom of Association is restricted by provisions in the Societies Act, Trade Unions Act and Universities and University College Act. The Societies Act requires every club, organization, society or political party to secure a license, thereby providing the executive with the means to block or impede the formation of any organization, which it considers undesirable. The Act has an intimidating effect, can result in prolong decision-making, have had a negative impact on the development of independent civil society. This has led to some NGOs registering as companies under the Companies Act, 1965 which itself has its own bureaucratic regime. The Trade Unions Act restricts the rights of some workers in a manner inconsistent with international norms. Strict control over a trade union's affairs is exercised by the relevant bureaucracy. The Act also does not permit large groups of trade unions covering workers in different fields.

(Taken from part of the article Human Rights in the 21st century by Tommy Thomas.)

Reference from http://www.aliran.com/.

Post done by Blogging Committee(insert number here) :
(Francis, Winnie, Amy, Carmen and Hui Yi)

Logos and Symbols of Humanity and Morality

1) Refugees International

Mission

Refugees International generates lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for displaced people around the world and works to end the conditions that create displacement.

Challenge

Refugee crises left unattended threaten stability around the world. Recent estimates of the numbers of refugees and internally displaced people have been increased to 34.5 million worldwide—all people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and oppression. Additionally, there are more than 11 million stateless people in the world—often living in limbo, without citizenship rights or protection.

Work

Timely responses to refugee crises can increase stability in a region before the conflict spreads across borders. Each year, Refugees International conducts 20 to 25 field missions to assess crisis situations that have caused people to leave their homes or their countries. Based on up-to-date information gathered in the field, they provide governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations with effective solutions to improve the lives of displaced people.

Reputation

Refugees International is a leading advocate for the needs of the world’s most vulnerable and under-represented populations. It is a small, highly effective organization recognized for credibility and accuracy.

Impact

On each mission—along with recording the need for basic services such as food, water, shelter and protection from harm—advocates explore a variety of other issues to be addressed, such as health services, access to education, human rights abuses, and circumstances specific to women and children. Because of the efforts, many who are abandoned in camps return home, refugees without food are fed, stateless people have obtained legal status, and families in danger have been moved to safer locations.

2) Foundation for the People of Burma

Foundation for the People of Burma (FPB) is the largest, independently-supported, U.S.-based humanitarian organization focusing exclusively on Burma. It has been implementing projects and supporting community-based action since 1999. The organization’s programs provide direct assistance to communities that have been severely affected by injustice. They engage in compassionate, creative and strategic interventions which facilitate positive, long-lasting change for those that face scarcity and lack personal freedom.

Since 1999 they have had the privilege of collaborating with community-based partners to bring a wide range of services to tens of thousands of people inside Burma and refugees in neighboring countries. Services include basic health care, primary education, improved teaching materials, HIV treatment, leadership training, emergency food relief, clean water and income-generating activities. The organization respect each community's desire for self-determination by listening sensitively in order to facilitate effective, human-scale improvements without ethnic or religious discrimination.

History

FPB was established in 1999 as the Burma People's Relief Group by Hal Nathan, at the time Senior Portfolio Advisor at Seneca Capital Management. A practicing Buddhist, Hal traveled to many countries in Asia, including Burma. After meeting and listening to the stories of many in Burma as well as refugees that had fled across its borders, Hal knew that building a small, nimble organization, staffed primarily by local Burmese people, would truly foster needed change at the community level.

Their first projects focused on aid for refugees living on the Thai border. Since then, FPB has had the great fortune of expanding the number of projects, the breadth of their scope, and the depth of their impact. FPB currently operate with a small staff in San Francisco, dozens of Burmese partners and countless volunteers in the U.S. and Asia.

3) International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a leading non-sectarian, non-governmental international relief and humanitarian aid organization based in the United States. The IRC's mission is to help those fleeing racial, religious and ethnic persecution, as well as those uprooted by war and violence.

In 1933, the American branch of the European-based International Relief Association (IRA) was founded at the suggestion of Albert Einstein, in order to assist Germans affected by Adolf Hitler's government.

At work in more than 25 countries, IRC delivers a number of services, including: emergency response, health care, children and youth protection and development programs, water and sanitation systems, the establishment of schools, training of teachers, strengthening the capacity of local organizations and supporting civil society and good-governance initiatives.

On the 5^th of May 2008, The International Rescue Committee is dispatching an emergency team to Myanmar to rapidly assess needs and lay the groundwork for urgent assistance for people made homeless by the weekend's devastating cyclone.

The IRC has been working in the region for 27 years, providing health care, water, sanitation, education and other assistance for tens of thousands of Myanmar refugees living along the border in Thailand.

Post done by Blogging Committee 3 :
Hazel, Chai Hooi, Jenny

Myanmar Refugee Fund Raising Activity

Myanmar Refugee Fund Raising Activity

“save their life.. save the world..”

UNHCR – The UN refugee agency

In some of the most unforgiving places on earth, YOUR support can provide protection, shelter, food and clean water, as well as education and medical care – all vital and urgent needs for people who have fled their homes to escape persecution or conflict.

The UN refugee agency is currently working in more than 110 countries, assisting close to 33 million people. In the first five months of this year, we have responded to more emergencies than in the whole of 2007. Sadly, the world's need for our work has never seemed so great. From Sudan's Darfur region to Myanmar and China – wherever people have been forced from their homes our staff are there to help, to shelter and to protect.

For refugees who have lost everything, a little goes a long way. Your support will help ensure that we can continue to be there – today and tomorrow, and for as long as we are needed.

Contact us
UNHCR is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Our address:
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Case Postale 2500
CH-1211 Genève 2 Dépôt
Suisse.

Our telephone number:

+41 22 739 8111 (automatic switchboard).

http://www.unhcr.org/donate/index.htm

Foundation for the People of Burma (FPB)

Foundation for the People of Burma (FPB) is the largest, independently-supported, U.S.-based humanitarian organization focusing exclusively on Burma. We have been implementing projects and supporting community-based action since 1999. Our programs provide direct assistance to communities that have been severely affected by injustice. We engage in compassionate, creative and strategic interventions which facilitate positive, long-lasting change for those that face scarcity and lack personal freedom

Since 1999 we have had the privilege of collaborating with community-based partners to bring a wide range of services to tens of thousands of people inside Burma and refugees in neighboring countries. Services include basic health care, primary education, improved teaching materials, HIV treatment, leadership training, emergency food relief, clean water and income-generating activities. We respect each community's desire for self-determination by listening sensitively in order to facilitate effective, human-scale improvements without ethnic or religious discrimination.

The Cyclone Relief and Reconstruction Fund of the Foundation for the People of Myanmar

-- Approximately $1.1 million has been raised in this effort so far. Thank You!

-- We assess that we can effectively employ at least $2 million over the next year in reconstruction work.

-- Initially, we devoted funds to critical relief needs: food, water, medicine, tarps and toilets.

-- Now, we are constructing homes and schools, replanting fields and purchasing farm and fishing equipment.

-- Our administrative costs are minimal. Your funds are reaching the homeless, the poor, the children, the elderly and the entire Burmese population affected by the cyclone and still in need of help.

YOUR HELP IS SAVING LIVES. Please continue to donate generously and keep Myanmar in your hearts.

https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=24039

Thank you for your support!

Every single dollar u donate, u can make their life better. So why not contribute something for the world n make everyone able to live in a better and harmony place? Your aid is highly appreciated.. THANK YOU!

,




Post done by Blogging Committee(3) :

(Ram, Sean, Wyn Yau and Han Yang)

Morality 3Ws 1H

Why should people contribute?

In the year 2007,the global number of refugees has keep on increasing and displaced people reached 67 million.According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR),there has been an increase in the last two year.

People from the entire world should contribute to the victims because of the situation they are in and they are from other country living in a foreign land.People should protect the rights of refugees as they are one of the most vulnerable gropus.The UNHCR must continue the dialogue with the refugees' host countries to shop the arrest,detention and deportation of refugees due to their vulnerable situations.

As we are living in a peaceful country and have a stable income,we should be kind and willing to help one another when they are in need.The refugees would also need the basic needs such as clothes,shelter,food and many more.We should try our best to contribute some to them as a little contribution that each person give,will create a better future for them.

As mentioned earlier,refugees are as the same as we are in need of the same protection,assistance,education,safe environment like other.Due to the reason they are from the other country,the host countries should not discriminate as they are also human that need love and cares.

Refugees are to issue temporary documents to allow refugees to stay and work legally.By allowing refugees to work,we could also contribute to the economic development of the host country.This has gave benefits to both party.When the refugees have a job opportunity and a stable income,it would prevent them from doing illegal ethic such as robbery,prositution and many more.

Who Should Help Myanmar Refugees?

• All classes of citizenz should contribute and help them.
• Should give monthly supporters or even global medical assistance
• They can help by giving additional shipments of medicines and medical supplies
• Besides non profit organisation should also contribute to the myanmar refugees
• Even with a small amout of money they can ensure children to attend school so that they can start building their future
• It is important for them as it can provide young refugees with shelter materials they need to build home.
• Supports and money given can help them acquire skills to earn a living and are able to provide malnourished young refugees with food supplements in order to stay alive.
• Therefore,each and everyone of us plays a part in contributing and giving donation to the myanmar refugees.
• Caring for refugees through UNHCR monthly contribution is an affective way to make a different in the life of myanmar refugees.
• Last but not least on going support means we can plan better and commit to keep being there for refugees.

When to contribute to Myanmar Refugees

Often,we don't know when should donate.This is because people generally think that donation is only given when they have money.Of course,you can donate when you are rich,having excessive fortunes that we do not have idea where to spend for.Or you suddenly found out that money seems to be meaningless to you.Or you just quarrel with your boyfriends(s) or your girlfriend(s) and would be very happy to do a good deed in respect of him/her.Normally,most of us feel we are too busy to take the time to pull some bills out of our wallets,or maybe we don't have any to spare.But did you know that most charities at this time of the year are requesting clothing and food items?Just a trip to your pantry or closet can provide comeone with a few needed essentials from your excess.Or a simply visit to the charity place would be very helpful.So,that is no such saying that when we should or when we suppose to donate.This depends on you to find out when is the time to give some support to the helpless ones.It can be the time when you search the internet,it can be a school or college projects,it can be when you saw two or three volunteers pass by the place you have your lunch.It is not a matter of time.It is a matter of heart.

p/s:You would also be likely to donate when you found out your income chargeable for tax is too high.Take note,any cash donation to approved society is deductible from tax

How to contribute to Myanmar Refugees

1. Learn

• Learn about their cultures

~Each culture has a unique identity just as each individual has.Learning about the history customs,and values of Myanmar culture will help you understand the needs of the Myanmar refugees and the special challenges they might face.

2. Advocate

• Publicize your experiences with Myanmar refugees.

~Use the media to spread the word about service to refugees.Human-interest stories that portray positive experiences of interactions between communities and newcomers help foster welcoming attitudes toward refugees.

• Share your knowledge with others.

~As you learn about the needs and cultures of Myanmar refugees-including how policies affect them and why we should serve them-Share your newfound understanding with others in your community.

3. Give

• Give material donations.

~Local affiliates appreciate contributions of large items such as furniture or kits of smaller items such as cleaning supplies to help newly arrived refugees settle in their new homes.Kitchen items,household items,toiletries and clothing are also welcome gifts.Beyond these basic needs consider giving creative gifts such as a welcome kit including maps of the local community with key services noted,bus schedules,phone directories,coupons,and stamps or long-distance phone cards to keep in touch with folks back home.

• Establish a scholarship program

~Scholarships of even a few hundred Ringgit Malaysia can provide much-needed encouragement to Myanmar refugee youth as they pursue higher education

• Give donation in monetary form

~People who want to contribute to Myanmar refugees in monetary form can donate their donation to the approved organization

4. Support

• Support refugee employment

~If you are an employer,consider how refugees might fit into your workforce.If you are aware of refugee cottage industries,purchase their handicrafts and help them avoid exploitation.

• Support community services for Myanmar refugees

~Community services such as libraries and hospitals may need resources and assistance to translate forms and server non-English speaking populations.

Post done by Blogging Committee(3) :
(Hazel,Chai Hooi,Jenny,*Yee chien)

A Desperate Cry For Help

What’s with Malaysians & Their Wretched Attitude?

The culture of giving aid should be adopted by us as it is very noble. Even a small amount of money is enough. So, why do Malaysians still do not give enough aid to the Myanmar Refugees right here in Malaysia?

The riot that happened in Lenggeng in April has probably left an adverse impression on Malaysians. About 60 Myanmar nationals believed to be political refugees torched an administrative building and threatened Immigration and RELA personnel with injury apparently after they were told that their application to move to a third country was unsuccessful.

This incident may have instilled a sense of fear in us. Many Malaysians would ask “ Why should I give aid to them when they are causing havoc in my country?”. However, only a handful are involved and there are so many others out there who desperately need aid.

Furthermore, the government’s relentless raids on the Myanmar Refugee camp had added more salt to the wound.

Lack of publicity about Myanmar Refugees is also one of the cause why Malaysians do not give aid to them. Most of the stories published in local newspapers these days revolve around Anwar’s sodomy case.

There is also lack of awareness about Myanmar Refugees in the education system. For example, secondary school students are forced to memorise moral values to excel in the subject instead of learning how to be a good global citizen.

As you all know, corruption in Malaysia is very rampant. Therefore, there is a high chance that we have a mindset that those in charge of collecting aid for the Myanmar Refugees are corrupted.
Recently, when a local citizen was interviewed on why he refused to give aid to Myanmar Refugees, he said, “ How would I know if they (those in charge of collecting aid for Myanmar Refugees) don’t give the aid to them (Myanmar Refugees) and take it for themselves?. After all, this is Malaysia. If this occurs, it would not even be shocking.”

Moreover, many Malaysians make giving aid to the poor and needy locals their top priority. Malaysia ranks among the most unequal societies in Southeast Asia in terms of income distribution. This sparks Malaysians to help their own instead of the Myanmar Refugees.

Giving aid is also not a part of our culture. Researches at the University of Oregon reported that, people contribute out of “pure altruism”- the pleasure of seeing the others well being improve- as well as for the “warm glow” they feel as the result of doing a good deed. The fact is, Malaysians are still very self centered. Instead, the negative practices of corruption, racism, the worship of leaders and mediocrity is deeply ingrained in our culture. Until such selfishness is forsaken, Malaysians will indeed continue to give pathetic amounts of aid.

In the CACE National Advisory Council April 2002,


Dr. C. Everett Koop addressed three major barriers to morality in today's society:

• The lack of proper education on personal accountability, crude utilitarian thinking and lack of opportunity to be with positive role models.He referenced a trend on college campuses of "every student a victim," where the student is not responsible for anything. As soon as a student has a problem, "it must have been his mother, father, the President, the kid next door, or society who did this to him." This lack of personal accountability releases one from the need for personal ethics.

• Lack of proper education on personal accountability. This includes family failures where children simply aren't taught the discipline of responsibility. This also includes failures in the education system at all levels. Colleges are not immune to this indictment
  

• Lack of opportunity to be with positive role models. This includes the fact that many celebrated role models have had significant failings, thus leaving a legacy of inconsistencies and disappointments.

Mr. Don Holt identified four major obstacles to the moral life: relativism, inconsistencies, ambition verging on greed, and complacency. He argued that when one has no sense of moral absolutes, there is no progress to be made in discussion regarding the moral life.

Holt sees many inconsistencies in public life, and what troubles him most is the failure to follow through with one's commitment. These inconsistencies ranged from governmental missteps, such as the internment of Japanese citizens during WWII, to televangelists committing marital infidelities. He also sees inconsistencies in the lives of society's role models. As a news magazine editor for many years, Holt saw a great deal of expedience disguised as necessity or virtue. For instance, a company may close a plant without regard to the communities and people involved, or company management justifies the withholding of information concerning dangerous products.

Mr. Holt also expanded on greed. Greed is closely connected with ambition and, consequently, is honored in our society. Greed is often a hidden, more personal barrier, where very few other people will see it. The ambition of climbing up a company or social ladder can cause people to do things that they would not normally consider.

Finally, Mr. Holt addressed the issue of complacency, or laziness and sloth, as these will hold someone back from making any progress in moral life.

Identifying Barriers:
Mr. James Anderson used a flipchart to list the barriers mentioned by Mr. Holt and Dr. Koop. He then gave all in attendance the opportunity to suggest additional barriers. From these suggestions, Mr. Anderson created a master list. Each participant voted for four items on the master list, listing them in order of importance. Of course, the results are merely suggestive. All participants saw this exercise as a preliminary step leading to further discussion and inquiry.
Raw Data-Master List:

1. Lack of proper education on personal accountability.


2. Excessive access to materials which are “over the edge.”


3. Lack of opportunity to be with “positive role models.”(Editorial note: Similar to 5 (as relating to personal role models/government)


4. Relativism. (Editorial note: Similar to 8.)


5. Inconsistencies among personal role models and government; expediencies disguised as virtue.


6. Greed/ambition.(Editorial note: Similar to 11 and 5 (as relating to expediencies disguised as virtue).


7. Complacency/comfortableness.


8. Acceptance of tolerance as a guiding principle.


9. Family failures. (Editorial note: When families fail, opportunities lessen for positive role models and education in morality.)


10. Lack of integrity in government despite claims to it; hypocrisy.


11. Crude utilitarianism; evaluation in light of cost/benefit.( Editorial note: Similar to 6.)


12. “Bondage to sin;” nature of man/seared conscience.


13. Ignorance of/lack of respect for the Bible.


14. Misguided zealous leaders.

Sources :
http://www.wheaton.edu/CACE/resources/onlinearticles/barriermoraldevelop2.htm

In order to increase morality in everybody around us, moral and simple culture ethics should be emphasized and taught to children when they are still young. This is because younger children tend to listen more often than they argue. As a matter of fact, children usually remember well and learn up moral values and manners as they grow up. Moral values which are precisely instilled in children will lead them throughout life.

Children need good role models. Most of us are oblivious to the fact that not all adults are good role models. We should change our mentality and set good examples to children and the young alike as they look up to us and are easily influenced by us. Children also tend to mimic the actions of those they respect as they think its right. This is also the very reason that children should be molded and be instilled with moral values when they are young.


Morality can be defined as a system of determining right and wrong that is established by some authority, such as a church, an organization, a society, or a government. As citizens of a country, we should exercise our rights and make sure that our government plays their part in shaping the future generations. Governments have the power to control the content and method of educations which will ultimately affect the minds of young people. On another note, they could also stop immoral habits such as calling names during parliament sessions. They can be depicted like a parent to kids in other words, citizens of the country.

Religion is one of the major factors that influence people’s perception on things. When a person has a religion, he or she will think wisely of what are the right things to do or what should and shouldn’t be said. Basically religion is a guideline to living. The thought of having a divine being watching over us and judgment day is important to humans. Believing that sinners will be punished and the good will be rewarded keeps things in order.

“Morality knows nothing of geographical boundaries or distinctions of race.”

- Herbert Spencer 1820-1903

The quote above by Herbert Spencer, a prominent English philosopher, clearly explains by itself the extend of courtesy that should be embodied within our human race. It is the fundamental guideline to change the mindsets of people towards eliminating ethnical barriers that will disrupt the balance of a nation. To date, the idea of inculcating moral values in our society has always been prioritized yet many are still not willing to give helps, rude and ignorant not only towards their peers, but also towards their families. It is a sad fact that some people will never amend. Morality generally increases bonds, ties and relationships. People will feel a secure sense of modesty and friendliness coming from one another, and that, ultimately will lead to global peace and tranquility.

The benefits that emerge from that can be seen in economical, social and political spheres of a nation. The developments and improvements in those aspects will obviously be exceptional. When people see eye to eye and respect each other in a way, business and marketing are easier to carry out, and probably the only method of gaining the respect they need is through manners. “Hello”, “I’m sorry”, “Please” and “Thank you”; short and simple, yet meaningful and extravagant. Use them. Simple and polite phrases are good for socializing and thus lead to better understanding towards each other. This very concept is used for generating successful and continuous diplomatic relationships between countries or continents. In the field of politics, morality ensures no corruptions. Biasness or favoritism, and even bribery will only be the things of the past. A perfect and ideal world can be created; although that is only a thought for there is no such thing as a totally flawless world. Nevertheless, if we can make it near perfect, it will be a remarkable step for mankind.

I am sure that everyone knows very well on how important morality is and any further explanation will just be a repetition of points or a cliché to your ears. I will let you yourself imagine what will happen from this point on.
Let’s contribute our helps to save the world!!! ^.^

Summary

Myanmar refugees have sought shelter here for some time now and yet many Malaysians are still unaware of these people living alongside us. This is mainly because minimal coverage is done by the local media when reporting issues that have little to do with our people, our economy or even our politics. We are ignorant to the fact that these refugees go through much hardships and sufferings trying to make a living here in order to survive. Malaysians are generally a caring bunch and although constant aid giving is not practised by everyone here, the nation has compassion towards the plights of those in need regardless of where they come from. The majority of us lead comfortable lives and can certainly afford to part with a little money to help those who are not as fortunate as us.

However, there is no denying the fact that in Malaysia, there is always room for corruption. Who is to say that our aid workers do not have other intentions in mind when collecting donations?

Malaysia needs to step up efforts in helping these refugees.

Post done by Blogging Committee(4) :
(Francis, Winnie, Amy, Hui Yi and Carmen)

A life of a Myanmar refugee

In the modern world today as we know, everything may seem to be easier, least to say in most countries. But this may not be the case for the Myanmar refugees as they seek cover from others, what more than their very own countries. Back in their country, they are forced to vote for the government to control them. If their decision proves otherwise, they might never see the light of another day.

They seek cover in our country in the jungles and survive as if they “were” from the jungle. It’s hard enough for some of us to go trekking into the jungle and build our own tents and survive on tin cans of food but these Myanmar people do it every day and night. Their source of water comes only from the river and at times from the outside, not to say it is to be any much of benefit to them as well. Bathing in rivers is not 100% clean. The food they eat itself may not be clean and this may lead to diseases. One myanmar refugee has said due to this, his sister is described as a walking skeleton. These from the experience of one night being in the jungle, to live their lives in it is hell.

From resources such as http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSKLR10857020070807?sp=true, it's even more surprising to see that the government is torturing these Myanmar refugees by caning them. "We no longer find Malaysia a safe haven," said Zafar Ahmad, president of the Myanmar Ethnic Rohingyas Human Rights Organisation Malaysia. "At least 80 Rohingyas have been caned previously." It is seems that from this point of view, the government is torturing the people it should protect. There was even a video of the torture spreaded across the internet for world wide to see. In the video, a naked man is shown strapped to an upright wooden frame, his rear exposed to a uniformed official who lifts a meter-long rattan stick above his head before bringing it down on the prisoner's buttocks, tearing the flesh with each strike. Making the headlines on some of the European newspaper, this has forced the Malaysian government onto the defensive.

They never had the benefits of what we have, enjoying everyday freedom of whether not hanging out with friends or even spending time with family. They live their lives in fear as illegal people running from their own country just because their decision is different, not to say they’re a threat to the country. To make matters worse, they’re hunted and very ill-treated by our so called Malaysia's controversial volunteer security corps. Many were forced into becoming porters and carry their food and boxes without even being paid anything at all. “Life is meant to be enjoyed with” but this phrase is far lost in their dictionary. With such conditions of pressure from not only their own country, but the Malaysian government as well, these Myanmar refugees live in terror and fear. To them, anything can happen, anything bad at any time and at any how. A life of a myanmar refugee.

Post done by Blogging Committee(3) :

(Ram, Sean, Wyn Yau and Han Yang)

Post 1 : Rights, Humanity , Morality

Definition

Humanity ~ The quality of being humane; kindness; benevolence. Humane ~ Characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, esp. for the suffering or distressed. Morality~ A code of conduct put forward by a society or accepted by an individual for his/her own behavior. Human rights ~ Basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

Absence of humanity, rights and morality in Myanmar

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has been torn apart by civil war for more than 40 years. Ethnic minorities have clashed violently with the Myanmar government in their efforts to win independence. Over the years, tens of thousands of people have fled Myanmar to escape grinding poverty and harassment by the military regime known as the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council).

After the SLORC (currently known as State Peace and Development Council) seized power in 1988, reports of its human rights violations began to surface in the international community. Reported violations include targeting women for rape and using women and children as human shields during the fighting.

In relation, the state-sanctioned sex crimes where women and children of perceived enemy groups have been subject to mass rape campaigns by the military. Consequently, over the past few decades, many women have been speaking out. However, things did not went all well. According to a report "Licence to Rape", authored by the Shan Women's Action Network and the Shan Human Rights Foundation, 83 percent of the rapes were committed by officers and that women who dared speak up were fined, detained, tortured or even killed.

Besides that, human right abuse and political repression is a serious problem that Myanmar citizens are currently facing. To illustrate my point, a landmark legal case, involving Unocal Corporation and the dictators in Myanmar. In the case Unocal was alleged to have turn thousands of Myanmar citizen into virtual slaves under brutality. Furthermore, evidence has been gathered suggesting that the Burmese regime has marked certain ethnic minorities for extermination or also known as the 'Burmisation' case.

Moreover, the country is a corner of the Golden Triangle of opium production. Neither Burma, Vietnam, Laos or Thailand had any history of opium production until colonial time yet from then until very recently, most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle, including Burma. According to a confidential MOGE file reviewed by the investigators, funds exceeding $60 million and originating from Burma's most renowned drug lord, Khun Sa, were channeled through the company. "Drug money is irrigating every economic activity in Burma, and big foreign partners are also seen by the SLORC as big shields for money laundering.” Banks in Rangoon offered money laundering for a 40% commission.

As a result, more than two million people now live as refugees from Myanmar. About half of them work illegally in Thailand with little or no access to health care, education or basic necessities. Approximately 117,000 ethnic minority refugees live in camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. Many others have been excluded from camps because they are from a different ethnic group than the camp’s majority population.

What provisions of human rights law guarantee the Human Rights of Refugees?

"No one shall be subject to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.... Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State. Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.... Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.... Everyone has the right to a nationality...."
--Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 9, 13, 14 and 15

"The Contracting States shall apply the provisions of this Convention to refugees without discrimination as to race, religion or country of origin.... The ... States shall accord to refugees within their territories treatment at least as favourable as that accorded to their nationals with respect to freedom to practise their religion.... As regards housing, the ... States ... shall accord to refugees ... treatment ... not less favourable than that accorded to aliens generally in the same circumstances.... The ... States shall accord to refugees the same treatment as is accorded to nationals with respect to education.... the same treatment with respect to public relief and assistance.... the same treatment ... in respect of ... remuneration, hours of work,... minimum age of work, ... social security.... Each ... State shall accord to refugees ... the right to choose their place of residence and to move freely within its territory subject to ... regulations applicable to aliens generally.... No ... State shall expel or return ("refouler") a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.... The ... States shall ... facilitate the assimilation and naturalisation of refugees...."
--Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, Articles 3, 4, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 33 and 34

"No State Party shall expel, return ("refouler") or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture."
--Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment of Punishment, Article 3

"... the Detaining Power shall not treat as enemy aliens exclusively on the basis of their nationality... of an enemy State, refugees who do not, in fact, enjoy the protection of any government."
--Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, Article 44

"Persons who, before the beginning of hostilities, were considered as stateless persons or refugees ... shall be protected persons..., in all circumstances and without any adverse distinction."
--Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, Article 73

"The ... States shall accord to stateless persons within their territories treatment at least as favourable as that accorded to ... nationals with respect to freedom to practise their religion.... A stateless person shall have ... the same treatment as a national in matters pertaining to access to the courts...; ... treatment ... not less favourable than that accorded to aliens generally ... as regards ... employment..... As regards housing, ... treatment ... not less favourable than that accorded to aliens generally.... The ... States shall accord to stateless persons the same treatment ... accorded to nationals with respect to elementary education...; ... the same treatment with respect to public relief and assistance...; ... the same treatment ... in respect of ... remuneration,... hours of work,... minimum age of employment..., and the enjoyment of ... collective bargaining; Social security (legal provisions in respect of employment injury, occupational diseases, maternity, sickness, disability, old age, ... unemployment, family responsibilities.... Each ... State shall accord to stateless persons ... the right to choose their place of residence and to move freely within its territory.... The ... States shall not expel a stateless person lawfully in their territory save on grounds of national security or public order. The expulsion of such a stateless person shall be only ... in accordance with due process of law."
--Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, Articles 4, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, and 31

"A ... State shall grant its nationality to a person born in its territory who would otherwise be stateless...; shall grant its nationality to a person, not born in the territory ... who would otherwise be stateless, if the nationality of one of his parents ... was that of that State.... A ... State shall not deprive a person of his nationality if such deprivation would render him stateless.... A ... State may not deprive any person or group of persons of their nationality on racial, ethnic, religious or political grounds."
--Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, Articles 1, 4, 8, and 9

"The ... Parties confirm that genocide ... is a crime under international law which they undertake to prevent and to punish."
--Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, Article 1

"Each State Party ... undertakes to respect and to ensure to all individuals within its territory ... rights ... without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.... Everyone lawfully within the territory of a State shall ... have the right to liberty of movement and freedom to choose his residence. Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own.... No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country. An alien lawfully in the territory of a State Party ... may be expelled ... only ... in accordance with law and shall ... be allowed to submit the reasons against his expulsion and to have his case reviewed by ... the competent authority.... All persons shall be equal before the courts and tribunals.... All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law...."
--International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Articles 2, 12, 13, 14, and 26

"The States Parties ... recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing...; ... recognize the right of everyone to the ... highest attainable standard of physical and mental health...; the right of everyone to education.... Primary education shall be compulsory and available free to all...."
--International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Articles 11, 12, and 13

"States Parties condemn racial discrimination and undertake to pursue ... a policy of eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms.... Each State Party undertakes to engage in no act ... of racial discrimination....; Each State Party shall prohibit and bring to an end ... racial discrimination by any persons, group or organization.... States Parties undertake to prohibit and to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and to guarantee the right of everyone, without distinction as to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, to equality before the law, notably in the enjoyment of ... political rights ... civil rights ... economic, social and cultural rights.... States Parties shall assure ... effective protection and remedies ... against any acts of racial discrimination...."
--Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Articles 2, 5, and 6

"States Parties shall grant women equal rights with men to acquire, change or retain their nationality.... equal rights with men with respect to the nationality of their children."
--Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Article 9

"The child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right to a name, ... a nationality.... States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that a child who is seeking refugee status or who is considered a refugee ... shall ... receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance in the enjoyment of ... rights.... States Parties shall provide ... cooperation in ... efforts ... to protect and assist such a child and to trace the parents or other members of the family of any refugee child ... for reunification with his or her family. In cases where no parents or other members of the family can be found, the child shall be accorded the same protection as any other child ... deprived of his or her family environment...."
--Convention on the Rights of the Child, Articles 7 and 22


Post done by Blogging Committee(1) - Kiang Peng,Yee Chien, Wei Hao & Chong Yeow