Pregnant Jordanian Woman Killed In Horrific Honor Killing; Another Look At Family Honor

NY Daily News reported in April that a Jordanian pregnant woman murdered in what police say was an honor killing. The woman was very young; in her twenties, and her throat had been slashed and her stomach cut open showing the dead fetus. Afterwards, her body was set on fire. She was killed because the child was born out of wedlock. The story which is very tragic, is sadly all too common in an area where 'dishonoring' your family can easily come with a death sentence which is carried out by your own loved ones. Dishonor can be something as simple as a woman talking to a man whom is not a family member.

The report brought to mind a post I'd previously done with a very eye-opening video, posted below; it's very informative and definitely a must-watch.

 

Here is a link to the original April honor killing in Ruseifa, Jordan: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/pregnant-woman-throat-slit-stomach-cut-open-horrific-honor-killing-jordan-article-1.1318998

Murder of People With Albinism In Tanzania/East Africa; Is Anything Changing?

Mariamu Staford first shared her tragic story with ABC's 20/20 in 2009; she was mutilated by hunters all because she had albinism. She told how, at 5 months pregnant, she was unaware of the danger she faced one late night at home. Men came into her house with machetes and chopped her arms off and caused her to lose her unborn child. Staford ultimately received a great amount of progressive care in the U.S that included receiving artificial limbs that will assist her with everyday living.

Shockingly, these hunters believe that albino body parts bring wealth and that a person with albinisim is generally a bad omen. They viciously come into their homes, cut their body parts and then sell them on Africa's black market between $500 to $2000, ABC News reports.

Sadly, not much has changed since Mariamu's attack. More needs to be done to protect these people in Africa who suffer the constant threat of attack or even death simply because of their albinism.

Here's a link with the situation a few years ago in Africa: http: //abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=5331015&page=1#.Ub5fqHco5Ag


Here's a link with more information on albinism & the current status of people with albinism under attack in Tanzania/East Africa: http://runfreetobe.com/albinism-africa/

Istanbul, Turkey- Park Protest Over, Rioting Continues

Riot police and many Turkish citizens upset with the current government continue to clash although the protest over the construction of Gezi Park is over. Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's Prime Minister, is trying to take control of the situation although many Turkish citizens have deemed him a now "authoritarian" leader, Yahoo News reports. A human rights group out of Turkey is reporting that 5 people are now dead and 5, 000 injured as a result of the unrest.

Photo courtesty of nydailynews.com

Tags: Istanbul, Turkey, Rioting, Gezi Park, Taksim Square, Tayyip Erdogan

Anniversary of 1948 Arab-Israeli War: In 2013, Palestinian Territories Still Occupied. Where's Justice?

Wednesday, June 5th marked the 46th anniversary of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In 2013, Palestinian territories are still occupied by Israeli military forces and their people face ongoing oppression. They are not allowed to freely move from place to place, their children are not allowed to pursue a decent education, they are harassed, detained, and even killed. Why is it that the Palestinian people don't have their own sovereign state?

The Palestinian people took to the streets to protest and had contact with Israeli soldiers in the process, leaving some demonstrators injured, Xinhua news reports. After all of these years, the Palestinian people refuse to be silenced and are still fighting for their right to freedom and independence.

I would agree with a statement made that the non-independent status of Palestine all comes down to politics, but that should not trump the Palestinian people's access to equal treatment, freedom from oppression, and human dignity.

Tags: Palestine, Israeli occupation, statehood, oppression, Ramallah, Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem, 1948 Arab-Israeli War

Mumbai, India-New, Simple Test Is Saving Women's Lives

 In India, cervical cancer is the number one cancer that kills women. India is a developing country in which many families live in slums and cannot afford simple medical care. In fact, the Washington Post reports that it is not unusual to see large numbers of women who haven't had gynecological exams.

 Now, there is a procedure known as a vinegar test that is saving the lives of these women in India. How it works: the cervix is swabbed with vinegar to detect signs of abnormal cells in hopes of catching the cancer early and then providing treatment if cancer is found. The Washington Post reports that the test can save the lives of as many as 22,000 women in India alone and 72, 600 women worldwide annually.


 Photo courtesy of: tampabay.com

Tags: Vinegar test, cervical cancer, Mumbai, India

'Chime For Change' Charity Concert Lights Up London

A charity concert hosted by Chime for Change on June 1st lit up London, England as many tuned in to watch as women's issues were put front and center stage. Performances by Ellie Goulding, John Legend, Blake Lively, Beyonce, & more was a highlight of the show.

Chime for Change says on their website the charity show "promotes education, health, and justice for women everywhere."

Photo courtesy of: celebrityredcarpet.co.uk

Tags: charity concert, London, Chime for Change, women's issues, education, justice, Ellie Goulding, Beyonce, Rita Ora

Unrest Spreads Across Turkey, Over 2,000 Arrested

Wsj.com is reporting that the protests in Turkey have worsened over the course of 4 days with over 2,000 people being arrested over the weekend. The website is reporting that the protests spread after being initiated by a clash between police and citizens over construction in Instanbul Park.

With over 80 people already injured, hopefully this situation doesn't get any worse.

Photo courtesy of: islamicinvitationturkey.com

Tags: Istanbul,Turkey, protests, unrest, social policy, Instanbul Park

Race For Humanity Blog To Relaunch--Monday, June 3rd

The Race For Humanity's blog will be back up and running Monday, June 3rd. I've gathered a great deal of inspiration from various sources to bring the most discussed, diverse topics to the blog for you to read.  Looking forward to reading your comments on the blog posts, your emails, and your general suggestions for the blog. See you June 3rd!


If you have certain topics that you would like to hear more about, or for general inquiries, email: theraceforhumanity@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of: justice4thejustified.blogspot.com



Tags: Human rights, Social justice, International, Peace and conflict, World news, Society, Pakistan, Israel, Syria, Russia

1 Million Documents: Why Julian Assange Is A Hero

 Julian Assange spoke from the Ecuadorian embassy yesterday and declared that in early 2013 Wikileaks would release one million documents. They are being released to inform the public because they are "documents that affect every country in this world," he proclaimed. He has been inside the embassy in London for six months in fear of being taken into custody under false pretenses. Not only is he risking his freedom in exchange for every single person to become completely aware of what he says are injustices committed by governments, he is risking his life and for that he is a hero.

What do you think of Assange's courage? What do you think the documents will contain?

Photo courtesy of newstribe.com

2012: Realization of Purpose & Humanity

As we reach the end of the year, we notice every day that things are changing; mostly for the worse. Famine, mass shootings, unemployment, economic collapse, civil war, nuclear war threats, police brutality, homelessness, and natural disasters all mark what we experience every day. While I'm not sure if it is the end of the world, 2012 is a time to become aware of your purpose in life and of your responsibility to help and love others. Edgar Cayce, an early 1900's psychic said you should look at the top four or five things that you are talented at, and therein lies your purpose in life; I agree.

What are you most passionate about? What are your talents? You have a purpose to fulfill in this life; tap into what you are most passionate about.

Two Children Buried Today, Newtown, CT Mourns

Jack Pinto and Noah Pozner are being buried today in Newtown, Connecticut as the town and nation mourns the lives of those lost in the horrific tragedy, the Chicago Tribune is reporting. Both boys were six years old. As the nation questions what could have driven a person to commit such a heinous act, one thing is for certain; we must not forget those who lost their lives that day to such violence.

Photo courtesy of huffingpost.com

An Honor Killing

I touched her long, flowing black hair
We both knew she had but a moment to spare
Fighting to live, fighting for love
Her eyes told a story of exhaust and despair
She had been fighting for rights
That simply weren't there
Sent to death for loving a man
The invisible ropes tied around her
were no more loose than the one placed around her neck
For the last time
She looked out at a culture
that says you're not free
Who would witness this injustice
But refuse to speak
Lost in their tradition
And misconception of honor
Another woman slain
Her cries whistled in the breeze
The plight of these women
Speaks volumes to me
--Jasmine Slater

VIDEO: The Horrors In Syria: Before The Gov't Shut Off Internet Access

This is the truth about the horrors that are taking place in Syria right now. This video was made right before the government turned off internet access yesterday. Unimaginable and horrific; it brought me to tears.

Wake Up: David Icke's Analysis of World War III Unfolds

Widely known truth speaker, David Icke, in 2009 gave an analysis of current world events that are unfolding now. Interesting.

Brazil: Bridegroom Dies On Wedding Day

 

On Monday, Fabios Jefferson dos Santos Maciel married his bride Geise Guimaraes. Not long after, tragedy struck and he slipped and fell on a broken glass bottle and bled to death. At the time of his death, ABC News reports that he was dancing at the wedding reception and the bottle caused him too lose an enormous amount of blood due to his femoral vein being severed.

14-Year-Old Pakistani Girl Freed From Blasphemy Charges

Pakistan has dropped blasphemy charges against Rimsha Masih, a 14-year-old Pakistani Christian with down syndrome. Masih was previously accused by a Muslim cleric of ripping and burning pages of the Qu'ran however it came to light that the cleric himself ripped the pages and framed Rimsha. After the findings, he was charged with blasphemy, which is punishable by death in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, although the allegations were proven to be absolutely false citizens may still seek "justice" of their own against Rimsha as there are deep-rooted tensions between Christians and Muslims in the area.. Her family has been persecuted since this event unfolded.

MUST READ ARTICLE: Henry Kissinger, Ex-Secretary of State, On Upcoming World War

Henry Kissinger, Ex-Secretary of State, makes profound statements regarding current world events and the inevitable, upcoming world war. A must read article; follow the link!


http://www.dailysquib.co.uk/index.php?news=3089

VIDEO: Does Netanyahu Care What America Thinks?

In a short video, Netanyahu is seen giving his stance on the Palestinians and the U.S and is obviously unaware that the camera is rolling.

When asked if he was afraid of what the itnernational community would think and do in regards to Israel creating an all out war on the Palestinians, he states, ""The world won't say a thing. I know what America is. America is something that can easily be moved. Moved to the right direction. They won't get in our way. They won't get in our way."

Although this video is years old, it clearly shows his stance on the international community regarding the actions of Israel and his plans for the Palestinian people.

Italy, Turkey Recognize Rebels As Head of Syria, France May Arm Them With Weapons In The Future

As of today, Italy, Germany, the U.S, France, and Turkey have all come forward to announce the recognition of the Syrian opposition council as the representatives for Syria. According to montrealgazette.com, France is the only country in which has given Syria diplomatic recognition and has made it known it might arm the rebels with weapons against the Assad regime.

Russia and China are still against arming the rebels with heavy weapons, and rightfully so. "One of the things we have to be on guard about... is that we're not indirectly putting arms in the hands of folks who would do Americans harm," President Obama stated on Wednesday. Providing the rebels with weapons could very much increase the likelihood of other countries being on alert of an attack as a result.

As the death toll reaches 40,000 in Syria due to the civil war, we must keep our eyes on the tragedies happening and rally to ensure that significant positive changes are made for the people of Syria.

Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Malaysia, & Iran All Among International Community That Condemns Israel's Airstrikes On Gaza

UPDATE: Cambodia, the Arab League, Scotland, Afghanistan, Russia, South Koreans, the Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU), and Reporters Without Borders all have come forward to condemn the Israeli airstrikes.There has been increasing global support for the people of Gaza. Rallies have been held in places all over the world including NYC, Paris, Algeria, Canada, Lebanon, Rome, Istanbul, and Madrid just to name a few.

Tunisia, Syria, Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt among others have all condemned the airstrikes against Gaza. Some have called for the UN Security Council and the Arab League to call meetings and immediately resolve violence in the area.

Gaza's population stands at 1.6 million people; children make up half of that number. Innocent children are at risk of being caught in the crossfire of the escalating violence; and many have already died as a result of that. 

We cannot turn our backs on these atrocities. The world is watching Gaza and will not be silent.

Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com