For the last time, before the GA session on inter-ethnic issues involving minorities, we had a word with the three representative from African Continent, Ms Tonja Avsenik - the delegate of Ethiopia, Ms Tamara Čakič - the delegate of Egypt and Mr. Gorazd Mihelin - the delegate of Nigeria.
States are aware of the fact that Africa is the continent with a very diverse population, as Mr Mihelin said: "Because of its colonial past, there are many more ethnic groups than states in Africa." In order to prevent that ethnic and religious minorities are drawn into the conflict Mr. Mihelin stated: "Successful prevention inter-ethnic conflicts consists of enabling anti-discrimination measures along with development." The representative of Egypt is of the opinion that conflict should be solved with dialogue as it is case in Egypt: "We have to implement democratic principles and start solving issues and conflicts with dialogue, based on mutual respect and equality. This is the solution and appropriate approach to tackling all the variety of issues. However, Egypt has to emphasize that we do not have issues involving minorities, since the people of Egypt are not divided into minority groups. Egyptians are a homogenous and united population, and we are all equal in terms of human rights, freedoms and duties."
Ms. Čakič also shared with us the idea on what can world lean from Egypt in order to solve the issues regarding minorities as religious freedom and equality guaranteed by the state, which she confirmed with the following statement: "We ensure our
people the rights and freedoms with our legislation and the new, by people confirmed
Constitution, we do not have problems with guaranteeing the rights for all
people, and not merely particular groups of people. With striving for achieving
and strengthening national unity we, the people of Egypt, are united despite
the cultural richness every one of us brings to our society. The recent
Revolution also serves as a proof of our unity and of our determination to
ensure respect of human dignity and social integration
of Egyptian people and it also gave us a strong motivation to accelerate our
national efforts to promote and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms
as a priority, as well as to ensure security and stability of the entire Egyptian
society."
According to Mr Mihelin Africa certainly still faces the colonial legacy, although the recovery can best be achieved by development of economy, a bright example is Nigeria, this way the colonial legacy will be dispelled. The following opinion was issued: "Due to complexity and region-specific nature of the issue it has to be tackled by applying regional understanding and solutions. African region is still struggling to manage this sad colonial legacy. Still there are few bright exemptions and one of them is Nigeria: We managed it by strongly embracing economic development as the main engine of recovery along with anti-discriminatory measures being implemented in the state system."
In the recent time
there are certainly some religious conflicts erupting in the region (Nigeria,
Egypt, Ethiopia). I asked the delegates how do they (their countries) manage to handle these conflicts?
Ms Čakič rejected the notion that the conflicts are of religious nature:"We have to know
that majority of conflicts and issues are result of polarisation that is caused
by different political groups and serves their particular interests. Hence,
nowadays conflicts are result of politics and not of religious diversity. We
strongly believe that every issue, as stated, can be solved with a democratic
approach, which includes respect for the opinions and believes of others. Egypt
is currently in the new era of democracy, respect for all human rights,
freedoms and dignity, and social justice, and our ultimate goal is to achieve
progress in the welfare and standards of life of all Egyptians. Social and
economic development. together with education are the key to promoting
understanding between nations, cultures and beliefs and hence key in combating
extremism and conflicts."
At this point Mr Mihelin mentioned the extremist group "Boko Haram" - jihadist militant organization based in north Nigeria that is responsible for at least 450 killings in Nigeria in 2011 and over 620 in first half of 2012. According to reports in the first few years of the organization activity over 10.000 was killed in Nigeria. Mr Mihelin explained: "The Boko Haram is a terrorist organisation. Any terrorist organisation, regardless of its religious identity, will be considered as a threat to peace and security in the country."
Ms. Tonja Avsenik made her standpoints in the live interview, which you can watch in the video below:
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