Justice is a way of bringing peace to the affected individual of a crime committed towards the family. Conflict has always existed and it will still persist unless our attitudes change towards others. Humans have rights for which they have been violated in some instances, but later they have accomplished peace building with the enemy. During this semester there were several aspects that were significant to my learning experience. This was a challenging course, but it had a positive impact on how I viewed the world.
The activity that had an impact in which I viewed society changed completely when I played the game Against All Odds. In this particular game I understood how wealth and power affect one’s ability to enjoying human rights because the more power that an individual has the more rights you are entitled to. It was surprising to see that many individuals have to go thru many hardships to find a refugee country. Many individuals do not accept the fact that many individuals want to be in their country for protection. They will always see the refugee as an enemy to society.
In my overall understanding it is important to have change occur for the best of the society. Transitional Justice occurs after human rights have been violated. When injustice occur it is necessary to have change for the best for the people. For refugees times of transition is important because they know that they will have the support from outsiders and they are willing to accept responsibility of what will come their way.
Sometimes justice has to wait. That does not mean it will not happen eventually, or that immediately realizing other goals. Such as preventing perpetrators form reasserting power or terrorizing the population, are not essential. One of the lessons of these cases is that even if justice waits eventually its time will come. Thus immediate action on all aspects of the transitional justice front is not always essential. (Lutz, 334) While we might believe that transitional justice processes contribute to the solidification of democratic civil society institutions, there are so many other independent variables that are part of any transitional processes that contribute to the solidification of democratic civil society institutions, there are many other independent variables that are part of any transition process that it is hard to isolate what role accountability measures played. (Lutz, 339)
It is important to understand what is going on around us and within our society. It is also imperative to help when there are post-conflict issues. I believe that it is important to learn more about conflict and what impact it has in today’s society. Helping those who need help in my community could be a good alternative because this could make a difference in someone’s life. If I have the opportunity to help out with current issues that are occurring I would. I would have a positive impact within the society, but before that could be accomplished I would have to walk in their footsteps and understand what is going on around them. Otherwise it would be difficult to accomplish such goals.
Reference:
Roht-Arriaza, Naomi & Mariezcurrena, Javier. (2006). Transitional Justice in the 21st Century. Cambridge University Press.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Blog #3: Reparations on the Home Front
Injustice to different racial groups, have always existed in the United States. Some of the injustice has been committed by the United States government not just the people. But despite of the wrongful acts committed to such groups, the United States has made efforts to repair wrongful past doings. During WWII, Japanese nationals and Japanese Americans were forced to relocate to camps located in the central regions of the United States. Ten internment camps were established in California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arkansas, eventually holding 120,000 persons. Many were forced to sell their property at a severe loss before departure. This occurred, after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The United States government did this because Japan was the enemy during that time of war. The relocation of Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II was a violation of civil liberties in American history. (http://www.pbs.org/childofcamp/history/index.html)
The legislation stated that government actions were based on race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership. The United States did have a collective effort to repair their injustice. The group of people who suffered from this human rights violations received over $1.6 billion in reparations, which were later disbursed by the U.S. government to Japanese Americans who had either suffered internment or were heirs of those who had suffered internment. The harm done may have been devastating and irreversible, may be felt both individually and collectively, and may have long term consequences both for individual victims and for society as a whole. (Magarrell, 1)
There are not administrative programs enacted or any policies involved. The government did however enact the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This Act did provide benefits to those who were segregated. According, to Rubio-Martin, Paz Bailey and Guillerot, monetary compensation for families of victims of extrajudicial execution, death in a massacre or forced displacement, as well as compensation for survivors of torture, rape and sexual violence is a form of reparation to the victims of such crimes. In this particular case the monetary benefit was based on forced displacement of a specific racial group. It seems like monetary reparations apply nationally as well as international. For instance, the TFV employs two targeting strategies for any type of assistance, (1) projects tailored to meet the needs of victims of specific crimes and (2) large-scale projects to help communities rebuild themselves and establish long-term peace and reconciliation. (http://trustfundforvictims.org/homepage)
The effort that the United States did to repair from their wrongdoing was successful. Not all the victims benefited from this because there were not that many survivors, but it did however helped those who were victims of intermittent. This is no longer ongoing, but it did take a long time to give the money to those victims. Repairing their wrongdoing and apologizing for what the United States government did was a big effort and these victims did deserve it. The government knew that they committed wrongful acts, when they began to segregate Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals; this is why they did whatever possible to find a way to repair their wrongful doings.
The legislation stated that government actions were based on race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership. The United States did have a collective effort to repair their injustice. The group of people who suffered from this human rights violations received over $1.6 billion in reparations, which were later disbursed by the U.S. government to Japanese Americans who had either suffered internment or were heirs of those who had suffered internment. The harm done may have been devastating and irreversible, may be felt both individually and collectively, and may have long term consequences both for individual victims and for society as a whole. (Magarrell, 1)
There are not administrative programs enacted or any policies involved. The government did however enact the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. This Act did provide benefits to those who were segregated. According, to Rubio-Martin, Paz Bailey and Guillerot, monetary compensation for families of victims of extrajudicial execution, death in a massacre or forced displacement, as well as compensation for survivors of torture, rape and sexual violence is a form of reparation to the victims of such crimes. In this particular case the monetary benefit was based on forced displacement of a specific racial group. It seems like monetary reparations apply nationally as well as international. For instance, the TFV employs two targeting strategies for any type of assistance, (1) projects tailored to meet the needs of victims of specific crimes and (2) large-scale projects to help communities rebuild themselves and establish long-term peace and reconciliation. (http://trustfundforvictims.org/homepage)
The effort that the United States did to repair from their wrongdoing was successful. Not all the victims benefited from this because there were not that many survivors, but it did however helped those who were victims of intermittent. This is no longer ongoing, but it did take a long time to give the money to those victims. Repairing their wrongdoing and apologizing for what the United States government did was a big effort and these victims did deserve it. The government knew that they committed wrongful acts, when they began to segregate Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals; this is why they did whatever possible to find a way to repair their wrongful doings.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
BLOG #2 DEAR VICTIM
Dear Victim,
I understand what you are going thru. The circumstances in which you experienced have been difficult to overcome. Life has not been easy, but yet you have been strong. It is not easy to forget what was done to our family and friends in the Rio Negro Village in Guatemala. I do admire you for not giving up hopes and desires to have a better community, even if it is difficult to keep the Mayan culture and values alive. Many things can change within time, but this could take time. With our dedication to find change anything is possible.
This has been a horrified experience for me because my family was tortured and we were forced to hide. My family was stressed; we did not know what route to take. Our human rights were being violated in one way or another. I became involved in the Human Rights movement because I want more individuals to understand their rights. We need to educate each other so that these tragedies don’t occur again within our community. We can stop this because we are human and our voice counts as much as anyone else.
Being a victim has helped me become a better individual and encourage people to speak their minds. Being involved with this movement has helped me recover from intimidation to our culture and our beliefs. Mayan violence continues for oppressor on Spanish conquest and it looks as if there was no end to this situation. Our story is related because many individuals see us as ignorant and Indians. We have also gone thru a lot of suffering, for the only reason that we are not a large population. Many don’t understand that we have the same values and rights as they do.
Being involved with the Human Rights Movement has helped me encourage many women to become active within the community. This has helped many women recover from their loss in the Massacre and understand their rights. This has not been an easy step to take, but it is worth the effort. Being an Activist has been the best route to take because as an individual you will be know at an international level and there is a high potential of more external help. This would be the best route for anyone to consider in taking because it will help the community have trust with their innersoles.
We will become closer as a community and defend our human rights. We and accomplish this with the help of the Mayan community, we are human and we need to be heard. We should not let our human rights be violated as they were and have been for several of years. We can do many things to stop this discrimination within our culture and let others know that we have value within our community. Justice will prevail and we will leave in peace. The story will still exist, but we will remember that instance and be proud because we accomplished our liberty and happiness.
Maria Reyes
Acting as Activist, for the human Rights Movement in Guatemala.
Cite:http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/KFBVTQ#
I understand what you are going thru. The circumstances in which you experienced have been difficult to overcome. Life has not been easy, but yet you have been strong. It is not easy to forget what was done to our family and friends in the Rio Negro Village in Guatemala. I do admire you for not giving up hopes and desires to have a better community, even if it is difficult to keep the Mayan culture and values alive. Many things can change within time, but this could take time. With our dedication to find change anything is possible.
This has been a horrified experience for me because my family was tortured and we were forced to hide. My family was stressed; we did not know what route to take. Our human rights were being violated in one way or another. I became involved in the Human Rights movement because I want more individuals to understand their rights. We need to educate each other so that these tragedies don’t occur again within our community. We can stop this because we are human and our voice counts as much as anyone else.
Being a victim has helped me become a better individual and encourage people to speak their minds. Being involved with this movement has helped me recover from intimidation to our culture and our beliefs. Mayan violence continues for oppressor on Spanish conquest and it looks as if there was no end to this situation. Our story is related because many individuals see us as ignorant and Indians. We have also gone thru a lot of suffering, for the only reason that we are not a large population. Many don’t understand that we have the same values and rights as they do.
Being involved with the Human Rights Movement has helped me encourage many women to become active within the community. This has helped many women recover from their loss in the Massacre and understand their rights. This has not been an easy step to take, but it is worth the effort. Being an Activist has been the best route to take because as an individual you will be know at an international level and there is a high potential of more external help. This would be the best route for anyone to consider in taking because it will help the community have trust with their innersoles.
We will become closer as a community and defend our human rights. We and accomplish this with the help of the Mayan community, we are human and we need to be heard. We should not let our human rights be violated as they were and have been for several of years. We can do many things to stop this discrimination within our culture and let others know that we have value within our community. Justice will prevail and we will leave in peace. The story will still exist, but we will remember that instance and be proud because we accomplished our liberty and happiness.
Maria Reyes
Acting as Activist, for the human Rights Movement in Guatemala.
Cite:http://digital.films.com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/play/KFBVTQ#
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Justice Sachs
Going to the presentation of Justice Sachs was a fantastic experience. It was really interesting to know that the court of South Africa has a totally different architectural difference, than the courts that are here in the United States. When I watched the video that Justice Sachs presented everything seemed to be in touch with nature. One of the things that came to my attention was the bright colors in the courtroom and the patterns that the carpets had. This court would make anyone feel like home. The art that the courtroom had was those that were discovered at a cave, everything in this courthouse was unique. Including that it was built across from jail #4.
Despite, of the uniqueness of the court, it was interesting to know that there are eleven judges in the court and that when they are going to listen to a case, at least eight judges need to be present. This court was important because, South Africa’s constitution rights and bill of rights became an important factor in which the court was constructed.
During the presentation he also gave some information of the person that set up the bomb in which he lost his sight of one eye and his right arm. This information was given when a question was asked about the truth and reconciliation commission. Henry went up to him to tell him that he was the one responsible for losing his arm. Justice Sachs did forgive him, but he could not see him as a friend. All of us have compassion for others despite, the fact that they hurt us in a way in which we will never forget. Justice Sachs was very clear when he said that everyone was human and everyone is unique in one way or another.
This was a true experience for me because I saw a different world that revolves around me and the presentation helped me understand that revenge was not the correct route to take. This presentation helped me view the world differently by understanding that there is no reason to believe that any individual is different from one another, the reason being that everyone is human.
Despite, of the uniqueness of the court, it was interesting to know that there are eleven judges in the court and that when they are going to listen to a case, at least eight judges need to be present. This court was important because, South Africa’s constitution rights and bill of rights became an important factor in which the court was constructed.
During the presentation he also gave some information of the person that set up the bomb in which he lost his sight of one eye and his right arm. This information was given when a question was asked about the truth and reconciliation commission. Henry went up to him to tell him that he was the one responsible for losing his arm. Justice Sachs did forgive him, but he could not see him as a friend. All of us have compassion for others despite, the fact that they hurt us in a way in which we will never forget. Justice Sachs was very clear when he said that everyone was human and everyone is unique in one way or another.
This was a true experience for me because I saw a different world that revolves around me and the presentation helped me understand that revenge was not the correct route to take. This presentation helped me view the world differently by understanding that there is no reason to believe that any individual is different from one another, the reason being that everyone is human.
Friday, January 29, 2010
BLOG #1 Understanding Conflict, Understanding Peace
Many of us have experienced conflict in one place or another. There may be an important lesson for us in the resistance that people have to acknowledging conflict in their lives. (Mayer) One of the places that seem to have more prevalence on conflict is the workplace. The workplace is organized by having different individuals working within different positions and it is arranged by different levels of authority. Within the school district it is more likely to see conflict occur by the end of the year. Most of this conflict is caused by important decisions made by the State. In many conflicts people act in a way that seems to go against their interests. (Mayer)
In other words, conflict between employees became recognizable. This decision has affected and will affect some employees this school year depending on the States budget. Last year while the budget cuts occurred many individuals became unemployed. Many were disappointed because their work hours decreased. Decreasing the hours of some employees in order for the employees to have a secure employment was a good decision because they did not lose their employment, but some were merely upset on what was going on. Not much could be done for some employees.
For instance, the issue that led to this conflict was the economic downturn that the United States is facing or was currently facing last year. The schools lacked from recourses and many were forced to do what was best for the district with the budget that became available to them. The government had to do with some of the conflict that many were going thru because they were the ones who would set up the budget. This conflict would have not risen from differences of beliefs because it did not have to do with what the employees wanted. This decision did not have to do with ethnic differences because it affected many individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. In a certain way many individuals felt that their identity was being threatened because they were struggling to stay at their current position, based on the time that they have been in the district.
However, Peace and conflict will always be a part of our daily lives and we need to find a way to resolve such problems. Peace has to do with the tranquility of a person. Many individuals encounter with many stressful situations in a daily basis. A person could find peace with their innersoles when they don’t go thru difficult times. Most likely a person could forget what is going on around them, but that would led them to more conflict because they are not opening up to what can affect them in the future. To find peace is to be part of a problem and finding the best solution.
After all, this was a problem that the schools were facing last year and it could also be affecting many individuals for this school year. The conflict among coworkers will still persist because of competition. The intervention methods that I believe were the best for the society within this workplace would be the decrease of hours offered to each employee. This intervention was best because many will stay in their current positions. Peace would be part of the individual because they would not have stressful instances of deciding what they are going to do next. Government support would be the most helpful because they are the ones who decide what is going to happen with the states budget. Everyone would be working without looking for an alternative employment which would be difficult to find with today’s economy.
In other words, conflict between employees became recognizable. This decision has affected and will affect some employees this school year depending on the States budget. Last year while the budget cuts occurred many individuals became unemployed. Many were disappointed because their work hours decreased. Decreasing the hours of some employees in order for the employees to have a secure employment was a good decision because they did not lose their employment, but some were merely upset on what was going on. Not much could be done for some employees.
For instance, the issue that led to this conflict was the economic downturn that the United States is facing or was currently facing last year. The schools lacked from recourses and many were forced to do what was best for the district with the budget that became available to them. The government had to do with some of the conflict that many were going thru because they were the ones who would set up the budget. This conflict would have not risen from differences of beliefs because it did not have to do with what the employees wanted. This decision did not have to do with ethnic differences because it affected many individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. In a certain way many individuals felt that their identity was being threatened because they were struggling to stay at their current position, based on the time that they have been in the district.
However, Peace and conflict will always be a part of our daily lives and we need to find a way to resolve such problems. Peace has to do with the tranquility of a person. Many individuals encounter with many stressful situations in a daily basis. A person could find peace with their innersoles when they don’t go thru difficult times. Most likely a person could forget what is going on around them, but that would led them to more conflict because they are not opening up to what can affect them in the future. To find peace is to be part of a problem and finding the best solution.
After all, this was a problem that the schools were facing last year and it could also be affecting many individuals for this school year. The conflict among coworkers will still persist because of competition. The intervention methods that I believe were the best for the society within this workplace would be the decrease of hours offered to each employee. This intervention was best because many will stay in their current positions. Peace would be part of the individual because they would not have stressful instances of deciding what they are going to do next. Government support would be the most helpful because they are the ones who decide what is going to happen with the states budget. Everyone would be working without looking for an alternative employment which would be difficult to find with today’s economy.
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