This book aims to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR) in the International Community; concerning essential human rights
as stipulated in the UDHR - such as freedom of thought, conscience and
religion; as well as freedom of speech and association. It should also
be noted, that today more than ever we have to understand that humanity
is much more important than just politics. The importance of belonging
to humankind takes precedence over all the marks of distinction that may
separate one person from another. The thing that matters most is not
that we have any particular cultural or national identity, or that we
abide by any particular religious or philosophical conviction, but that
we share with all humanity the highest values of the human race: love,
understanding and compassion. However, this is something difficult to
master, because of cultural, national, religious and ideological
barriers. This is why the education of human rights and emotional
intelligence is so important in the International Community; to improve
the learning and understanding of human rights, child rights, ethics and
common decency. Also, a mind-set change is required concerning the
ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which in turn has been attributed
to the simultaneous rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism - the two
ethnic groups experiencing currently some challenges when it comes to
co-existing peacefully with each other; mainly because the leaders in
Israel-Palestine are traumatized and afraid of change, and lack the
courage to implement peace and harmony in the land - such as Benjamin
Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas; as well as many other leaders of Likud and
Hamas. It should also be noted, that more than 2.5 million Palestinians
live under Israeli rule but cannot vote in national elections. This must
change. All Palestinians in the land should be eligible to vote, and
also be eligible to stand for election - as stipulated in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. It is also important, that rule of law and
judicial independence prevails in Israel-Palestine; and that everybody
in the land is equal under the law. To manifest peace in the land, it is
imperative that the Gaza blockade is finally lifted; and that all
parties concerned start working towards a just and fair Middle East
peace plan. And the solutions can only be found in a reasonable and
realistic process of Peacebuilding - meaning through dialogue,
mediation, compassion and cooperation.
