Table of Contents

Letter from the Editor

UN Millennium Development Goals: Working Towards Global Social   
                                                                  Development
Cutting Back on Freedoms and Forests

Get Involved: Model United Nations Assemblies

Comment: What Canadians Can Do About Human Rights

Remember: send all comments, editorials, questions, and submissions to gryc@rogers.com!

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Letter from the Editor

It is incredible when one reflects on the causes or beginnings of any events in life. Sometimes, it holds true that the end results are products of intricate plans and ordered events. It is my firm belief, however, that most are simply caused by minute, if not wholly random, happenings, be they ideas, gambles, or conversations. Such a thesis is difficult to accept, let alone believe. However, this issue of Five Minutes to Midnight bears witness to just those events that seemingly play no role in our daily lives and yet somehow have the power to change the course of history.

I am an avid user of MSN Messenger and my nickname tends to reflect my moods, and on the rare occasion, my goals. Two weeks ago, I tried to focus on my job as Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee for the United Nations Association of Toronto by changing my name to something along the lines of “2004: Let’s make something of our Human Rights Committee.” Wondering what the heck this name really meant, Anna Bermingham asked me to explain. Soon thereafter, she was introduced to Five Minutes to Midnight and now, two short weeks later, her article is appearing in this issue. Such is life – influenced, changed, morphed into something completely new by a simple nickname.

To those who know the history of Five Minutes to Midnight, it is apparent that there are many parallels to the story above. Stated briefly, Five Minutes to Midnight traces its roots back to the war in Iraq, when I, along with millions of people, were venting our discontent with George Bush. One night, either out of sheer boredom or possibly anger, I sent an e-mail to twelve friends, telling them why the war was wrong. The replies flew back and forth until we had a short volume, and eventually the debate died down. Its effects were permanent however: I was motivated to start a blog. Somehow, people read it and liked it, and a few wanted to contribute or start their own. You are now reading the fifth installment of what was born when the blog experienced a metamorphosis from a one-person operation into a team effort.

Two important points arise from the history of Five Minutes to Midnight. First and foremost, notice that if that original e-mail was never sent, the multi-issue publication you are reading may have never have come to be. The second point can be rephrased in a question: since Five Minutes to Midnight’s roots trace back to the start of the war in Iraq, should we thank George Bush?

. . . Nah!

On a much more serious note, it is important to support those little ideas and allow them to grow. It is akin to planting trees: if a tiny seed can be planted and turn into a gargantuan maple tree, so too, can ideas change the world. When you read the articles this month, think about how some of the organizations, people, and projects were started! Chances are that they too were once incredible ideas that met opposition, ran into obstacles, and yet still managed to become what they are today!

            Thanks for reading,
                               Wojciech Gryc

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UN Millennium Development Goals: Working Towards Global Social Development 
                                   by Kaley Kennedy

It is an understatement to say that those of us living in the developed world are far better off than those who are living in the developing nations.  It doesn’t take much research to realize that the divide in social development between nations is so substantial that it is difficult to even fathom, let alone solve. A solution to the division also suggests global co-operation, something that has proven throughout time to be a near unattainable goal. 

Noting all the obstacles in the way of a smaller global divide, what solutions have been presented? Essentially, none; instead, the UN has chosen to set eight goals, to be achieved by 2015, that will hopefully see both the developing and developed nations of the world raise the quality of life for their citizens. These goals, known as the Millennium Development Goals, are as follows:

  • Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.
  • Achieve universal primary education.
  • Promote gender equality and empower women.
  • Reduce child mortality.
  • Improve maternal health.
  • Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.
  • Ensure environmental sustainability.
  • Develop a global partnership for development.

When looking upon these goals, it is quite easy to be skeptical and attack them for their general nature and their immeasurability, so it must be stated that there are distinct statistical targets for each goal, as well as the release of country-by-country reports to evaluate the work of individual countries to attain the goals. 

A colossal step towards solving such a widespread problem does not materialize overnight. Instead, it takes years and years of cooperation and review to emerge, and the Millennium Development Goals are just that. Worldwide social development has been a leading concern of the United Nations for over a decade now, beginning largely with the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The interest in the issue grew largely with the World Summit on Social Development in Copenhagen (often referred to as the Social Summit) in 1995 and the subject had obviously become a primary concern of the United Nations in 2000, when the 189 member states at the time met for the twenty-fourth General Assembly Special Session in Geneva. Work by the Commission on Social Development and the Third Committee of the General Assembly helped also to further promote the need to address this matter within the UN community.  The outcome of the GA Special Session in 2000 was the United Nations Millennium Declaration, which outlines the Millennium Development Goals, as well as other ways countries can work towards global cooperation and further social development in their countries individually, and as a global community. 

One hundred eighty-nine countries, every member state in 2000, signed the United Nations Millennium Declaration and while no resolution passed in the General Assembly is legally binding, most countries have taken this issue very seriously.  Thirty-four countries have already written their Millennium Development Reports, and more continue to pour in. There has also been an online network set up for anybody involved with the UN to monitor the success of the Millennium Development Goals, as well as learn how individuals can help with the implementation of the Goals within their own country.

The UN has also planned a variety of workshops for a number country teams in a particular region to gather and learn about the implementation of the goals in their country and how to write the reports on their work with the Millennium Development Goals.  A number of these workshops have already been hosted in Laos, Central and East African Regions, and the Arab States. Those in attendance of set workshops included, but were not limited to, participants in government, civil society, the private sector, the multitude of UN agencies involved with the goals, and academia. A truly important partnership is beginning to be built between all those involved with the goals; an enormous step in the right direction for the implementation of these goals.

While the developments made by the UN towards a more socially developed world are quite good, it must be stated that there is not nearly enough examination of the work of the developed world towards achieving the goals. Most country reports have been written by country teams in developing nations, and most of the UN’s work has involved helping developing nations achieve these goals. These actions are completely understandable, as countries such as Canada can already boast the achievement of many of the goals. However, clause five of the United Nations Millennium Declaration states:

“We believe that the central challenge we face today is to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all the world’s people.  For while globalization offers great opportunities, at present its benefits are very unevenly shared, while its costs are unevenly distributed.”

This is, essentially, something that relies on the cooperation and responsibility of large, developed nations, and is obviously being largely breached all over the world.  Governments, especially those of economic superpowers, must be responsible for the actions of trans-national companies that claim headquarters in their countries, for the fact is that it is these companies that are creating large blocks in the roadway set by the Millennium Declaration.

While the Millennium Development Goals are wonderful goals for the world community to aim for, the United Nations needs to put a greater focus on the work of governments, UN agencies, private companies, and NGOs in developed nations, before the goals can move forward. Otherwise, the same problems will continue to arise and the division between life in the developed world and life in the developing world will continue to grow, possibly to a point where there will be no hope of becoming a socially developed global community.

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Cutting Back on Freedoms and Forests by Anna Bermingham

How does the international world react when its main advocate for environmental stability, Greenpeace, is challenged to court and threatened with probation along with a fine of $10 000 dollars (not pocket cash for a non-profitable organization)?

In April 2002, a couple of Greenpeace activists took a stand against illegal logging in Brazil. The two activists boarded the Jade, whose crew was smuggling Brazilian mahogany, by a ladder hanging from the ship’s side, and held a banner which read “President Bush: Stop Illegal Logging”. No member of the crew was hurt, and it was a peaceful and safe boarding.

President Bush and the US Government, however, approached the situation differently to what most people would expect. They did not intercept the contraband, and chose not to prosecute the smugglers for illegal logging. Instead, they charged the entire Greenpeace organization for a violation of U.S.C. section 2279, which prohibits persons, "not being duly authorized by law for the purpose," from "[going] on board any vessel about to arrive at the place of her destination, before her actual arrival, and before she has been completely moored".

Brazilian Mahogany is referred to as “green gold”. It takes sixty years to mature, and can net up to $130 000 in furniture. This logging goes against the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which is an international agreement between 160 countries, including Brazil and the US, to ensure that priceless species such as this wood are not threatened.

In the New York Times, John Passacantando, the executive director of Greenpeace in the United States was quoted, “Never before has our government criminally prosecuted an entire organization for the free speech activities of its supporters.” The big question is, “What next?” The Greenpeace organization is present in forty countries across the world, they are non-profit and do not accept funding from the government or corporations. They campaign for a sustainable, liveable environment in order to stop climate change, protect ancient forests, save the oceans, stop whaling, cease genetic engineering, alleviate the nuclear threat, eliminate toxic chemicals, and encourage sustainable trade. How can an organization of 2.8 million people worldwide hang in the hands of the US Government for an action completed cautiously, and one might say, rightfully, by two of its activists? If Greenpeace loses the trial, scheduled for December, it could have “chilling consequences.”

Illegal logging in Brazil has been destructive to the environment and human rights. Which crime is more severe? The idea of “freedom of speech” is challenged in this trial, and should be known to people throughout the world. As activists stand up against the actions of the US government, they claim that the illegal logging is harmful and should therefore be addressed by the government. The government, at the moment, is neglecting the issues and punishing those who try opening our eyes to the importance of environmental issues.

What can you do? Tell the government to prosecute illegal loggers, rather than focus its efforts against Greenpeace. You can also speak up for freedom of speech. The Port of Miami is refusing to allow Greenpeace to bring their ship to the port for supplies, and is preventing them from showing people from the Miami area the efforts they are taking to protect the Amazon Rainforest. Contact the authorities in Miami, and tell them that they should allow the Esperanza to dock in Miami.

Greenpeace is an essential part of a democratic and sustainable world. Like they have said in the past, "When the last tree is cut, the last river poisoned, and the last fish dead, we will discover that we can't eat money."

Speak up now.

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Get Involved: Model United Nations Assemblies by Wojciech Gryc

CSUNA, SOMA, SSUNS, CANIMUN... All abbreviations that seemingly mean completely different things, yet all belong to a group of prestigious events that train participants to be articulate, professional, and worthy debaters, diplomats, and lawyers. This group, one that involves both local inter-school events all the way to international ones, is none other than events focusing on model United Nations assemblies.

For those who have never had the pleasure of attending such an assembly, Model UNs (MUNs) are a very good way to be introduced to or develop one’s knowledge on international issues and events. Depending on the scope of the event, people may be extremely informed and present completely new viewpoints and facts to support cases or opinions others have never considered. MUNs strive to conform to the general rules and structure of the actual organization of the United Nations, from ensuring the presentation of one’s side in a formal, concise, and up to date manner, to making sure you follow your assigned country’s foreign policy to the “T”.

Though such a formal debating scheme and requirement for knowledge may sound intimidating to some, it is also important to note that those with a lack of experience in such assemblies can be taught with invaluable training sessions and development of policy papers. In short, the former of the two is one or more meetings where delegates are introduced to terms like “point of order,” “point of information,” and “point of personal preference,” all of which signify different topics of speech and have precedence over other speakers and events. Voting, presenting, and types of allowable debates are all issues tackled during this session, too.

Finally, people may also be introduced to sending pages, which is a crude yet very useful way of communicating with people by sending them messages. One humourous problem with such systems is their being abused at some conferences, and being shut down due to an overflow of off-topic messages. Sending such messages is not recommended, as they tend to take away from the actual event, though watching committee chairs become flustered is interesting nonetheless.

Model UNs are not entirely formal and rigid when it comes to discussing international issues, either! Though such debates tend to take up most of the time, there are cool-down sessions where parodistic resolutions are debated, or mock trials and plays may be performed.

Most debates cover current affairs and issues being focused on by the media and tend to be grouped into different committees that are deemed most appropriate for the resolution. Once again, the actual number and diversity of committees depends on the size of the conference, though it is generally accepted that the conference will have a General Assembly and Economic / Social Committee. Security Council, NATO, League of Arab States, Human Rights Committee, and others follow close by and tend to be much smaller in size than the first two.

The size of the committee is probably the most important aspect of a committee next to the resolutions that will be presented therein. The most obvious reason for this is the larger a committee, the more people that will be speaking and listening to those who speak. Such a large crowd can ameliorate the negative feelings that come upon relatively new debaters because they can hide within the crowd; indeed, some people manage to experience the entire MUN without saying a single word. Whether or not you do this, however, is up to you.

Small committees tend to have much livelier debates, though ones where an individual’s knowledge base is crucial. For example, participating in a committee like the Security Council requires one to know an immense amount about his or her own country’s defenses, military projects, international campaigns, and opinions on issues. Being ill informed and poorly prepared can have drastic consequences, including your censure and expulsion from the conference.

Of course, preparing in advance is a marvelous way to prevent such problems and works wonders. Knowing important facts about your own or other people’s countries can impress the audience, put you on the road to winning an award, and in the long run, helps you become a well-informed individual. Most conferences have requirements that force you to do a minimal amount of research on your country and one or more topics that your country cares about. This is usually enforced by requiring all delegates to write a foreign policy paper about their country, which outlines their country’s views on mainstream issues, major treaties the country is part of, and so on and so forth. Writing a resolution also helps delegates acquaint themselves with important issues.

There are other things one can do that go far above anything required by conferences, and following suggested research guidelines allows delegates to become knowledgeable about their specific country and leave a lasting impression on judges, chairpersons, and other delegates. Two incredibly useful sites that offer many tips on performing preparatory work are:

Although there are many different Model UN assemblies, finding them may sometimes be difficult. Moreover, the atmospheres at different assemblies are sometimes diverse, from completely wacky to stubbornly formal. Trying out a MUN is a very interesting task, and often leads to fortuitous rewards. For those who have never been to one, here is a short list of Model UNs:

There are many aspects of participating in model United Nations assemblies that have not been mentioned, as it is difficult to provide a synopsis of such an experience. One should strive to attend at least one such event, simply to try something new and possibly kindle a new hobby or passion. MUNs help people become well informed and hone their public speaking and debating skills. It is definitely something people should become involved in.

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Comment: What Canadians Can Do About Human Rights by Wojciech Gryc

Just last month, Kaley Kennedy wrote a comment here outlining the importance of Canadian accountability for human rights abuses. Shortly thereafter, Amnesty International Canada published a document entitled “At Home and Abroad: Amnesty International’s human rights agenda for Canada.” The twenty-page document outlines the importance of Canada’s human rights record and calls for change in six crucial areas.

Undoubtedly, it is important for Canadians to hold their government accountable for the gross misconduct it sometimes practices when it comes to respecting people’s human rights. Such abuses, though much more rare here than in other areas of the world, are still something that deserves attention. Indeed, those wanting to bring about change for disadvantaged peoples around the world do not have to look far to find a cause. In fact, one has to look as close as Newfoundland before they find World Vision helping poor Innu children, where a citizen can donate $30 a month to provide a daily breakfast for a child. This is unacceptable, and the Canadian government should be held accountable for the failure of social assistance programs to help such kids.

This, however, is one of many issues and very specific when compared to the agenda outlined by Amnesty International Canada. The report starts by focusing on the lack of action the government has taken focusing on human rights abuse in Canada and abroad, and how the issue should be tackled. The second, entitled “The Economy and Human Rights,” urges Canada and Canadian businesses to respect the human rights of their employees and the rights of their customers. General outlines on women’s rights, rights of indigenous peoples, protection of refugees, and the need to support people’s human rights in spite of the “war on terror” and security issues are all included in the report.

What is more important, however, is that after each section, the report explains things the Canadian government, and in some cases, Canadian citizens, should do. Though some may suggest otherwise, Canada is a very powerful nation that can bring about great change. This can be seen with the great leadership the country has showcased in its plan to give medical support to developing nations by exporting low-cost generic medicines to those in need. Such leadership has incredible consequences and ameliorates the lives of millions of people, and surely, Canada can do much more.

The human rights agenda for Canada is an indispensable resource for those who would like to see Canada take a more active role in international issues and human rights. By lobbying provincial and federal governments, it is possible to expedite the positive changes Amnesty International Canada, as well as many Canadian citizens, would like to see.

I urge everyone to read this report, which can be found at Amnesty International Canada’s website, and get involved by writing letters and following any other steps outlined in the report. This is all it sometimes takes to change the lives of many people, and it is something that has to be done.

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Sources for "UN Millennium Development Goals: Working Towards Global 
                                                Social Development"

"UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG)." United Nations. 31 October 2003. <http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/>

"United Nations Development Group." United Nations Development Group. 31 October 2003. <http://www.undg.org/index.cfm>

"United Nations Millennium Declaration." United Nations. 31 October 2003. <http://www.un.org/millennium/declaration/ares552e.htm>

Sources for "Cutting Back on Freedoms and Forests"

"Don't Let the Port of Miami Keep Greenpeace Out." GreenpeaceUSA. 31 October 2003. <http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/bin/view.fpl/10048/action_id/196.html>

"Greenpeace International Homepage." Greenpeace. 31 October 2003. <http://www.greenpeace.org/>

"Greenpeace USA Homepage." GreenpeaceUSA. 31 October 2003. <http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/>

Liptak, Adam. "Typical Greenpeace Protest Leads to an Unusual Prosecution." Common Dreams News Center. 31 October 2003. <http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/1011-03.htm>

"Tell Bush and Ashcroft to Prosecute Illegal Loggers, Not Greenpeace." GreenpeaceUSA. 31 October 2003. <http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/bin/view.pl/10048/action_id/195.html>

Sources for "What Canadians Can Do About Human Rights"

"At Home and Abroad: Amnesty International's Human Rights Agenda for Canada." Amnesty International Canada. 2 November 2003. <http://www.amnesty.ca/library/canada/2003agenda_web.pdf>

Smith, Graeme. "Innu appear in World Vision catalogue," The Globe and Mail [Toronto], 23 October 2003, p. A9.