2008 Woodie Awards
Engaging politics of the UN
Burma: Baby steps cannot get us to a resolution
By: Igo Wordu
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Voices
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Growing up in Port Harcourt, a small city in Southeast Nigeria, I long wondered how the United Nations tackles the issues impacting the global community. The United Nations always stood as a symbol of hope and I dreamed of one day serving there and gaining a better understanding of intergovernmental diplomacy.
Today, I am a graduate student intern working in the Press and Public Diplomacy office at the United States Mission to the United Nations. This fantastic opportunity provides me with a front-row view of global politics and hands-on experience in engaging the activities that shape U.S. foreign policy at the United Nations.
During my time here, I often assist ambassadorial staff at the frequent Security Council meetings or help in organizing panel discussions at the UN on issues ranging from state-sponsored rape to energy conservation and attend regularly Security Council meetings.
It was in these meetings where I had the privilege of meeting with U.N. Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, who briefed the Council on a recent mission to Burma. Mr. Gambari's mission was sparked by a brutal crackdown on Burmese Buddhist monks peacefully demonstrating for a regime change. Because of my proximity to the men and women committed to confronting these egregious violations of human rights, my daily life saw Burma's political struggles transform from a buried story I might catch in the New York Times into a major issue in which I found myself totally engaged.
I was troubled by the story of a female political prisoner named Aung San Suu Kyi. Ms. Suu Kyi once won an election to become that country's prime minister but was blocked from serving when she was placed under house arrest by General Than Shwe - Burma's military ruler - for the better part of two decades.
I learned the story of Gen. Shwe's rise to power after the State Law and Order Restoration Council was created as a response to a civil unrest and democracy uprising in 1988. If the current political unrest in Burma has shown us anything, it has given us a glimpse of a nation burdened by autocracy and violations of fundamental human rights. I was dismayed by the blatant evil carried out by Gen. Shwe's regime, resulting in the deaths of eight protesters and a journalist.
As I sat next to Burmese Buddhist monks during an open Security Council debate on Burma, I wondered if public outcry by member nations would finally translate into real action. I was shocked as some members of the Security Council doused the urgency of the situation, questioning whether to consider it a threat to international security.
I admire the leadership shown by the U.S. in this crisis and standing against these violations. I am proud to be part of efforts to mobilize support for people of Burma in their quest for freedom.
The U.S must continue to reach out to the international community, non-governmental organizations, local groups and students through forums and discussions. I am certain regional powers like China and India could take a more decisive stance. Most importantly, the Security Council, Human Rights Council and Association of Southeast Asian Nations must meet this crisis with appropriate and timely diplomatic firepower.
Today, I am a graduate student intern working in the Press and Public Diplomacy office at the United States Mission to the United Nations. This fantastic opportunity provides me with a front-row view of global politics and hands-on experience in engaging the activities that shape U.S. foreign policy at the United Nations.
During my time here, I often assist ambassadorial staff at the frequent Security Council meetings or help in organizing panel discussions at the UN on issues ranging from state-sponsored rape to energy conservation and attend regularly Security Council meetings.
It was in these meetings where I had the privilege of meeting with U.N. Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, who briefed the Council on a recent mission to Burma. Mr. Gambari's mission was sparked by a brutal crackdown on Burmese Buddhist monks peacefully demonstrating for a regime change. Because of my proximity to the men and women committed to confronting these egregious violations of human rights, my daily life saw Burma's political struggles transform from a buried story I might catch in the New York Times into a major issue in which I found myself totally engaged.
I was troubled by the story of a female political prisoner named Aung San Suu Kyi. Ms. Suu Kyi once won an election to become that country's prime minister but was blocked from serving when she was placed under house arrest by General Than Shwe - Burma's military ruler - for the better part of two decades.
I learned the story of Gen. Shwe's rise to power after the State Law and Order Restoration Council was created as a response to a civil unrest and democracy uprising in 1988. If the current political unrest in Burma has shown us anything, it has given us a glimpse of a nation burdened by autocracy and violations of fundamental human rights. I was dismayed by the blatant evil carried out by Gen. Shwe's regime, resulting in the deaths of eight protesters and a journalist.
As I sat next to Burmese Buddhist monks during an open Security Council debate on Burma, I wondered if public outcry by member nations would finally translate into real action. I was shocked as some members of the Security Council doused the urgency of the situation, questioning whether to consider it a threat to international security.
I admire the leadership shown by the U.S. in this crisis and standing against these violations. I am proud to be part of efforts to mobilize support for people of Burma in their quest for freedom.
The U.S must continue to reach out to the international community, non-governmental organizations, local groups and students through forums and discussions. I am certain regional powers like China and India could take a more decisive stance. Most importantly, the Security Council, Human Rights Council and Association of Southeast Asian Nations must meet this crisis with appropriate and timely diplomatic firepower.
