
Mandela's Legacy ‘is Now Our Responsibility', Guterres Says On International Day
'He endured the brutal weight of oppression, and emerged not with a vision of vengeance and division – but of reconciliation, peace and unity,' Mr. Guterres said.
'Today, Madiba's legacy is now our responsibility. We must carry forward his commitment to peace, justice and human dignity.'
To honour this legacy, the UN chief awarded the annual Nelson Mandela Prize to two individuals who reflect the late leader's commitment to peace and collective action, and this year's theme of combating poverty and inequity: Brenda Reynolds of Canada and Kennedy Odede of Kenya.
Brenda Reynolds: turning pain into action
Brenda Reynolds is a Saulteaux member from Fishing Lake First Nation in Canada, and as a social worker she has spent decades advancing Indigenous rights, mental health and trauma-informed care.
'There are many parallels to what we had experienced in both our countries, where the governments made impacted policies to change who we are, to face oppression, to face violations of human rights in our countries,' Ms. Reynolds said in her acceptance speech.
In 1988, she supported 17 teenage girls in the first residential school sexual abuse case in Saskatchewan.
'These charges were the beginning of other disclosures that came from across Canada from survivors speaking about their sexual abuse experiences. Those charges and the disclosures became the largest class action lawsuit to date in Canada,' known as Canada's Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, she explained.
Afterwards, she became a special adviser to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and developed the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program – both created by the agreement – helping shape survivor support and trauma responses nationwide.
Kennedy Odede: from slums to CEO
After growing up in Kenya's Kibera Slum, Kennedy Odede went from living on the street to global recognition when he was named one of TIME magazine's 2024 100 Most Influential People and became a New York Times bestselling author.
'At ten years old, fleeing domestic violence, I joined the ranks of Nairobi's street children. One day I stole a mango because I was starving. A mob gathered to beat me dead, until a stranger stepped forward, paid for that mango, and in that single act of grace, showed me that kindness could interrupt cycles of violence,' Mr. Odede recounted in his acceptance speech.
He began his journey as an activist by saving his meagre factory earnings to buy a soccer ball and bring his community together.
'That ball was not just for play; it was a tool for organising. A centre around which a community could form,' he said.
This soon grew into Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), the largest grassroots movement in Kenya he now leads as CEO. SHOFCO operates across the country, empowering local groups and delivering vital services to over 4 million people annually.
'Mandela showed all of us at SHOFCO, that leadership is not a privilege reserved for those born to power. It belongs to anyone willing to serve and look within.'
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RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
US-funded contraceptives for poor nations to be burned in France, sources say
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The US government will spend $160,000 (about NZ$265,000) to incinerate the stocks at a facility in France that handles medical waste, according to four of the sources with knowledge of the matter, following Trump's decision to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment on the negotiations to save the contraceptives from destruction or the plans to incinerate them. US lawmakers have introduced two bills this month to prevent the destruction of the supplies but aid groups say the bills are unlikely to be passed in time to stop the incineration. The Belgian foreign ministry said Brussels had held talks with US authorities and "explored all possible options to prevent the destruction, including temporary relocation". "Despite these efforts, and with full respect for our partners, no viable alternative could be secured. 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Chemonics, the contractor managing the supply chain for USAID's family planning programme, declined to comment on the plans to destroy the supplies. An internal USAID memo, sent in April, said a large quantity of contraceptives was being kept in warehouses and they should be "immediately transferred to another entity to prevent waste or additional costs". - Reuters


Scoop
6 hours ago
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Joint Statement In Response To Government Declaration On Gaza
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Scoop
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