Latest news with #9-11
Scoop
2 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Interview: Un Offers Best Platform To Address Discrimination, Envoy To Combat Islamophobia Says
4 June 2025 'Everybody understood that something had to be done in order to eradicate and eliminate this sense of intolerance and lack of acceptance of these people,' Miguel Ángel Moratinos said in an interview with UN News. In the face of rising Islamophobia, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in March 2024 that condemned anti-Muslim violence. Acting against intolerance It called for countries to take all necessary measures - including legislative and policy measures - to combat religious intolerance, and to prohibit by law incitement to violence against persons on the grounds of their religion or belief. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. Mr. Moratinos assumed the post this month and will also continue in his present role as High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), established two decades ago to promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue. He reflected on the significance of the new appointment, how it supplements his work to fight antisemitism, and the priorities that lie ahead. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Miguel Ángel Moratinos: I think this is a key moment for the UN and for the commitment to fight Islamophobia. It comes at a moment when the whole international community, all 193 UN Member States, decided to have this figure in order to demonstrate that they are all in favour of combating Islamophobia. That means combating discrimination, hostility and violence against Muslim people that want to live in peace and dignity. Everybody understood that something had to be done to eradicate and eliminate this sense of intolerance and lack of acceptance of these people. They have a faith, they have a religion, they have a mission, and so they have to be respected like any other human being. UN News: You are also serving as the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). How does combining the fight against Islamophobia with your department's broader mission enhance the UN's efforts to promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue? Miguel Ángel Moratinos: The UN Alliance of Civilizations has a broader mission. It was started 20 years ago when then Secretary-General Kofi Annan decided to launch this initiative. I was thinking over the past days, when I had been appointed as the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, that this was the right response because when I was Foreign Minister of Spain and we decided with the then Prime Minister (José Luis Rodríguez) Zapatero to launch this idea for an Alliance of Civilizations, behind this idea was what happened after 9-11 and why there was this kind of reluctance, misunderstanding and confusion about Islam. Now I have the broader mandate in the Alliance of Civilizations. We are working not only on fighting discrimination based on religion, faith or belief, but we also have the cultural religion aspect in order to facilitate conflict resolution, prevention and how we create the means to achieve peace and live better together. But at the same time, we need a specific mandate to go further in our fight against this kind of discrimination. I have the portfolio of focal point for antisemitism and now I also have the portfolio to combat Islamophobia. UN News: How can the UN better address rising Islamophobia generally or globally in our world today? Miguel Ángel Moratinos: Islamophobia is not something that only occurs in Europe or in the United States, but globally. We are in a multipolar world. All problems and actions take place across the planet and the UN has to address them. The UN is the platform that takes all countries and nations into consideration. And, of course, the Muslim community is one of the biggest on the planet. We are practically eight billion people and 2.5 billion are Muslim. I think the UN is the best platform to really fight against any kind of discrimination or negative attitude towards them. UN News: Now that you have this dual role as a High Representative for the UNAOC and Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, tell us about your top priorities. Miguel Ángel Moratinos: My top priority will of course be the general action programme of the Alliance for Civilizations. We have a UN plan for fighting antisemitism and we will also have a UN plan to fight Islamophobia. We will set certain priorities and of course the most important is to reduce this rise of anti-Islamic and Muslim hatred that is spreading around the world. We have to engage with the main international organizations and main countries that have the capacity and that are concerned about the spread of this anti-Muslim behaviour. UN News: What are some examples of projects or partnerships you are currently working on or hope to implement in the future? Miguel Ángel Moratinos: We have several that have to start immediately. Islam is not well understood in the western world, so we have to use education. We have to establish certain programmes to explain what Islam is, what the Quran is. People are referring to the Quran and to Islam, but they have not read the Quran at all, so they don't know. Second, we have to be very strong in condemning any act, hostility, violation or attack against not only Muslim people, but Islamic property, holy sites, holy books, etc. We have to reinforce respect. And for that, we need to introduce certain elements into the legal systems of western countries. Some countries like Sweden and Denmark have made certain reforms in their legal systems, so they can be made through dialogue, through understanding, through respect. And I think this legal empowerment to defend and to combat Islamophobia is needed. UN News: Any final thoughts? Miguel Ángel Moratinos: I think this appointment came at the right moment. What really encouraged me is that I have the full support of the international community. It showed that the whole world, whether you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or Buddhist, or any faith - all Member States voted for this resolution and for the appointment of a Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. I think that will help me to successfully achieve my mandate.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Will not be silenced by terrorism': Shashi Tharoor sends strong message as delegation departs for US
PTI file photo Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday said that the delegation he is leading to the United States will inform global partners about India's own experience with terrorism and the rationale behind its current approach. In a video message posted on X, Tharoor said, "I'm heading off to five countries leading an all-party delegation to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, Brazil and the United States, and the reason we are going is to speak for the nation, to speak about this horrendous crisis we were subjected to in which our country was attacked by terrorists in the cruellest possible way." — ShashiTharoor (@ShashiTharoor) The MP further said that the delegation will highlight the values India stands for and why they need to be upheld in today's world. Tharoor said, "We need to speak up with clarity and conviction for our country, for our response and to give the world the message that we will not be silenced by terrorism and we don't want the world to look away either. We don't want indifference to triumph over the truth. It's a mission of peace. It's a mission of hope. And it's a mission that will one day remind the world that India stands for all the values we need to preserve in the world today of peace, of democracy, of freedom, and not of hatred, killing and of terror. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Jai Hind". The team will also pay respects at the 9/11 memorial in the US and take part in Guyana's independence day celebrations. "We will be visiting the 9-11 memorial and remind the world that we, like the people they are thinking about there, were victims of a terrorist attack and not just this one, but a repeated series of terrorist attacks for the last four decades," Tharoor told PTI. The delegation includes MPs from across the political spectrum, such as Shashank Mani Tripathi, Milind Deora, and Sarfaraz Ahmad, along with former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Their joint message is clear: India stands united against terrorism and is ready to partner globally for peace and security. Tharoor on Friday also took a swipe at US president Donald Trump for claiming credit for settling hostilities between India and Pakistan, saying that no formal process of mediation was either requested or conducted by any third party. "During any crisis, there's always contact with those countries that call and reach out. We have taken the same line everywhere. There's been no formal process of mediation, either requested or conducted. You call me, I tell you what I'm doing and why I'm doing it, and that's it. Then, if you want to go and repeat that to somebody else and they take certain consequences as a result of that, is that called mediation? I don't think so. Not in my vocabulary," Tharoor had said.
Dublin Live
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Joe Duffy: Taoiseach leads tributes as RTE legend announces retirement
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Tributes have poured in for Joe Duffy after he announced his retirement from RTE today. Duffy, who has presented on RTE Radio One for 37 years, will be stepping down from Liveline in June. He will present his final episode on Friday, June 27. And a number of tributes have been paid to the Ballyfermot man following the announcement. Taoiseach Micheal Martin praised Duffy's "warm and generous personality". He said: "Wishing Joe Duffy the very best as he steps back from RTE after 37 years - and 27 years as the host of Liveline. "Joe was a constant in our lives, with a warm and generous personality. So many were helped by 'Talking to Joe'. An essential part of the national conversation." Labour's Arts and Media spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue TD said: "Joe Duffy's voice has been a mainstay in Irish homes for decades, and his decision to step away from broadcasting marks the end of an era. "For many years, Joe provided a vital platform for stories that too often went unheard. He had the rare ability to turn the microphone toward those on the margins, to shine a light on the realities facing ordinary people across the country. "Joe addressed many complex and often stigmatised issues. His work around HRT and menopause opened up a much-needed national conversation on women's health. "He also brought history alive for a new generation. His moving broadcasts and publications highlighting the stories of children of the 1916 Rising provided a powerful and humanising account of our past. I wish Joe Duffy the very best in his well-earned retirement." RTE's Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: 'Whether breaking stories like the first powerful moments of the 9-11 attacks in the US, or helping the nation navigate the often heart-breaking challenges of a global pandemic, Joe Duffy's Liveline doesn't just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation. Joe navigated controversies, unearthed scandals, exposed scams, fought misinformation and shone a light on topics long ignored, from historical abuse to the menopause and healthcare reform. "Joe was always the guide, never the story. His journalistic insights were perfectly in balance with his human instincts, and Liveline under Joe became both a sanctuary for those seeking justice, and a public square of which Joe was in full control." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Extra.ie
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
'The time has come' - Joe Duffy retires from Liveline after 27 years
Joe Duffy has announced that he is retiring from RTÉ and stepping down as the voice of Liveline after 27 years. A hugely popular figure with listeners, Joe has been with RTE for close to four decades – joining Liveline on Radio 1 in 1998. 'After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust – the trust of our listeners,' Joe said in a statement. Joe Duffy outside the GPO in 2016. Pic: RTÉ 'People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories. I never took that for granted, not for a single minute.' 'RTÉ has been a great place to work,' he added. 'Public service has always been at its heart. And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. I would like to thank you the listener, for tuning in each and every day – it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.' Reacting to the news, Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General, RTÉ, said: 'Whether breaking stories like the first powerful moments of the 9-11 attacks in the US, or helping the nation navigate the often heart-breaking challenges of a global pandemic, Joe Duffy's Liveline doesn't just have its fingers on the pulse, it is the pulse of the nation. Joe Duffy in 2001. Pic: RTÉ 'Joe navigated controversies, unearthed scandals, exposed scams, fought misinformation and shone a light on topics long ignored, from historical abuse to the menopause and healthcare reform. Joe was always the guide, never the story. 'His journalistic insights were perfectly in balance with his human instincts, and Liveline under Joe became both a sanctuary for those seeking justice, and a public square of which Joe was in full control.' 'Joe Duffy is an icon of broadcasting, and will be hugely missed by his listeners, his colleagues, and all who picked up the phone to the nation's hotline. 'I'd like to wish Joe all our best for his retirement and extend my warmest wishes to June and to Joe's family. He might be hanging up on the Liveline, but our loss is surely his family's most welcome gain.' RTE has confirmed that his last episode will air on Friday, June 27.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Diverse, personal story': ABC News correspondent Ramos delivers Pitt-Johnstown commencement speech to around 400 graduates
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown's 2024-25 class of about 400 graduates were celebrated Saturday with a commencement ceremony at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center. "We entered college during the COVID-19 pandemic," Pitt-Johnstown Student Government Association President Augie Mucci said as he addressed his fellow graduates. "It wasn't just a transition from high school to college. It forced us to grow up faster than expected – we adapted. We found friends, mentors and purpose in our studies and resilience that we didn't know we had. Over the past four years, he said, the graduates have grown to become "scientists, engineers, teachers, leaders." Graduates Lily Keslar (left), of Latrobe, wears her graduation cap decorated with words "what a wonderful world" as Julia Shima, of Elton, speaks with her at their commencement ceremony Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Pitt-Johnstown's Sports Center. Both Pitt-Johnstown graduates have completed undergraduate studies to become teachers. "Today, we stand on the edge of another change – careers, graduate school or a pause to catch our breath. Let us not fear change, but embrace it. We've done it before." A theme of "trusting your future self," and building "lived experience" continued in commencement speaker Stephanie Ramos' address to the graduates. Ramos is a national correspondent for ABC News, covering presidential administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump as well as "many of the critical events that in many ways have marked our lives," Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar said. Ramos is also a U.S. Army Reserve major who has received medals for her honorable service, including the meritorious service medal. In 2008, she was a first lieutenant in Iraq, receiving multiple medals. After a year-long deployment, she and her husband returned to Iraq to produce the award-winning documentary "To Baghdad and Back" using footage she captured on a small handheld camcorder. Ramos ABC correspondent and U.S. Army Reserve Major Stephanie Ramos delivers the 2025 commencement address at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center Saturday May, 3, 2025. Prior to ABC, Ramos reported for local stations in Kansas City, Missouri, and Topeka, Kansas, where she established herself as a tenacious reporter covering important issues including immigration, politics and crime. Ramos related her story to the graduates – including the months of persistent attempts to get a foot in the door first, in local TV news and subsequently at ABC. As she worked her way to becoming a national correspondent, she took different roles in the newsroom. "I didn't care about title," Ramos said. "I cared about my mission." After the terror attacks of 9-11, she said she wanted to serve in the U.S. military. Her deployment was a "shock" and "lonely," she said, "but I signed up for it." She said she felt her career in the military and in journalism intersected. Her lived experience as a mother and as a Latina woman also intersected with her career. Ramos said all 340 million people in the United States has a story that needs to be told – "every one of us has a different, diverse, personal story." She said her experiences made her a better journalist and a better person. "Every part of you is an asset," she told the graduates. "Don't apologize for any part. Lead with it."
