Latest news with #CivilSociety
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
Peace begins with partnerships as Western Equatorians unite on the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers
As the sun sets on a week-long build-up to the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, hundreds of people gather at Freedom Square in Yambio, Western Equatoria. Some belong to local women's groups, others are civil society activists, and most are community members supporting efforts to empower women and advocate for gender equality and peace. Under the theme, 'Peace Begins with Me', the event kicked off with a friendly female football match between United Nations peacekeepers and local women, including those serving in security forces. The crowd also enjoyed traditional dances, comedy, and other musical performances which encouraged those present to celebrate their diversity while embracing unity. The importance of partnerships between the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, local authorities and other stakeholders was also emphasized. 'We have seen the presence of peacekeepers for over 10 years. We worked together, we fought together, to ensure that relative peace comes to Tambura. We stand with you to work for peace,' says Western Equatoria, Acting Governor, James Severino. The participants focused on the importance of de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the conflict-prone area, which has been heavily impacted by military confrontations between forces aligned with the main parties to the peace agreement as well as intercommunal conflict. UNMISS is continuing all efforts to prevent the country from relapsing back into civil war, to preserve and progress the peace agreement, and build sustainable peace so that free, fair, and credible elections can take place. 'We have worked hard together and collaborated in greater Tambura, the eastern counties of the State and here in Yambio to protect civilians and create a safe environment for community dialogue,' said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer, Emmanuel Dukundane. 'We are committed to continuing to strengthen our partnership to deliver sustainable peace across the State.' Local partners also paid their respects to the peacekeepers serving with UNMISS, who lost their lives while serving the cause of peace in South Sudan over the past year. 'Our brothers and sisters, the peacekeepers, have laid down their lives for the sake of peace,' said Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly Speaker, Wakila Charles. 'Ask yourself, am I in peace in my home? As Members of Parliament, as a leader, we are representing our community. If peace starts with me, that means my home will be peaceful, my community, and the State.' As South Sudan continues to experience political instability and a deteriorating security situation, communities in Western Equatoria remain hopeful that, together, they can lay the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Zuma sacks Shivambu as MK secretary-general
MK party secretary general Floyd Shivambu. (Photo: Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images) In a statement issued by the party on Tuesday, The party cited Section 3(j) under 'Offences' which prohibits members from undertaking international trips and engaging in activities that conflict with the agenda of the MK party or its allied organisations. 'The trip was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation or the president, which therefore goes against the constitution of the party,' the statement read. Zuma said the national officials found that Shivambu's visit to Malawi contradicted the values and prescripts of MK and had implications for its image and principles. In March, Malawi's chief resident magistrate granted South Africa's request to extradite Bushiri and his wife Mary, who face charges in the country after skipping bail in 2020. Tuesday's statement confirmed that the MK party had received concerns from civil society regarding Shivambu's conduct. 'The president and the national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly in addressing this matter,' it said. The decision comes amid growing internal pressure within the party to remove Shivambu from his position, a move his supporters said was In recent weeks, multiple senior party members and provincial leaders had raised concerns about his leadership style, decision-making, and perceived unilateral actions. Some criticised what they described as a lack of consultation on key organisational matters, while others accused him of prioritising personal political manoeuvring over the collective interest of the party. These tensions had been building since April and intensified after news of his Malawi visit surfaced. The jaunt was viewed by some as the final act of defiance, prompting calls from within the party's national working committees for immediate action. Despite his instrumental role in building the party's mobilisation structures during its early stages, Shivambu's relationship with sections of the leadership had deteriorated. Last week a letter from the party was leaked by his opposers regarding his removal as secretary general. Shivambu will now serve in the National Assembly. The statement said his redeployment is aimed at strengthening the MK party caucus in parliament, where it serves as the official opposition. This move has been viewed by some as 'strategic', with Shivambu expected to strengthen the party in parliament after the removal of Mzwanele Manyi as chief whip last week. Shivambu, a former member of parliament and deputy president for the Economic Freedom Fighters, joined the MK party last year and was later appointed national organiser and then secretary general. Zuma acknowledged Shivambu's contribution to the party and said discussions were held with him regarding the redeployment. Shivambu has accepted the decision. 'The national officials have come to a decision to redeploy Commander Floyd Shivambu as the secretary general of the party, and redeploy him to the National Assembly,' the statement said. The party did not announce who would replace Shivambu as secretary general.
Zawya
5 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Young Feminist Movement in Malawi Elects First Executive Committee, Paving the Way for Change
On May 10, 2025, the Young Feminist Movement in Malawi took a significant step toward strengthening its leadership and collective vision by electing its inaugural Executive Committee. The elections took place in the capital, Lilongwe, and involved 32 participants, including representatives from 25 civil society organizations, media representatives, UN Women officials, and the Ambassador of Ireland, with Letty Chiwara, the UN Women Malawi Representative, presiding as the Guest of Honour. This movement, which originated from a roundtable discussion in December 2024, aims to unify the voices of young feminists throughout the country and elevate their efforts towards achieving gender equality. The establishment of the Executive Committee represents a pivotal moment in fostering structured, inclusive, and accountable leadership for this emerging movement. The gathering underscored the resolve of young feminists to drive change. In her keynote address, Letty Chiwara praised the movement's advancements, stating, 'What we are witnessing today is not merely a meeting; it is a powerful testament to the strength, energy, and vision of young feminists in Malawi… Your leadership is crucial in shaping a future where women and girls are central to development.' She stated. The elections were carried out with transparency, focusing on governance, structure, and the movement's immediate goals. In addition to defining the roles and composition of the Executive Committee, a clear roadmap for the movement's future was created, enhancing collaboration among its members. The newly elected Executive Committee has committed to being an active force in combating gender-based violence, discrimination, and the systemic challenges faced by women and girls in Malawi. Their mandate includes positioning the movement as a prominent advocate for gender justice and ensuring that young feminists are included in decision-making processes. In moving forward, the committee has resolved to create a detailed action plan in partnership with collaborators, thereby ensuring sustained momentum and tangible impact. Bridget Oscar Phiri, a representative of young women, highlighted the necessity of a united approach: 'This is merely the beginning. We must collaborate—activists, organizations, and allies—to transform our feminist aspirations into reality,' Phiri said. With a democratically elected leadership now in place, the Young Feminist Movement is poised to initiate strategic efforts, including advocacy campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborations with both national and international partners. The movement's focus on intersectionality and inclusivity guarantees that a variety of voices—especially those from underrepresented communities—are acknowledged and included. As the young feminists of Malawi advance, their message is unequivocal: the pursuit of gender equality is not an individual endeavour but a collective movement, and they are ready to take the lead. For more information on the Young Feminist Movement's initiatives, see Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Jordan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King, Crown Prince receive cables on 79th Independence Day
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has received cables from leaders of Arab, Muslim and friendly countries on Jordan's 79th Independence Day, which falls on 25 May. His Majesty also received cables from senior officials and officers, as well as representatives of civil society organisations, according to a Royal Court statement. HRH Crown Prince Hussein received similar cables on the occasion.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Give better protection to human rights defenders, Suhakam tells Asean
Suhakam chairman Hishamudin Yunus said Asean must ensure those who dare to speak the truth to those holding power are not criminalised. KUALA LUMPUR : Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Hishamudin Yunus has called on Asean member states to provide better protection for human rights defenders across Southeast Asia. He said many such human rights defenders continue to face harassment, threats, detention or even death simply for doing their jobs. 'These individuals, journalists, lawyers, indigenous leaders, women's rights activists and environmental defenders are not enemies of the state,' he said at the Asean Peoples Civil Society Assembly here today. Hishamudin said Asean must ensure that those who speak the truth to those in power are 'not criminalised, but supported'. Governments must enact laws and policies that explicitly recognise and protect human rights defenders, he said. He also highlighted Malaysia's duty as the Asean chair to help shape the trajectory of the Asean Community Vision 2045, which outlines the region's strategic direction for the next 20 years, covering political security, economy, socioculture and connectivity. 'The declared theme of 'Sustainability and Inclusivity' must not remain aspirational rhetoric. 'It must be made real through laws, policies and practices that place the dignity and rights of all at the centre of Asean's social, political and economic integration,' he said. Hishamudin also called on Asean to establish inclusive social protection and promote labour rights, especially for migrants and informal workers. 'Only a united, inclusive Asean can withstand the mounting pressures of a fractured world economy,' he said. Civil societies raise alarm over human trafficking Cynthia Gabriel, founder of the Southeast Asian Anti-Corruption Network, said corruption is at the heart of trafficking, environmental exploitation and even labour abuses. Cynthia Gabriel. 'We believe crime and corruption are transactional – they feed each other. When you see organised crime, you will find corruption lurking in the shadows,' she said at the forum. Cynthia said trafficking, often described as the most lucrative organised crime globally, is difficult to track because of limited data. Last year, the International Labour Organization reported that annual global profits from forced labour and forced sexual exploitation had risen to an estimated US$236 billion. The 2024 US Trafficking in Persons Report said over the past five years, human traffickers have exploited domestic and foreign victims in Malaysia, and they have also exploited victims from Malaysia abroad. The majority of victims are among the estimated 1.5 million documented and an even greater number of undocumented migrant workers in Malaysia. Abu Mufakir, from Indonesia's Koalisi Buroh Migran Berdaulat, said deportation of undocumented migrants from Sabah was not helpful. Amina Rasul. 'Sabah deports up to 10,000 undocumented migrants each year – even babies are detained. But the number keeps rising. 'Mass deportation clearly isn't working,' he said, adding that the authorities need more effective alternatives, as most migrants come from Indonesia and the Philippines to work on palm oil estates. Amina Rasul, of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, said civil society must continue leading the push for people-centred regional policies, including on migration, labour and human security. 'We cannot wait for the Asean secretariat. Civil society has to lead the way,' she said.
