Latest news with #NobelPeaceLaureate
Mail & Guardian
11-08-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
G20, endorse a tax on the world's ultra-rich to feed the world's starving
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. A 0.3% tax would generate enough to secure life's necessities for many tens of millions of the world's most vulnerable. Photo: File As host of this year's G20 Summit, South Africa could help end one of the greatest injustices in the world today — the cavernous gaps in wealth and in access to life's basic necessities. Most acutely, people living through humanitarian crises are dying for want of food and medicines because funding for aid agencies is wholly insufficient. Yet, our world is awash in wealth. Nobel Peace Laureate and former World Food Programme executive director David Beasley The G20 summit scheduled for This shortfall translates into food rations being cut to well below minimum daily human requirements, which can lead to people ' Those suffering are invariably among the world poorest and most vulnerable people — people who have survived genocide and mass atrocities in Governments have moral and human rights obligations to increase their funding, but between a highly parochial, ill-conceived 'America First' US foreign policy, pressures to vastly increase defense spending in Europe, and economic uncertainty, even a return to recent levels of funding — themselves inadequate — are remote. It would be wrong to yield to this unconscionable reality. If governments refuse to fund humanitarian needs, they must find another way. There could hardly be a fairer way than asking the world's richest people to give a sliver of their wealth to save their lives and restore the dignity of the world's poorest people. The G20, whose members are home to the overwhelming majority of the world's billionaires, would be the natural forum for nurturing a humanitarian assistance tax into existence. At last year's Summit in Brazil, G20 leaders Using strategies not available to a typical taxpayer, the ultra-rich are able to earn vast fortunes that go virtually untaxed. Billionaires pay an effective tax rate equivalent to To compensate, a This tax scheme The world now has slightly more than On average, billionaires enjoy a 7.5% annual pre-tax wealth increase (after inflation). With a minimum effective tax of 2% of their wealth in place, these super rich individuals would see their wealth increase by 5.5% year-on-year — $55 million for every $1 billion of wealth. That leaves plenty of room for them to continue to significantly increase their wealth while also paying a small humanitarian assistance surcharge. And even a small tax for humanitarian assistance could make an enormous difference. A tax equivalent to 0.2% of ultra-high-net-worth individuals' wealth and applied to all current billionaires worldwide would raise $23.5-29.4 billion. Increase the tax to 0.3% and include centi-millionaires, and it would raise at least $52.9 billion. That exceeds this year's UN appeal and would also encompass much or all of a separate, partially overlapping Consider the world's worst displacement crisis, Sudan, with It doesn't have to be this way. If higher-income governments refuse to meet their responsibilities through regular budget processes, then they should meet them by imposing a humanitarian wealth tax. It is not too much to ask that the super-rich pay their fair share so that the world's most disadvantaged people can live with the dignity due every human being. Human dignity is the first right listed in South Africa's Constitution. By pushing the G20 to endorse a humanitarian assistance tax on ultra-high-net-worth individuals, South Africa can breathe life into its highest value and share it with the world. Eric A Friedman is the global health justice scholar at the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC. Lawrence O Gostin is a distinguished university professor and founding O'Neill Chair in Global Health Law at the Georgetown University Law Center, and co-faculty director of the O'Neill Institute.
The Independent
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday will reignite China's religion problem – and put Tibet back in Xi's firing line
For millions of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama is a symbol of resistance. For Chinese dictator Xi Jinping, he is simply another annoyance, along with the rebels in Taiwan and the democracy campaigners in Hong Kong, whose defiance must – and will – be dealt with. We know that Xi, the most powerful and ruthless Chinese leader in a generation, has little time for religion unless it's the carefully curated cult of Xi himself. Organised religion is a threat to his authority, and his vision, for China and the world. The 14th Dalai Lama, an exiled Tibetan with huge influence over a territory that China regards as its own, is a particular irritant. Even worse, in Xi's eyes, the religious leader, a Nobel Peace Laureate with global status, campaigns for human rights, the area in which China is most vulnerable to criticism. This week, just days ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama assured followers that he would, after his death, be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and spelt out a succession process that sets up a renewed clash with Beijing. The communist superpower wants to choose its own, more politically malleable successor. Xi would love to turn Tibet's greatest symbol of resistance into a tool of state authority. In March 2025, the Dalai Lama declared that his successor "will be born in the free world'. This was his riposte to the 2023 ruling by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) asserting that the reincarnation of the 'Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas [the second most senior Tibetan spiritual figures], must be looked for within the country… and receive approval from the central government'. China had already given Tibetan Buddhists good reason to appoint religious leaders outside of China and Tibet, and away from the tendrils of CCP. In 1995, Beijing selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama, just days after the Dalai Lama's own choice – a six-year-old boy, Gendun Choki Nyima, was, along with his parents, disappeared by the authorities. They have not been seen to this day. The Dalai Lama has friends in powerful places. He is revered by tens of thousands in and around his home in exile in Dharamshala, northern India. What would happen if his successor were born there? In the US, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act, signed by President Donald Trump during his first term, threatens reprisals against Beijing should it interfere in the Dalai Lama's succession process. But China, especially the China of Xi Jinping, will not let up. Xi's destruction of democracy in Hong Kong and his use of concentration camps to crush the culture of the Uyghurs and others in northwest China indicate his determination to obliterate inconvenient spirituality. Beijing's strong-arm tactics against the Catholic Church in China show that even powerful global religions are not safe. In 2018, the Vatican made a secret pact with China that allows Beijing to appoint bishops for government-approved houses of worship. Cardinal Joseph Zen, the former archbishop of Hong Kong, accused the Holy See of 'an incredible betrayal'. Like the papacy and other absolute religious monarchies that rest on opaque rituals and remain immune from scrutiny, the office of the Dalai Lama can undermine itself. Remember the unsavoury incident of the young boy and the 'tongue-sucking'? Who, other than a revered religious leader could have survived that? And the selection of a new Dalai Lama is, by its nature, mystical. The 14th Dalai Lama was chosen at the age of two by a search party of Tibetan monks in northwest China, when the toddler was said to have identified the belongings of his predecessor. The Chosen One's legitimacy might be strengthened, however, if a degree of formality were added to the process. Some have advocated the creation of a council, with representatives from the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, to ensure the implementation of the Dalai Lama's written instructions on succession. But, for all its eccentricities, the tradition of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism, is an important example of cultural freedom. Tianxia (literally: 'all under heaven') was the system of inter-state relations governing Asia in ancient times. China, as the then centre of the civilised world and the apex of culture, governed by a sage empire, supposedly spread wisdom and material benefits to all mankind. Some think Xi's ultimate goal is to have a modern version of Tianxia established globally by 2050. If the Dalai Lama falls, and Xi is able to brush off US and world criticism, he might be on his way to achieving it.
India.com
06-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Dalai Lama Turns 90: Revered Monks Poetic Message For ‘Friends' As Global Leaders Extend Wishes
The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6 and received birthday wishes from world leaders. On the eve of his birthday, he shared a poetic message filled with wisdom. To mark the occasion, the CTA, which represents Tibetans in and outside Tibet and is based in this north Indian hill town, has declared July 2025 to July 2026 as 'The Year of Compassion'. As Nobel Peace Laureate, the Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday (July 6), warm wishes poured in from across the globe. Among those extending their greetings were Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a post on X, PM Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and called the monk an "enduring symbol" of patience and compassion. "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life," the Prime Minister wrote. Similarly, in an official statement, Rubio, extended US' wishes to Dalai Lama and said, "The Dalai Lama continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace, and compassion." "The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans' distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference," the statement added. Dalai Lama's Birthday Message In a long post on X, the Monk wrote, "On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations." He continued, "I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don't normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts." Dalai Lama in the post added a way in which people can make 'the world a better place'. He emphasised that while it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward dear ones, but toward everyone. He added his personal goals in the message and said, "As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion." "As long as space endures, as long as sentient being remain, until then, may I too remain, to dispel the miseries of the world," he added in his poetic message. 90th Birthday Message On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in… — Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 5, 2025 According to IANS, celebrating the occasion of the Dalai Lama's birthday, the democratically-elected Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the representative of Tibetan people both in and outside Tibet that is based in this north Indian hill station, has declared that July 2025 to July 2026 will be observed "The Year of Compassion". Meanwhile, the monk also aims to live for many decades.
News18
01-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
The Next Dalai Lama: How Tibetan Monks Will 'Confirm' Reincarnation
Last Updated: On his 91st birthday in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama may reveal his successor—born outside China—defying Beijing's efforts to control Tibetan spiritual leadership Tibetans in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, are preparing for a grand celebration of the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday, amid much speculation that he may designate his successor. Unlike political appointments, the selection of a new Dalai Lama is guided by Buddhism's traditional process of reincarnation. Yet China insists on controlling this process, claiming the right to approve the next Dalai Lama, an assertion many Tibetans view as an attempt to undermine their culture. The succession is not merely a religious matter but one with geopolitical significance, drawing interest from India, the United States, and of course, China. The Nobel Peace Laureate has led the Tibetan community from Dharamshala for 66 years since fleeing Tibet in 1959, and remains revered far beyond Buddhist circles. How The 14th Dalai Lama Was Chosen According to Tibetan tradition, it is believed that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated after death. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, as Lhamo Dhondup into a farming family in north-eastern Tibet. At the age of two, a search team appointed by the Tibetan government confirmed his identity as the 'reincarnation" when he apparently recognised possessions belonging to the 13th Dalai Lama. In the winter of 1940, Lhamo Dhondup was brought to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, where he was formally enthroned as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. This time, the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, set up by the Dalai Lama in 2015, will head the search and recognition process. The Dalai Lama has stated that his successor will be born outside China, ensuring freedom from political interference. The Selection of His Successor The process of the selection of the successor involves: Ensuring Tibetan Governance In Exile Until a new Dalai Lama emerges, the Tibetan Parliamentary body in Dharamshala will continue managing governance and ensuring continuity of Tibetan leadership. Beijing asserts that its leaders must approve the next Dalai Lama, relying on a Qing-era golden urn method (established in 1793) and insisting that the next incarnation be born within China. The Tibetan exiled government rejects this, arguing China, an officially atheist state, has no place in spiritual matters. Beijing counters by labelling the Dalai Lama a 'separatist' and heavily regulates devotion to him within China. With over 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists in India, China views the Dalai Lama's presence there as contentious. Meanwhile, the US last year passed laws urging China to refrain from interference, framing the issue as one of religious freedom and human rights.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'What's the point of ... ': Why is Bangladesh interim chief Muhammad Yunus threatening to resign?
B angladesh's interim government head Muhammad Yunus has reportedly threatened to quit citing difficulties in carrying out his mandate due to the ongoing political stalemate. ANhid Islam, chief of the student-led National Citizen Party, told BBC Bangla that Yunus is growing increasingly uncertain about continuing in his role as chief adviser, as political parties have failed to reach consensus on key reforms. 'Sir said - 'If I can't work… I was brought here after a mass uprising to bring change and reform to the country. But in the current situation, with mounting pressure from movements and the way I'm being cornered ... I cannot work like this. The political parties, you've all failed to reach common ground',' Islam quoted Yunus as saying. Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Al reported that Yunus said in the meeting with his advisers that 'what is the point of being the chief advisor if he cannot function properly?' Nobel Peace Laureate Yunus, 84, assumed leadership as the interim head of Bangladesh last August, following a student-led uprising that compelled then prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Alerta: Você tem zumbido no ouvido? Dica de ouro pode aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo But why is Muhammad Yunus threatening to resign now? Though there has been no official statement from Yunus's office regarding the resignation, reports suggest growing tensions between the military and the interim government, particularly over the timeline for holding parliamentary elections. Political parties have increased pressure on Yunus to announce a clear election schedule. Criticism over delay in elections Yunus is facing mounting criticism from political parties and civil society groups over his failure to announce a timeline for the country's next parliamentary elections. Yunus, who took charge in August last year, had promised swift reforms and a return to democratic rule. However, nearly a year later, the absence of an election date has sparked accusations of indecisiveness and eroding public trust. 'If the government fails to meet public expectations, it will be difficult for the BNP to continue extending its support,' senior BNP leader Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain said. 'The highest priority should be placed on announcing a clear roadmap for the election,' he said. BNP has also been staging large-scale protests in Dhaka, demanding the immediate swearing-in of its mayoral candidate. The party claims that the interim government has obstructed an Election Commission ruling that declared Ishraque Hossain as the rightful winner of the disputed 2020 mayoral elections. At the time, the BNP had alleged that the polls were rigged by the now-banned Awami League. Amid calls for clarity, Yunus's office has remained silent on a definitive election schedule. Yunus vs army chief Bangladesh's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has also reportedly issued a firm warning to Yunus, demanding that national elections be held by December. According to reports, while speaking at a closed-door meeting, Zaman also firmly rejected the Yunus government's proposed "humanitarian corridor" to Myanmar's Rakhine State, calling it a "bloody corridor" and a threat to national sovereignty. 'The Bangladesh Army will never be involved in any activity that is harmful to sovereignty. Nor will anyone be allowed to do so,' Zaman was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune. 'National interest must come first in any action. Whatever is done must be guided by political consensus,' he said. The corridor plan, unilaterally announced in April by foreign adviser Touhid Hossain, was intended to route humanitarian aid through Chattogram Division, where over a million Rohingya refugees already reside. The plan, backed by the UN and reportedly supported by the United States, faced swift backlash from opposition parties, including the BNP and Left groups, who condemned it as 'unilateral and illegal.' Meanwhile, a cabinet member and special adviser to Yunus said on Friday that Yunus "needs to remain" in office as interim leader to ensure a peaceful transition of power. "For the sake of Bangladesh and a peaceful democratic transition, Professor Yunus needs to remain in office," Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, a special assistant to Yunus, and head of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said in a post on Facebook. "The chief adviser is not going to step down," he said adding, "He does not hanker after power." Interim government undermining freedoms, says Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch has also put pressure on Yunus-led interim government by accusing it of undermining fundamental freedoms, citing its recent political crackdowns, including the banning of the former ruling party, the Awami League. The country, home to roughly 170 million people, has been in political unrest since a student-led uprising ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Protests have continued as various parties press for democratic reforms and swift elections. The organisation warned that Yunus's administration risks repeating the authoritarian practices of his predecessor. 'Instead of pursuing its pledge to reform the criminal justice system and bring accountability for serious abuses, the government… is attempting to suppress the rights of supporters of the deposed leader,' it said in a statement. The rights group condemned the government's use of 'newly introduced powers under a draconian amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act' to suppress opposition voices. The Awami League was officially banned on May 12, just days after mass protests outside Yunus's residence. The ban remains in place pending trials of Sheikh Hasina and other senior party leaders, many of whom are accused of human rights violations during her tenure. As pressure mounts from political parties, military, and international rights groups, Muhammad Yunus now finds himself cornored from all sides. What was once seen as a moral and democratic reset under a Nobel laureate's leadership is now mired a growing crisis of confidence. Now only time will tell whether Yunus will hold his ground or make an early exit.
