Protecting children from violence

In situations of war and other strife in the world, it is always children that suffer the most. They are orphaned due to parents being killed in wars, they become refugees due to homes and properties being destroyed, they are denied the right to an education and a decent life, and are even forcibly recruited to fight in wars and kill other people.

Children fall victim to abuse and ill-treatment even outside war situations. They are exploited as labourers, forced into domestic work, deprived of an education, forced to work in family ventures such as farms, and denied nutrition and health care.

Abuse and maltreatment are always heaped on children by adults, some of them even close family members.

The voices of victims of injustice and poverty are not often heard in society, and it is especially so for children. This is all the more reason why children need to be protected from this violence.

Raising awareness about protecting children from violence is the objective of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, which is commemorated around the world on June 4.

The United Nations organises this day to acknowledge the pain of children around the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse, and affirms the commitment of the UN to protect the rights of all children.

The Day celebrates the many people and organisations working towards protecting and preserving the rights of the world’s children.

Tackle carbon emissions, now!

We all emit carbon dioxide to the environment, primarily through breathing and also when we burn things, in the fumes released by vehicles and through a lot of other biological and industrial activities. The increasing carbon levels are posing a massive problem to our environment and have been taken up at many international fora.

The issue is so important however that it is been taken up again at this year’s World Environment Day (WED) on June 5; the day would be celebrated under the theme ‘Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy’.

Various activities are organised by the United Nations under the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on this day, to increase awareness about the environment and enhance political attention and public action on the issue.

Climate change and the effect of carbon on it has become one of the most important issues of this era. That is why the UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions (releases) and methods of reducing them.

The WED will highlight the resources and initiatives that promote improved energy efficiency, alternate energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption. Of course, though the focus is on carbon emissions, scientists warn that nitrogen levels in the atmosphere have also been increasing of late and could pose a threat to the environment. Although nitrogen itself is harmless, there are reactive forms of the gas which are not so.

The day aims to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal(of crucial importance) to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnerships which will ensure that all nations and people enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

The UN General Assembly designated June 5 as World Environment Day in 1972, to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve and enhance the environment. The date recalls the opening day of the UN Conference on the Human Environment, in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972. Another resolution adopted by the General Assembly on the same day led to the establishment of the UNEP.

Street rallies, bicycle parades, ‘green’ concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools and tree planting, recycling and clean-up campaigns are some of the activities organised to commemorate the day.

In many countries, steps are taken to raise political attention and action on these issues which lead to the establishment of permanent government structures to deal with environment management and economic plans. It also gives an opportunity to sign and ratify various international conventions to do with the environment.

The event is hosted by different cities each year. This year’s host city will be Wellington in New Zealand.

Developing the area around Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada holds a very special place among the religious and sacred places in Sri Lanka as it is one of the few such places venerated by all religions and communities in the island. So, it is very important that it is properly developed to make it attractive and accessible to all people.

Such development work has not been forgotten however. The Adam’s Peak Development Project to develop this sacred area will be carried out by the Urban Development Authority along with the National Physical Planning Department. Several other temples in the Nallathanni area will also be developed as part of this project.

The proposed projects, when completed, are expected to ease the difficulties faced by devotees who flock to Sri Pada during the pilgrim season.

The existing temporary structures and business stalls will be replaced by more permanent structures as part of this project; over 400 unauthorised structures including business stalls, are located in this area. Many environment organisations have warned that these structures could cause heavy damage to the environment.

The proposed development drive will be environment friendly and won’t disrupt the tranquil set-up of the area. It is also planned to minimise the risk of natural disasters in the area and also eliminate traffic jams witnessed during the pilgrim season through this new development programme.

The flight of steps leading to the Adam’s Peak and the many temples in the area will also be developed under this project.

Senior citizens for environmental conservation

Senior citizens are a class of people that play a very important role in society. Their services will soon be employed for environmental conservation and natural resources management as well under a programme to be launched by the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry.

Identity cards were presented recently to the first batch of 123 senior citizens who will lend their assistance to this programme.

They will help solve community level problems encountered in areas such as forest conservation, timber supply, wildlife and environmental conservation, prevention of marine pollution and geological and mining sectors.

These senior citizens were selected from 300 people representing all 23 districts including the North and East, who had sent in their applications.

Brass band fiesta

‘Thurstanite Brass 2008’, an indoor band fiesta has been organised by the Western Band Organisation Committee of Thurstan College, Colombo. The fifth Inter School Indoor Band Display will go on stage at the BMICH, Colombo 7 today (June 1) from 4.00 p.m. onwards.

About 10-12 school bands in and around Colombo will participate at this event. The event will also mark the farewell of the present band leader of Thurstan College, who has served for two years. The event is also organised to raise funds for the band.