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issue 2 | MARCH 2008 | View as a webpage |
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A unique and 'therapeutic' debate on Kenya's path to peace; an explosive and unequivocal exposition of Guantanamo and 'extraordinary rendition'; and an insight into the interplay of language, migration and globalisation in the modern world...Find out more about what's been happening in the Public Affairs programme over the past month and look out for upcoming events in this edition of The View.Public Affairs Team |
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February Round-Up |
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Notes from a panel debate on:"Journeys, Language and Globalisation: Perspectives on Migration"We have globalised finances, we are globalising trade, we have globalised crime. The last thing left to globalise is the movement of people. Guy Arnold, author of Africa: A Modern History and writer on developing world affairs The third event in the RCS Migration series brought together a distinguished panel. Drawing on a wide range of expertise, the speakers examined the earliest migration to the New World and the spread of the English language, the relationship of migration to the processes of globalisation and the journeys of communities between Bangladesh and the UK. Click here for the full event write-up.
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Notes from a panel debate on:"Holding Human Rights Hostage: The Role of the Commonwealth in Protecting its Citizens"Torture has never prevented terrorism, or stopped it; it has only served to proliferate it. Moazzam Begg, former Guantanamo Bay detainee Following the events of September 11 2001, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, declared that "terrorism strikes at the heart of what the Commonwealth is about. Our fundamental values are, above all else, about freedom and democracy both of which have been seriously threatened by the events of September 11. The Commonwealth is determined to act to defend these values." It was with this quote that Chair, Dr Karen Brewer, opened the event "Holding Human Rights Hostage: The Role of the Commonwealth in Protecting its Citizens". Click here for the full event write-up.
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Notes from a panel debate on:"Kenya: What Route to Peace?"We have taken our peace and security for granted. We have made serious mistakes and we must admit them. John Githongo, Senior Adviser, World Vision International and former Permanent Secretary for Governance and Ethics, Government of Kenya On 27 December 2007, Kenya held presidential and parliamentary elections. Almost as soon as Mwai Kibaki was proclaimed as the winner, violence in the country erupted. Its repercussions, 300,000 people displaced and at least 1,000 dead within six days, sent shockwaves through the international community. That trauma, and the desire to move forwards, was manifest on 20 February as around 240 people filled the auditorium of the Royal Commonwealth Society's Commonwealth Club for a debate entitled, Kenya: What Route to Peace? Click here for the full event write-up.
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Coming soon |
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Wednesday 2 April, 6.30pmPanel Debate"Pakistan in Crisis: What Role for the Commonwealth?"An introduction from Robert Fisk Chair: Yvonne Ridley, Journalist Panel: Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, Muslim Labour Peer Syed Ghaus Ali Shah, Former Pakistan Defence Minister and Senior Vice-President, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Wajad Shamsul Hasan, Former Pakistan High Commissioner to London and former senior adviser to the late Benazir Bhutto Dr Fiaz Hussain, Islamic Community Leader Pakistan, a nuclear power in a strategically important geographical location, bordering India and Afghanistan, is a country in crisis. Recent elections were overshadowed by the shocking assassination of Benazir Bhutto and by widespread violence. The two main political parties in the country are now in the process of forming a coalition. This panel debate will explore the implications of such a coalition, the role it will leave for Pervez Musharraf and his Presidency and the underlying causes of the country's current instability. The meeting will also ask what contribution the Commonwealth, and the new Commonwealth Secretary-General, can make in ensuring the swift return of stable democratic government to Pakistan. UK representatives from the four main Pakistani political parties will also be present and there will be an opportunity for questions. For further information, contact Claire Anholt, 020 7766 9202 |
AprilCommonwealth Action for ZimbabweFollowing the Zimbabwean Presidential elections on 31 March, and in the light of resulting circumstances, the RCS will be re-assessing its 'Commonwealth Action for Zimbabwe' campaign. In April, a new Commonwealth Secretary-General will also take office and the RCS will work to ensure that Zimbabwe is firmly fixed high upon his agenda. Despite Zimbabwe's expulsion from the Commonwealth, the appalling suffering within the country demands continued attention and the priority must remain for the Commonwealth to re-engage with the country and to support its citizens. A public meeting to be held in April will assess the way forward for the RCS Zimbabwe campaign. For further information, contact Claire Anholt, 020 7766 9202.
Monday 19 may, 2pm - 6.30pmMigration, Citizenship and the Commonwealth
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Special Event: |
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Monday 14 April, 6.30pmAn evening with...Don MckinnonCommonwealth Secretary-GeneralThis special farewell event will celebrate the work of the retiring Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The evening's unique format will centre around a 'Parkinson' style interview with the man himself, conducted by Simon Walker, former Corporate Communications and Marketing Director at Reuters, giving an insight into Don McKinnon's time at the Secretariat through stories and conversation. A themed New Zealand tasting menu will be served prior to the interview and entertainment will follow. Tickets: 35 pounds member(37 pounds non-member) to include a glass of sparkling wine for the reception and themed meal. Wine will be available from a cash bar. The details: 18.30, sparkling wine reception 19.30, dinner and entertainment For further information, please contact Rob Jordan in the membership department, 020 7766 9228. |
All feedback welcomePlease let us know if you have found the information in this Public Affairs Round-Up helpful/ interesting. Is there anything else you would like to see included? What did you like/dislike? Did you have any problems opening the email? All feedback is welcome via email at joanna.stephenson@rcsint.org or by calling 020 7766 9230. If you would prefer not to receive this communication again, please reply to this email with the word unsubscribe in the title.
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