I first became aware of this day to blog about human rights from BlogCatalog, of which I am a member. Second to that, I have been on the mailing list for synchroblog for many months but have not yet added my voice to the other bloggers there. Today I guess I’m exercising the ‘right’ to speak. To use my voice, regardless of who approves of what I say or how I say it.
In keeping with that, I guess my mind is simply drawn to those who don’t enjoy the same freedom of speech which I often take for granted and don’t fully utilize. So while there are many issues of human rights that come to my mind, I’d like to share some thoughts on freedom of speech (or lack thereof) for consideration.
With my personal and familial connections to Burma, and the recent tragedy there, the issue of free speach in Burma readily comes to mind.
The people of Burma aren't afforded the right of free speech. There is an underlying current of fear in Burma. Its almost like a "Don’t ask, Don’t tell" rule is in effect - and it refers to anything that might possibly be construed as anti-government or pro-human rights. See the following: REPORT 2008 People are hesitant to discuss things in their own homes for fear of severe action from the sham government - the SPDC.
Most of us take our freedom of expression for granted. Instead, I feel like we have an obligation to speak out for those who can’t.
Proverbs 31:8 says:
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
In many ways, the people of Burma can NOT speak for themselves. Others MUST speak up for them. In fact, in many places in the world there are those with no voice. I believe that as followers of Christ, we must wake up and SPEAK up. We need to look at those who are suffering and do a "voice over" which requires that we first become aware, second we listen, then third we take their message (not our own) and share it.
I like what Sonja has to say:
If we are unwilling to bring freedom to all, then we ourselves are bound up with
those who are in chains.
Some sources for information on Burma:
US Campaign for Burma
Free Burma Coalition
The Irrawaddy
Mizzima
Human Rights:
Human Rights Watch
UN Human Rights
Amnesty International
Other Synchrobloggers posting on Human Rights:
Adam Gonnerman on Guantanamo Bay in the eyes of God.
Julie Clawson on Human rights and Christian comfort.
Steve Hayes on Human rights and Christian faith.
Steve Hayes (again!) on Human Rights and Amnesty International.
Alan Knox on My charade is the event of the season.
Sally Coleman on If.
Sonja Andrews on Human wrongs.
Cobus van Wyngaard on Christianization and Humanization and our task in Zimbabwe.
Bryan Riley on Bloggers unite for human rights.
Prof Carlos Z on A new examination of human rights.
KW Leslie on For those who say Christians have no rights.
Mike Bursell on Human rights (and Christian responsibilities).
Find your voice. Speak Up, Speak Out....do a 'voice-over' every now and then.
~Janice
1 comments:
Years ago I heard about the persecuted house churches in Burma and met one or two people who had contact with them. It's a bad situation all around. Powers and authorities run amok. Thanks for blogging on this for the Synchroblog and Bloggers Unite.
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