Citizens’ voices heard across the globe. Protests continue in many countries for government reforms that include improved living conditions, more jobs and greater freedoms, including Bahrain, Yemen, Morocco, Hong Kong, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Tunisia, USA, Palestine and Jordan. In Hong Kong, citizens held a rally at the Chinese Liaison office, where they called for the release of a political prisoner. In Yemen, PressTV reported that dozens of chiefs from the Bakeel tribe joined the protesters, pledging to uphold their rights, along with two high ranking officials, eight military officers and Deputy Minister of Development and International Co-operation, Mohammed al Haweri.

The nation’s clerics meanwhile warned against the government’s excessive use of force. In Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), conflict continues over the contested November 2010 presidential election, with aid agencies stating that humanitarian needs have increased due to some 450,000 people who are now uprooted as they flee their homes seeking safety. The government of Burkina Faso also closed down universities after students continued to protest the death of a fellow student who had been detained in police custody.

In Morocco, despite the king announcing constitutional reforms that would be introduced in June, hundreds of people attended rallies in Casablanca on Sunday, with dozens injured the next day as security personnel attempted to shut down the demonstrations. Among the countries making progress in addressing citizens’ needs is Egypt, where the Ministry of Labor announced new laws on labor rights that would soon be put in place, as well as unemployment aid and a minimum wage. Also, in Mozambique, the government increased food budgets and fuel subsidies.

In addition, Jordan announced a 53-member National Dialogue committee to discuss reforms, while China affirmed plans for gradual political change. In Libya, where many towns and cities once claimed by the pro-democracy protesters have been overtaken by government forces making use of military aircraft and tanks, fears are rising over reprisals that would be likely should the government resume control of the regions. While the US and Lebanon have joined in support of the Arab League’s no-fly zone proposal, countries like Russia continue to consider such a option.

Meanwhile, the UN human rights office has called for the international community to act quickly in protecting civilians from harm as government forces, which are being investigated by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, continue to advance against the protesters. Recent humanitarian gestures to aid the Libyan people and fleeing refugees include a joint mission organized by the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, with two ships delivering US$4 million in assistance to Benghazi with a mobile bakery capable of producing 10,000 loaves of bread per day. The United Arab Emirates has also sent medical equipment to assist those crossing the border into Tunisia.

With sympathies for the loss of precious life, we pray for an end to the conflict in all countries and that shared dignity, freedom and peace prevails among citizens across the globe.

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