By Norma Wright (Head of Program, ICD Human Rights Initiatives)
Europe enjoys the ups and downs of goals in support of their chosen team as the world’s media follow Euro 2012, have we all become victims of what is known as ‘compassion fatigue’? We celebrate goals, drink freely towards oblivion, eat until we are physically sick and generally have ‘fun’ in the knowledge that the team we support has made it to the next round … but we so quickly forget the pictures that were shown on the world’s media prior and during to Euro 2012 of those that suffer as a result of human right violations. The world’s media focused on the atrocities of the Syrian conflict prior to Euro 2012 – and how quickly, it would appear, that we have forgotten the suffering of others just because we are watching another TV channel. The suffering still continues notwithstanding the picture on our TV screen!
As a reminder, I want you to be further reminded that prior to Euro 2012 there was an outcry in support of Yuliya Timoshenko. Countries suggested that they will not travel, take part in or support Euro 2012, but the reality is so different. Words seem to be cheaper than action – the countries that suggested being outraged are allowing their teams to play in the ‘games’ while Yuliya Timoshenko still languishes in prison!
The Syrian death toll continues to rise on an hourly basis. The proposed six point peace plan has fallen down and the road to peace in Syria has come to a dead-end. The fracas in Syria has now formally been declared a civil war and as such during the time you will have finished reading this article more and more Syrians will be dead and more importantly let me remind you about the innocent children, in which is held the future of a united Syria … there is still no interaction from the UN, the observers watch and report the continued and very many deaths.
Have we become so apathetic that the cries of those that speak, ask and shout for freedom have been forgotten? Could we now be described as being subjects of ‘compassion fatigue’..?
The collection of her Nobel Peace Prize twenty-one years after it has been awarded sums up the tenacity and courage of Aung San Suu Kyi. She left her family, friends and career for the country she loves – Burma. Her courage and tenacity never wavered and she used the phrase ‘compassion fatigue’ in her acceptance speech this weekend. Whilst I listened to this speech I was encouraged – she stood up alone, behind closed doors and under the threat of death until the junta in Burma cracked and today she is a free woman having been chosen by her people to represent her beloved country Burma on the world stage.
We must never give up; we must never stop trying to impose the right for dignity of human rights for all humanity bar none – for those who cannot speak for themselves.
So as you raise your glass of wine, drink your flagon of beer this evening in celebration of another ‘football’ victory’ please remember:
- The people of Syria
- Yuliya Timoshenko
- All suffers of human right violations
Do not become victims of ‘compassion fatigue’ – join us at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and make a stand.
