Editorial

We are living in a critical time of peace and security in the global community. The world has becomes more polarised as globalisation accelerated and the war against terror intensified. With globalisation, the rich become richer, and the poor become more impoverished. With the war against terror, we have seen more killings and we have heard more cries of sufferings. However, we should recognise that “globalisation and war against terror” benefit only a few hegemonic powers in the world while isolating the vast majority of the people. Co-existence of global community through peace is being severely threatened and the security of the people, particularly the grassroots people is being pushed to the corner.

In this critical junction of time, the WSCF Asia Pacific region feels it is very imperative to reiterate the importance of peace education among students and youths. In this regard, we invite Dr. Hope S. Antone to contribute her reflection on “Peace Education in Asian Plural Context”. She points out that the it is important to affirm that the goal of education is life, the sustenance and continuation of life in its fullness. She continues, “With education being a cultural action, peace education involves the evolving of a culture of peace as an alternative to the culture of war and violence prevalent in Asian societies. In this sense, peace education is more than a matter of subject to add to a school curriculum. Rather, it has to do with envisioning and actualising peace as an alternative way of living, thinking and being.” In her concluding remarks, Dr. Antone asks us to uphold a pluralistic attitude which is an attitude that puts oneself or one’s group as one with and among others.

Also, the “Joint Statement of International and Regional NGOs in Hong Kong on Article 23” is included in solidarity with the Hong Kong people. On 1 July, more than half a million people gathered in Hong Kong to protest against the legislation of Article 23. The Hong Kong people believe that Article 23 opens the door to repression in Hong Kong and threaten its freedom. I hope that as a student or youth, you will also play a role in advocating the freedom of Hong Kong in your respective country.

In Woman’s Space, we have four reflections and a poem by SCM women. These reflections are based on the young women’s stories and experience in their own context and how they perceive gender discrimination and with their own determination, overcome these injustices. The poem is a spontaneous response on the war in Iraq.

Finally, in the regional news, you can find reflections by the three Human Rights and Peace interns of WSCF AP, which inspires us to actively involve ourselves more into the human rights and peace work.

I hope this issue will encourage all of you to continue your journey towards peace and transformation in your society.

Shin Seung Min

Regional Secretary