For the children's sake, tear down this wall!

[Violet_Crumble]

Australia should add its voice to the calls for Israel to comply with international law, writes Tim Costello.

Since moving to World Vision recently, I have been confronted by the complex problems of poverty in the world. I have asked myself why children live on rubbish tips, are trafficked into sexual slavery or are driven from their homes with their families.

In some cases, tackling the symptoms of poverty - through providing food, education, shelter - is the first step in giving these children a brighter future. In most cases, however, the solution is much more complex and politically sensitive.

<snip>

But the court's ruling affects more countries than just Israel. The decision says that all countries that are parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention - and that includes Australia - are obligated to ensure Israel's compliance with international law. They are also under an obligation not to render aid or assistance in the construction of the wall.

Australia is not directly aiding Israel's construction of the wall, but as a member of the international community, it is now time to show our commitment to international law and multilateralism.

Australia has a moral and legal obligation to comply with the Fourth Geneva Convention. Previously we have abstained from, or voted against, UN resolutions on the issue of the wall. Australia - as a friend to Israel and as a nation that supports the legal rights of all citizens in the world - must do whatever it can to help achieve peace in the Middle East.

Last year World Vision published Who Will Wipe Away Their Tears, documenting the deaths of Israeli and Palestinian children. Children on both sides deserve peace and protection.

Tim Costello is chief executive of World Vision Australia.



http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/13/1089694355635.html?oneclick=true

[Jim Sagle]

1. Doesn't Oz have issues with how its aboriginal population is treated?

Why not tackle that, and thereby attain at least a smidgen of credibility?

[Classical_Liberal]

2. Aboriginees are full citizens and have the right to vote in Australia

so while it started out much worse then Israel, it is still way ahead of it, and it has credibility on this issue. The other thing is Australia did it's nasty business over 100 yrs ago, when people linked technological superiority to racial superiority. Israel is doing its nasty business now that we are suppose to know better. BTW, our Indians are full citizens of America and can vote here, so I don't have to keep my mouth shut either.

[Violet_Crumble]

3. I can't work this one out...

So maybe one of the resident 'Arab-Israelis aren't discriminated against' brigade might be able to answer it. How can they claim that Arab-Israelis have equality etc and indigenous Australians don't, when indigenous Australians have all those things that they claim give Arab-Israelis equality, like living in a DeMoCrAcY!!!, having full citizenship including the right to vote and enter politics, and just like that opera singer Arab-Israeli who someone here claimed proved that Arab-Israelis don't face discrimination, indigenous Australians also have success stories. Me, I believe both Arab-Israelis and indigenous Australians do face discrimination and there's a long way to go when it comes to atoning for the wrongs done to them in the past. But I don't understand how someone who claims that Arab-Israelis don't face discrimination could then turn around and claim that indigenous Australians are mistreated. Jim, don, anyone? Want to try explaining it so I understand?

Violet...

[The Magistrate]

4. It Would Be Interesting, Ma'am

The situations seem broadly similar to me....