Global Week of Action Against Arms in Macedonia
At the press conference held earlier today, the Civil NGO from Skopje presented the campaign organized to mark the Global week of Action Against Arms (May 22-29). The Campaign will be implemented in cooperation with the UNDP's Partnership for Community Safety and Security; the Caritas France in Macedonia; Cair Municipality; Zgjohu! civil movement (Wake UP!), and "Esnaf" association of artizans and craftsmen from the Old Bazaar in Skopje.
"This unspeakable tragedy is just another in a long line of assaults on human life and security in Macedonia. The fire-arms have become a part of the daily lives of Macedonian citizens, and it brings death and injuries. Over the past several years, the Macedonian society has turned increasingly violent and dangerous, a society in which drawing a gun has become a trifle matter. It brings about instability and irreparable damage, pushes the society downwards and prevents the social, economic and human development", said Xhabir Deralla from "CIVIL". The ten or so dead and injured in Macedonian capital happened immediately before the start of the International Action Week, remind us once again of the need to take action against the small arms in the country and all over the world. Civil, with the support of UNDP, and in partnership with the Southeast European Nework on Control of Arms (SEENCA), Saferworld and Caritas France in Macedonia, following the global initiative of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), participates in the global efforts to end the armed violence and introduce greater control over small arms. "Once more, we express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and we promise that we'll never get used to the violence. To the contrary, our dedication gets stronger with every passing day. We won't give up on our action, for as long as arms are left to circulate our society", adds Civil. Starting yesterday, Monday, May 22, Civil started a poster and flyer campaign, with two messages: 1. Speak up on time! Victims can't seek help on their own; and, 2. We need more space for games and play These two messages represent the vox populi against the holders of small arms who underestimate and violate the human rights, security and safety in the society. The first slogan, "Speak up on time! The Victims can't seek help on their own", appeals to all citizens to take greater responsibility in the efforts to prevent armed violence, to respect the human rights, cooperate with the institutions and to join the gun-control activities. The second message was designed by two 17-year old high school students, during the arts workshop Arts atains arms, held under the 2005 Peace Unlimited Festival. The slogan appeals to respect the basic human rights, such as the right to life, the right to free movement, and development in peaceful environment, all violated by the prevailing gun-culture. Civil announced that NGOs and civic associations from 15 cities and rural communities will join the campain and support the action. Alain Lappon, Project Manager with UNDP's Partnership for Community Security and Safety, also addressed the press and introduced the goals of the global campaign. The four activities, including strong lobbying component will be: regulation of global arms trade and arms ownership by civilians; projects for prevention of violence and their inclusion in all development projects; as well as establishment of organized help for the victims. "In my view, and I have said it many times, small and personal arms are, indeed, weapons of mass destruction", said Lappon, emphasizing the importance of the Global Action. For additional information, contact Xhabir Deralla at deralla@civil.org.mk, xhabir.deralla@gmail.com, or by phone at 070 23 99 74. |
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