Articles by Steven Gilchrist

I n 1993, the United Nations began to formally observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.   The U.N. General Assembly signed Resolution 47/196 in 1993.   This resolution declared October 17 of every year as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.   The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the importance of eradicating poverty and destitution across the globe, particularly in developing nations.   The theme for this year’s day is – “Working together out of poverty.” Although the U.N. formally adopted the commemoration of the day in 1993, there was an event held in 1987 to honor victims of poverty, hunger, fear, and violence.   Over 100,000 people gathered at the event held in Paris, France on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadero.   The commemoration was led by Joseph Wresinski – founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.   Wresinski once said: “Wherever men and women are conde...

L ast month, the political leaders of several central African nations acknowledged Michel Djotodia as the transitional head of the Central African Republic (CAR).   Although the leaders recognized Djotodia as the transitional head of the CAR, they have not recognized him as the president of the country.   Djotodia, who is the leader of the Seleka coalition, led thousands of rebel fighters in overthrowing President Francois Bozize on March 24, 2013.   The Seleka coalition apparently rebelled against President Bozize for failing to pay rebel fighters who helped him seize power in a 2003 coup that deposed former President Ange-Felix Patasse. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic has endured decades of coups and political instability.   CAR is one of the least developed countries in the world.   As a result of years of social unrest, the illegal arms trade is prevalent in CAR which a landlocked country with a population of...