Human dignity and social justice are under siege predominantly from the West’s so-called New World Order that holds poorer nations hostage to the economic and political clout of the developed world.

HUMAN Rights Day on Dec 10 reminded us that some fundamental, natural and inalienable liberties and entitlements are inherent in our status as human beings and are our birthrights. They do not depend on the charity or generosity of the state or the existence of a constitution. They enjoy an authority independent of government.

Though there is some disagreement on the fountain of freedom from which human rights flow – whether from God, nature, reason, intuition, self evidence or popular will – it is agreed that human rights are derived from a source superior to state-made law.

As Ramsey Clark once said: "A right is not what ...

COMMISSION DECISION of on the financing of humanitarian actions in the Northern Caucasus from the general budget of the European Union (ECHO/-EE/BUD/2010/01000)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No.1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid 1 , and in particular Article 2 and Article 15(3) thereof;

Whereas:

(1) The Chechnya conflict has led to an outflow of internally displaced persons (IDPs) into the neighbouring autonomous republics of the Russian Federation. Today, most IDPs have returned to Chechnya but the neighbouring republics of Ingushetia and Dagestan still host IDPs and thousands of returnees continue to be displaced within Chechnya waiting for the reconstruction of their homes. Besides there are still displaced people, including refugees, in the region at large, especially in Azerbaijan.

(2) In the last three years, and in particular since mid-2009, violence has dramatically increased and has spread to ...