“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”. This is what the first article of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares, and this is also what the CESIE – European Centre of Studies and Initiatives – is strongly convinced about; and with the power of these words We also want to express our solidarity to all the populations of North Africa and Middle East, that are currently fighting for a democratic affirmation.
For weeks we have been watching with concern the facts and events of these people, who are trying to peacefully vindicate their rights of self-determination and democratic participation. Some of the protests have been troubled with suffering and loss yet always guided following ideals of freedom.
The recent regime change in Tunisia and Egypt has been followed by subsequent public demonstrations in Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria and now also in Kuwait. It is a real democratic contagion that CESIE is observing with hope, since its strength can undermine authoritarian regimes.
All citizens, young people, men and women, are bravely taking to the streets calling for freedom, against corruption and the difficult socio- economic situation. This raises our hopes for the future so that legitimate requests made by exhausted populations shall be fulfilled.
CESIE has many partners is these countries, with whom we have worked and still are, in order to promote cultural, educational, scientific and economic development. Therefore we consider this multifaceted and complex movement of the Arab world as a result of emancipation processes that now force us to observe this specific region of the world differently.
This unstoppable change is sustained mostly by youngsters that have gathered together to fight for the betterment of life conditions and their desire for freedom, yet it also makes us necessarily face the need to re-designate Italian foreign policy so as the cooperation policy with these Countries, with their people to whom we truly express all our support.
