There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
Antonio GuterresRead
For many people, Timbuktu has long represented the essence of remoteness: a mythical, faraway place located on the boundaries of our collective consciousness. But like many of the myths associated with colonialism, the reality is very different.
Interpretation
Timbuktu symbolizes an ideal of remoteness, contrasting with its actual complexities shaped by history.
In this quote, Antonio Guterres highlights the perception of Timbuktu as a distant, mythical place that exists in the minds of people, often associated with the idea of colonialism. However, he challenges this notion by suggesting that the reality of Timbuktu is far more intricate and nuanced, illustrating how myths can distort our understanding of real places and cultures, particularly those affected by colonial narratives.
In practice
In a discussion about cultural perceptions in a history class.
There is never a humanitarian solution for a humanitarian crisis. The solutions for the humanitarian crisis are always political ones.
As a global society, we have the technology, resources and the know-how to make a massive difference to living standards everywhere, including for refugees.
The world's problems transcend borders.
Humanitarian response, sustainable development, and sustaining peace are three sides of the same triangle.
The fact that societies are becoming increasingly multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious is good. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
Syria has become the great tragedy of this century - a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.
We have time to grow old. The air is full of our cries. But habit is a great deadener.
The system will always be defended by those countless people who have enough intellect to defend but not quite enough to innovate.
The liberty of the individual is no gift of civilization. It was greatest before there was any civilization.
Every year tens of thousands of animals suffer and die in laboratory tests of cosmetics and household products...despite the fact that the test results do not help prevent or treat accidental or purposeful misuse of the products. Please join me in using your voice for those whose cries are forever sealed behind the laboratory doors.
I think the most important idea is to remember that there have been times throughout American history where what is right is not the same as what is legal.
Any man who is not a communist at the age of twenty is a fool. Any man who is still a communist at the age of thirty is an even bigger fool.
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