Priorities of 2010: New Year, New Priorities

Except of the priorities that each one of us sets, traditionally, the first day of the year, internationally and European-ly speaking, there are priorities set to remind us that we are not alone in this world. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and the European Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Forced Marriages

In 2007 the American photographer Stephanie Sinclair obtained the prize of the international competition “UNICEF-photo of the year”. Her photograph shows a bridal couple in Afghanistan. The groom Mohammed is 40 years old, his bride Ghulam only eleven. When Sinclair asked the girl about her feelings she replied: “Nothing. I don’t know this guy – what shall I feel?” The parents said they need the money. A statement, which is alarming for its own, all the more shocking, taking into account, that the daughter’s name means “slave”.

European Book Prize Award

Last year The Voice was invited to attend one of the most important culture events of the European Union - European Book Prize Award. We were lucky to write an article about it and even managed to personally handle a copy of the new issue to Mr. Barroso, acting President of the European Commission. On Wednesday, 10th December2009, the European Parliament once again opened its doors to this cultural event with high political weight.

Why We Should All Care: HIV, (hi)story of a Nightmare

Endless hours of research and social action, disheartening figures, destroyed families, stigmatized persons and communities, tears of anger and incomprehension. HIV’s legacy is deeply marked by devastation, sorrow and hopelessness. In its less than 30 years of history, this lethal virus has infected millions of people and it has proved that its power of destruction does not know about borders, races, origins or sexualities. Last Tuesday, 1st of December, World AIDS Day, was a reminder that there is still much to do, although there is already much that is being done.