More and more the world is realizing and acting out of the UN. You will see more and more direct negotiations between countries or fighting factions within the same country. When you know that the balance of your storekeeper is working against you, you eventually change and buy from a more decent one. The Security Council is an old reminiscence of a comedy gone stale.
The Days of Tranquility worked so smoothly because they were negotiated out of the UN..by that little organization of the UN. A child eyed head of UNICEF dreamed of it. Suggested it to the President of El Salvador… I am more and more convinced that for our purposes we are much better off dealing with the sides in conflict. Our messages are sincere. We do not take sides, We want to help children in all sides. We do not want children harmed.
People in armed conflict do not trust others.The brother or sister might by from the “other” side. ( It was the case in Central America). They would trust us, with some serious convincing…and in much less time than a Security Council meeting.
Next problem..go to the Security Council. And, good luck.
Can you imagine what would have happened if we had gone through the Security Council? They would have approved, or not, - but only after tens of thousands of children would have died or been maimed.
A man above age seventy, but with the smiling eyes of a child had a dream. And he wanted the dream to become reality. He was dreaming loudly one morning when he called me to suggest a truce to be arranged between the warring army and the armed opposition groups.
I told him he was dreaming. It was impossible. He told me the impossible takes a little more time. How do you say No to a wonderful man trying to find something positive in a savage civil war? So, I said yes. After he hung up I called the Minister of Health. Told him about the call I received. He did not seem impressed.. he had received a similar call from his boss, the President of El Salvador, earlier than me. We agreed to meet and talk. I asked the office to arrange a car and a driver (it was faster to drive to San Salvador than to fly.
We agreed that the Minister would be “the” channel to the military and the Archbishop (if he would agree) with the armed opposition.
Can you imagine what would have happened if we had gone through the Security Council? They would have approved, or not, - but only after tens of thousands of children would have died or been maimed.
A man above age seventy, but with the smiling eyes of a child had a dream. And he wanted the dream to become reality. He was dreaming loudly one morning when he called me to suggest a truce to be arranged between the warring army and the armed opposition groups.
I told him he was dreaming. It was impossible. He told me the impossible takes a little more time. How do you say No to a wonderful man trying to find something positive in a savage civil war? So, I said yes. After he hung up I called the Minister of Health. Told him about the call I received. He did not seem impressed.. he had received a similar call from his boss, the President of El Salvador, earlier than me. We agreed to meet and talk. I asked the office to arrange a car and a driver (it was faster to drive to San Salvador than to fly.
We agreed that the Minister would be “the” channel to the military and the Archbishop (if he would agree) with the armed opposition.
Next a call to the Archbishop. Auxiliary bishop takes the call. I ask for a meeting with the Archbishop. Answer - "Sure, But first we should talk”. I agree. I went for a 'talk, but instead I was interrogated. It was a well-conducted interrogation and necessary. "Whose idea is it? Who is paying? How often? Other partners? Vaccination for which kids? Role of the church?".
I guess I passed the test. He leads me to the office of the Archbishop. A very old man. Rather heavy built. Thick eyeglasses. I go for the jugular after the interrogation. We would like the Archbishop’s office to mediate our negotiations with the armed opposition. We cannot talk with them directly. The Archbishop’s office is the best accepted channel. He says it is impossible. Then scales down with a faint smile and says “Maybe because of the children” and opens the door.
Twelve times, for six consecutive years, twice a year, for two days each time war stopped and children were vaccinated against five deadly diseases. At the end of the six years about 80% of children under five and many above were completely vaccinated. Families could visit each other on those days without worries of bullets.
Twelve times, for six consecutive years, twice a year, for two days each time war stopped and children were vaccinated against five deadly diseases. At the end of the six years about 80% of children under five and many above were completely vaccinated. Families could visit each other on those days without worries of bullets.
Jim Grant visited the Days of Tranquility almost every time. He kept telling me to take notes because it was “ the first time in the history of humanity that war stopped because of children”. The lead engine in the Days of Tranquility, Herman Jaramillo, and I had to worry about things like finding ice when we heard there was a lack of it.
It worked. Problems galore. Most were solved mainly because of Herman and his team.
Now, I want this to be documented. We have an excellent proposal prepared by a person who has extensive experience in similar situations. Anyone with a bright idea? Help is appreciated. We want young and not so young people engaged in humanitarian work to know more about how to keep safe and contribute in situations of armed conflict.
Best wishes to all.
It worked. Problems galore. Most were solved mainly because of Herman and his team.
Now, I want this to be documented. We have an excellent proposal prepared by a person who has extensive experience in similar situations. Anyone with a bright idea? Help is appreciated. We want young and not so young people engaged in humanitarian work to know more about how to keep safe and contribute in situations of armed conflict.
Best wishes to all.
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