Social issues

Nobel Peace Prize 2024

Alfred Nobel’s legacy as a legal obligation

War must be abolished

by Dr. Sabine Vuilleumier-Koch, MD* Switzerland

(27 September 2024) On 11 October, the “Norwegian Nobel Committee” will announce which person, organisation or institution will receive the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. After an eight-month process of thoroughly reviewing all nominees, the committee selects a winner. Since the first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901, there has been repeated controversy as to whether the choice made was truly in line with the wishes of Alfred Nobel (1833–1896).

International Peace Day, Saturday 21 September 2024: ‘Call to Youth – Reject militarism and war’

by Mairead Corrigan Maguire,* Nobel Peace Laureate

(27 September 2024) I would like to thank the Youth of the world for all they do to reject violence, militarism and war. I have been inspired wherever I have travelled by the imagination, courage and resistance of so many young people. They give me great hope for the future of humanity.

Assange is free – but the fight for freedom of expression has only just begun

The WikiLeaks founder had to plead guilty to “conspiracy”. As a result, freedom of the press is under threat as never before

by Michael Straumann,* Switzerland

(20 September 2024) The world held its breath when Julian Assange was finally released after 1901 days of solitary confinement. But at what cost? Almost two months have passed since his release, and the quality journalism media has already turned to business as usual. The Assange case must be our daily memorial. It requires a meticulous reappraisal. This is no less than a scandal of the century for journalism and a declaration of bankruptcy for the West, which likes to present itself as a “community of shared values”.

Wind turbines in fields – A real nightmare for farmers and food safety

by Dr. Peter F. Mayer,* Austria

(13 September 2024) Masses of wind turbines have been put into operation in the middle of agricultural land. Abrasion on the rotors releases highly toxic substances such as fine respirable carbon or glass fibres. There are also several hazardous chemicals such as bisphenol-A. These microparticles are distributed over a wide area, contaminating the soil and subsequently food.

The case “Paul du Rove”: A struggle for freedom of opinion

Why “Telegram” has come under pressure

by Isabel Villalon*

(6 September 2024) Pavel Durov, arrested in Paris, is a naturalised Frenchman. His ‘telegram’ from Dubai became a disruptive factor for Emmanuel Macron. At Le Bourget private jet airport in Paris, the Russian-French-Emirati national Pavel Durov is arrested by the French public prosecutor's office for the “protection of the interests of minors” (OFIM).

“Tactical nuclear bombs” – and their horrific consequences

Current report by the “International Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons” (ICAN)

by Martina Frei*

(30 August 2024) On the occasion of the anniversary (6 and 9 August) of the US atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, the “International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons” (ICAN) reminded us of what atomic bombs do to children.