NGO What are they and what do they do?

Non-Governmental Organizations Known at the UN as "non-governmental organizations" or "NGOs" they are often the most effective voices for the concerns of ordinary people in the international arena. NGOs include the most outspoken advocates of human rights, the environment, social programs, women's rights and more. Representatives of independent citizen organizations are increasingly active in policy making at the United Nations.

Non-Governmental Organizations Greenpeace: acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Doctors Without Borders: An international, medical, humanitarian organization World Wildlife Fund: The largest multinational conservation organization in the world.

UKRAINE 2014 What the heck is going on over there?

Ukraine

Ukraine Revolution (?) Antigovernment demonstrations kicked off late last year after President Yanukovych, under pressure from the Kremlin (Russia), turned away from a European trade and political deal and sealed a $15 billion bailout from Russia. What does this mean? Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in protest

Ukraine Revolution (?) After months of protests, Mr. Yanukovych left the capital (Kiev) in late February, and protesters took control of the city center. Ukraine's parliament voted to remove Mr. Yanukovych and set new presidential elections for May 25. Ukraine opposition leader and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko was released from prison. Mr. Yanukovych has vowed to remain in power.

Ukraine Revolution (?) Ms. Tymoshenko, known for her sharp tongue and peasant-style braid, was a leader of the 2004 Orange Revolution that thwarted Mr. Yanukovych's first run at the presidency. She was then jailed in October 2011 for abuse of office for allegedly ordering a subordinate to sign a natural gas deal with Russia in 2009, which prosecutors said led to huge losses for Ukraine. It was all a lie

Ukraine Revolution (?) Having Ukraine as a clear political ally is critical for Russian President Vladimir Putin's quest to integrate and regain influence over ex-Soviet states. Ukraine has been an important target for an EU program aimed at encouraging democratic change in the region in return for free-trade agreements.

Ukraine Revolution (?) The East of Ukraine is mainly Russian speaking The West at various times was part of Poland and Austria The southern peninsula is called Crimea and is a very strategic military port on the Black Sea

Ukraine Revolution (?) After months of failed efforts at compromise, the Kiev protests become deadly. At least 77 people die and police are accused of using live ammunition. Russia has condemned the new takeover as a mutiny. Unidentified gunmen in combat uniforms appear outside Crimea's main airports and Ukrainian military installations, sparking fears of Russian military intervention

Ukraine Revolution (?) Russian parliament approves President Vladimir Putin's request to use Russian forces in Ukraine. The Ukrainian army adopts a state of alert. Ukraine's interim prime minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk accuses Russia of declaring war. President Putin denies Russia has sent troops into Crimea and insists that the gunmen besieging Ukrainian military installations in Crimea are self-defence forces.

Ukraine Revolution (?) Crimea's parliament votes to join Russia and says the decision will be put to a referendum on 16 March. Russia says it will support Crimea if the region votes to leave Ukraine. The referendum passed with 95% approval The prospect of Crimea seceding from Ukraine sparks the biggest East-West showdown since the Cold War, with the US and its European allies threatening to impose sanctions on Russia if Moscow refuses to scale down its military involvement in Crimea

Canada’s Role So what should we do?