Vita Activa, - about Medecins Sans Frontieres.
In the early 20 century, all mankind had been groaning under the imperialism policy of the world powers and two World Wars. Lots of countries were drawn into these wars regardless of whether there was a specific reason of war. The war came to an end around the middle of the 20th century, however, it left nasty aftereffects on the earth such as the war orphans, refugees, and all kinds of disease. No one was in charge of the compensation for damage. Some countries declared their independence without any preparation, and some others became under the trusteeship and the intervention of international organizations.
In this situation Nigerian Civil War occurred. Nigeria, the oil producing country, separated from British rule after 60 years and got a right to sell development of petroleum. and then the most important thing is to achieve Nigerian political power. In There were the most powerful Hausa, Ibo, and Yoruba in about 250 great and small tribes. After independence, Hausa tribe that produced the president, which was used to monopolize profit of selling oil and carried out profitable policies for their tribe. Hausa was in Islamic power, Yoruba was in mixture of Islamic and Christian power, and Ibo was in Christian power. Moreover Ibo was devout and their educational level was higher than other tribes' average. Through this, Ibo couldn't be at feud with Hausa. So their choosing way was the war. Therefore in 66 Ibo staged a coup and killed a prime minister from Hausa. And then they held the reigns of government.
The glory, However, short and revenge was strong. After just months the war occurred by a coup by an officer form northen lasted for about 3 years, came under its rule, and orphans, refugees, hunger happened. In this process many national groups intervened and because The Red Cross was sub- group of UN peacekeeping groups, it was so quiet. Since Bernard Kouchner and his colleague felt limit on calm movement of The Red Cross, they make a recommendation to the Government and the Media. And they felt the need to become a group doing relief activities activily. On the baise of such worry and belief, since December 20 1971, Medecins Sans Frontieres(MSF) was established.
The relief system of MSF having about 3000 volunteers in 45 nations is on a constant alert. MSF was created in the belief that all people should have access to healthcare regardless of gender, race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that people's medical needs outweigh respect for national boundaries. MSF's principles of action are described in our charter, which established a framework for our activities. MSF is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Since foundation MSF has worked in about 80 nations and during Gulf war in 1991, did 70,000 relief work a refugee camp. Especially in October 1995, as only NGO, MSF entered South Korea and supported South Korean suffering from famine and infectious disease. Thanks to these work, in 1997, they received Seoul Peace Prize from Seoul Special City. Over the years, MSF has received many prestigious awards in recognition of its medical humanitarian work. In 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize.
The motto of MSF is simple. It is that Everyone has a right to get medical services. The protection of right for everyone, that is why MSF became a group that received the Nobel Peace Prize. Peace is not achieved easily. Peace needs a lot of efforts and toils. All the time we should remember, in any case, there is no keeping peace without carrying out.
