The Maka'ala Human Rights Club members hosted a booth in front of the Aloha Center on Oct. 24 to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations.
“This is the day the United Nations commemorates its official existence and how the international community states finally come together and create an avenue so that they can talk about and address issues that matter.
“It is a very important day because it commemorates partnership,” said
Associate Professor Political Science and Club Advisor Christina Akanoa.
The purpose of the United Nations, according to its charter, is to stabilize peace and security in the international community, stop enemies that act against peace, abide to international law and arbitrate conflicts.
Maka'ala Human Rights Club
“We felt it was important as a club to recognize and bring awareness to what the United Nations' missions are,” said the club’s President Malissa Fifita, a junior from Tonga majoring in political science. “We want BYUH students to know there is an organization out there trying to keep the peace around the world.
“The Maka'ala Human Rights Club is all about bringing awareness of issues by following the United Nations calendar. We do booth awareness, volunteer at school activities, and we do beach cleanup at the end of the semester.”
According to Fifita, those who want to become involved in United Nations-related activities and know more about the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and human rights, Maka'ala is a remarkable opportunity.
Students visit UN
Afatasi Afualo, a senior from Samoa majoring in political science, got the opportunity to visit the United Nations headquarters in New York over the summer. He said, “There are hundreds of issues that come to the U.N. every year, but they look at which one they need to focus on first. Going to the U.N. is an opportunity to see the real world dealing on what is good for society, community, country and individuals.”
Fifita also had the opportunity to visit the United Nations. She said, “The United Nations was amazing. I have never met a lot of ambassadors before, so the opportunity to sit on the same table with them was life changing. Something that I really took from the trip is the importance of networking.
“Talking to people is really one of the key aspects to getting your concern into the U.N. agenda. I learned to keep in contact with people I talked to because one day they might help me find an internship or job.”
Students said a visit to the United Nations can bring first-hand experience on what the international governmental organization does on a daily basis. To learn about the United Nations and how it functions, Akanoa teaches POSC 384, The United Nations and Intergovernmental Organizations, in the Fall Semester. Taking this class allows students the opportunity to be chosen to go on the U.N. trip and take part in model United Nations on campus.