After years of abuse individuals and nations are beginning to take steps to protect the earth and its provisions for the future. Ironically, as walls that formerly divided peoples are dismantled, citizens of many nations are increasingly preoccupied with their own security and becoming more isolationalist. Throughout the world there are ever increasing and frequently violent expressions of nationalism that are robbing the world of a young solidarity. Today in former Yugoslavia there is evidence of ethnic cleansing. Neo-Nazi and fascist movements are growing again in parts of Europe.
Illiteracy remains a cruel prison for many throughout the world.
AIDS is a prime killer in parts of Africa, in Thailand and many cities around the globe. International debt payments are reinforcing a devastating poverty in poorer countries. There is an unequal distribution of the world's wealth, hard work does not guarantee a just wage. Nor does an education guarantee employment. One year ago there were approximately 16 million refugees world-wide.