2014 was by no means a quiet year. We had good, we had bad, we faced rising inequalities and we began to fight back. So let’s take a look…
The Good
Scottish Referendum
– Although there was a chance of a separated United Kingdom it was the No Vote that was victorious on September 2014. 84% of the electorate used their vote, and with the voting age being reduced to 16 it was a great example of how to engage people, even young people with politics.
Glasgow Commonwealth games
– In the run up to the referendum, Scotland showed the world how it was done with “the standout games of the movement.” With over 71 nations and territories in attendance Glasgow was transformed. It was reminiscent of London 2012 with the country getting behind the event and who could forget Scotland’s uniform!
The 2014 World Cup
– Although England may have been unsuccessful in their bid at the World Cup in Brazil it was still an event to enjoy. Around the world communities bonded over the sport, watching high-class football and celebrating.
The Bad
Ukraine and Russia
– Throughout 2014, Ukraine was bubbling with disruption and upset. In February their President was forced out of office and protests were common. Russia got involved with the Ukrainian capitol Crimea requesting a referendum to join the former. Tensions ran high between the pro-Russians groups and other Ukrainians for the remainder of the summer, and still linger in the area. This is a case which will most definitely run into 2015.
The missing MH370
– On the 8th March the world was shocked by the disappearance of Flight MH370 of Malaysian Airlines. The plane and the 239 people on board have still not been found despite recovery attempts.
Ebola
– According to The WHO, 8,483 have died from the since the outbreak of Ebola in March. There have been more than 21, 373 reported cases, spanning over nine countries. The United Kingdom and United States are working towards a vaccination.
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Reminders of Inequality
Boko Haram Nigerian School Abduction
– In April the Islamist militant group Boko Haram kidnapped 200 girls from their school, to this day they have not been returned nor found. They were taken due to the group’s opposition to Western education and puritanical Islamic views of a woman’s place in the world. Although efforts have been to negotiate a deal there has been no success.
Taliban Militants stormed a school in Peshawar
– In December the Taliban attacked and murdered 132 children and nine members of staff at a school in Peshawar. They stormed the building and opened fire according to those who escaped. The Pakistani Taliban who has taken credit for their deadliest attack in Pakistan. It was targeted in response to military action as the school was run by the military.
Sochi winter Olympics and treatment of gay people
– The treatment and discrimination of the LGBT community came to the forefront of discussion in early 2014 in the run up to the Sochi Winter Olympics. Laws in Russia ban the ‘propaganda of homosexuality and paedophilia’ and although Putin commented that any gay people in attendance could feel relaxed and comfortable, they must ‘leave the children in peace.’ A reminder of how the world is not as progressive as we like to believe and brought into question a possibility of boycotting.
Fighting for Equality
Pro -democracy protests in Hong Kong
– After the decision to only allow voters in Hong Kong to elect a chief executive in 2017 from a pre-approved list frustration rose among the population. The came to ahead in September. Occupy movements took over with thousands protesting the decision. The protests went on for almost two months; support for protesters both grew and lessened over time. Although the progress they desired was not reached many groups have now backed down.
Protests in Ferguson
– After the death of a young black man, Michael Brown, shot by a police officer, protests broke out across the town of Ferguson and later across the US. For the 10 days after his death there were night protests, many leading to violence and following the decision of the Grand Jury not to indict the officer. The events have brought the treatment of black people and brutality of the police into question in the United States and will continue to have consequences into the new year.
Wins for equality
Women bishops in the UK
– The appointment of Rev Libby Lane in December marked the end of the 22-year resistance to promoting female priests. It was the perfect example of smashing the glass ceiling. Helped by a law change in July women now have the opportunity to progress further in the Church and reach positions of their worth.
Legalisation of gay marriage
– As of midnight on March 28th, gay people in the England and Wales, (the date was slightly later for Scotland and will not be put into place in Northern Ireland) could marry. They no longer have to settle for a civil union. The change in the law is a big step and one to be proud of, most definitely a highlight of 2014.
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