Peace and Justice History – December 17

Today in peace and justice history: Jean-Bertrand Aristide wins Haiti's first free presidential election in 1990.

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Today in Peace and Justice History

December 17, 1982
The U.N. passed a series of four resolutions attacking apartheid in South Africa: To organize an international conference of trade unions on sanctions against South Africa (approved 129 to 2); To encourage various international actions against South Africa (126 to 2); Support of sanctions and other measures against South Africa including international sporting events (139 to 1); Cessation of further foreign investments and loans for South Africa (138 to 1). The U.S. was the only country to have voted against all four resolutions (joined only by the United Kingdom on two).
December 17, 1990
Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a radical Roman Catholic priest and opponent of the dictatorship of Jean-Claude Duvalier who had been deposed in 1986, was elected president in the first free election in Haiti’s history. He was overthrown in 1991 in a military coup led by Brigadier-General Raoul Cedra.
More about Jean-Bertrand Aristide
Jean-Bertrand Aristide Fast Facts

December 17, 2010
In Tunisia, jobless graduate Mohmad Bouazizi starts selling vegetables. When police seize his cart, he sets fire to himself and later dies. This event is believed to be the ignition of the Arab Spring.
A UK Guardian interactive timeline 


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