J. M. Mendiluce, from reflection to action

Torn between war and peace, between abundance and the most absolute misery, José Maria Mendiluce continues to voice his convictions, convictions which are not at all officialist and which courageously denounce the suffering and the injustice which millions of women, millions of men, millions of children suffer daily. He speaks, above all, about cooperation and co-reponsibility. From 1980 onwards, as member of the UNHCR and responsible of various humanitarian actions, he has experienced the most brutal conflicts. He has won many distinctions and prizes of solidarity. At present, he occupies de vice-presidency of the Commission for External Affairs, Security and Defence of the European Parliament.

These were some of his most relevant declarations throughout the interview: "Adoption is not a solution for millions and millions of children that have lost all their rights, who live in a state of war, who live in the streets, who are starving. The solution is justice, the solution is development."

"Part of the conflicts appear due to a lack of knowledge, because of the fear of that which is different."

"We have to democratize the planet. We have to obtain that cooperation and international relations truly promote democracy in all the countries and, in this aspect, we are all responsible."

"The information by means of images is becoming a substitute of the analysis of the causes. The image shocks and provokes compassion but not always favours reflection. And it is necessary to go from emotion to reflection and from reflection to action."