But is this effort worth a Nobel Peace Prize?

Some say absolutely. Obama has been attempting to reverse the previous administration’s conflict-heavy rule, opting for peaceful solutions, declaring torture wrong, and calling for diplomatic dialog rather than a hit first, ask questions later policy.

However, there are others–including his own supporters–who say no. Not only were there many contenders for the prize this year with much less celebrity status and many more years spent on their causes; there is also the fact that we still have wars ranging on in the Middle East that Obama has not yet pulled out of.

And whether or not people are in support of that, continuing to wage war does not scream “Nobel Peace Prize.” Even famous liberal Michael Moore said that President Obama needed to “earn” his prize. (He later changed his mind.) Some have even argued that accepting the award is simply unconstitutional.

One thing is for sure: people cannot simply blame the president for winning the award. He didn’t buy it, or order it to be given to him, after all. He’s also not the first president to win a Nobel Peace Prize. But will he–or has he already–live up to the award?

An estimated 3,000 child soldeirs will be released. This marks a giant step forward towards true peace in Nepal, especially since the government is even calling for the release of all the child soldiers by November. And with the peace treaty signed over two years ago, it’s also a moment that should have arrived well before today.

While this is a huge victory for these children that should be celebrated, it reminds us not to forget the rest of the world’s innocents left in the violence. An estimated 300,000 children continue to serve as soldiers in the world today, continually robbed of their innocence and murdered at the front lines of bloody conflicts.

Of these, at least 24,000 have been confined in U.N. camps since the peace deal signing in November 2006.

What homes will these former soldiers be returning to–the places where they have seen and even caused more bloodshed than any of us could ever dream of, places where they have lost their entire families and friends? And what of the former child soldiers who are now adults; will they not be receiving some sort of aid and transitioning into whatever normalcy they might be able to find out of life?

There even remains a question of whether or not to integrate these now-adults into the current army! Surely they deserve better than that?

Perhaps it’s all they know at this point.

Ebadi, 61, has kept her word. In light of the recent controversial Iranian election, she has called for peace, saying that she expects “the international community to prevent the pursuit of violence by the government.”

At a news conference in Geneva, she went on to say that she also expects the government to stop firing on the people of Iran, and that a new election should be held in Iran.

According to Amnesty International, up to 10 people have been killed in the violence, hundreds have been arrested, and street protests against the dubious election results continue.

Ebadi, a lawyer, says that those imprisoned should be released, and that protests should continue, though peacefully.

Through death threats and constant opposition, Ebadi has continued to lobby for human rights for all people. “I condemn all human rights violations. I am not an opposition leader, I am a human rights defender,” she says.

According to Ebadi, the closing of her Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran was illegal; however, though she has filed a complaint, it has yet to be addressed.

“But for the moment the authorities haven’t looked at our case.”

Hopefully her impassioned words will help end some of the violence in Iran.  U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay echoed Ebadi’s cries for peace at the same news conference, saying that the Iranian government should put a stop to the Islamic militiamen who are supposedly behind the violence.

During this past winter, over 1,200 Palestinians were killed during what is now known as “The Gaza Massacre.” And while the city was completely demolished, Israel will not allow any building materials to be sent in to rebuild.

It is emphasized that rather than attacking and spreading hate against Israel, these events are to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians caught in the crossfire and to promote peace for all involved–for both Palestinians and Israelis. It is also a collective global ask for the U.S. to stop sending financial and military aid to the occupation, and for Palestinians who have been evicted from their homes to be returned safely.

To express solidarity on this day, there will be events in San Francisco, Washington DC, and other cities.

Some sponsoring organizations include the National Council of Arab Americans (NCA), ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), the Muslim American Society (MAS) and many more.

If attending a rally or vigil is not feasible on this day, sending prayers for peace and safety for everyone involved in this violence is just as a revolutionary and much-needed act. Also, for those who would like to ask Congress to stop giving aid to Israel, a letter can be sent using this form.

The country has called out for international aid, and it has not been met with deaf ears. The United Nations sent in 120 tons of supplies on Wednesday, including emergency shelters, portable warehouses and much-needed mosquito nets.

Aside from the supplies, individual countries are answering the call with monetary help.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged 12 million euros to help these refugees in talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Paris.

Sarkozy was firm in his beliefs that Pakistan should continue its efforts to combat the Taliban’s insurgency, a belief that Zardari surely shares.

“It is not a short term affair, it is a long term affair. It is challenging our way of life, they are trying to create a new world order,” he recently said at a press conference. He also maintains that the battle will continue for as long as it takes.

The Europen Union is also stepping in with 5.5 million euros.

“Pakistan is facing not only a security threat but also a humanitarian threat,” says European Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, Louis Michel.

Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, is echoing Zardari’s call for help, asking that nations over the world contribute as much as they can to aid the people trapped within this crisis.

To help with the humanitarian efforts in Pakistan, you can contact your representative and ask for help, donate, or organize a community effort to raise funds or needed supplies. To donate or send supplies, click here for a list of organizations that are helping with the aid efforts.