Around the world, there are millions of people in situations where dominant forces use ruthless brutality to crush efforts to seek common freedoms that every human being is entitled to as a citizen of this earth.

Before the completion of this column, many children in regions ripped apart by military conflict will have perished in the shadows of hunger, having been reduced to skin and bones, with parents helpless to do anything about it.

There are not enough reporters in the world to cover each tragedy, and often in these areas it is only with considerable risk that journalists are able to expose such suffering by sending a message to the world of the urgent need of justice for all.

Closer to our part of the world, there is growing fear that the most powerful nation on earth, America, could be entering a new chapter in the struggle for justice for all.

For many in the United States and around the world, it seems the ghost of the civil war, with all its gory loss of life, failed to eliminate the biggest enemy of all — hatred.

The Confederate Army was determined to preserve slavery of black Americans, even if it meant destroying the Union — and it paid a bitter price on the battlefields, as Union forces in the smoking ruins made it possible for the nation to begin the long, painful journey to attain justice for all Americans.

It is a journey that remains far from over.

What is deeply troubling these days is that the present administration, under Donald Trump, is locked in a battle with much of the US over what constitutes the basic values of the American culture, where diversity is dictating that the clock of injustice cannot be turned back.

America has made considerable progress over the years, despite many dark moments when several leaders have lost their lives in the struggle for equality.

Few would have ever imagined that in the year 2020 there would be a President of the United States who would openly declare his support for preserving monuments and flags that celebrate the objectives of the Confederate to keep America divided.

All of this in lieu of the Black Lives Matter movement, which not only gained support throughout the country but also ignited support around the world.

Even more startling to many veteran political observers is that Trump appears totally focused on the General Election, which is only months away, and is willing to say or do anything to hang on to his base support.

This against a backdrop of falling behind badly in the polls against Joe Biden, the former vice-president. Of course, attempting to predict the election outcome would be futile because in politics nothing should ever be taken for granted.

It will be a test of the American people, who must decide whether they feel the country is moving in the right direction when it comes to justice for all, or whether it is time to make a bold move in leadership change. Democracy is supposed to at least offer that opportunity.

Many of America’s allies are reportedly disturbed over a number of issues under the present administration, especially at a time when they recognise the need for closer co-operation on numerous international challenges.

The coronavirus pandemic is still raging throughout the world, including America, with heavy loss of life and hospitals worldwide scrambling to cope. In short, it is matter of concern for all.

The White House has been bending over backwards in trying to play down the seriousness of a disease that has baffled everyone. In the middle of this medical crisis, America finds itself embroiled in a cultural war between those still willing to carry the Confederate flag knowing they have the support of the President.

However, much of America has joined in celebrating the removal of the Confederate flag from the Mississippi emblem, along with removal of statues of key figures who fought to prevent true freedom for all.

America will never be truly great until justice for all is something every citizen can feel is a part of their life.