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Featured in this issue

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/highlights/28322

EDITORIALS: Hellen Tombo, executive director of the Kenya Youth Education and Community Development Programme, issues a call for debt cancellation and trade justice on behalf of African children and youth
COMMENT AND ANALYSIS:
- Yassine Fall writes on Africa Day and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty
- Makeda Tsegaye asks why the international community hasn't made a fuss about the handling of recent elections by the Ethiopian government
- What out Africa! The second great boer trek is underway, reveals Issa Shivji
LETTERS: Walter Rodney and Zimbabwe feature
PAN-AFRICAN POSTCARD: "Don't agonise, organise!" says Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem
GLOBAL CALL TO ACTION AGAINST POVERTY: The latest news and updates from campaign partners around the continent
CONFLICTS AND EMERGENCIES: AU calls for mission support as 30 killed
HUMAN RIGHTS: Pressure mounts for Charles Taylor to face justice
WOMEN AND GENDER: Discussing the first lady syndrome
ELECTIONS AND GOVERNANCE: Protests over bad services spread in South Africa
HEALTH AND HIV/AIDS: World Bank and IMF hampering Aids funding
MEDIA AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: Using radio for peace/IRIN Launches Reconciliation Radio Drama
ADVOCACY AND CAMPAIGNS: Sign on against Wolf 2

* SAY NO TO DEBT!
Join the Global to Action Against Poverty

Join the call for debt cancellation! SMS ‘No to Debt' with your name and surname to

+27 82 904 3425

Your message will be sent to world leaders ahead of a July G8 summit.

You can also subscribe to a free SMS alert service on the GCAP campaign by sending a message with the word ‘subscribe’ and ‘your name and surname’ to:

+27 82 904 3425

Or, sending an email to gcapsubscribe@fahamu.org with 'subscribe' in the subject line and your name and mobile/cell phone number (including country code) in the body of the email

Or visiting the website www.gcapsms.org

Together we can demonstrate overwhelming support from Africa for debt cancellation.

Global Call to Action against Poverty: Why I Wear White

Hellen Tombo

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/features/28313

As the Africa leg of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) campaign gears up, Hellen Tombo explains that the symbolic white bands that will be worn by campaigners are not indicative of surrender. Rather they are a demand to world leaders to cancel crippling debt burdens and end the unjust trade rules that are killing African children and youth.

“I am a symbol of many of the children and youth of Africa wearing white, crying out to be heard.”

The wearing of white bands is not significant of surrender. Instead, it represents the innocence of the children and youth who make up half of the population of the continent. Our white wristband defines our stance in solidarity with the Global Call to Action against Poverty.

Twenty years ago, a cry was heard. Soweto wailed for her slain children as they were mowed down by proponents of the apartheid regime as they peacefully marched along the road to demand their rights. Today the world mourns for the 30 000 plus children and youth that are killed everyday through denial of basic human rights.

Children and youth are at the core of GCAP. African countries are called upon to put in place statutory, developmental and governance interventions to address the plight of the children and the youth. As world leaders prepare to meet at the Gleneagles G8 summit in July, the voices of children and youth call for an increase in aid and debt cancellation. Answering this call is key to opening up space for children and youth to enjoy their basic human rights. The aim of wearing the whiteband and joining the GCAP community in this struggle is to create widespread mobilisation of youth and children to demand action and accountability from leaders in their commitments to eliminate poverty.

Poverty is a violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is further compounded by trade injustices that keep people poor. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other national and international statutes, protects the rights of all people to an adequate standard of living and well-being. These include education, food, clothing, housing, and medical care: rights whose achievement is undermined by inadequate commitment and policies that do not favor the implementation of globally-agreed upon declarations and statutes.

Today, millions of children and youth are trapped in abject poverty and lack access to basic education. Every day more than 800 million people, a high percentage being children and youth, go to bed with empty stomachs. HIV/AIDS kills more than 2 million people every year and adds to the league of orphans. Hunger is a daily norm rather than an exception: every year six million children die of malnutrition before their fifth birthday.

Who can tell the torments of the grave better than the dead? Who can fathom the discomfort that a poor girl has to live with month after month, year in year out due to a lack of sanitary pads. Unjust trade policies have destroyed the social infrastructure so much that more than school fees, it is the shame of using leaves or pieces of mattresses as sanitary towels that is locking the girl child out of the school system.

If you are a leader who has put food in the dustbin while 8 000 children and youth die of hunger in the last 24 hours, be the first to cast a stone. Cast it if you have not uttered the word ‘my right’ while six year olds are being married off, thousands consoling themselves with drugs due to unemployment. If these leaders cannot cast a stone, let them put on a white band and highlight the issues afflicting the children and the youth, such as:

- Children and young people whose school uniform doubles as their Sunday best because they cannot afford another set of clothes.
- Serial rapists who traumatise girls and young women.
- Children and young people who are exposed to the danger of rape by the long distances they have to cover in search of water or fire wood or forced to commercial sex by the need to feed siblings.
- Children and youth who are left out of government strategies and national plans.
- Children and youth who have to drop out of school to take care of their siblings when their parents die of HIV/Aids.
- Girls and young women who are married off as property.
- Children and youth who have to balance heavy home duties and school work on an empty stomach.
- Youth who have to console themselves with alcohol, ganging up and committing crime to get money to buy food and clothes, getting into drugs and roaming the streets due to lack of employment.

Children and the youth can be empowered to take charge of their lives. While some people may dislike and work against the conditions that would force them into accepting these challenges we want to ensure that children and the youth are mentored and provided for so that we are ready for any obstacle. Do this not for the children but with them.

Efforts to tackle poverty and deliver sustainable development, as pledged in the Millennium Declaration, have been grossly inadequate. Governments too often fail to address the needs of children and youth. Aid from rich countries is inadequate in both quality and quantity. Rich countries have yet to act on their repeated pledges to tackle unfair trade rules and practices: promises of debt cancellation have not been realized.

Debt servicing currently costs the world’s developing nations $39 billion annually. This, often times illegitimate debt, accounts for the lack of funding for the most basic healthcare, education, access to clean water, food, shelter etc. Behind the cold statistics of failed promises and empty rhetoric are lives of real children and youth: millions of children and youth abandoned; without basic health care, sleeping on the pavements in our cities. These children and young people must be cared for, taken in and treated as children.

Poverty is a very unnatural and abnormal state. It is man made and can be eradicated and overcome by the actions of human beings. Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity; it is the protection of a fundamental human right to dignity and a decent life. We do not wear white to surrender to poverty. We display our wristbands to mark our solidarity in the calling of others to action against poverty. It is a reminder to the G8 leaders and world leaders in the UN summit and WTO that with greatness comes responsibility: 2005 is the time to demand they take responsibility.

Naturally trade can create prosperity for Africa as it has in other regions. However, our actions have designed the same trade to deny many children the right to live to see their fifth birthday. We must address the widening gap between the rich and the poor if we aim to safeguard the security of our children and youth for today and tomorrow. Trade must be facilitated in such a way that it builds a future asset base for all children and youth irrespective of their culture, race, sex or creed. All children and youth worldwide must be born free: free from debt and free from any form of deprivation. Somebody must answer the cries of the children and youth.

I am crying as one of the millions of African children and youth. Debt is killing us, trade injustices are killings us, poverty is killing us, empty promises are killing us…

My call to our African and world leaders is:

We need strategies, interventions and real programs to serve us today and for the future of Africa and the world…

African leaders, you have had your priorities wrong. It is not too late to change. Let the children and youth be your priority and you will save the world…

World leaders, cancel the debt – it is killing us. We demand trade justice and better and more aid. We demand that world leaders keep their promises in achieving the MDGs.

* Hellen Tombo is executive director of the Kenya Youth Education and Community Development Programme (KYCEP).

* Please send comments to editor@pambazuka.org

Celebrating Africa Day: What is the message for GCAP?

Yassine Fall

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/28319

The African Women Millennium Initiative on Poverty and Human Rights (AWOMI), recently launched in Nairobi, Kenya. In this article, Yassine Fall, an economist and President of AWOMI, reflects on its significance in the context of the 42nd Africa Day and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty.


Today we commemorate the 42nd anniversary of Africa Day. The Africa Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) is using this day to organise a number of events to launch the anti-poverty campaign and disseminate its messages.

The year 2005 is indeed a year of key international events in the battle against growing poverty, inequalities and exclusion, the increased burden of work and a lack of rights for millions of impoverished women. It is now 10 years since the Beijing Conference and its Platform for Action to which almost all governments in the world signed up, but did very little to implement. Africa Day is being celebrated in a context where many of its children, in particular its girls, have either never been to, or have dropped out of, school. This is the year when the Education for All target was supposed to be met but it still remains a distant dream for many countries and communities of girls.

This September's UN General Assembly will also commemorate the 5th anniversary of the UN Millennium Summit and Declaration. The assembly will review whether the world is on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals and discuss again what actions must be taken.

The Millennium Project (MP) Report was launched in January this year. Among many strategies and interventions, it proposed debt cancellation and increased development assistance for poor countries; funding initiatives on violence against women; improving the availability of reproductive health services; providing substantial support to small-holder farmers; the abolition of user fees for poor people; and increased public sector social spending in poor countries.

These recommendations certainly mean a lot to Africans living in poverty, who would like to use this day and the GCAP process to send a message to those who make decisions that affect their lives. The MP recommendations represent a substantial step forward to reassessing debt sustainability combined with debt service payment, cost recovery, increased development assistance, user fees and the budget ceilings which have been set by the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes (PRSP). The PRSP, developed under the framework of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Debt Relief Initiative (HIPC) spearheaded by the IMF and World Bank (WB), is implemented in most developing countries, and in particular in Africa, as the centrepiece of development assistance.

The content and process of the PRSP are laid down by the Breton Woods institutions, which then claim that all these reforms are owned by the governments and their people. But let's ask some questions. Who develops the conditions governments must meet before they can access HIPC funds? Who sets up the framework for maintaining macroeconomic stability along with its cohort of policy instruments? Without exception, these include "low-inflation-rate fundamentalism", market and trade liberalisation, the privatisation of water, and limiting social expenditure, such as on health and education. Who actually has a say in reviewing the content of PRSPs? Who determines the success or otherwise of the market-oriented reforms implemented by governments, without which there is no inflow of development assistance from bilateral donors? The answer is the IMF and the WB. Africans living in poverty would indeed like to use the Africa Day celebrations to speak sincerely with these institutions.

In parallel with the MP report, global civil society launched its own GCAP campaign at the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil in January 2005. The campaign calls for 100 per cent debt cancellation, trade justice, democratic governance and increased development assistance as promised by rich nations.

The question is how we use the symbolism of Africa Day to ensure that this campaign delivers tangible results. Will this campaign be another big initiative from a few well connected civil society organisation leaders or will it change the course of history? Does this campaign have the ability to develop a large and participatory movement that will put so much pressure on world leaders that they have no alternative but to seriously address the issue of poverty and give priority to the interests of the most impoverished women and men? Will this campaign be willing for once to do business differently and change the practice of power hijacking, so much decried around Africa? Will it put men to one side and provide space to the voiceless women and youths who are more articulate than many of those who claim to speak for them? Will GCAP be willing to democratise the selection of national representatives, because some of the NGO selected to represent GCAP nationally do not have the mandate to speak for the others at home? Will this campaign engage in genuine policy dialogue about home-grown African issues instead of borrowing soft topics from GCAP's Northern partners -- which leaves the campaign unable to criticise the rich countries which provide it with its means of survival? Is GCAP willing to put the feminisation of poverty and human rights at the centre of its campaign?

The African Women Millennium Initiative on Poverty and Human Rights (AWOMI), recently launched in Nairobi, Kenya, with over 300 women from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, would like to ensure that these questions get positive answers. Rural women, women from informal settlements, young women, women activists, NEPAD representatives, women in government and parliamentarians all participated in the AWOMI launch. They engaged in intense dialogue with leading members of government and international journalists. The Africa GCAP facilitators were invited but did not think it was important enough to attend. They missed one of the biggest and first meetings where women from all over the continent spoke about poverty, governance, international development, financial architecture and their human rights. They expressed their anger and disappointment at their leaders and recounted moving experiences of lives lived in poverty every day. This would have been a great opportunity for GCAP to learn about indigenous African women, which they were unable to do during their first meeting in April in Kenya.

In addition to adopting transparent processes and including the voiceless, Africa GCAP must use this day of celebration and the days ahead to tackle national governance policy issues more courageously. Furthermore, civil society's demands for trade justice must be GCAP's first demands because trade injustice is the most suffocating challenge for poor countries. They are asked to make all the sacrifices over tariff removals, privatisations -- including of essential services -- and the opening up of their markets while rich countries tighten their protectionist measures.

GCAP needs to have a clear position over international and trade institutions and corrupt governments. The PRSP, which is a recycled name for structural adjustment programmes (SAPs), has, like SAPs, failed to deliver its promises of poverty reduction and debt relief and this must be said clearly on Africa Day. Countries and poor people, in particular women and children, have paid tremendous costs and made huge sacrifices to implement enhanced structural adjustment facilities and growth and poverty reduction policies. However, the only visible growth has been in the figures that declare it. Poor farmers are asked under this framework to choose between health, education for their children and agricultural extension support. This is the evidence that impoverished women would like to see highlighted today.

Hungry women would like to ask how can they access reproductive health services when they have to pay user fees. How can HIV positive women be asked to support cost recovery when they suffer from malaria? In the village of Guerew in Senegal pregnant women are asked to buy a mosquito net for two dollars as a condition for receiving prenatal care. If they refuse they risk joining the long list of women who die when giving birth. Women in the slums of Korogocho and Kibera in Nairobi, and Ganaw Rail and Mbeubeuss in Senegal with whom I work say they have had enough of the PRSP football game between the so called donors, the IFIs and their governments that is mortgaging their lives. Rural women are demanding a stop to the comodification of agriculture and the privatisation of farm lands.

The message on debt cancellation is critical but it is seen as insufficient by the women's organisations and leaders who met under AWOMI. They would like the messages of this Africa Day to demand, on their behalf, debt repudiation and reinvestment of the financial resources in the priorities identified by poor women. They also suggested that any new indebtedness projects be discussed nationally and with poor people. They would decide together with the government whether to agree to the projects after examining the borrowing conditions, the relevance of debt and the investment objectives. Indebtedness would only be acceptable if it was justified by the pressing need to provide the essential services which are increasingly subsidised by women's labour. Africa GCAP would also need to be more courageous and address overseas development assistance from the point of view of reparations for slavery and colonisation, and the recent stealing of medical experts including doctors and nurses by rich countries from poor African countries who need them most.

All these questions were eloquently articulated by women community leaders and young people with evidence and clear justification. They must be echoed by GCAP, which is missing a lot by ignoring them. GCAP will succeed or fail according to how much room and decision making power and leadership it gives to those who pay the most for and suffer the most from poverty and ill conceived policies. They have very little to lose and therefore must lead the voices to be heard on Africa Day in the fight against poverty.

* Yassine Fall is an economist and is President of AWOMI = African Women Millennium Initiative on Poverty and Human Rights

* Editors' comment: Given that the loose alliance of more than 70 organisations in some 20 countries has only recently formed, and that this is the first time that such an extensive pan-African alliance has come together, some patience is needed to ensure that the alliance works in the most effective way possible. The criticisms expressed here by the author are not necessarily those shared by Pambazuka News. But in the spirit of encouraging constructive discussion on how this unprecedented alliance can develop effective oppostion to those external forces that have, for so many years, determind social and economic policies in the region, we invite comments and reactions from readers. Please send to editor@pambazuka.org

The “Second Great Boer Trek”

Issa G Shivji

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/28321

Since the defeat of apartheid, South African capital has begun a brutal march northwards that is reminiscent of a “Second Great Boer Trek”. South African supermarket chains have sprung up across Africa, as have cell phone companies, mining groups and even South African style water front developments. The next big sector being eyed by Afrikaner farmers is land, writes Issa Shivji.


Nature did not create a group of people with capital on one side and another group with only muscle-power but no capital on the other side. Political economists tell us that this great division of the human race, what we call the system of capitalism, is the result of a long historical process. In this historical process, the original capital was acquired through a gruesome process of plunder, expropriation, looting, wars, invasions, slavery, indentured labour and colonialism and imperialism. Political economists call this process of acquiring original capital ‘primitive accumulation’.

Even after capitalism has established itself and capital more or less follows the laws of the market to accumulate more capital through profits, the processes of primitive accumulation continue side by side in different areas and under different circumstances. Under today’s system of international capitalism called globalisation the processes of primitive accumulation are most intense on the African continent. Let us palaver on one example which is close to this part of the world and which concerns us directly. This is the inflow of South African capital into neighbouring countries after the fall of apartheid.

Apartheid itself was the great human invention to enable primitive accumulation in South Africa. The 1913 Native Land Act declared that the whole of South African lands belonged to white South Africans with a small print provision which stipulated that 13 per cent of the land will be “scheduled areas” held in trust for the welfare and benefit of “natives”. Thus the whites came to own 87 per cent of land while the majority blacks were bundled into the remaining 13 per cent, the reserves.

On this system of segregation was built the whole edifice of South African capitalism in which the state – not the market – played the pivotal role. Migrant labour from the reserves and homelands in South Africa and from neighbouring countries, including Tanganyika, provided the muscle-power to exploit the land and minerals of the southern tip of the continent. Thus was built the modern South Africa in which the Whites created and lived the ‘heaven on earth’ leaving the Blacks to burn out in the man-made hell of apartheid.

The 1913 Land Act was the turning point in the First Primitive Accumulation of the South African capital. The turning point in the Second Primitive Accumulation is the fall of apartheid enabling South African capital to move out into the rest of the African continent. The process is still unfolding whose end result cannot be predicted but certain interesting trends are taking shape.

Africa is the third largest export market for South Africa. Africa’s share of the South African exports rose from 4 per cent in 1991 to 12 per cent in 2001. Much of this export goes to SADC countries. Today we see South African onions and potatoes and oranges and, of course, wines and beers and spirits and steaks and dried meats in “our” supermarkets and restaurants and hotels called Shoprites and Steers and Debonairs and Protea. Shoprite has branches in 15 African counties and is in the process of expanding in other countries.

Then there is the South African investment, both from parastatals as well as private. Over the five years (1997-2001) South African investments in Africa increased by 300 per cent. It stood at 77 billion Rand in 2001. Almost half of this was direct investment and 80 per cent was in SADC countries. South African capital went into strategic sectors: mining, banking, insurance and finance and telecommunications, airline and railways.

The beer industry, which is trumpeted as a success story in this country (Tanzania), is only a showcase. The jugular vein lies in the strategic sectors. The South African AngloGold, now merged with Ashanti Goldfileds, and Randgold control our gold. Vodacom is dominant in cell phones; ABSA, through NBC, and Stanbic dominate banking; Networks “manages” TANESCO; and South African Airways (SAA) have taken over the national airline ATC with a view to create an East African hub for SAA. SAA wanted to create a similar West African hub through taking over Nigeria’s national airline but the deal has apparently fallen through because Nigerians demanded 10 per cent equity in SAA which the South African government refused.

Escom Enterprises, a giant South African electrical corporation, has presence in 33 African countries. It has utility management contracts in Malawi, Mali, Uganda and Nigeria. It would not be surprising if eventually TANESCO falls in Escom’s laps.

Then there is a South African company called V&A Waterfront which has contracts in Mauritius, Gabon and Nigeria to construct waterfront complexes. A similar project is afoot in our ‘Heaven of Peace’ in which, sooner than later, heavens will line the ocean leaving behind “hell-holes” of slums in Kariakoo, Manzese and even the city centre and Upanga.

The next big sector awaiting South African “investment” and keenly eyed by Afrikaner farmers is land; as one South African official put it: “For the Boers, land is next to God and the Bible”. As South Africa attempts land redistribution to redress the wrongs of the apartheid period, it has to find a place for its white farmers. Mozambique has already given 50 year concessions of thousands of acres of land to South Africa’s Boers who are busy recreating apartheid-like settlements.

Mozambique, which is being hailed in the Western, especially the American, official circles as a success story, is almost a text-book case of South African investments. Almost half of South Africa’s corporate investment in Africa is in Mozambique. South Africa has become the single largest investor in Mozambique, Between 1997-2001 some 250 South African companies opened operations in Mozambique.

It is ironical that the land of Samora Machel which was in the forefront of the struggle against makaburu should be the first to fall in the “Second Great Boer Trek”, this time around to the North of the continent. The first Boer Trek was in the mid 19th century when Boer farmers ran away from the British into the interior opening up new lands, in the process decimating African communities. This is how the Boer republics of Free Orange State and Transvaal were created. Tanzanians may do well to study the Mozambiquen experience as they may be next in the path of the “Second Great Boer Trek”.

© Issa Shivji. Shivji is Professor of Law at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

* Please send comments to editor@pambazuka.org

Why Can’t Ethiopia’s elections get the world’s attention?

Makeda Tsegaye

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/28320

In May elections, Ethiopian voters made their mark for change, but shortly after the elections the government declared a state of emergency, banned demonstrations and declared victory. Makeda Tsegaye questions why the international community has chose to remain silent about these actions. "Why is the hotly contested election in Ethiopia not getting even one third of the attention that the former Soviet Republic of Georgia received via popular media such as CNN and BBC, which reported the event live from the small European nation? Is it because what is expected from a poor black African nation is nothing but starvation and war?"


Despite being Africa’s oldest independent nation, endowed with adequate natural resources and massive social capital, most people in the world associate Ethiopia with grotesque starvation and war. Indeed, these two unfortunate episodes have easily caught the attention of popular media such as CNN and BBC and the international community. But why is an equally important but rather positive episode not drawing as much attention?

On May 15, 2005, for the first time in the history of the country, some 25 million Ethiopians turned out to vote in the country’s historic parliamentary and regional assembly elections. The huge turnout was prompted by the participation of various political parties who presented an alternative political and economic agenda to people desperate for a change. International observers, including former president Jimmy Carter and his team, and the European Union team led by Ms. Anna Gomez, monitored voting in some of the polling stations. The observers admired the general discipline and peaceful participation of the public, while at the same time highlighting some of the irregularities in the polling stations that they visited.

It is important to note that Ethiopians’ participation in the election, which was characterized by remarkable discipline and peaceful attitude, occurred amid the ruling party’s unconstitutional, illegal and intimidating acts prior to and during the election, including harassment and detention of supporters of the opposition parties mostly in the rural areas. It was these unlawful and clearly undemocratic acts by the ruling party that prompted Human Rights Watch to describe the election as a ‘hollow exercise’ in some parts of the country. Nevertheless, taking advantage of this window of opportunity, Ethiopians have made their demands for a better life and better future clear in an unprecedented way. One week prior to the election, the peoples of Ethiopia demonstrated their support for the opposition parties in the most disciplined and constitutionally approved manner. They repeated the same discipline and peaceful demand for change during the May 15 elections. On the other hand, the opposition parties reported to the National Electoral Board major irregularities in many rural polling stations where their observers were barred whilst expressing their optimism in other areas. What followed this remarkable process is at the crux of this piece.

A day after the election, the ruling party declared a state of emergency in the capital and ordered a month-long ban on demonstrations. Shortly after this announcement, they claimed victory using the state controlled media while admitting defeat in the capital, although votes were still being counted. Worse yet, the National Electoral Board decided to announce results piecemeal, as opposed to publishing provisional results from all constituencies on Saturday May 22, 2005 as originally planned. The National Electoral Board, which is not entirely independent, failed to provide an explanation for the delay. Unsurprisingly, the delay in vote counting elicited major concern amongst the public, especially in light of the ruling party’s repeated claims of victory. In fact, some delayed results appear to have reversed previous results which had been reported in favor of the opposition parties. In the face of all these atrocities, the peoples of Ethiopia could not peacefully protest and defend their votes due to the month-long ban imposed on them by the ruling party. These undemocratic actions of the ruling party are apparent to representatives of the international community within and outside the country. In addition, in March 2005, the international community witnessed the expulsion of three American Civil Society Organizations, namely International Republican Institute, National Democratic Institute and IFES that had been working with the National Electoral Board for not more than two months.

The following questions, therefore, remain: why has the international community chosen to be silent? What are the world’s most democratic nations saying about the ruling party’s unconstitutional and undemocratic measures to tamper with people’s votes? It was quite encouraging to see the European Union‘s press release on May 25, which tacitly condemned the ruling party’s undemocratic and illegal use of the public media, and manipulation of the electoral process in general. How long will it take the US to effectively react to the ruling party’s decision of banning post-election demonstration besides “monitoring the situation closely"? Surprisingly, the best resolution that the 21-member Foreign Ambassadors group could come up with on May 22 was to say that "we ask all political leaders to engage in constructive dialogue.” Are we still talking about political parties? Isn’t it clear that Ethiopians have already expressed their will for a change in the most responsible and peaceful manner? Isn’t democracy about responsible citizens exercising their democratic rights to positively change the course of development and governance in their own country? Or is this version of democracy considered a luxury when it comes to Africa?

What happened to the unwavering support that the peoples of the former Soviet Republic of Georgia enjoyed in their contested election of November 2004? Why is the hotly contested election in Ethiopia not getting even one third of the attention that the former Soviet Republic of Georgia received via popular media such as CNN and BBC, which reported the event live from the small European nation? Is it because what is expected from a poor black African nation is nothing but starvation and war? Would this not be a good opportunity for the global proponents of democracy to demonstrate that people’s peaceful protest can bear results irrespective of their geographic location in the world? Or is this not considered an option at all for Africans ‘whose fate is predetermined as eternal misery and oppression’?

At this historic moment in the lives of many innocent, hardworking and peace-loving Ethiopians, the world owes those starving children, battered mothers and frustrated farmers a REAL answer.

* Makeda Tsegaye is an Ethiopian woman with a Masters degree in International Peace Studies (with specialization in Economic Development and Peace) currently working for an international development agency in Nairobi, Kenya.

* Please send comments to editor@pambazuka.org

Africa Day: “Don’t agonise! Organise!”

Tajudeen Abdul Raheem

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/28309

On the occasion of Africa Day, Tajudeen Abdul Raheem argues that Kwame Nkrumah’s famous dictum that “the independence of Ghana is meaningless without the total liberation of Africa” is still true today. “While then it was regarded as the utopian wish of a romantic Pan-Africanist, in the face of today’s dual threat of re-colonisation and rapacious globalisation, those words should be made the opening sentence of the national anthem of every country in Africa.”


I wonder how many readers knew that yesterday, May 25, was Africa Liberation Day. Do not be ashamed if you did not notice it. I am not sure if many noticed the day either in many African countries and among different African Diaspora communities.

In years gone by the Day used to be marked officially by several governments and unofficially celebrated by many groups in Africa and the Diaspora. Now there are only scattered activities by people who have not given up on the belief that ‘A different Africa is possible’.

It is a day of solidarity with the various struggles of African peoples for justice, equality, human dignity, freedom, unity and liberation. It was founded in 1958 (April 15) and called Africa Freedom Day, as a result of the first All African People’s conferences called by the indomitable Osagyefo, Kwame Nkrumah.

Nkrumah is the foremost Pan-Africanist of all times, a fact remembered and honoured by Africans world wide who voted him ‘Greatest African of the Millennium’ in a BBC poll in 2000, despite orchestrated campaigns by supporters of other living or dead claimants.

The two conferences of 1958 were called by Nkrumah as Prime Minister of newly independent Ghana, to show solidarity and plan strategies for the total liberation of Africa from colonialism. Those conferences brought together the few independent countries of Africa and the representatives of nationalists groups and liberation movements from across Africa and a few observers from the Diaspora. Frantz Fanon was there with the Algerian Liberation Movement against French Colonialism, FLN, and it was in the second of those two conferences that the charismatic Patrice Lumumba was introduced to the world three years after he led Congo to freedom. He was later assassinated in a grand conspiracy between erstwhile colonial interests and local reactionaries, aided and abetted by complacent UN and global powers namely US, France and Belgium. Does the story not sound too familiar more than four decades later? How times have changed but somehow, remarkably, remained the same when it comes to the exploitation of Africa’s resources and oppression of Africans.

When the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was formed in Addis, May 25 1963, Africa Freedom Day became Africa Liberation Day (ALD) as a symbol of the resolve, commitment and support of all Africa for the total decolonisation of the continent.

As ‘the winds of change’ blew away colonial rule from most of Africa it dug in in the former Portuguese colonies of Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique and through settler colonialism in apartheid South Africa, occupied Namibia and Ian Smith’s Rhodesia (Zimbabwe since 1980). Consequently ALD became synonymous with solidarity with these struggles and the near total support and solidarity that they enjoyed among all Africans at home and in the Diaspora and lovers of freedom globally.

Unfortunately while Africa was united against apartheid and colonialism the same could not be said for the struggles against the neo-colonialism that turned independence into a new form of dependence and oppression of African peoples. The same leaders that were giving support for the liberation of South Africa were busy stifling the aspirations of their own peoples for real independence and an end to neo-colonial power relations. While Africa was united against colonialism it was divided in the face of neo-colonialism and internal oppression by fellow Africans.

Instead of independence from colonialism developing into meaningful cooperation to advance concrete Pan Africanism and an all African union and government, the agenda shifted to the elite maintaining power in the various artificial states bequeathed by colonialism. Increasingly it became power for the sake of it in one state after the other. Consequently Africa became more vulnerable for the cold warriors, unequal international power relations, debt crisis, etc.

As Africa became a byword for the poorest cousins of the rest of the world there is no surprise that the enthusiasm for Africa Day disappeared in many countries. There was also triumphalism after the successful defeat of apartheid in South Africa in 1994. All Africans and friends of Africa were genuinely euphoric that South Africa became free in our life times. Somehow it was wrongly felt that Africa had finished its liberation wars. The OAU even officially closed its Africa Liberation Committee based in Dar es Salaam! But even in South Africa itself the end of apartheid, as important as it was, became the beginning of a new struggle for the majority of the people to fully reclaim their dignity and control their society. The agenda of liberation cannot be finished, it will only change from one generation to the other.

Nkrumah’s famous dictum that ‘the independence of Ghana is meaningless without the total liberation of Africa’ is still true today and even more relevant. While then it was regarded as the utopian wish of a romantic Pan Africanist, in the face of today’s dual threat of re-colonisation and rapacious globalisation, those words should be made the opening sentence of the national anthem of every country in Africa.

In the past few years Africa has been returning to the drawing board of Pan-Africanism. The new African Union with all its contradictions and the various struggles within and outside it represent an advance from the past while we seek further clarity and decisive action towards the future. It offers a wider scope for all Africans to be part of the solution instead of just complaining about the many problems.

Instead of constantly enumerating what this leader or that leader is doing wrong why don’t you ask yourself what, no matter how small, you are doing as an individual, a member of an organisation, part of a community, your profession and in whatever station you are, to advance the cause of Africa and the dignity of the African. We all can do something or do nothing.

As we say in the Pan African Movement: ‘don’t agonise! Organise!’. Just a thought: if people are no longer connecting to the historical inspirations for Africa Day why don’t we agitate for a proclamation of an African Union Day (July 09) as a symbol of our commitment to make Pan Africanism relevant for our times and the younger generation?

* Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem is General-Secretary of the Pan African Movement, Kampala (Uganda) and Co-Director of Justice Africa. (tajudeen28@yahoo.com or thursdaypostcard@justiceafrica.org)

* Please send comments to editor@pambazuka.org

Object to Syngenta setting up in SA

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/28248

It has come to our attention that the Swiss agrochemical company, Syngenta, has applied to the South African government for food safety approval (commodity clearance) of its GM maize MIR 604, which is still undergoing field- tests in the US.[1] In other words, this GM maize has not yet been approved by the US for commercial growing, sale and export. Please send your urgent and strenuous objections to Michelle Vosges, Registrar: Genetically Modified Organisms Act MichelleV@nda.agric.za for the attention of the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, Professor Sibara.
www.biosafetyafrica.net

19 May 2005

ACTION ALERT: PLEASE BLAST SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT FOR ENTERTAINING FLURRY
OF FOOD SAFETY APPROVALS FOR EXPERIMENTAL GMOS

FIRST IT WAS DOW AND PIONEER, NOW IT IS SYNGENTA

It has come to our attention that the Swiss agrochemical company, Syngenta,
has applied to the South African government for food safety approval
(commodity clearance) of its GM maize MIR 604, which is still undergoing
field- tests in the US.[1] In other words, this GM maize has not yet been
approved by the US for commercial growing, sale and export.

GM maize MIR 604, contains the Bt gene, "modified" cry3A, very similar to
the cry3A gene found in Monsanto's controversial NewLeaf GM potatoes, which
even McDonalds and Burger King have rejected!

Please send your urgent and strenuous objections to Michelle Vosges,
Registrar: Genetically Modified Organisms Act MichelleV@nda.agric.za for the
attention of the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, Professor Sibara.

GROUNDS FOR OUTRIGHT REJECTION

1. The safety approval sought by Syngenta in respect of GM maize MIR
604 still subject to field tests in the US appears to be in conflict with
the principles and provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to
which South Africa is a Party, because the Protocol applies to real
situations of cross border trade in GMOs and not to speculative trade in
respect of non- existent GMOs;
2. An expert in food allergens from the Food and Drug Administration in
the US, has found that Cry3a has similarity to a known food allergen found
in cow's milk, betalactoglobulin, making Syngenta's "modified" cry3a a
potential allergen;
3. Even if the Syngenta's GM maize was to be approved in the US, the
methods accepted by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in the US to
test for allergenicity of pesticidal proteins are outdated and fail to meet
international standards as expressed in FAO-WHO. The FAO-WHO 2001 has been
endorsed by Kraft Foods, America's largest food company;
4. The digestive stability test accepted by EPA does not meet FAO-WHO
2001 standards for testing and proper testing is needed to determine whether
modified Cry3a is stable to digestion and hence a still more likely food
allergen;
5. The American food industry - led by McDonald's and Burger-King - has
rejected GM potatoes containing a very similar Cry3a protein. Why should
South African eats food containing foreign genes that Americans do not want
to eat; and
6. The world's leading allergists have greed to a protocol for testing
novel GM proteins for allergenicity; Kraft Foods has endorsed this protocol.
Yet the EPA continues to accept testing based on outdated, sub-standard
methods at the behest of GM crop developers such as Syngenta and Monsanto.
It goes without saying that the South African government is only too happy
to follow the EPA's example!

The Precautionary Principle enshrined in the Biosafety Protocol requires
that the South African government refuse Syngenta's Application.

Although the deadline for objections has long since passed, we believe that
the government must consider our objections according to the principles of
procedural fairness and just administrative action required by the
Constitution of SA and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act.


[1] http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/pips/current_pip_eups.htm
Syngenta Seeds, Inc.; 67979-EUP-4 issuance; Modified Cry3A Bacillus
thuringiensis protein and the genetic material necessary for its production
(via elements of pZM26) in Event MIR604 corn (SYN-IR6Ø4-5); March 23, 2005
through Otober 15, 2006 and associated activities such as collection of
field data; harvesting & processing of seed after last planting; 575 acres
modified Cry3A corn in Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas,
Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska,
Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Docket No.
OPP-2004-0227.

Sign on against Wolf 2

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/28283

On June 1, Paul Wolfowitz, the man best-known for planning the invasion and occupation of Iraq and promoting them as U.S. policy, will officially become president of the World Bank. Civil society organizations from around the world have been meeting over the last few weeks to plan actions in response to this absurd and unpleasant occasion. In Washington, activists will be gathering outside World Bank headquarters (18th and Pennsylvania) at 9:30 am on June 1 (some will be there earlier to distribute information to Bank staff about their new boss). Actions are also planned for Manila and other cities. If you are interested in staging an action, please contact Hope Chu (hope@50years.org) to let us know and to get suggestions.
On June 1, Paul Wolfowitz, the man best-known for planning the invasion
and occupation of Iraq and promoting them as U.S. policy, will
officially become president of the World Bank.

Civil society organizations from around the world have been meeting over
the last few weeks to plan actions in response to this absurd and
unpleasant occasion. In Washington, activists will be gathering outside
World Bank headquarters (18th and Pennsylvania) at 9:30 am on June 1
(some will be there earlier to distribute information to Bank staff
about their new boss). Actions are also planned for Manila and other
cities. If you are interested in staging an action, please contact Hope
Chu (hope@50years.org) to let us know and to get suggestions.

A letter to Wolfowitz has been drafted by these groups, and is now being
circulated for sign-ons. It appears below. The deadline is Monday, May
30 at 6 pm (Eastern time, North America). We are primarily seeking
*organizational* endorsements. Please include the full name of your
organization and its location -- city, state (if applicable), and
country. Sign-ons should be sent to <wolfowitzday@yahoo.com>.

Thank you

50 Years Is Enough: U.S. Network for Global Economic Justice


**sign-ons to: <wolfowitzday@yahoo.com>**
June 1, 2005

Dear Mr. Wolfowitz:

As you know, civil society organizations around the world reacted to
your nomination and confirmation as president of the World Bank Group
with alarm. Now, on the occasion of your formal accession to the
office, we write you to make clear what we perceive as the major
challenges facing the World Bank and the governments that control it.
We are writing in the hope that you will address these issues in a
satisfactory way.

The process itself that led to your appointment itself demonstrates the
first challenge: of democracy and accountability. The 60-year-old
unwritten agreement allowing only the president of the United States to
choose the head of the World Bank Group is archaic and out of step with
standard norms of democratic practice. The World Bank may be
multilateral in name, but in practice it has become a tool for imposing
a development and economic model that serves the interests of a few
governments and corporations while rendering borrowing countries, the
majority of its members, all but powerless to shift the Bank, or
themselves, away from that model, or even to explore alternatives.

We anticipate that in the next five years the World Bank will set up a
committee to examine its voting structure and presidential selection
process, and that it may even make reasonable-sounding suggestions.
But, given past experiences with such processes at the World Bank, we
expect little real change. The secretive and undemocratic day-to-day
decision-making processes at the international financial institutions
weaken the credibility of the IMF and World Bank even as they profess
transparency and accountability, and demand those qualities of borrowing
countries.

We anticipate that early in your presidency you will announce your
intention to engage in consultation and dialogue with civil society.
But given the record of the World Bank over the last 10 years, it is
likely that millions of dollars in public funds will be spent on
processes, reports, and recommendations that will ultimately be ignored
by the World Bank, as was the case with, among others, the World
Commission on Dams, the Structural Adjustment Participatory Review
Initiative (SAPRI), and the Extractive Industries Review (EIR). The
Bank largely disavowed the results of these processes which made
explicit recommendations to improve bank procedures, and to make it more
transparent and democratic. The Bank's recent controversial Joint
Facilitation Committee neither improved relations with civil society nor
made the Bank more responsive to its demands. Instead, it ignored the
"voice of the peoples" affected by Bank policies and practices.

We anticipate that the World Bank will continue to devote millions of
dollars to its public relations efforts. These efforts have deftly
distanced the bank from its most unpopular policies and programs while
maintaining the status quo. Over the past decade, the Bank has
manipulated the meaning of terms like "poverty reduction," its new name
for structural adjustment programs; "good governance," its new rationale
for imposing conditions on borrowing governments; and "debt relief",
its deceitful euphemism for insuring that governments continue to
maintain their place on the borrow-repay-reschedule debt treadmill.

The World Bank's public relations staff now faces the challenge of
convincing people that the new president is independent of the Bush
Administration and its controversial policies. We fear that "democracy"
will be among the new buzz-words at the Bank, and the basis for a new
set of conditionalities, particularly in the Middle East. We fear it
will be used not to help create space for people to choose their own
economic systems and development models, but as a cover to impose rules
prioritizing foreign investment and market liberalization above all
else, and to disempower and discredit governments that choose to
prioritize the priorities of their citizens over corporate interests.

Nowhere will the public relations staff be more challenged than in
dealing with the World Bank's role in Iraq. We anticipate a renewed
politicization of the Bank, in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, in
order to increase corporate access to oil and other resources and assets
as well as markets and cheap labor. You will be asked to recuse
yourself from the World Bank/UN investigation into the U.S. government's
distribution of Iraqi development funds to Halliburton, a contract with
which you were personally involved; we hope you will do so. Ethical
questions on that issue could well be compounded by the World Bank's
determination that Iraq's food subsidies should be eliminated -- in a
country where acute malnutrition rates for children have nearly doubled
since the invasion of April 2003. You could confound your critics by
immediately announcing that the Bank will withdraw its conclusions about
Iraqi subsidies.

We anticipate that you will talk about the need for more debt relief in
the poorest countries, and perhaps even publicly advocate that President
Bush co-operate with other wealthy countries to offer more relief. We
believe that such calls would be greatly strengthened if you were to
employ the logic you used in advocating for France, Russia, and Germany
to cancel the debts they claim of Iraq -- namely that loans contracted
by undemocratic regimes which worked to the detriment of the population
should be annulled. Many of our organizations have used the same logic
with regard to the equally odious debts contracted by the apartheid
regime in South Africa, Mobutu in Zaire, Marcos in the Philippines, the
military junta in Argentina, and many more. We have never received a
sympathetic hearing from the World Bank.

You have announced that you will travel to Africa shortly after taking
office. We anticipate that while there you will meet with presidents
and prime ministers, and declare the urgency of helping the continent.
We fear that access to Africa's oil will take precedence over poverty
eradication and sustainable development and that, once again, there will
be no material improvement in Africa's outlook resulting from World Bank
programs during your tenure. Despite an endless series of Bank
anti-poverty initiatives in the region during the last 30 years, African
per capita incomes are below their 1975 level. Only by demonstrating
respect for the people of Africa, their knowledge and their own
particular national priorities will you gain credibility on that continent.

We note that at this historical moment, Latin American countries are
disavowing and resisting the imposition of the so-called Washington
Consensus, and many Asian nations are increasing their financial
independence so as to free themselves from the dictates of the IMF and
the Bank.

Whatever stand you ultimately take on these issues, we commit ourselves
to monitoring the performance of the World Bank, examining its rhetoric
and exposing its deceptions and manipulations. We will invite others to
do the same -- governments; NGOs; and the media which have too often
paid more attention to words than actions and evidence. The stakes for
the Bank are high: its reputation is at an all-time low and its policies
continue to be a major source of poverty, violence and injustice. It is
in your hands to start the process of reversing this persistent trend.
The world is watching.


Signed:

Sign-ons to: wolfowitzday@yahoo.com

Stopping Suez

2005-05-25

http://www.stopsuez.org/page.aspx

Suez is a global conglomerate and one of the largest private water services companies in the world, but activists claim Suez's projects and policies continue to deny people access to clean and affordable water in many countries around the world. Find out more information - including how to take action - by clicking on the URL provided.

In memory of Walter Rodney

Wazir Mohamed

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/28247

In the 25 years since Walter Rodney’s assassination much has changed in the world. The face of the oppression that has deepened the misery of working people worldwide has changed from its dictatorial manifestation into its "democratic" form. Everywhere, poverty and misery are now products of a democracy that has been reduced to electoral competition among a self-regarding elite who thrive by exploiting every division among the working poor - be it racial, religious, tribal, ethnic or other cultural difference - in order to hold them in subjugation, the better to be exploited by the new global masters.

The members of the Walter Rodney 25th Anniversary Commemoration Committee - friends, colleagues, and other associates of Walter Rodney in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, Africa, North America, London and elsewhere in Europe, and Latin America, all of whom share his vision of the emancipation of the working people and other oppressed sections of society - are organizing events to commemorate his inspiring life, work and insights and to draw attention to the challenges faced today by working people throughout the world. The commemoration takes the form of a series of “groundings” in Guyana from June 6-13 2005 to mark the 25 years since Walter Rodney’s assassination.
WALTER RODNEY 25TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE

c/o Nigel Westmaas
Department of Sociology
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
Ph: 607-729-9165
Website: www.rodney25.org
Email: core@rodney25.org

Release To Press And Public
May 13, 2005.


Groundings in Guyana: Celebrating Walter Rodney and His Vision of Emancipation 25 years After His Assassination. June 8-13 2005.

In the 25 years since Walter Rodney’s assassination much has changed in the world. The face of the oppression that has deepened the misery of working people worldwide has changed from its dictatorial manifestation into its "democratic" form. Everywhere, poverty and misery are now products of a democracy that has been reduced to electoral competition among a self-regarding elite who thrive by exploiting every division among the working poor - be it racial, religious, tribal, ethnic or other cultural difference - in order to hold them in subjugation, the better to be exploited by the new global masters.

The members of the Walter Rodney 25th Anniversary Commemoration Committee - friends, colleagues, and other associates of Walter Rodney in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, Africa, North America, London and elsewhere in Europe, and Latin America, all of whom share his vision of the emancipation of the working people and other oppressed sections of society - are organizing events to commemorate his inspiring life, work and insights and to draw attention to the challenges faced today by working people throughout the world. The commemoration takes the form of a series of “groundings” in Guyana from June 6-13 2005 to mark the 25 years since Walter Rodney’s assassination.

Walter Rodney was a revolutionary whose major weapons were teaching and writing. He taught everywhere he went - in universities, in those massive public meetings in 1979/80 on the coastlands of Guyana where he taught the history of Guyana in language that was completely accessible to all, in bottom houses. His writing ranged from scholarly studies to popular pamphlets to children’s books. He used these weapons everywhere he lived and worked – particularly in Jamaica, then Africa, then Guyana where he became the popular leader of the civil rebellion of 1979/80, led by the WPA, and where he was killed.

Many Caribbean and other world figures are already committed to joining us in Guyana for the groundings, coming not in their official capacities but as women and men whose lives intersected with Walter Rodney and his work: these include Ralph Gonsalves, Political Leader of the United Labour Party and Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines; Distinguished African Professor, Ali Mazrui; Abdul Raheem Tajudeen, General Secretary of the Global Pan-African Movement; Rickey Singh, Notable Guyanese and Caribbean Journalist; Humberto Brown, International Secretary of the Black Radical Congress; Raffique Shah, partisan of the movement for social justice and equality in the Caribbean; Micere Mugo, Kenyan poet and playwright; Nalini Persram, (Guyanese)-who teaches at Trinity College in Dublin Ireland; Denis Brutus, South African poet, teacher, and freedom fighter; Kamala Kempadoo, Associate Professor in Caribbean Studies at York University; George Lamming, Caribbean novelist and essayist; Glen Ramjag, founder of the National Food Crop and farmers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago; Rupert Lewis, Professor in Political Thought at UWI who has written extensively on the work of Walter Rodney ; Tiffany Patterson and Michael West of Binghamton University; Carolyn Brown, Associate Professor of African History, Rutgers University; Nelcia Robinson of CAFRA; and Selma James, author, political activist and widow of CLR James. Danny Glover, actor and political activist, asked us to say that he is trying hard to return from a previous assignment in time to join us in Guyana.
Patricia Rodney, widow of Walter Rodney, will return to Guyana with her children for the first time in 25 years, and will be the special guest of honor at these events along with other family members. In an interview she gave to the West Indian press on a recent visit to Toronto, Dr. Rodney called for justice for Walter Rodney, a call she will most likely repeat on Guyanese soil.
The groundings will not be an academic exercise. The programme will feature presentations and panels on the struggle for another world – what kind of economies we want to build and the political struggles that are being waged to win the space to build such economies. There will be groundings in Berbice, Linden, the East Coast Demerara, West Coast Demerara, Essequibo Coast, and in interior. There will be a grounding on Haiti, where 200 years after the Haitian people made a revolution they are still fighting to be free. There will be cultural groundings which we are working hard to make fully representative of all the peoples of Guyana. There will also be students’ groundings, because we have to introduce Rodney to new generations.

We call on everyone, but especially working people across race, age and sex, to join us in these groundings as we – all sectors of waged and unwaged workers - women, youth, farmers, artists, factory, field and informal workers, students, and teachers – come together in the spirit of Rodney to share our ideas and vision for the resolution of the deep problems affecting the lives of our peoples in all parts of the world, and to recommit ourselves to the struggle to overcome them.

Information on the organizers, and detailed plans for the groundings and the program of activities are available on our website http://rodney25.org

The contact spokespersons for the anniversary committee are: Rupert Roopnaraine 228 2409, Andaiye 227 7481 (Guyana); David Hinds 480 965 1597(USA); Jai Parsram 416 289 1346 (Canada); and Malaika Scott +44 (0)20 8671 7279 (UK). The chairperson of the committee and the initiator of the anniversary commemoration project is Horace Campbell, originally of Jamaica, friend and colleague of Walter Rodney.

One step too stupid

Bev Clark

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/28316

This morning I looked at my right front tyre and just like it, I felt rather deflated. Not wanting to chance the trip to work I decided to nip down to our friendly under the tree tyre and air entrepreneurs. They’ve been around for years and in times of need they’ve always come through for me. Unfortunately this morning the patch of free land that they occupy near Rhodesville Shopping Centre was empty. These guys have been chased away, just like so many others, in one of Mugabe’s latest acts of bizarre “misgovernance”. So I crossed the road to try my luck at the formal, supposedly respectable, garage only to be told that they had no air. So, go figure, the really useful informal entrepreneur who earns a few bucks pumping up car tyres by hand gets chased away by Mugabe’s police while the formal garage fails to provide basic services.

Then last Friday, just near my offices, riot police in all their posturing and swaggering arrogance swooped down on hapless vegetable sellers confiscating their vegetables and sending them away. They sell a variety of vegetables from a concrete structure that has a sign in front of it declaring that it is a certified “peoples market” by order of the Harare City Council. Let’s not forget that we are sinking under 70% unemployment, which means that the largest productive sector in Zimbabwe is actually the informal trading one. This sector, I believe, deserves the utmost respect and appreciation. In a country devastated by wildly incompetent elite politicians, informal traders have shown admirable resilience and ingenuity. If it weren’t so tragic it would be laughable to linger longer on these fat cat politicians shitting themselves because they might not be harnessing every single cent of foreign currency in the country.

The Mugabe regime can’t possibly get more stupid, can it?

Well, yes it can.

Anna, my domestic worker, tells me that the regime is thinking about evicting thousands of Zimbabweans living in high density areas (townships) unless they are actually living in a legal structure. Apparently the “boys kias” (wooden shacks) will be razed. The police have said that those occupying them should return to the rural areas because there is no space for them in the city. Never mind that back in the day Mugabe made all sorts of promises like Housing For All By The Year 2000.

And there’s more. Zimbabweans who are lucky enough to be in formal employment are finding it harder and harder to get to work each day because either there is no fuel, or because the police have impounded commuter buses. People wake up as early as 4am in a bid to walk to work, or they queue endlessly waiting for a taxi. Meanwhile the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has said that they will embark on a “Buy Zimbabwe” campaign in order to resuscitate local industry. But hey - hasn’t the Government just imported a fleet of Chinese “zhing zhong” buses. And isn’t the Government, at this very moment, seizing vendors’ vegetables, basket ware and flowers?

For as long as I can remember, Africa Unity Square in the center of Harare, has been home to several flower and curio sellers. They are an integral part of our landscape, but no more! The few tourists that visit the five star Meikles Hotel which faces Africa Unity Square will just have to buy their Zimbabwean momentos elsewhere. In case you’ve forgotten, this is Africa Mr Mugabe. It isn’t Oslo and it isn’t Beijing. Vendors are a part of our culture.

I could go on and on about the various shortages, as so many others have done lately, but I won’t. Instead I think it’s interesting to reflect on the biggest shortage of all: leadership. This shortage exists in civil society, in the plethora of NGOs in Zimbabwe and in the political opposition – the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). No one is coming forward to provide leadership, direction and vision. And most importantly action. Instead, everyone just shrugs his or her shoulders or one tiny step better, issues eloquent press statements condemning the regime’s brutality.

And a fat lot of good that’s going to do.

Sorting out the issues

Bob Jere

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/28245

This is a very good and educative magazine, full of issues that really ought to be sorted out to make the world a better place to live in for all classes of people.

Books from SPINIFEX Press

2005-05-26

http://www.spinifexpress.com.au

Fahamu has been sent a great collection of books published in Australia by Spinifex Press, an award-winning independent press publishing innovative and controversial books across a wide variety of subject areas. Spinifex publishes fiction, poetry and non-fiction. The books include:

* Unity Dow: The Screaming of the Innocent
* Unity Dow: Juggling Truths
* Unity Dow: Far and Beyond
* Rose Zwi: Last walk in Naryshkin Park
* Rose Zwi: Safe Houses
* Rose Zwi: Speak the Truth, Laughing
* Nawal El Saadawi: Walking through Fire
* Nawal El Saadawi: The Daughter of Isis: the autobiographs of Nawal El Saadawi
* Jonathan Morgan & The Bambani Women's Group: Long Life: positive HIV stories
* Kim Manresa (photographer): The Day Kadi Lost Part of Her Life

If you would be interested in reviewing any of these books for Pambazuka News, please get in touch with us (editor@pambazuka.org)

Human Rights: Social Justice in the Age of the Market

Koen De Feyter

2005-05-25

http://zedbooks.co.uk/

Rampant market economics in today's world has led to violations of human rights. Koen de Feyter questions how far the international human rights system - focussing as it does on legal conventions and enforcement by state machinery - really provides effective protection against the adverse effects of globalization.

Let Conscience be my Guide

Edited by Geoffrey Bould

2005-05-25

http://www.weaverpresszimbabwe.com/hist/histframeset.htm?conscience.htm

This remarkable collection of prison literature inspires with the eloquent idealism of prisoners of conscience through the ages. Just as the lone Chinese student confronted the tanks in Tiananmen Square, so too have prisoners of conscience challenged and emboldened with their rare courage. The contributors to this volume include many of the world’s finest writers: Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Primo Levi, Irina Ratushinskaya, Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Urban Africa: Changing Contours of Survival in the City

Edited by AbdouMaliq Simone and Abdelghani Abouhani

2005-05-25

http://zedbooks.co.uk/

Many African urban dwellers have to find ways of making a living within cities dominated by powerful economic and political interests. This book explores how they negotiate the spatial practices, politico-economic processes and social relations that entangle place, identity and power in urban sites.

Versions of Zimbabwe: new approaches to literature and culture

Edited by Robert Muponde and Ranka Primorac

2005-05-25

http://www.weaverpresszimbabwe.com/lit/litframeset.htm?versions_of_zim.htm

Versions of Zimbabwe: new approaches to literature and culture is a first of its kind: in a turbulent historical moment, the book asks questions about how Zimbabwe's creative literature may be related to its history and politics. The result of a collaboration of scholars situated both in Southern Africa and overseas, the book addresses Zimbabwean literature and culture from angles that have hitherto remained overshadowed.

Africa/Global: A new counterterrorism strategy: Feminism

2005-05-25

http://www.alternet.org/rights/21973/

I've been reading Bin Ladin--Carmen, that is, not her brother-in-law Osama (she spells the last name with an "i")--and I'd like to present a brand-new approach to terrorism, one that turns out to be more consistent with traditional American values. First, let's stop calling the enemy "terrorism," which is like saying we're fighting "bombings." Terrorism is only a method; the enemy is an extremist Islamic insurgency whose appeal lies in its claim to represent the Muslim masses against a bullying superpower. This article argues that a sustained and serious effort to gain human rights for women worldwide could be the start of a brand new approach to fighting terrorism.

Africa/Global: Gender and ICTs

2005-05-24

http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/reports_gend_CEP.html#ICTs

New technologies in the information and communications arena, especially the Internet, have been seen as ushering in a new age. There is a mainstream view that such technologies have only technical rather than social implications. The dramatic positive changes brought in by these information and communication technologies (ICTs), however, have not touched all of humanity. Existing power relations in society determine the enjoyment of benefits from ICTs; hence these technologies are not gender neutral. The important questions are: who benefits from ICTs? Who is dictating the course of ICTs? Is it possible to harness ICTs to serve larger goals of equality and justice? Central to these is the issue of gender and women’s equal right to access, use and shape ICTs.

Ghana: More women in informal economy than men

2005-05-22

http://allafrica.com/stories/200505230998.html

A new book 'The Role of Women in Ghana's Economy has found that that there are more women in informal economic activities than men in the three economic areas, namely, agriculture, industry and services. The author, Nora Judith Amu estimates that some 80% of women in Ghana are engaged in various economic activities and they predominate in the informal micro-small to medium scale agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors of the economy. While the informal sector gives women the flexibility they need to cope with their multiple roles as workers, wives and mothers, the remuneration is highly unstable and therefore their earnings vary from period to period.

Great Lakes: The impact of HIV on the rape crisis in the African Great Lakes region

Jennifer M. Hentz

2005-05-25

http://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/12/122.pdf

Rape by soldiers has long been a crime under national military codes, but international law has only recently come to recognize its use as a tool of war. This responsive approach succeeded in bringing rape from a prohibition in national military codes, to the categorization of rape as a form of torture, and finally recognizing rape as an independent crime under international law. While this advancement in the law cannot be minimized, it is critical at this time, and in response to ongoing circumstances, to review the legal parameters of the crime of rape and re-evaluate its efficacy.

Nigeria/Ghana: The First Lady syndrome and the marginalisation of women from power

Opportunities or compromises for gender equality?

2005-05-24

http://www.feministafrica.org/2level.html

This article seeks to explore the dynamics of marginalising women from political power, and the ways in which "First Ladies" have sought to intervene through their special position as spouses of men in power. In many African countries, the First Lady phenomenon has opened doors for women that had previously been closed. At the same time, it has created a dynamic in which political space has been appropriated and used by the wives and friends of men in power for purposes of personal aggrandisement, rather than for furthering the interests of women.

Senegal: Diola translation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325

2005-05-25

http://www.peacewomen.org/1325inTranslation/index.html

PeaceWomen has received a Diola translation of SCR 1325 from the Women in Peacebuilding program (WIPNET) of the West African Peacebuilding Network (WANEP). Diola is spoken in the Casamance region of Senegal (South). The Diola translation was prepared for women involved in WIPNET's Rural Women's Peace Initiative, which took place earlier this month. Approximately 40 women in the communities of Kaguitte and Djibidone were trained using WIPNET's Community Women Peacebuilding Manual. The goal of this initiative was to build the capacity of rural/grassroots women's groups to play active roles in preserving peace in their communities. The translation was disseminated to the women in order raise awareness of the resolution and its meaning.

South Africa: Woman killed by partner every 6 hours

2005-05-25

http://www.peacewomen.org/news/SouthAfrica/May05/Study.html

A woman is killed every six hours in South Africa by her partner and less than 40 percent of the homicides lead to a conviction, according to a new study. The study is further evidence of the deep social scars that remain a decade after the end of apartheid, a regime that provoked a major upsurge in violence and alcoholism and stigmatized and disempowered black men, according to analysts.

Uganda: Uganda leads in growth, gender issues - World Bank report

2005-05-23

http://allafrica.com/stories/200505231202.html

A new World Bank Group (WBG) study cites Uganda as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa in addressing critical linkages between economic growth and gender issues. But it suggests Uganda can grow faster by unleashing the economic power of women through speeding up the current process of removing barriers to business. The Director for Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Lawrence Kiiza, said, "Gender is often considered a soft social issue, but we know it has important economic consequences too. The government has made a lot of progress in improving women's participation in the political process and we are trying to ensure women have the opportunity to fully participate economically too."

Benin/Togo: Killings, kidnappings and rape continue a month after disputed poll, refugees say

2005-05-25

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47283

A month to the day after Togo’s disputed presidential election, murder, rape and kidnappings by the security forces are continuing to drive people across the borders in search of shelter, refugees and human rights leaders said on Tuesday. “There have been several hundred victims,” Sidiki Kaba, the president of the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) said in an interview on Radio France Internationale. “A man-hunt is on that takes place at nights.”

Eritrea: Appeals for prisoners of conscience to be released

2005-05-26

http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAFR640072005

As Eritrea celebrates its 12th year of independence on 24 May, large numbers of prisoners of conscience and other political prisoners - possibly amounting to several thousands - languish in indefinite incommunicado detention – held without charge or trial and without access to friends, family or lawyers, says Amnesty International. "Amongst those prisoners of conscience are six women detained solely on account of their peaceful opinions. None of the women has been allowed to see her children since her arrest. Their whereabouts are unknown," says Amnesty.

Nigeria: Nigeria says Taylor cannot stay if asylum terms violated

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/28306

A representative of Nigeria's government this week said that indicted war criminal and former Liberian president Charles Taylor cannot remain in Nigeria if he is shown to have interfered in Liberian and regional politics, in breach of the terms of his asylum. Okon Efiong Isong, Minister Counsellor in Nigeria's United Nations Mission, was speaking at an event organized by the Open Society Justice Initiative at UN headquarters to launch a report tracing Taylor's financing before and since his removal to Nigeria in August 2003.
+1 212–548–0157
info@justiceinitiative.org
www.justiceinitiative.org

Contact: Kelly Askin: +1 212 548 0160
James A. Goldston: +1 212 548 0118

NIGERIA SAYS TAYLOR CANNOT STAY IF TERMS OF ASYLUM VIOLATED

New York, May 19, 2005—A representative of Nigeria’s government yesterday said that indicted war criminal and former Liberian president Charles Taylor cannot remain in Nigeria if he is shown to have interfered in Liberian and regional politics, in breach of the terms of his asylum.

Okon Efiong Isong, Minister Counsellor in Nigeria’s United Nations Mission, was speaking at an event organized by the Open Society Justice Initiative at UN headquarters to launch a report tracing Taylor’s financing before and since his removal to Nigeria in August 2003. Nigeria, Efiong said, granted Taylor asylum “for the purpose of enhancing peace in Liberia,” on condition that he cease all political activity in the region.

But the report, written by journalist Doug Farah and released by the Coalition for International Justice (CIJ), alleges that Taylor has used his money to influence the Liberian presidential elections, set for October. Taylor, who is accused of having financed wars in both Liberia and Sierra Leone, has also been linked to an assassination attempt on Guinean president Lansana Conté earlier this year.

According to Efiong, “If the government is convinced that Taylor has violated his terms of asylum, then you can be sure—the world community can be sure—that Mr. Taylor cannot take cover in Nigeria.”

The Special Court for Sierra Leone, which has indicted Taylor on 17 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, has also said that Taylor continues to sow instability in West Africa. And just two weeks ago, Liberian media reported that the leader of a political party founded by Taylor has claimed that the former warlord is deeply involved in the selection of presidential candidates in Liberia.

In February 2005, the Nigerian parliamentary committee on foreign affairs called for Taylor to be turned over to face trial before the Special Court. A lawsuit currently pending before Nigeria’s High Court in Abuja seeks revocation of Taylor’s asylum status. The case is being pursued by Nigerian victims of atrocities carried out by Taylor-backed troops in Sierra Leone.

Following Taylor’s Money: A Path of War and Destruction is available at: www.cij.org
For more on the case against Taylor in Nigeria, see: www.justiceinitiative.org/advocacy/litigation
___________________

The Open Society Justice Initiative, an operational program of the Open Society Institute (OSI), pursues law reform activities grounded in the protection of human rights, and contributes to the development of legal capacity for open societies worldwide. The Justice Initiative combines litigation, legal advocacy, technical assistance, and the dissemination of knowledge to secure advances in five priority areas: national criminal justice, international justice, freedom of information and expression, equality and citizenship, and anticorruption. Its offices are in Abuja, Budapest, and New York.

www.justiceinitiative.org

Swaziland: New court eases trauma for child victims

2005-05-23

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47215

A new 'child-friendly' court is making it easier for underaged plaintiffs in rape and abuse cases to deal with previously frightening legal proceedings. "Children need protection during the entire case, from the initial contact with doctors and police to the trial, where there is confrontation with the person the child is accusing. We have made an environment that is comfortable for children," said Superintendent Leckinah Magagula of the Royal Swaziland Police Department.

West Africa: Human Rights Watch calls for justice in West Africa

2005-05-24

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/28224

The United Nations Security Council should work toward the prompt surrender of former Liberian President Charles Taylor to Sierra Leone's U.N.-backed war crimes court, Human Rights Watch says. This week the Security Council was briefed on the progress of the Special Court for Sierra Leone by the tribunal's president, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola. Since 2002, the court has been working to bring to justice those who "bear the greatest responsibility" for war crimes committed during Sierra Leone's brutal civil war.
U.N. Security Council: Ensure Justice in West Africa
Security Council to Be Briefed on Progress of Sierra Leone's
U.N.-Backed War Crimes Court

(New York, May 24, 2005) ? The United Nations Security Council
should work toward the prompt surrender of former Liberian President
Charles Taylor to Sierra Leone's U.N.-backed war crimes court,
Human Rights Watch said today.

This morning the Security Council will be briefed on the progress of
the Special Court for Sierra Leone by the tribunal's president, Justice
Emmanuel Ayoola. Since 2002, the court has been working to bring to
justice those who "bear the greatest responsibility" for war crimes
committed during Sierra Leone's brutal civil war.

The Special Court has indicted Taylor on 17 counts of war crimes and
crimes against humanity. The Security Council should affirm the
urgency of Taylor being held accountable and commit itself to explore
with Nigeria, which granted Taylor conditional asylum, a strategy to
surrender him to the court as soon as possible.

"Charles Taylor should face trial for his alleged role in the death, rape,
abduction, and mutilation of thousands of civilians during Sierra
Leone's civil war," said Richard Dicker, director of the International
Justice Program at Human Rights Watch. "His continued safe haven
undermines justice for the victims whose lives were torn apart during
this brutal war."

"The U.N. Security Council must act to ensure Taylor's prompt
surrender to face trial at the Special Court," Dicker emphasized.

Taylor, indicted by the court two years ago, has been in exile in
Nigeria since he was forced from power in August 2003. In addition to
Taylor's surrender, ensuring that the court has adequate security and
funding are key for the court to complete operations.

Taylor is in exile in Nigeria as a result of an arrangement tacitly
agreed to by the United States and the United Kingdom, among others.
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Taylor was given
asylum to avoid excessive civilian casualties in Liberia when
government troops under Taylor battled rebels for control of the
Liberian capital Monrovia in July and August 2003. The arrangement
reportedly includes a condition that Taylor refrain from interfering in
Liberia's political affairs.

Taylor's continued evasion of justice not only mocks the victims of
war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone, but also
poses a risk to stability in West Africa, Human Rights Watch said.
There are persistent reports that Taylor is involved in destabilizing the
government of Guinea and meddling in the internal political affairs of
Liberia, which is due to hold general elections in October.

"Once again, Taylor's actions could be putting innocent lives at risk in
West Africa," said Dicker. "Whatever deal was made two years ago to
give Taylor asylum in Nigeria, he has more than broken the terms."

Officials from the Prosecutor's Office of the Special Court said they
have received information that Taylor was involved in a January 2005
assassination attempt on Guinean President Lansana Conté. There are
also allegations that he may be supporting an insurgency against the
Guinean government composed of fighters loyal to Taylor. During the
Liberian civil war of 1999-2003, Guinea provided logistical assistance
to rebels which in July 2003 overran Monrovia. There are other
allegations that Taylor remains in frequent contact with members of
his former government. According to Special Court officials, Taylor
traveled from Nigeria to Burkina Faso in February to meet with
Liberian presidential hopeful Francis Galawolo.

"Taylor is a poster child for the link between justice and security in
West Africa," said Dicker. "The Security Council's handling of the
Taylor issue will be a clear test of its commitment to both."

The Special Court for Sierra Leone began operating in Freetown in
July 2002 and is expected to function only on a short timeframe.
Human Rights Watch researchers who were recently in Freetown
found that the Special Court continues to make major achievements to
bring accountability for atrocities committed during Sierra Leone's
civil war, which lasted from 1991 to 2002.

Three trials of nine indictees are being held simultaneously. Numerous
witnesses from around the country are testifying, receiving needed
protection and support. A defense office is helping to protect the rights
of the accused, monitoring the situation of detainees and advocating
for resources to ensure a vigorous defense. Outreach continues to
effectively canvass the country with information about the court
through video, radio, and public discussions.

Nevertheless, the court, which was initially supported entirely by
voluntary contributions, has faced significant difficulties in raising
adequate funds to operate. A grant from the United Nations has made
continued functioning possible. Additionally, while security for the
court has to date been provided by the U.N. Mission in Sierra Leone
(UNAMSIL), this force is expected to withdraw from Sierra Leone by
the end of 2005.

"The Special Court has made tremendous accomplishments in the face
of serious obstacles," said Dicker. "It must have adequate funding and
security to finish its work."

Background on Charles Taylor and the Special Court

Elected president of Liberia in 1997 after a seven-year war that ousted
former President Samuel Doe, Charles Taylor gained notoriety for the
brutal abuses against civilians committed by his forces in Liberia, and
for his use of child soldiers organized in "Small Boy Units." Forces
supported by Taylor have since been involved in conflicts in
neighboring Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire.

The Special Court has the power to prosecute serious violations of
international law and certain violations of domestic law committed in
Sierra Leone since November 30, 1996. The United Nations created
the Special Court through an agreement with the government of Sierra
Leone.

For Human Rights Watch's report on the Special Court for Sierra
Leone, see "Bringing Justice: the Special Court for Sierra Leone." For
Human Rights Watch's reports on crimes committed in Sierra Leone,
see "Sowing Terror: Atrocities Against Civilians in Sierra Leone,"
"Sierra Leone: Getting Away with Murder, Mutilation, and Rape," and
"Sierra Leone: We'll Kill you if you Cry."

To view this document on the Human Rights Watch web site, please
go to: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/05/24/sierra11004.htm

Africa: Deconstructing the OAU refugee definition thirty years on

2005-05-25

http://www.unhcr.ch/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/opendoc.pdf?tbl=RESEARCH&id=425f71a42&page=publ

The OAU Refugee Convention is most recognised for having extended the conventional concept of a refugee beyond the narrower scope of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Although the OAU refugee definition has been praised for its broad scope, relatively little effort has been made to subject it to a rigorous interpretative analysis.

DRC: UN agency helps thousands of IDPs return home

2005-05-24

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47247

Some 1,600 internally displaced people (IDPs) began their journey home along the mighty River Congo, from Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the provinces of Equateur and Orientale. In a statement, Jens Laerke, the information officer in the post-conflict unit of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), said the IDPs boarded a Congolese naval vessel at the Kinshasa harbour, marking the start of the operational phase of a joint UN pilot project aimed at providing protection and security for 67,554 IDPs.

Global: The provision of protection to asylum-seekers in destination countries

2005-05-25

http://www.unhcr.ch/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/opendoc.pdf?tbl=RESEARCH&id=42846e7f2&page=publ

The findings from this working paper suggest that conditions in the origin countries known to produce refugee outflows influence the way in which destination countries allocate protection to asylum-seekers. However, the amount of protection provided by destination countries is found to be impervious to refugee-generating conditions in origin countries.

Liberia: Voter registration ends with disappointing turnout among IDPs

2005-05-25

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/KHII-6CQ8ZG?OpenDocument

More than one million Liberians have registered to vote in presidential elections in October which are designed to seal the West African nation's return to peace. But officials have said that the number of displaced people who had signed up for a ballot paper was disappointingly low. Some of those still living in the Wilson Corner Camp on the outskirts of Monrovia told IRIN that the 1997 elections, held during a brief lull in Liberia's long-running civil war, had left them with a nasty taste in their mouths.

Nigeria: Ogoni claim new oil industry abuse over demolition of shantytown

2005-05-25

http://www.minorityrights.org/news_detail.asp?ID=363

Thousands of Ogoni and members of other minority communities have been evicted from their homes in a Port Harcourt shantytown. The Rivers State government and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) are accused by the communities of demolishing their waterfront homes to facilitate planned company expansion and relocation from Lagos to Port Harcourt waterside, without notice or compensation. Some residents have suffered a second displacement since they were living in the shantytown following earlier destruction of their village homes due to military activities in Ogoni territories.

Uganda/Sudan: Refugees, prizing education, defer return to Sudanese homeland – UN

2005-05-25

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=14348&Cr=Sudan&Cr1=

In a Ugandan camp run by the United Nations refugee agency, southern Sudanese women and girls acknowledge that their access to free education has caused them to delay rushing back home, even though a peace accord went into effect in the region in January. Refugees outside the country often list education above peace and security as their main requirements for ending their exile and coming home, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees says.

Africa/Global: Governments betraying human rights standards

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/elections/28307

Governments are betraying their promise of a world order based on human rights and are pursuing a dangerous new agenda, said Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of global human rights. Speaking at the launch of the Amnesty International Report 2005, the organization's Secretary General Irene Khan said that governments had failed to show principled leadership and must be held to account.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: POL 10/006/2005
25 May 2005

(London) Governments are betraying their promise of a world order
based on human rights and are pursuing a dangerous new agenda, said
Amnesty International today as it launched its annual assessment of
global human rights.

Speaking at the launch of the Amnesty International Report 2005, the
organization's Secretary General Irene Khan said that governments had
failed to show principled leadership and must be held to account.

"Governments are betraying their promises on human rights. A new
agenda is in the making with the language of freedom and justice
being used to pursue policies of fear and insecurity. This includes
cynical attempts to redefine and sanitise torture," said Irene Khan.

This new agenda, combined with the indifference and paralysis of the
international community, failed countless thousands of people in
humanitarian crises and forgotten conflicts throughout 2004.

In Darfur, the Sudanese government generated a human rights
catastrophe and the international community did too little too late
to address the crisis, betraying hundreds of thousands of people.

In Haiti, individuals responsible for serious human rights
violations were allowed to regain positions of power. In the eastern
Democratic Republic of Congo there was no effective response to the
systematic rape of tens of thousands of women, children and even
babies. Despite the holding of elections, Afghanistan slipped into a
downward spiral of lawlessness and instability. Violence was endemic
in Iraq.

At a national level governments betrayed human rights at terrible
cost to ordinary people. Russian soldiers reportedly tortured, raped
and sexually abused Chechen women with impunity. Zimbabwe’s
government manipulated food shortages for political reasons.

The betrayal of human rights by governments was accompanied by
increasingly horrific acts of terrorism as armed groups stooped to
new levels of brutality.

"The televised beheading of captives in Iraq, the taking of over a
thousand people hostage including hundreds of children in a school in
Beslan and the massacre of hundreds of commuters in Madrid shocked
the world. Yet governments are failing to confront their lack of
success in addressing terrorism, persisting with failed but
politically-convenient strategies. Four years after 9/11, the promise
to make the world a safer place remains hollow," said Ms Khan.

The US administration’s attempts to dilute the absolute ban on
torture through new policies and quasi-management speak such as
"environmental manipulation", "stress positions" and "sensory
manipulation", was one of the most damaging assaults on global
values.

Despite the US administration’s repeated use of the language of
justice and freedom there was a huge gap between rhetoric and
reality. This was starkly illustrated by the failure to conduct a
full and independent investigation into the appalling torture and
ill-treatment of detainees by US soldiers in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison
and the failure to hold senior individuals to account.

"The USA, as the unrivalled political, military and economic
hyper-power, sets the tone for governmental behaviour worldwide. When
the most powerful country in the world thumbs its nose at the rule of
law and human rights, it grants a licence to others to commit abuse
with impunity," said Irene Khan.

Many governments showed a shocking contempt for the rule of law.
Nigeria granted Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, refugee
status despite his indictment for killings, mutilations and rape.
Israel’s construction of a barrier inside the occupied West Bank
ignored the International Court of Justice opinion that this violated
international human rights and humanitarian law. Arbitrary detentions
and unfair trials took place under security legislation in a number
of countries.

There were also signs of hope in 2004 said Ms Khan.

Legal challenges to the new agenda included US Supreme Court
judgements on Guantánamo detainees and the ruling by the UK Law Lords
on indefinite detention without charge or trial of "terrorist
suspects". Public pressure included the spontaneous turnout of
millions of people in Spain protesting against the Madrid bombings,
popular uprisings in Georgia and Ukraine and the growing debate on
political change in the Middle East.

"Increasingly, the duplicity of governments and the brutality of
armed groups are being challenged - by judicial decisions, popular
resistance, public pressure and UN reform initiatives. The challenge
for the human rights movement is to harness the power of civil
society and push governments to deliver on their human rights
promises," said Irene Khan.

For a full copy of the Amnesty International Report 2005: the state
of the world's human rights please go to:
http://www.amnesty.org/report2005 {http://www.amnesty.org/report2005}

CAR: Incumbent wins presidency

2005-05-25

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47277

Francois Bozize, the incumbent leader of the Central African Republic (CAR), who came into power through a coup in 2003, was on Tuesday declared the winner of the country's presidential elections. Bozize won the final round of the poll by 64.6 percent of the vote, the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Jean Willybiro Sako, announced at an official ceremony at the National Assembly.

Egypt: Key Egypt opposition leader held

2005-05-25

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4570421.stm

A top leader of the banned Egyptian opposition Muslim Brotherhood has been arrested along with a number of other members, the group has said. Mahmud Ezzat, who police say is the organisation's fourth-highest official, was arrested at home in Cairo at dawn on Sunday, a group spokesman said. He said authorities wanted to stifle opposition to planned electoral reform, which the group says is cosmetic.

Ethiopia: Opposition party threatens to boycott parliament

2005-05-25

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47257

Ethiopia's main opposition party on Monday threatened to boycott the next parliament unless its complaints of alleged vote rigging in last week's general elections were resolved. Hailu Shawel, leader of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), said his party would not join any government if it believed that the elections were unfair.

Guniea-Bissau: Visit by West African leaders fails to defuse tension

2005-05-23

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47236

A visit to Guinea-Bissau by four West African leaders at the weekend failed to defuse tension that has been building up in the country ahead of next month's presidential election. Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior confirmed reports that have been circulating for several weeks that arms have been smuggled into the country to support civilian militias.

Somaliland: Not in our name

Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland statement

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/elections/28294

"The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland (CJPS) condemns, without reservations, recent attempts to use - and misuse - history, to serve narrow political interests. Whether it is the intention or not, the predictable result will be to create conflict, suspicion and animosity among the clans and people of Somaliland, to the detriment of all concerned. The issue has come to the fore because of clashes between the Chair and Vice-Chair of the parliament, disagreements that have become increasingly bitter and vocal."
The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland


24 May 2005


NOT IN OUR NAME

The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland (CJPS) condemns, without reservations, recent attempts to use—and misuse—history, to serve narrow political interests. Whether it is the intention or not, the predictable result will be to create conflict, suspicion and animosity among the clans and people of Somaliland, to the detriment of all concerned.

The issue has come to the fore because of clashes between the Chair and Vice-Chair of the parliament, disagreements that have become increasingly bitter and vocal. The feud, which has serious implications for the parliamentary elections due in September, has involved the closure of the parliament, which has been challenged by some parliamentarians. Whatever the nature of the problem, it calls for calm, sober and inclusive political discussions aimed at resolving the immediate difficulties, as well a creating the conditions for on-going peaceful dialogue. Instead, some government supporters, both in the parliament and outside, have resorted to intimidation of their opponents on clan lines, invoking past conflict to justify their actions. Specifically, members of parliament have been warned as Darood about the political risks of challenging the political structures in Somaliland. What is worrying is the failure of the police to take action. As a collective of institutions and individuals working and living in Somaliland, we reject, without any ambiguity, the misuse of clan identity for political ends, in whatever form or shape.

Somaliland itself was very nearly destroyed in the 1980s by a relentless campaign of killings, torture, imprisonment and impoverishment organized by the regime of the late Mohamed Siad Barre, using clans against one another in an effort to mobilize support for its destructive policies. What took place in Somalia in the 70s and 80s was a well-planned series of organized campaigns directed at different clans. It was planned, orchestrated and implemented by a government machinery to achieve its political goals. To this end, neighbours, friends, colleagues and even relativ es were pitted against each other, eventually leading to the disintegration of Somalia as a State and to wars that have killed thousands, displaced millions and which have brought about untold suffering.

History tells us that politics of the lowest common denominator, which in the Somali context means whipping up clan sentiments, can only lead to conflict and create mistrust that may take generations to defuse. Preventi n, rather than cure, is the wiser course, and the reason why we are tod y making this appeal to all Somalilanders, irrespective of politics or clans, asking them to take a stand against the attempts to awaken the demon of clannism which has destroyed us in the past, and threatens our future.


The Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland brings together organizations and individuals that share a common interest in promoting justice, peace, human rights, the culture of dialogue and the establishment of democratic institutions in Somaliland.

South Africa: Housing protests set Cape Town ablaze

2005-05-26

http://southafrica.indymedia.org/

Housing protests in Gugulethu and Khayelitsha set Cape Town ablaze on Monday as residents burned tires in Landsdowne Road, Khayelitsha as well as Gugulethu. In Gugs, the whole of NY1, the township thoroughfare, was blockaded every 100 metres with piles of burning tires. Residents were expressing anger at the lack of service delivery in terms of houses as well as water and electricity for informal settlements.

Togo: Talks on forming government of national unity end in failure

2005-05-23

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47226

Talks on forming a government of national unity between newly elected President Faure Gnassingbe and Togo's main opposition parties have ended without agreement, but the failure of these negotiations caused little surprise on the streets of the capital Lome on Friday. Gnassingbe held talks with exiled opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio and other prominent opposition figures in the Nigerian capital Abuja last Thursday.

Zimbabwe: Army put on alert as fears of civil unrest mount

2005-05-24

http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=11941

Zimbabwe has put the army and police on high alert as deepening economic and social hardships push public anger to dangerous levels, Zim Online has learnt. Intelligence sources said an ongoing police crackdown against informal traders - the majority of Zimbabweans now depend on petty and informal trade for survival – had raised fears in government security departments of a possible spontaneous backlash by irate citizens.

Zimbabwe: Harare police arrest thousands in crackdown

2005-05-23

http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=11934

Paramilitary units armed with batons, riot shields and tear gas patrolled main roads in Harare this week as police warned they would not tolerate protests against their crackdown on street trading - the only livelihood for thousands of poor township dwellers. Police Chief Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka said 9 653 people were arrested in the five-day blitz on street vendors.

Ghana: Minister unhappy with Ghana's position on corruption list

2005-05-25

http://admin.corisweb.org/index.php?fuseaction=news.view&id=117503&src=dcn

Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo, Minister of Education and Sports, on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction about Ghana's position on the 2004 corruption index list despite Government's efforts to build a resilient economy. The Minister said Ghana's ranking of 65th in the 2004 corruption list provided by Transparency International, a worldwide anti-corruption organisation, was not good enough.

Kenya: State losing fight against corruption

2005-05-23

http://admin.corisweb.org/index.php?fuseaction=news.view&id=117476&src=dcn

A report by a human rights committee critical of the Government’s commitment to fight graft was due to be launched last week. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) report accuses the Government of losing the spirit to fight graft, despite repeated pledges to prioritise the eradication of the vice. The report by the public-funded commission, contained in its publication, Nguzo za Haki, concludes that rather than tackle re-emerging graft the Government is downplaying the problem.

Liberia: 400 policemen fired

2005-05-23

http://admin.corisweb.org/index.php?fuseaction=news.view&id=117462&src=dcn

More disciplinary action is expected in Liberia to weed undisciplined and corrupt officers out of the national police force, said acting commissioner Joseph Kerkula last Thursday following the sacking this month of 400 officers. "Any officer who fails to do things in cognisance of our guidelines will be dismissed," Kerkula said. "All the officers know about these guidelines so it is their primary duty to respect them."

Nigeria: President accused of graft over library fund

2005-05-24

http://admin.corisweb.org/index.php?fuseaction=news.view&id=117487&src=dcn

A Nigerian lawyer accused President Olusegun Obasanjo of corruption and abuse of power in a lawsuit on Monday for raising 4 billion naira towards building a personal library, court papers showed. The lawsuit follows an outcry from some shareholders that banks were put under pressure by the powerful state oil company to contribute to the private library, which is destined to house Obasanjo's presidential papers.

Africa: G8 summit: divisions deepen over route to Africa

2005-05-25

http://www.sarpn.org.za/newsflash.php#2931

Britain has declared that the development of Africa will be a priority at the G8 summit, but little agreement is in sight over the preferred aid route. British officials say that support for the International Finance Facility (IFF) proposed by Chancellor of the Exchequer (finance minister) Gordon Brown is rising. But there is no sign that the United States will abandon or amend the aid programme under its Millennium Challenge Account to adopt the IFF.

Africa: Leaked Letter Says Mandelson Will Press Blair To Weaken Deal For Developing World

2005-05-25

http://www.noticias.info/asp/aspComunicados.asp?nid=68230&src=0

Peter Mandelson, Europe's trade commissioner, is seeking to persuade Tony Blair to revise Britain's pro-poor country stance on trade liberalization, a centerpiece of the government's development agenda for 2005, leaked documents from Brussels said, reports The Guardian (UK). A letter from Peter Carl, the European Commission's top trade official, said Mandelson - still a close confidant of the prime minister - was being used to reverse what Brussels condemned as "a major and unwelcome shift" in the UK's approach.

Africa: NEPAD: between hope and despair

2005-05-25

http://www.sarpn.org.za/newsflash.php#2934

Is the New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) a panacea for Africa’s development problems or just another fad destined for the continent’s development cemetery? The popular and/or political critique is that NEPAD is a creation of some few African leaders, notably Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Obdoulaye Wade of Senegal, Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria, with backing from the West. That critique is justified but there is the risk of throwing out the baby with the bath water, says this commentary from Namibia's New Era newspaper.

Africa: The Aid Industry Needs Reform

2005-05-26

http://www.saiia.org.za/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=624

The New Partnership for Africa's Development is built on one crucial but unexamined assumption: that more aid will lead to more development. So far, nearly $1 trillion has been spent on aid to Africa, but most of the continent is poorer today than at independence. The Cold War played a big part, keeping aid flowing to loyal but corrupt regimes that should have been cut off from external assistance. War is also a culprit. Only 10 countries on the continent have not had a conflict or coup d'etat. Poor governance and venal political struggles - such as those tearing apart Togo and Côte d'Ivoire today - have destroyed economies and negated the positive effects of aid. Click on the URL provided to read the rest of this article from the South African Insitute of International Affairs.

Africa: The historic victories and new challenges of debt cancellation

2005-05-25

http://www.fpif.org/papers/0505debt.html

An old maxim in social movements (adapted from Schopenhauer's prickly take on the history of great ideas) states: “First they ignore you. Then they attack you. Then you win.” For years, campaigners for debt relief in the developing world and their international supporters were dismissed or derided. For 2005, however, a new question has emerged: Will they finally be able to claim victory? This article from Foreign Policy in Focus looks at how 100% debt cancellation for poor countries was transformed from an implausible demand into a winning issue, and what barriers lie ahead for the debt relief movement.

Tanzania: Water privatisation plan hits snag

2005-05-25

http://www.reuters.co.za/locales/c_newsArticle.jsp;:4291f460:1643eee7baea8c47?type=businessNews&localeKey=en_ZA&storyID=8576297

Tanzania said on Monday it will end a contract with two European-based water and sewerage companies, in a blow to a privatisation plan some saw as an African test case. Tanzania said it was cancelling its contract with City Water Services, a partnership between Britain's Biwater, Germany's HP Gauff and a Tanzanian partner, because of non-performance under a 10-year contract.

Africa: Minister urges WHA to stem migration and poaching

2005-05-25

http://www.health-e.co.za/news/article.php?uid=20031246

African Ministers of Health currently attending the World Health Assembly (WHA), have all joined South African health minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang in expressing their concerns about the continued migration and recruitment of health personnel from developing to developed countries. The resolution also calls upon the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure that the previous decision of the WHA aimed at addressing this matter is fully implemented.

Africa: World Bank and IMF hampering Aids funding

2005-05-25

http://www.health-e.co.za/news/article.php?uid=20031240

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund, both financial organizations that aim to reduce poverty, are preventing foreign aid from reaching HIV/AIDS programs in developing countries, claims an article in this week’s issue of The Lancet. Ted Schrecker of the University of Ottawa and Gorik Ooms of Médecins Sans Frontières in Brussels, write expenditure ceilings for public health, created by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), stop countries from benefiting from outside investment in their health programmes.

Botswana: Unions to protest over alleged rights abuses

2005-05-23

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47222

The Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) and the Public Service Workers Association (PWSA) are to embark on a series of demonstrations this weekend to press the government for labour legislation to protect workers from general victimisation, unfair dismissals and discrimination on the grounds of their HIV/AIDS status. According to the unions, the demonstrations will begin on Saturday and end on 4 June, when a petition will be handed over to President Festus Mogae.

Cameroon: Researchers, AIDS Advocates Fail To Reach Consensus Over Viread Trials

2005-05-25

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=30274

Antiretroviral drug researchers, study sponsors and AIDS advocates in a meeting that began last week in Seattle reached some agreement but failed to resolve completely conflicts over the conduct of clinical trials testing whether the antiretroviral drug Viread, which is made by the pharmaceutical company Gilead, can prevent HIV infection among people in developing countries, the Wall Street Journal reports. At issue is whether researchers should provide lifelong antiretroviral treatment - not just a referral for care - to people who become HIV-positive while participating in the trials.

Malawi: ARV delays could derail national rollout plan

2005-05-25

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47267

A year after the Malawian government launched its HIV/AIDS treatment programme, the numbers of people awaiting treatment are stretching hospitals to their limits. In May 2004 the government began providing free antiretroviral (ARV) medication at public health facilities, hoping to reach 44,000 people living with the virus by June 2005.

Swaziland: HIV Prevalence Rises in Swaziland Despite Efforts To Fight Disease

2005-05-25

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=30273

Toronto's Globe and Mail on Tuesday examined the "unexpected" rise in Swaziland's estimated HIV prevalence rate from 38.6% in 2002 to 42.6% in 2004 - the highest rate in the world - despite "massive efforts to stop the spread of the disease." African AIDS advocates said the results of the latest HIV sentinel survey conducted in 2004 among women at prenatal clinics are "shocking and devastating," according to the Globe and Mail.

Zimbabwe: Disabled at Greater Risk of HIV Infection

2005-05-25

http://www.ipsnews.net/africa/interna.asp?idnews=28800

‘'Do you think I can go for an HIV test and be accepted?” Zitha scoffs at the suggestion. Disabled, and also a single mother, the 44-year-old swears her fear of discrimination is no idle assumption. Rather, it is based on her experience at a test centre she visited last year. ''The attitude was horrible,'' she says. Such fear of condemnation and disapproval is rooted in society's tendency to scowl at evidence of the disabled person's sexuality. Its effect renders disclosure largely unthinkable for those who may test HIV positive.

Africa: African universities to present growth plans to G8

2005-05-24

http://www.scidev.net/News/index.cfm?fuseaction=readNews&itemid=2105&language=1

Leading figures from universities across Africa are to hold a five-day meeting in Britain next month to discuss detailed plans of how rich nations can help support the growth and development of higher education institutions across the continent. Their discussions, to be held in Dundee, Scotland, are expected to lead to a 'blueprint' for such a strategy that will be presented to the leaders of the G8 group of the most industrialised nations. The G8 will be holding its annual meeting in nearby Gleneagles in July.

Africa: Comparing education statistics around the world

2005-05-25

http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC18289

The education gender parity target for 2005 will be missed in a number of countries, especially in sub- Saharan Africa and South Asia, says the Global Education Digest 2005 that compares education statistics across the world and is authored by UNESCO's Institute for Statistics. "In 2002/03, 56% of the world's primary school-age population still live in countries without gender parity, at the upper secondary level, this increases to 87% of the relevant youth population. Gender parity in lower secondary will become more prevalent for Benin, Burkina Faso and Mozambique, but greater gender disparity will emerge in Tanzania and Turks and Caicos Islands. In many countries, girls are increasingly disadvantaged at higher levels of education," the report says.

Africa: The power and promise of girls' education

2005-05-25

http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC11303

This report from Save the Children Fund argues that girls' education is essential to ensure a more healthy and prosperous future for all children and for countries as a whole. The study shows which countries are succeeding and which are failing to make progress in girls' education and examines the ways investments in schooling for girls can benefit society as a whole, highlighting successful programmes and policies even in very poor countries.

Namibia: First Ever Pan African Students' Conference On the Continent

2005-05-26

http://allafrica.com/stories/200505240370.html

Namibia hosts the 17th All Africa Student Conference (AASC) from May 27 to 29 in Windhoek, the first time the organisation convenes in Africa in its 16 years of existence. The conference brings together students from Africa and the Diaspora, as well as individuals from organisations working in the interest of Africa and the Diaspora. It mainly aims at providing students of African descent with a forum to share and exchange ideas and information and to promote linkages between Africa and the Diaspora.

Zambia: Calls for education reform

2005-05-26

http://allafrica.com/stories/200505230918.html

Open University vice-chancellor Dickson Mwansa has called for education reforms in the country in order to solve some of the problems the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU) are experiencing. He said Government had concentrated too much on basic education at the expense of secondary and tertiary education.

Africa/Global: Plants or people? The debate continues

2005-05-24

http://www.scidev.net/Editorials/index.cfm?fuseaction=readEditorials&itemid=159&language=1

Last Sunday - for those who may not have noticed - was World Biodiversity Day. This is an annual event nominated by the United Nations, and intended to deepen awareness of the fact that human survival depends on safeguarding plant and animal life on Earth. This year's biological diversity day sought to capture this concept in its theme: 'Biodiversity is the life insurance of life itself'.

Kenya: Forests at Risk

2005-05-25

http://www.ipsnews.net/africa/interna.asp?idnews=28766

For many people, Kenya is defined by the endless grasslands of the Masai Mara, herds of wildebeest and accompanying predators. It may surprise them to know, then, that the country is also home to 1.7 million hectares of indigenous forest - and that this land is under threat. ”There is great loss of biodiversity, especially in forests where people are using (land) for settlement, agriculture or other activities,” Parkinson Ndonye, a senior researcher at the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), told IPS.

Southern Africa: Rising Indian Ocean temperatures will bring escalating drought - new report

2005-05-26

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47297

A new study on climate change has warned of escalating drought in southern Africa, directly linked to the warming of the Indian Ocean. According to the US-based National Centre for Atmospheric Research, since 1950 the Indian Ocean has warmed more than one degree Celsius; "well beyond the range expected from natural processes", but consistent with projected increases in greenhouse gas emissions.

Tanzania: Elephants cause havoc in the north

2005-05-23

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47232

Marauding elephants continue to cause havoc in northern Tanzania, where they have destroyed 80 hectares of crops and disrupted learning for children who now have to be escorted to school, an official told IRIN on Monday. "Some parents are even afraid to escort their children for treatment in clinics for fear of encountering the animals," said Anthony Malley, the district commissioner for Monduli, northwest of the region's main town, Arusha.

Africa: Using radio for peace

2005-05-26

http://www.radiopeaceafrica.org

Radio for Peacebuilding, Africa, has launched French and Swahili versions of their site (www.radiopeaceafrica.org). The Radio for Peacebuilding Africa project aims to develop, spread and encourage the use of radio broadcasting techniques and content for peacebuilding. Other changes have been made to offer a better site, and to improve the site's potential for exchanges between radio professionals in Africa. An edited version of the "Survey on Attitude of Radio Professionals in sub-Saharan Africa towards Peacebuilding" is now available on line in the survey section. Please note that you need to register to access some sections of the website. Doing so is free and easy. You will then be able to access all the materials made during the project (audio programmes, guidebooks…).

Angola: IRIN Launches Reconciliation Radio Drama

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/28292

IRIN Radio Southern Africa, in collaboration with Radio National de Angola, has launched a serial drama entitled "Camatondo" to support Angola's post-war reconciliation. The drama explores the stories of refugees and displaced persons, while also providing information related to healthy living and everyday development challenges facing rural Angolans. Camatondo mirrors the evolving realities and challenges faced by the resettling rural population, including storylines about reconciliation, psychological trauma, agricultural modernization, HIV, gender issues, micro-credit schemes, governance and electoral education, among others.
Angola: IRIN Launches Reconciliation Radio Drama

IRIN Radio Southern Africa, in collaboration with Radio National de Angola, has launched a serial drama entitled "Camatondo" to support Angola's post-war reconciliation. The drama explores the stories of refugees and displaced persons, while also providing information related to healthy living and everyday development challenges facing rural Angolans. Camatondo mirrors the evolving realities and challenges faced by the resettling rural population, including storylines about reconciliation, psychological trauma, agricultural modernization, HIV, gender issues, micro-credit schemes, governance and electoral education, among others.

By using entertainment-education strategies, stories are created that are both appealing and informative. While the characters deal with the everyday issues that most rural resettling Angolans face such as difficulties with drinking water, access to health care, agriculture and the danger of landmines, this is set against a love story. Based in a small, rural community, in northern Bie, the drama uses simple language in order to be more accessible to rural Angolans.

Camatondo aims to provide an opportunity for airing the issues and problems facing Angola's rural population and giving voice to their views and concerns. It also seeks to educate the audience and encourage behaviour change in a range of fields. The drama is targeting populations resettling in rural areas such as returning internally displaced people, refugees, and demobilized UNITA soldiers and their families. It is also addressing populations vulnerable to ongoing social conflict, resulting from enduring resentments from the war, and from new disputes over land rights. As well, it seeks to provide information to the general population who are under-informed about HIV, governance, and their civil rights

For more information contact


Daniel Walter - Regional Project Manager
United Nations - IRIN Radio Southern Africa
daniel@irinnews.org
http://www.irinnews.org/radio/Angola130505.asp=Angola

Madagascar: Newspaper director, journalist given one-month prison sentence

Letter to president of Madagascar

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/28267

"We are writing on behalf of the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum, which represent 18,000 publications in 100 countries, to express our serious concern at the sentencing of journalists Rolan Rasoamaharo and James Ramarosoana to one month in jail for defamation. According to reports, on 19 April Mr Rasoamaharo, director of La Gazette de la Grande Ile, and Mr Ramarosoana, author of the article, were sentenced to one month in prison after publishing an audit report on state-owned real estate company SEIMAD. Similar charges were brought but dropped against the director of the Madagascar Tribune. Mr Rasoamaharo and Mr Ramarosoana are to appeal their sentences."


IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ALERT - MADAGASCAR

19 May 2005

Newspaper director, journalist given one-month prison sentence in defamation
case

SOURCE: World Association of Newspapers (WAN), Paris

**For further information on the recent cases brought against "La Gazette de
la Grande Ile", see IFEX alert of 3 March 2005**

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an 11 May 2005 WAN letter to Madagascar
President Marc Ravalomanana:

His Excellency President Marc Ravalomanana
Madagascar

11 May 2005

Your Excellency,

We are writing on behalf of the World Association of Newspapers and the
World Editors Forum, which represent 18,000 publications in 100 countries,
to express our serious concern at the sentencing of journalists Rolan
Rasoamaharo and James Ramarosoana to one month in jail for defamation.

According to reports, on 19 April Mr Rasoamaharo, director of La Gazette de
la Grande Ile, and Mr Ramarosoana, author of the article, were sentenced to
one month in prison after publishing an audit report on state-owned real
estate company SEIMAD. Similar charges were brought but dropped against the
director of the Madagascar Tribune. Mr Rasoamaharo and Mr Ramarosoana are to
appeal their sentences.

We are concerned at what appears to be a campaign of intimidation against La
Gazette de la Grande Ile. In recent months, several journalists and
executives working for La Gazette de la Grande Ile have been sentenced to
jail or fined for defamation and other charges relating to their
journalistic activities.

We respectfully remind you that the criminal law is a wholly inappropriate
means of dealing with the issue of defamation and that jailing Mr
Rasoamaharo and Mr Ramarosoana for such offences contravenes a number of
international agreements. We believe that a civil award of reasonable
damages is adequate and appropriate relief in all proven cases of
defamation.

We respectfully call on you to do everything in your power to ensure that
the jail sentences against Mr Rasoamaharo and Mr Ramarosoana are overturned
and that all criminal charges against them are dropped. We urge your
government to reconsider the communications law that was presented to
parliament last week and to do everything possible to ensure that defamation
is decriminalised in your country.

We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Gavin O'Reilly
Acting President
World Association of Newspapers

George Brock
President
World Editors Forum

For further information, contact Larry Kilman at WAN, 7, rue Geoffroy St.
Hilaire, 75005 Paris, France, tel: +33 1 47 42 85 00, fax: +33 1 47 42 49
48, e-mail: lkilman@wan.asso.fr, Internet: http://www.wan-press.org

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of WAN.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit WAN.
_________________________________________________________________
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IFEX - Nouvelles de la communauté internationale de défense de la liberté
d'expression
_________________________________________________________________

ALERTE - MADAGASCAR

Le 19 mai 2005

Un directeur de publication et un journaliste condamnés à un mois de prison
pour diffamation

SOURCE: Association mondiale des journaux (AMJ), Paris

**Pour des informations complémentaires sur les récentes plaintes à
l'encontre de "La Gazette de la Grande Ile", veuillez consulter des alertes
de l'IFEX du 3 mars 2005**

(AMJ/IFEX) - Ci-dessous, une lettre de l'AMJ au président malgache Marc
Ravalomanana, datée du 11 mai 2005 :

Son Excellence le Président Marc Ravalomanana
Madagascar

11 mai 2005

Votre Excellence,

Nous vous écrivons au nom de l'Association Mondiale des Journaux et du World
Editors Forum, qui représentent 18 000 publications dans 100 pays, pour vous
faire part de notre vive inquiétude concernant la condamnation des
journalistes Rolan Rasoamaharo et James Ramarosoana à un mois de prison pour
diffamation.

Selon des rapports, le 19 avril 2005, M. Rasoamaharo, directeur de La
Gazette de la Grande Ile, et M. Ramarosoana, auteur de l'article jugé
diffamatoire, ont été condamnés à un mois d'emprisonnement pour avoir publié
un rapport du commissaire au comptes sur la société immobilière SEIMAD qui
appartient à l'Etat. Des accusations similaires ont été portées contre le
directeur du Madagascar Tribune, puis abandonnées. MM. Rasoamaharo et
Ramarosoana ont fait appel de ces décisions.

Nous sommes préoccupés par ce qui apparaît comme une campagne d'intimidation
concertée contre La Gazette de la Grande Ile. Ces derniers mois, plusieurs
journalistes et directeurs travaillant pour ce journal ont été condamnés à
des peines de prison ou à des amendes pour diffamation et d'autres
accusations liées à leurs activités journalistiques.

Nous vous rappelons respectueusement que le recours au droit pénal constitue
un moyen totalement inapproprié de résoudre les cas de diffamation et que
l'emprisonnement de MM. Rasoamaharo et Ramarosoana pour des délits de presse
va à l'encontre de plusieurs accords internationaux. Nous pensons que des
réparations adéquates via les tribunaux civils sous forme de dommages et
intérêts constituent une réparation adéquate pour tous les cas avérés de
diffamation.

Nous vous demandons respectueusement d'user de toute votre influence pour
obtenir l'annulation des peines de prison infligées à MM. Rasoamaharo et
Ramarosoana et l'abandon de toutes les charges pesant contre eux. Nous
invitons votre gouvernement à reconsidérer le projet de loi sur la
communication déposé devant le parlement la semaine dernière et à user de
toute votre influence pour que la diffamation soit dépénalisée dans votre
pays.

Dans l'attente de votre réponse dans les meilleurs délais, nous vous prions
d'agréer, Votre Excellence, l'expression de notre haute considération.

Gavin O'Reilly
Président par interim
Association Mondiale des Journaux

George Brock
Président
World Editors Forum

Pour tout renseignement complémentaire, veuillez contacter Larry Kilman,
AMJ, 7, rue Geoffroy St. Hilaire, 75005 Paris, France, tél: +33 1 47 42 85
00, téléc: +33 1 47 42 49 48, courrier électronique: lkilman@wan.asso.fr,
Internet: http://www.wan-press.org

L'AMJ est responsable de toute information contenue dans cette alerte. En
citant cette information, prière de bien vouloir l'attribuer à l'AMJ.
_______________________________________________________________
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Sierra Leone: WAN concerned about attack on editor and temporary closure of six newspapers

Letter to the government of Sierra Leone

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/28268

"We are writing on behalf of the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum, which represent 18,000 publications in 100 countries, to express our serious concern at an attack on editor Harry Yansaneh and the temporary closure of six independent newspapers. According to reports, on 10 May family members of the parliamentary representative for the Tonkolili Central Constituency, Fatamata Hassan Komeh, were involved in an incident in which Mr Yansaneh, acting editor of the daily For Di People, was assaulted, allegedly for writing negative comments about the government. Two of Mrs Komeh's sons and three others reportedly entered the newspaper's offices and Mr Yansaneh was assaulted. They also chased other staff members out of the offices and damaged computers and other equipment."
IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: World Association of Newspapers (WAN), gov.affairs@wan.asso.fr

His Excellency Ahmad Tejan Kabbah
President of Sierra Leone
c/o Sierra Leone High Commission
Oxford Circus House, London
United Kingdom
Email: info@slhc-uk.org.uk

18 May 2005


Your Excellency,

We are writing on behalf of the World Association of Newspapers and the
World Editors Forum, which represent 18,000 publications in 100 countries,
to express our serious concern at an attack on editor Harry Yansaneh and the
temporary closure of six independent newspapers.

According to reports, on 10 May family members of the parliamentary
representative for the Tonkolili Central Constituency, Fatamata Hassan
Komeh, were involved in an incident in which Mr Yansaneh, acting editor of
the daily For Di People, was assaulted, allegedly for writing negative
comments about the government. Two of Mrs Komeh's sons and three others
reportedly entered the newspaper's offices and Mr Yansaneh was assaulted.
They also chased other staff members out of the offices and damaged
computers and other equipment.

On the same day, six independent newspapers were reportedly forced off
newsstands for three days following an order that no generators be used in a
building belonging to Mrs Komeh. The building houses the offices of The
Independent Observer, For Di People, The Pool, The African Champion, The
Pioneer and The Progress. Mrs Komeh has also reportedly asked all six
newspapers, which have been operating from her building for more than a
decade, to leave the premises within six months and requested that they
restrict working hours to 7.45am to 7.45pm.

We respectfully remind you that the assault on Mr Yansaneh and the closure
of six newspapers constitutes a clear threat to the right to freedom of
expression, which is guaranteed by numerous international conventions,
including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 of the
Declaration states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and
expression; this right includes the freedom to hold opinions without
interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through
any media, regardless of frontiers."

We respectfully call on you to ensure that all those responsible for the
attack on Mr Yansaneh are brought to justice. We ask you to do everything
possible to ensure that all members of the press are able to exercise their
right to freedom of expression without interference.

We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Gavin O'Reilly
Acting President
World Association of Newspapers

George Brock
President
World Editors Forum

Zimbabwe: Police detain journalist for filming raid on street vendors

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/28269

Zimbabwean security forces have detained a freelance journalist filming police as they cleared Harare's central business district of street vendors, according to a lawyer for the press freedom group MISA-Zimbabwe. The journalist, Frank Chikowore, was being held without charge. "It's outrageous that Zimbabwean authorities would lock up someone who was simply filming the activities of police in a public place," said Ann Cooper, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. "We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Frank Chikowore and an end to this kind of abuse."
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ALERT - ZIMBABWE

19 May 2005

Police detain journalist for filming raid on street vendors

SOURCE: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), New York

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

ZIMBABWE: Police detain journalist who filmed raid on street vendors

New York, May 19, 2005 - Zimbabwean security forces yesterday detained a
freelance journalist filming police as they cleared Harare's central
business district of street vendors, according to a lawyer for the press
freedom group MISA-Zimbabwe. The journalist, Frank Chikowore, was being held
without charge today.

"It's outrageous that Zimbabwean authorities would lock up someone who was
simply filming the activities of police in a public place," said Ann Cooper,
executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. "We demand the
immediate and unconditional release of Frank Chikowore and an end to this
kind of abuse."

MISA-Zimbabwe legal officer Wilbert Mandinde, who is seeking Chikowore's
release, said police gave no explanation for the arrest. He told CPJ that
Chikowore had a government license to practice journalism, as required by
Zimbabwe's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), and
that he had been detained because he was filming police "harassing innocent
people."

Chikowore had just finished another assignment when he came upon the police
sweep and began filming, MISA-Zimbabwe spokesman Nyasha Nyakunu said.

Mandinde, who met with Chikowore, said the journalist has a swollen left
foot after being manhandled by police. MISA-Zimbabwe reported that police
confiscated Chikowore's video camera and two notebooks.

A crackdown on the independent press in Zimbabwe that started in 2002 has
included the detainment, harassment, and forced exiled of dozens of
journalists, as well as the closure of four newspapers.

CPJ is a New York-based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to
safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit
http://www.cpj.org

For further information, contact Africa Program Coordinator Julia Crawford
or Research Associate Alexis Arieff at CPJ, 330 Seventh Ave., New York, NY
10001, U.S.A., tel: +1 212 465 1004, fax: +1 212 465 9568, e-mail:
africaprogram@cpj.org, Internet: http://www.cpj.org/

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of CPJ.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit CPJ.
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UK Black Students mobilise on G8

Kainde Manji

2005-05-24

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/diaspora/28229

"Never doubt that a small group of dedicated citizens can change the world; in fact it is the only thing that can". In 1999 and 2000 many of us campaigned to drop the crippling burden of debt that serves to entrench colonial dominance in the so called 'third world'; but we must keep that pressure up. In 2005, this year, the leaders of eight of the richest and most powerful countries in the world come to Scotland, and it must be us who set the agenda for change. For too long our brothers and sisters have struggled in the face of leaders for who out of sight really is out of mind! Let us go to Edinburgh on July 2nd and march behind our banner and let us show the G8 that our brothers and sisters throughout the world are not alone and disparate, but united and strong.
Speech Given by Kainde Manji at NUS Black Students Conference, Coventry University 22nd May 2005 in support of a motion entitled International Justice and Equality: Make Poverty History

Conference, this weekend we have proven how effective we can be when we work in solidarity with each other. One of my favourite Quotes states: "Never doubt that a small group of dedicated citizens can change the world; in fact it is the only thing that can".

Conference, we are that group of Citizens. Yesterday we touched on the importance of our role not just as a students movement, but one that works in unity with the wider community; Now let us change the world.

We must take a proactive stance in support of our brothers and sisters across the world; many of whom lack the fundamental resources to life. In 1999 and 2000 many of us campaigned to drop the crippling burden of debt that serves to entrench colonial dominance in the so called 'third world'; but we must keep that pressure up. In 2005, this year, the leaders of eight of the richest and most powerful countries in the world come to Scotland, and it must be us who set the agenda for change. For too long our brothers and sisters have struggled in the face of leaders for who out of sight really is out of mind!

Many of our parents and those of us here will have campaigned to end the injustice of apartheid in South Africa, and now Mr Mandela, Madiba is supporting our movement and our Black Students Handbook! We must act to end the illegal occupation of Palestine and Unseat the apartheid government that exists there, for conference, that is what it is - the legal segregation and control of a people is apartheid.

We must also work to tackle the Neo-Colonial agenda purported by our government and by George Bush; A policy that has been typified by the occupation of Afganistan following September 11, and the current occupation of Iraq, not for human rights but for oil.

The Spread of HIV and AIDS in African and India is a major problem for the international Black community and we must speak out against the abuse of this pandemic by pharmaceutical companies who insist upon a monopoly on drug provision only to line their own pockets, whilst our people die in their thousands.

So Conference, let us take this stand, and let us go to Edinburgh on July 2nd and march behind our banner and let us show the G8 that our brothers and sisters throughout the world are not alone and disparate, but united and strong.

Conference Please support this motion.

Africa/Global: War main reason for world hunger, says UN

2005-05-25

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050523/hl_afp/faofoodhunger_050523184200

Armed conflicts and economic crises are the chief reasons for mounting world hunger, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said, while offering a grim outlook on plans to cut the number of those going hungry worldwide in half by 2015. "Peace encourages investments and allows social and economic development. Conflict destroys lives, opportunities and environments," the FAO's food security committee said as it began meeting in Rome.

Kenya: Risk of conflict increasing

2005-05-25

http://www.minorityrights.org/news_detail.asp?ID=356

Urgent action to address inequality is required in Kenya if a future major internal conflict is to be avoided. A new report launched in Nairobi, Kenya and at the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, demonstrates how inequalities between communities are increasing in this hitherto peaceful country and how government budget allocations are making the problems of minority and indigenous peoples intolerable.

Nigeria: Religious Violence Fueled by Impunity

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/conflict/28243

One year after some 900 people were massacred in clashes between Muslims and Christians in northern and central Nigeria, the Nigerian government has failed to prosecute those responsible for this cycle of violence, Human Rights Watch said in a new report. The 75-page report, "Revenge in the Name of Religion: The Cycle of Violence in Plateau and Kano States," provides the first detailed analysis of these incidents and the factors that continue to threaten the stability of central and northern Nigeria. It provides detailed documentation of two major outbreaks of violence in the town of Yelwa, Plateau State, in February and May 2004, and a reprisal attack in the northern city of Kano in May 2004.
Nigeria: Religious Violence Fueled by Impunity
Government Must Bring Local Perpetrators and
Security Forces to Justice

(London, May 25, 2005) -- One year after some 900 people were
massacred in clashes between Muslims and Christians in northern and
central Nigeria, the Nigerian government has failed to prosecute those
responsible for this cycle of violence, Human Rights Watch said in a
report released today.

The 75-page report, "Revenge in the Name of Religion: The Cycle of
Violence in Plateau and Kano States," provides the first detailed
analysis of these incidents and the factors that continue to threaten the
stability of central and northern Nigeria. It provides detailed
documentation of two major outbreaks of violence in the town of
Yelwa, Plateau State, in February and May 2004, and a reprisal attack
in the northern city of Kano in May 2004.

In the central region that lies between the mainly Muslim north and
largely Christian south, armed Muslims on February 24, 2004 killed
more than 75 Christians in the town of Yelwa, at least 48 of them
inside a church compound. Then on May 2 and 3, hundreds of well-
armed Christians surrounded the town from different directions and
killed around 700 Muslims. They also abducted scores of women,
some of whom were raped. Both attacks were well-organized, and in
both instances, the victims were targeted on the basis of their
religion.

One week later, reacting to reports of the Yelwa attacks, Muslims in
the northern city of Kano on May 11 and 12 turned against Christian
residents of the city, killing more than 200. In addition, police and
soldiers deployed to restore order in Kano carried out dozens of
extrajudicial killings themselves. The victims included people who,
according to eyewitnesses, were not even involved in the violence.

"The Nigerian government bears a heavy responsibility for the
massive loss of life in these eruptions of violence fueled by religion,"
said Peter Takirambudde, director of Human Rights Watch?s Africa
Division. "The security forces were absent while hundreds of people
were being massacred in Yelwa. Instead of protecting those at risk and
trying to arrest the perpetrators, police and soldiers shot people on
sight in Kano."

There have been numerous other incidents in Plateau State over the
last four years, starting with the outbreak of violence in city of Jos in
September 2001, in which around 1,000 people were killed in less than
a week. In 2002 and 2003, violence spread to other parts of the state.
Human Rights Watch estimates that between 2,000 and 3,000 people
have died in communal violence in Plateau State since 2001.

"The warning signs were there for a long time," said Takirambudde.
"But the government chose to do nothing until the situation spiraled
out of the control."

Some two weeks after the massacre in Yelwa, President Olusegun
Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State on May 18,
2004, and suspended the state governor. An interim administrator
launched an ambitious peace program, and relative calm was
restored.

Six months later, in November, the state of emergency was lifted, but
the peace program appears to have stalled. Various initiatives proposed
under the state of emergency ? notably a truth and reconciliation
commission ? have not been implemented. Dozens of people have
been arrested, but those responsible for planning and organizing the
violence have still not been prosecuted. Neither have the police or
soldiers responsible for the killings in Kano.

"The government needs to do much more to ensure lasting peace in the
affected areas," said Takirambudde. "The authorities need to send a
clear message that those responsible for these killings will be arrested
and prosecuted. The impunity protecting the perpetrators has only
encouraged further violence."

The report provides background information on the causes of the
violence in Plateau State and explains how a localized dispute between
ethnic groups competing for political control, land and economic
resources turned into a fully fledged religious conflict, extending well
beyond the boundaries of the state.

"Both Muslims and Christians have realized that religion is an
extremely effective way of mobilizing large numbers of people," said
Takirambudde. "Local leaders on both sides have cynically
manipulated religion with disastrous consequences."

At the heart of the conflict is the distinction between "indigenes"?
people who consider themselves as the original inhabitants of an
area?and those whom they view as "settlers." The concept of
"indigeneship" has been exploited and used to discriminate against
those termed as "settlers."

"The Nigerian government needs to remove the distinction between
?indigenes? and ?settlers?," said Takirambudde. "As long as this
distinction is given official recognition, the potential for further
conflict remains."

Human Rights Watch urged the Nigerian government to seize the
opportunity of the current calm in Plateau and Kano states to
implement a number of other measures aimed at preventing a
recurrence of the conflict. In particular, Nigerian authorities should
identify and bring to justice those who organized and planned the
violence, and should ensure the timely deployment of an adequate
security force presence in areas of tension, while ensuring that
members of the security forces do not carry out abuses themselves.

To view this document on the Human Rights Watch web site, please
go to: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/05/23/nigeri10993.htm

Sudan: AU calls for increased support to Darfur mission

2005-05-25

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47288

Africa’s peacekeeping mission in war-torn Darfur risks failure unless it receives increased support, the African Union (AU) warned on Wednesday. Speaking on the eve of a major fundraising conference for the peacekeeping mission, AU Peace Commissioner Said Djinnit told reporters Darfur was a critical test of international commitment and Africa’s resolve to end wars on the continent.

Sudan: Officials call for restraint following violence

2005-05-23

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=47216

Sudanese and UN officials have called for calm after 30 people were killed when Sudanese security forces tried last Wednesday to forcibly relocate internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Soba Eradi camp, 30 km south of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. In a statement, Jan Pronk, the special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sudan, said he was "deeply concerned by reports of death in the Soba IDP area."

Uganda: Hearing the voices of children who experience violence

2005-05-25

http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC16692

More than 98 percent of children in five districts in Uganda reported experiencing physical or emotional violence in a study conducted by Save the Children Uganda. 75.8 percent reported experiencing sexual violence, and 74.4 percent reported experiencing economic violence. "For each form of violence, a significant percentage of children reported experiencing the violence at least once a week or more," the report said.

Zimbabwe: Zimbabweans Face Famine Threat

2005-05-26

http://www.iwpr.net/index.pl?archive/ar/ar_ze_035_1_eng.txt

Signs of despair and looming starvation are evident almost everywhere in Zimbabwe's countryside which is suffering from the government's destruction of commercial agriculture and a third successive year of drought. Normally at this time, as the short southern winter begins, people would be completing the harvest of maize, the staple food, and be preparing to deliver their produce to the sole legal grain buyer, the government's Grain Marketing Board.

GEM sparkles among IT4D practitioners in Cairo

2005-05-26

http://www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=33304

Accessibility of ICTs requires adequate equipment, information, financing, organization, training and time. As more and more of today's development work and money is channelled into projects that employ ICTs, it's becoming more important to evaluate the differentiated impacts it has on men, women, girls and boys. To understand GEM better, thirty-six ICT-for-development practitioners came together in the land of the pyramids - Cairo, Egypt.

Is ICT duplication building a knowledge base or wasting resources?

2005-05-26

http://www.cinsa.info/portal/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=418&Itemid=106

Many developing country leaders have embraced information and communications technology (ICT) as an engine for growth and development. However, translating a grand vision into practical steps that fit the local context, and then executing it effectively, is easier said than done. Decision-makers need to know where the country stands in terms of ICT availability and use, so they can plan toward their goals.

Isis-WICCE Launches New Rural Information Unit in Soroti

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/internet/28256

A state of art Information Unit has been launched at Teso Women Peace Activists' (TEWPA) new office in Soroti town in Eastern Uganda by Isis-Women International Cross Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE), a non-governmental organisation that has been operating in Uganda since 1993. The new Soroti Information Unit is the fourth of the series of such units to be opened and supported by Isis-WICCE in the country with the aims of building skills and enabling the communicative mechanisms of women especially those in the rural areas.
Isis-WICCE Launches New Rural Information Unit in Soroti

SOURCE: Wougnet mailing list, http://www.wougnet.org

A state of art Information Unit has been launched at Teso Women Peace
Activists' (TEWPA) new office in Soroti town in Eastern Uganda by Isis-Women
International Cross Cultural Exchange (Isis-WICCE), a non-governmental
organisation that has been operating in Uganda since 1993. The new Soroti
Information Unit is the fourth of the series of such units to be opened and
supported by Isis-WICCE in the country with the aims of building skills and
enabling the communicative mechanisms of women especially those in the rural
areas.

The first information units to be opened were those of the districts of
Luwero (1998) with Luweero Women Development Association, Iganga (1999) with
National for Social and Education Advancement and Mubende (1999) with
Buwekula Women's Development Association.

The Information Unit, which was launched by the Soroti district Resident
District Commissioner (RDC) Mr Musa Ecweru on 13th May 2005 comprises of a
computer set with its printer, a television set, a video deck, a mobile
telephone hand set, and a landline telephone system. As a result, TEWPA now
enjoys e-mail (tesowomen@utlonline.co.ug) and Internet connectivity using
the dial-up connectivity mechanism. The centre also has a collection of
books and other publications that could be used as reference material by the
local leaders and community.

In his remarks, the RDC Soroti was happy that the newly opened information
centre will not only help women and men in the community to learn and master
the knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) but will
also promote computer literacy. He further underscored the role of ICTs in
educating and informing the women and the masses. "This is an important
facility in the centre of the Itesot community. If put to good use, women
and the local leaders will be easily mobilised and more informed about the
situation in their areas before interventions are undertaken. Local leaders
will use this unit for skills training so that they will never be accused of
being computer illiterate", he asserted.

Mr Ecweru who sits on the board of TEWPA noted that the information unit is
going to be a major asset of the organisation and especially in enhancing
its activities of collaborating with the local leadership in the
pacification processes of Karamojong and Teso regions. He said, "TEWPA which
has been collaborating with the local leadership in pacification efforts
will now do better with such a facility in linking mothers and the different
communities in this region. TEWPA should actively use this information unit
to champion other reconciliation efforts in homes, communities and the whole
region".

Mr Ecweru also commended women for their active participation that led to
the ending of the rebellion in the Teso region. He particularly noted that
even in recent peace initiatives, their involvement and participation has
always helped in the yielding of positive results. He particularly noted
that the women's involvement in the Internally Displacement Peoples Camps
(IDPs) has not only made the activity successful but also more transparent.

Mr Ecweru acknowledged that the new information unit puts Teso women at the
forefront of the ICT revolution in the region and urged them to use it
meaningfully. "This unit puts you ahead of others. It should therefore, help
you to get effectively involved in the mobilisation efforts of the
community", he emphasised. He called on all levels of leadership to take
gender mainstreaming seriously and especially enable women be part and
parcel of decision-making. He said that a mechanism of recognising women's
contribution in development should be allowed to evolve so that women can
confidently champion the activities and the economic interventions
necessarily for development of a peaceful culture in the region.

Speaking on the same occasion, the Director, Isis-WICCE Ms Ruth Ochieng
underlined the importance of women information unit in addressing the
communication gaps between women leaders and other women generally. "Rural
women information units can provide women leaders in rural areas with
communicative mechanisms that would not only enable them access relevant,
appropriate and timely information, but would be able to generate indigenous
knowledge that is vital in the empowerment agenda". She said that the
communication tools availed to TEWPA are all they require to get timely
information and react on it adequately.

She reported that the newly established information unit is to act as a
centre of women's learning, a centre for the interaction of women and girls
as well as create space for women to embrace the information society by
accessing appropriate technologies. Ms Ochieng also noted her organisation's
expectations from the unit; " Isis-WICCE's expectations are that this unit
becomes a communication hub that will bring change in Teso...women activists
will be more innovative in using these communication tools to inform,
strategise and demand for social, economic and political transformation,"
she emphasised.

Ms Ochieng said that the Soroti unit is composed of traditional and new
technologies that Isis-WICCE believes will support women leaders in the
region to generate knowledge that will boost their efforts to fight
HIV/AIDS, Poverty, Illiteracy and persistent conflicts

She stressed the importance of the right of women to communicate as an
important aspect in the fulfilment of national commitments like the
Millennium Development Goals as well as enable the women of Teso to act when
they are well informed. " ...We all rely on Knowledge as a resource for
empowerment and social change. This is what this unit is here to provide,"
she emphasised.

Ms Ochieng called for all necessary support to the unit so that it attains a
level of sustainability. " This unit will be the major link between the
local government and the women of Teso. You will intervene when you are well
informed...all other stakeholders should use this space to build women's
skills in entrepreneurship, health, positive cultures and leadership. But it
cannot sustain itself unless others in the private sector and the local
administration give it all necessary support", she noted.

She also underlined the importance of the information unit to women in
leadership positions; "this unit is Isis-WICCE's contribution to creating an
opportunity for women leaders in Teso Region to be part of the global
information society that has the ability to organise, adopt and change the
lives of women through knowledge generation and sharing".

She also appealed to the local government, the cultural institutions and the
private sector to support TEWPA, which she said is a visible launch pad of
women initiatives in the region. " Communication is key to this if you can
develop principles of strategic partnerships, that include clear vision,
transparency, sharing expertise and resources", she advised.

The co-ordinator of TEWPA Mrs Cecelia Engole reiterated the importance of
the information unit to the women of Teso region. She assured Isis-WICCE
that the unit will reach and benefit the rural women of Teso region in
receiving, collecting and disseminating information on issues of concern to
women in the rural areas like domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and human rights
abuses. She commended Isis-WICCE's empowerment efforts through putting in
place facilities like the information unit. " A development partner
assisting women to access information is certainly empowering women to solve
many of the problems they face", she asserted. Mrs Engole noted that this is
in line with TEWPA's objectives that emphasise that when a woman gets
informed, she can actively get involved and participate in development.

She appealed for more support to TEWPA noting that Isis-WICCE has only
provided basic equipment that are necessary for starting off an information
unit. She said that a lot more is needed to make the centre effective and
functional in empowering the rural women of Teso sub region to engage in
meaningful development.

Speaking about the importance of the information unit to women, Ms Margaret
Kakembo of Luweero Women Development Association where Isis-WICCE
established her first information unit in 1998 noted that the Luweero
information unit has since unit has since helped;
* Rural women target and get involved in income generating activities that
have improved the welfare of their families. She revealed that one woman in
their group now makes a popular herbal soap that has rapidly improved her
income.

* Women actively get involved in politics and have taken up important
leadership positions at the national and local levels of leadership.

* Women get courage to learn from each other by openly talking about their
experiences and deciding together on viable solutions.

* Women form drama groups that have enhanced their communication activities
at the local level.

She congratulated TEWPA on her achievement noting that the e-mail and
Internet facilities will empower the women in all knowledge aspects.

Podcasting for Zimbabwe

2005-05-26

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4566815.stm

Anyone wishing to learn Zimbabwe's main language, Shona, now has a new option - the Shona podcast. A podcast is basically a radio show that can be downloaded over the internet and then listened to on a portable digital music player, such as an iPod or an MP3 player.

Africast Newsletter

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/enewsl/28299

Stay connected with events and happenings. Register now to receive africast eNewsletters hot off the press via e-mail. And, send it to a friend. To recieve weekly summaries of major African news stories by email, go to http://www.africast.com/news.php to subscribe.

E-Newsletter on Child-Led Associations in Africa

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/enewsl/28298

What are associations of working children and youth, and others child led organisation doing in the towns of Africa together with their supporting structures, to increase their rights? Calao Express, is a new monthly electronic newsletter edited by Enda TM Dakar. It is made up of the contributions of child led organisations.
E-Newsletter on Child-Led Associations in Africa

What are associations of working children and youth, and others child led organisation doing in the towns of Africa together with their supporting structures, to increase their rights? Calao Express, is a new monthly
electronic newsletter edited by Enda TM Dakar. It is made up of the contributions of child led organisations. In a few minutes, it enables readers to get informed on the activities of working children, supporting
structures, and NGOs within Africa and throughout the World. The newsletter is available in French, English and Portuguese.

Enda TM Dakar would like to receive comments about the Newsletter as well as contributions via: capexcom@enda.sn

For more information, contact:
ENDA TM, Equip Jeunesse Action
54 rue Carnot, BP 3370, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: + 221 821 21 13; Fax: + 221 823 51 57
Email: jeuda@enda.sn
Website: http://www.enda.sn/eja

English: http://www.enda.sn/eja/anglais/calaolexpress_
en.htm
French: http://www.enda.sn/eja/francais/informations/
calaolexpress.htm
Portuguese: http://www.enda.sn/eja/francais/informations/
calaolexpress_p.htm

25th International Fundraising Congress bursaries

2005-05-25

http://www.resource-alliance.org/page.php?sectionid=3&subsectionid=87&pageid=493

The deadline for applications for bursaries to attend the upcoming International Fundraising Congress is May 30. The bursary will cover the cost of attending the 25th International Fundraising Congress to be held from 19th -21st October in Leeuwenhorst, the Netherlands. The recipients will also have one day post congress training to be held on 22nd October. This training is courtesy of the Guy Stringer Fund founding corporate partner SAZ.

Are fundraisers saints or sinners

2005-05-25

http://www.saifundraising.org.za/articles.htm#Saints%20or%20Sinners

"People who move into fundraising and commence the creation of resource mobilisation strategies come from many directions, and today the search is on for effective staff or volunteers to handle this all-important function. There is no pool of experienced fundraisers to draw on, no placement agencies specialising in this field and until recently no formal training programmes that would give the practical grounding in the knowledge, skills and techniques that are essential for professional development. Therefore, we need to examine the personal characteristics that are most likely to provide just the kind of fundraisers Non-profit organisations are seeking." - From the website of the Southern African Institute of Fundraising.

Making and Maintaining Relationships for Sustainability

2005-05-25

http://www.thusanang.org.za/index.php?option=news&task=viewarticle&sid=41

The fundraising experts agree: "fundraising is friend-raising". The importance of building strong relationships with donors for financial sustainability is a topic that always inspires interest in the NGO world. However, in recent times, the issue of relationship building for sustainability beyond traditional donor engagement is a subject gaining a great deal of interest. In this age of scarce resources, donor fatigue and the need for innovation in resource mobilisation, an organisation's survival seems to depend not only on relationships with donors, but also with its peers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders for reasons that include strategic campaigning, fundraising and impact. Read the rest of this article by visiting www.thusang.org.za, the Southern African funding information facility.

The Firelight Foundation

2005-05-26

http://www.firelightfoundation.org

The Firelight Foundation supports the needs and rights of children who are orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Firelight increases the resources available to grassroots organisations that are strengthening the capacity of families and communities to care for children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. The Foundation provides one-year grants of $500 to $10,000 to community-based initiatives that work directly and effectively to support the fundamental needs and rights of children (birth to 21 years) orphaned/affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. (Source: News on the Edge; Skoll Foundation through the e-CIVICUS newsletter)

Mango courses for Cape Town

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/28257

Mango’s training programme is being held in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time in August 2005 and will offer two of their most popular financial management training events:
FM1: Practical Financial Management for NGOs: Getting the Basics Right:
Monday 8 August to Friday 12 June 2005, GBP550
FM2: Strategic Financial Management for NGOs: Managing for Financial Sustainability:
Monday 15 August to Wednesday 17 August 2005, GBP400
Mango courses for Cape Town

We are delighted that Mango’s training programme is being held in Cape Town, South Africa for the first time in August 2005. We will be facilitating two of our most popular financial management training events:

FM1: Practical Financial Management for NGOs: Getting the Basics Right:
Monday 8 August to Friday 12 June 2005, GBP550
FM2: Strategic Financial Management for NGOs: Managing for Financial Sustainability:
Monday 15 August to Wednesday 17 August 2005, GBP400

The FM1 course is perfect for non-finance managers and finance officers who want to manage their financial resources in a cost effective, controlled and accountable way, to achieve project objectives. By the end of the course you will be able to write effective budgets; prepare and analyse financial reports; and implement effective financial controls.

Here is what previous participants have said about the FM1 course:

“Overwhelmed by the training! Not exaggerating – I learnt so many useful things.”
“I had little knowledge on financial management but now my mind has been opened. I have learnt a lot which I’ll take back to my organisation.”
”The training was very comprehensive, with the right balance of information and practical exercises.”

The FM2 course is a practical and challenging course for any manager concerned with the financial sustainability of their NGO It is an ideal follow-up to the FM1 course. By the end of the course you will know how financial sustainability is achieved in practice; how to establish reserves and finance core costs; and how to assess risk and plan for times of uncertainty.

Here are a few comments from previous FM2 participants:

“Without doubt, the best financial management training course I have ever attended."
"Extremely useful course on a very important subject."
"Really helped to clarify my understanding of financial sustainability."

Book Now!

If you would like to reserve one of the remaining places on these courses, please contact Barbara or Erica as soon as possible on training@ mango.org.uk. They will pleased to send you further details and deal with all your booking enquiries.

You can also access detailed course outlines on our website at http://www.mango.org.uk/training/courseoutlines.asp and a booking form at http://www.mango.org.uk/training/bookingform.asp

Special offer: if you book a place on both the FM1 and FM2 courses, we will give you a 5% discount on the course fee!

Bursary places: thanks to the generous support of the Association of Accountancy Technicians (AAT) we are delighted to be able to offer a limited number of bursaries (for course fees only) for poorly-resourced NGOs based in Zambia and Botswana. Please enquire at training@ mango.org.uk

Who Will Protect Children Rights in Egypt?

27 May, 2005, Cairo, Egypt

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/28291

The Land Center for Human Rights (LCHR) is calling for a 'New Egypt' where everyone carries the responsibility - and should prioritise - the protection of children rights and their future. The aim of this workshop is to raise awareness on children's rights, particularly in Egypt . For more information, please e-mail: lchr@thewayout.net or see www.lchr-eg.org

Economist, Development Specialists and Social Scientists

HSRC

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/28314

We seek to appoint dynamic researchers and research leaders into the Employment and Economic Policy Research Programme. We offer challenging opportunities to participate or lead in the design and delivery of cutting-edge projects in policy-oriented research related to Employment, Labour Market Analysis, Industrial Analysis, Technology Policy and Macro-economics.
HSRC


Employment and Economic Policy Research


In delivering 'social science that makes a difference”, the ten interdisciplinary research programmes of the HSRC are engaged in two hundred and fifty projects and programmes serving diverse users in South Africa and the region. There are HSRC offices in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.


Economist, Development Specialists and Social Scientists
(Research Specialist, Senior Research Specialist, Chief Research Specialist and Research Director Levels)


We seek to appoint dynamic researchers and research leaders into the Employment and Economic Policy Research Programme. We offer challenging opportunities to participate or lead in the design and delivery of cutting-edge projects in policy-oriented research related to Employment, Labour Market Analysis, Industrial Analysis, Technology Policy and Macro-economics. Our programmes focuses on promoting employment and economic growth in SA and the region, with an emphasis on economy-wide employment analysis, diversification strategies, the role of procurement, employment and basic needs sectors, skills development and labour market policy. We develop and implement these programmes in close cooperation with key stakeholders to ensure relevance and absorption into policy and action.

The Research Programme seeks candidates with a strong background in policy impact research and one or more of: industry studies, technology policy, labour market analysis, employment studies, poverty studies, HIV/AIDS in industry, macro-economic policy and modelling and/or applied statistics/econometrics.

Key requirements for these positions include:
Designing programmes for problem-oriented interdisciplinary research;
Delivering high-quality results and reports to budget and deadline;
Communicating research findings and publishing in refereed journals;
Building national and international research links;
Networking with major users and funders of social science research to understand their research needs;
Responding to requests for tenders and formulating grant applications;
At Director level and chief specialist level, leading and managing large-scale rigorous social-science projects shaped to users' needs;
A Masters degree and preferably a doctorate in Economics, Development Studies or related field, some publications, and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

In addition, we seek candidates with:
Intellectual and personal integrity, imagination and drive;
A strong user orientation, based on a commitment to social research that makes a difference;
The ability and enthusiasm to engage as a team player in large scale multidisciplinary research, and at senior levels, demonstrated achievement and enthusiasm for managing research teams, and mentoring and training their members;
Experience and strengths in research method and design;
The versatility to apply quantitative and qualitative methodologies to challenging subject matter across disciplinary boundaries.

The HSRC offers attractive, market-related packages. Depending on qualifications, experience and recent performance, the annual 'cost to company' package for Research Specialists starts from R215 200, Senior Research Specialists from R242 700, Chief Research Specialists from R327 600 and Research Directors (equivalent to professors with extensive publications and consulting experience) from R442 200.
We prefer appointees to live in or near Pretoria, but appointments in Cape Town, or Durban may also be considered. Secondments and Fixed-term appointments will also be considered.
APPLICATIONS:
In your application, please include: Your CV; a letter of motivation (stating for which rank you are applying); the names of three referees (with telephone, fax and e-mail contact details); a copy of current earnings on a cost-to-company basis; and copies of three of your sole or first-authored publications (applicants may additionally submit examples of research/ consulting reports). Please submit this in hard copy and on a disk. The HSRC will only consider applications that include the above requirements. Applicants may be required to undertake a written exercise in the competencies required for the position.

Applications should be submitted to: The Head: Human Resources, HSRC, Private Bag X41, Pretoria, 0001, or delivered to Room 1353, HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria.

Enquiries and not applications may be e-mailed to dfisher@hsrc.ac.za <mailto:ldube@hsrc.ac.za>

The HSRC is committed to accelerating the improvement in the proportion of its senior managers and research leaders who are black, female or disabled.

The closing date for applications is 17 June 2005. We encourage applicants to submit prior to that date.

ICT Advocacy and Campaigns Coordinator

Fahamu

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/28297

Are you enthusiastic, energetic and capable of innovative and creative thinking around the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs)? Fahamu is looking for a recruit to work on our use of SMS and other new technologies to support social justice campaigns in the Africa region.

Answering to the News and Information Coordinator, you will:

- Liaise with campaign partners;
- Develop a database of mobile phone numbers;
- Assist in managing an SMS alert system to support the campaign;
- Disseminate information via SMS and email;
- Assist in promotion and marketing of associated services;
- Assist in the research and development of new initiatives.

We urgently need someone who is:

- Tech savvy and aware of the latest ICT developments and their relevance to the African continent;
- Computer literate and comfortable with the use of a computer as an essential tool of everyday life for emailing, internet research, word processing and excel;
- A sound communicator with the ability to write clearly and concisely;
- Able to demonstrate an ability to think creatively;
- Capable of meeting tight deadlines and working under pressure;
- Highly proficient in English (added languages, especially an African language, Arabic or French, would be an advantage);
- Able to motivate and inspire.

Ideally, the candidate will be Cape Town based, although applications will be considered from across the African continent. The candidate will have a university degree in media and communications, development, social science or any other relevant subject. Prior experience in an information, communications or advocacy role will be strongly taken into account.

The job is for a fixed period of six months in the first instance. This is a part time position that we envisage will require a commitment of two-and-a-half days per week. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.

If you believe you fit the above details please send a one-page covering letter and two-page CV to info@fahamu.org by 02 June 2005 (deadline extended). Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Senegal: Program Officer

CODESRIA

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/28254

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites applications from African scholars to fill a vacant position of Program Officer in the Department of Training, Grants and Fellowships in its pan-African Secretariat located in Dakar, Senegal. This position is categorized as belonging to the senior staff of the Council and as such is filled on the basis of an international announcement. The successful candidate will work as a member of the Secretariat under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Council.
Job Vacancy Announcement

 
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) invites applications from African scholars to fill a vacant position of Program Officer in the Department of Training, Grants and Fellowships in its pan-African Secretariat located in Dakar, Senegal. This position is categorized as belonging to the senior staff of the Council and as such is filled on the basis of an international announcement. The successful candidate will work as a member of the Secretariat under the overall supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Council.
 
Candidates wishing to apply for the position are requested to note that the Department has as its primary responsibility the management of the Council’s training, grants and fellowship programs including overseeing the Summer Institutes on Gender, Democratic Governance, Child and Youth Studies, Health, Politics and Society in Africa and the Annual Social Science Campus. It also manages the Small Grants for Thesis Writing, the CODESRIA Prize for Doctoral Theses and the CODESRIA Textbook Program. Furthermore, the Department also organizes various methodological workshops aimed at younger scholars, and the Advanced Research Fellowships targeted at more senior researchers.
 
In addition to his/her specific responsibilities, the successful candidate will be called upon to perform the following functions: initiate, develop and, where appropriate, manage new projects and programs; lend support for the realization of the other scientific activities of the Council; organize academic and policy meetings; promote contacts with researchers, professional associations and regional organizations; prepare research and funding proposals on themes connected to his/her areas of expertise as may be requested by the Executive Secretary; and liaise with funding organizations under the direction of the Executive Secretary.
 
More information on CODESRIA and its Department of Training, Grants and Fellowships can be obtained from the Council’s website: www.codesria.org It is CODESRIA policy to reflect the disciplinary, gender and linguistic diversity of the African social research community in its structures. In this connection, female candidates are especially encouraged to send in their applications for consideration for this position.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
 
Applicants must:
 
q      
Have a sound university education and post-doctoral working experience in a research and/or training environment;
q      
Have a good knowledge of CODESRIA and possess a demonstrable ability to mobilize and promote the work of African researchers;
q      
Know and be familiar with the African and international scientific community;
q      
Have a proven experience of management in an academic environment;
q      
Be experienced in fund-raising, resource management and the preparation of reports for donors;
q      
Have a distinguished record of publication in peer-reviewed journals;
q      
Be fluent in French or English and have a good working knowledge of the other language.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS
 
The salary level that will be offered will depend on the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications, and will be comparable to those of similar posts in other international organizations that apply the UN salary grill.
 
HOW TO APPLY
 
All applicants wishing to be considered for the positions are required to supply the following documents:
 
q      
A written application;
q      
A detailed CV describing the candidate’s professional experience;
q      
Three reference letters, two of which must come from people living in countries other than the applicant’s country of residence;
q      
Three or four of the candidate’s recent publications.
 
The reference letters in support of candidates must be sealed and sent under separate cover and marked ‘Confidential Reference’. The application letters and other supporting documents of candidates should be sent in a sealed envelope marked ‘Application Documents’ .
 
Both the application and the reference letters should be sent to:
 
The Executive Secretary
CODESRIA
Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop X Canal IV
P.O. Box 3304 CP 18524
Dakar/SENEGAL
 
CLOSING DATE
 
All applications must be received by 31 August 2005. Any application received after this date will not be considered.

Somaliland: Information technology specialist

Amoud University

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/28293

This post is based at Amoud community-based University in Borama, which is the first institute of higher education to evolve since the end of Somaliland’s period of conflict, operating between the main campus and the new e-Learning Centre in Borama town. This is an exciting opportunity for a resourceful and dedicated individual to assist in the development and management of information systems, the introduction of e-Learning, and offer necessary support and training to users.
For over 30 years, CIIR/ICD has been leading the way on practical international development issues for more than thirty years. Whether through placing development workers overseas, or in our policy and advocacy achievements, CIIR/ICD has a track record of making a difference. We work with people of all faiths and none.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SPECIALIST
Amoud University
Borama, Awdal Region, Somaliland
9 month contract


This post is based at Amoud community-based University in Borama, which is the first institute of higher education to evolve since the end of Somaliland’s period of conflict, operating between the main campus and the new e-Learning Centre in Borama town. This is an exciting opportunity for a resourceful and dedicated individual to assist in the development and management of information systems, the introduction of e-Learning, and offer necessary support and training to users.


We are looking for an innovative and creative individual able to handle the challenges inherent in a new institution in a developing country. You will have a diploma or other approved qualification in information systems and a minimum of 3 years work experience preferably in a medium to large organisation across two or more sites.

Experience in installation of LAN, including configuration and maintenance and appropriate security measures, web design and web construction using HTML and CSS, hardware maintenance, and setting up email and access to the Web are essential. You should also have experience of informal training of students/adults and of having worked in a resource-poor environment.

Knowledge of different operating systems including Windows, Unix and Mackintosh based system, an ability and commitment to share skills and experience and to work in a flexible way within existing resources are essential.

You should also and have gender awareness, cultural sensitivity, and social and political maturity. A commitment to the aims and objectives of the University and willingness to become involved in the wider life of the institution is also essential.


It is essential that you complete the application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be shortlisted for interview. Please do not send CVs.

For further information, a copy of the job description and an application form visit www.ciir.org (see section " jobs @ CIIR").

Please return the completed application form to: Recruitment@ciir.org

Closing date: 9th June 2005

Interviews: Mid/end June 2005

CIIR/ICD is committed to equal opportunities

South Africa: Fundraising Manager

CIVICUS

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/28258

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation invites applications for the position of Fundraising Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing a fundraising strategy to secure the resources needed for successful implementation of CIVICUS programmes. This position will involve extensive work in developing and writing grant proposals, based on CIVICUS' strategic and operating plans and current and new programming.
CIVICUS Vacancy: Fundraising Manager

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation invites applications for the position of Fundraising Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing a fundraising strategy to secure the resources needed for successful implementation of CIVICUS programmes. This position will involve extensive work in developing and writing grant proposals, based on CIVICUS' strategic and operating plans and current and new programming.

The job will include: researching and developing relationships with prospective donors; writing grant proposals; meetings, presentations and liaison with funders; assisting with the preparation of reports to grantmakers and other donors; and developing new lines of fundraising activity for CIVICUS. The Fundraising Manager will report to the Senior General Manager, Organisational Services.

Critical competencies will include:
Good knowledge of the international environment for resource mobilization;
Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising;
Excellent writing and editing skills;
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Candidates will be expected to show commitment to the vision and mission of CIVICUS. The ideal candidate will have at least five years working experience in fundraising, excellent written and spoken English and preferably another international language. Preference will be given to candidates with a graduate degree.

Remuneration is negotiable and commensurate with experience and
qualifications. This position is offered as an initial one year contract with the possibility of renewal.

Applications should be addressed to: Human Resources, P O Box 933,
Southdale, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2135 or humanresources@civicus.org

Deadline for applications is Monday, 6 June 2005 or until vacancy is filled.

Please note: This is re-advertisement. Previous candidate need not apply.

We regret that it will not be possible to acknowledge applications only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Best regards,
Eric

Eric Muragana
Communications Associate
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
24 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street ( former Pim) corner Quinn St., Newtown
2001 Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 833-5959 ext no. 136
Fax: +27 11 833-7997
Skype: muragana
Cell: +27 83 758-1032

Join CIVICUS. Visit www.civicus.org

Uganda: Program Officer

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

2005-05-25

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/28255

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI or the Institute) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
Employment Opportunity: Program Officer, Uganda Program


The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI or the Institute) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

The Institute’s Uganda program currently has an opening for a Program Officer. The Program Officer position will provide technical and administrative assistance to the Resident Representative, who will have general oversight of all NDI programs in Uganda. The Program Officer would be responsible for the management of two of the Institute’s programs in Uganda – an outreach program to women to encourage political participation and a civic and voter education program. NDI anticipates that it will partner with a small group of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Uganda on these components.

The specific responsibilities of the Program Officer will include:

• Serve as primary point of contact for the Institute’s Uganda partner organizations including, providing assistance to the CSOs in their efforts to comply with NDI’s subgrants policies and procedures; serve as technical advisor on the program; meeting with the partners on a pre-determined schedule to track program progress; prepare budgets for program activities organized by NDI for its partners and; communicate bi-weekly with the Resident Representative and Washington, DC on the program implementation.
• Organize and design training sessions for the partner organizations to improve their abilities to successfully meet their program objectives.
• Review and monitor civic partners’ financial reporting and compliance with grant guidelines, consistent with donor and Washington-based accounting procedures. Provide guidance and technical assistance to partners as necessary to maintain high standards of compliance.
• Promote constructive engagement between NDI and partner organizations.
• Conduct research and analysis, review any relevant government documents, policies and political developments that might impact on the Institute’s or its partners’ programs.
• Taking notes and preparing minutes for bi-weekly partner meetings.
• Coordinate the distribution of relevant information to partners prior to bi-weekly partner meetings.
• Coordinate media outreach and provide logistical support for partner’s media programs.
• In cooperation with Resident Representative, provide input into quarterly reports, workplans and other program planning documents.
• Assist the Resident Representative in the timely and accurate recording and reporting of all financial transactions in accordance with donor regulations, including the submission of monthly financial reconciliations.
• Provide administrative support to Resident Representative, as may be required.
• Other duties as the Resident Representative or staff in Washington, DC may require.

Minimum qualifications:

• A university degree in a relevant field;
• Prior work experience with a CSO or donor organization in Uganda;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken;
• Experience with word processing and spreadsheets;
• Financial management background preferred, but not required; and
• Familiarity with Ugandan political and social conditions, including knowledge of marginalized communities in the region.


Applications will be considered through close of business on Friday, June 17th. Please submit inquiry letter, CV, copies of academic transcripts, and two names of references to: Ms. Alexious Butler c/o NDI address below. (Only successfully short-listed candidates will be contacted.) Applications can also be submitted via email.

Physical Address:

National Democratic Institute
Plot 11, Portal Avenue
2nd Floor, Inside the Adams House parking lot
Kampala, Uganda
Email: abutler@ndi.org

Or Mailing Address:

National Democratic Institute
P.O. Box 23861
Kampala, Uganda

Introducing the Global Call to Action Against Poverty

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/gcap/28310

What is the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP)? In short, GCAP is a global alliance that aims to force world leaders to live up to their promises to end poverty in 2005. The main demands of GCAP are trade justice, debt cancellation, a major increase in the quantity and quality of aid and national efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals that are sustainable and implemented in a way that is democratic, transparent, and accountable to citizens. Visit www.whiteband.org to find out more about the issues involved and activities taking place in your country.

In Africa, the GCAP process is well under way, with the key dates for mobilisation set as June 16 (Day of the African Child); July 01 (Pre African Union Summit and G8 meetings); September 10 (pre United Nations MDG Summit) and December 10 (pre World Trade Organisation meeting in Hong Kong). Show your support for GCAP by wearing a white band on these days.

Anyone can join the campaign. Some of the ways you can get involved include:

1. Using your mobile phone
You can join the call by sending an SMS message with “No to Debt”, followed by any comment you wish to make and your name and surname to +27 82 904 3425 .

You can also access more information about the campaign by
- Sending a SMS/text message with ‘subscribe’ and ‘your name and surname’ to +27 82 904 3425
- Sending an email to gcapsubscribe@fahamu.org with subscribe in the subject line and your name and mobile/cell phone number (including country code) in the body of the email.

By doing this, you will be able to;
- Subscribe to a free information service
- Be able to send messages to world leaders voicing their support for debt cancellation throughput the year
- See your messages on the website www.whiteband.org

You will only be charged the standard fee from your network provider. There are NO other hidden costs

2. Acting by
- Wearing a white band on your wrist in solidarity on June 16th, July 1st, September 10th and December 10th
- Wrapping buildings with white bands, participating in G8 lobby visits, public hearings/meetings in Parliaments, schools, universities, football stadiums, public radio programmes, caravans and petitions that target youth, religious leaders and women.
- Attending regional music concerts in Accra September and Kenya December/August

3. Listening and watching

- Six ten minute debt cancellation radio programmes are to be aired in at least ten African countries
- Short audio and video adverts are to be aired on public broadcasting radio and television programmes in fifteen African countries (English, Arabic and French)

4. Reading about the campaign and contacting your national coordinating coalition by visiting www.whiteband.org

By clicking on the link below, you can read a Preliminary Communiqué from Africa Consultation of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, held on
March 30-31st 2005 in Kenya; a declaration from a Johannesburg GCAP meeting in September 2004 and an April 2005 ultimatum to G8 leaders on debt cancellation.
Preliminary Communiqué from Africa Consultation of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty,
March 30-31st 2005, School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya version 4

At the start of the 21st century more than a billion people are trapped in abject poverty. We face an AIDS emergency, with 40 million people already infected by the disease. 104 million children don’t go to primary school, and 860 million adults (most of them women) cannot read or write. Hunger is a daily reality for many. In parts of the world the death of mothers in childbirth and children in infancy is still routine - deaths that could be prevented by the availability of simple healthcare. 1.4 billion people don’t have access to safe water. This poverty is a violation of human rights on a massive scale; it is compounded by the trade injustice that keeps people poor. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the rights of all people to an adequate standard of living and well-being, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care: rights whose achievement are undermined by unjust trade practices.

Efforts to tackle poverty and deliver sustainable development, as pledged in the Millennium Declaration, are grossly inadequate. Governments too often fail to address the needs of their citizens, aid from rich countries is inadequate in both quality and quantity, and promises of debt cancellation have not materialized. Rich countries have yet to act on their repeated pledges to tackle unfair trade rules and practices. For the first time in history, we have the means to turn this situation around. 2005 is the year when we can make governments take action…..

There is great diversity among our group, but we know that we will be more effective when we work together. We do not endeavour to reach absolute agreement on a detailed global policy platform, but we do want to pressure governments to eradicate poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We want
* Trade justice
* Debt cancellation
* A major increase in the quantity and quality of aid
* National efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve the Millennium goals that are sustainable and developed and implemented in a way that is democratic, transparent, and accountable to citizens

Extract from the Johannesburg Declaration, September 2004

Preamble

We 70 representatives from international, continental and national organizations and coalitions working in over twenty-six countries from all the regions of Africa met in Nairobi to review global, regional and national progress on GCAP mobilization over 2005 and collectively plan for the global days of white band mobilization (June 16th, July 1st, September 10th and 10th December).

We shared experiences of organising people-centred advocacy and campaigning and plans for holding national governments and international institutions accountable to poverty eradication, public participation and human rights. Delegations also met with community leaders in Korogocho, a neighbouring urban informal settlement and lobbied Kenyan based G8 Ambassadors and Kenyan Ministries on April 1st in line with the global G8 action. We also engaged the Kenyan public in a forum at the University of Nairobi. This communiqué captures the main decisions from the workshop.

With this workshop, we assert ownership over GCAP campaigning in Africa and commit ourselves to playing a leading role in the global campaign. Building on the Johannesburg Declaration and informed by the four GCAP policy demands, we will adapt our programming and policy demands to our specific national circumstances. We note that an environment of peace, equality and democracy is necessary for the full expression of the campaign in Africa. Nevertheless, we reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for peace, equality and democracy in Africa.

DECLARATION FROM JOHANNESBURG SEPTEMBER 2004

PREAMBLE
At the start of the 21st century more than a billion people are trapped in abject poverty. We face an AIDS emergency, with 40 million people already infected by the disease. 104 million children don’t go to primary school, and 860 million adults (most of them women) cannot read or write. Hunger is a daily reality for many. In parts of the world the death of mothers in childbirth and children in infancy is still routine - deaths that could be prevented by the availability of simple healthcare. 1.4 billion people don’t have access to safe water. This poverty is a violation of human rights on a massive scale; it is compounded by the trade injustice that keeps people poor. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects the rights of all people to an adequate standard of living and well-being, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care: rights whose achievement are undermined by unjust trade practices.

Efforts to tackle poverty and deliver sustainable development, as pledged in the Millennium Declaration, are grossly inadequate. Governments too often fail to address the needs of their citizens, aid from rich countries is inadequate in both quality and quantity, and promises of debt cancellation have not materialized. Rich countries have yet to act on their repeated pledges to tackle unfair trade rules and practices.

For the first time in history, we have the means to turn this situation around. 2005 is the year when we can make governments take action. Acting on this opportunity, a group of NGOs, international networks, trade unions, religious groups and other civil society actors met in Johannesburg and agreed to launch a Global Call to Action Against Poverty.

The last few years have seen great global fragmentation and division. People all over the world feel less secure and less safe than ever. We believe that the world can unite again in solidarity against poverty. We have agreed to undertake joint action and mobilization at key times in 2005. We plan to link our actions symbolically by the wearing of a white band.

There is great diversity among our group, but we know that we will be more effective when we work together. We do not endeavour to reach absolute agreement on a detailed global policy platform, but we do want to pressure governments to eradicate poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We want
• Trade justice
• Debt cancellation
• A major increase in the quantity and quality of aid
• National efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve the Millennium goals that are sustainable and developed and implemented in a way that is democratic, transparent, and accountable to citizens

The Global Call to Action Against Poverty is an alliance of both South and North; it is not a membership organization. Any non-profit organization willing to support the core message and joint action is invited to become involved. The main level of co-ordination will be national platforms, layered under regional networks. National activities will be home grown, will include national priorities and national demands and will build on existing initiatives. Mass mobilization and people-centred advocacy will be key to the campaign.

An International Facilitation Group was established in Johannesburg to take this work forward, in consultation with all involved.


(1). POLICY CHANGE OBJECTIVES

There is great diversity among our group, but we know that we will be more effective when we work together. We do not endeavour to reach absolute agreement ona detailed global policy platform, but we do want to pressure governments to eradicate poverty and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We want

• Trade justice
• Debt cancellation
• A major increase in the quantity and quality of aid
• National efforts to eliminate poverty and achieve the Millennium goals that are sustainable and developed and implemented in a way that is democratic, transparent, and accountable to citizens
• While specific objectives will be determined by national priorities and contexts, the following texts reflects the Johannesburg meeting policy discussion
• We recognise that meeting the MDGs is a first step to achieving the goal of eliminating poverty.


Trade
Trade has become the vehicle for the indiscriminate liberalization of developing country economies and the imposition of harmful conditions, instead of supporting sustainable development, poverty eradication and gender equity.

We want trade rules and policies that ensure the right of developing countries to pursue their own development agendas, putting their people’s interests first.

In 2005, we will call on the WTO, international financial institutions and national governments to:
- Enact measures to protect public services from enforced liberalization and privatisation, secure the right to food and affordable access to essential drugs, and strengthen corporate accountability.
- Increase accountability and transparency of governments and international organisations to their grassroots constituencies in the formulation of international trade rules and national trade policies, while ensuring consistency of trade policies with respect for workers’ rights, and human rights more broadly.
- Immediately end dumping and rich country subsidies that keep people in poverty.

Aid & Debt
Governments and international institutions must urgently provide the major increase in resources necessary for the eradication of poverty and the achievement of the MDGs, through:
- Aid and debt cancellation that is not tied to contracts with donor countries, or linked to economic conditions that hurt people in poverty.
- A total cancellation of the unpayable debt of poor countries, by way of a fair and transparent process.
- Realisation of the 0.7% target on aid and ensuring aid is directed to achieving development objectives.
- Ensuring that aid supports rather than undermines, community and country defined development priorities.
- Exploring innovative taxes and mechanisms for raising finance for development.

National-level Action
We call on governments to:
- Adapt the promises in the global Millennium Declaration and apply the Millennium Development Goals to the national context.
- Reflect the rights of all citizens (women and men), in the legal, policy and budgetary frameworks and processes, recognising historical gender imbalances.
- Actively involve civil society and the poor, particularly socially excluded groups, in the formulation of national development priorities, policies and plans.
- Ensure that adequate domestic and external resources are allocated to providing accessible quality public services for all.
- Be fully accountable and transparent in the use of public resources and aggressively fight corruption.
- Exercise the right to nationally determine policies and practices that benefit the majority of citizens, and resist potentially harmful, externally driven conditions imposed by international institutions and agreements.

MDG Process
The Global Call to Action Against Poverty campaign will develop specific policy objectives for the UN Summit to maximise the impact of the Millennium Declaration and the MDG process on poverty alleviation These objectives will, in particular, allow national campaigns to drive specific policy and crosscutting objectives in addition to trade, aid and debt.

Crosscutting Issues
In all the aforementioned objectives, we call on governments, international institutions and civil society actors to uphold principles of human rights and accountable governance, to oppose social exclusion and discrimination based on race, caste, HIV status and minority classification (including on sexual and religious grounds), sustainable development and, further, to ensure gender justice and uphold women’s rights as well as child rights.

(2). TITLE, SLOGAN, LOGO

A single global title for the mobilisation is needed to provide focus, cohesion and to maximise impact of activity. National and sectoral campaigns will have differing emphases and names: these can be used in conjunction with the global title. National and sectoral campaigns will include more motivating language, with the global title being broad and significant.

Friday, 1 April, 2005

Press Release

AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS TO ISSUE AN ULTIMATUM ON DEBT TO THE G8

Over 70 representatives of African Civil Society Organisations drawn from over 20 countries meeting in Nairobi to consult on the Global Call Against Poverty (GCAP), will organize simultaneous demonstrations of solidarity and protest across Africa on July 1 if significant movement on Africa’s debt is not made at the World Bank and IMF spring meetings in April.

This ultimatum comes ahead of the meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington DC on 16th and 17th April. The G8, the group of the world’s richest and most powerful nations, holds more than half the votes in the World Bank and IMF. Campaigners are demanding that they seize the opportunity at the spring meetings to cancel Africa’s debt.

Reform of global trade rules, increased and better aid, and cancellation of Africa’s debt are key thresholds against which the G8, World Bank, IMF and other multilateral institutions must be held to account.

“Africa demands immediate action, not further procrastination. Decisive action on debt, aid and trade in 2005 is critical in reversing the continent’s decline”, warns Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of Johannesburg-based CIVICUS.

The African civil society groups have also demanded:
• Trade justice to reform unfair trade rules
• A major increase in the quantity and quality of aid
• National efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve the Millennium goals be implemented in a way that is democratic, transparent and accountable.

For further information, please contact:

Gichinga Ndirangu, for GCAP, Cell: 0721 790 164
Njuki Githethwa, Kenya Debt Relief Network, Cell: 0722 474 221

Appendix 3: GCAP Letter to Ambassadors



www.whiteband.org
Thursday, 26 May 2005
Dear Ambassador,

Re: Global Call for Debt cancellation

Global Call to Action Against Poverty believes that your country will have a major opportunity to take action against poverty at the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF.

With our fellow citizens and those of other countries around the world, we are calling on you to ensure that the April 2005 meetings are remembered as a turning point in the struggle to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The IMFC and World Bank Development Committee must agree bold action on debt, aid and trade, and establish a comprehensive financing package that will set the world back on track to reach these goals.

Global Call to Action Against Poverty believes that, at the Spring Meetings, governments must reach a firm agreement to cancel the debts of the poorest countries, where this is needed to reach the MDGs. The IMF and World Bank must go beyond the existing group of HIPCs, and cancel the debts of other low-income countries, using the MDGs as a basic yardstick in any assessment of debt sustainability.

We look forward to the Bank and Fund presenting robust debt relief proposals for agreement at the Spring Meetings, whether financed through IMF gold reserves or other additional resources. We urge governments to reach agreement on a debt cancellation mechanism that is financed in ways that do not reduce the resources available to the poorest countries through the IFIs.

This year, the first MDG target will be missed: the commitment to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education. At the same time, developing countries’ education plans continue to languish unfunded. The Education For All Fast Track Initiative (EFA-FTI) provides a powerful mechanism to ensure that all girls and boys can attend school in those countries which have sound plans in place to achieve this. We call on you to lead a dramatic expansion of the FTI, by announcing the funding commitment that is needed to make these plans a reality. In particular, we ask you to enable developing countries to abolish fees and charges for primary education, as these constitute a major barrier to girls’ education.

Global Call to Action Against Poverty believes that 2005 presents a key opportunity for governments to get back on track for achieving the MDGs. A substantial increase in aid and other resources will be required to accomplish this. Governments need to build on the Monterrey consensus and establish an ambitious timetable for providing 0.7% of GNI as aid, in order to ensure that all countries will reach the MDGs by the 2015 deadline. Other innovative financing mechanisms could also potentially serve as elements of a financing package to achieve the MDGs.


This April, millions of citizens in both rich and poor countries will be watching carefully to see whether governments finally deliver on their promises. We urge you to follow through on the commitments that have been made to date, by reaching agreement on key elements of a financing package to achieve the MDGs, the first of which must be a fully-financed agreement on 100% multilateral debt cancellation for the world’s poorest countries.

Yours sincerely,



Jubilee 2000
Radio Ecclesia
UGEAFI
Pax Romana
Plan International
AACC
Oxfam
Fahamu & Pambazuka News
CIVICUS
Oxfam International
Action Aid Africa
AACC
ACORD
UNDP/MDGs
AWOMI
Millennium Campaign
NOVIB
Action Aid International - Kenya
ActionAid International - Ethiopia
AWEPON
ANCEFA
AHED
Creative Storm
McCann Kenya
Kenya GCAP Coalition/
KENDREN
Islamic Relief Nairobi
AFRODAD
Groots Kenya
Consultant (Soteni Twaweza)
KEFEADO
Pax Romana
Kenya Youth
CONGOMA
Coalition des Alternatives Africaines Dette et Development
Espace Associativ
Mozambique Debt Group
FAWEMO
Economic Justice Forum
ABIODES
Namibia Non-Governmental Organisation Forum (NANGOF)
Adolescent Health & Information ProjectS (AHIP)
ANCEFA/CSACEFA
TACOSODE
CONGAD
Ecumenical Service for Socio Economic Transformation/SACC
Masimayane
Environmental Justice Networking Forum
MWENGO
MISA
MWENGO
MWENGO
TANGO
Oxfam International
AWEPON
Sustainability Watch Network
Uganda Debt Network
CEEWA
SEATINI - Uganda
Uganda National NGO Forum
Pax Romana/Anti Corruption Coalition
ANCEFA
Zambia Trade Network
One World Africa
Zambia Jubilee debt Campaign
Girl Child Network
TACOSODE
Kenya Youth
Uganda National NGO Forum
Jubilee-Zambia Debt Campaign
GCAP IFG


These organizations are part of The Global Call to Action against Poverty, an alliance of over sixty national coalitions made up of civil society organisations including trade unions, faith based organisations, women and youth associations among others across the world.

June 16th: Day of the African child

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/gcap/28315

The day of the African child was identified by the African Union in remembrance of the massacre of innocent children in South Africa in 1976 by the Apartheid regime. Each year a theme is chosen to mark the day and this year’s theme is: African Orphans are collective responsibility. Between 50% and 60 % of 850 million African are children and youth, and n the day of the African Child many civil society organisations member or not of Gcap will hold activities ranging from direct services to children to advocacy work and media events to put under the spot light issues affecting African children. We would like to take on the opportunity to link up theses activities with the Global Call to Action Against Poverty and to support the national campaigns on the Millennium Development Goals. We have worked as a team “Day of the African child group” on a menu of activities to propose to the national coalitions to enrich or to modify what they have already planned.
16th of June Day of the African child

At the Gcap Africa meeting in Nairobi, we have chosen the 16th of June day of the African Child as a day of action against poverty. The day of the African child was identified by the African Union in remembrance of the massacre of innocent children in South Africa in 1976 by the Apartheid regime. Each year a theme is chosen to mark the day and this year’s theme is: African Orphans are collective responsibility. Between 50% and 60 % of 850 million African are children and youth, and n the day of the African Child many civil society organisations member or not of Gcap will hold activities ranging from direct services to children to advocacy work and media events to put under the spot light issues affecting African children. We would like to take on the opportunity to link up theses activities with the Global Call to Action Against Poverty and to support the national campaigns on the Millennium Development Goals. We have worked as a team “Day of the African child group” on a menu of activities to propose to the national coalitions to enrich or to modify what they have already planned.

We plan at the continental level to
• Gather information on all activities done on the 16th of June by the National Coalitions and have them posted on the web page in the GCAP and Millennium Campaign websites and relayed radios and TVs on the continents.
• Develop a continental media release
• Invite a high placed person to speak on the day at a media event in Soweto e.g. the Nobel peace prize winner, Prof Wangari Mathai was proposed.
We are proposing to the National coalitions and involve in the Millennium Campaign and the Global Call to action against poverty a menu of activities.
• Distribution of white band and yellow band to orphan, school children, to street children.
• Having children design messages to tell the world to pass on local medias and to design posters from.
• Lobby to the Members of Parliaments and have them wear the white band.
• Get celebrities to issue a statements on that day
• Tie white bands around national monuments, parliaments, Law houses, children courts, and UN agencies.
• Draft appropriate laws and policies to be enacted to protect the African children and
• Identify women and a children to speak out for all the children and women in Africa. TV documentaries, Bill boards, the websites, and if possible speak out in one major National forum.
• Draft main national message
• Organize music concert, poems sharing and dramas crying Out to the world about their problems.
• Organize Street Caravans and dances in front of Parliament and Embassies to get attention from the policy makers will be encouraged.
• Policy Analysis Forums to be organized. These will facilitate a Children and Youth Position paper that will be presented in the G8 Embassies, WTO forum, UN Summit hearings.
• Mobilize participants for the G8, UN summit and WTO meetings
• Writing of shadow reports of MDGs progress
The messages should be developed around identified themes of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty and on the Millennium Development Goals.
The themes should be looked into in as far as they affect or hinder human rights especially access to education, health services, food and shelter for children and youth.

Send my Friend to the G8 events: Concept note

Summary
As world leaders prepare to meet at the Gleneagles G8 Summit in July, the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) and the African Networks Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA) are planning a set of linked events in both African and G8 countries on 16 June – the Day of the African Child. The aim is to build popular momentum behind the demand for free, good quality education for every child and to put pressure on G8 leaders to increase aid and cancel debt in order to achieve this.

About GCE and ANCEFA
The GCE, established in 1999, brings together teachers’ unions, Southern civil society groups and major international NGOs such as Oxfam, ActionAid, Save the Children, Plan, World Vision and CARE in a coalition campaigning for the right to education. It is active in more than 100 countries and constitutes one of the single largest and most dynamic global mobilisations around any of the Millennium Development Goals. ANCEFA, a core member of GCE, is a regional network of civil society coalitions on education in more than 30 African countries.

The GCE’s ‘Send My Friend To School’ campaign
This April, as part of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), GCE successfully engaged schools across the world in making cut-out representations of the more than 100 million children who are not in school. On these ‘friends’, children have written personal messages to politicians demanding that they act now to ‘Send My Friend to School’. ‘Friend’ events in more than 100 countries during the last week of April involved X heads of state and Y MPs. The UK’s Make Poverty History campaign is planning a handover of one million ‘friends’ to Tony Blair and other G8 leaders at Gleneagles.

Aims of the G8 Send-Off Events
On 16th June, youth activists, celebrities and senior politicians in several different countries will launch the ‘friends’ on their final journey to Gleneagles. These events are planned to coincide with the Africa-wide day of action being organised on 16 June by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).
The G8 send-off events will:
• build popular momentum behind the call for increased aid and debt cancellation to finance free, quality education
• attract significant international and national media attention through creative visual imagery (e.g. school buses or matatu taxis stuffed full of cut-out ‘friends’) and the involvement of celebrities, heads of state, and other high-profile figures
• provide a platform for popularising the Millennium Development Goals and raising awareness of the Africa Commission and Millennium Project practical recommendations for achieving the MDGs
• mobilise the emotional and moral force of children’s voices in order to increase pressure on G8 leaders (and national governments) to deliver

Target countries for the G8 Send-Off events
GCE is providing funding for events in the UK, France, the US and Germany, together with Tanzania, Ethiopia, Senegal and South Africa - as well as India and Brazil as they are invited observers to the G8 Summit. We hope that other GCE national chapters will also organize send-off events using their own resources.

Participating leaders and celebrities
So far, Gordon Brown, Laura Bush (in her role as UNESCO literacy ambassador), Jeffrey Sachs and Graca Machel have indicated strong interest in participating in the June 16 events. Involvement of other celebrities/leaders is under discussion with the Africa Commission, UNICEF and GCE partners in the launch countries such as Comic Relief, Richard Curtis and US NGOs. National GCE chapters are inviting heads of state directly.

Format of launch events
Slightly different formats are planned in each country. In the UK, the event centres on the opening of an exhibition of ‘friends’ by a famous artist and in the US, a Capitol Hill event is planned. However all events will include a symbolic ‘photo opportunity’ send-off for the ‘friends’, the use of white bands (symbol of GCAP) and a press conference or panel discussion giving both children and leaders the opportunity to voice their views on what must be done now to achieve the education MDGs and make the right to free quality education a reality.

For more information, please contact Lucia Fry on: email: lucia@campaignforeducation.org, tel: ++ 44 207 5617561

Press statement

‘African orphans our collective responsibility’

Youth and children call for debt cancellation, trade justice, increase in quality aid and better governance to respond to the increasing number of orphans

The Day of the African Child White Band Day is a part of The Global Call to Action against Poverty, an alliance of over sixty national coalitions made up of civil society organisations including trade unions, faith based organisations, women and youth associations among others across the world. The aim of the white band day is to create widespread mobilisation of youth and children to demand action and accountability from leaders in their commitments to eliminate poverty and improve human dignity and well-being.

This year's day of the African Child theme is ‘African orphans our collective responsibility.’ At the continental level governments will be lobbied to put in place statutory, developmental and governance interventions to address the plight of children and youth. The theme is also a call to the global community to poverty eradication through debt cancellation, trade justice, increased quality aid and better governance to respond to the increasing number of orphans in the continent. Answering this call is key to opening up space for children and youth to enjoy their basic human rights.

Efforts to tackle poverty and deliver sustainable development, as pledged in the Millennium Declaration, have been grossly inadequate. Governments too often fail to address the needs of their citizens, aid from rich countries is inadequate in both quality and quantity, and promises of debt cancellation have not materialized. Rich countries have yet to act on their repeated pledges to tackle unfair trade rules and practices. In Kenya for example, about 32% of the national budget is being used to service debt. This amount is greater than the amount spent on health and education together. Behind these cold statistics of failed promises are lives of real people- youth and children, where most are affected by HIV.


Today, 1 billion children and youth are trapped in abject poverty with 104 million unable to access basic education. Every day more than 800million people (most of them children) go to bed on an empty stomach. HIV/AIDS kills more than 2 million people every year and adds to the league of millions of orphans. 1.4 million people don’t have access to safe water. Hunger is a daily norm other than an exception for many with six million children dying of malnutrition before their fifth birthday every year. In those parts of the world the death of mothers in childbirth and children in infancy is still routine - deaths that could be prevented by the availability of simple healthcare.


Poverty is a violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a massive scale; it is compounded by the trade injustice that keeps people poor. The Convention on the Rights of the Child like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other national and international statutes protects the rights of all people to an adequate standard of living and well-being, including education, food, clothing, housing, and medical care: rights whose achievement are undermined by inadequate commitment and policies that do not favor the implementation of globally-agreed upon declarations and statutes.

The Global call to action Against Poverty (GCAP) is a global coalition of organisations ranging from grassroots through national and international levels. The campaign objectives include trade justice, debt relief, increased and improved aid and ensuring leaders live up to their promises and commitments on MDGs.

The campaign aims to use the occasions of the G8 Summit, the UN Millennium Assembly and the WTO meeting in Hong Kong- these 3 have been designated the White Band Days when the campaign will be signified by the wearing of a white band.
However as Africa bears the uneven brunt of Global Poverty we as a people are alive to our responsibilities. It is therefore pertinent for Africa to have an additional and African specific White Band Day. In recognition of the serious impact of poverty on children, this African White Band day, which will kick off the campaign in Africa, has been fixed for the Day of the African child.
This day set aside by African heads of states to remember the 1976 massacre of innocent children by the apartheid regime in South Africa is highly significant in the light of the present campaign. Thousands of black school children took to the streets in a march more than half a mile long, to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young boys and girls were shot down; and in the two weeks of protest that followed, more than a hundred people were killed and more than a thousand were injured.

To honour the memory of those killed and the courage of all those who marched, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on 16 June every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organization of African Unity. The Day also draws attention to the lives of African children today.

This is why the African chapter of GCAP has decided to link the two activities and it is in this connection that we hope you will accept to hold a news conference or be the principal host of any of these other proposals that is to your liking.

The Zimbabwe Global Call To Action Against Poverty Campaign

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/gcap/28311

Zimbabwe like most of the countries in the developing world is likely not to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals as indeed the past few years have seen the rapid decline in the Human Development Index on many counters. For a generation widely regarded as the only generation with the potential to make poverty history, this remains unacceptable. The bottom line is that we need to see more action being taken on the primary drivers of Global poverty Debt, Aid and Trade. As such Zimbabwe joins the millions of people around the world participating in the Global Call To Action Against Poverty [GCAP] to call for increased and concerted action to eradicate extreme poverty and to surpass the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Zimbabwe Global Call To Action Against Poverty Campaign

Zimbabwe like most of the countries in the developing world is likely not to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals as indeed the past few years have seen the rapid decline in the Human Development Index on many counters. For a generation widely regarded as the only generation with the potential to make poverty history, this remains unacceptable. The bottom line is that we need to see more action being taken on theprimary drivers of Global poverty Debt, Aid and Trade. As such Zimbabwe joins the millions of people around the world participating in the Global Call To Action Against Poverty [GCAP] to call for increased and concerted action to eradicate extreme poverty and to surpass the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.

"Join us on Tuesday the 24th of May 2005 for lots info, food and friendsas we launch the Zimbabwe Global Call to Action Against Poverty Campaign at the Anglican Cathedral from 5pm - 7pm"

Why Fight poverty

In the 21st Century it is unbelievable that we still allow millions of people to die everyday simply because they are poor. However, the most frustratingfact of all is that we can stop it. The amount of money required to end extreme poverty is less than what was spent on the war in Iraq. If rich countries simply met the promise they made in 1970 to give 0.7% income in Aid then poverty would become a thing of the past. At the same time, the reform of the grossly unjust and rigged global Trade rules would allow vital opportunities for the poorest countries to grow and develop. It is clear that the world has the resources and knowledge to end poverty. What is missing is the political will from leaders across the world. By campaigning together with the millions of Organisations and individuals around the world we hope to create a sea of change in the attitudes of governments worldwide.

Why Fight poverty in 2005

The year 2005 is vital for development, with a number of key moments during the year offering the opportunity for action on Debt, Aid and Trade. On Africa Day millions of people across the continent will stand in unity to celebrate liberation from colonialism and call for liberation from poverty and hunger. On the day of the African Child, With the Africa Commission reporting before the G8 summit in July, there is opportunity for some real action by leaders to end poverty in Africa by canceling debt and increasing aid. In September the UN Heads of Nations meet to measure the progress on the MDGs of which there is unanimity as to the need to press world leaders to do more towards the achievement of the modest MDG targets. Again there is opportunity at the WTO Ministerial Meeting in December to call for changes in the unfair rules of trade that perpetuate poverty in poor countries. The Global Call To Action Against aims to bring together millions of people around the world on these key dates to call on world leaders to do more to fight against poverty.

What are we calling for

Put simply we are calling on world leaders to take urgent action to deliver on their promises to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve the MDGs targets. Towards these ends we are calling for debt cancellation, increases in aid inflows, fair trade rules and increased transparency and accountability from governments. Show your support to this call by taking part in the events lined up and by wearing a white band.

Further DETAILS

For further information and details please contact the following details 703579/700090/700030 or visit www.whiteband.org .Please note that the police have been notified about the launch event. You are free to bring for distribution at the launch any literature on poverty and development. Refreshments will be provided.

Inserted by NANGO in conjunction with the National Taskforce on the MDGs and GCAP with excerpts from Owain James (2005).

Update on first White Band Day - June 16

2005-05-26

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/gcap/28312

The Day of the African Child Continental team has had several tele-conferences and has been preparing for the upcoming 1st White Band Day - Day Of African Child on June 16th. Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, was first chosen as an excellent location to host this continental activity but with the elections and the ban on public mobilization a shift was necessary. After deliberations, the team moved the activity to Soweto, South Africa where the day originates. This link contains further details about plans for the first White Band Day and a press release about June 16.
The Day of the African Child Continental team has had several tele-conferences and has been preparing for the upcoming 1st White Band Day - Day Of African Child on June 16th.

Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, was first chosen as an excellent location to host this continental activity but with the elections and the ban on public mobilization a shift was necessary. After deliberations, the team moved the activity to Soweto, South Africa where the day originates.

Hon. Loise Bwambale, from Uganda, who is a member of the Pan African Parliament, is working with the group to make this day a success. She has agreed to be the guest speaker

On ground activities are being coordinated by Ace Khabane from Environmental Justice Network Forum(ace@ejns.org.za Tel: +27114038978, CIVICUS and OXFAM.

Our request goes to all the GCAP organizations based in South Africa to join hands in organizing and coordinating this event. Please let us know which organizations are down there. Being the 1st whiteband day and being a continental event, I believe it should lead in the celebrations.

It would be great to get each African country updates on activities that are being planned on the day of the African Child so that we can share with the bigger GCAP forum, and can also get other countries to know what is happening in each country. The information will also assist us in preparing the final report at the end this day.
Please send your country reports to gcap_dac@yahoo.com or panafrican@oxfam.org.uk

Please also send Photographs and images of activities.

The team will be posting the country reports and updates to the GCAP/White band and the Millennium Campaign websites. We will also share some guidelines on how to coordinate and organize country events. Please look out for information in the following platforms:

Ø White band Website
Ø Millennium Campaign website
Ø Pambazuka News
Ø GCAP list Serve
Ø OXFAM & Action AID Websites


For more information on what the continental group is planning kindly contact Hellen Tombo
Directly (htombo@yahoo.com) or htombo@kyecdp.co.ke, Tel; 254-020-311196 or 241915 or 254-722-889508 or Ace Kabane or Dr. Abiola +2215698354.

Let us all join hands to make this day a success because the African Children and Youth are our responsibility.

We will keep you updated and please keep us updated on what you are doing.

Hellen Tombo
On Behalf of DAC steering team
Executive Director, Kenya Youth (KYCEP)

Press statement

‘African orphans our collective responsibility’

Youth and children call for debt cancellation, trade justice, increase in quality aid and better governance to respond to the increasing number of orphans

The Day of the African Child White Band Day is a part of The Global Call to Action against Poverty, an alliance of over sixty national coalitions made up of civil society organisations including trade unions, faith based organisations, women and youth associations among others across the world. The aim of the white band day is to create widespread mobilisation of youth and children to demand action and accountability from leaders in their commitments to eliminate poverty and improve human dignity and well-being.

This year's day of the African Child theme is ‘African orphans our collective responsibility.’ At the continental level governments will be lobbied to put in place statutory, developmental and governance interventions to address the plight of children and youth. The theme is also a call to the global community to poverty eradication through debt cancellation, trade justice, increased quality aid and better governance to respond to the increasing number of orphans in the continent. Answering this call is key to opening up space for children and youth to enjoy their basic human rights.

Efforts to tackle poverty and deliver sustainable development, as pledged in the Millennium Declaration, have been grossly inadequate. Governments too often fail to address the needs of their citizens, aid from rich countries is inadequate in both quality and quantity, and promises of debt cancellation have not materialized. Rich countries have yet to act on their repeated pledges to tackle unfair trade rules and practices. In Kenya for example, about 32% of the national budget is being used to service debt. This amount is greater than the amount spent on health and education together. Behind these cold statistics of failed promises are lives of real people- youth and children, where most are affected by HIV.


Today, 1 billion children and youth are trapped in abject poverty with 104 million unable to access basic education. Every day more than 800million people (most of the children) go to bed on an empty stomach. HIV/AIDS kills more than 2 million people every year and adds to the league of millions of orphans. 1.4 million people don’t have access to safe water. Hunger is a daily norm other than an exception for many with six million children dying of malnutrition before their fifth birthday every year. In those parts of the world the death of mothers in childbirth and children in infancy is still routine - deaths that could be prevented by the availability of simple healthcare.


Poverty is a violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a massive scale; it is compounded by the trade injustice that keeps people poor. The Convention on the Rights of the Child like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other national and international statutes protects the rights of all people to an adequate standard of living and well-being, including education, food, clothing, housing, and medical care: rights whose achievement are undermined by inadequate commitment and policies that do not favor the implementation of globally-agreed upon declarations and statutes.

The Global call to action Against Poverty (GCAP) is a global coalition of organisations ranging from grassroots through national and international levels. The campaign objectives include trade justice, debt relief, increased and improved aid and ensuring leaders live up to their promises and commitments on MDGs.

The campaign aims to use the occasions of the G8 Summit, the UN Millennium Assembly and the WTO meeting in Hong Kong- these 3 have been designated the White Band Days when the campaign will be signified by the wearing of a white band.

At a recent meeting in Nairobi to launch the African Chapter, over 70 participants from over 20 African countries unanimously resolved to have an additional and African specific White Band Day. In recognition of the serious impact of poverty on children, this African White Band day, which will be used to kick off the campaign in Africa, has been fixed for the Day of the African child. A day set aside by African heads of states to remember the 1976 massacre of innocent children by the apartheid regime in South Africa. Thousands of black school children took to the streets in a march more than half a mile long, to protest the inferior quality of their education and to demand their right to be taught in their own language. Hundreds of young boys and girls were shot down; and in the two weeks of protest that followed, more than a hundred people were killed and more than a thousand were injured.

To honour the memory of those killed and the courage of all those who marched, the Day of the African Child has been celebrated on 16 June every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organization of African Unity. The Day also draws attention to the lives of African children today.

Fahamu