Dorothy-Grace Guerrero and Firoze Manji (ed) (2008) China’s New Role in Africa and the South: A search for a new perspective. 
Back Issues
PAMBAZUKA NEWS 46 * 8171 SUBSCRIBERS
(formerly the Kabissa-Fahamu-Sangonet Newsletter)
A weekly electronic newsletter for social justice in Africa
CONTENTS: 1. Features, 2. Letters, 3. Books & arts, 4. Women & gender, 5. Human rights, 6. Refugees & forced migration, 7. Corruption, 8. Development, 9. Health & HIV/AIDS, 10. Education, 11. Racism & xenophobia, 12. Environment, 13. Media & freedom of expression, 14. Advocacy & campaigns, 15. Conflict & emergencies, 16. Internet & technology, 17. eNewsletters & mailing lists, 18. Fundraising & useful resources, 19. Courses, seminars, & workshops, 20. Jobs
If you have e-mail access, you can get web resources listed in this Newsletter by sending a message to www4mail@kabissa.org with the web address (usually starting with http://) in the body of your message.
Features
PAMBAZUKA NEWS– NEW NAME FOR KABISSA-FAHAMU-SANGONET NEWSLETTER
2001-12-13
We are pleased to announce a new name for the newsletter jointly produced by Kabissa, Fahamu and SANGONeT. Like you, we have found the existing name a mouthful – it says little about what we stand for. After much searching, we have decided to call the newsletter PAMBAZUKA NEWS. Pambazuka is the Kiswahili word for dawn, or getting light. For us, the name represents the new dawn that we aspire to, a region based on social justice and respect for human dignity.
This newsletter began as a joint venture of Kabissa and Fahamu, and has grown to involve SANGONeT. We are already in the process of developing collaborations with other organisations with similar aims, and we hope that in the coming period the alliance around Pambazuka News will grow. As more organisations cooperate in the production of this newsletter, it is important that the name reflects our goals.
This newsletter has grown extraordinarily fast. In less than a year the number of subscribers has grown from 700 to more than 8,000. Its readership is, we know, much larger. Many of you print out and share the newsletter with your colleagues. The content of the newsletter is reproduced on a number of websites. It has become an important forum for discussion and debate of major social issues of concern in Africa. Many organisations have adopted the newsletter as a vehicle for their own work and for sharing their experiences and views. Above all, this newsletter has helped those with difficulty in accessing the worldwide web to keep abreast with what is available. It is estimated that there are currently more than 3 million internet users in Africa. We believe we are only reaching a tiny proportion of those internet users who share the goals and values of Pambazuka. How do we reach more such people? What can you do to help?
As well as changing the name, we propose to introduce a number of improvements to the newsletter in the new year. The new name heralds, therefore, also a new dawn – Pambazuka – for the newsletter itself. With your help, we hope that Pambazuka News will continue to grow to serve better the needs of those seeking social justice in Africa.
As a result of the name change, there will be a number of address changes:
* You can read the newsletter online at http://www.pambazuka.org
* The editors can be reached at editor@pambazuka.org
* You can unsubscribe by writing to unsubscribe@pambazuka.org
Please change your addressbook and bookmarks accordingly. Pambazuka will pause publication on 20 December and resume on 10 January.
Tobias Eigen (Kabissa), Firoze Manji (Fahamu), Alan Finlay (SANGONeT)
POVERTY AND RACISM: HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
Celebration of International Human Rights Day
2001-12-13
http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/12EAF4FC6EA97257C1256B1E005ABB25?opendocument
Keynote address by Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Today 10 December, marks the date in 1948 when the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration, which set out ideals and targets calling for recognition and respect for all human rights - civil, political,economic,social and cultural, for all human beings in the world, can claim to be the most influential text ever adopted by the United Nations.
It is true that most of Africa was not represented in the United Nations at that time. But I recall Nelson Mandela's account during his trial of first hearing of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration in 1948. It filled him with hope at a dark time for his people when the Nationalist government of South Africa was consolidating Apartheid. When African peoples achieved self -determination and joined the United Nations they embraced the Universal Declaration. They went on to reflect its principles in their own African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. They also ratified the main international human rights instruments. African countries have helped shape many of those instruments.
Indeed, it is not very well known history that it is to newly independent Africa, and more broadly the developing world, that we owe a number of the major innovations in the international legal protection of human rights of the 20thcentury.
It was the determination of the new African and Asian nations of the United Nations in the 1960's to end Apartheid in South Africa that shaped the long UN campaign against racism. When you view the struggle for equality as underscoring the entire human rights movement - as I do - this critical role assumes yet more importance. It led to the International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination, of 1965, one of the cornerstones of all international human rights treaties. The struggle against Apartheid at the international level also laid the foundations for the current capacity of the UN machinery to intervene and intercede over many other human rights violations across the world. This is a debt the world owes to Africa but which is not often recognised.
We also owe our thinking on the relationship between development and human rights largely to countries of the South and their determination to make the ideals of human rights relevant to their situation. When the newly independent countries of the 1960s and 1970s joined the United Nations, they took the promise of universal human rights principles and insisted that they were applied to the conditions of their peoples. Despite serious problems of governance, and often of corruption, the belief was there. In 1981, Africa recognized the right to development as a basic human right in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. From their efforts came the UN Declaration of the Right to Development of 1986. From that deeply influential statement - adopted in Cold War conditions - has come the current thinking of a rights-based approach to development that seeks to bring about the promise of universal human rights and dignity.
But turning to the contemporary world I had a sober message for Human Rights Day. This has been a difficult year for human rights. After so many high hopes that the turn of the Millennium would herald a new era of respect for fundamental freedoms, we are faced with the sobering realisation that there is as much, if not more, work to do now to make human rights a reality for all.
The World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance held in Durban concluded three days before 11 September. The World Conference was the latest event in a long campaign by the world community to rid itself of the scourge of racism and discrimination. The terrorist attacks of 11 September shock the world. All people who cherish life and abhor violence motivated by hatred condemn those attacks unreservedly. I understand that in 1999 the OAU adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. Let us hope that the Convention will be ratified soon and implemented.
It has been suggested in some quarters that human rights considerations must take a back-seat in the struggle against terrorism. I can not share in that line of thinking. Human rights must be observed, especially in times of crises. We can, and must, fight terrorism while observing human rights. However, the long-term antidote to terrorism is a world where the ideals of the Universal Declaration of equal human dignity for all without any discrimination have been achieved.
Letters
Georgina Hirsch
Taylor Willcocks Solicitors, London
2001-12-13
Someone forwarded your excellent newsletter to me. I would be grateful if you would put me on your mailing list.
Kofo Adeleke, Programme Officer
CCDI, Nigeria
2001-12-13
Congratulations on your great newsletter. Our organisation, Community Conservation and Development Initiatives CCDI is planning to mark World Wetlands Day on Feb 2 2002 with a photo exhibition and activities for children. We would like to know if any organisations have material that we can use such as maps, posters, information sheets etc. We are based in Nigeria, and help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Books & arts
Children in our Midst: Voices of Farmworkers' Children
Compiled by Irene McCartney - Weaver Press
2001-12-13
http://www.comminit.com/Materials/sld-3489.html
Brings together the voices of several hundred children in Zimbabwe collected through essays and interviews.
Generating Opportunities:
Case Studies on Energy and Women
2001-12-13
http://www.undp.org/seed/eap/Publications/2001/2001a.html
Executive Editor: Salome Misana, Editor: Gail V. Karlsson. This book of case studies was prepared as part of a UNDP project entitled "Energy and Women: Generating Opportunities for Development" which was initiated in February 1999 with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the UNDP's Sustainable Energy Global Programme. The publication looks at critical policy and programme design options to improve women's access to modern energy services based on the lessons learned in the eight case studies presented.
South Africa: Centre for the Book
new website
2001-12-13
http://www.nlsa.ac.za/cb/
The Centre for the Book is an autonomous project of the National Library of South Africa set up to promote a South African culture of reading and writing. The Centre aims to promote the writing, publishing, reading, marketing and distribution of South African books in order to develop a truly South African literary culture. The core functions of the Centre for the Book are book development, lobbying, raising awarenesss, advocacy and acting as a hub of information and as an advice centre for the book world.
Our new website is easier to navigate and is more user
friendly and informative.
South Africa: Publisher decides to not publish novel
fears possible defamation action
2001-12-13
The Freedom of Expression Institute is deeply distressed that Jonathan Ball Publishers have taken a decision not to publish Robert Kirby's novel "Songs of the Cockroach" on the basis that defamation action may be taken against the publishers by the Democratic Alliance and other characters (or their families) mentioned in the novel.
IFEX- News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE/ALERT - SOUTH AFRICA
7 December 2001
Publisher decides to not publish novel, fears possible defamation action
SOURCE: Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), Johannesburg
(FXI/IFEX) - The following is an FXI statement:
Re: Jonathan Ball Publisher's decision to not publish Robert Kirby's novel
"Songs of the Cockroach"
The Freedom of Expression Institute is deeply distressed that Jonathan Ball
Publishers have taken a decision not to publish Robert Kirby's novel "Songs
of
the Cockroach" on the basis that defamation action may be taken against the
publishers by the Democratic Alliance and other characters (or their
families)
mentioned in the novel. The decision was also taken because Kirby apparently
did
not disclose that one of the character's names was an anagram for a public
figure (a point which Kirby has contested). The publisher sought a legal
opinion, which advised it that - in theory - such legal action would be
possible
and the non-disclosure of the anagram was sufficient reason for cancellation
of
the contract. Furthermore, in a letter to the FXI, Mr. Ball has described
the
decision not to publish as a commercial one, as the company did not want to
open
itself up to further defamation action.
The novel is set in the future and tracks the actions of a series of
characters - some fictional, some real - in the Democratic Alliance (DA) and
the
New National Party. In the process, the novel satirises the history and
current
state of opposition politics mercilessly, portraying the DA as a party
driven
largely by the "failed dream" of white supremacist aspirations. A range of
fictional and real characters are pilloried in the process, including
long-dead
members of the National Party. Some of the characters that the publisher is
particularly concerned about include JG Strijdom who is said to have died of
syphilis and whose family allegedly deserted him on his deathbed. The
character
whose name is alleged to be an anagram of a Cape Town-based academic is
portrayed as a medical academic reduced to a vagrant on the streets of Cape
Town.
The decision of Jonathan Ball Publishers to not publish the novel on these
speculative bases is nothing more or less than a "bangbroek" approach to
publishing. If publishing decisions were to be driven by the fear of
attracting
defamation action primarily, then the publishing industry would grind to a
halt.
The promotion of literary forms such as political satire would become
impossible, as would investigative journalism and a range of other
activities
that are premised on pushing the boundaries of free expression. The fact
that we
enjoy constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and a more
enlightened
defamation law has been made possible partly because some publishers,
artists,
journalists and writers have been willing to take courageous stands in the
face
of adversity. The FXI has on many occasions supported them when legal action
has
been taken, and has done so on the basis that the "publish and be damned"
ethic
is necessary to extend the boundaries of free expression. If publishers are
going to cave in at the "in theory" possibility that legal action may be
taken,
then South Africa's proud tradition of adventurous publishing coupled with
progressive and activist lawyering stands to be reversed. In fact, we
consider
the apparent non-disclosure of the anagram - which Kirby has contested - an
excuse for not publishing, rather than a substantial reason.
For Jonathan Ball publishers to argue that the decision to not publish"...is
not
an issue of freedom of the press or of expression, [but]... a
straightforward
question of defamation" is disingenuous and an obfuscation of the issues at
stake. If the threat of defamation action has influenced their decision to
not
publish, then the book cannot reach the public arena. The effect of this is
de
facto censorship. It will also have a chilling effect on freedom of
expression
in that other satirists will think twice about producing books, which run
the
same risk.
South Africa needs publishers that are driven by a passion for literature
and
the belief in the power of literature to transform society. Political satire
has
a particular role to play in this respect. Robert Kirby's book is funny,
obscene, often pornographic, unforgiving and insulting. It is also extremely
poignant. It must be published. The publisher who decides to take it on may
well
face defamation action, but we suspect that the political party concerned
(which
in any event is now defunct) and the individual characters will be more
mature
than that. We also suspect that in view of the latitude the courts generally
give to speech aimed at political figures, and to artistic speech, those
protesting defamation will have a hard time proving their case. Also, in
view of
the complexity of the treatment of a number of the characters in question,
which
often involve satire mixed with poignancy, we could envisage long legal
arguments about matters of literary interpretation, which could have a
further
chilling effect on free expression. We would like to think that the
real-life
characters concerned would not want to associate themselves with legal
action
where the merits and demerits of the literary devices of satire are put on
trial. South Africa's political and artistic cultures are done a disservice
by
the timid "softly softly" behaviour displayed by the publisher and its legal
advisors.
For further information, contact Jane Duncan and Scotch Tagwireyi at FXI at
P.O.
Box 30668, Braamfontein, 2017, Johannesburg (Street Address: 5th Floor Argon
House, 87 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg), South Africa, tel: +27
11
403 8403/4, fax: +27 11 403 8309, e-mail: fxi@fxi.org.za, Internet:
http://fxi.org.za
The information contained in this press release/alert is the sole
responsibility
of FXI. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
FXI.
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
489 College Street, Suite 403, Toronto, (ON) M6G 1A5 CANADA
tel: +1 416 515 9622, fax: +1 416 515 7879
alerts e-mail: alerts@ifex.org general e-mail: ifex@ifex.org
Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/
More...
Women & gender
GLOBAL REVIEW OF ABORTION POLICIES
2001-12-13
http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/abortion.htm
The first volume of a three volume study "Abortion Policies: a Global Review", prepared by the Population Division of the UN has been published with financial support from the United Nations Population Fund. The study comprised an analysis of abortion laws and policies in every country of the world, both developed and developing. It includes information on the social and political settings, the ways in which these laws and policies have been formulated, and how they have evolved. Information on the incidence of abortion and the setting in which abortion occurs is included wherever possible in order to complement the policy picture.
Kenya: Slum Women March to Moi's Office
2001-12-13
http://allafrica.com/stories/200112060589.html
Kenyan women's groups accuse the security forces, sent to quell the ongoing unrest in the Kibera slum, of rape, arson and robbery. More than one hundred women marched to the Presidential Office, Thursday, to demand government intervention to end the violence.
Kenyan women speak out on video
2001-12-13
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1697000/1697588.stm
Poor women living in slums of Nairobi have been able to tell the world about their appalling living conditions by filming their lives on borrowed video cameras.
NETWORK OF AFRICAN WOMEN ECONOMISTS
2001-12-13
http://www.unifem.undp.org/curr1101.htm#news13
UNIFEM set up a network of African Women Economists at a seminar on 'Fostering African Women’s Participation in Economic Policy Formulation and Monitoring,' held in Saly Portudal, Senegal from 29 October-3 November. Over 50 people from Central and West Africa attended the seminar, including governments representatives, technical advisors on economic and trade issues parliamentarians, journalists, UN officials, women activists and members of NGOs.
Trade, gender and poverty
2001-12-13
http://www.undp.org/mainundp/propoor/docs/pov_tradegenderpoverty_doc.pdf
This paper focuses on the relationship of trade, on the one hand, with gender and poverty, on the other, within the context of the human development paradigm. Specifically, it examines the impact of trade liberalization on gender inequalities (primarily via employment, wages and the care economy) and the impact of gender inequality on trade performance. These interactions are discussed in light of main-stream literature on trade, growth and poverty reduction, which defines poverty in terms of income or consumption and largely ignores gender. The paper also considers the policy implications of a gender-aware approach to international trade analysis and the current world trade regime.
Violence against women and children
COSATU Statement
2001-12-13
http://www.cosatu.org.za/press/latest.html
As the 16 days of activism against the abuse of women and children come to an end on 10 December, the Congress of South African Trade Unions thanks all those who joined the campaign and took a stand against the rising tide of violence against the most vulnerable sections of our society.
Violence against women and children
As the 16 days of activism against the abuse of women and
children come to an end to-day, 10 December, the Congress of
South African Trade Unions thanks all those who joined the
campaign and took a stand against the rising tide of violence
against the most vulnerable sections of our society.
Sadly however we cannot report that the problem has been
solved. Every day there are new reports of yet more sickening,
violent attacks, particularly the rape of young girls and even
babies. COSATU repeats its total condemnation of such acts.
There can be absolutely no justification for such barbarism. We
reject totally the evil lie that sex with a virgin is a cure for
HIV/Aids and condemn anyone who spreads such myths.
COSATU reiterates its demand that the law must ruthlessly deal
with those who rape children, with the maximum possible
sentences for those found guilty of these horrific crimes. There
can be absolutely no mitigating circumstances for such disgusting
acts.
But these incidents of child rape are only the worst examples of
a growing crisis of violence against women and children. Not
only does such violence cause lasting damage to its victims but it
creates a climate of fear and suspicion, where women are afraid
to speak out because they do not have confidence that the law
will protect them and children cannot grow up in a peaceful and
stable environment.
The scale of the problem is so great that it will taker more that a
16-day campaign to eradicate it. It requires a massive task of
education, to shift people’s mindset away from the culture of
violence and create communities where people trust and respect
each other and feel confident in reporting violence incidents
knowing that the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted
and where children will no longer see violence as normal in
society.
COSATU will intensify its work with community workers,
teachers, parents, social workers, youth organisations,
employers, doctors and children, to reach agreement on
measures to combat the scourge of violence, including setting up
support groups for victims and raising awareness of women’s
and children’s rights.
Violence against women is a global issue and we cannot rest as
long as women and children anywhere are beaten, molested,
raped, tormented, brutalised or denied their right to be
protected. Violence also has severe physical and mental health
consequences for the women and children involved and is
internationally recognised as a major human rights violation. It
must be stopped now!
In the background to the rising tide of violence is the desperate
poverty in which thousands of families live, made worse by
rocketing unemployment. While it can never be an excuse for
violence, poverty robs people of their dignity. It gives rise to
manifestations of social instability like drug and alcohol abuse
and addictive gambling, which can lead to despair and violence.
The biggest challenge we face is to defeat unemployment and
eradicate poverty and build a stable and caring society.
We demand that:
Þ The Departments of Justice and Safety and Security impose
sentences on perpetrators of violence and abuse of women
and children that reflect the seriousness of the crime
Þ Life sentence be mandatory for the rape of children, for
which there can be no mitigating circumstances;
Þ The laws against violence against women and children be
implemented effectively and that victims to be informed
about their constitutional rights to protection from the police
and courts;
Þ The police create an environment in police stations which is
conducive to reporting such crimes and where police officer
treat women and children sensitively;
Þ The Government join forces with civil society in a long-term
community intervention strategy to raise awareness and
reach all levels of society to eradicate this problem;
Þ The Government provide funds to achieve these objectives.
[Note to labour reporters; If this statement is not in your area of
policy, please pass it on to the news or social affairs desk.]
Patrick Craven and Moloto Mothapo
Acting COSATU Spokespersons
011 339 4911 0r 082 821 7456
siphiwe@cosatu.org.za
082-821-7456
339-4911
*********************************************************
Visit the COSATU web site at http://www.cosatu.org.za/press/latest.html for copies
of our most recent press statements.
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----------------------------------------
Contact 082-821-7456 Patrick Craven or Moloto Mothapo for further comment.
Visit the COSATU web site at http://www.cosatu.org.za/press/latest.html for copies
of our most recent press statements. For the full archive go to:
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Why Does Human Trafficking Disproportionately Affect Women?
2001-12-13
In this handbook, the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW) presents the problem of trafficking and some strategies for responding to it. The handbook approaches the subject from a human rights perspective and quite effectively pinpoints the ways trafficking violates victim's human rights, particularly those of women. It brings to light, therefore, the seriousness of a problem which is not well understood.
Why Does Human Trafficking Disproportionately Affect Women?
Review of "Human Rights and Trafficking in Persons: A Handbook" published by
the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women, 2001, 143 pages
In this handbook, the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women (GAATW)
presents the problem of trafficking and some strategies for responding to
it. The handbook approaches the subject from a human rights perspective and
quite effectively pinpoints the ways trafficking violates victim's human
rights, particularly those of women. It brings to light, therefore, the
seriousness of a problem which is not well understood.
The first section of the book outlines the various international human
rights
codes which relate to trafficking. The focus here is on the UN's various
conventions and protocols such as the Declaration on Violence Against Women
(1993) which included trafficking as a form of violence against women and
reaffirms the right of women not to be subjected to torture. It then goes
on
to define trafficking in women. The definition is as follows:
"...the recruitment, transportation within and across borders, purchase,
sale, transfer, receipt or harbouring of a person involving the use of
deception, coercion...or debt bondage for the purpose of placing or holding
such a person, whether for pay or not, in servitude, in forced or bonded
labour, or in slavery like conditions...."
Basically, this definition of trafficking involves holding someone against
his/her will through the use of some sort of coercive mechanism in a
community other than the one he/she comes from. The idea of deception is
important to include. The handbook notes that many women are originally
happy to migrate overseas to work since traffickers have promised them good
salaries and comfortable living conditions. However, once they arrive in
their new country/city, the traffickers are able to control and enslave them
by presenting them with a list of debts they now owe for transportation and
accommodation or by stealing their passports. Also, the book is careful to
exclude migrating voluntarily to work as sex workers from its definition.
The idea of coercion, then, is central. The handbook illustrates its
definition through a number of case studies involving the various features
of
trafficking. This is the best section of the handbook. It skillfully
clarifies what trafficking is by addressing the misconceptions people tend
to
hold about it. The case studies are particularly useful.
The next section examines the causes of trafficking, some of the
consequences
and various policy changes that governments should make. In regards to the
causes, it outlines why trafficking tends to be a phenomenon
disproportionately affecting women. The reasons include lower educational
and employment opportunities for women which make them more vulnerable to
traffickers offering jobs overseas. Also, restrictions on migration
(especially by developed countries) mean it is very difficult for women to
emigrate through legal channels and thus must turn to traffickers. The
consequences for trafficked people include rape, torture, detention and, in
some cases, murder. However, the handbook notes that government policies
often make the situation worse by imprisoning trafficked people for illegal
migration; failing to provide rehabilitation services such as counselling
and
health care; and prosecuting traffickers only for facilitating illegal
migration as opposed to the crimes they commit against their victims (such
as
torture). Thus, it indicates that many governments are complicit with and
responsible for human rights violations and outlines a number of policy
changes which must be enacted in order to protect the rights of trafficked
people.
The third section delves into different approaches to addressing
trafficking. These include the moralist approach, the crime control
approach, the migration approach and the labour approach. It also
identifies
ways in which these approaches can either enhance trafficked people's rights
or hinder them. For example, the moralist approach, which is mainly
concerned with prostitution, could either be repressive for trafficked
victims by enacting more anti-prostitution laws or can be empowering by
increasing the range of employment and educational opportunities available
to
women.
The final section looks at NGO strategies for taking a human rights approach
to trafficking at the local, regional and international levels. These
include service provision to victims, research and documentation on
trafficking cases, information and education campaigns and advocacy. At the
international level, it focuses on advocacy activities within the UN system
to strengthen conventions and protocols on trafficking. Unfortunately, it
does not address the question of how effective UN conventions might be in
stopping trafficking nor does it examine alternative activities at the
international level that might deliver better results.
This final section also includes a guide to building an advocacy strategy
and
a detailed list of strategies different actors could undertake at the
various
levels mentioned. Included in this detailed list are government welfare
departments which could offer income support to trafficked victims or health
care institutions which could offer treatment without involving the police.
While these recommendations are all relevant, they are all quite abstract
and
generic. It would be more useful to include examples of successful projects
that addressed trafficking and detail how they accomplished their goals.
Nevertheless, the book effectively communicates what trafficking is and why
it is an important human rights concern which people need to take action on.
Given that trafficking is often poorly understood, it is very useful in
drawing attention to the issue.
Source:
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WOMEN PREPARE FOR EARTH SUMMIT 2002
2001-12-13
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD 2002) will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 02 to 11 September 2002. In preparation for this important event, the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) is calling on concerned women's organisations to participate in the global consultation that aims to come up with a Women's Action Agenda for a Healthy Planet 2002(WAA2002). This will be launched in the World Summit.
ZAMBIA: Gender makes a Difference in the Risk of HIV Transmission
2001-12-13
http://www2.womensnet.org.za/news/show.cfm?news_id=778
In sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of HIV infection in women is rising faster than any other group. UNAIDS estimates that women in sub-Saharan African made up about 55 percent of people living with HIV/Aids at the end of 1999.
Human rights
AFRICAN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TRENDS 2000-1
Global Coalition for Africa
2001-12-13
http://www.gca-cma.org/eanrep.htm
Though democracy is still fragile, basic freedoms and civil liberties are expanding throughout the continent, say the Global Coalition for Africa's annual report.
Annan backs individual over state
2001-12-13
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1701000/1701605.stm
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has issued a clarion call for the rights of the individual, declaring that "the sovereignty of states must no longer be used as a shield for gross violations of human rights".
DISABILITY ACTION ON VOTER ADVOCACY
ZAMBIA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
2001-12-13
A report to the European Union Electoral Unit on the participation of disabled people in the electoral process of Zambia.
ZAMBIA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
(ZAFOD)
PROJECT TITLE:
DISABILITY ACTION ON VOTER ADVOCACY (DAVA)
A DISABLED PEOPLES ORGANISATIONS’ (DPOs)
JOINT PROGRAMME
REPORT TO THE:
EUROPEAN UNION – ELECTORAL UNIT
FOR THE PERIOD
26th OCTOBER TO 2nd DECEMBER 2001.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
THE COORDINATOR
ZAMBIA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
P.O. BOX 35794, LUSAKA
TELEFAX: 286529/34
CELL: 097-796895
E-MAIL: zafod@zamnet.zm
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
ZNAD HOUSE, PLOT LUS/10437, CHINIKA AREA, OFF LOS ANGELES ROAD,
NEAR NEW KANYAMA SITE AND SERVICE TOWNSHIP,
WEST OF SOWETO MARKET, LUSAKA.
1. CONTENTS:
Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………… 3
Introduction……………………………………………………………………… 4
Project Scope and Objectives.….………………………………………… 4
Methodology used on Project Implementation..…………………… 5
Problems Encountered……………………………..…………………………. 9
Income and Expenditure Statement …………………………………… 9
Appendices………………………………………………………………………… 11
· Questionnaire1: Information from ECZ
· Questionnaire2: Information from Polling Stations
· Programme for Launch of DAVA
· ZAFOD Vice Chairperson’s Speech
· Guest of Honour’s Speech
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Zambia Federation of the Disabled (ZAFOD) is grateful to the European Union (EU) – Electoral Unit for financing this project dubbed Disability Action on Voter Advocacy.
Our thanks also go to the International Foundation on Election Systems (IFES) through Action on Disability and Development (ADD) for co-funding this project.
We also wish to extend our thanks to all the people and organisations – too numerous to mention - who have been involved and still are in the implementation of this project and without whose support the project wouldn’t have been as successful as it has been so far.
Felix Simulunga
ZAFOD Co-ordinator
3. INTRODUCTION
Zambia Federation of the Disabled (ZAFOD) is a human rights umbrella organisation of Disabled Peoples' Organisations in Zambia whose major objective is to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities and whose vision is to see to it that persons with disabilities attain equalisation of opportunities that are generally available in society and are necessary for the fundamental elements of living, including family life, education, employment, housing, financial and personal security, participation in social and political groups, religious activity, sports, intimate and sexual relationships, access to public facilities, freedom of movement and the general style of daily living.
It was in trying to keep in line with our vision that ZAFOD approached the European Union for supplementary funding of this project so that disabled persons could also participate in the electoral process of this country especially the 2001 Tripartite Elections.
4. PROJECT SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES:
The activities of this project were designed to take place in five (5) Provinces of Zambia namely: Southern, Eastern, Central, Lusaka and Copperbelt.
The project objectives as supported by the European Union - Electoral Unit are:
a) To enable ZAFOD carry out a survey on the accessibility of the polling stations to persons with disabilities in the catchment area as highlighted above, as well as
b) To increase voter education on the importance of persons with disabilities’ participation in the electoral process.
This project is spearheaded by the Zambia Federation of the Disabled (ZAFOD) as an umbrella organization of associations of and for persons with disabilities in Zambia.
The chief participating organisations in this project include Zambia National Association of the Physically Handicapped (ZNAPH), Zambia National Association of the Partially Sighted (ZNAPS), Zambia National Association of the Hearing Impaired (ZNAHI), Zambia National Association of the Deaf (ZNAD), Zambia National Association of Disabled Women (ZNADWO), Zambia Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (ZACALD) and Zambia National Federation of the Blind (ZANFOB).
However, the ownership of the project rests with the entire disability movement.
5. METHODOLOGY USED ON PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The methodology used to ensure that the project was a success involved a series of activities such as planning meetings, preparation and dissemination of voter education and campaign materials, launch of the project, survey of polling stations as well as sensitisation through drama as follows:
PLANNING MEETINGS:
During this phase, a number of meetings were held aimed at charting the direction of the project.
Some of the issues discussed during these meetings were the theme of the Project and sharing of tasks among participating organisations. It was at one of these meetings that the theme of the Project "Democracy – A Birthright For All" depicting a society where persons with disabilities are not excluded but included in the democratic process of the nation, was arrived at.
In the implementation of this project, ZAFOD undertook measures aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders were involved to some extent in the implementation of the project, that the project funds were used specifically for the project and that sufficient measures were put in place to protect the project funds from any form of criminal activities.
PREPARATION OF VOTER EDUCATION MATERIALS:
This was the biggest time consuming phase where we needed to ensure that the right tools for the success of the project were produced.
a) One hundred and forty (140) T-shirts were printed with the message reading as follows: Back: Zambia Federation of the Disabled. Disability Action on Voter Advocacy – 2001 Tripartite Elections – Disabled Peoples Organisations Joint Programme. Sponsored by the European Union (EU) – Electoral Unit. Front: Working to Enhance Voter Education and Accessibility to the Electoral Process Among Persons with Disabilities – Democracy: A Birthright for All.
b) Six (6) banners were printed some of which were used in the launch and others in the voter education exercise. Some of the messages in the banners read as follows: Disability Action on Voter Advocacy (DAVA) - (A Joint Disabled Peoples’ Organisation Programme). Regardless of our Disabilities, We are Citizens of this Nation and part of the World Community. It is our democratic Right to Vote and Elect our Civic Leaders. We demand Equal Opportunities and Inclusion in all Developmental Programmes. Vote Wisely – Vote for Leaders with Disability Interest at Heart
c) ZAFOD has developed a Standard Manifesto on Disability, which has been and is still being marketed to Political Parties for adoption in their parties.
d) A jingle has been composed and is in the process of being recorded in English, Bemba and Nyanja, which will be used in the airing of advertisements on radio and Television.
e) Four advertisements are being worked on (2 for TV and the other 2 for Radio) and will be ready this week for airing on Television and radio.
f) ZAFOD has also produced a free copy newspaper called Disability Herald, which is aimed at increasing voter awareness among persons with disabilities as well as non-disabled persons.
LAUNCH OF THE PROJECT:
The project was finally launched on 27th November 2001 – one month from the date of elections – at the American Dome at the Lusaka Agricultural and Commercial Show Grounds. The launch was graced by Commissioner Lucy Kasanga from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on behalf of the Chairperson of the ECZ – Judge Bobby Bwalya. Speeches were presented by ZAFOD Vice Chairperson Mr. Stephen Njovu, Zambia National Federation of the Blind (ZANFOB) Chairperson Mr. Wamundila Waliuya, Commissioner Lucy Kasanga from ECZ and Mr. James Piriou from the European Union – Electoral Unit in that order.
A vote of thanks was given by the ZNAPH Executive Director Mrs Constance Sachelo from Ndola. The speeches were spiced in between with entertainment from a drama group called Tagwamo Theatre Club.
Among the people and institutions invited for the launch were political parties, the print and electronic media, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Church, etc.
The launch, which started around 13:00 hours ended at 18:00 hours after which there was a Workshop for Polling Station Surveyors at the same venue.
SENSITISATION THROUGH DRAMA
A Drama group called Tagwamo Arts Theatre Ensemble (TATE) was contracted to compose a Play with the theme “Democracy – A Birth Right for All) which has been used in the voter education campaign exercise. The play will also be aired on TV and radio.
From Wednesday 28th November up to Saturday 1st December 2001, the drama club then embarked on sensitisation of the local communities through drama on the need for persons with disabilities to participate in the electoral process.
No Date: Day Name of Place:
1 28.11.01 Wednesday Matero Market
2 28.11.01 Wednesday Chaisa Market
3 29.11.01 Thursday Garden Market
4 29.11.01 Thursday Bauleni Market
5 29.11.01 Thursday Chilanga Market
6 30.11.01 Friday Kanyama Market
7 30.11.01 Friday Chawama Market
8 30.11.01 Friday Chilenje Market
9 01.12.01 Saturday Kaunda Square Market
10 01.12.01 Saturday Kuku Market
In each of these places, people were entertained with songs, comedies and a full play on disability issues after which there was a pep talk on the need for every stakeholder to include persons with disabilities in the mainstream activities and decision making.
SURVEYING ON ACCESSIBILITY OF POLLING STATIONS:
Before elections took place, it was deemed appropriate to establish whether persons with disabilities would be able to vote without any hindrances. In this regard ZAFOD organised 21 surveyors with various disabilities and embarked on a surveying exercise in 5 provincial headquarters namely Ndola, Kabwe, Lusaka, Chipata and Livingstone with a total of 744 polling stations as follows.
List of Surveyors
No Name Disability Organisation District
1 Patrick Nduluma Deaf ZNAD Chipata
2 Joseph Mbewe Partially Sighted ZNAHI Chipata
3 James Kapembwa Deaf ZNAD Chipata
4 Mwamba Mumba S. L. Interpreter ZNAD Chipata
5 Christine Kumwenda Physically Disabled ZNADWO Kabwe
6 Andrew Shilika Blind ZANFOB Kabwe
7 Serah Bretherton Physically Disabled DIF Kabwe
8 A. Kalamani Guide ZANFOB Kabwe
9 Grace Mwanza Deaf ZNAD Kabwe
10 John K Miyato Hearing Impaired ZNAHI Livingstone
11 Wamundila Waliuya Blind ZANFOB Livingstone
12 Judith Siyomunji Able-bodied ZAFOD Livingstone
13 Misheck Muleta Guide ZANFOB Livingstone
14 David Mukwasa Physically Disabled DISACARE Lusaka
15 Vinod K. Pande Parent ZACALD Lusaka
16 Chola Kafwabulula Physically Disabled DIF Lusaka
17 Lango Sinkamba Physically Disabled DIF Lusaka
18 Emmanuel C. Banda Physically Disabled ZNAPH Ndola
19 Stephen Njovu Physically Disabled ZNAPH Ndola
20 Derllings Moloshi Physically Disabled DEAZ Ndola
21 Constance Sachelo Physically Disabled ZNAPH Ndola
Town No. of Polling Stations
Chipata 149
Kabwe 99
Livingstone 51
Lusaka 292
Ndola 153
Total 744
To effectively carry out the exercise, Questionnaires were designed for collection of information (see attached copies). The surveying exercise started on 28th November and ended on 1st December 2001 when surveyors were expected to be back.
From the preliminary results received so far, not all polling stations in these designated areas were surveyed mainly due to:
a) Limited time,
b) Lack of adequate resources to effectively carry out the exercise
c) Most places were difficult to locate
d) Some polling stations were found locked
6. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED:
Generally, this project had no major/great problems except that:
a) At the time of the implementation of this programme, ZAFOD’s administrative financial base had run low and the Secretariat was busy trying to come up with other programmes – that did not include this project - to sustain the administrative needs of the organisation.
b) Because of pressure on other projects, ZAFOD was not able to update the EU on the progress of the project in time.
c) Voter education costs such as production and airing of advertisements on TV and radio, production of posters, leaflets and fliers, etc were underestimated.
d) Transport by ZAFOD to coordinate the project and other projects that it is currently running was overstretched due to the fact that ZAFOD has only one vehicle.
7. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT: RATE: US$1 = ZMK3,800
INCOME US$ ZMK
EUROPEAN UNION GRANT 20,105 76,400,000
EXPENDITURE
A ZAFOD ADMINISTRATIVE & PERSONNEL COSTS Budget ($) Budget (K) Actual ($) Actual (K)
1 Per-diem/Salary for ZAFOD Staff 2,000 7,600,000 412 1,566,300
2 Postage & Telecommunication 200 760,000 0 0
3 Office Supplies (e.g. stationery, etc) 400 1,520,000 384 1,458,000
4 Subscriptions (Newspapers, etc) 200 760,000 0 0
5 Fuel, Lubricants & Vehicle Maintenance 800 3,040,000 126 478,000
6 Films and Processing Costs 45 171,000 0 0
7 Bank Charges 60 228,000 0 0
Subtotal 3,705 14,079,000 922 3,502,300
B ONE DAY SURVEYORS WORKSHOP
8 Participants' travel costs 1,500 5,700,000 261 990,000
9 Participants' meals 1,250 4,750,000 361 1,370,000
10 Participants' accommodation 1,500 5,700,000 0 0
11 Trainers's fees 140 532,000 0 0
12 Rapporteur's fees 40 152,000 0 0
13 Meals for Trainers and Rapporteurs 45 171,000 0 0
14 Transport for Trainers and Rapporteurs 30 114,000 0 0
15 Sign Language Interpreters' fees 44 167,200 21 80,000
16 Guides for blind participants 40 152,000 0 0
17 Accommodation for Personal Assistants 60 228,000 0 0
18 Meals--Interpreters & Assistants for the blind 100 380,000 0 0
19 Transport--Interpreters & Assistants 40 152,000 18 70,000
20 Hire of Mini-bus for travel to workshop site 400 1,520,000 0 0
21 Hire of Venue 95 361,000 111 420,000
22 Training Materials 290 1,102,000 0 0
Subtotal 5,574 21,181,200 771 2,930,000
C VOTER EDUCATION COSTS
23 Special editions of ZAFOD Newspaper 4,000 15,200,000 642 2,440,000
24 Nationwide distribution of ZAFOD Newspaper 2,340 8,892,000 0 0
25 Posters/Leaflets/Brochures, etc 400 1,520,000 1,711 6,500,000
26 Transcription into Braille and tape production 200 760,000 0 0
27 Advertisements (TV, Radio, Newspapers, etc) 3,500 13,300,000 3,914 14,873,470
28 Design and Production of Adverts 800 3,040,000 1,563 5,940,000
29 Mobile Voter Education 360 1,368,000 132 500,000
30 Computer, Printer & Photocopier for project 2,000 7,600,000 6,540 24,853,480
Subtotal 13,600 51,680,000 14,502 55,106,950
D COORDINATING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
31 Members' travel costs 120 456,000 132 500,000
32 Members' meals 60 228,000 20 77,000
33 Members' accommodation costs 0 0 0 0
34 Sign Language Interpreters' fees 60 228,000 11 40,000
35 Meals for Interpreters & Assistants 40 152,000 0 0
Subtotal 280 1,064,000 162 617,000
E POLLING STATION SURVEY
36 Cameras for Polling Station Surveyors 900 3,420,000 655 2,489,460
37 Surveyors T-shirts and Caps 350 1,330,000 921 3,500,000
38 Design of Polling Station Survey Evaluation Forms 0 0 0 0
39 Travel costs for Surveyors 1,560 5,928,000 1,053 4,000,000
40 Meals for Surveyors 750 2,850,000 1,158 4,400,000
41 Communication to headquarters 260 988,000 0 0
42 Sign Language Interpreters 110 418,000 63 240,000
43 Personal Assistants (Guides, etc) 50 190,000 32 120,000
44 Accommodation for Surveyors 0 0 758 2,880,000
Subtotal 3,980 15,124,000 4,639 17,629,460
F REPORT ON POLLING STATIONS ACCESSIBILITY
45 Participants' travel costs 300 1,140,000 0 0
46 Participants' meals 250 950,000 0 0
47 Participants' accommodation 300 1,140,000 0 0
48 Rapporteurs' fees 0 0 0 0
49 Meals for Rapporteurs 0 0 0 0
50 Transport for Rapporteurs 0 0 0 0
51 Sign Language Interpreters' fees 0 0 0 0
52 Press Conference 0 0 0 0
Subtotal 850 3,230,000 0 0
GRAND TOTAL 27,989 106,358,200 20,996 79,785,710
BALANCE -891 -3,385,710
ZAMBIA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
(ZAFOD)
DISABILITY ACTION ON
VOTER ADVOCACY
(DAVA)
A Disabled Peoples' Organisations (DPOs)
Joint Programme
QUESTIONNAIRE OF A SURVEY
ON THE ACCESSIBILITY OF POLLING STATIONS IN ZAMBIA
TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
2001 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS
Sponsored by the European Union (EU) - Electoral Unit
DEMOCRACY:
A BIRTHRIGHT FOR ALL
FOR ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA (ECZ)
1. Personal Assistance:What arrangements have been put in place by the ECZ to ensure that persons with disabilities receive the assistance of their choice on Election Day?r Noner Personal Assistantsr Sign Language Interpretersr Other, Please specify ……………………………………………………………………
2. Queuing:What measures have been put in place to protect persons with disabilities from having to stay on queues for longer hours?r Having their own queuer Giving priority to voters with disabilitiesr Other, Please specify……………………………………………………………………..
3. Deaf Persons:a) Is Electoral information on TV accessible to deaf persons?r Yes r No b) If No (in 3 (a) above), why?r Not aware of the existence of deaf personsr Deaf persons can access information from friendsr Lack of resources to interpret television based electoral issues in Sign Languager Other, Please specify……………………………………………………………c) Are the polling station assistants able to communicate using Sign Language for the sake of deaf persons?r Yes r No
4. Partially Sighted Persons:a) Are voter education materials available in large print for the partially sighted persons?r Yes r No b) If No (in 4 (a) above), why?r Not aware of the existence of partially sighted personsr Partially sighted persons can access information through friendsr Lack of resources to have electoral publications in large printr Other, Please specify………………………………………………………….
5. Blind Persons:a) Are there any measures put in place to assist blind people in casting their votes?r Yesr No b) If Yes (in 5 (a) above), please specify……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………c) How will secrecy of blind voters be guaranteed on polling day? …………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Physically Disabled Persons:a) Will a wheelchair be able to completely go into the polling booth?r Yes r No b) If No (in 6 (a) above), why? …………………………………………………………..……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….c) Will a person in a wheelchair be able to gain access to the slot in the ballot box without being assisted?r Yes r No
7. Proxy Voting:a) Is there a provision in the Electoral Act for people to vote by proxy?r Yesr Nob) If No, Why not?……………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………c) If Yes, Please specify who qualifies to vote by proxy.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….
8. General Information:a) Roughly, how many polling station assistants/ushers will be located at each polling station?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………….b) Are there any arrangements to put in place any furniture such as benches in the polling stations for the sake of persons with disabilities who cannot stand on queues for a long time?r Yes r No
ZAMBIA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
(ZAFOD)
DISABILITY ACTION ON
VOTER ADVOCACY
(DAVA)
A Disabled Peoples' Organisations (DPOs)
Joint Programme
QUESTIONNAIRE OF A SURVEY
ON THE ACCESSIBILITY OF POLLING STATIONS IN ZAMBIA
TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
2001 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS
Sponsored by the European Union (EU) - Electoral Unit
DEMOCRACY:
A BIRTHRIGHT FOR ALL
SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION1. Surveyors' Names a) ………..……………..…………………………………………………………………………………..b) ………..……………..…………………………………………………………………………………..c) ………….….………..……………………………………………………………………………………d) ………..……………..…………………………………………………………………………………..2. Province …………………………………………………………………………………………………..3. Polling District……………………………………………………………………………………………4. Constituency……………………………………………………………………………………………..5. Polling Station Name………………………………………………………………………………….6. Ward…………………………..…………………………………………………………………………..
SECTION B: POLLING STATION ACCESSIBILITY:7. Did you have any difficulties in locating the polling station? r Yesr No8. If Yes (in 7 above), why?r Not easily accessible by road r No knowledge of its existence by the local communityr Other, please specify……………………………………………………..9. Is the polling station physically accessible to persons with mobility problems? r Yesr No10. If the answer is No (in 9 above), what are the problematic areas? r Polling station has steps r Polling station has narrow doors or corridors r Polling station on second or higher floor without a liftr Far away from the general community11. What type of road leads to the polling station?r Gravelr Tarmacr Footpath12. Is the road (in 11 above), dry or wet generally?r Dryr Wet13. How far was the polling station from the main business centre, i.e. from town?r Farr Near14. How far was the polling station from the homestead?r Farr Near15. Did you see any ramps at the polling station itself?r Yesr No16. How wide was the entrance to the polling station itself?r Wide for a wheelchairr Not wide enough17. Were there any public conveniences (toilets) near the polling stations?r Yesr No18. If Yes (in 17 above), where they accessible to:A person in a wheelchair Yes r No rA person with crutches Yes r No rA blind person Yes r No rA person with poor mobility Yes r No r
SECTION C: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:19. What is your disability?r Blindr Partially sightedr Deafr Hearing Impairedr Mentally Illr Mentally Retardedr Physically Disabledr Multiple Disability20. Are you a registered voter?r Yes r No21. If No (in 20 above), why?r Voter Registration Centre not Accessibler Not interested in politicsr Other, Please specify……………………………………………………………………….22. If Yes (in 20 above), have you ever voted before?r Yes r No23. If No (in 22 above), why?r Only registered recentlyr Mobility problems (e.g. lack of wheelchair, etc)r Lack of Personal Assistants (e.g. guide, etc)r Other, Please specify………………………………………………………………………24. What level of education have you attained?r Noner Primary School Levelr Junior Secondary School levelr Senior Secondary School levelr Tertiary Education Level
SECTION D: SURVEYORS25. With your findings, do you think many persons with disabilities will participate in this year's tripartite elections regarding accessibility to polling stations and the electoral process?r Yesr No 26. If No (in 25 above), what do you think should be done by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) before the 2001 Tripartite Elections?r Shift inaccessible polling stations to accessible roomsr Provide Personal Assistants to Voters with Disabilitiesr Make Ramps for Persons on wheelchairs r It is too late to do anythingr Other, please specify………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………..……………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………..……………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………..………………………………..
ZAMBIA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED (ZAFOD)
LAUNCH OF DISABILITY ACTION ON VOTER ADVOCACY (DAVA)
A Disabled Peoples' Organizations Joint Programme
2001 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS
American Dome – Agricultural And Commercial
Show Grounds, Lusaka
DATE: TIME: SUBJECT:
27/11/01 09:00 – 09:30 PROJECT UPDATE AND OUTLINE
09:30 – 10:30 1ST SESSION – TRAINING OF SURVEYORS
10:30 – 11:00 TEA BREAK
11:00 – 12:30 2ND SESSION – TRAINING OF SURVEYORS
12:30 – 14:00 LUNCH
14:00 – 15:00 PROJECT LOGISTICS & END OF WORKSHOP
15:00 – 15:30 ARRIVAL OF INVITED GUESTS
15:30 – 15:50 ARRIVAL OF GUEST OF HONOUR
15:50 – 16:05 NATIONAL ANTHEM AND WELCOME REMARKS
16:05 – 16:35 ENTERTAINMENT
16:35 – 16:45 SPEECH BY ZAFOD CHAIRPERSON
16:45 – 16:55 SPEECH BY ZANFOB CHAIRPERSON
16:55 – 17:05 SPEECH BY ADD REPRESENTATIVE
17:05 – 17:15 SPEECH BY THE EU REPRESENTATIVE
17:15 – 17:25 SPEECH BY THE GUEST OF HONOUR
17:25 – 17:45 REFRESHMENTS AND SNACKS
17:45 – 17:50 DEPARTURE OF GUEST OF HONOUR
17:50 – 18:00 DEPARTURE OF ALL INVITED GUESTS
SPEECH DELIVERED BY
THE VICE CHAIRPERSON – ZAMBIA FEDERATION
OF THE DISABLED (ZAFOD)
MR. STEPHEN NJOVU
ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE
DISABILITY ACTION ON VOTER ADVOCACY (DAVA)
AT THE AMERICAN DOME –
AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL SHOW
GROUNDS IN LUSAKA
ON 27TH NOVEMBER, 2001
AT 15:00 HOURS
¨ The Guest of Honour – Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia – Judge Bobby Bwalya
¨ Members of the Diplomatic Corp
¨ Representatives of development agencies, governmental institutions and related bodies;
¨ Fellow colleagues in the disability movement;
¨ Members of the press;
¨ Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
On behalf of the Zambia Federation of the Disabled (ZAFOD) Executive Board and persons with disabilities in Zambia, it is my great honour and indeed my privilege to welcome you all to this launch of the Disability Action on Voter Advocacy (DAVA).
I also extend a special warm welcome to our guest of honour, Judge Bobby Bwalya from the Electoral Commission of Zambia who at short notice has still managed to be with us.
In the first place, allow me to briefly introduce ZAFOD to you.
ZAFOD is an umbrella body of organisations of and for persons with various disabilities in Zambia. It was founded in 1985 when persons with disabilities saw the need to speak with one voice. It got registered in 1990 as a non-political, non-profit and non-governmental organization with the principle objective of improving the welfare of persons with disabilities throughout Zambia. By virtue of this, let me take this opportunity to state here that ZAFOD does not support any single political party but works with all political parties to ensure that they incorporate issues of persons with disabilities in their party structures and programmes.
It is common knowledge to all of us in this country that disabled people are the poorest of the poor, living lives of disadvantage and deprivation. Society has continued to view disability, as a problem of the individual and that it is the individual who has to change or be changed by professionals through rehabilitation and cure. But through our disability movement, we the disabled people are now describing from our own experience and knowledge how it is the economic and social barriers, which are the source of the problems we come across every day of our lives. These barriers are so widespread and so entrenched that we are prevented from enjoying a good quality life for ourselves. The barriers are found at every level of our societies, from the family, through social groups, commerce and industry and right up to our rulers in government. Through our movement, we are therefore struggling to be part and equal members of societies. It is not an easy struggle; it is a war of liberation. We are fighting an intricate and complicated problem that since time immemorial has been entrenched in our society.
Through our movement, we have come to realise that to make any progress in our struggle of achieving equal opportunities, we have to be masters of our own destiny; to participate in the decision making process of our nation and to choose people that we can work with in having a society that is free from barriers. A society that includes all and excludes none because disabled people are an important part of the diversity of this country.
This diversity should be celebrated and not excluded and therefore any political party, individual, or system that excludes disabled people, will be doing so at its own peril because we disabled persons are now on the move. On the move from being spectators to participants in the democratic process of our country.
We demand from any party that will form the next government, to as a matter of priority do the following:
a) Create a Ministry of Disability Affairs and Development, headed by a person with a disability, to coordinate programmes of and for persons with disabilities;
b) Allocate ten percent (10%) of the national budget to the aforementioned ministry for carrying out programmes of and for persons with disabilities;
c) Nominate three (3) persons with disabilities as members of parliament out of the eight (8) nominated members by the Republican President;
d) Ensure that constitutional changes to take place next year should make provisions for 10% of seats in parliament to belong to persons with disabilities elected by their fellow persons with disabilities.
The 10% emanates from the fact that in every given population, one out of ten people are persons with disabilities.
As we cast our votes on 27th December 2001, we the disabled persons together with our children, wives or husbands and friends will go to the polls to vote for leaders that have our aspirations at heart.
This programme – Disability Action on Voter Advocacy (DAVA) that we are launching today - will give persons with disabilities in Zambia the opportunity to be involved in the electoral process of this country.
The activities of this project will take place in five (5) provinces of Zambia namely: Southern, Eastern, Central, Lusaka and Copperbelt.
The project will be spearheaded by the Zambia Federation of the Disabled (ZAFOD) as an umbrella organization of and for persons with disabilities in Zambia. These organisations include Zambia National Association of the Physically Handicapped (ZNAPH), Zambia National Association of the Partially Sighted (ZNAPS), Zambia National Association of the Hearing Impaired (ZNAHI), Zambia National Association of the Deaf (ZNAD), Zambia National Association of Disabled Women (ZNADWO), and Zambia Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities (ZACALD). The Zambia National Federation of the Blind (ZANFOB) have also been incorporated in the project to represent blind persons in Zambia.
The project has three main objectives namely:
a) Surveying the accessibility of polling stations
b) Voter education
c) Election observation
Regarding voter education, ZAFOD will run a specific voter education process specifically for persons with disabilities in all the five provinces. The purpose of the voter education is mainly to highlight the importance of citizens’ participation in the elections.
ZAFOD will also attend and participate in the meetings and other programmes of the mainstream society to familiarise itself with the election issues and to raise its concerns regarding the electoral process.
ZAFOD will also be proactive by bringing up issues about disability development with the aspiring candidates. In this regard, we have developed a manifesto on disability that we will be presenting to all political parties so that they become familiar with the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.
In addition to convening meetings with various stakeholders, we have also developed voter education materials and activities targeting citizens with disabilities. These materials and activities include, but not limited to, posters, drama performances, radio and tv advertisements, etc.
We are hopeful that this project will also raise the profile of disabled citizens, and will effectively impact on the attitudes of the mainstream society towards citizens with disabilities.
ZAFOD has also organized an election observation team of 50 persons with disabilities in the five designated provinces.
The issue of disability access to the electoral process will be scrutinized before and after elections through advising the government and the electoral commission.
The Disabled Peoples' Organizations (DPOs) in Zambia will issue an election observation statement after the elections. Following the elections, the DPO’s will also seek to meet with other monitoring organizations, and with election officials, to share their observations and experiences, and to chart a course for next steps to promote greater electoral access and participation in future elections.
Some of the expected outputs from this project are that:
a) It will form a platform for persons with disabilities to lobby for inclusion in all the mainstream activities in Zambia.
b) With the fresh experience of election observation, persons with disabilities through ZAFOD will further develop plans and look at how to include persons with disabilities' interests into the national constitution, which we believe is likely to be reviewed in 2002.
c) Disabled persons will also be generally aware of their rights to vote and the importance of exercising their right to vote, as well as becoming more involved in the political process of this country.
d) The profile raised by the participation of persons with disabilities will have an everlasting impression on the government and the mainstream society. Consequently, the mainstream society will be influenced to change their negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities.
Finally allow me to thank the International Foundation on Election Systems (IFES), through Action on Disability and Development (ADD) and the European Union – Electoral Unit for sponsoring this project. I urge other developmental agencies to take a leaf from these organisations and support programmes of and for persons with disabilities in Zambia so that we can also live a life of inclusion and not exclusion.
Thank you.
More...
DRC to ratify the Rome Statute
2001-12-13
According to AFP (agence France Presse), the Democratic Republic of Congo is going to ratify the Rome Statute as stated by the Minister of Justice Ngele Masudi on December 6, 2001 in Kinshasa. The Minister of Human Rights , Ntumba Luaba, added, "It is in the best interest of the DRC to ratify the Rome Statute for the ICC not only because it is a victim of an unjustified aggression, but also because it is a State of Law which has accepted the jurisdiction of the International Court."
DRC to ratify the Rome Statute
Dear all,
According to AFP (agence France Presse), the Democratic Republic of
Congo is going to ratify the Rome Statute as stated by the Minister
of Justice Ngele Masudi on December 6, 2001 in Kinshasa.
The Minister of Human Rights , Ntumba Luaba, added, "It is in the
best interest of the DRC to ratify the Rome Statute for the ICC not
only because it is a victim of an unjustified aggression, but also
because it is a State of Law which has accepted the jurisdiction of the
International Court."
Full news below,
********************
Copyright 2001 Agence France Presse
Agence France Presse
December 5, 2001 Wednesday
SECTION: INFORMATION GENERALES
LENGTH: 398 words
HEADLINE: La RDC va ratifier le statut de la Cour
penale
internationale
DATELINE: KINSHASA, 5 dec
BODY: La Republique democratique du Congo (RDC) va
ratifier le statut de la Cour penale internationale, a
annonce mercredi a Kinshasa le ministre de la Justice
et Garde des Sceaux Ngele Masudi.
La RDC a pris cette decision "parce que la Cour penale
internationale est l'instrument d'une distribution
plus efficace de la justice, d'une lutte accentuee
contre l'impunite et d'un renforcement de l'Etat de
droit protecteur des droits de l'Homme" a explique M.
Ngele.
Le ministre a ouvert mercredi matin un seminaire, qui
durera jusqu'au 8 decembre et va permettre a ses
participants - magistrats, juristes, specialistes du
droit constitutionnel congolais - d'analyser le statut
de la Cour afin d'harmoniser la loi interne congolaise
aux regles qui la regissent. "Ces experts vont
reflechir aux implications constitutionnelles de la
ratification par la Republique democratique du Congo
(RDC) du statut de la Cour penale internationale", a
declare a l'AFP Sylvie Nicole, responsable du
Programme institutionnel du Reseau des citoyens pour
la justice et la democratie (RCN), une ONG belge.
"Il est dans l'interet de la RDC de ratifier le statut
de Rome (ndlr: portant creation de la Cour penale
internationale) parce qu'elle est victime d'une
agression injustifiee mais aussi et surtout parce
qu'elle est un Etat de droit ayant accepte la
competence de la Cour internationale de justice" a
declare pour sa part le ministre des Droits humains du
gouvernement de Joseph Kabila, Ntumba Luaba.
La RDC est "l'un des rares Etats africains a s'etre
dote d'une charte des droits de l'Homme et du peuple
et d'un plan de promotion et de protection des droits
de l'Homme", a-t-il ajoute.
Ratifie deja par 437 pays, le statut de Rome nstituant
la Cour penale internationale doit recueillir la
signature de 60 Etats avant sa mise en application.
Le RCN, qui a apporte son soutien financier et
materiel a l'organisation du seminaire de Kinshasa est
"tres present dans la region des Grands Lacs" a
souligne Sylvie Nicole.
En RDC, l'ONG belge finance la formation parajuriste,
le recyclage du personnel judiciaire et apporte un
appui logistique a la documentation ainsi qu'a
l'impression du bulletin des arrets de la Cour supreme
de justice, grace a un budget de la Cooperation belge,
a ajoute la jeune juriste francaise.
Le RCN assiste enfin le Tribunal penal sur le genocide
au Rwanda.
LOAD-DATE: December 5, 2001
--
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Alphonse Déo Nkunzimana
NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court
Coalition des ONG pour la Cour Pénale Internationale
777 UN Plaza 3rd Floor
New York New York 10017
USA
Telephone +1 212 687 2863 ex 16
Faxsimile +1 212 599 1332
Email cicc8@iccnow.org
Web http://www.iccnow.org
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EU definition of terrorism
A victory for civil society?
2001-12-13
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2001/dec/05terdef.htm
There some signs that the strong concerns raised by civil society groups over the proposed EU definition of terrorism is having some effect on the original proposal put forward by the Commission which clearly extended the definition of terrorism to include protests and other democratic activities.
Europe Should Oppose U.S. Law on War Crimes Court
2001-12-13
European Union governments should quickly express their opposition to the new American Servicemembers Protection Act (ASPA), passed by the U.S. Senate on December 7, Human Rights Watch urged in a letter to EU foreign ministers.
Europe Should Oppose U.S. Law on War Crimes Court
(New York, December 10, 2001) - European Union governments should
quickly express their opposition to the new American Servicemembers
Protection Act (ASPA), passed by the U.S. Senate on December 7, Human
Rights Watch urged in a letter to E.U. foreign ministers today.
The ASPA would empower the U.S. president to use "all means necessary
and appropriate" to free any American detained by the International
Criminal Court, which will prosecute individuals accused of genocide,
crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
The legislation would also restrict foreign aid to other countries
unless they prevent U.S. troops within their borders from being
delivered to the court.
All of the United States' allies in NATO strongly support the
International Criminal Court, and most have ratified the ICC treaty
already. In October, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer warned
in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell that "adopting
the ASPA would open a rift between the U.S. and the European Union on
this important issue."
"This legislation is a slap in the face to American allies in Europe,"
said Richard Dicker, director of the International Justice Program at
Human Rights Watch. "European governments have got to impress upon the
Bush administration how dangerous this legislation is."
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate are
expected to meet this week to iron out differences in their
respective pieces of
legislation. The House passed its version of the bill in May. The Senate
version includes a provision allowing the U.S. president to waive the
restrictions on U.S. cooperation with the court and its supporters.
Human Rights Watch has strongly opposed the legislation in any form,
but urged that at the very least, the presidential waiver should be
included in the final version of the law.
Forty-seven nations have ratified the International Criminal Court
treaty, out of sixty needed to begin the process of establishing the
court. Enough states have expressed their intention to ratify that it
is expected the goal of sixty will be reached in the next year.
"The U.S. will not be successful in stopping this court," said Dicker.
"This kind of rearguard bullying achieves nothing but alienating key
U.S. allies."
Many European governments have also criticized the U.S. proposal to set
up military commissions to prosecute people accused of terrorism.
"We are getting a disturbing picture of what the Bush administration
sees as justice," Dicker said. "The standards of due process at the
international criminal court are much higher than those permitted by
President Bush's order on military commissions."
The European Union adopted a "Common Position" on the International
Criminal Court on June 11. Article 2 of the Common Position states that
in order to contribute to early entry into force of the ICC treaty,
"the European Union and its Member States shall make every effort to further
this process by raising the issue of the widest possible ratification,
acceptance, approval or accession to the Rome Statute [Š]."
Human Rights Watch urged European Union governments to redouble their
efforts to ensure the early entry into force of the ICC treaty. Because
some states intending to ratify the ICC treaty may now be intimidated
by the new U.S. legislation, EU governments should offer reassurances that
they stand more firmly than ever behind the court, Human Rights Watch
said.
For more information on the American Servicemembers Protection Act and
the International Criminal Court, please see:
U.S.: Waiver Needed for War Crimes Court (HRW Press Release, December
10, 2001) at http://www.hrw.org/press/2001/12/ASPA1210.htm
U.S.: Don't Support Legislation Against War Crimes Court (HRW Press
Release, October 5, 2001) at
http://www.hrw.org/press/2001/10/icc1005.htm
Key Documents on the International Criminal Court (HRW Focus Page) at
http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/icc/
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Coalition for the International Criminal Court
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New York, New York 10017, USA
Phone: 212-687-2176
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INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions
2001-12-13
Protecting workers' fundamental human rights is one of the principal tasks of the ICFTU, and it is fitting that we should remember the trade unionists who have lost their lives or their freedoms as we celebrate International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2001.
INTERNATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF FREE TRADE UNIONS (ICFTU)
ICFTU OnLine...
202/031201/JK
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Brussels, December 10, 2001 (ICFTU OnLine): Protecting workers' fundamental
human rights is one of the principal tasks of the ICFTU, and it is fitting
that we should remember the trade unionists who have lost their lives or
their freedoms as we celebrate International Human Rights Day.
Today is also the 100th anniversary of the Nobel prize, and ten years since
the Peace prize was awarded to Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi.
Burma is one of the worst violators of human rights, practising forced
labour on a daily basis, as a recent ICFTU report* and ongoing campaign
show. Refusal to work for the army may lead to being detained, tortured,
raped, or killed.
The most dangerous country of all for trade unionists however is Colombia.
Last year 135 workers were murdered for their trade union activities. This
year that figure has already been exceeded. One of the latest victims was
Aury Sara Marrugo, President of the Bolivar branch of the 'Union Sindical
Obrera' (USO) whose dead body was found on December 5, bringing the total
number of murdered trade unionists this year to 148.
Elsewhere in the world, trade unionists are also facing death or
imprisonment and harassment, notably in Guatemala, where death threats are
on the increase, South Korea, where strikers are systematically imprisoned,
Indonesia where union activity is regularly repressed, or China, where those
who try to collectively organise are sent to psychiatric hospitals or forced
labour camps and Zimbabwe where intimidation is mounting in an increasingly
tense situation. The list goes on.
The recently published ICFTU Annual Survey** lists 139 countries where trade
union rights have been violated. As it prepares next year's issue, there
is no lack of fresh, and disturbing, information, with a steady stream of
reports of violations flooding in. All the more reason for the ICFTU and
the whole of the Global Unions family to renew their commitment to the
protection of workers' human rights.
* "Forced Labour in the 21st Century" by ICFTU and Anti-Slavery
International, November 2001. Available on the ICFTU web-site:
http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991214393
** Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights 2001. Available on
the ICFTU web-site: http://www.icftu.org/survey2001.asp?Language=EN
The ICFTU represents more than 157 million workers in 226 affiliated
organisations in 148 countries and territories. ICFTU is also a member of
Global Unions:
http://www.global-unions.org <http://www.global-unions.org>
For more information, please contact the ICFTU Press Department on +32 2 224
0232 or +32 476 62 10 18.
More...
Mozambique: president says no third term
2001-12-13
http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/southern_africa/0,1009,24954,00.html
Joaquim Chissano, the Mozambican President, today announced that he will not stand for a third term in office in the 2004 general elections, ending debate over whether he should stay or go.
RWANDA-TANZANIA: Government asks Tanzania to rearrest genocide suspect
2001-12-13
http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17400&SelectRegion=Great_Lakes&SelectCountry=RWANDA-TANZANIA
Rwanda has asked Tanzania to rearrest an investigator for def