Back Issues

PAMBAZUKA NEWS– NEW NAME FOR KABISSA-FAHAMU-SANGONET NEWSLETTER

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/4830

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.

Georgina Hirsch

Taylor Willcocks Solicitors, London

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/4832

Kofo Adeleke, Programme Officer

CCDI, Nigeria

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/4829

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

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/books/4746

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/

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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

*********************************************************

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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

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/wgender/4743

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

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/wgender/4753

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.

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

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/4752

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

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/4744

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
--







==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+==+=
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

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/4760

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/

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joydeep Sengupta
Communications and Outreach Associate
Coalition for the International Criminal Court
777 United Nations Plaza, 12th Floor
New York, New York 10017, USA

Phone: 212-687-2176
Direct line: 212-687-2863, ext 18
Fax: 212-599-1332
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Coalicion por la Corte Penal Internacional
Coalition pour la Cour Penale Internationale

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INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/4756

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 defendants on trial at the UN International Criminal Tribunal (ICTR) for Rwanda because Kigali suspects him of having participated in the 1994 genocide, Rwandan Radio reported on Saturday.

RWANDA: Six genocide convicts begin sentences in Mali

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17545&SelectRegion=Great_Lakes&SelectCountry=RWANDA

Former Rwandan prime minister Jean Kambanda was among five other genocide convicts transferred to Mali on Sunday to begin serving sentences of between 15 years to life imprisonment, imposed by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, news organisations reported.

Sudan: What Have Governments Done to Stop Slavery?

2001-12-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200112070477.html

Many Third World countries feel they have no easy solutions, and thus turn a blind eye on the "embarrassment" of slavery. They would even deny its existence. Sudan is one country where reports of slavery have persistently emerged, and the Khartoum government is accused of having a hand in promoting this act.

US: Senate votes overwhelmingly to bar participation in new international criminal court

2001-12-13

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20011207_1996.html

The Senate voted overwhelmingly Friday to block U.S. participation in a new international criminal court that opponents fear could stage politically motivated trials of American troops and government officials.

Zimbabwe opposition wants non-violence pact with Mugabe

2001-12-13

http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/southern_africa/0,1009,24948,00.html

Leader of Zimbabwe's main opposition party says his party and the ruling party of President Robert Mugabe should sign a non-violence pact ahead of next year's presidential elections. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), says he is prepared to share the stage with Mugabe and publicly denounce violence which is now prevalent on the Zimbabwean political scene.

ZIMBABWE: ng party loses mayoral election

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/11dec-zimbabwe.html

Zimbabwe's ruling party empire appeared to be crumbling Monday following its third consecutive electoral defeat at the hands of the main opposition party.

ZIMBABWE: Presidential election due in March

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17564&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe's long-awaited presidential election is due in March, although the exact dates have not been set, President Robert Mugabe said on Tuesday.

ZIMBABWE: ruling party loses mayoral election

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/11dec-zimbabwe.html

Zimbabwe's ruling party empire appeared to be crumbling Monday following its third consecutive electoral defeat at the hands of the main opposition party.

ZIMBABWE: SADC tries again

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17410&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=ZIMBABWE

As regional ministers met in Harare on Monday to assess Zimbabwe's compliance with agreements on land reform and the rule of law, analysts said the key question was whether southern African leaders could act decisively to end the country's political crisis.

ANGOLA: IRIN Focus on Moxico conflict

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17397&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=ANGOLA

Angola's easternmost province, Moxico, is intensely green at this time of year. Nevertheless, people there are close to starvation.

CENTRAL AFRICA: Think-tank urges improved assistance to IDPs

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17366&SelectRegion=Great_Lakes&SelectCountry=CENTRAL_AFRICA

Overseas Development Institute (ODI), a UK-based think-tank on international development and humanitarian issues, has urged the international community to seize upon current initiatives to improve aid to internally displaced people (IDPs).

LIBERIA: NGOs relocate to Sawmill

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17573&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=LIBERIA

Aid workers and internally displaced people (IDPs) were forced to flee Bopolu camp on Friday after fresh fighting erupted in northwestern Liberia, humanitarian sources told IRIN on Tuesday. Diplomats in the capital Monrovia as well told IRIN that the situation in the north and northwest of the country had "worsened" since Friday.

NAMIBIA: UNHCR concerned over Dordabis detainees

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17265&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=NAMIBIA

The United Nations refugee agency in Namibia has expressed concern over the fact that 80 suspected Angolan UNITA rebels who have been held in Dordabis, about 100 km southeast of the capital Windhoek, have not appeared in court for around 18 months.

ZAMBIA: More Angolan refugees enter Zambia

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17407&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=ZAMBIA

More than 1,000 Angolan refugees have crossed over into Zambia's Western province in the last ten days, a spokesman for the UN's refugee agency told IRIN on Monday

Botswana: Minister challenges public servants to have zero tolerance for corruption

2001-12-13

http://www.transparency.org/cgi-bin/dcn-read.pl?citID=15329

Public servants should work hard to restore confidence in members of the public that they have the ability to deliver service. Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Daniel Kwelagobe expressed this feeling when opening the 59th Annual General Conference of Botswana Civil Servants Association (BCSA) in Mochudi.

Ghana: Kumasi Abattoir Manager exonerated from corrupt charges

2001-12-13

http://www.africaonline.com/site/Articles/1,3,43811.jsp

The Managing Director of the Kumasi Abattoir Company, Mr. Kwadwo Agenim-Boateng, has been exonerated from allegations of corruption leveled against him by the Administrative Manager of the Company, Mr. Maxwell Awuian after investigations carried out by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

Mozambique targets corruption

2001-12-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1693000/1693640.stm

The government in Mozambique has announced the formation of a special unit to fight corruption.

ZAMBIA: Politics of food aid

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17560&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=ZAMBIA

Zambia's deepening food shortages, along with mismanagement and corruption, are the key issues dominating the country's general election campaign, opposition leader Dipak Patel told IRIN on Tuesday.

MALAWI: Plans to bring food to Malawi's poor

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17565&SelectRegion=Southern_Africa&SelectCountry=MALAWI

The World Food Programme (WFP) is drafting plans to help thousands of impoverished Malawians survive this year's maize shortages.

NIGERIA: UN-backed conference opens on volatile oil region

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17411&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=NIGERIA

A three-day conference discussing development initiatives for Nigeria&#8217;s impoverished but volatile Niger Delta oil region began on Monday, in the southeastern city of Port Harcourt.

NIGERIA: UN-backed conference opens on volatile oil region

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/11dec-nigeria.html

A three-day conference discussing development initiatives for Nigeria&#8217;s impoverished but volatile Niger Delta oil region began on Monday, in the southeastern city of Port Harcourt.

THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/development/4733

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development, attended by representatives from all 53 African nations, 11 Asian countries, 23 donor states and 38 international groups took place over two days, highlighting the "New Partnership for Africa's Development" (NEPAD) -- a development blueprint which hopes to systematically tackle investment, governance, debt, infrastructure, banking problems and economic growth, with a minimum of $64 billion in annual investment (much of it from foreign investors and donors).
Recent reports suggest that foreign direct investment in Africa is expected
to drop 40% this year, with the terrorist attacks partly to blame. Direct
development aid to Africa has also been dropping, with $14.2 billion in aid
in 1999, compared to close to $25 billion ten years ago.

Source: Global Development Briefing

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http://www.developmentex.com/refer

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reapplication, reproduction or retransmission of the Briefing, in whole or
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newsletter please email briefing@developmentex.com

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Trade unions welcome new EU trade preferences system

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/development/4757

The European Union has made an important move to boost development and at the same time ensuring the respect of basic workers' rights, according to the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
Trade unions welcome new EU trade preferences
system



ICFTU on-line 10 December : The European Union has made an important move to
boost development and at the same time ensuring the respect of basic
workers' rights, according to the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions (ICFTU) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

On 10 December, the General Affairs Council of the European Union
(EU) approved the new EU Regulation for its Generalised System of
Preferences (GSP) trade system for 2002-04.

The ICFTU General Secretary, Bill Jordan stressed that: "The new
system will ultimately mean that if dictatorial governments use a repressive
model of production that achieves cheap exports by exploiting basic workers'
rights, then they will lose their trade benefits in European markets".

"The new system provides increased trade benefits for developing countries,
and at the same time it includes the stipulation that the GSP could be
withdrawn in cases of "serious and systematic" violations of any of the core
labour standards (including trade union rights, the elimination of child
labour, non-discrimination, and the prohibition of forced labour)",
emphasised Emilio Gabaglio, ETUC General Secretary.

The new GSP, first proposed by the European Commission in June, also
provides for extensive monitoring of the observance of core labour standards
in countries like Colombia over the period 2002-04 and beyond, and the
incorporation of discrimination into the GSP on an equal footing with the
other core labour standards. These elements have further been welcomed by
the trade union movement.

For more information, please contact the ICFTU Press Department on +32 2 224
0232 or the ETUC Press Department on + 32 24 30.




---
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US: Hunger to Harvest Resolution passes Congress

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/development/4727

US House of Representatives just passed the "Africa: Hunger to Harvest Resolution" (H. Con. Res. 102). The companion measure passed the Senate last July (SConRes 53). The House has substituted the somewhat stronger Senate language requesting the Bush Administration to present Congress with a 5-year and 10 year plan to reduce poverty and hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Hunger to Harvest Resolution passes Congress

Dear Friends of Africa:

US House of Representatives just passed the "Africa: Hunger to Har-
vest Resolution" (H. Con. Res. 102). The companion measure passed the
Senate last July (SConRes 53). The House has substituted the somewhat
stronger Senate language requesting the Bush Administration to pre-
sent Congress with a 5-year and 10-year plan to reduce poverty and
hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In his remarks on the floor of the House, Rep. Payne noted that pas-
sage of this resolution signalled Congressional support the "New
Partnership for African Development", the comprehensive, African-led,
strategy brought forward under the leadership of the Presidents of
South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria.

The bipartisan bill was introduced by Rep. Jim Leach (R-Iowa) and
Rep. Don Payne (D-New Jersey). 154 other members joined in cosponsor-
ing the measure in response to a year-long national grassroots lobby-
ing effort by Bread for the World members and partner organizations.
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) and Patrick Leahy D-Vermont) intro-
duced the Senate bill.

BILL SUMMARY:

Hunger to Harvest Resolution: A Decade of Concern for Africa - Ex-
presses the sense of Congress that:
(1) the United States should declare "A Decade of Concern for Africa"
and commit to increased levels of effective, poverty-focused develop-
ment assistance to sub- Saharan Africa until significant progress is
made toward reversing current levels of hunger and poverty;

(2) the President should work with the heads of other advanced indus-
trial and sub-Saharan African countries, and with United States and
sub-Saharan African private voluntary and other civic organizations,
to increase development assistance to sub- Saharan Africa;

(3) Congress should undertake a multi-year commitment with other do-
nors to provide the resources necessary to cut hunger by one-half in
that region;

(4) such funding should support both bilateral and multilateral pov-
erty-focused development efforts; and

(5) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development should annually submit to Congress a progress report.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Throughout Fiscal Year 2003 U.S. budget cycle, Bread for the World
and its coalition partners are determined to work with Congress and
the Administration to begin to realize the goals of the Hunger to
Harvest resolution. We will be actively pushing for new funding for
poverty-focused development accounts.

We are also working with partners around the world to insist that in-
creased long-term development assistance for Sub-Saharan Africa must
be major outcome of the next G-8 Summit of the world's richest coun-
tries.

Thanks to everyone that continues to work on this campaign.

Friends of Africa
mailto:africa@bread.org

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World Bank Touts Women's Role in Development

2001-12-13

http://www.worldbank.org/developmentnews/stories/html/120701a.htm

All aspects of economic development, from healthcare to fighting corruption,
work better when women are actively participating, according to recent World
Bank research. Societies that discriminate by gender pay a significant price--more poverty, slower growth, weaker governance, and a lower quality of life.

12th International Conference on AIDS in Africa

Calls For Improved Access to Treatment

2001-12-13

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv.cfm#8458

The 12th International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa opened in Burkina Faso amid calls for improved access to treatment, Agence France-Presse reports. Six thousand delegates -- including public health workers, scientists and government officials from around the world -- will focus on "community solutions" to the African HIV/AIDS pandemic at the five-day meeting.

Gabon: Ebola confirmed

2001-12-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1701000/1701079.stm

The World Health Organization has said that 10 people have now died from the Ebola virus in Gabon.

HIV/AIDS: A Race Against Time

2001-12-13

http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2001/december/race.htm

With HIV/AIDS infection rates showing no signs of abating, the urgency for a preventive vaccine has never been greater. Dr Tim Tucker, recently appointed head of the South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI), shares some thoughts on the vaccine trials and the road ahead.

Hopkins Report: Youth Crucial to Stopping HIV/AIDS

2001-12-13

http://www.jhuccp.org/pr/l12edsum.shtml

To stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic from becoming a catastrophe, prevention strategies must do much more to reach young people right away, according to a new report from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Hopkins call for a youth-centered strategy follows grim new United Nations statistics that show almost 12 million young people are now living with the deadly disease.
Hopkins Report: Youth Crucial to Stopping HIV/AIDS
--------------------------------------------------

To stop the HIV/AIDS epidemic from becoming a catastrophe, prevention
strategies must do much more to reach young people right away, ac-
cording to a new report from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg
School of Public Health. The Hopkins call for a youth-centered strat-
egy follows grim new United Nations statistics that show almost 12
million young people are now living with the deadly disease.

Furthermore, roughly half of the more than 60 million people infected
with HIV over the past 20 years became infected between the ages of
15 and 24, according to the latest issue of Population Reports,
"Youth and HIV/AIDS: Can We Avoid Catastrophe?" published by the
Population Information Program at the School's Center for Communica-
tion Programs:
http://www.jhuccp.org/pr/l12edsum.shtml

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates
that 11.8 million young people are now living with HIV/AIDS, compared
with 10.3 at the end of last year. But the worst is yet to come, ac-
cording to Hopkins researchers. Public health officials estimate that
current illness and deaths from HIV/AIDS represent just 10% of the
eventual impact. In 1998, UNAIDS reported, 2.5 million youth became
infected with HIV - 7,000 each day, or about five per minute.

The epidemic has hit hardest in sub-Saharan Africa, where over eight
million youth are living with AIDS -- two-thirds of them young women,
according to the Hopkins report. In Africa and elsewhere, as older
men seek increasingly younger partners to avoid becoming infected,
female adolescents are particularly vulnerable. Women become infected
on average ten years earlier than men. In certain regions young women
are two to six times more likely than young men to be infected.

In some African countries-Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland,
and Zimbabwe - "it may already be too late to avoid catastrophic num-
bers of AIDS deaths," writes Hopkins researcher Karungari Kiragu. As
infected youth eventually die, life expectancy will drop to around 30
years by 2010. Even now "in some communities many adolescents head
their own households, raise children, and care for their parents who
are dying of AIDS. Without immediate action, what is true of these
communities today could become true of towns, cities, and even entire
nations in the future."

"Youth are the future, if they survive," said Dr. E. Anne Peterson,
Assistant Administrator for Global Health at the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID), which funded the report. "And
I believe they are ready to lead the way in changed and fewer risk
behaviors to give themselves, their country and their culture hope of
surviving this pandemic."

In countries worst affected by the epidemic little can be done to re-
duce the number of deaths to young people in the near term, according
to the Hopkins report. Statistics from UNAIDS show, for example, that
in Botswana some 88% of 15-year-old boys will eventually die of the
disease if the risk remains at present levels. Even if the risk of
infection could be cut by half by 2015--before the young boys turn
30--the percentage of deaths due to AIDS would drop only to 78% be-
cause so many people already are infected and likely to spread HIV to
others. In other countries, such as Thailand, where the disease is
not so prevalent, further prevention efforts would have more effect.
Reducing the risk by half by 2015 would lower the percentage of 15-
year-old boys who will eventually die of AIDS by half from 22% to
11%.

Twenty years' experience has demonstrated that national strategic ap-
proaches, not just more projects, are essential to contain the epi-
demic effectively, according to Population Reports. Comprehensive
strategies in Australia, Brazil, Senegal, Thailand, and Uganda which
combine the efforts of government, private sector, and nongovernmen-
tal organizations, have had the most success at reducing the preva-
lence of HIV.

Infected adolescents -- because they are likely to have been recently
infected -- are at their most infectious stage. Sexually active young
people are more likely to have a series of sex partners, too, so they
can spread HIV more rapidly. If these adolescents changed their be-
havior, the spread of the epidemic could be slowed. In countries
where the epidemic is already generalized, a combined focus on youth
and on high-risk groups--such as drug injectors, street kids, and sex
workers -- would be the most effective. Models suggest that such a
campaign could have the same impact at only 20% of the cost of a
broad national campaign. Despite over 15 years of international at-
tention to the need, young people today still have only limited op-
portunities to learn about HIV/AIDS. In Bangladesh, for example, sur-
veys reveal that 96% of females ages 15 -19 and 88% of males did not
know any way to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS. In Bolivia the
percentages were 33% among females and 26% among males.

The report calls for comprehensive strategies to include:

- Increased political and financial support for AIDS prevention among
youth in developing countries. While 95% of people with HIV infection
live in developing countries, 95% of all AIDS prevention funding is
spent in industrialized countries. Moreover, a larger share of that
spending should focus on youth.

- Increased education and communication. Some adults still think that
sex education encourages sexual experimentation. In fact, some
school-based programs have delayed the onset of sexual activity and
increased condom use without increasing sexual activity.

- More youth-friendly services. Social policies and health care pro-
viders' behavior often reflect intolerance and discrimination against
youth, limiting access to health information and care and making
young people reluctant to seek information, guidance, and care.

- More attention to the root causes of youth's vulnerability. Pro-
grams must address cultural practices and the economic dependence
that put young people--especially young women-at high risk of HIV in-
fection.

Population Reports is an international review journal of important
issues in population, family planning, and related matters. It is
published four times a year in four languages by the Population In-
formation Program at the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Pro-
grams for more than 170,000 family planning and other health profes-
sionals worldwide, with support from the US Agency for International
Development (USAID). USAID administers the US foreign assistance pro-
gram, providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80
countries worldwide.

For more information contact:
Stephen M. Goldstein
Tel: +1-410-659-6331
or
Kim Martin
Tel: +1-410-659-6140

at Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs
111 Market Place, Suite 310
Baltimore, Maryland 21202, USA
Tel: +1-410-659-6300
Fax: +1-410-659-6266
mailto:press@jhuccp.org
http://www.jhuccp.org
Press Room: http://www.jhuccp.org/press

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MATERNAL DEATHS REMAIN HIGH DESPITE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS

2001-12-13

http://www.panos.org.uk/briefing/birth_rights_files/birth_rights_cover.htm

Each year more than 525,000 women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, over 50 million experience pregnancy-related complications, 15 million of which lead to long-term illness or disability. A new report from Panos "Birth rights: new approaches to safe motherhood", highlights the fact that since 1987, when an International Safe Motherhood Initiative was adopted, there has been little evidence of significant reductions in the number of women dying globally.
MATERNAL DEATHS REMAIN HIGH DESPITE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS SAYS NEW REPORT
Each year more than 525,000 women die from complications of pregnancy and
childbirth. In addition, over 50 million experience pregnancy-related
complications, 15 million of which lead to long-term illness or disability.
For years, this has been the single greatest cause of premature death and
disability among women of reproductive age in the developing world. Today
maternal deaths are second only to deaths from AIDS.
The tragedy is that almost every one of these deaths is avoidable. Failures
to address the needs of pregnant and birthing women are a social injustice
of huge proportions.
A new report from the Panos Institute (London), "Birth rights: new
approaches to safe motherhood", highlights the fact that since 1987, when an
International Safe Motherhood Initiative was adopted, there has been little
evidence of significant reductions in the number of women dying globally.
The report cites a number of factors that contribute to these deaths. Many
countries have practices enshrined in law and culture which inhibit women's
chances of surviving pregnancy and childbirth. Early marriage, for example,
can lead to childbearing before physical development is complete. Lack of
access to safe, legal abortion and advice is another example. This has
recently become harder in many parts of the world as a result of the
so-called 'gag' rule, which applies to organizations that receive aid funds
from the US for family planning. The rule requires recipients of US funds to
refrain from advocating for changes in abortion laws, or except in limited
circumstances, providing abortion information, counselling or services, even
with their own funds.
The impact in many developing countries has been immediate. In Nepal, a
country where 1 in 10 women die from pregnancy-related causes -
approximately half from unsafe abortion - the Family Planning Association of
Nepal (FPAN) has had to relinquish a relationship with USAID which had
lasted 26 years. "If I were to accept the restricted US funds," said FPAN
director general, Dr Nirmal K Bista, "I would be prevented from speaking in
my own country to my own government about a healthcare crisis I know
firsthand."
To see the full report, click on the hyperlink below.

SOURCE: Panos, 27 November 2001
email: judym@panoslondon.org.uk
Birh Rights:
http://www.panos.org.uk/briefing/birth_rights_files/birth_rights_cover.htm

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Nigeria the first to test generic Aids drugs in Africa

2001-12-13

http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/west_africa/0,1009,24946,00.html

Nigeria is set to launch Africa's first trial programme to use cheap, imported, generic Aids drugs to combat the disease sweeping the continent. Aiming to tackle the effects of an epidemic now affecting almost 3,5 million Nigerians, and more than 28 million Africans, the programme will start in 18 federal health centres on a limited number of patients.

Nigeria: Exposing hoax cure brings death threats

2001-12-13

http://www.washtimes.com/world/20011206-865548.htm

Former military intelligence officer Mohammed Farouk, leader of the Nigerian AIDS Alliance, received death threats Tuesday after criticizing on TV Dr. Jeremiah Abalaka's claim to have found a cure for the disease.

Nigeria: Sex Workers Aware of AIDS, But Unaware of Viral Transmission Routes

2001-12-13

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv_recent_rep.cfm?dr_cat=1&show=yes&dr_DateTime=07-Dec-01#8432

The majority of Nigeria's 80,000 sex workers are aware of HIV/AIDS, but most do not know how it is transmitted and almost half do not take measures to protect themselves, according to a recent study by the Nigerian Society for Family Health.

South Africa: Premier of Western Cape Supports HIV/AIDS Link

2001-12-13

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv_recent_rep.cfm?dr_cat=1&show=yes&dr_DateTime=06-Dec-01#8405

Peter Marais, former mayor of Cape Town and a member of the New National Party, was sworn in yesterday as premier of South Africa's Western Cape province in a power-sharing deal made with the ruling African National Congress and immediately voiced his support for anti-AIDS efforts, Agence France-Presse reports. In his inaugural address, Marais said that "HIV causes AIDS, full stop," a statement that appears to "sho[w] little caution" for the views of South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Zambia: More early graves

2001-12-13

http://www.oneworld.org/afronet/monitor187/headline4.htm

A new measure of the World Health Organisation [WHO] puts the life expectancy of Zambians at a startling 30 years - the lowest level in the country&#8217;s history - a global network of non-governmental organisations has revealed.

DR Congo students killed in protests

2001-12-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1700000/1700499.stm

Details are emerging about a clash between police and students in Lubumbashi in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two students were killed on Saturday when police opened fire on a demonstration involving an estimated 500 university students.

IMFUNDO TO ADD ARABIC CONTENT

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/education/4800

Muslim Hands has become one of Imfundo's ResourceBank partners. It is already translating some of the key pages on its web-site into Arabic so that it can share information relating to its activities and the KnowledgeBank with Muslims in countries where English is not widely understood.
It is already translating some of the key pages on its web-site into Arabic so that it can share information relating to its activities and the KnowledgeBank with Muslims in countries where English is not widely understood. November saw the site receiving a record number of 18,900 hits,
with some 10 African countries being represented.

http://www.imfundo.org
http://www.muslimhands.org

Source: NEWS UPDATE 89 http://www.balancingact-africa.com

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NIGERIA: IT project launched in schools

2001-12-13

http://www.learningchannel.org/cgi-bin/babel/showdoc.cgi?rohttp://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=15428

The Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) has launched a US $4.3 million-project whose goal is to increase the use of computers and other IT equipment in the country's schools.

NIGERIA: UNICEF to boost girls' education

2001-12-13

http://www.learningchannel.org/cgi-bin/babel/showdoc.cgi?rhttp://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=15428

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has drawn up a five-year programme to boost girls' education in six Nigerian states starting next year, Maman Sidikou, head of UNICEF's education unit in the country has said.

South Africa: Making a Mark with Maths

2001-12-13

http://www.teacher.co.za/200112/science.html

For the second year running, an under-resourced, rural school in Northern Province has produced the winner of the Maths and Science Teacher of the Year Award.

Kenya: Mountain Voices

mount elgon

2001-12-13

http://www.mountainvoices.net/Summary.asp?id=140

Though difficult to follow at times, this interview with Robert, a 30 year old farmer from the Sabaot people yields interesting and illuminating material, and the narrator describes many of the problems which he perceives face the Sabaot. Intermarriage between his people and the neighbouring Bukusu is, for him, the main reason why there have been changes in his culture, particularly in relation to education, social relations, language, technology, and agricultural practices. Although this has led to what he perceives as positive changes, such as the introduction of new agricultural technology and cash crops, he laments the loss of language and custom, and the social disruption that has come about. This interview highlights the ambiguity the Sabaot seem to feel towards the changes that have been affecting their society, a theme that runs through most of the testimonies in this collection.

Lesotho: Mountain Voices

The maluti mountains

2001-12-13

http://www.mountainvoices.net/Summary.asp?id=203

In this strong interview, the narrator speaks movingly about her land and the impending move, and especially about being separated from those who look out for her – the informal support network. Her husband died recently and perhaps this has added to her sadness about moving. Some statements are almost biblical in their cadence and style, for example: “It will remain as a rock on my heart when I think of the place that I am being removed from”, and “Truly we do not know as to what caused these dams in the land of God.”

MOUNTAIN VOICES WEBSITE

2001-12-13

http://www.mountainvoices.net/themes.html

The Mountain Voices website is an attempt to make the mountains debate of 2002 and beyond more inclusive by highlighting the perspective of those experiencing development and change first-hand. The archive will eventually contain over 300
interviews from 10 different mountain communities. Visitors can search for
oral testimonies by location and by theme - including environmental knowledge, migration, education, social change, culture and custom,
economics and identity.

South Africa: Jews speak out on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

2001-12-13

http://www.woza.co.za/dec01/israel10.htm

A number of South Africans of Jewish descent have chosen to express themselves on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "as a matter of conscience and concern for the safety and well being of the Israeli and Palestinian Peoples and for world peace". This is the text of their declaration.

UK: Blair backs Blunkett on race

2001-12-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk_politics/newsid_1700000/1700370.stm

Downing Street has renewed its backing for Home Secretary David Blunkett as the controversy continues over his remarks on race.
Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman welcomed the debate sparked by Mr Blunkett's call for ethnic minorities to do more "to belong" in the UK.

Aerosol Pollution Could Drain Earth's Water Cycle

2001-12-13

http://ens.lycos.com/ens/dec2001/2001L-12-07-06.html

Pollution produced by humans may be seriously weakening the Earth's water cycle - reducing rainfall and threatening fresh water supplies. A new study by researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography suggests that tiny particles of soot and other pollutants are having a far greater effect on the planet's hydrological cycle than previously realized.

Africans Agreed on Management of Common Water Bodies

2001-12-13

http://www.newafrica.com/news/environment/articlepg1.asp?ID=39440

Delegates of African countries attending the conference on fresh waters in Bonn are agreed on inter-state management of water bodies running through their countries. They also agreed in plenary discussions that the concerted management of watercourses shared by many countries was the best way to avoid misunderstandings, which could sometimes lead to armed conflicts.

Chad- Cameroon: OIL scheme set to drill on course for 2003

2001-12-13

http://www.newafrica.com/news/environment/articlepg1.asp?ID=39507

A planned 665 mile (1,070 km) pipeline from southern Chad to Cameroon's Atlantic coast promises riches for both countries - especially for dirt-poor and landlocked Chad whose economy could be transformed by around $2 billion in royalties over 25 years. But the scheme has drawn criticism from human rights and lobby groups worried about environmental damage and that revenues will not benefit ordinary people. Some campaigners have urged a halt until a firmer regulatory framework can be created.

DRC: Government joins call to cut hygiene-related deaths

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17364&SelectRegion=Great_Lakes&SelectCountry=DRC

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Thursday joined a declaration by other African countries to take action to reduce death rates as a result of poor hygiene, and that called for the issue of disease-contaminated water to be put at the centre of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the UN Environment Programme reported.

Governments criticised for failing to set sanitation targets

2001-12-13

http://www.tearfund.org/generic/index.asp?id=7170

Ministers from 50 countries meeting in Bonn have been criticised for failing to set targets to reduce the number of poor people without access to adequate sanitation.

Kenya: Rhino Horns Seized As Poaching Fears Mount

2001-12-13

http://www.newafrica.com/news/environment/articlepg1.asp?ID=39506

Two suspected poachers have been arrested in Mombasa and game trophy recovered. They were allegedly captured trafficking in rhino horns, barely a fortnight after four endangered rhinos were killed in the Tsavo East National Park bordering Tanzania.

TOTALITY AND BELONGING:

TOWARDS ECO-CONCEPT SYNTHESIS

2001-12-13

http://www.scienceinafrica.co.za/2001/december/ecocon.htm

There are currently two contrasting approaches to the issue of what the Environment is and how it is related to the human species, namely: the anthropocentric and the ecocentric. This article written in anticipation of the Earth Summit in South Africa in 2002 suggests a possible eco-concept synthesis based on the principles that humankind is part of the totality of planet Earth and can achieve eco-leadership by encouraging a sense of belonging with all other phenomena to the Earth's total community.

ZIMBABWE: Desperately saving sable

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/07dec-sable.html

Wildlife smugglers are profiting from the ongoing political turmoil in Zimbabwe.

BBC executives at odds over libellous error

2001-12-13

http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,616191,00.html

An inquiry is attempting to establish why the Ten O'Clock News accused an African diamond firm of being linked to Osama bin Laden. Lawyers for the firm have served a writ on the BBC and the reporter involved, David Shukman. Forensic accountants have established the company lost up to £6m worth of business since the allegation was made at the end of October.

Botswana media bill raises concerns

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/media/4730

On Friday 30 November 2001, the Botswana government published the contents of a draft Mass Media Communications Bill in the government gazette. MISA Botswana reports that local press groups, worried that the media bill proposed by the government would restrict free and independent reporting, have called for a public meeting to air their concerns and hear the public's perspective. The meeting will take place on 13 December.
FEX- News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ALERT UPDATE - BOTSWANA

5 December 2001

Botswana media bill raises concerns

SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek

**Updates IFEX alert of 4 December 2001**

(MISA/IFEX) - On Friday 30 November 2001, the Botswana government published
the contents of a draft Mass Media Communications Bill in the government
gazette. According to MISA-Botswana, the draft is almost an exact match of
another bill which the local media successfully crushed in 1997, aside from
a number of omissions on broadcasting issues.

MISA-Botswana reports that local press groups, worried that the media bill
proposed by the government would restrict free and independent reporting,
have called for a public meeting to air their concerns and hear the public's
perspective. The meeting will take place on 13 December.

The bill, if passed by parliament, would set up a government-appointed Press
Council and require newspapers and local and foreign journalists to register
before they can report in Botswana. Also under the bill, senior police
officers would have the power to seize any publication. The Press Council -
its chair and vice-chair, appointed by the government - would adjudicate on
complaints and maintain professional standards. Erring journalists could
face up to three years in jail or a hefty fine. Any new newspapers would
have to be eight percent-owned by the citizens of Botswana.

According to Reuters' reports, on Saturday 1 December, Botswana President
Festus Mogae said that the government was not trying to control the press
through the bill.

For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975,
fax: +264 61 248016, e-mail: research@misa.org.na or kkandjii@misa.org.na,
Internet: http://www.misa.org/

The information contained in this alert update is the sole responsibility of
MISA. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
MISA.
_________________________________________________________________
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/
_________________________________________________________________

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DRC: Journalists Imprisoned under Kabila

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/media/4762

Twenty-five journalists have been imprisoned because of their work under Joseph Kabila, according to Journaliste en Danger 2001 annual report.
PRESS RELEASE - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

10 December 2001

Twenty-five journalists have been imprisoned because of their work under
Joseph Kabila

SOURCE: Journaliste en danger (JED), Kinshasa

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

Kinshasa, 10 December 2001

Twenty-five journalists have been imprisoned because of their work under
Joseph Kabila

On Monday 10 December 2001, Journaliste en danger (JED), a Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) based non-governmental organisation that works
towards the defence and promotion of press freedom, presented its 2001
Annual Report on Press Freedom during a press conference held at the
organisation's headquarters. This year's report is titled, "The press
freedom situation under Joseph Kabila".

The report, the organisation's fourth since its inception in 1998,
highlights the fact that twenty-five journalists have been sent to prison,
for various periods of time, for reasons linked to the exercise of their
profession. Only one journalist remains imprisoned today, Frédéric Kitengie,
a Johannesburg-based sports correspondent for Radio France Internationale
(RFI). He is officially accused of having poorly managed US$600,000, which
the then information minister, Raphaël Ghenda, received from deceased former
president Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 1998, towards the purchase of equipment
for the public television channel RTNC (Radiotélévision nationale
congolaise). The journalist is actually blamed for interviewing Mr. Moise
Katumbi, president of the Congolese football team Le Tout - Puissant
Mazaembe, in Johannesburg. Katumbi is the brother of Mr. Katebe Katoto, a
declared candidate for the DRC presidency.

Overall, under the younger Kabila's regime, JED has logged forty-nine
attacks on press freedom. They can be divided as follows: one journalist
currently imprisoned, 10 journalists incarcerated for various periods of
time who are now free, 14 journalists detained for questioning, five
physical assaults on journalists, eight cases of threats or harassment, four
cases of administrative, economic or judicial pressure, and seven cases of
obstructions to the free circulation of information, both nationally and
internationally.

Compared to the three years under Laurent-Désiré Kabila, it appears that the
press freedom situation has improved under his son's governance. Of the 80
registered cases of attacks against press freedom in 2000, 42 involved the
imprisonment of journalists for various periods of time. In 1999, JED's
monitoring service logged 113 cases, of which 53 involved the loss of
liberty. In 1998, JED noted 73 cases of attacks on the right to inform and
be informed, of which 43 cases involved the loss of liberty.

For further information, contact D. M'Baya Tshimanga, president, Journaliste
en danger (JED), B.P. 633 Kinshasa 1, Democratic Republic of Congo, tel.
+243 99 29 323, +243, 99 29 345, fax: +243 12 21974, e-mail:
direction@jed-congo.org, alertes@jed-congo.org, Internet:
http://www.jed-congo.org

The information contained in this press release is the sole responsibility
of JED. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
JED.
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
489 College Street, Toronto (ON) M6G 1A5 CANADA
tel: +1 416 515 9622 fax: +1 416 515 7879
alerts email: alerts@ifex.org general e-mail: ifex@ifex.org
Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/
_________________________________________________________________

More...

Ethiopia: Journalist sentenced to one year in jail

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/media/4729

The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association is expressing concern over the alarming increase in the harassment of journalists, who have been summoned to the Central Investigation Office and often sentenced to jail terms by the government.
IFEX- News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ACTION ALERT UPDATE - ETHIOPIA

5 December 2001

Journalist sentenced to one year in jail

SOURCE: Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), Addis Ababa

**Updates IFEX alerts on the Bekele case of 8 November and 8 March 2001, 16
October and 19 January 2000 and others; updates alerts on the Zuma case of 9
October, 2 August, 24 and 5 July and 14 June 2001**

(EFJA/IFEX) - EFJA is expressing concern over the alarming increase in the
harassment of journalists, who have been summoned to the Central
Investigation Office and often sentenced to jail terms by the government.

Tilahun Bekele, former editor-in-chief of "Maebel" newspaper and current
editor-in-chief of "Netsebrak" newspaper, was sentenced to a one year jail
term for an article published in October 1996. During its 26 November 2001
session, the court released Bekele, taking into consideration the fact that
he had been imprisoned for more than two years because he was unable to pay
the bail required in the cases against him.

EFJA is also concerned about the deterioration of jailed journalist Tamrat
Zuma's health. According to his family members, Zuma, publisher and
editor-in-chief of "Atkort" newspaper, suffers from hypertension. Zuma has
been behind bars for the last nine months as he is unable to pay bail of
15,000 birr (approx. US$1,875).

EFJA has learned that more than a dozen journalists have recently been
summoned to the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) and notified that
different press charges have been filed against them.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Send appeals to authorities:
- protesting the arrests of journalists on the pretext of safeguarding the
democratisation process
- requesting Zuma's immediate release so that he can receive the necessary
medical treatment

APPEALS TO:

H. E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 20 20
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

H.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 43 00
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

H.E. Ato Ali Suleyman
Minister of Justice
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 08 73
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

H.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.

For further information, contact Kifle Mulat, President, EFJA, P.O. Box
31317 / 33232, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, tel/fax: +251 1 55 50 21, mobile: +251
1 (09) 222 939, e-mail: efja@telecom.net.et, efjakifle@hotmail.com

The information contained in this action alert update is the sole
responsibility of EFJA. In citing this material for broadcast or
publication, please credit EFJA.
_________________________________________________________________
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...

Ghana: Report On 2000 Election Coverage Released

2001-12-13

http://www.mediachannel.org/news/today/

Mr. Nutifafa Kuenyehia, Chairman, National Media Commission (NMC), on Tuesday launched a thirty-page report on the role played by the media in its coverage of Election 2000.

Liberia: Uncovering Pat Robertson's Connection

2001-12-13

http://www.mediachannel.org/news/today/

Over the past few months, columnist Colbert King of the Washington Post had used his columns to expose Christian Broadcast Network head Pat Robertson's gold mine quest and relationship with President Charles Taylor.

Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe

Media Update # 2001/ 48

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/media/4728

The week witnessed government’s endorsement of yet another draconian piece of legislation, termed the Public Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill to deal with perceived wayward journalists. This comes just a few weeks after the government announced that it intends to amend the electoral law; after President Robert Mugabe used his presidential powers to amend the Land Acquisition Act to legalise the controversial land reform programme; and lately, after the government approved the controversial Public Order Security Bill.
Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe
Media Update # 2001/ 48
26 November to 2 December 2001

CONTENTS
1. Summary
2. Information Bill approved
3. International Relations- the “U-turn” puzzle
4. Court Reporting- How not to
5. Mayoral elections- Media mum on Chegutu mayoral
candidates
6. Memoirs 2000: Lest we forget
i. Victory for Freedom of expression- from
Article 19
ii. Low and Highs- from Diocese of Mutare
7. From our subscribers
i. Dr. Jonathan Moyo is quite enough?
ii. Appreciation
iii.Missing publication


1. SUMMARY: Media Under Siege!

· The week witnessed government’s endorsement of yet
another draconian piece of legislation, termed the Public
Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill to deal
with perceived wayward journalists. This comes just a few
weeks after the government announced that it intends to
amend the electoral law; after President Robert Mugabe
used his presidential powers to amend the Land
Acquisition Act to legalise the controversial land reform
programme; and lately, after the government approved the
controversial Public Order Security Bill. It would seem all
these moves are intended at dealing with the opposition,
white commercial farmers and the media - especially
private and foreign media journalists. Interestingly, the
state controlled media, which broke the news of this latest
government initiative, treated the issue as normal.

· The week also saw the launch of ZBC’s Vision 30. MMPZ
applauds the broadcaster for its much-improved visuals
and style in the presentation of their programmes.
However, ZBC’s coverage of the launch was excessive.
The launch consumed 40 minutes and 20 seconds of its
prime news hour on 29 and 30 November. This constitutes
57 percent of the 81 minutes allocated to news in the two
days. In addition to this blanket coverage, the event was
launched live on ZBCTV. The obvious casualties were the
NCA all stakeholders meeting on the constitution held in
Harare, which ZBC ignored. Similarly, ZBC ignored the
pending Public Access to Information and Protection of
Privacy Bill.


2. INFORMATION AND PRIVACY BILL: Zimpapers celebrates
draft Bill

The Herald (30/11) reported the government’s endorsement of the
Public Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill under
Government approves Information Bill, but did not analyse or
interpret the Bill’s curtailing effects on future operations of the
press in the country, especially those of the private press. Neither
did it scrutinize how the Bill would negatively affect the public’s
unfettered right to information.

Rather, the paper’s treatment of the issue only underlined the
public media’s enslavement to the dictates of the government,
which of late has transformed it into its announcement bulletin
rather than questioning professional news organisations.

It is no wonder that besides listing the provisions of the Bill in its
story, The Herald only used input from the Department of
Information and Publicity to justify the enactment of the legislation
at the exclusion of alternative voices.

Part of the article read: “In recommending the Bill, the
Department of Information and Publicity said the media should
be accountable to society and had to be judged on how well
they were conveying messages without distortions or
interfering with the right to freedom of expression given to
people in the constitution.”

The reporting pattern remained unbroken in the follow-up story,
Access to Information Bill to be presented soon, (1/12). The paper
noted: “Journalists who have been surviving from plagiarizing
stories from The Herald and other newspapers to file stories on
Zimbabwe in … foreign newspapers will face criminal charges
…” adding, “The proposed law has created a furore among
foreign journalists who have been distorting stories on
Zimbabwe with a view to mobilizing the international
community against the country.”

In the private press stable, only The Daily News and Standard
carried stories on the Bill. This was probably because the rest of
the papers had already gone to press when the news broke.
The Daily News (1/12) weighed in with Zimbabwe Union of
Journalists’ (ZUJ) attack of the Bill. Basildon Peta, the union’s
secretary general, said: “The only relief in the new Bill is that its
contents are so stupid, pathetic and irrelevant to pass any test
of constitutional legitimacy, even under a justice system run
by a system not different from the Afghan Taliban”.

The Standard (2/12) attacked the Bill in its comment, Information
Bill absolute madness, and accused government of approving
“devious legislation” whose effect would be “to make criminals
out of otherwise law-abiding citizens”. It noted that aspects of
the Bill, rather than strengthening the newsgathering processes of
newsrooms, actually sought to usurp the powers and
responsibilities invested in the management of media
organisations.

The paper said: “But one of the Bill’s more laughable
provisions is the requirement that journalists be issued with
certificates of registration, which will be renewable after one
year. Are journalists like pilots who have to undergo regular
checks to establish whether they are still fit to fly?”

Earlier, the Daily News (28/11) published an opinion piece calling
on the state to publish the draft Bill while The Zimbabwe
Independent (30/11) carried a preview on the Bill under the headline
Groups press for access to information. The latter statement was
from the Civic Alliance for Social and Economic Progress (CASEP)
and doubted government’s sincerity in its promise to discard the
cloak of secrecy that has dogged its operations in the past via the
Information Bill. CASEP said: “It is becoming clear that key
public rights to receive and communicate information…are
now under threat.”
ZBC failed to report the story.


3. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: The “U-turn” puzzle

The international community’s efforts to bring President Mugabe
back to the democratic fold continued in the week under review
with South Africa, Britain and the United States officials publicly
condemning and denouncing President Mugabe.

The state media led by The Herald used more international
conspiracy theories to explain away Zimbabwe’s problems. They
diverted public attention from the government’s shortcomings by
repeating the assertion that Britain was to blame for the current
crisis in Zimbabwe.

Significantly, they deliberately tried to smother the issues raised
by the international community in the name of sovereignty. Britain
was thus attacked for “persuading” the European Union, United
States and, more recently, South Africa to put pressure on the
ruling ZANU PF government to force it to restore the rule of law and
ensure a free, fair and peaceful presidential poll.

ZBC (30/11, 8pm) carried Foreign Minister Stan Mudenge’s
response to statements in Parliament by the British Foreign
Secretary Jack Straw without actually reporting on the speech. On
ZTV Mudenge said, “…They have no mandate and therefore are
acting illegally unprocedural and totally unacceptable as part
of the British government’s attempt to demonise Zimbabwe
using underhand methods…”

President Mugabe joined his minister in attacking Britain during the
annual National Tree Planting Day event held in Bindura (ZBC,
1/12, 8pm). ZTV quoted him stating: “Let the British know that
elections have been our tradition for years and we are not
afraid of elections at all. The MDC can never win elections
never, never. Let the Blairs, the Cooks and the Straws know
that…”

The private press stuck to the statements made by Thabo Mbeki,
EU and US diplomats. For instance, The Daily News (1/12) and
(3/12) articles Mbeki calls for more pressure on Mugabe and
Mbeki’s patience with Mugabe wearing thin, just reported on what
Mbeki had said. In its story, Europe and the US resolve to act
against Mugabe, The Zimbabwe Independent (30/11) reported
observations by Congressional Representative Ed Royce, but also
included comments from Andrew Griffiths, spokesman for
prominent EU MP Neil Parish echoing the same sentiments.

The previous day, The Financial Gazette (29/11) carried a story,
EU ponders smart sanctions, in which it reported the EU as
strongly considering sanctions targeted at members of the
government.

On the same day, The Daily News (29/1) led with Mbeki warns
Mugabe. In the story, the paper reported that Mbeki had warned of
a civil war if government did not ensure a free and election.

The Zimbabwe Independent (29/11) carried a similar story
headlined, Zimbabwe risks civil conflict without free press says
Mbeki while The Standard (2/12) led with US to discipline
Zimbabwe, a follow-up story to the US House of Representatives’
passing of the Zimbabwe Democracy Bill.

In fact quite interesting was how The Daily News (30/11) and The
Herald of the same day both covered the passing of the Zimbabwe
Democracy and Economic Bill by the US House of Representative
Committee. Both stories were based on a scathing attack on
President Mugabe emanating from a speech made by Ed Royce,
chair of the United States Africa Sub-committee in the House of
Representatives.

While The Daily News merely reported what Royce had said, The
Herald, Anti-Zimbabwe Bill to go before US House (30/11) chose
to be apologetic on behalf of President Mugabe.

For instance, when Royce is quoted in the story accusing
President Mugabe of reluctantly acceding to the holding of the
presidential poll, the paper automatically absolved him, “The
statement is a lie. President Mugabe has never refused to hold
elections and has held them since 1980…”

Likewise, the paper found itself exonerating “violent ZANU PF
thugs” by blaming the violence on the opposition MDC. Reported
the paper: “The MDC has instead been implicated in several
murders, rapes and kidnappings with the latest being the
kidnap and strangling of Cde. Cain Nkala.”
The story again accused Britain of indirectly pushing for the
enactment of the Zimbabwe Democracy Bill to punish the
government.

It also quoted unnamed sources saying, “Mr. Royce is speaking
the same language as MDC president Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai
that aid and financial assistance can only be resumed when
‘there is rule of law’ and yet Mr. Tsvangirai was the beneficiary
of a lawful decision in the Supreme Court ruling.”

ZBC played down Royce’s calls to House of Representatives to
urgently pass the Bill.

Tatenda Makono, Zimbabwe’s Consul in the US (ZTV, 30/11, 8pm)
was quoted saying, “There are still quite a few processes to go”
to give the impression that the Zimbabwe Democracy Bill was far
from being passed in the US.

Makono was abruptly cut off when he was explaining the latest
development with regards the Bill. Makono said, “They are saying
that should the bill be passed it would mean that there are
some sanctions that would be imposed on Zimbabwe as a
country” before being cut. This was a deliberate plan to
corroborate ZANU PF and the state media’s claims that the Bill
would mean the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe when in
actual fact it is targeted at government officials including Mugabe.
No comment was carried from the US embassy.

ZBCTV also reported in the same bulletin on the meeting between
the British High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Brian Donnelly, and
Minister Moyo, in which Britain was reportedly “criticized for
isolating Harare because of Zimbabwe’s land reform
programme”.

The following day (1/12), the Herald triumphantly reported on how
Information Minister Jonathan Moyo had “roasted” Donnelly over
Britain’s sponsorship of the opposition and its regional and
international campaign to demonise Zimbabwe during a meeting.
The story recorded the deliberations of the meeting through the
eyes of an unnamed third party whom the paper quoted, relaying
verbatim what both Donnelly and Moyo said to each other.

The paper did not carry comments from either Moyo or Donnelly.
However, on Sunday, The Standard carried a report of the meeting
and directly quoted Donnelly, who said “we disagreed on a number
of issues. I made it clear that Britain does not support terrorism in
Zimbabwe or anywhere else in the world, but that we did not view
the MDC as a terrorist organization…”

Surprisingly, and presumably in response to the Standard story,
The Herald (3/12) rehashed its report on the meeting under the
headline, Moyo slams UK’s double standards.

An example of the Herald’s use of misleading headlines came with
MDC foreign funded (28/11). The story reported that the MDC had
admitted receiving funds from the British Westminster Foundation –
but only before the prohibition on foreign funding under the Political
Parties Finance Act. Hence there was a story – but not the one
that the Herald tried to suggest.

The MDC secretary general, Professor Welshman Ncube, was
reported as dismissing “reports that the Westminster
Foundation was still funding the MDC through non-
governmental organisations such as the Armani Trust”. These
are nothing better than smear tactics. No evidence was presented
for the allegation – not even references to where such “reports”
might be found. Of course, the sentence as written in probably
accurate. Presumably Prof. Ncube did “dismiss” the allegations,
but this is hardly worth reporting unless the paper has evidence to
support the claims. Confidence is not greatly inspired by the
Herald’s inability to get the name of the NGO right. It is the Amani
Trust – which provides psychological counselling to survivors of
torture and organized violence. Its name is the Kiswahili word for
peace. Despite what the Herald appears to believe, it has nothing
to do with the Italian fashion designer.


4. COURT REPORTING: How not to

The Herald’s reporting of the continuing bail application by Simon
Spooner, one of those accused of the abduction and murder of
Cain Nkala, has been an interesting exercise in how far the truth
can be twisted without the reporter being hauled before the court for
contempt. There are, rightly, strict rules governing the reporting of
continuing court cases. The Herald does not always feel greatly
constrained by these, as instanced by the purported description of
Nkala’s last moments in its issue of 16 November. However, its
court reporter in Bulawayo (and sub-editors in Harare) are clearly
aware that total fabrication is not really an option. So subtle
distortion must serve instead.

For example, on 27 November, the story headlined New twist in
kidnap case, led with Spooner’s testimony that he had received
military training in Australia between 1967 and 1969. There the
“twist” was left hanging, presumably because there was nothing
else to be said about something that was of no obvious relevance
to the case. Numerate readers will not have taken long to work out
that the 48-year-old Spooner was aged between 14 and 16 when he
undertook this training.

This diversionary lead was used to bury the far more relevant
second half of the story, in which another of the accused, Khetani
Sibanda, alleged that police had assaulted him in order to force a
confession from him. This claim, whether true or not, is highly
relevant to the truth of the allegations against the accused.
Whether Spooner was in the cadets as a schoolboy is not.

The following day the story was headlined (with startling originality)
New twist to murder case. This time there was indeed a twist:
Sibanda, who had claimed not to have met Cain Nkala, now
testified that scars on his wrist were caused by Nkala’s biting him
during the kidnap. (The Daily News, but not the Herald,
subsequently cited a medical report concluding that the scars were
not consistent with bite marks.)

The effect of this new “twist” was to relegate another claim of
torture, this time from Remember Moyo, to the second half of the
story.

The Herald also needs to watch its tendency to report allegations
against the accused as fact. In reporting Remember Moyo’s
testimony, it stated that he had last driven a white Toyota Hilux
four days before his arrest. It then stated that a “similar car” had
been used in the Nkala kidnap. “The car, which belongs to the
MDC, has not been recovered.” Yet it was the car driven by
Moyo, not necessarily the one used in the kidnap, which is owned
by the MDC.

Similarly, the previous day, the Herald reported: “The money
Sibanda was to collect was raised by MDC supporters in
Harare and was to be used by Cde Nkala’s killers to flee the
country soon after the murder.” The omission of the words “the
State alleges” from that sentence is deeply unprofessional.


5. MAYORAL ELECTIONS: Media mum on Chegutu mayoral
candidates

The forthcoming Chegutu mayoral elections to be held on 8 and 9
December were overshadowed by the Supreme Court ruling on the
Harare mayoral election. Those who will be voting in the town of
Chegutu have not been empowered with information in the media
on what the aspiring mayoral candidates for Chegutu have to offer.

ZBC (26/11, 8pm) reported that the Supreme Court had set aside
the previous week’s High Court ruling ordering the Registrar
General’s office to conduct the Harare mayoral elections by 28
December 2001, following an appeal by the Registrar General
Tobaiwa Mudede. High Court Judge Justice Hungwe had previously
ruled that his ruling would still stand despite an appeal. Chief
Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku in his ruling stated that a lower court
could not order the Supreme Court. The state broadcaster reported
the ruling without clarifications and analysis for the benefit of the
public who might have been confused by the development.

No comment was sought from alternative law experts on the ruling.

Only The Herald, The Daily News and The Zimbabwe Independent
covered the urgent appeal to the Supreme Court by Mudede. The
Daily News and Zimbabwe Independent focused their attention
more on the irregularities surrounding the appeal while The Herald
reports remained largely uncritical.

The Herald and The Daily News (26/11) both carried a story each
on Mudede’s appeal to the Supreme Court. However, The Herald
story, Poll order opposed, gave emphasis to Mudede’s arguments
for wanting the High Court ruling reversed and underplayed the
controversial circumstances in which the appeal was presented or
heard. These were buried deep in the story.

It was left to The Daily News story; Chidyausiku refuses to recuse
himself from election hearing to highlight those circumstances. In
it, the paper highlighted concerns raised by lawyers of the
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) – who had earlier
successfully asked the High Court to petition Mudede to conduct
the Harare mayoral and council elections – that Chidyausiku
recuse himself from the matter to avoid conflict of interest.

The lawyers are reported in the story as having argued that
Chidyausiku “was involved in improper business dealings with
the commission presently running the City of Harare”.

Although Mudede had told the High Court the voters’ roll was ready
for inspection, reported the paper, he made “a sudden u-turn and
said he was pre-occupied with preparations for next year’s
presidential election…”

The Zimbabwe Independent story, Chidyausiku faces conflict of
interest (30/11) dovetailed with The Daily News one and observed,
among other issues, that Chidyausiku’s order was “made on the
basis of wrong information contained in the Registrar-General
Tobaiwa Mudede’s affidavit”.

Reports the paper: “Legal sources said Mudede’s distortions
could have been through ‘negligence or forgery’.”

The Daily News (1/12), in its article Mudede misled Chidyausiku
says residents’ lawyer, also highlighted that Mudede had presented
“completely new facts and a reversal of his previous stance”

Both The Herald and The Daily News politicized the issue. The
Herald (27/11) put a political spin by quoting Moyo who said,
“Those who have demanded that we accept (Justice) Hungwe’s
judgment without appealing against it are either children who
waste our time or dangerous elements in our midst who want
to use the judiciary against the majority.”

The Daily News (28/11) publicized the issue in its article, NCA
boss hammers Chidyausiku’s ruling, and in its comment: Election
appeal shows government is scared.

Observed the comment: “The hasty manner, bordering on sheer
panic, in which the Supreme Court was convened to hear the
government’s application, not only testifies to the
unacceptable extent of totalitarian rule under which we now
live, but also to how government has become in its bid to
avoid having to subject itself to any test of popularity, not just
in Harare but nationwide.”


6. MEMOIRS 2000: Lest we forget

Your comments and opinions mean a lot to us. Last year we asked
our subscribers to help us look back on the Zimbabwean media
with a short paragraph or two about what they thought were the
main stories in the year 2000.

As from last week to the end of the year we are publishing some of
the responses we received.

Please note, the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the
views of MMPZ.

In the meantime, we kindly ask you to help us look back on the
year 2001. Tell us what you think were the main stories in the year
2001.

Send your responses to monitors@mweb.co.zw or
advocacy@media-monitors.icon.co.zw


i. VICTORY FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

We feel that the Chavunduka/ Choto ruling was a significant victory
for freedom of expression during 2000 as outlined in ARTICLE 19's
press release dated 5 June 2000:

"In a landmark judgement upholding the right to freedom of
expression, the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe has struck down the
legal provision under which tortured journalists Mark Chavunduka
and Ray Choto were charged last year.

Andrew Puddephatt, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19 said:

"We are delighted that the Zimbabwean Supreme Court, in a
powerful and unanimous decision, has struck out the provision
which might have led to the imprisonment of Ray Choto and Mark
Chavunduka.

"This is a very significant victory for freedom of expression and
sends a clear signal that "false news" measures are unacceptable.
ARTICLE 19 hopes to build on this, using the judgment to assist in
our efforts to do away with the false news provisions that still exist
and are actively applied in many countries," he added."

Louise King Schlich, Africa Programme Officer, ARTICLE 19-
Global Campaign for Free Expression


ii. LOWS AND HIGHS

You asked for a short paragraph or two.

First of all, may I thank you for your service throughout the past
year. I pass on your weekly reports to six people with e-mails here
in Manicaland and sometimes to others overseas. Your analysis is
insightful, impartial and much appreciated.

You asked about the main stories; could I briefly offer you what I
view as a few highs and lows during the year as my way of
encapsulating the stories.

The highs would relate to the growing maturity of the Zimbabwean
electorate reflected in the large turn out for the June elections and
the formation of a significant opposition group in Parliament. A high
was also the widespread consultation before the Referendum last
February and the fact that the people were mature enough to say
"no" despite a very partial promotion of the "yes" vote in the state
media. A high would also be the fact that the unequal and unjust
distribution of land is being seriously examined by all sectors of
society - not least the major landowners themselves, even if under
duress.

The lows would seem to be many.

The way the land issue was politicized before the June election;
the ongoing lawlessness in many rural areas. The fact that the
electoral process - which should be an act of self-determination
and empowerment - has for many become an occasion of
intimidation and fear.

Further lows would refer to the low turnout in the Referendum
largely due to the rushed nature of the process between the
publication of the draft constitution and the day of the referendum
itself. Most people had not seen the draft. Many did not
understand what they were voting for and thus stayed away; I
suspect also that many who did cast their ballot, voted on party
lines. A Constitution should be a sacred document, a legacy to
future generations, and thus above the manipulation of party
politics.

Another low has been the consistent use of the state media to
further the interests of the ruling party rather than providing an
impartial service to the people of Zimbabwe. The worst examples of
this were in the pre-June electioneering period; the TV coverage
was embarrassing to say the least! A low too has been the
interference by the Executive in the affairs of the judiciary -
particularly in recent times.

I have been appalled too by the level of racist and divisive language
that people in positions of responsibility have used. The poor
performance of the opposition MDC in parliament and the bungling
of their leadership has also been a low.

A major low has been the recent amnesty for those who committed
political crimes. It is incomprehensible that the perpetrators of
violence are being allowed go free. They are receiving a clear
message: "Violence pays. It can be undertaken with impunity and
can be undertaken again". In particular it can be undertaken in two
years times when a further election looms.

You are receiving much more than one or two paragraphs. It was
not my intention to write so much.
Again thanks. Keep up the very good work.

(Fr) Michael Bennett, Diocese of Mutare


7. FROM OUR SUBSCRIBERS

“Dr. JONATHAN MOYO” IS QUITE ENOUGH

From Roger in Harare, Zimbabwe

In Update # 2001/47 you wrote:

“…The Sunday Mail (25/11) carried five opinion pieces attacking
the MDC. Professor Jonathan Moyo, the Minister of Information
and Publicity penned one of the articles, titled MDC “Clean up”
strategy exposed…”

Why do you find it necessary to continue to dignify Jonathan Moyo
with the title "Professor"?

As far as I understand, he was an Associate Professor (not a full
Professor) and therefore should cease to use the title since his
employment in that capacity has ended. Dr Jonathan Moyo is quite
enough- in all senses of that phrase!


APPRECIATION

From Barry MacCartney in Harare, Zimbabwe

I just want to put on record my appreciation of what you are doing.
I forward your reports on to people all over the world. Yours is a
voice of sanity, an oasis of calm in a disturbing situation. It is
good to know that there are people of such quality in Zimbabwe. I
am a British teacher here on a 3-year contract. Many thanks.


MISSING PUBLICATION

From a subscriber in Harare

Hello there - could you please tell me what has happened to the
publication of the Daily News - I haven't been able to get copies for
the past two days?

From MMPZ: The circulation department of the Daily News can be
contacted on 781012, 781264, 781406 or e-mail
circulation@dailynews.co.zw Contact details of the various
newspapers in Zimbabwe can be accessed from our website at
http://www.icon.co.zw/mmpz

Ends

The MEDIA UPDATE is produced and circulated by the Media
Monitoring Project Zimbabwe (MMPZ), 15 Duthie Avenue,
Alexandra Park, Harare, Tel/fax: 263 4 703702, E-mail:
monitors@mweb.co.zw
Feel free to respond to MMPZ. We may not be able to respond to
everything but we will look at each message. Also, please feel free
to circulate this message.

More...

South Africa: Actor Threatened Over Role In Aids Commercials

2001-12-13

http://www.mediachannel.org/news/today/

An HIV advertisement that depicts the remorse of a man who infected several women before testing positive, has led to threats to against the actor Sibusiso Mhlongo. Some viewers are apparently unable to tell the difference between the television character and the actor himself.

Zimbabwe: Mugabe brings a critical press to heel

2001-12-13

http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,7558,615988,00.html

This article will be punishable by up to two years in prison under the new media law that Robert Mugabe is likely to push through Zimbabwe's parliament this week. For a start, it quotes the Herald newspaper in Harare - a government propagandist rag with little regard for the truth or its plummeting circulation - for the want of a response from Zimbabwe's minister of information about the coming legislation.

BUILDING PEACE AMONG CHILDREN IN WAR-TORN AFRICA

2001-12-13

http://www.wagggsworld.org

On 10 December, 2001, Soroptimist International launches its new appeal, Building Peace Among Children, with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Funds raised by the Soroptimists' appeal will finance a Peace Ambassadors programme through which Peace Ambassadors will be identified from among African Girl Guides and Girl Scouts who live in situations of conflict, violence, and instability.
BUILDING PEACE AMONG CHILDREN IN WAR-TORN AFRICA
Young Peace Ambassadors to promote conflict resolution and tolerance among
refugee children in Africa

On 10 December, 2001, Soroptimist International launches its new appeal,
Building Peace Among Children, with the World Association of Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Funds raised by the Soroptimists' appeal will finance
a Peace Ambassadors programme through which Peace Ambassadors will be
identified from among African Girl Guides and Girl Scouts who live in
situations of conflict, violence, and instability.

Peace Ambassadors will be trained on issues such as working in a
democracy, building multicultural acceptance, tolerance and conflict
resolution during a peace seminar which will be held in Rwanda at the start
of the project.

&#8220;Working with young people, today, is a challenge and a must. Giving the
young responsibilities and listening to them, is a chance for us all to
build a better world. Education is the key." said Irmeli Torssonen,
President, Soroptimist International.

Once trained, the Peace Ambassadors will return to their own countries,
and use their knowledge and experience in their own communities, working
with children and peers who are affected by conflict and violence. The
project is anticipated to reach 10,000 children and young women in some of
the most war-torn countries in Africa through peer group education.

For more information please visit: www.wagggsworld.org

More...

Emonitoring and Distance Programme Coaching

Quest-Consult offers online expertise for NGOs

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/4726

As more and more NGOs work with online services, email has become an effective tool to provide support for developmental questions that ask for an immediate response. Quest-Consult operates with a network of European and African experts working online to support NGOs in the field.
Professional assistance through e-mail:
E-Monitoring & Distance Programme Coaching

Now that the internet is more available and
online networks are
expanding in the region, NGOs can profit from
expertise all over the
world to support their own initiatives. One way
is through
Quest-Consult.

Why Distance Programme Coaching?
By using e-mail, a part of what was done by
visiting experts can now
be done from a distance.
On-line coaching can be made accessible to your
staff in the main
office or the field, where and when you decide
it is needed. A
contract would specify the services provided,
how different staff
members could set and achieve their own goals,
the intensity of our
involvement, whether a short visit would also
be made, etc. The aim
is to build a relationship both professional
and personal

What areas could be covered by Quest coaching?
Quest-Consult and its network has extensive
experience in the
following sectors:
- Sustainable rural/peri-urban Water & Sanitation
Projects
- Environmental Impact in Development &
Rehabilitation Projects
- Organisational & Institutional Development:
this includes Human Resources Development,
Management, Administration & Local Monitoring
Procedures

Contracting Quest-Consult
Quest-Consult is a small private company in the
Netherlands, linked
to a network of experts both African and
European. Together we have a
body of expertise in working with NGOs in
Eastern & Southern Africa.
As we form partnerships directly with local
NGOs, all payments are
made in local currency.


Contact name:

Wim Klaassen

contact email:

office@quest-consult.nl

More...

DRC: SADC appeals for funds for inter-Congolese dialogue

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17567&SelectRegion=Great_Lakes&SelectCountry=DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) appealed to the international community on Monday for US $5 million to support the inter-Congolese dialogue, due to be held in South Africa in early 2002.

ERITREA-ETHIOPIA: Border commission begins hearing cases

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17546&SelectRegion=Horn_of_Africa&SelectCountry=ERITREA-ETHIOPIA

The border commission charged with reaching mutual agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea on the demarcation of their common border began hearing the cases of the two countries in the Hague on Monday.

Humanitarianism Under Threat:

The Humanitarian Impacts of Small Arms and Light Weapons

2001-12-13

http://www.id21.org/society/s10brm1g1.html

This report seeks to measure the threats that unregulated access to small arms and light weapons pose to civil populations and relief and development agencies. Also considered are the enduring social and economic consequences of armed violence - particularly in relation to how they undermine sustainable development.

KENYA: More than 50 killed in Tana River clashes

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17566&SelectRegion=East_Africa&SelectCountry=KENYA

Fourteen people were killed in renewed violent clashes on Sunday between Orma and Pokomo communities in Tana River District, eastern Kenya, bringing the death toll from fighting in the district to more than 50 in the last week.

KENYA: More than 50 killed in Tana River clashes

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/12dec-kenya.html

Fourteen people were killed in renewed violent clashes on Sunday between Orma and Pokomo communities in Tana River District, eastern Kenya, bringing the death toll from fighting in the district to more than 50 in the last week.

LIBERIA: Civilians have become target in armed conflict

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17572&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=LIBERIA

Civilians have become the main targets in the conflict between government forces and armed opposition fighters in Liberia's northern Lofa county, the global human rights body, Amnesty International (AI), said in a statement on Tuesday.

Plans to bring food to Malawi's poor

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/12dec-malawi.html

The World Food Programme (WFP) is drafting plans to help thousands of impoverished Malawians survive this year's maize shortages.

Rebels move towards border with Sierra Leone

2001-12-13

http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001dec/features/11dec-liberia.html

Armed fighters of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) were reportedly heading for Kungbor town on the Sierra Leonean border area in an attempt to regroup, a government statement said on Sunday.

RELIGION AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN A TIME OF CONFLICT

2001-12-13

http://www.civicus.org

It is ironic that most of the conflicts today - even those rooted in deep economic or social inequalities - seem to have a distinct religious angle. Religion has unparalleled mobilising power, to the extent that it sometimes can distract from the political, social and economic aspects of a conflict. This raises important questions for civil society activists. Is religious loyalty incompatible with greater citizen participation in public life? How is it that we find that citizens around the world, especially youth, are coming forward to assert their religious identity in the public arena in increasingly visible ways? Can the mobilising power of religion be used to focus attention on global poverty and related issues in a non-sectarian manner?
Source: e-CIVICUS - Connecting civil society worldwide - Number 143
10 December, 2001


RELIGION AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN A TIME OF CONFLICT

We are in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan. The Hindu observance of Diwali was held a few weeks ago. The Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, begins this weekend and will continue for eight days. In many parts of the world, homes and stores have taken on a festive air in preparation for Christmas. Earlier this week, Sikhs around the world celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, who laid the basis for the Sikh religion in the fifteenth century. This is a time for reflection, renewal and worship in many cultures. Thus, the timing of the escalation of conflict between Israel and Palestine is both tragic and ironic, as is the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

It is ironic as well that, most of the conflicts today - even those rooted in deep economic or social inequalities - seem to have a distinct religious angle. Religion has unparalleled mobilising power, to the extent that it sometimes can distract from the political, social and economic aspects of a conflict. This raises important questions for civil society activists. Is religious loyalty incompatible with greater citizen participation in public life? How is it that we find that citizens around the world, especially youth, are coming forward to assert their religious identity in the public arena in increasingly visible ways? Can the mobilising power of religion be used to focus attention on global poverty and related issues in a non-sectarian manner? Millions of voluntary religious organisations around the world are already engaging youth and older persons in community service and development work. How should secular and religious civil society organizations relate, such that it is not setback by outbreaks of violence or conflict? And finally, in what ways can we come together to explore means of pre-empting and preventing sectarian violence?

As a civil society practitioner, it is a struggle to stay optimistic when recent international events have demonstrated that war apparently weakens the need for citizen participation (except when called upon to demonstrate patriotism in a prescribed manner) and shrinks the civil liberties and space for civil society. To be sure, the indispensability of certain sections of civil society, especially humanitarian aid workers, during times of war is nevertheless widely acknowledged, as is the generosity of people across the United States to the families who lost loved ones on 11 September. Not surprisingly though, this is a time of heightened visibility for political and military elites. It is important to note overwhelmingly, with a few notable exceptions, these elites are men. Religious institutions too are overwhelmingly led by men.

As members of civil society, we must question how citizens everywhere fit into political crises or their resolution? When talks are being held to determine the future of a region at war, we do not as yet have mechanisms, which will guarantee that civil society perspectives are represented. In fact, despite progress on several social issues in the past century, there is still a high probability that when it comes to “grand” projects such as “nation building”, the most marginalised voices will continue to be under-represented or invisible. The round of talks held in Bonn this week to decide the future of post-conflict Afghanistan, brings only cautious and limited optimism at this difficult time. While some will say, “at least there where a few women there”, it must remain a cause for concern that it was mainly the men with guns, with dubious track records, that dominated the proceedings. Notwithstanding reservations about the lack of Aghani civil society’s input and the continuing marginalisation of women, we can only hope that this will lead to peace and ultimately justice for all Afghanistan’s people. As the interim executive council begins reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, all parties concerned should make a commitment to bring in civil society perspectives, including those of various women’s organisations, children’s rights activists, rural, pastoral as well as urban constituencies, and democracy activists.

Likewise, as the conflict intensifies in Israel and Palestine, we can only hope that reason prevails and that there is a return to meaningful peace talks that can provide security to the people of Israel and Palestine; and equally important a just political outcome that can meet the aspirations of the Palestinian and Israeli people. Some of the most important strides made to work for peace and reconciliation within Israel have come from civil society groups, with many women in particular demonstrating amazing courage, strength and innovation. Palestinian NGOs continue to provide much needed basic services to people in need. Again, finding creative ways for civil society’s voice to be heard can only but assist the difficult journey to a sustainable and just peace in the Middle East.

In the Middle East, civil society activists have been toiling for decades to widen the space for citizen participation, in the hope that diverse perspectives will be considered in talks of war or peace. There is an opportunity and necessity for civil society activists around the world to reinforce these efforts to bring citizens’ voices to the forefront. Extending solidarity across our traditional bases or constituencies is mutually enriching and beneficial.

In this season of spiritual renewal for many people around the world, it is rather appropriate for us to come together as a human family determined not to yield to pessimism. This is a time for us to recognise our strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities, challenges and threats that lay before us, and to rededicate ourselves to building a just world, where people’s voices are genuinely respected.

Religious leaders of all persuasions must step forward and speak out against violence on women and children who suffer the most during war and conflict. They need to strongly support the involvement of civil society in public life and they need to be a voice of reason and calm calling for justice, peace and reconciliation. In particular, they need to recognize that full gender equality, is an indispensable part of building democracy, peace and justice.

The convergence of the various religious observances during this time is, something that does not happen all that regularly. It should be an encouragement to us all to embrace diversity and difference as a source of strength and humanity, and not a source of division and destruction. Secular civil society activists, many who do not embrace a particular religion but are deeply spiritual in their own way, and who express their spirituality in their service to humanity, are also challenged to build bridges, work for peace and reconciliation, while maintaining their steadfast commitment to social, political and economic justice for all the people on our planet.

Warm regards, Kumi Naidoo

More...

Rwanda: Kigali to Testify On Congo Plunder

2001-12-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200112070065.html

The Rwandan government has promised to offer further evidence concerning exploitation of Congo's resources.

Rwanda: UN Confirms Troop Reinforcements in East

2001-12-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200112060217.html

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Amos Namanga Ngongi, has confirmed that the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) was reinforcing its troops in Isiro (Orientale province), Fizi (South Kivu province) and Kalemie (Katanga province) and to that end was recruiting young people, including adolescents.

SOMALIA: Fear of US strikes grips Somalia

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17543&SelectRegion=Horn_of_Africa&SelectCountry=SOMALIA

Fears of an imminent American air strike is gripping Somalia after reports that military aircraft have been conducting surveillance flights over the country, local sources told IRIN on Tuesday.

South Africa Gets Tough On Zimbabwe

2001-12-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200112070128.html

South Africa has finally started to voice alarm and impatience over the crisis in Zimbabwe, but Pretoria lacks guaranteed leverage to ensure political and economic normalisation in its northern neighbour.

Sudan: Did US Ignore Offer to Help Stop Bin Laden?

2001-12-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200112070235.html

Did the Clinton Administration miss the chance to stop Osama Bin Laden in Sudan? That question, which has bubbled under the surface of the debate over U.S. foreign policy since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon eight weeks ago, erupted publicly this week with the publication by Vanity Fair of charges that "September 11 might have been prevented."

SUDAN: State of emergency extended

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17568&SelectRegion=East_Africa&SelectCountry=SUDAN

Sudan's National Assembly on Sunday unanimously approved the extension of the country's state of emergency "until the end of the reasons that had led to its declaration," according to the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA).

SUDAN: US criticised over biological weapons alert

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17502&SelectRegion=East_Africa&SelectCountry=SUDAN

The London-based advocacy group European-Sudanese Public Affairs Council on Monday expressed deep concern at what it called "unsustainable and deeply irresponsible" allegations by the US government that Sudan is involved in developing a biological weapons programme.

Terror hit list drawn up by US

2001-12-13

http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,616256,00.html

There are increasing indications that the US has honed a hit list of countries to target for military action in rogue regions across the globe where it believes terror cells flourish. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times which details the possible targets, Somalia, where central government hardly exists, is causing increasing concern in Washington.

Uganda: Karamojong Fighters Hand over weapons

2001-12-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200112070048.html

Karamojong pastoralists in northeastern Uganda have voluntarily handed in some 7,000 illegal weapons since the beginning of a government-sponsored disarmament programme on 2 December, according to the Ugandan authorities.

UGANDA: LRA, ADF on American terrorist list

2001-12-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=17363&SelectRegion=East_Africa&SelectCountry=UGANDA

The US on Wednesday included the Ugandan rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on its "Terrorist Exclusion List" designed to protect the safety of the country and its citizens under the new US Patriot Act.

ACACIA PROJECT: PHASE II

2001-12-13

http://www.idrc.ca/acacia/newsletter/Sep01.PDF

Acacia is a program of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to help sub-Saharan African communities develop the ability to use ICTs for their social and economic development. The Acacia program is commencing its second phase, which will look to build on the first phase, notably by focussing on disseminating findings widely, learning from its initial projects and developing new types of projects. The September newsletter summarizes some of the lessons from Phase I and outlines current activities and plans for Phase II.

ASK LESSIG ABOUT CYBERLAW

2001-12-13

http://slashdot.org/interviews/01/12/10/1650218.shtml

Lawrence Lessig of Stanford Law School, and before that of various other places, is one of the best-known voices in the world of electronic freedoms. Lessig's new book, The Future of Ideas, is the latest work of many in his efforts to illuminate and create a freer world online. Lessig has agreed to answer your questions; please be courteous by limiting your questions to one per post.
[Source: slashdot.org]

people speak out using the web

2001-12-13

http://www.mountainvoices.org/

This website presents interviews with over 300 people who live in mountain and highland regions round the world. Their testimonies offer a personal perspective on change and development.

SECURITY UPDATE FOR OUTLOOK - GET IT

2001-12-13

http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,48756,00.html

This article on Wired tells about a free, downloadable update that can be downloaded from the Microsoft web site. The point? It makes your email much safer. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, the download is recommended. It also berates MS for not marketing their security updates (patches).

WOMEN'S VOICES WINS THE 2001 APC BETINHO COMMUNICATIONS PRIZE

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/internet/4818

Women's Voices is a video initiative which gives women living in poverty a voice in public policy making in Nairobi, Kenya.
Redeemed Village and Mathare 3B are two huge slums surrounding Nairobi. Poorly constructed mud, carton and rusting iron sheet shelters crowd together along twisted narrow lanes, which serve as open drains. Water and electricity are scarce. Residents are seriously affected by violent crime, illegal drugs and alcohol, HIV/AIDS and unemployment.

"Women's Voices", a project of the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG), set out to talk to the women living in these neighbourhoods to ask them how they felt they could most effectively get involved in the public policy debate on poverty; an area where women's voices were seldom heard. They came up with an unexpected use of technology. Raising funds to purchase their own digital video equipment, including old and borrowed Betamax cameras, the women learnt scripting, shooting and editing and how to present their communities by showing rough-cuts and recording opinions and asking for contributions to the story and the narratives.

The videoing of the Mathare and Redeemed Village experiences led to direct and sustained contact with political representatives and those in control of civic services. A major impact has been the increase in participation in the political process, and the women have also secured a contract with a local TV network to regularly supply short news briefs from their villages. The overwhelming impact has been on the individual women in the women's groups, as their self- esteem and respect from their families and communities has grown. The videos have been transferred to CDs and they have been shown around the world and appear on ITDG's Sustainable Livelihood web site.

"Women's Voices represents exactly the type of grassroots communication initiative that Betinho would have supported," said Carlos Afonso, a Brazilian mentor of civil society social movements and long-time friend of Betinho. "Betinho was a master at bringing NGOs' work to the mainstream media and believed it was a strategic and even "natural" alliance. Today several years after his death, Betinho's Campaign Against Hunger is stronger than ever and even runs advertising on prime-time television".

The $7,500 USD < ahref="http://www.apc.org/english/betinho/2001/bet_winner.htm">Betinho Prize</a> is designed to recognise and document outstanding examples of how the Internet can make a real difference for the world's communities today. The prize is open to NGOs, community-based groups, coalitions, working groups or social movements anywhere in the world that have successfully used information and communication technologies (ICTs) as an essential ingredient in their social justice and development work.

A visionary Brazilian social activist and exemplary communicator, Herbet de Souza, (known to all as "Betinho") spent his life fighting for street children, senior citizens, landless peasants and people living with AIDS. He founded the Brazilian Institute of Social and Economic Analysis (IBASE), one of APC's founding member organizations, where he encouraged the use of new technologies to empower communities.

The prize was announced by APC at the Global Community Networks conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 6th 2001 and is made possible with the financial support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Canada.

More...

ZAMBIA: NOT MAXIMISING THE NET

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/internet/4795

The current position of internet use and provision in Zambia is nowhere near its potential, Microlink Technologies Limited managing director Jimmy Pittchar has said. Microlink is the latest internet service provider (ISP) to enter the Zambian market with a total investment of USD 1 million.
Pittchar attributed the limited use of available potential to insufficient capacities of ISPs in terms of infrastructure.

He said setting up an ISP was costly because of the required infrastructure but maintained it was profitable especially that Zambians were good at adopting technology. He predicted that internet uptake in the country would rise rapidly and that according to some estimates that number of internet users would rise from the present 9,000 and 45,000 users as is evidenced by the growing number of internet cafes. He said the trend was much like that of neighbouring countries which have seen the industry grow.

Pittchar noted that most people have not seen much relevance in the internet Microlink would focus on providing solutions that address business communications processes to bring relevance to business through internet.

He said with value added internet-based business, Microlink would enable the internet to be effectively used as a market place.

Pittchar said his company has entered into various specific agreements with a number of upstream global service providers aimed at cutting on costs passed on the end-user. He said this would also enhance capacity and technical expertise.

The company would among other services build web sites, develop web content for advertising purposes, help organisations manage their information better and provide technology solutions that reduce communication costs.
[Source: TAD Consortium December 2001 Information Update No. 2]

More...

Directory of Social Change Newsletters and Mailing Lists

2001-12-13

http://www.organizenow.net

e-CIVICUS - Connecting civil society worldwide

Number 143 - 10 December, 2001

2001-12-13

http://www.civicus.org

e-CIVICUS - Connecting civil society worldwide - Number 143
10 December, 2001

CONTENTS

A. From the desk of the CIVICUS Secretary-General
B. Relevant position listings
C. General news about civil society and citizen action
D. International conferences/workshops/meetings/fairs and exhibitions
E. Training courses
F. New publications
G. Internet news and websites
H. Scholarly support and awards
I. From the reader
J. Funders and donors profile

A. FROM THE DESK OF THE CIVICUS SECRETARY-GENERAL

RELIGION AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN A TIME OF CONFLICT

We are in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan. The Hindu observance of
Diwali was held a few weeks ago. The Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah,
begins this weekend and will continue for eight days. In many parts of the
world, homes and stores have taken on a festive air in preparation for
Christmas. Earlier this week, Sikhs around the world celebrated the
anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, who laid the basis for the Sikh
religion in the fifteenth century. This is a time for reflection, renewal
and worship in many cultures. Thus, the timing of the escalation of conflict
between Israel and Palestine is both tragic and ironic, as is the ongoing
war in Afghanistan.

It is ironic as well that, most of the conflicts today - even those rooted
in deep economic or social inequalities - seem to have a distinct religious
angle. Religion has unparalleled mobilising power, to the extent that it
sometimes can distract from the political, social and economic aspects of a
conflict. This raises important questions for civil society activists. Is
religious loyalty incompatible with greater citizen participation in public
life? How is it that we find that citizens around the world, especially
youth, are coming forward to assert their religious identity in the public
arena in increasingly visible ways? Can the mobilising power of religion be
used to focus attention on global poverty and related issues in a
non-sectarian manner? Millions of voluntary religious organisations around
the world are already engaging youth and older persons in community service
and development work. How should secular and religious civil society
organizations relate, such that it is not setback by outbreaks of violence
or conflict? And finally, in what ways can we come together to explore means
of pre-empting and preventing sectarian violence?

As a civil society practitioner, it is a struggle to stay optimistic when
recent international events have demonstrated that war apparently weakens
the need for citizen participation (except when called upon to demonstrate
patriotism in a prescribed manner) and shrinks the civil liberties and space
for civil society. To be sure, the indispensability of certain sections of
civil society, especially humanitarian aid workers, during times of war is
nevertheless widely acknowledged, as is the generosity of people across the
United States to the families who lost loved ones on 11 September. Not
surprisingly though, this is a time of heightened visibility for political
and military elites. It is important to note overwhelmingly, with a few
notable exceptions, these elites are men. Religious institutions too are
overwhelmingly led by men.

As members of civil society, we must question how citizens everywhere fit
into political crises or their resolution? When talks are being held to
determine the future of a region at war, we do not as yet have mechanisms,
which will guarantee that civil society perspectives are represented. In
fact, despite progress on several social issues in the past century, there
is still a high probability that when it comes to &#8220;grand&#8221; projects such as
&#8220;nation building&#8221;, the most marginalised voices will continue to be
under-represented or invisible. The round of talks held in Bonn this week to
decide the future of post-conflict Afghanistan, brings only cautious and
limited optimism at this difficult time. While some will say, &#8220;at least
there where a few women there&#8221;, it must remain a cause for concern that it
was mainly the men with guns, with dubious track records, that dominated the
proceedings. Notwithstanding reservations about the lack of Aghani civil
society&#8217;s input and the continuing marginalisation of women, we can only
hope that this will lead to peace and ultimately justice for all Afghanistan
&#8217;s people. As the interim executive council begins reconstruction efforts in
Afghanistan, all parties concerned should make a commitment to bring in
civil society perspectives, including those of various women&#8217;s
organisations, children&#8217;s rights activists, rural, pastoral as well as urban
constituencies, and democracy activists.

Likewise, as the conflict intensifies in Israel and Palestine, we can only
hope that reason prevails and that there is a return to meaningful peace
talks that can provide security to the people of Israel and Palestine; and
equally important a just political outcome that can meet the aspirations of
the Palestinian and Israeli people. Some of the most important strides made
to work for peace and reconciliation within Israel have come from civil
society groups, with many women in particular demonstrating amazing courage,
strength and innovation. Palestinian NGOs continue to provide much needed
basic services to people in need. Again, finding creative ways for civil
society&#8217;s voice to be heard can only but assist the difficult journey to a
sustainable and just peace in the Middle East.

In the Middle East, civil society activists have been toiling for decades
to widen the space for citizen participation, in the hope that diverse
perspectives will be considered in talks of war or peace. There is an
opportunity and necessity for civil society activists around the world to
reinforce these efforts to bring citizens&#8217; voices to the forefront.
Extending solidarity across our traditional bases or constituencies is
mutually enriching and beneficial.

In this season of spiritual renewal for many people around the world, it
is rather appropriate for us to come together as a human family determined
not to yield to pessimism. This is a time for us to recognise our strengths
and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities, challenges and threats that
lay before us, and to rededicate ourselves to building a just world, where
people&#8217;s voices are genuinely respected.

Religious leaders of all persuasions must step forward and speak out
against violence on women and children who suffer the most during war and
conflict. They need to strongly support the involvement of civil society in
public life and they need to be a voice of reason and calm calling for
justice, peace and reconciliation. In particular, they need to recognize
that full gender equality, is an indispensable part of building democracy,
peace and justice.

The convergence of the various religious observances during this time is,
something that does not happen all that regularly. It should be an
encouragement to us all to embrace diversity and difference as a source of
strength and humanity, and not a source of division and destruction. Secular
civil society activists, many who do not embrace a particular religion but
are deeply spiritual in their own way, and who express their spirituality in
their service to humanity, are also challenged to build bridges, work for
peace and reconciliation, while maintaining their steadfast commitment to
social, political and economic justice for all the people on our planet.

Warm regards, Kumi Naidoo

B. RELEVANT POSITION LISTINGS

JOBS AT CIVICUS

CIVICUS is an international civil society movement with members in over
one hundred countries. CIVICUS works with its members, and a rapidly growing
network of partners at national and global levels, to ensure that civil
society organisations enjoy the rights to organise, speak freely and to
promote the common good. CIVICUS facilitates activities to nurture the
founding, growth, protection and resourcing of citizen action worldwide and
especially where participatory democracy, freedom of association and
expression, and other enabling conditions for civil society are threatened.
Recent global events have reinforced our commitment to these values.

CIVICUS is entering a dynamic phase of expansion, with offices in
Washington, DC, London and Johannesburg. Several new positions have now
become available in our Johannesburg office, among them:

- Chief Operating Officer
- Director of Programmes
- Director of Communications
- Manager for Finance and Administration
- Human Resources and Logistics Manager

In our Washington office, we currently have an opening for: Assistant
Director, Development & Public Affairs

CIVICUS is committed to developing an internationally diverse staff. The
official working language is English, but preference will be given to
candidates who are also fluent in major international languages as well as
those with relevant experience at the national and international levels. For
full position descriptions please visit www.civicus.org

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume detailing
relevant experience, qualifications, current salary, three letters of
reference, and salary expectations to:
CIVICUS, Personnel Department
ADDRESS: 919 18th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20006, USA
FAX: (1-202) 331-8774
E-MAIL: jobs@civicus.org (preferred).

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications for the Assistant Director, Development &
Public Affairs, Washington, DC and for the Human Resources and Logistics
Manager, Johannesburg, South Africa is 8 January, 2002. For all other
positions in Johannesburg, South Africa the closing date is 15 January,
2002.

C. GENERAL NEWS ABOUT CIVIL SOCIETY AND CITIZEN ACTION

CALL FOR INTEREST
In Preparing the CIVICUS Civil Society-Environment Relationship Paper
For the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa in September 2002

At the CIVICUS conference in Vancouver, Canada, a small group of
interested people, self-named &#8216;the environmental kitchen table&#8217;, banded
together one evening to discuss the linkages between the health of the civil
society and the health of our natural world. Kumi Naidoo asked this group if
they would lead in the preparation of a paper that would represent the
varied perspectives of CIVICUS members that could be presented at the Earth
Summit in 2002. In response, we are now issuing this call for interest.

The environmental kitchen table was particularly concerned about the
dominant worldview of &#8220;human domination over nature&#8221; which has evolved, at
least in the north, for over a century. With industrialization in the late
1800s came the ability to look at and utilize nature as a commodity. This
era replaced people&#8217;s relationship with nature with a relationship with
commerce. It also permitted us to no longer view ourselves as &#8220;part of
natural systems&#8221; but as being &#8220;evolved above natural systems&#8221;, separate and
the dominant species. This perspective is not only leading us to the demise
of the essential life support systems that we all depend upon, it has also
led to social disintegration of communities.

Academics, some governments, ecosystem managers, advocates of sustainable
development have recognized the limitations and dangers to this pathological
separation and are looking at ways to re-integrate humans with their natural
systems. This involves new ways of thinking about our relationships with
nature.

This includes the concept that people are one element in a complex web of
interdependent living systems, and as we strive towards treating all of
humankind with dignity, respect and caring, we must also do the same with
nature. If we abuse and misuse these natural living systems then we risk
loosing the basic elements of survival as a species. We must embrace
sustainability as a globally accepted social norm. In doing so humankind
must consider the values by which we will define:
- Our relationships with the natural world around us;
- Our relationships with each other (the worlds between us), and
- Our relationship to the world within us (who we choose to be).

These three relationships form an inseparable &#8220;trinity&#8221; for moving towards
sustainable societies, that we share with all life forms on Earth.

If you are interested in participating in the preparation of this paper,
please forward your statement of interest to Jennie Sparkes,
jenniesparkes@shaw.ca by 25 January, 2002. You can either provide a few
bullets expressing thoughts you would like included in the paper; or just
indicate that you would be interested in commenting on drafts of the paper.
We welcome your thoughts.

VOLUNTARY SECTOR ACCORD SIGNED IN CANADA
[CCP] 5 December, 2001

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien signed on 5 December a landmark Accord
between the Government of Canada and Canada&#8217;s voluntary sector. The Accord
spells out the values, principles and commitments that will underlie the
future relationship. Joining the Prime Minister for this announcement was
the Honourable Lucienne Robillard, President of the Treasury Board and Chair
of the Reference Group of Ministers on the Voluntary Sector, as well as
Marlene Deboisbriand, Chair of the Voluntary Sector Steering Group for the
Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI). Ms Deboisbriand signed the Accord on
behalf of the voluntary sector. Attendees at the signing ceremony included
Patrick Johnston, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy,
who is co-chair of the VSI Joint Coordinating Committee.

The Accord was jointly developed by representatives from the federal
government and the voluntary sector. An initial draft of the Accord was
substantially revised after extensive consultations with voluntary sector
leaders across Canada.

In his opening message about the Accord, the Prime Minister said: &#8220;Today,
more than ever before, Canada depends on the combined strength of its
private, public and voluntary sectors. While each of these contributes to
our quality of life and deserves recognition, we are showcasing today the
special value of the voluntary sector. A sector that is, in short, essential
to our collective well being.&#8221;

The Government of Canada and the voluntary sector have long worked
side-by-side. Now, the Accord between the Government of Canada and the
Voluntary Sector marks the launch of a new era of co-operation and respect.

To see the final Accord, please visit
www.vsi-isbc.ca/eng/joint_tables/accord/the_accord_doc.cfm
---
Prime Minister Chrétien also announced funding of CND 50 million over five
years for the Canada Volunteerism Initiative(CVI), a new program to
strengthen volunteerism, and undertake data collection, analysis and
dissemination to improve our understanding of volunteerism&#8217;s impact on
Canada&#8217;s economic and social well-being. Like the Accord, the CVI was
developed jointly by voluntary sector and federal government representatives
as part of the five-year Voluntary Sector Initiative.

BUILDING PEACE AMONG CHILDREN IN WAR-TORN AFRICA
Young Peace Ambassadors to promote conflict resolution and tolerance among
refugee children in Africa

On 10 December, 2001, Soroptimist International launches its new appeal,
Building Peace Among Children, with the World Association of Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Funds raised by the Soroptimists' appeal will finance
a Peace Ambassadors programme through which Peace Ambassadors will be
identified from among African Girl Guides and Girl Scouts who live in
situations of conflict, violence, and instability.

Peace Ambassadors will be trained on issues such as working in a
democracy, building multicultural acceptance, tolerance and conflict
resolution during a peace seminar which will be held in Rwanda at the start
of the project.

&#8220;Working with young people, today, is a challenge and a must. Giving the
young responsibilities and listening to them, is a chance for us all to
build a better world. Education is the key." said Irmeli Torssonen,
President, Soroptimist International.

Once trained, the Peace Ambassadors will return to their own countries,
and use their knowledge and experience in their own communities, working
with children and peers who are affected by conflict and violence. The
project is anticipated to reach 10,000 children and young women in some of
the most war-torn countries in Africa through peer group education.

For more information please visit: www.wagggsworld.org

UNESCO&#8217;S NEW EDUCATION STRATEGY
[UNESCO E-Bulletin on EFA]

The 31st session of UNESCO's General Conference approved the
Organization's new education strategy and its programme and budget for
2002-2003. Delegates unanimously agreed that the Education for All
initiative is the lynchpin of UNESCO's action, as highlighted during the
first meeting of the High-Level Group on EFA (see below).

The delegates also reiterated the need for placing education at the core
of an agenda for peace and stressed that learning is above all a means for
enabling people to live together in a world community based on tolerance,
democracy, non-violence and inter-cultural dialogue.

"This has always been at the heart of UNESCO's agenda, but the renewed
urgency created by dramatic world events, and the dangers and fears that
these in turn generated made our reflections on the educational challenge
ever more topical, ever more relevant," said Professor Michael Omolewa,
Chairman of the Education Commission.

The General Conference endorsed UNESCO's three main strategic objectives
in education: to promote education as a fundamental right, to work to
improve the quality of education, and to stimulate innovation and the
sharing of knowledge and best practices.

The General Conference in Paris took place between 15 October - 3
November, 2001.
---
EDUCATION FOR ALL TASK FORCE UNDER PREPARATION

As stipulated in the Communiqué of the High-Level Group meeting in Paris,
UNESCO is now working to set up a Task Force to operationalize the Dakar
Framework for Action. The main task of the Task Force is to develop a
strategy by March 2002, which will identify major actions to be taken within
specified timelines; general roles and responsibilities of partners;
linkages among activities, including a clear description of how flagships
are integrated into country-level activities; and a consensus on the global
initiative. UNESCO is currently considering the composition of the Task
Force, which will be announced shortly.

The Communiqué is available in English, French and Spanish on UNESCO's EFA
Website where you will also find all documents related to the first meeting
of the High-Level Group.
INTERNET: www.unesco.org/education/efa/global_co/policy_group/index.shtml

CIVIL SOCIETY AND KNOWLEDGE
Growing your own...
How lay people turn into experts

This is the title of the keynote address which the German science
journalist Wolfgang C. Goede delivered at the International Conference of
Science and Technology Journalists in Tokyo (23-26 October, 2001). Below you
find an abstract from the speech, for the entire manuscript contact Wolfgang
C. Goede (info@casa-luz.de).

&#8220;We are standing on a goldmine - the knowledge and expertise of billions
of people. So far it has been tapped only socially and politically as the
fast growing number of self-help and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
demonstrates. Worldwide more than one million NGOs are operating, in Germany
alone 70,000 organizations with three million members. Political parties by
contrast have only 1,5 million members. These new groups constitute civil
society and have become a strong pillar of our democracies. But "lay
knowledgeability" (Brian Wynne, University of Lancaster) must also be
utilized for the scientific process if we want to meet the challenges of
this century: energy, nutrition, climate, and above all peace. We science
journalists must not only present the results of research and its
applications in comprehensive and popular ways, we also must invent new ways
of communication and interaction between scientists and the public. A new
partnership of the stakeholders is needed, "a new social contract" (Michael
Gibbons, Assoc. of Commonwealth Universities) which cultivates open
democratic dialogues. Civic scientists and civic journalists can create
civic engagement which will produce the social capital to settle our major
problems.&#8221;


D. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS
(Conferences marked with an asterisk (*) are appearing in this newsletter
for the first time)

DEVELOPMENT MARKETPLACE 2001 (*)

Established by the World Bank, Development Marketplace (DM) an internet
site to create a place of ideas, talent and resources that address
development challenges. Every year DM is open for proposals to develop
innovative approaches addressing a range of issues in poverty. The 2001
winning projects will share USD 3 million in start-up funds.

The 2001 winners will be chosen by an international jury from 205
finalists and award seed money to implement those projects. The event will
take place in January 2002 in Washington DC (the event postponed from Autumn
2001 due to 11 September events.)

Registration for the DM is now open to the public. Admission to the event
is free and open to all individuals and organizations in the international
development community.

DATE: 9-10 January, 2002
VENUE: Washington, DC, USA.
ORGANISER: DM, World Bank
INTERNET: www.developmentmarketplace.org

For further information, guidelines on submitting a proposal for 2002 and
to register please visit: www.developmentmarketplace.org

THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MOBILISATION:
DEVELOPING LOCAL ROOTS (*)

The Resource Alliance is pleased to present the Third International
Conference on Sustainable Resource Mobilisation: Developing Local Roots in
partnership with the South Asian Fundraising Group.

The conference will focus on the key issues involved in building an active
and accountable non-profit sector strongly rooted in local support and
legitimacy. Leading speakers include: Kumi Naidoo, Rajesh Tandon, Richard
Holloway, Elkanah Odembo and Tony Elischer.

Key conference themes include:

- Governance and accountability of NGOs;
- Identity, Image and Communications of NGOs within the local community;
- Building effective relationships between local NGOs, International NGOs,
the corporate sector and donor agencies;
- Advocating for an enabling environment for domestic resource
mobilisation.

This all-inclusive event is a must for key stakeholders working within the
voluntary sector in developing countries, including NGO and CSO leaders,
decision makers and implementers in donor agencies and INGOs.

If you book before 17 December, 2001 you can benefit from a USD 90 early
booking discount.

DATE: 4-7 March 2002
VENUE: Agra, India
ORGANISER: The Resource Alliance
TEL.: (44-20) 758-70287
FAX: (44-20) 758-24335
E-MAIL: contact@resource-alliance.org.uk
INTERNET: www.resource-alliance.org/upload/Agra/index.htm


E. TRAINING COURSES

WOMEN'S STUDIES PROGRAM AT EL COLEGIO DE MÉXICO HOST ITS XIII SUMMER
COURSE IN 2002
1 July - 2 August, 2002

Since its creation in 1983, research and teaching in the field of gender
relations have made the Programa Interdisciplinario de Estudios de la Mujer
(PIEM) at El Colegio de México a pioneer in Latin America.

Every summer PIEM offers an introductory course in Spanish to
international and national students who seek to expose themselves to a
program of conferences and classes in a relaxed atmosphere, characterized by
academic rigor and intense intellectual exchange. PIEM has become a model
for other academic and government programs dealing with gender and women´s
studies in Mexico, and Latin America at large.

During the five weeks students discuss diverse methodological, theoretical
and empirical perspectives dealing with novel issues in the field of gender
studies to enrich their work as graduate students, activists or
professionals eager to gain new insights into solid interpretations of
social phenomena.

Topics for discussion: the impact of global capital on women's lives,
women's rights as human rights, violence against women, and contemporary
debates around sexuality.

Students will enjoy access to El Colegio´s excellent library and
cafeteria; they will participate in visits to colonial and contemporary
buildings that host important activities or historical events related to
women's lives.

Proficiency in Spanish is requested, but each student will be evaluated on
an individual basis.

The course has a cost of USD 1,200 which includes photocopies, visits to
museums and afternoon activities. Accommodation information will be provided
upon request.

Deadline of application: 30 March, 2002.

For further information and application form
CONTACT: Adriana Ortiz - Ortega, Coordinator
E-MAIL: cverpiem@colmex.mx, aortiz@colmex.mx


F. NEW PUBLICATIONS

THE CHARITABLE IMPULSE:
NGOS AND DEVELOPMENT IN EAST AND NORTH EAST AFRICA
Edited by Ondine Barrow and Michael Jennings

ISBN 1-56549-137-8 USD 24.95 paperback
ISBN 1-56549-138-6 USD 60.00 cloth

NGOs have forged a dominant, but problematic, role in the political
landscape of relief and development, and in many Southern nations. In
Northern countries they are increasingly visible through publicity, advocacy
and lobbying activities.

The Charitable Impulse explores how NGOs have responded to the problems
thrown up by this increased prominence, through historical and contemporary
case studies from East and North-East Africa. It includes not only sectoral
analyses - in particular refugees, famine relief, democracy and human
rights - but also an institutional focus on specific NGOs such as Oxfam and
Christian Aid. The contributors illustrate key ongoing debates about the
role of NGOs in both relief and development work.

The book's emphasis on actual practice will make it extremely useful for
students of international development and international civil society, as
well as NGO practitioners.

To order this book please visit the Kumarian website at www.kpbooks.com or
send and e-mail to GBenthamKPBook@aol.com

A GUIDE TO BUDGET WORK FOR NGOS AVAILABLE ONLINE

The International Budget Project (IBP) has published the second version of
"A Guide to Budget Work for NGOs," and it is available on IBP's Web site. It
includes the basic principles of budget work, examples of useful resources,
and best practices. The Guide provides a basic understanding of the roles
that NGOs can play in this field.

INTERNET: www.internationalbudget.org/resources/guide/index.htm


G. INTERNET NEWS AND WEBSITES

ITRAINONLINE.ORG: NEW ONLINE TRAINING RESOURCE

Six leading organisations in the Internet and IT field have come together
to launch Itrainonline.org, an online resource containing the best and most
relevant computer and Internet training resources for social justice and
sustainable development.

APC, Bellanet, INASP, IICD, IISD and OneWorld.net have joined forces
reducing duplication in both their online content and training programs.
More importantly they have created a single online entry point for trainers
and organisations looking for online resources related to the Internet and
computer training.

Itrainonline.org was launched on 30 November, 2001. At present the site is
available in English and Spanish with more languages to be added later.
Topics covered include computer basics, building online communities, email,
security and web design.

For further information on the new initiative please visit
www.itrainonline.org


H. SCHOLARLY SUPPORT AND AWARDS

FELDMAN GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Combining Study in the U.S. and Fieldwork in Sri Lanka

Deadline: 31 December, 2001

The Feldman Fellowship for the Master of Arts in Sustainable International
Development (SID) will be awarded to an early to mid-career planner
interested in integrated conservation and development. The Fellowship begins
September 2002.

The Fellow joins SID graduate students from over 30 countries for an
interdisciplinary study of development and project management emphasizing
poverty reduction, gender, human rights, and biodiversity conservation. The
Feldman Fellow will concentrate on integrated conservation and development
and work with the Sinharaja Village Trust in Sri Lanka during her/his second
year.

Fellows receive full tuition, fees, airfare and living expenses for the
year-in-residence at Brandeis, and airfare and subsistence allowance for the
second year fieldwork. Nominations are encouraged from development
institutions including international, governmental and NGO. Self-nominations
are accepted. Women are especially encouraged to apply.

Nominations or applications should be FAXED or sent by E-MAIL preferably.
Applicants should include a curriculum vitae and a statement describing
her/his career objectives and work experience. Three letters of
recommendation (at least one professional and one academic) on letterhead
should follow by airmail. An unofficial transcript of university record is
acceptable to begin consideration. Please write the applicant&#8217;s name in the
upper right corner of each page if faxed.

To learn more about the SID Master of Arts Program, see enclosed and on
the web at http://heller.brandeis.edu/sid

The Heller School is rated one of the top 10 schools of social policy in
the United States. Brandeis is located outside of Boston, Massachusetts,
USA.

Sustainable International Development Program
Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Brandeis University, U.S.A.
FAX: (1-781) 736-2774
E-MAIL: sidfeldman@brandeis.edu

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD TO B92 JOURNALISTS
Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 7 December, 2001

Radio B92 journalists Svetlana Lukic and Svetlana Vukovic have won the
2001 Konstantin Obradovic Award for the development of the culture of human
rights. The award was given for their weekly program Pescanik (The
Hourglass).

The Konstantin Obradovic Award was established by the Belgrade Centre for
Human Rights in memory of its founder, one of the greatest Yugoslav and
international figures in international humanitarian law and an active
fighter for human rights.

The jury for the award was Filip David, Vesna Pesic and Vojin
Dimitrijevic.

Lukic and Vukovic received the award on 9 December night at a ceremony
celebrating Human Rights Day on 10 December, 2001.

I. FROM THE READER

Dear all Friends at e-CIVICUS,

My family wishes you a very happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Goutam Sanyal & Monika Sanyal
Dhaka


J. ABOUT CIVICUS

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international
alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society
throughout the world.

e-CIVICUS is produced weekly, and distributed to thousands of subscribers
worldwide. If you would like to comment on a past issue of e-CIVICUS or
request that appropriate information about your organisation be included in
a future issue of e-CIVICUS, please contact the CIVICUS Newsletter Office at
the following e-mail address: news@civicus.org
Due to space restrictions, we may not be able to include all submissions.

To subscribe: send a blank e-mail with 'subscribe' in the subject line to
news@civicus.org
To unsubscribe: send a blank e-mail with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line
to news@civicus.org

Co-ordinator of e-CIVICUS:
Miklos Barabas, Programme and Communications Director
TEL.: (36-1) 356-8440 FAX: (36-1) 356-8499
E-MAIL: news@civicus.org
INTERNET: www.civicus.org

More...

HUNTING ... CONSERVATION?? A Conflict of Interest?

2001-12-13

http://www.africanconservation.org

The African Conservation Foundation has opened an online forum to consult with the public on whether or not ACF should list ALL conservation groups working in Africa - regardless of whether or not they are involved in hunting.
HUNTING ... CONSERVATION?? A Conflict of Interest?

FROM : THE AFRICAN CONSERVATION FOUNDATION (ACF)

DATE : 7 December 2001.

The ACF has a policy to include ALL conservation groups working in Africa,
in our directory, on our web portal. This is regardless of our own
members' personal opinions concerning hunters' involvement in conservation.
We have a disclaimer to this effect on our site.

Our stance has now been questioned by at least one other conservation group
and we are therefore re-examining our position on this issue and would
welcome a real and proper debate on the topic to help inform our decision.

Basically, the question is : Do hunting and conservation go hand in hand
under any circumstances - or is this a contradiction in terms?

Following on from this ... should a site like ACF include 'conservation'
groups in it's directory that are involved in hunting as well?

The debate is now open and all interested parties are invited to have their
say (politely please) on the new Hunting ... Conservation ?? Forum on the
ACF website. You can access this forum from (the contents page of) our
site (www.africanconservation.org) - anyone can read the comments posted
there, but to post your opinion, you need to register on the
site. Registration is free and free also of spam emails etc. etc.

For any further information, please contact Terry Harnwell.

The African Conservation Foundation
39 Coppice Mead
Stotfold
Hitchin
Herts. SG5 4JY, U.K.
Tel. +44(0)1462 732240
Fax. +44(0)1462 732266
Email : terry@africanconservation.org

More...

Internet in Senegal: BATIK

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/enewsl/4773

Bulletin d'Analyse sur les Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication. Lettre d'information électronique mensuelle publiée par OSIRIS l'Observatoire sur les Systèmes d'Information, les Réseaux et les Inforoutes au Sénégal.

Media Update - Zimbabwe

2001-12-13

http://www.comminit.com/e-zines.html#political

Goal is balance & fairness in news & current affairs, accuracy & impartiality in voter education & equity in political advertising & direct access programming. Published by Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwee (MMPZ).

News & Opinions That Shape Women's Human Rights Advocacy

Women's Human Rights Net (WHRnet)

2001-12-13

http://www.whrnet.org

WHRnet NEWS goes live to coincide with International Human Rights Day (10 December 2001). WHRnet uses the Internet to bring together women activists from all continents, and now it takes this opportunity to invite everyone with access to the web to join in. The newly redesigned site aims to promote advocacy through knowledge sharing of women's human rights issues and events.
WHRNET: News & Opinions That Shape Women's Human Rights Advocacy

WHRnet, Women's Human Rights Net, the first global online community of women's human rights activists, is proud to announce the launch of its new interactive NEWS page.

WHRnet NEWS <http://www.whrnet.org> goes live to coincide with International Human Rights Day (10 December 2001).

WHRnet uses the Internet to bring together women activists from all continents, and now it takes this opportunity to invite everyone with access to the web to join in. The newly redesigned site aims to promote advocacy through knowledge sharing of women's human rights issues and events.

WHRnet NEWS carries stories and information from around the world in one of the most comprehensive spaces on women's human rights on the web. Its features include headline news, opinion polls, news in brief, campaign actions, opinion pieces by leading commentators, interviews with pioneering women's human rights advocates, and a complete archive of previous editions.

Keep abreast of news and opinions that shape women's human rights advocacy globally by connecting to WHRnet NEWS at http://www.whrnet.org

For more information, contact the WHRnet Editorial Team at whrnet@whrnet.org

More...

South Africa: Agenda Feminist Media

2001-12-13

http://www.agenda.org.za/

The Evaluation Exchange

2001-12-13

http://gseweb.harvard.edu/~hfrp/eval.html

A forum for dialogue among policy-makers, programme practitioners, educators & evaluators. Published by Harvard Family Research Project.

Cultivating Donors

Make Your Contributions Grow

2001-12-13

http://nonprofit.about.com/library/weekly/aa062101a.htm

DEVELOPMENT MARKETPLACE 2001

Washington DC - 9-10 January 2002

2001-12-13

http://www.developmentmarketplace.org

Established by the World Bank, Development Marketplace (DM) an internet site to create a place of ideas, talent and resources that address development challenges. Every year DM is open for proposals to develop innovative approaches addressing a range of issues in poverty. The 2001 winning projects will share USD 3 million in start-up funds.
DEVELOPMENT MARKETPLACE 2001 (*)

Established by the World Bank, Development Marketplace (DM) an internet
site to create a place of ideas, talent and resources that address
development challenges. Every year DM is open for proposals to develop
innovative approaches addressing a range of issues in poverty. The 2001
winning projects will share USD 3 million in start-up funds.

The 2001 winners will be chosen by an international jury from 205
finalists and award seed money to implement those projects. The event will
take place in January 2002 in Washington DC (the event postponed from Autumn
2001 due to 11 September events.)

Registration for the DM is now open to the public. Admission to the event
is free and open to all individuals and organizations in the international
development community.

DATE: 9-10 January, 2002
VENUE: Washington, DC, USA.
ORGANISER: DM, World Bank
INTERNET: www.developmentmarketplace.org

For further information, guidelines on submitting a proposal for 2002 and
to register please visit: www.developmentmarketplace.org

More...

New Distant-Learning Course for Online Efficiency

2001-12-13

http://www.dieschwelle.de

Dr Burkhard Luber, Executive Staff of the Threshold Foundation, offers new Tele-Teaching about Online Efficiency for international NGOs. Based on similar On-site Trainings for NGOs by Burkhard Luber in many countries worldwide for several years, this new course targets NGO workers wanting to improve their Internet capacity and thereby advancing the efficiency of their organizations. It is focused on persons already having a basic knowledge of emailing and web surfing, who are now wanting to get hold of more sophisticated know-how and material about Internet-based opportunities.
New Distant-Learning Course for Online Efficiency

Dr Burkhard Luber, Executive Staff of the Threshold Foundation, offers
new Tele-Teaching about Online Efficiency for international NGOs. Based
on similar On-site Trainings for NGOs by Burkhard Luber in many
countries worldwide for several years, this new course targets NGO
workers wanting to improve their Internet capacity and thereby advancing
the efficiency of their organizations. It is focused on persons already
having a basic knowledge of emailing and web surfing, who are now
wanting to get hold of more sophisticated know-how and material about
Internet-based opportunities.

Feel free to share this Tele-Teaching announcement with other
persons/organization who you think might be interested to be informed
about this course opportunity.


1. Participants:
Workers in NGOs, particularly with a focus on human rights, civil
so-ciety, conflict resolution, ecology.

2. Time:
Beginning of January 2002 till the end of April 2002.

3. Course Outline:
Eight detailed Tele-Teaching Email Letters from Burkhard Luber, emailed
at the beginning and mid of each of the four months above. In addition
special ad hoc emails might be sent between these inter-vals.

4. Course Topics:
General Online Ressources for NGOs
On-Line Technical Utilities
Advanced Searching in the Web
Finding Organizations and Media online
Online Public Relations
Progressive Web Sites
Human Rights Web Sites
Conflict Resolution and Ecology Web Sites


5. Teaching Approach:
The core medium of the Tele-Teaching Email Letters will be
websites-based introductions into the course topics listed above.
Between each of the Tele-Teaching Email Letters participants can email
questions to Burkhard Luber and the answers will be integrated in every
next Tele-Teaching Email Letter.

6. Technical Requirements:
Email Facility and Web Access.

7. Language:
The Tele-Teaching Letters will be in English but in case of major
language difficulties I can handle individual e-communication with
single course participants in basic Italian, Spanish or French.

8. Fees:
No money, but expectation for active course participation, sharing
experiences when applying the learning stuff at home and obligation to
email a longer, detailed feed-back when the course has finished.


9. Registration:
Till 20 December 2001 with an email to Burkhard Luber
(Luber@dieschwelle.de), containing the word DLC1 at the beginning of the
Subjec-Line of the email. The text of the registration email should
contain:

a) The 1st and last name of the registering person plus town and country
where s/he comes from.

b) A couple of words about the work of the registering per-son, her/his
major motivations to register for this course, main expectations towards
the online lessons and short in-formation about the work of her/his NGO
(if applicable) / its web page if existent.

Sent this email as plain Text message without any attach-ments and not
in HTML form.


10. Start:
Each person registered till 20 December will get a registra-tion
confirmation till the end of December. The 1st Tele-Teaching Email
Letter will be emailed to the registered participants till 10 January
2002.

Contact:
Dr Burkhard Luber (luber@dieschwelle.de)
The Threshold Foundation (www.dieschwelle.de)

More...

South Africa: Continental Conflict Transformation Course

Feb 4 - Mar 8 2002

2001-12-13

http://www.comminit.com/events_cal/2002/604-event.html

Purpose includes: Identify the origins and causes of new and ongoing conflicts in various parts of Africa; Examine the causes of these conflicts in order to understand more clearly the dynamics of the various factors and forces, and the relationship between peace and development; Support and strengthen skills for facilitating dialogue, including communication and facilitation skills, negotiation, mediation and arbitration.

SOUTH AFRICA: HIV/AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

2001-12-13

http://www.angelcities.com/members/samsa

The purpose of the workshop in Cape Town is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to train participants on how to use the "Youth to Youth" manual effectively, and thus to empower them to initiate youth activities around HIV/AIDS and Human Rights in their own communities. It is also hoped that the workshop will equip participants with the necessary skills to ensure that they, as future community leaders, will advocate the care of people living with HIV/AIDS in an ethical, judicious and most appropriate manner.
HIV/AIDS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
AFRICAN REGIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP

9 &#8211; 15 February 2002,
Cape Town, South Africa.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is one of the greatest
challenges faced by society today, both in terms of
curbing its spread, as well as learning to live with
HIV/AIDS in our communities. It is a disease that
affects all strata of society, from young to old.
There was an estimated 40 million people infected with
the HIV virus at the end of 2000. However, the impact
of HIV/AIDS on the youth population in particular is
becoming increasingly marked, and is now reaching
alarming proportions: it is estimated that 40 million
teenagers and adolescents will have contracted the
virus by the year 2030. Already, over half of the
people carrying the HIV virus are under the age of 25.
It is therefore clear that the time has come for the
youth to rise up and take their place at the centre of
HIV action. It is imperative for youth to become
actively involved, not only in curbing the spread of
the disease but also in playing a role in protecting
the rights of people living with HIV or AIDS.

Motivated by these concerns, the IFMSA, in
collaboration with UNESCO, are taking HIV/AIDS and
Human Rights issues to the youth all over the world.
It is hoped that this will help to combat the spread
of the disease, as well as to raise awareness against
socio-cultural stigma towards people living with
HIV/AIDS and protect them from associated human rights
violations. To this end, UNESCO, in consultation with
different youth organisations, especially IFMSA has
developed a kit entitled &#8220;HIV/AIDS and Human Rights &#8211;
Young People in Action&#8217; to aid youth organisations
involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, promotion and
advocacy campaigns. The manual is based on the
international guidelines on Human Rights and HIV/AIDS
and is intended to serve as a tool in the development
and initiation of appropriate youth activities.

The purpose of the workshop to be held in Cape Town,
South Africa is multifaceted. Primarily, it aims to
train participants on how to use the &#8220;Youth to Youth&#8221;
manual effectively, and thus to empower them to
initiate youth activities around HIV/AIDS and Human
Rights in their own communities. It is also hoped
that the workshop will equip participants with the
necessary skills to ensure that they, as future
community leaders, will advocate the care of people
living with HIV/AIDS in an ethical, judicious and most
appropriate manner.

The training workshop will train 50 participants, with
the participants being young, dynamic youth leaders
from regional countries. About 10 African countries
will be included, with each country being represented
by 4 participants. The workshop will last 7 days,
during which time participants will receive intensive
training on skills and capacity building and problem
solving with regards to the psychosocial and cultural
aspect of the connection between HIV/AIDS and Human
Rights.

For more information about the workshop, please read
on. You can also visit our website at:
www.angelcities.com/members/samsa or you can direct
your questions to us by sending an e-mail to:
hivhr_sa2002@yahoo.com

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?

Applications are invited from youth leaders who are
either already involved in HIV/AIDS-related work on a
grassroots level or are eager to begin work in this
area. This workshop is not aimed at those who are
already experts in community work with regard to
HIV/AIDS, rather, it seeks to equip beginners in this
area of work with the necessary skills to enable them
to make the maximum impact on their communities.

WHERE IS THE WORKSHOP TAKING PLACE?

The HIV/AIDS and Human Rights African Regional
Training Workshop will take place in Cape Town, South
Africa from the 9th to the 15th of February 2002.

Cape Town, is, without doubt, one of the most
beautiful cities in Africa. With the majestic Table
Mountain soaring on one side of the city and the ocean
flanking the other, there is more than enough to keep
even the most avid of tourists occupied. Not only
does Cape town have a rich cultural heritage, giving
the city its own distinct flavour, it is also a
vibrant cosmopolitan city offering all the pleasures
and amenities of a first class city.
The workshop will be held at the Ritz Hotel, which is
located in the very hub of Cape Town central city,
thus providing participants with not only an excellent
conference venue, but also an opportunity to
experience Cape Town life at its best.

For more information about the hotel, please visit our
website (page 1).

INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL APPLICANTS

The HIV/AIDS and Human Rights African Regional
Training Workshop is designed for and open to all
youth from African countries with a particular
interest in the fields of HIV/AIDS and human rights.
It will be hosted by the SAMSA (South African Medical
Students&#8217; Association) in collaboration with the IFMSA
(International Federation of Medical Students&#8217;
Associations) and UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation) from February 9
to 15, 2002 in Cape Town, South Africa. We will accept
50 participants from ten different African countries.
There will be approximately 4 participants from each
of the nine other countries and approximately 10
participants from South Africa.

Youth from all African countries are welcome to apply
using our on-line application form at
www.angelcities.com/members/samsa
The application form should be accompanied by a:
§ Motivation letter
§ Curriculum Vitae
§ A paper describing the HIV/AIDS and human rights
situation in your own country or community.

The Application Form, Motivation Letter, Curriculum
Vitae and Essay should be sent separately to:
Darshan Reddy at this address:
hivhr_sa2002@yahoo.com


DATES:

The deadline for early registration deadline is 15th
December 2001.
The deadline for late registration is 1st January
2002.

Please apply on time to avoid any problems.
Applicants will be notified by 4th of January 2001 if
they have been selected as participants for the
workshop.

REGISTRATION:

The fee for early registration is 100 USD.
The fee for late registration is 120 USD.
The registration fee is fully inclusive - that is, it
includes transport within Cape Town to designated
areas that are part of the program, social events that
are part of the program, workshop materials, hotel
accommodation and board (6 nights with 3 meals a day).

On arrival, participants should check-in at the
registration desk in the hotel lobby.
The registration fee should be transferred into our
bank account by the above-mentioned dates.

BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION:

SAMSA
c/o University of Cape Town
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Rondebosch
Branch Number: 025009
Account: UCT Number 6
Account Number: 270 691 952
Entity Number: 671262
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ

Payment should be made in USD, without charges for the
beneficiary after an invitation letter is received.
Personal cheques or credit cards cannot be accepted.
After the bank transfer, please send a copy of the
bank deposit slip by post or fax to the organising
committee at the above-mentioned addresses.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE FUND (TAF):

Individuals who may need travel assistance from their
countries to the workshop should indicate that in
their application form. Limited funds are available
for TAF purposes.
In order for applicants to be considered for TAF, they
need to send us a:
1. Completed Application Form.
2. Motivation Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. An Essay about the AIDS and Human
Rights situation in your country
5. Follow up plans for after the workshop

VISAS AND PASSPORTS:

Youth coming from other African countries should not
have difficulty with access into South Africa.
Invitation letters will be sent to the applicants on
request. To gain entry into South Africa, foreign
nationals need to have in their possession passports
with at least six months of validity and appropriate
visas.

Visa application is carried out at the South African
Embassies or Consulates nearest to the applicant's
domicile. The visa application requires filling out
the appropriate application forms - available from the
Embassies or Consulates - and by enclosing 2 colour
passport-size photographs and a valid passport, along
with supporting documents depending on the types of
visa one is applying for.

An application fee is payable in local currency for
the visa application, depending on the type of visa
and the duration of stay. Please note that the fee
should only be paid in cash or by postal order and is
non-refundable. Queries regarding the amount of the
visa fee should be referred to the Embassy/Consulate
where the visa application is filed.

Decisions on many of the types of visa applications
are normally made within 7 working days. So make sure
that you apply in advance as to prevent any unwanted
hassles. Visas are usually issued for three months.
Visas that have been issued are only valid for the 90
days. If an applicant fails to enter South Africa
within the 90 day period after the visa is issued, the
visa will be declared invalid. Please note that
possession of a visa does not guarantee entry into
South Africa. Permission to enter the country is
dependent on the authorisation of the Immigration
Officer at the point of entry.


DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME CANNOT BE DISPLAYED IN THIS
ANNOUNCEMENT DUE TO FORMATTING PROBLEMS. PLEASE VISIT
OUR WEBSITE www.angelcities.com/members/samsa OR MAIL
IS AT hivhr_sa2002@yahoo.com


APPLICATION FORM:

Basic Information
Name:
Surname:
Date of Birth:
Sex:

Contact Information
Postal Address: City:
Country:
Phone Number: Fax Number:

E-mail Address:


Organisation Information
Name of Organisation:
Position in Organisation:

Academic Information (Background information if not
currently a student)
University:
Faculty: Year of Study:


Occupation (if not currently a student):

Additional Information
Passport Number:
Passport Expiry Date:

Do you need an invitation letter: ____________
Are you applying for travel assistance:___________


Completed Application Forms can be e-mailed to:
hivhr_sa2002@yahoo.com

More...

The West African Computing and Telecommunications Exhibition

Accra International Conference Centre, 16-18 May 2002

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/4777

The West African IT Training and Education Forum will run concurrently with the 6th AITEC West African Computing and Telecommunication Conference and Exhibition. The Forum will among other objectives brainstorm on a wide range of issues pertaining to the enhancement of IT training and education at all levels in both formal and informal educational system of West African states.
AITEC Ghana: The West African Computing and Telecommunications Exhibition
and Conference
Accra International Conference Centre, 16-18 May 2002

incorporating:
THE WEST AFRICAN IT TRAINING AND EDUCATION FORUM

CALL FOR PROPOSALS


The West African IT Training and Education Forum will run concurrently with
the 6th AITEC West African Computing and Telecommunication Conference and
Exhibition. The Forum will among other objectives brainstorm on a wide range
of issues pertaining to the enhancement of IT training and education at all
levels in both formal and informal educational system of West African states

Information Technology as a tool has been identified as the key to the
development and growth of every country and the need to tackle the problems
and challenges facing IT training and education in West Africa is very
crucial in order to help various countries achieve their developmental
aspirations.

The Forum, made of strategic briefings, presentations and round table
discussions will:

Ø Discuss the most effective training and education strategies for West
Africa
Ø As an opportunity to learn and share ideas about various options for IT
education and training
Ø Discuss and resolve issues of common interest
Ø Brainstorm on how to shape the future of IT education and training in West
Africa
Ø Comparative analysis of various curricula for IT education and training
Ø The forum can become the starting point for the formation of an IT
education and training union or association for the sub-region


TARGET

Key decision-makers in IT education and training drawn from Africa as a
whole but West Africa in particular. Participation is also expected
from the rest of the world.

- Educators
- Policy Makers
- Ministers and Directors of government agencies and departments
- Trainers
- School heads
- IT Training and Educational Experts
- Research Institutions
- Educational and Training Professional Associations
- Directors of Educational institutions



To submit proposals or for further details, contact Kwami Ahiabenu, II
AITEC Ghana, kwami@aitecafrica.com

More...

UK: Community-Based Health Education & Health Promotion

Apr 15 - Jun 21 2002

2001-12-13

http://www.comminit.com/events_cal/2002/572-event.html

10 week course in Leeds is targeted at experienced managers and field staff from developing countries who are requiring a short course to improve their capacity to plan, implement and manage communication/health promotion components of projects.

UK: Development Studies Course

Apr 20 - Jul 6 2002

2001-12-13

http://www.comminit.com/events_cal/2002/551-event.html

This course in Birmingham is designed to meet the needs of people working in non-government and international aid organisations as well as government departments. Themes include: Understanding poverty, & the processes of underdevelopment & development; Reviewing social & human development & social policy issues in developing countries; and, Examining possibilities for social, political & economic changes at all levels.

Gates Malaria Programme - PhD/DrPH studentships

Application Deadline: 15 January 2002

2001-12-13

http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/centres/malaria/gateshome.html

This is an opportunity to apply for a PhD/DrPH studentship to undertake a research project in any area of clinical, field, social science or associated laboratory work that is relevant to the control of malaria.
Gates Malaria Programme - PhD/DrPH studentships
-----------------------------------------------

Application Deadline: 15 January 2002

The Opportunity - This is the final opportunity to apply for a PhD/Dr
PH studentship to undertake a research project in any area of clini-
cal, field, social science or associated laboratory work that is
relevant to the control of malaria.

The Location - Applications are invited for a number of PhD or DrPH
studentships to be held at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical
Medicine (LSHTM), the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM),
the Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen (CMP)
and the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory (DBL).

The Offer - Scholarships will cover 'home' fees, living expenses as
appropriate, some research expenses and may include a re-entry grant
following satisfactory completion of the PhD/DrPH.

Eligibility - Applicants must have a good first degree in a relevant
subject, for study in the UK this should be the equivalent of an up-
per second class honours or above degree. The studentships are open
to applicants from malaria endemic countries only, applications are
encouraged from those involved in malaria control.

Further information - See
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/centres/malaria/gateshome.html
for further information about the studentships and information on how
to apply, or e-mail <GatesPHD@lshtm.ac.uk>

Further details of the malaria research programmes in progress at the
host institutions can be obtained from the web pages:
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/centres/malaria (LSHTM)
http://www.liv.ac.uk/lstm (LSTM)
http://www.cmp.dk or http://www.sund.ku.dk (CMP)
http://www.bilharziasis.dk (DBL)

or by direct contact with
Professor Brian Greenwood
mailto:brian.greenwood@lshtm.ac.uk at LSHTM,

Dr Marcel Hommel
mailto:mhommel@liv.ac.uk at LSTM,

Professor Niels Ornbjerg
mailto:noc@bilharziasis.dk at DBL,

or Professor Thor Theander
mailto:theander@biobase.dk at the CMP.

Deadline for Application/Start Date - Applications must be received
by 15 January 2002. Successful candidates are required to start their
studies during the 2002/03 academic year.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to
contact me.

Regards,

Dr. Tracey Henshaw
Assistant Manager - Gates Malaria Programme
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
50 Bedford Square
London WC1B 3DP, UK
Tel: +44-20-7299-4711
Fax: +44-20-7299-4720
mailto:Tracey.Henshaw@lshtm.ac.uk

More...

JOBS AT CIVICUS

Johannesburg, Washington DC, London

2001-12-13

http://www.civicus.org

CIVICUS is an international civil society movement with members in over one hundred countries. Positions available: Chief Operating Officer, Director of Programmes, Director of Communications, Manager for Finance and Administration, Human Resources and Logistics Manager
JOBS AT CIVICUS

CIVICUS is an international civil society movement with members in over
one hundred countries. CIVICUS works with its members, and a rapidly growing
network of partners at national and global levels, to ensure that civil
society organisations enjoy the rights to organise, speak freely and to
promote the common good. CIVICUS facilitates activities to nurture the
founding, growth, protection and resourcing of citizen action worldwide and
especially where participatory democracy, freedom of association and
expression, and other enabling conditions for civil society are threatened.
Recent global events have reinforced our commitment to these values.

CIVICUS is entering a dynamic phase of expansion, with offices in
Washington, DC, London and Johannesburg. Several new positions have now
become available in our Johannesburg office, among them:

- Chief Operating Officer
- Director of Programmes
- Director of Communications
- Manager for Finance and Administration
- Human Resources and Logistics Manager

In our Washington office, we currently have an opening for: Assistant
Director, Development & Public Affairs

CIVICUS is committed to developing an internationally diverse staff. The
official working language is English, but preference will be given to
candidates who are also fluent in major international languages as well as
those with relevant experience at the national and international levels. For
full position descriptions please visit www.civicus.org

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume detailing
relevant experience, qualifications, current salary, three letters of
reference, and salary expectations to:
CIVICUS, Personnel Department
ADDRESS: 919 18th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20006, USA
FAX: (1-202) 331-8774
E-MAIL: jobs@civicus.org (preferred).

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications for the Assistant Director, Development &
Public Affairs, Washington, DC and for the Human Resources and Logistics
Manager, Johannesburg, South Africa is 8 January, 2002. For all other
positions in Johannesburg, South Africa the closing date is 15 January,
2002.

More...

SOUTH AFRICA: Assistant Coordinator

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/4791

The Soweto Youth Drama Society seeks to employ a young and energetic outgoing person to assist the coordinator to work in primary schools in SOWETO and other surrounding townships.
Assistant Coordinator

The Soweto Youth Drama Society seeks to employ a young and
energetic outgoing person to assist the coordinator to work in primary
schools in SOWETO and other surrounding townships.

SOWETO YOUTH DRAMA SOCIETY is a leading community youth
drama group working with historically disadvantaged young people,
building their skills base in drama and arts broadly. We are committed
to give the young people a voice and a platform to express their
aspirations and values and to consciously develop confidence and
consciousness to help them confront social challenges. SYDS is also
concerned with the numerous social and health problems that are faced
by children, including AIDS and CHILD ABUSE.

JOB FUNCTIONS
Reports to the Coordinator
- Ability to facilitate workshops in Drama, Music and Dance
- Compile field workers report and submit to the Coordinator
- Monitor the field workers in the absents of the Coordinator
- Understanding of show business
- Work with the Coordinator to organise workshops
- Keep the relationship with the principal and the teachers of schools
we are working with.
- Take day to day register

REQUIREMENTS
At least three years experience in working with young people in drama
Computer literate
Communication skills
Written and spoken word
Self motivated
Someone who has worked with children before
Ability to communicate
Ability to cope with deadlines
Ability to work under pressure and independently

Please send CV&#8217;s before the 15th January 2002


Contact Numbers:
(011)834-5912
Fax:(011)834-5913
Email:sydssa@wn.apc.org

More...

SOUTH AFRICA: DIRECTOR & MEDIA ANALYST

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/4794

The Policy Directorate is seeking two energetic, experienced and analytical professionals who enjoy working with people, doing research, writing and liaising with a wide range of people and organisations, in the above positions.
DIRECTORATE: POLICY

The Policy directorate has the following brief:
To keep abreast of and articulate for communications purposes, the
development and implementation of government's programme of action;
To understand the environment within which government communicates its
policies and programme; and
To contribute to the development of government policy for a democratic
media, communications and information dispensation.

The Directorate is seeking two energetic, experienced and analytical
professionals who enjoy working with people, doing research, writing and
liaising with a wide range of people and organisations, in the above
positions:

DIRECTOR: POLICY

All-inclusive salary package: R348 987 Per annum
The incumbent will be required to sign a performance agreement contract

Requirements: To be considered for appointment, the incumbent must have the
following:
* Preferably a post-graduate qualification
*At least 5 years work experience, preferably at a senior level.
*A sound grasp of government policy issues
*Ability to analyse media coverage
*A sound grasp of media, communication and information policy issues
*Ability to work independently and under pressure.
*Excellent research and writing skills
*Management experience and interpersonal skills.

Duties: The Director will manage a directorate (ten people) with the
following areas of work:
*Monitoring government policy and the implementation and impact of its
programme of action, from a communications perspective;
*Analysis of the communication environment, including analysis
of media content and agenda setting;
*Research to enhance GCIS's understanding of the media as an institution;
*Participation in the development of government policy in the field of media,
information and communication - including the establishment of the
Media Development and Diversity Agency;
*Representation of South Africa in regional and continental policy
developments in the field of media and information, in
particular with reference to SADC and Panapress;
*Participation in GCIS communications projects involving other government
departments;
*Liaison in respect of the above with the Policy Co-ordination and
Advisory Service (PCAS) in the Office of the Presidency; with government
departments; with SADC and with research and other organisations.
*Management of the directorate in close consultation with the Chief Director,
including management of budgets and business plans.

Enquiries: Mr Philip Konaite

MEDIA ANALYST

All-inclusive salary package: R209 023 per annum
Commencing salary: R154 398 per annum

Requirements: To be considered for appointment, the incumbent must have the
following:
*Preferably a post-graduate qualification.
* At least 5 years work experience.
* Familiarity with methods of media analysis
* A sound grasp of media, communication and information policy issues.
*Ability to work independently and under pressure
* Excellent research and writing skills
* Good interpersonal skills.

Duties: Media Analyst will be a specialist in the following areas of work:
*Analysis of the communication environment, including analysis of media
content and agenda setting;
*Media research directed towards enhancing GCIS's understanding of the
media as an institution;
* Media, communications and information policy - including the establishment of the Media
Development and Diversity Agency.
In addition, the successful candidates will
*Participate in GCIS communications projects involving other government
departments
*Liaise in respect of the above with government departments,
stakeholders and research organisations.

Enquiries: Mr Philip Konaite Tel (012) 314 2259


ALL POSITIONS ARE BASED IN PRETORIA

GCIS is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled applicants are welcome to
apply.

The estimated package includes a housing subsidy, pension fund, medical aid
and a service bonus.

Applications must be submitted on Form Z83, obtainable from any Public
Service Department, and must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV and
certified copies of qualifications.

Applications can be directed to: The CEO, Government Communication and
Information System, Private Bag X745, Pretoria, 0001 for attention Ms J
Harris.


Closing date: 4 January 2002

More...

SOUTH AFRICA: NCYE Project Director

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/4788

The National Clearing House on Youth Employment (NCYE) urgently needs to employ a Project Director to co-ordinate the implementation, management and sustainability efforts of the project.
NCYE Project Director

The National Clearing House on Youth Employment (NCYE) urgently needs to employ a Project Director to co-ordinate the implementation, management and sustainability efforts of the project.

The NCYE, a national youth outreach, information
and education project is being operated under
contract to USAID/NYC.

KEY TASKS ARE:
* To develop and maintain a clearinghouse on youth
employment and entrepreneurship
* To promote the NCYE in concert with NYC objectives
* To develop and implement a sustainability plan
* To provide full administration of the NCYE
* To prepare and submit all required reports and
deliverables for the NCYE as follows:
- Quarterly and annual progress reports
- Internal evaluation plan
- Sustainability plan

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
* Computer literate (esp. word processing, email,
internet and database)
* Experience managing grants/contracts
* Fundraising (proposal writing, reporting)
* Proven project planning and management skills
* Experience / knowledge of NGO sector with
emphasis on youth employment issues and youth
service networks

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
* Must be able to travel throughout South Africa if
necessary
* Own transport
* Experience on a USAID project

The Projects offices are based in Pretoria.

Deadline for applications is 4 January 2002.

The successful applicant should be able to start
March 2002.

Applications can be sent via fax or email and
addressed to the current Project Director. Please
note that correspondence will not be entered into
and only those who have been short-listed will be
contacted.
Fax: 012- 322 8359, Email: director@ncye.org.za

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SOUTH AFRICA: PROGRAMME OFFICER

Closing date: 21 December, 2001

2001-12-13

http://www.vso.org.uk/

The VSO programme in South Africa currently has over 30 volunteer development workers and focuses on three main sectors: HIV/AIDS; gender; housing, water and sanitation. It is now seeking to recruit a development professional, with the initiative, drive and energy to develop the programme in the housing, water and sanitation sector.
PROGRAMME OFFICER - HOUSING, WATER & SANITATION

VSO is an independent development charity that works through volunteers.
We have some 2,000 people sharing their professional skills with local
communities in 70 countries. Together they represent a significant force in
the fight against global poverty and injustice. Further information about
VSO can be obtained from our global website at: http://www.vso.org.uk/

The programme in South Africa, established in 1995, currently has over 30
volunteer development workers and focuses on three main sectors: HIV/AIDS;
gender; housing, water and sanitation. We are now seeking to recruit a
development professional, with the initiative, drive and energy to develop
the programme in the housing, water and sanitation sector.

As a programme officer you will have responsibility for the development of
VSO's programme, seeking suitable partners, identifying suitable placements,
and supporting partners and volunteers. First class administration skills
are essential, along with the capacity to travel extensively and to work as
an effective team member. Self-motivated, culturally sensitive and
experienced in development work, you'll need strong communication and
networking skills.

Prior experience within either the housing, water or sanitation sectors is
desirable as is familiarity with the issues surrounding the impact of
HIV/AIDS on development.

The post is offered on a three-year extendable contract and is based in
Johannesburg. A competitive package is offered with a monthly starting
salary of R12,152 per month. Application forms and additional information
available from:
VSO, PO Box 32192, Braamfontein 2017, Johannesburg.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

CLOSING DATE: 21 December 2001
INTERVIEWS: 23 & 24 January 2002

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SOUTH AFRICA: PROJECT FACILITATOR

2001-12-13

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/4790

The GreenHouse Project seeks to employ a person with a strong commitment to people driven development, sustainable urban regeneration and a participatory approach to work. The candidate should have a strong fundraising background with skills in the areas of management and
organisational development.
Vacancy for PROJECT FACILITATOR
GreenHouse People's Environmental Centre Project

The GreenHouse People's Environmental Centre
Project aims to construct an environmental centre
in Joubert Park in the Johannesburg Inner City,
which will provide a working demonstration of Green
values and approaches (particularly to urban
living) and most appropriate technologies and
practices. In addition the building will serve as a
facility that will be a home for organizations
working on a broad spectrum of environmental and
social justice issues.

The GreenHouse Project is guided by the following
principles: Reverence for the Earth; Grassroots
Democracy; Rejection of Discrimination; Ending
Exploitation; Solidarity with people struggling
against oppression and exploitation through
democratic organisations; Non-Violence.

The GreenHouse Project will endeavour to: Evolve
and learn through partnerships; Catalyse local
action; Evolve a Green management framework; Give
impetus to Local Agenda 21; Develop a Green design
and construction ethic.

REQUIREMENTS

The GreenHouse Project is entering a critical
implementation stage where it is poised to move
into Joubert Park to commence construction. In
addition to fulfilling commitments to present
funding partners we are challenged to continue
raising resources for subsequent construction
phases as well as responding to the opportunities
presented by Johannesburg's hosting of the World
summit on Sustainable Development.

The GreenHouse Project seeks to employ a person
with a strong commitment to people driven
development, sustainable urban regeneration and a
participatory approach to work. The candidate
should have a strong fundraising background with
skills in the areas of management and
organisational development. Employment will be for
an initial contract of 10 months, with a view to a
long term commitment to the GreenHouse Project. The
candidate should have :


Qualifications:
Experience in human resource management, public
relations with the ability to fundraise and promote
the organization, writing and reporting skills.
Understanding of issues which will be covered by
the project would be an advantage, including broad
environmental issues, Agenda 21, information
provision, construction processes and related
information, energy issues, Permaculture, and Green
living and development issues.

Responsibilities:
* Manage and mentor other staff.
* Detailed project planning and management.
* Manage the relationships with key partner
organisations and stakeholders such as the City of
Johannesburg and the Danish Organisation for
Renewable Energy.
* Fundraise for the programs and activities of the
GreenHouse Project, and develop of a
sustainability strategy for the organisation and
Centre.
* Manage contractual relations of the project and
additional consultants needed in the project as
identified from time to time. (excluding the design
and construction process)
* Financial management of the GreenHouse Project
and related ex officio responsibilities.
* Networking and negotiation with potential
stakeholders.
* Reporting to the GreenHouse Board of Directors
and funders.
* Promotion and marketing of the GreenHouse Project.

If you have an interest in environment and
development issues, embrace the above principles
and have the relevant skills for the above
position, please deliver your CV (with a letter of
motivation and contactable references) by hand or
by e-mail to:

GreenHouse Project, Auckland House, 185 Smit
Street, Corner Biccard Street, Braamfontein.
Email: melindas@gpg.gov.za

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 18th
December 2001 at 16h00.

Interviews will be conducted between the 7th and
18th January 2002 with the intention for the
candidate to commence on the 1st February 2002.
The contract package is commensurate with
experience and is negotiable.
For further information please contact Dorah Lebelo
on (011) 403-6056 before the 14th of December.

The GreenHouse Project is an equal opportunity
employer.

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Fahamu