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CRICKET, HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND THE TREASON TRIAL

Patrick Burnett

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/features/13338

While the debacle over world cup cricket matches being played in Zimbabwe continues to attract headlines, there is mounting concern over the trial of Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai, with many believing that the charges against him have been manufactured to remove the opposition leader from the Zimbabwean political landscape. Tsvangirai, Welshman Ncube, the MDC secretary-general and MP for Bulawayo North-East, and Renson Gasela, the shadow minister of agriculture and Gweru Rural MP, are facing charges of hiring Dickens & Madson, a Canadian-based political lobby firm owned by Ari Ben-Menashe, leading witness for the state, to plot the assassination of President Robert Mugabe and subsequent overthrow of the Zanu PF-led government. The three deny the charges, but could face the death penalty if convicted.

Evidence in the trial has so far consisted mainly of a video recording of a meeting between Ben-Menashe and Tsvangirai, in which Ben-Menashe says the two discussed “eliminating” Mugabe. The defence argues that the meeting was set up to trap Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai has claimed that he is innocent of all charges against him and that the videotape was heavily edited with the word “eliminate” taken out of context.
Ben-Menashe claims that Tsvangirai had offered him money to facilitate the assassination of Mugabe, initiate a coup d'etat, and install a transitional government, but his credibility has been damaged by his ties to the Zimbabwean government. According to the Zimbabwean Independent, Dickens and Madson received a US$400,000 contract from the Zimbabwean government last May. They were hired to try and improve Zimbabwe's image abroad.

The International Association of Political Consultants, a professional association of political advisers from more than 50 countries, has sharply criticized the trial. IAPC president Ken Feltman urged media organisations to focus on what he called a “bogus trial which could cause an innocent man to lose his life” and said the IAPC were “disturbed” that Ben Menashe was the star witness for the state. “We have learned that Ben Menashe’s firm, Dickens & Madson of Canada, was on President Mugabe’s payroll long before he met with Tsvangirai and had received $400,000 from the Mugabe government.” Feltman said although Ben Menashe had described himself as a political consultant, he was not nor ever had been a member of IAPC. “The directors of IAPC reject the contention that Morgan Tsvangirai is guilty of trying to plan an assassination and believe this is a plot organised by Ari Ben Menashe and financed by Mugabe as a means of eliminating Tsvangirai as a political opponent.”

Meanwhile, the latest round of quiet diplomacy is being conducted by South African President Thabo Mbeki and Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has stressed “constructive engagement” to help Zimbabwe. Obasjano reportedly said: “We must help Zimbabwe out of its predicament and problem. We cannot do that if we become unduly and unnecessarily critical and antagonistic to Zimbabwe. We must remain constructively engaged with Zimbabwe. If there are points to be raised with Zimbabwe, like brothers we put ourselves in a room, we lock the door and we tell ourselves (the) truth.”

The continued emphasis on quiet diplomacy despite its failure is viewed with dismay by human rights and democracy groups. In late January, Amnesty International issued a statement saying the level of fear among human rights activists in Zimbabwe had never been greater. And in a report released at the end of January, Tony Reeler, a former director of the Amani Trust, described the “grim picture” painted by a number of reports on the organised violence and torture that has afflicted Zimbabwe since February 2000 and the absence of credible government attempts to stop them. Gross human rights abuses had been perpetrated, including summary executions; extra-judicial killings; disappearances; torture; mass psychological torture; political rape; rape; illegal arrests and unlawful detentions.

However, Mugabe continues to escape censure from African leaders for the human rights situation in Zimbabwe, something which Tsvangirai himself has described as being a result of a “dubious African brotherhood”. Obasanjo’s meeting with Mugabe this week apparently dealt with attempts to persuade Mugabe to implement reforms ahead of a Commonwealth meeting that would strengthen the case against renewing sanctions. This would in turn encourage Mugabe to implement more reforms. Mbeki, Obasanjo and Howard are due to meet in South Africa next month to review their decision to suspend Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth after Mugabe was re-elected last March in elections dismissed by Commonwealth observers as fraudulent. South Africa, Nigeria and Australia are tasked with reviewing the one-year suspension of Zimbabwe.

A further diplomatic triumph for Mugabe has been the hosting of preliminary games of the cricket world cup in Zimbabwe. England was the only country to announce the cancellation of their match in Zimbabwe, but this was mainly due to safety concerns as opposed to being a result of taking a politically principled position. The only official statement of solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe emanating from World Cup structures that suggested there may be moral problems with playing a game in a country where torture and starvation were taking place came from Zimbabwean cricketers Andrew Flower and Henry Olongo, who wore black armbands during their game against Namibia. “We cannot in good conscience take to the field and ignore the fact that millions of our compatriots are starving, unemployed and oppressed. We are aware that hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans may even die in the coming months through a combination of starvation, poverty and Aids. We are aware that many people have been unjustly imprisoned and tortured simply for expressing their opinions about what is happening in the country,” the pair said in a statement.

Two recent trials suggest that justice may prevail, says an article published by the Digital Freedom Network (http://www.dfn.org/news/zimbabwe/tsvang-trial.htm). The first is the dropping of charges against 41 white farmers who had refused to vacate their farms in protest of the government's land reform program that involves the involuntary seizure of land without adequate compensation. The second trial involved four MDC members, including Member of Parliament Job Sikhala, who were accused of plotting to overthrow the government. They filed a motion with the High Court in February to have their case dropped, claiming that a confession was coerced from them while under police custody. The judge ruled in their favour and dismissed the charges. But the DFN article also acknowledges that Mugabe has been known to fire judges and reverse their decisions on a whim and that if the court finds Tsvangirai guilty, then Mugabe would have succeeded in eliminating his political competition.

Just how far will the failure in quiet diplomacy extend? Having said little or nothing about Zimbabwe’s human rights record, it remains to be seen what Mbeki and Obasanjo would have to say if Tsvangirai was found guilty and sentenced to death. Not so long ago a similar exercise in quiet diplomacy involving a human rights activist, a South African president and a despotic ruler ended badly. In that case the characters were Ken Saro-Wiwa, South African President Nelson Mandela and General Sani Abacha of Nigeria. But lets hope that’s where the similarities end.

Links:
* Who should be sanctioned?
http://zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=6108
* Treason trial in secret session
http://zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=6175
* Tsvangirai Briefs Obasanjo On Crisis
http://allafrica.com/stories/200302110459.html
* Ben-Menashe a Crook, Say Tsvangirai's Defence Lawyers
http://allafrica.com/stories/200302040222.html
* African nations to drop Mugabe sanctions
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/africa/story.jsp?story=376474

SAY NO TO WAR ON IRAQ

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/features/13252

COMMENTARIES AND BACKGROUND ARTICLES

CHOMSKY ON THE ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=51&ItemID=2962
The (peace) demonstrations were another indication of a quite remarkable phenomenon. There is around the world and in the United States opposition to the coming war that is at a level that is completely unprecedented in US or European history both in scope and the parts of the population it draws on.

FISK: POWELL'S PRESENTATION: IT WAS LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF BECKETT
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=2977
Sources, foreign intelligence sources, "our sources," defectors, sources, sources, sources. Colin Powell's terror talk to the United Nations Security Council sounded like one of those government-inspired reports on the front page of The New York Times - where it will most certainly be treated with due reverence in this morning's edition. It was a bit like heating up old soup. Haven't we heard most of this stuff before? Should one trust the man? General Powell, I mean, not Saddam.

MONBIOT: ACT NOW AGAINST WAR
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,869832,00.html
The rest of Europe must be wondering whether Britain has gone into hibernation. At the end of this month our prime minister is likely to announce the decision he made months ago, that Britain will follow the US into Iraq. If so, then two or three weeks later, the war will begin. Unless the UN inspectors find something before January 27, this will be a war without even the flimsiest of pretexts: an unprovoked attack whose purpose is to enhance the wealth and power of an American kleptocracy.

LEARNING TO CHEAT LIKE SADDAM
http://www.globalethics.org/redir/nl.html?d=2/10/2003&id=0210031643500
If I were Saddam Hussein's education minister, my response to the evidence set forth by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell at the United Nations last week might have been as follows: "Your premise is irrelevant. You're attacking us because we've been cheating. But so what? You're merely accusing us of something you in the West do, and even teach your kids to do, which is to cheat."

A FAILURE OF SKEPTICISM IN POWELL CONVERAGE
http://www.fair.org
In reporting on Secretary of State Colin Powell's February 5 presentation to the United Nations Security Council, many journalists treated allegations made by Powell as though they were facts. Reporters at several major outlets neglected to observe the journalistic rule of prefacing unverified assertions with words like "claimed" or "alleged." This is of particular concern given that over the last several months, many Bush administration claims about alleged Iraqi weapons facilities have failed to hold up to inspection.


SOUTH AFRICA: ANTI-WAR MARCHES TO TAKE PLACE ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA ON 15TH FEBRUARY
http://southafrica.indymedia.org/news/2003/02/3012.php
The member organisations of the Social Movements Indaba from across the country, call on South Africans to raise their voices against the impending war on Iraq, by joining anti-war marches and other actions taking place in various cities on 15th February, under the banner of the Anti-War Coalition.

TEN-MILLION JOIN WORLDWIDE PROTEST RALLIES
http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?a=13&o=15800
Up to 10-million people on five continents are expected to demonstrate against the probable war in Iraq on Saturday, in some of the largest peace marches ever known. Up to 400 cities in 60 countries, from Antarctica to Pacific islands, confirmed that peace rallies, vigils and marches would take place.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
http://www.guardian.co.uk/antiwar/story/0,12809,893937,00.html
Saturday's anti-war demonstration is vital because it could change the whole course of politics.

SECURITY COUNCIL SCARED TO FACE UP TO HUMAN COST OF IRAQ WAR
http://web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/Index/MDE140172003?Open
Is the Security Council scared to face up to the human toll of conflict in Iraq? Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, has asked. "The humanitarian and human rights consequences of war must be given high priority by the Security Council. When war is contemplated against a country whose people have been suffering from severe violations by their government and more than a decade of sanctions, the need for such an assessment is even more important," said Ms Khan.


THE ANTI-WAR MOVEMENT: A GUIDE TO WEB SITES
http://www.guardian.co.uk/antiwar/subsection/0,12809,884056,00.html

ANTIWAR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=41&ItemID=3032

TO SAY NO: A POEM BY EDUARDO GALEANO

The 3rd World Social Forum agreed that on February 15th all the social movements should organize themselves to be part of a great global demonstration against the War. A text by Eduardo Galeano, written especially for the International Network of Social Movements, follows.

TO SAY NO
by Eduardo Galeano (a Uruguayan writer)

The president of the planet has announced his next crime in the name of God and democracy. This is how he slanders God. He also slanders democracy, which has managed to survive in the world despite the dictatorships that the United States have been sowing everywhere for over a century.

Bush's government, that more than a government seems a pipeline, needs to seize the second world reserve of oil, that lies under the soil of Iraq. Also, it needs to justify the enormous amount of money of its military expenses and needs to parade in the battlefield the state of the art models of his arms industry.

This is it. The rest is only excuses. And the excuses for the coming carnage offend the intelligence. The only country that has used nuclear arms against a civilian population, the country that burst the atomic bombs that annihilated Hiroshima and Nagasaki, intends to convince us that Iraq is a danger for humanity. If president Bush loves humankind so much, and if he really wants to avert the most serious threat that humankind is facing, why doesn’t he bomb himself, instead of planning a new extermination of innocent people?

Huge demonstrations will take to the streets of the world this coming February 15th. Humankind is sick and tired of being used as an alibi by its murderers. It is also sick and tired of crying for its dead at the end of each war: this time it wants to stop the war that is going to kill them.

IRAQ: FIRST-HAND EVIDENCE FROM CIVILIANS
Charlie Clements
I am a public health physician and a human rights advocate. I have just returned from a 10-day emergency mission to Iraq to assess the vulnerability of the civilian population to another war. I'm also a distinguished graduate of the USAF Academy and a Vietnam veteran, so I have some sense of the potential consequences of the air war we are about to unleash on Iraq as a prelude to the introduction of American troops.

The population of Iraq has been reduced to the status of refugees. 60% of them or almost 14 million Iraqis depend entirely on a government provided food ration that by international standards is the minimal for human sustenance. Unemployment is greater than 50% and the majority of those who are employed make between $4-$8 a month. (The latter figure the salary of a physician that works in a primary health center.) Most families are without economic resources as they have sold off their possessions over the last decade to get by. Hospital wards are filled with severely malnourished children and much of the population has a marginal nutritional status.

The food distribution program funded by the U.N. Oil-for-Food sales supervised is the world's largest and is heavily dependent upon transportation that will be one of the first targets of the war. The U.S. will severe transport routes to prevent Iraqi armed forces from movement or re-supply. The feeding program will be its first victim.

Even before the transportation system is hit , U.S. aircraft will spread millions of graphite filaments in wind dispersed munitions that will cause a complete paralysis of the nation's electrical grids. Already literally held together with bailing wire, because they have been unable to obtain spare parts due to sanctions, the poorly functioning electrical system is essential to the public health infrastructure.

The water treatment system, too, has been a victim of sanctions. Unable to import chlorine and aluminum sulfate (alum) to purify water, there are already 1000% increases in the incidence of some waterborne diseases (typhoid cases have increased from 2200 in 1990 to more than 27,000 in 1999). People will not have potable water in their homes and they will not have water to flush their toilets.

The sanitation system, which frequently backs-up sewage ankle deep in Baghdad neighborhoods when the ailing pumps fail, will now have no pumps at all.
There will be epidemics as water treatment and water pumping will come to a halt. Pregnant women, malnourished children, and the elderly will be the first to succumb. UNICEF estimates the excess child mortality in the last ten years has been more than 500,000 and that figure will climb steeply in the aftermath of another war. They are part of the "collateral damage" from the last war.

The health care system of Iraq cannot handle an emergency of this nature even if there were not thousands of victims of "collateral damage" as we have promised a cruise missile every five minutes for the first 48 hours seeking out military, intelligence, and security forces around Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul, Iraq's largest cities.

Even though it is against the Geneva Conventions to target infrastructure that primarily serves civilians, it did not give us pause in the Gulf War and will not this time. If the U.S. pursues this war without the backing of the U.N. Security Council, it will undermine a half century of efforts by the world community to establish a foundation of humanitarian and human rights law that guide international behavior. Such an act would also violate the U.N. Charter and make a mockery of the very institution we have helped to fashion in the hopes it would help prevent crimes against humanity. Many might define the consequences of such an attack on the population of Iraq as just that.

There was a lot that made me angry on that trip. I have worked in war zones before and I have been with civilians as they were bombed by U.S. supplied aircraft, but I don't think I've experienced anything on the magnitude of the catastrophe that awaits our attack in Iraq.

I have just described the basics without any of the horror scenarios such as the unleashing of weapons of mass destruction, civil war or retribution by mobs vying for power or revenge, or house to house fighting as Baghdad becomes another Mogidishu or Jenin.

Saddam is a monster, there is no doubt about that. He needs to be contained and many former U.N. weapons inspectors feel he has been 'defanged.' His neighbors do not fear him any longer. There are many Iraqis who want him removed but not by a U.S. war. We may be unleashing forces of hatred and resentment that will haunt us for decades in every corner of the world. I can just hear Osama Bin Laden now, "Please President Bush, attack Iraq. There's nothing better you could do to help the cause of Al Qaida!"

PETITIONS

TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO STOP THE WAR ON IRAQ
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/iraq/tenthings.html
Discover all the methods available for you to make your voice heard against the war on Iraq by visiting the web link provided. Use fax, email phone and snail mail to join the campaign against the war.

JOIN THE ANTI-WAR REFERENDUM
http://www.internationalanswer.org/
Vote No to War! Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have marched to protest against a planned US-led war on Iraq. Make your voice heard by signing up against war.

STOP THE WAR ON IRAQ
http://www.pambazuka.org/newsletter.php? id=12341
United for Peace is a new national campaign that brings together a broad range of organisations throughout the United States to help coordinate work against a U.S. war on Iraq. At an initial meeting in Washington, DC on October 25, more than 70 peace and justice organizations agreed to form United for Peace. United for Peace invites you to join and become part of this new effort.

HELP STOP THE WAR ON IRAQ: EMAIL TONY BLAIR
www.oxfam.org.uk/iraqaction
War in Iraq is getting closer every day - your voice is needed before it becomes a disaster for Iraq's people.

STOP THE WAR!

We, the undersigned, oppose the attack on Iraq. We
call on the US government and its allies to act
together with other countries for the settlement of
international disputes by negotiation - not war



Name Address ORGANISATION Signature
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PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO:
Solly Mapaila - SACP
PHONE NUMBER:
011 339 3621, 082 886 3526








Cairo Declaration: Against U.S. Hegemony and War on
Iraq and In Solidarity with Palestine


The internationalmeeting organised by the Egyptian
Popular Campaign to Confront U.S. Aggression was
convened in Cairo on December 18 and 19 to launch the
International Campaign.

We, the participants reaffirm our resolve to stand in
solidarity with the people of Iraq and Palestine,
recognising that war and aggression against them is
but part of a U.S. project of global domination and
subjugation. Solidarity with Iraq and Palestine is
integral to the internationalist struggle against
neo-liberal globalisation. The Cairo meeting is not
an isolated event, but an extension of a protracted
international struggle against imperialism, from
Seattle and Genoa to Lisbon and Florence, to Cordoba
and Cairo.

The U.S. provides unlimited support, and even
justification, to the Zionist perpetrators of
genocidal crimes against the Palestinian people. The
suffering of the Iraqi people under a regime of
genocidal sanctions lasting over a decade, and the
aggressive militarism which they face today is but a
logical outcome of the structures of power asymmetry
of the existing world order:

The U.S. monopolises political, economic and military
power within the framework of capitalist
globalisation, to the detriment of the lives of the
majority of the world's people
The U.S. imposes control through naked aggression and
militarised globalisation in pursuit of its rulers'
interests, all while reinstating the characteristic
direct occupation of classical colonialism
The U.S. global strategy, which was formulated prior
to September 11 2001, aims to maintain the existing
uni-polar world order, and to prevent the emergence
of forces that would shift the balance of power
towards multi-polarity. The U.S. administration has
exploited the tragic events of September 11, under
the pretext of fighting terrorism, to implement the
pre-existing strategy.

Attention to this global context helps explain
current world developments:

First: Capitalist Globalisation and U.S. Hegemony

prioritise the interest of monopolistic capitalist
circles above those of the people, including
Europeans and U.S. citizens.
integrate the economies of different countries into a
single global capitalist economic system under
conditions which undermine social development and
adversely affect the situation of women, child
health, education, and social services for the
elderly. In addition, unemployment and poverty
increase.
generalise the culture of consumerism and
individualism, to the detriment of a sense of
collective responsibility, whether towards the
thousands of infant and child deaths in Iraq
resulting from polluted water, malnutrition and
deficiencies in medical supplies, or towards the
victims of AIDS, malnutrition and famines around the
world. Among millions of people standards of living
have deteriorated while unemployment and poverty
have become widespread. Globalisation has resulted
in the marginalisation of entire peoples who could
no longer acquire the basic necessities to sustain
life.

Second: In the absence of democracy, and with
widespread corruption and oppression constituting
significant obstacles along the path of the Arab
peoples' movement towards economic, social, and
intellectual progress, adverse consequences are
further aggravated within the framework of the
existing world order of neo-liberal globalisation.

Admission to restrictions on democratic development
in Iraq in no way constitutes acceptance of U.S.
justifications for continuation of sanctions, and
now preparations for war. Without disregarding
long-standing restrictions on democratic development
in Iraqi society - as is the case in all Arab
societies - it is evident that the U.S.-imposed
sanctions have had a devastating effect on Iraq's
development. Whereas Iraq had once enjoyed a
relatively positive profile according to certain
human development indicators, its people now suffer
severely as a result of the sanctions regime. Iraq
has witnessed a significant rise in child mortality
rates, the spread of several diseases, reduction of
opportunities in education, and a marked
deterioration of the standard of living. As human
suffering increases it generates a sense of
defeatism.
The Palestinian people are suffering as a result of
the loss of their land and continued Zionist
aggression, which the U.S. supports militarily,
economically, and politically, making its
administration a de facto accomplice in the crimes
committed against the Palestinian people. The U.S.
protects Israel from condemnation in international
forums under the pretext of combating terrorism, and
it asserts additional false claims, such as when it
equates the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian
people to resist occupation, liberate their land,
and return to their homes, on the one hand, with
terrorism that we all abhor, on the other.
The policies of Structural Adjustment associated with
neo-liberal globalisation have precipitated global
crises manifest in a widening wealth gap, increase
in poverty and unemployment, and general
deterioration of standards of living.
U.S. military presence in the Arab region, and its
dictates to governments of sovereign nations of the
region has compounded the suffering of the Arab
people. Interference in the internal affairs of
these nations now extends to demands of educational
reform, and insistence on "democratisation".
Ironically this is occurring at a time when civil
liberties in the U.S. are clearly under siege,
especially with regard to Arab and Muslim Americans,
along with other minorities. The U.S. administration
also violates international law by its inhumane
treatment of the POWs in Guantanamo. Also evident is
the wealth gap in the U.S., which is the widest among
the industrial nations of the world.
Far from secretly, the US intends to partition Arab
countries into smaller entities on ethnic or
religious basis. This would enable Israel to become
the dominant regional power within the framework of
the Middle East Project, to the peril of an Arab
project of equitable development and regional unity.

The suffering of the Arab people and U.S. unwavering
support of the system of apartheid imposed on the
Palestinian people, will undoubtedly fuel conflict and
lead to the escalation of violence in one of the most
sensitive areas of the world. Such danger can easily
extend to neighboring Europe, Asia and Africa.
Continued preparation for war on Iraq in spite of its
acceptance of a UN resolution of aggressive
inspection of its armament, as well as civilian
industries, signals a predetermined intent to control
the Arab region, its oil and indeed the entire world
supply of oil.

Third: For all these reasons we declare our total
opposition to war on Iraq and our resolve to continue
the struggle against U.S. policies of global
domination. We strongly believe in the urgency of
mobilising against these policies. All democratic
forces in the world that are for genuine Peace and
Justice must join together within the framework of an
international campaign against neo-liberal,
US-centric globalisation and promote an alternate
globalism based on Equity and Justice. This would
mean better utilisation of the world's resources and
protection of the environment. Together the people of
the world are quite able to combat aggression and all
forms of injustice, prejudice and racism, and make a
better world possible.

The Cairo conference against war on Iraq and in
solidarity with Palestine represents the launching of
an international popular movement that creates
effective mechanisms for confronting policies of
aggression. The participation of international
activists who are prominent for their struggles for
Human Dignity, Rights and Justice, as well as
intellectuals, authors, unionists, human rights
workers, journalists and artists- from Egypt and the
rest of the Arab World, Africa, Asia, Latin America,
Europe, and the United States- will no doubt
accelerate this noble endeavour in spite of the
numerous obstacles that we have to confront.

Fourth: It is important that this international
popular initiative of solidarity with Iraq and
Palestine proceed according to an Action Plan which
includes clearly defined priorities:

Condemnation of U.S. military presence on Arab land
along with pressuring the Arab governments that allow
U.S. military bases on their territory to close them
down, and not to provide air, naval, or land
facilities
Develop cooperation among popular organisations of
the South to reinforce solidarity in confronting the
policies and practices of neo-liberal globalisation
and U.S. hegemony
Work towards cooperation with the international
anti-globalisation movement of the North and South,
and participation in activities and meetings
organised by this movement
Promote the unity of democratic forces and popular
organisations in different parts of the world, and
form solidarity committees which oppose war on Iraq,
and the genocidal crimes faced by Palestinians,
supporting their right to resistance and struggle for
liberation
Under the banner Together against globalisation and
U.S. Hegemony add Iraq and Palestine to the agendas
of international progressive meetings, particularly
the next Social Forum at Porte Allegre
Invite Arab and international human rights
organisations to evaluate humanitarian conditions in
Iraq and disseminate their findings worldwide
Prepare to send human shields to Iraq
Introduce the boycott of U.S. and Israeli commodities
in solidarity campaigns in support of Iraq and
Palestine, with emphasis on the right of return for
Palestinians
Elect a Steering Committee to follow up on the
implementation of the Cairo Declaration, and
coordination among organisations which commit to its
principles, and enhance awareness through
appropriate actions ranging from the preparation of
posters to organising marches and demonstrations in
solidarity with Iraq and Palestine

Source: http://www.stopwar.org.uk/Resources/cairo

CALL OF THE WORLD SOCIAL MOVEMENTS

focus on the global south: sign on statement

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/13234

We are social movements that are fighting all around the world against neo-liberal globalization, war, racism, capitalism, poverty, patriarchy and all the forms of economical, ethnical, social, political, cultural, sexual and gender discriminations and exclusions. We are all fighting for social justice, citizenship, participatory democracy, universal rights and for the right of peoples to decide their own future.
FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH

---------------------------------------

CALL OF THE WORLD SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
Porto Alegre, Brazil - January 27th, 2003

We are meeting in Porto Alegre in the shadow of a global crisis. The
belligerent intentions of the United States government in its
determination to launch a war on Iraq pose a grave threat to us all,
and are a dramatic manifestation of the links between militarism and
economic domination.

At the same time, neo-liberal globalization itself is in crisis: the threat
of a global recession is ever present ; corporate corruption scandals
are daily news and expose the reality of capitalism.

Social and economic inequalities are growing, threatening the social
structures of our societies and cultures, our rights and our lives.

Bio diversity, air, water, forest, soil and sea are used like commodities
and are for sale.

All this threatens our common future.

We oppose this !

FOR OUR COMMON FUTURE
We are social movements that are fighting all around the world against
neo-liberal globalization, war, racism, castism, poverty, patriarchy and
all the forms of economical, ethnical, social, political, cultural, sexual
and gender discriminations and exclusions. We are all fighting for
social justice, citizenship, participatory democracy, universal rights
and for the right of peoples to decide their own future.

We stand for peace and international cooperation, for a sustainable
society answering the needs of people for food, housing, health,
education, information, water, energy, public transportation and
human rights.

We are in solidarity with the women engaged against social and
patriarchal violence. We support the struggle of the peasants,
workers, popular urban movements and all those who are urgently
threatened by being deprived of homes, jobs, land and their rights.

We have demonstrated in millions to say that another world is
possible. This has never been more true and more urgent.

NO WAR!
The social movements are against militarization, the increase of military
bases and state repression that create countless refugees and the
criminalization of social movements and poor people.

We are against the war on Iraq, the attacks on the Palestinian,
Chechnya and Kurdish people, the wars on Afghanistan, Colombia, in
Africa and the growing threat of war on Korea. We oppose the
economic and political aggression against Venezuela and the political
and economic blockade by the US government against Cuba, and
elsewhere. We are against all kinds of military and economic actions
designed to impose the neo-liberal model and undermine the
sovereignty and peace of peoples around the world.

War has become a structural and permanent part of global domination
using military force to control people and strategic resources such as
oil. The United States' government and its allies are imposing war as a
more and more common solution for resolving conflicts. We also
denounce the deliberate attempts made by imperialists to increase
religious, ethnic, racist, tribal and other tensions and strife all over the
world in order to pursue their selfish interests.

Majority public opinion around the world is opposed to the coming
war on Iraq. We call on all social movements and progressive forces
to support, participate in and organize worldwide protests on
February 15th 2003. These protests are already planned and
coordinated by all those who oppose the war in over 30 major cities
around the world.

DERAIL WTO
The World Trade Organization (WTO), the Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA) and a proliferation of regional and bilateral trade
agreements, such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
and the proposed Central America free trade agreements, are used by
multinational corporations to promote their interests, to dominate and
control our economies and to impose a development model which
impoverishes our societies. In the name of trade liberalization, every
aspect of life and nature is for sale and people are denied their basic
rights. Agro-multinationals are trying to impose GMOs worldwide;
people suffering from HIV/AIDS and other pandemics in Africa and
elsewhere are denied access to cheap generic drugs. In addition,
countries of the South are trapped in a never-ending cycle of debt that
forces them to open up their markets and export their wealth.

In the coming year our campaigns, against the WTO, the FTAA and
trade liberalization, will grow in size and scope.

We will campaign to stop and reverse liberalization of agriculture,
water, energy, public services and investment, and to reassert peoples
sovereignty over their societies, their resources, their cultures and
knowledge and their economies.

We are in solidarity with the Mexican farmers who say "el campo no
aguanta mas" ('the farmers are fed up') and in the spirit of their
struggles we will mobilize locally, nationally and internationally to
derail the WTO and the FTAA. We support the worldwide
movement to fight for food sovereignty and against the neo-liberal
models of agriculture, food production and distribution. In particular,
we will organize mass protests around the world during the 5th
ministerial meeting of the WTO in Cancun, Mexico, in September
2003 and during the ministerial meeting of the FTAA in Miami, USA,
in October.

CANCEL THE DEBT
The full and unconditional cancellation of Third World Debt
constitutes a prerequisite condition in order to fulfill even the most
basic human rights. We shall support any indebted country that would
stop its external debt payment and would break its agreements with
the IMF, especially the Structural Adjustment Programs. Centuries of
exploitation of the Third World people, their resources and
environment have given them the right to reparations. We ask "who
owes whom"? These issues will be raised in the major campaigns
being held in 2003, G8 (Evian/June), WTO (Cancun/September) and
the IMF and Word Bank annual meeting (Washington/September).

OPPOSING THE G8
We call on all the social movements and progressive forces to be part
of the mobilization to denounce the illegitimacy and to also reject the
policies of the G8 that will be meeting in Evian, France, from 1-3 June
2003. This mobilization will also be organized all around the world
with an international gathering at Evian (France) that will include an
alternative summit, alternative camp and a huge international
demonstration.

WOMEN: PROMOTING EQUALITY
We are part of the actions promoted by women's movements on 8th
March which is the International Women's Day to fight against all
forms of violence and patriarchy and for social and political equality.

IN SOLIDARITY
We call for solidarity from all progressive social forces, movements
and organizations across the world for those peoples such as the
Palestinians, Venezuelans, Bolivians and others who are facing
extreme crisis and are fighting against imperialist hegemony at this very
moment in time.

WE CALL TO THE PEOPLE
As we strongly believe that another world is possible, that other
worlds are possible, because we have begun to build it in our
commitments, ours struggles and international meetings, we are
determined to go on and strengthen our unity, against the war, against
poverty and for peace and social justice.

ENHANCE OUR INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
Last year during the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre we had
adopted a declaration that defines our aims, our struggles and the
ways we build our alliances. The spirit of this text is still living and will
inspire our coming mobilizations.

Since then, the world has been changing very quickly and we feel the
need to take a new step in our decision-making processes, in our
coordinations and alliances; the need to promote a broad, radical,
democratic, plural, internationalist, feminist, non-discriminatory and
anti-imperialist agenda.

We now want to build a framework articulating our analyses and
commitments to our mobilizations. This requires the active
participation of all the movements, keeping in mind that the social
forums are independent from governments and political parties (as
given in the WSF Charter of Principles) and keeping a respect for
their autonomy. This framework would be strengthened by all different
social actors contributing and sharing their experiences and concrete
social practices. Further, this would be in accordance with the
different forms of political expression and organization of the social
movements and with regard to the diversity of ideologies and cultures.

We feel the need to constitute a network of movements that is
responsive, flexible and sustainable ; yet is also broad and transparent.
Its responsibilities should be to enrich and feed the process, to
promote its diversity and to assume the necessary degree of
coordination. The aims of the network will be to enhance the
engagement of movements around the world in a deeper political
debate, to facilitate common action and to strengthen the initiative of
concrete actors fighting for social interests. Its work should be both
horizontal and effective.

To this end we propose to build a contact group as a resource and
tool for our international mobilizations, including preparing meetings,
promoting debate and democracy by promoting a website and mailing
lists. This contact group would be established for a period of
between six and twelve months and it will be drawn on the past
experience of the supporters of the network of social and popular
movements that are based in Brazil.

This arrangement is transitional and to ensure continuity. The main
task of this provisory group is to facilitate debate so that the social
movements around the world define concrete procedures to work
together. It is an ongoing process. A first review of the new contact
group will take place at meetings of the network of social movements
during the mass mobilization against the WTO in Cancun in Sept
2003. A second review, again in assemblies of the network of social
movements, will follow during the WSF meeting that is expected to be
held in India in 2004.

Among other things, the reviews will consider the effectiveness of the
coordination and seek new ways to enhance it. It will also consider
how to proceed from one year to the next, and how to include
national, regional movements and thematic campaigns. In the
meantime, we need a large debate among organizations, campaigns
and networks to articulate the proposals for a more permanent and
representative structure.

In the months to come we will have many occasions to experiment,
improve and build this process through our campaigns and
mobilizations.

WE CALL FOR ALL NETWORKS, POPULAR AND SOCIAL
MOVEMENTS TO SIGN THIS STATEMENT WITHIN TWO
MONTHS.

We call for all networks, popular and social movements to sign this
statement within two months, and send your signatures to:
movsoc@uol.com.br within two months.





Focus on the Global South (FOCUS)
c/o CUSRI, Chulalongkorn University
Bangkok 10330 THAILAND
Tel: 662 218 7363/7364/7365/7383
Fax: 662 255 9976
E-mail: N.Bullard@focusweb.org
Web Page http://www.focusweb.org

Lives before profits

2003-02-13

http://www.actsa.org/action.htm

Every day, 1000 people in South Africa die of HIV/AIDS because they cannot afford essential treatment. This is because the multinational pharmaceutical companies are keeping the prices of their drugs artificially high. Please sign ACTSA's petition demanding that GlaxoSmithKline, the world's largest pharmaceutical company, puts lives before profits.

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR ZIMBABWEANS: JOIN THE VALENTINES DAY WALK!

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/advocacy/13242

Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) will walk against violence on Valentines Day, 14th February 2003, from 12 Noon to 12:45. The meeting place is Bulawayo City Hall Car Park. Further details are to be provided on Harare, Gweru, Mutare, London and Johannesburg.
SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR ZIMBABWEANS

JOIN THE VALENTINES DAY WALK!
------------------
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) will walk against VIOLENCE on Valentines Day, the day of LOVE!
14th February 2003 - 12 Noon to 12:45
Meeting place: Bulawayo City Hall Car Park Harare - to be advised How about Gweru, Mutare, London and Johannesburg
------------------------------------------
Our Valentines Day message is:
ZIMBABWEANS - LEARN TO LOVE AGAIN!

Say NO to HATE and VIOLENCE in all its forms and YES to LOVE!
Love US, respect US and allow US to be WOMEN.
LOVE US TODAY AND EVERYDAY!

What we will expect of our participants:
* ATTEND the walk in large numbers in a spirit of LOVE and TOGETHERNESS with the community at heart.
* WEAR black to mourn the unnecessary loss of lives to VIOLENCE.
* CARRY a flower to give to male pedestrians, showing the message of LOVE and an appeal to end the VIOLENCE.
* BRING empty pot s and sticks to beat, demonstrating the need for a secure supply of FOOD for our families.
* BRING banners and props that will communicate what is needed to keep families body and soul together.
* MALE participants are very welcome to join us!
* We will walk in song through the streets of Zimbabwe, with peace and love in our hearts!
* The antidote to depression, oppression and suppression is EXPRESSION.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----
--------------------------------
WOZA VISION To enable Zimbabwean women to make independent decisions and actively participate in their community's development.

WOZA MISSION STATEMENT To empower Zimbabwean women with knowledge and skills designed to stimulate courageous activities within the community.

WOZA OBJECTIVES
* To impart knowledge and skills enabling women to make informed decisions.
* To build strength of character that demonstrates courage and leadership qualities.
* To increase participation in spiritual fellowship and love for thy neighbour.
* To teach women communication skills that will help bridge social and economic challenges.
* To facilitate the networking of expertise and skills between women.
* To teach women to defend themselves against violence.
* To work towards elevating the standing of women in society.

Contact WOZA for more information: Sheba 011 738 296 or Jenni 011 213
885 email: wozazimbabwe@yahoo.com To add or delete your name from the mailing list send an email to :
prnews@mweb.co.zw To offer support to WOZA email: prnews@mweb.co.zw

keep fighting the good fight, stephen

Suzanne Marshall, Nigeria (reposted from AF-AIDS: af-aids@healthdev.net)

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/13294

We are so proud of your statements on behalf of PLWHA in Africa. We saw you on television before the G8 meeting in Canada last summer and lately we heard you on the BBC. We live in Nigeria but our roots are in Canada (Toronto). We belong to the Congregation of Our Lady's Missionaries but don't let that throw you. We have been working since 1991 in the rural part of Benue State, Nigeria, setting up programs for people infected with HIV.

You met some of our people when you visited Benue State in 2002 or late 2001. They met you on the road coming from Alaide to Government House and you invited them back to Government House for a discussion.

We encourage you to continue to fight for antiretroviral drugs for those infected although I suspect you need no encouragement. You give hope to people like us and to the Nigerians we work with in our programs. You are so articulate, passionate and sincere in your presentations. I applaud you whenever I hear you speak. You have unique and wonderful gifts, Stephen. Thank you for using them for Africa, the forgotten continent.

STATEMENT BY ANDREW FLOWER AND HENRY OLONGA

Zimbabwe Cricket Players

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/13278

Statement of Andrew Flower and Henry Olonga
Zimbabwe Cricket team Andrew Flower and Henry Olonga - 10 February 2003
Issued 9.30 a.m. 10 February 2003, at the start of Zimbabwe's opening World Cup match against Namibia.

It is a great honour for us to take the field today to play for Zimbabwe in the World Cup. We feel privileged and proud to have been able to represent our country. We are however deeply distressed about what is taking place in Zimbabwe in the midst of the World Cup and do not feel that we can take the field without indicating our feelings in a dignified manner and in keeping with the spirit of cricket.
We cannot in good conscience take to the field and ignore the fact that millions of our compatriots are starving, unemployed and oppressed. We are aware that hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans may even die in the coming months through a combination of starvation, poverty and Aids. We are aware that many people have been unjustly imprisoned and tortured simply for expressing their opinions about what is happening in the country. We have heard a torrent of racist hate speech directed at minority groups. We are aware that thousands of Zimbabweans are routinely denied their right to freedom of expression. We are aware that people have been murdered, raped, beaten and had their homes destroyed because of their beliefs and that many of those responsible have not been prosecuted. We are also aware that many patriotic Zimbabweans oppose us even playing in the Wc because of what is happening.
It is impossible to ignore what is happening in Zimbabwe. Although we are just professional cricketers, we do have a conscience and feelings. We believe that if we remain silent that will be taken as a sign that either we do not care or we condone what is happening in Zimbabwe. We believe that it is important to stand up for what is right.
We have struggled to think of an action that would be appropriate and that would not demean the game we love so much. We have decided that we should act alone without other members of the team being involved because our decision is deeply personal and we did not want to use our senior status to unfairly influence more junior members of the squad. We would like to stress that we greatly respect the ICC and are grateful for all the hard work it has done in bringing the World Cup to Zimbabwe.
In all the circumstances we have decided that we will each wear a black armband for the duration of the World Cup. In doing so we are mourning the death of democracy in our beloved Zimbabwe. In doing so we are making a silent plea to those responsible to stop the abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe. In doing so we pray that our small action may help to restore sanity and dignity to our Nation.
Andrew Flower - Henry Olonga

The effect of Patrick Bond's article

Ben Kobus

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/letters/13259

Patrick Bond is evidently a very angry man, but uncontrolled anger makes bad journalism and can harm the cause he is so passionate about (Pambazuka News 98). By airing all sorts of negative judgments and comments, many of them personal, he has made his article read like a tirade that alienates most of whom he hopes to appeal to. Two kinds of people enjoy a tirade: one is the few who are as passionately attached to the rager's cause and who also share the rager's particular set of antipathies and prejudices. This is a small audience, and one which does not need winning over. The other kind of people get fun out of witnessing the rager rapidly digging his own grave and making a fool of himself, and is sure to include all those he evidently considers as enemies. The more merciful readers feel embarrassed and simply stop reading. I presume Patrick wants to be read, to win others to support his cause, and not to be enjoyed as a foolish spectacle.

Better then to let facts speak for themselves (and be careful not to select facts to suit your cause: it may work in the short term, with the uninformed reader, but in the long term harms your credibility); and distinguish between facts, opinions, judgments, speculations and assumptions about people's motives (the last three belong to gossip not journalism).

There is more than enough objective evidence that Africa is being cheated left right and centre; our own hearts tell us how to react to these abuses, without the need to be lectured to about what our response should be. And it is counterproductive to resort to unethical rhetoric, which does no credit to the writer or to the publication which agrees to print his words.

ARE AFRICANS INTERESTED IN THEIR ART?

2003-02-13

http://www.chimurenga.co.za/

The Senegalese who saw the sculptor Moustapha Dimé emerge, grow, and die, or the Burkinabè who look on as the painter Ferdinand Nonkouni develops should logically be the people who love and understand these artists' output the best. However, when you take a closer look at recent art history in Africa, you realise that things are neither as simple nor as logical as one might think, no matter what the artistic field. During colonialism, the African poets and novelists who claimed to represent their subjugated compatriots as they dealt "pestle blows" to denounce the "cruel towns" and propose "myths that galvanise", were only read and appreciated by the elites whose social and political mores they attacked. After the "rains of independence", the dialogue of the deaf continued between black writers and their peoples who remained illiterate in the languages and art forms in which they conveyed their thoughts and moods.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT: CONFLICTS AND NORMS IN A GLOBALIZING WORLD

Edited by Lyuba Zarsky

2003-02-13

http://www.earthscan.co.uk/asp/bookdetails.asp?key=3764

Processes of globalization have highlighted the need for ethical standards and norms wherever conflicts arise, particularly in developing countries which often have weak institutions and systems of redress. Through careful and sensitive exploration of case studies spanning the entire developing world, this publication shows how these new standards might be approached and the conditions they must meet to address fundamental issues of land rights, mineral and oil extraction, environmental ethics and development strategies. By showing what legal and institutional innovation is needed to mediate disputes and to enforce new ethics in the global economy that promote both human rights and environmental sustainability, this book makes a significant contribution to the development process as a whole.

Mandela's night at the opera

2003-02-13

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?a=11&o=15587

The first African opera, based on the life story of a Zulu princess who chronicled in song the brutalities of British colonialism, opened here last week to huge acclaim, not least from star guest, Nelson Mandela. Princess Magogo kaDinizulu, an exuberant mix of European and African musical traditions, is playing, ironically, at the Pretoria State Theatre, former showcase of apartheid's cultural icons.

People and Change: Exploring Capacity-Building in NGOs

James, R

2003-02-13

http://www.capacity.org/16/editorial3.html

In the last few years, after several decades in which development aid has had only a minimal impact, we have witnessed the emergence of a number of local development organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that endeavour to support them. Unfortunately, this process has not been accompanied by the necessary capacity-building. People and Change: Exploring Capacity-Building in NGOs (2002) is based on the author's personal experience in Southern and East Africa, but appears equally applicable to other regions, including West Africa. This new book will therefore undoubtedly prove an excellent reference work for all those involved in capacity-building, whether as service-providers, beneficiaries or cooperation and donor agencies.

Senegal's stars scoop music awards

2003-02-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2740023.stm

Legendary Senegalese band Orchestra Baobab, who reformed last year after 15 years apart, are the biggest winners at this year's BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards. The group, one of the most popular bands on the world music scene, won the prestigious critics' choice award and were named best African artists.

The Wrong Model: GATS, trade liberalisation and children's right to health

John Hilary

2003-02-13

http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/development/global_pub/wrongmodel.pdf

In an era of unprecedented global wealth, millions of children across the world are facing a health crisis. Although the international community has set challenging targets for reducing child mortality and childhood diseases, in many of the world's countries the situation is getting worse not better. This report examines the global policy context behind the child health crisis. In particular, it looks at the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the World Trade Organisation's drive to increase international trade in services such as water and health care.

AFRICA: Gender and AIDS

2003-02-13

http://www.unaids.org/gender/docs/Gender%20Package/GenderandAIDSa lmanac.pdf

This document - produced by UNAIDS - provides an overview of the impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic by gender and considers prevention and care issues, especially as they relate to women.

africa: International honour for SA judge welcomed

2003-02-13

http://www.witness.co.za/showcontent.asp?id=12936&action=full

The Law Society of SA has welcomed the appointment of Judge Navanathem Pillay to the International Criminal Court. "Her involvement will no doubt boost the court's commitment to upholding women's rights worldwide. This is evidenced by Judge Pillay's work on the Rwanda Tribunal's bench, which proves that the presence of female judges can contribute significantly to effective prosecution of sexual violence against women," said the society.

africa: Women judges dominate world's new war crimes court

2003-02-13

http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,891900,00.html

Justice came of age in spectacular fashion in New York last week when women bagged six of the top seven judicial seats on the new International Criminal Court. Intensive lobbying by a women's rights group saw female candidates dominate early rounds of voting for judges on what will be the world's first permanent war crimes court.

CONGO: Launch of national data collection of violence against women

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32254

In an effort to better understand and improve the status and quality of life of women in the Republic of Congo, the government has begun the compilation of data on violence against women country-wide.

ethiopia: UNICEF calls on governments to fulfill pledge to end female genital multilation

2003-02-13

http://www.unicef.org/newsline/2003/03pr08fgm.htm

Troubled by figures indicating that between 100 million and 130 million women suffered female genital mutilation or cutting as girls, UNICEF has called on governments to abide by commitments they made at the UN Special Session on Children and move immediately to end the disturbing phenomenon by 2010.
Related Link:
* Kenyan girls flee mutilation
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/world/africa/2736317.stm

kenya: Kenya Takes Steps to Develop Women Scientists

2003-02-13

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1217

Declining numbers of women students pursuing science and technology courses in Kenya's institutions of higher learning are causing concern in this East African country. According to current Ministry of Education figures, women, who form 21.5 percent of Kenya's 45,000 university students, constitute less than 20 percent of students studying these courses.

Malawi: Women respond positively to HIV/Aids workplace programme

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=943

Research conducted by the Centre for Social Research at the University of Malawi suggests that 81.5% in the ministry of Labour and Vocational Training were found to be willing to go for voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The ministry has commended women within the ministry for taking a leading role in the fight against HIV/AIDS in their on-going HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme.

MALI: Protect the lives of pregnant women, rights groups urge

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32153

Women in Mali face high risks during pregnancy and childbirth, and about one in 19 die from pregnancy-related causes, the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights reported last Wednesday. A third of deaths among women aged 15-49 were due to complications resulting from pregnancy and childbirth, according to the institution.

Namibia: Disabled women marginalised

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=929

Women with disabilities are experiencing double discrimination and have been cut out of programmes generally aimed at empowering women, the Swapo Party Women's Council says. Disabled women are also being excluded from drought relief food because they are not registered to receive food.

uganda: working to stop domestic violence

2003-02-13

http://www.mifumi.org/projects/domestic_violence.htm

PROMPT, a UK based charity working in partnership with The Mifumi Project and The Nagongera Women's Guild in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, has established a pilot project with funds from Comic Relief, which is one of the first of its kind in Uganda. The purpose of the project is to promote protection for and support the needs of women experiencing domestic violence, by putting in place a number of policy, procedural and practical measures.

africa: Defending Democracy - A survey of African policy trends

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/13246

While many African countries have made impressive strides in strengthening democracy and human rights within their own borders, there remains a serious gap in their support of democracy as a part of their foreign policy. This is the conclusion of Defending Democracy: A Global Survey of Foreign Policy Trends 1992-2002, recently published by the Democracy Coalition Project, a research and advocacy nongovernmental organisation involved in democracy promotion around the world. In addition to documenting an increase in support for democratic norms and processes internally, the survey established an upward trend in African countries' willingness to back international efforts that promote such institutions. However, serious problems remain. Recent developments such as those surrounding the flawed elections in Zimbabwe demonstrate enduring tensions between democracy promotion and the long-standing principles of non-intervention and solidarity that have traditionally governed Africa's interstate relations.


Defending Democracy: A Global Survey of Foreign Policy Trends 1992-2002

While many African countries have made impressive strides in strengthening democracy and human rights within their own borders, there remains a serious gap in their support of democracy as a part of their foreign policy. This is the conclusion of Defending Democracy: A Global Survey of Foreign Policy Trends 1992-2002, recently published by the Democracy Coalition Project, a research and advocacy nongovernmental organization involved in democracy promotion around the world.

Released in conjunction with the second Community of Democracies (CD) meeting held in Seoul, Korea, the report assesses the foreign policy records of forty countries, ten of them from Africa, against four principal criteria: response to the overthrow of democratically elected governments; response to manipulation of electoral processes; promotion of international norms and values of democracy and human rights; and policy toward entrenched dictatorships. All surveyed states have endorsed the Warsaw Declaration, the CD’s founding document, which commits the governments to strengthening democratic institutions, practices, and values at home and abroad. This publication marks a first-ever attempt to systematically chronicle how governments have addressed democratic violations in neighboring countries. The publication examines these 10 governments’ reactions to such cases as the Abacha regime in Nigeria, the military coup in Côte d’Ivoire in 1999, and the flawed Zimbabwean elections in 2002.

In addition to documenting an increase in support for democratic norms and processes internally, the survey established an upward trend in African countries’ willingness to back international efforts that promote such institutions. However, serious problems remain. Recent developments such as those surrounding the flawed elections in Zimbabwe demonstrate enduring tensions between democracy promotion and the long-standing principles of non-intervention and solidarity that have traditionally governed Africa’s interstate relations. These tensions have repeatedly prevented a more concerted effort on the part of many countries from actively defending democracy beyond their borders in a consistent and coherent manner.

When it comes to transforming rhetoric into action, many African states are reluctant to jeopardize otherwise stable relations with neighbors to support democratic principles. In other words, they are willing to support democracy as long as it does not conflict with more traditional national interests or domestic political concerns, particularly in the security and economic spheres. All ten countries surveyed received poor ratings when it came to their policy toward dictators. In these cases, as well as in response to the overthrow of democratically elected regimes and electoral malpractice, African democracies are likely to fall back on the principles of African solidarity irrespective of normative commitments around democracy and human rights. The principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of their regional neighbors, enshrined in the 1963 Charter of the Organization of African Unity (OAU – now the African Union or AU), is one that has been used repeatedly to justify not responding to various forms of democratic violations. Policies founded on personal relationships, aversion to perceived Western attempts to dominate regional political affairs, and a lingering commitment to the principles of African solidarity have all combined to prevent many African governments from actively defending democracy in the region and at the global level.

Even as African organizations’ records regarding the promotion of democracy have improved, voting patterns within international organizations, such as the United Nations, remain inconsistent on issues related to human rights and democracy. In such forums, African leaders are not inclined to criticize the undemocratic tendencies of their colleagues. For example, on key UN resolutions condemning the human rights situation in Nigeria under Abacha, the Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the majority of African states surveyed abstained from voting throughout the past five years. Abstentions can be tantamount to ‘no’ votes in such circumstances. Almost all surveyed countries supported the UN resolution regarding respect for principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states in their electoral processes. The controversial March 2002 Zimbabwean elections are another example of the inconsistencies found in Africa’s record for defending democracy. Only Ghana and Senegal clearly condemned the elections as neither free nor fair, while the others either remained silent or declared their support for Mugabe and his efforts to disregard external criticism of his intimidation of the opposition.

Despite these findings, it is evident that commitments to democracy are expanding throughout Africa and the majority of countries surveyed have good records regarding the international promotion of democracy. The report found that the goal of regional stability is cited as a force or incentive for promoting democracy in the region. Countries such as Nigeria have acknowledged the importance of the international democratic community to their own post-authoritarian transition and recognize that it is in their interest to champion democracy in Africa. Likewise, a number of countries (e.g. Senegal, Ghana, and Botswana) use their international reputations as models of democratic political stability to wield influence out of proportion to their modest demographic and economic weight to promote democracy regionally. There is also growing willingness among African governments to contribute to interstate mediation and conflict resolution processes within the region, and to provide technical assistance to and participation in election-monitoring and peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, various regional initiatives have begun to prioritize democracy goals. Most notably, NEPAD includes a peer review mechanism that emphasizes democracy and good governance as criteria for membership, and the Constitutive Act of the AU states as a primary objective of the organization the promotion of “democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.” Increasingly, governments have demonstrated their preference for proceeding under the auspices of regional organizations such as the AU and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), rather than pursuing action unilaterally.

As one looks across the landscape, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of democracy in Africa. Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, among others, exemplify that views are changing on the continent and that as democracy sinks deeper roots within a country, the more that country will be willing to defend democracy beyond its borders. At the same time, there is also reason to be wary of the inconsistencies that many of these countries have demonstrated in how far they are willing to go to strengthen democratic institutions, as demonstrated by the ongoing reluctance to criticize events in Zimbabwe. Regional institutions may be part of the answer to this gap. A consensus is emerging regarding the need for “democracy clauses” to be included in regional agreements and organizations. However, the region as a whole needs to put more effort into translating the principle of democracy into practice, not just at home, but abroad as well.

For more information about the survey, or to read individual country chapters, please visit: http://www.demcoalition.org To obtain a copy of the report, please contact the Democracy Coalition Project at: info@demcoalition.org

africa: the links between poverty and democracy

2003-02-13

http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000149/index.php

Political analysts have long believed that sustaining democratic government in a poor society is harder than in a relatively wealthy one. This is a sobering thought for all those committed to democracy in Africa. Precisely why poverty undermines democracy, however, is much less clear. Perhaps poor people have far less time to devote to political participation. Or, given the imperative to satisfy basic survival, people may sacrifice "higher order" needs like self-government, freedom and equality, says an Afrobarometer Briefing Paper.

ivory coast: 'human rights violations will be punished' - de Mello

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/13198

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello has expressed "grave concern" over the growing violence in Côte d'Ivoire, condemning the propaganda carried by some national media aimed at inciting war, hatred and xenophobia. de Mello reminded all concerned that grave human rights violations were punishable as international crimes.
UN'S TOP RIGHTS OFFICIAL CONDEMNS 'DEATH SQUAD' ACTIVITY IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE
New York, Feb 7 2003 3:00PM

The top United Nations human rights official today expressed grave concern
over the growing violence in Côte d'Ivoire, condemning the propaganda
carried by some national media aimed at inciting war, hatred and xenophobia.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, reminded
all concerned that grave human rights violations are punishable as
international crimes and declared his readiness to advise UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan to seize the Security Council of such crimes
if needed. Backing the Council's call last Wednesday, he urged the
country's authorities and rebel movements to take all necessary measures to
put an end to the violence and punish those responsible.

The Commissioner also underlined the essential role of an independent and
impartial media in national reconciliation, as set out in the Programme of
Government and National Reconciliation of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement of
last month, and in the recommendations of the recent UN human rights
mission to Côte d'Ivoire.

Meanwhile, Carolyn McAskie, the Secretary-General's Humanitarian Envoy for
the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, has just completed visits to Ghana, Burkina
Faso, Liberia, and Guinea, where she got a first-hand look at the effects
of the crisis on neighbouring countries.

"There is a lot that needs to be done by the international community to
help. I think we should be generous at this time, " she said in Abidjan,
urging donors to address the crisis. The United Nations has issued a Flash
Appeal for $22 million to meet humanitarian needs, but only 11 per cent of
funds requested have been received.

In New York, the Secretary-General today appointed Albert Tevoedjre as
his Special Envoy for Côte d'Ivoire. A national of Benin, Mr. Tevoedjre was
a former Member of Parliament and Minister. He also served as Deputy
Director General of the International Labour Organization. Mr. Tevoedjre
will be leaving New York for the region this weekend and is expected to
arrive in Côte d'Ivoire on Tuesday.

UN News Service

nigeria/zimbabwe: obasanjo Favours ‘Constructive Engagement’

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302080221.html

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said last Friday he preferred a policy of ‘constructive engagement’ and effective diplomacy, rather than ‘antagonism’ towards Zimbabwe. Obasanjo was speaking in the South African capital, Pretoria, after talks with President Thabo Mbeki on the first day of a two-day state visit.

NIGERIA: Court rules fees charged by electoral body illegal

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32187

A court in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, ruled last Thursday that the country's electoral commission acted illegally when it charged political parties fees to field candidates in upcoming general elections.

nigeria: safety fears ahead of election

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/13212

As Nigeria prepares for the 2003 general elections, concerns for the safety and security of the population have increased, says the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) in its position paper for the fifty-ninth session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. "Given the experience of Nigeria's electoral history, the elections in 2003 also pose a heightened threat of outbreaks of inter-communal and religious violence as different political groups jostle for electoral advantage," said OMCT. The position paper - which deals with themes of the right to reparation; impunity; human rights defenders; violence against women and children; and economic, social and cultural rights - also contains a statement on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.





POSITION PAPER OF THE WORLD ORGANISATION AGAINST TORTURE

2003 United Nations Commission on Human Rights
59th session (March 17th to April 24th, 2003), Geneva



Summary



The Primacy of Law challenged by the Ascendancy of War 2
The Right to Reparation 5
Impunity 6
Human Rights Defenders 7
Violence Against Women 9
Children 11
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 14
Annexe I: Written Statement on Nigeria 17
Annexe II: Written Statement on the Democratic Republic of Congo 19





Geneva, January 31st, 2003

The Primacy of Law challenged by the Ascendancy of War


The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), is deeply concerned about the continuing effects of the “war against terror” on the respect for the prohibition against torture and ill- treatment

Since the attack in the United States of America on September 11th, 2001, the war on terror seems to have taken priority over most other concerns at the domestic, regional, and international level. Subsequent to the attack, the adoption of new laws and norms, the revision of “old” “outdated” norms now allegedly incompatible with the “new” contingencies and demands of the war on terror, and numerous reforms are being pushed through at great speed at different levels.

At the domestic level many governments have either adopted new anti-terror legislation or modified pre-existing legislation in a manner that, in a number of cases, curtails certain individual rights and creates the conditions for the violation of fundamental rights such as the prohibition against torture and ill-treatment.

International organisations have either intensified efforts to apply pre-existing instruments and mechanisms to combat terrorism or created new ones. Concerning the European Union (EU) for example, a European arrest warrant, a common definition of terrorism and a list of terrorist organisations have been adopted, in addition to which, joint police investigation teams across the EU have been created as well as a special Europol anti-terrorism unit, and Eurojust, a co-ordinating body between Member States' law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, in 2002, the Organization of American States adopted a new Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism .

At the United Nations, the Security Council created a Counter Terrorism Committee on 28 September 2001 and discussions on Draft Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism have continued .

Although action to prevent and punish terrorist attacks is both understandable and desirable, the amount of commitment shown by governments in the campaign against terror sometimes contrasts greatly with their lack of action in the field of human rights. While statistics published by the High Commissioner in January of 2003 showed that there were 1 511 reports overdue to the six treaty bodies, the Counter Terrorism Committee reported in September of 2001 that, in the year since its creation, it had received 261 reports and had completed the first round with 159 Member States and 5 others. Only 17 Member Sates had failed to submit a report, 8 of which had not contacted the Committee .

Furthermore, and of even greater concern, is the fact that in recent months, the western media has published articles not only alleging that certain types of torture and ill-treatment are currently being used on “terrorist suspects” by the United States, but also questioning the absolute nature of the prohibition of the use of torture and ill-treatment.

There have been serious allegations that techniques of interrogation that constitute torture are being used on al-Qaeda and Taliban captives in secret CIA interrogation centres, such as in the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan and on the island of Diego Garcia, a British-owned island in the Indian Ocean that the US leases. Terrorist suspects have reportedly been deported for questioning to countries with poor human rights records where security forces have a record for brutality and nations allied in the so-called “war against terror” have therefore been actively encouraged to engage in the use of torture and ill-treatment.

In light of this, OMCT has requested that the United Kingdom, in acknowledgement of its standing invitation to all of the Commission’s mechanisms, grant the Special Rapporteur on Torture, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and all other relevant mechanisms access to the island of Diego Garcia.

In this context, OMCT has also expressed its hope that the United States of America will invite the Special Rapporteur on Torture, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and all of the Commission’s other relevant mechanisms to visit its detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Bagram Air Force base in Afghanistan and any and all other detention centres under US jurisdiction, in order to dispel these allegations.

Moreover, regimes that in the past have frequently used the pretext of security and the fight against terror to repress political opposition and any criticism of their policies, seem to have been able to increase such activities in the absence of international condemnation of such acts.

OMCT would like to recall that the prohibition of torture is a norm which is not only present in both human rights and humanitarian law treaties but also which, under both types of instruments, cannot be derogated from or suffer any kind of limitation under any circumstance. Today, the prohibition of torture is regarded as jus cogens and, as such, constitutes a peremptory norm of general international law. Norms of jus congens cannot be altered by treaty or by a subsequent customary rule.







In light of these significant events and tendencies, which represent an undeniable threat to the system of international law as we know it, OMCT would like to urge the Commission:

· to strengthen this year’s resolution on torture by reaffirming the jus cogens status of the prohibition against torture in this years resolution on torture;

· to urge the relevant thematic mechanisms, in particular the Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, to pay special attention to all detention centres being used in the afore-mentioned context.



The Right to Reparation


It has been ten years now since the Commission on Human Rights first adopted a resolution in support of the drafting of the basic principles and guidelines concerning the right to restitution, compensation and rehabilitation . The results of the work on this issue, which was first conducted by Professor van Boven and subsequently by Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni, are the Draft Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Violations of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

OMCT considers that the adoption of a universal instrument within the United Nations System that codifies existing norms and standards on the right to a remedy and reparations would be an event of crucial importance that is long overdue. Such an instrument would represent a fundamental contribution to the recognition of victims’ right to an effective remedy and reparations. Furthermore, it would also constitute an important means for ensuring that States comply with their obligations under international law to guarantee such remedies when violations of international human rights and humanitarian law occur, and contribute to the prevention of such violations. The Draft Basic Principles constitute an excellent basis for such an instrument. It is worth noting, that although it has yet to be adopted, this draft has already become a reference for international jurisprudence.

In October of 2002, a Consultative Meeting was convened for interested member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, to discuss the present text of the draft principles . The meeting led to significant progress on a number of issues and proved to be an excellent process through which the Draft Principles could be discussed and examined.

OMCT would thus like to urge the Commission on Human Rights:

· to give priority to the finalisation of the Draft Principles and, with this objective in mind, authorize the holding of a new meeting with a view to the adoption of the resulting Principles without further delay.



Impunity

Impunity is one of the most important issues facing the international community and national governments in the pursuit of the respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. The creation of the International Criminal Court, though an event of enormous significance, will not solve the question of impunity. As is provided in the Statute of the Court itself, the vast majority of instances of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law will continue to be addressed by the domestic courts and national governments. In this context, the adoption of general principles regarding the question of impunity is a matter of urgency. If adopted, such principles would represent an important tool in the struggle against impunity and would provide domestic governments with valuable guidelines on how to effectively implement their international obligations regarding this issue.

The set of principles on impunity presented by Mr. Joinet in his 1997 report to the Sub-Commission are the result of a detailed examination of the many problems that lead to and are raised by impunity. The principles are an important complementary instrument to the many different advances that have taken place over the last decade, as they directly address the structures in society that lead to and ensure impunity, by striving to guarantee that full redress is provided to victims.

The present draft is a document that constitutes a significant contribution towards the adoption of a definitive text on the issue. However, a number of developments that have taken place since the text was presented in 1997 inevitably have had an impact on certain themes addressed in the text and should be taken into account.

Accordingly, OMCT considers that, in addition to the continuing attention being given to the question of impunity by the Commission’s various mechanisms, the Commission on Human Rights should:

· name an independent expert on the issue. The expert should be given a mandate to revise the present text with a view to facilitating its prompt adoption by the Commission on Human Rights.



Human Rights Defenders


Since its inception, OMCT has devoted considerable effort towards promoting the creation of mechanisms, procedures and means of offering adequate protection to Human Rights Defenders around the world. Through the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, which was created in 1997 and operated in partnership with the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), it provides protection to Human Rights Defenders through a system of urgent appeals, judicial observation, solidarity and inquiry missions, and direct material and legal assistance for Human Rights Defenders at risk.


1. Context

During the year 2002, the Observatory documented more than 400 cases of death threats, smear campaigns, physical abuse and acts of torture, reprisals against family members, bans on travel, confiscation of equipment, arbitrary arrest and detention used to deter human rights defenders in about 60 countries. While this repression is not new, OMCT observes that it is now part of a strategy to criminalise the human rights movement, as its capacity for action and mobilisation grows both nationally and internationally. Considerable efforts are still required to protect human rights defenders and in particular to disseminate information on the relevant protection instruments, such as the 1998 Declaration. At the time of the 5th Anniversary of this Declaration, States should be reminded of the legitimate work carried out by Human Rights Defenders and their commitment to support this work, especially in the new context of the international fight against terrorism, which has had visible consequences on Human Rights Defender’s activities.

Indeed, since September 11th 2001, security has become the absolute priority and the – legitimate and necessary – fight against terrorism is increasingly diverted from its primary objective and used by governments to establish or strengthen their hold on power at the expense of their commitments on human rights. Consequently, those who dare to criticize regimes for their human rights abuses are more than ever under fire, as governments and government-sponsored private groups clamp down. Activists' appeals for the rule of law and their denunciations of violations are perceived as threats by an increasing number of governments, whose reaction is to repress such "unpatriotic troublemakers" who are tarnishing their country's image both nationally and internationally. This was pointed out by the Special Representative in her report to the 58th Session of the Human Rights Commission and we believe this issue should continue to be given special attention.

OMCT is also concerned by the strategies developed by the most repressive governments to control the information about them that contrasts with the positions they take on the international scene regarding globalization and freedom of communication. These facts highlight a paradox of the beginning of the 21st century: at the same time as an increasingly sophisticated global system of communication is developing, with the convening of the first World Summit on the Information Society in December 2003, governments are moving more energetically to control the means of communication and information about them, be it by restricting access to the Internet, blocking websites or arresting cyber-dissidents. Other more insidious reprisals have developed in recent years. States are increasingly organising smear campaigns against defenders in the official media to devalue the content of their information in the eyes of the population and the international community and thus cut them off from the support they need to continue their work. They also seek to tighten their control of communication media through legislation to restrict the freedom of the press, suspend NGOs, etc.

While these methods may appear less violent at first, they are part of the same strategy to suppress dissent. “Traditional” methods of repression are still employed, including assassinations and abductions, death threats, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, and prohibitions on leaving the country.


2. Recommendations

OMCT is of the view that the Special Representative has played a vital role in drawing attention to the methods of repression used against human rights defenders and providing them with protection. Within her mandate, the special Representative should continue to pay special attention to limitations to freedom of association, impunity and the fight against terrorism, which can all have a negative impact on the work of human rights defenders, and to the situation of particularly targeted groups such as women defenders and defenders of indigenous communities.

In this light, OMCT urges the Commission:

· to renew the mandate of the Special Representative and ensure that it is provided with adequate resources and that cooperation between the Special Representative and other thematic Rapporteurs as well as regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights defenders be encouraged;

· to strengthen its resolution on human rights defenders by reminding States that the measures adopted to fight against terrorism cannot justify disproportionate limitations to freedoms impairing the legitimate work of Human Rights Defenders (freedom of association, freedom of expression, freedom of movement);

· to encourage all national initiatives undertaken by States to give full implementation of the Declaration, through propagation and awareness-raising, though adoption of the declaration by national parliaments, through solidarity campaigns with defenders, and through mechanisms that provide safe heavens for those under threat;

· to ensure the propagation of the Declaration and promotion of its fulfilment and application though the inclusion in the United Nations plans and information or training programmes for state and government official or agents;

· to encourage the creation of a United Nations Special Fund for Human Rights Defenders similar to that which exists for the victims of torture, taking into consideration the existence of extreme situations of emergency faced by defenders, that would function as an emergency fund to provide protection for defenders.



Violence Against Women


In every region of the world, women and girls suffer from violence as a result of their gender. Although the distinct social, cultural and political contexts give rise to different forms of violence, its prevalence and patterns are remarkably consistent, spanning national and socio-economic borders and cultural identities. Gender has a considerable effect on the form of the violence, the circumstances in which the violence occurs, the consequences of the violence, and the availability and accessibility of remedies. Because of violence women are deprived, either partially or totally, of the enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.


1. Integrating the Human Rights of Women Throughout the United Nations System

Although mainstreaming of gender issues has gained momentum within the United Nations system, women continue to be isolated from the “mainstream” human rights treaty bodies. OMCT regularly submits reports on violence against women to these treaty bodies in an effort to draw attention to the particular forms of torture and ill treatment experienced by women.

Along these lines, OMCT urges the Commission:

· to recognize the links between gender and torture and ill treatment by ensuring that the gendered causes and consequences of torture and ill treatment are fully integrated within the torture resolution and that torture and ill treatment are included in the resolution on violence against women.


2. Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences

OMCT is of the view that the Rapporteur has played a vital role in drawing attention to the different forms of violence suffered by women and girls within the family, in the community and at the hands of State officials. The Special Rapporteur was appointed in 1994 and, almost 10 years later, OMCT insists on the absolute necessity to renew her mandate.

In renewing the Rapporteur’s mandate, the Commission:

· should ensure that the Rapporteur is provided with adequate resources and encourage continued cooperation between the Special Rapporteur and other thematic Rapporteurs, such as the Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings.


3. Corporal and Capital Punishment

OMCT is gravely concerned by the recent increase in the number of women being sentenced to corporal and capital punishments, particularly by religious and ad hoc courts. These punishments are disproportionately applied to women, largely as a result of laws that criminalise adultery and sexual relations outside of marriage. These discriminatory laws are often used as mechanisms to circumscribe and control female sexuality. In addition, evidentiary requirements that provide that pregnancy constitutes irrefutable “evidence” of adultery or that give less weight to the testimony of women reinforce the gender discrimination in the administration of justice which results in women being sentenced to corporal or capital punishment in far larger numbers than men.

OMCT recommends that the Commission:

· request the Special Rapporteur on Torture to undertake a study of corporal and capital punishment and that the gender-specific aspects of these forms of torture and ill treatment be adequately addressed. To this end, OMCT encourages the Special Rapporteur on Torture to seek input from other thematic Special Rapporteurs, including the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences.


4. Trafficking in Women

Trafficking in women continues to be a serious problem across the world. Trying to escape poverty, discrimination and violence in their home countries, trafficked women are frequently subjected to torture and other forms of violence at the hands of traffickers and State agents such as police and border guards.

It is urgent that the Commission:

· strengthens its resolution on trafficking and promotes the implementation of the Recommended Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking adopted by ECOSOC in July 2002. OMCT further urges the Commission to examine the relationship between increasingly restrictive avenues to legal immigration in many countries and the increase in trafficking in persons, particularly women.


5. Honour Crimes


Crimes against women and girls committed in the name of honour are a gender specific form of violence that is either approved or supported by States in many parts of the world. Although much attention has been paid to honour crimes in recent years, women continue to be subjected to these crimes by their fathers, husbands, brothers or other family members when they have been accused of acting in a way inconsistent with their socially prescribed role, usually with respect to their sexuality.

OMCT calls on the Commission:

· to support initiatives to eliminate this form of violence against women by implementing the recommendations made by the Secretary General in his study of honour crimes along with the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences in her 2002 report to the Commission.



Children


1. UN International Study on Violence Against Children

OMCT welcomes the nomination of the Secretary General Independent Expert to conduct the UN Study on Violence Against Children. OMCT strongly believes that this project is an important step towards reducing and ending torture and other forms of violence against children, and that it should include the development of strategies to effectively prevent and combat such violence.

The OMCT International Conference Children, torture, and other forms of violence held in Tampere (Finland) in November 2001, made specific recommendations on the scope of the study. This conference was attended by 183 participants from 73 countries representing a wide range of international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as other organisations and observers from governments and intergovernmental organizations.

In light of the conclusions of the Tampere conference and in accordance with other members of the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child, OMCT recommends to the Commission that:

· the study be based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant international standards; and its mandate and scope be in accordance with the Committee on the Rights of the Child’s recommendations following its two general discussion days;

· the scope of the study extend, inter alia, to:
i. Physical and psychological violence in police custody and other places of detention
ii. Physical and psychological violence caused through the deprivation of liberty
iii. Physical and psychological violence in schools, orphanages or other institutions, both public and private
iv. Physical and psychological violence in the family
v. Physical and psychological violence in the workplace
vi. Physical and psychological violence against children living and working on the streets
vii. Physical and psychological violence that may be caused by the judicial process, before and during the trial
viii. Criminal sanctions, including the use of death penalty and life imprisonment, as well as other punishment that could amount to violence against children

· a separate secretariat for the study led by the independent expert be established and sufficiently funded to carry out its task, including to facilitate the contributions of partners and provide a single focal point for experts and NGOs;

· the meaningful involvement of children in the study be facilitated through adequate support from a full member of the Secretariat team;

· clear avenues for NGO participation in the study through a formal advisory group be established, in order to draw on our considerable experience and knowledge relating to violence against children.


2. Proposal for a UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Children

Whereas the UN International Study is planned to take place over the next two years, the current situation calls for immediate action. By almost unanimously ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child, States have already expressed a strong commitment to protect children from violence. However, this commitment was not followed by the creation of a thorough implementation system. While the monitoring role of the Committee on the Rights of the Child is of vital importance, its effectiveness is inherently limited, since it only covers the examination and discussion of State reports. Unlike some other UN Committees, the Committee on the Rights of the Child is not mandated to receive individual complaints or to lead in-depth investigations on specific situations. Other general human rights mechanisms do, of course, include children in their activities. However, their respective mandates are limited to certain rights and their reports often show that they rarely adopt a child-oriented perspective in practice. As a result, there is still no international mechanism empowered to globally and systematically address violence against children.

In consequence, OMCT deems that this vacuum should be filled as a matter of urgency by the Commission on Human Rights and restates the recommendation of its Tampere Declaration to the Commission on Human Rights to:

· appoint a Special Rapporteur on Violence against Children in order to, inter alia, solicit, receive and exchange information and communications, including individual complaints and on systematic violations, from all relevant sources, including from children themselves, on any form of violence or ill-treatment they may be subjected to, as well as its causes and consequences; to undertake investigations; and to take appropriate measures, including urgent actions. The Special Rapporteur should, as part of his or her work, interact with all relevant UN mechanisms, with relevant regional bodies and with national and international NGOs, and seek the views of children.


3. Death penalty

The use of the death penalty for crimes committed by people younger than 18 years of age is prohibited under international human rights law, yet some countries still execute child offenders. Such executions are few compared to the total number of executions in the world. However, their significance goes beyond their number and calls into question the commitment of the executing States to respect international law.

Besides the USA, the other countries that still impose the death penalty on juveniles, such as Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia or Sudan, are parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the imposition of this sentence in article 37. Furthermore, as was recently recalled by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, OMCT believes that the prohibition of the execution of offenders under the age of 18 years at the time of their crime is a norm of international customary law and also constitutes a norm of jus cogens. As such, this prohibition is binding for all States.

Furthermore, OMCT would like to remind that, since children are in critical stages of their development, the imposition of the death penalty might have much more serious effects on them, particularly regarding the psychological effects, which they endure while awaiting execution and/or being at a high risk of being sentenced to death. Accordingly, OMCT urges the Commission to:

· call upon all concerned States to immediately commute all death sentences imposed upon people who were below eighteen years of age when they committed their respective offences and to abolish this practice in countries where it is still provided for by law.


4. Corporal punishment, in particular amputation, stoning and flogging

OMCT is strongly concerned that the legislation of some countries, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, include provisions enabling children to be subjected to corporal punishment such as amputation, stoning and flogging. The infliction of this kind of sanction can lead not only to immediate physical and psychological damage, but also to developmental problems and diminished physical and psychological capacities over a lifetime.

In Sudan, for example, the Penal Code permits execution by stoning for adultery, even when the involved person is under the age of eighteen. Amputation can also be imposed as punishment for murder and armed robbery, even when the offenders are children.

OMCT believes that any case of amputation and stoning is a case of torture under any circumstance, and that flogging may amount to torture depending on its physical and mental effects and, in some cases, the sex, age and state of health of the victim, as well as the number of lashes inflicted. These practices fall at the extreme end of a range of prohibited punishments and result in devastating long-term trauma to a victim’s physical and psychological integrity and development.

OMCT therefore requests the Commission to:

· convey an unambiguous message to the international community that corporal punishment, in particular amputation, stoning and flogging are not lawful, even if permitted in domestic legislation, and are prohibited in all cases.




Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

In his 2000 interim report to the General Assembly, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on torture, Sir Nigel Rodley, observed that “the overwhelming majority of those subjected to torture and ill-treatment are ordinary common criminals from the lowest strata of society”. In her 2000 report to the U.N. Human Rights Commission, the U.N. Independent Expert on human rights and extreme poverty, Ms. Anne-Marie Lizin, recognised this reality, underlying that extreme poverty often brings people into conflict with the law and that prison populations consist mainly of poor people.

These assertions follow the observations made by the Special Rapporteur on torture in his country reports on Brazil, Kenya, Cameroon, Mexico, Venezuela and the Russian Federation. These reports acknowledged that a socio-economic situation characterised by widespread poverty and deep inequalities has not only an impact on one’s vulnerability to be subjected to torture but also on the emergence of conflict or criminality, which are often accompanied by State repression or State violence, including torture. In this respect, he highlighted the role played by the implementation of trade-related agreements, macroeconomic structural adjustments, stringent economic pressure or economic instability.

In relation with these observations, the Special Rapporteur concluded that “as long as national societies and the international community fail to address the problems of the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable, they are contributing to a vicious circle of brutalisation in which any prospect for the eradication of torture is unsustainable”.

This approach - taken into account by OMCT in its daily work since the end of the 1980s - stresses the need to adopt a holistic approach not only within the human rights system itself, but also with regard to the relation of this system with economic, trade and financial policies.







1. A holistic approach within the human rights system: the indivisibility of all human rights and the question of an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)

Despite the firm stand taken by the international community on the indivisibility, interdependence and interrelationship of all human rights, in reality civil and political rights often continue to be seen as entities that are separate from economic, social and cultural rights, both conceptually, practically and also in terms of priorities.

Such separation is notably reflected by the absence of an individual complaint mechanism, at the international level, regarding economic, social and cultural rights. While the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is governed by two separated covenants, it is worth noting that the one on civil and political rights is benefiting from a system of individual complaints for 17 years.

Economic, social and cultural rights are not aspirational goals or objectives to be achieved. Health, food, work, housing, education and social security are individual rights with corresponding State obligations to respect, protect and fulfil. Besides this intrinsic nature, strong evidence collected by different UN human rights mechanisms and by OMCT shows that economic, social and cultural rights also represent essential elements for the prevention of torture (see above).

While the adoption of a holistic approach, along with the practical recognition of the interdependence, indivisibility and interrelationship of all human rights goes well beyond the adoption of an Optional Protocol to the ICESCR, this step remains essential. In this respect, OMCT welcomes resolution 2002/24, in which the Commission decided to establish, at its 59th session, an open-ended working group with a view to considering options regarding the elaboration of an Optional Protocol to the ICESCR.


2. A holistic approach regarding the positioning of the human rights system with respect to economic, trade and financial policies


The Special Rapporteur on torture highlighted the role that implementation of trade-related agreements, macroeconomic structural adjustments, stringent economic pressure or economic instability can play in relation to the emergence of torture. In addition, different UN human rights mechanisms have addressed the potential impact that economic, trade and financial policies can have on the enjoyment of all human rights - civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural rights.

However, and despite the reiteration by the international community of the fact that the promotion and protection of human rights is the first responsibility of governments, economic, trade and financial rationales often take precedence over the protection and defence of human rights. In this respect, while globalisation has brought about tremendous opportunities, it has also led to significant social dislocation and increasing disparities within and among countries, as some groups are simply not in a position to take advantage of this process and, as a consequence, face gradual marginalisation. With regard to OMCT’s mandate, the process of globalisation is therefore liable to accentuate the socio-economic conditions under which torture, forced disappearances, summary executions and other forms of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are likely to occur.

The Commission on Human Rights is well placed to address this challenge, to reflect upon ways and means to guarantee the primacy of human rights, the principle of non-retrogression and the accountability of all actors, as well as to avoid the recourse to trade sanctions or negative conditionalities, in pursuing this objective.

Consequently, in light of the comments stated above, OMCT urges the Commission to:

· establish an open-ended working group to design an optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;

· requests the Special Rapporteurs, Special Representatives, Independent Experts and Working Groups to take into account, when necessary, the activities of transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises in their work;

· requests the Special Rapporteurs, Special Representatives, Independent Experts and Working Groups to take into account, when necessary, the impact of trade-related agreements in their work;

· requests the Office of the High Commissionaire for Human Rights (OHCHR) to pursue its work on globalisation and human rights.



Annexe I: Written Statement on Nigeria


Item 9 of the Agenda
The human rights situation in Nigeria

After one of the fiercest dictatorships of its history, Nigeria witnessed the re-establishment of democracy on 29 May 1999 leading to great expectations among the population for the country’s future. In his inaugural speech, President Olusegun Obasanjo promised that his government would not do “business as usual” and pledged to step on the toes of those responsible for human rights violations. He followed up on his pledge by freeing known political detainees, launching the trials of scores of people for their roles in high profile cases of human rights abuses under the military dictatorship and establishing the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (Oputa panel) to look into human rights violations committed by all previous military regimes in Nigeria. These actions were applauded in and outside Nigeria and were expected to return the country to international respectability and adherence to rule of law and due process. To its credit, the Obasanjo government also ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 28 June 2001.

However, the last three years of elected civilian government in Nigeria have witnessed an alarming spate of violence and gross human rights violations. Since 29 May 1999, when the present government was elected, over 50 separate outbreaks of ethno-religious violence had taken place in Nigeria, involving well-established cases of systematic extra-judicial executions and sundry violations of the integrity of the human person. These have result in the death of over 10,000 persons, the displacement of hundreds of thousands more, the reported rape of thousands of women and other associated violations. In all these cases Nigeria has repeatedly and consistently failed to abide by its obligations under the international and regional instruments to which it has voluntarily subscribed. Even more importantly, the government of Nigeria also failed to comply with its own domestic laws.

The primacy of the law is a fundamental principle of any democratic system seeking to foster and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. This entails inter alia an independent judiciary, a legal system guaranteeing equality before the law and the means of recourse enabling individual citizens to defend their rights. The failure to investigate these killings and associated violations and to bring the perpetrators to account and provide adequate remedies for the victims, has bred a culture and cycle of impunity and resulting resentment, which fuels the increasing viciousness of successive outbreaks of crises and risks plunging Nigeria into a situation of generalized insecurity and lawlessness.

This situation, in which many Nigerians now find themselves, presents a reversal of hope from the high expectations and promises that heralded the inauguration of the elected government of President Obasanjo.

As the nation prepares for the 2003 general elections, concerns for the safety and security of the population have increased. Given the experience of Nigeria’s electoral history, the elections in 2003 also pose a heightened threat of outbreaks of inter-communal and religious violence as different political groups jostle for electoral advantage.



Consequently, in the light of the human rights situation in the country, the World Organisation against Torture (OMCT) urges the Commission on Human Rights:

· to request the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Summary, Arbitrary and Extra-Judicial Executions, Torture, Violence Against Women, Independence of Judges and Lawyers, and on Adequate Housing to undertake a joint investigation of violence, extra-judicial executions and related violations in Nigeria and to request the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to accede to such an investigation being conducted.






Annexe II: Written Statement on the Democratic Republic of Congo


Item 11 of the Agenda
The human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
Administration of justice

In the interim report submitted to the General Assembly of the UN in September 2002, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) called upon the government to take consistent measures to improve the administration of justice. After recalling that the independence of the courts is fundamental for the effective respect of human rights, the Rapporteur added that the Military Court (Cour d’ordre militaire) had to cease trying civilians .

At several occasions, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) expressed serious concern about the way in which the Military Court operates, and more specifically about its statutes, which contain provisions that are incompatible with human rights. The treatment given to the accused following the assassination of President Laurent Désiré Kabila is a clear example of the arbitrary nature of the administration of justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Besides the fact that civilians are tried by this court, which is in violation of the principle whereby a military court can only try military staff that have committed military offences, and that the defendants, who have the right to be heard by an independent, impartial and competent court, are tried by on-duty military staff that have been nominated by the Head of State, the accused do not benefit from the right to appeal against the sentences that are handed down, since these decisions by the Military Court are irrevocable.

OMCT recalls that the abolition of the Military Court was one of the objectives of the National Action Plan adopted in 1999 by the Congolese government. Not only was this objective not met, but the Military Court continues to deliver verdicts that are incompatible with international standards.

Regarding this situation, OMCT also wishes to draw the attention of the Commission on Human Rights to the decision of the government of DRC, that was made public on September 23rd 2002, to put an end to the moratorium on the death penalty that had been in force since December 1999. This decision is particularly worrying, given that the moratorium was put in place as a consequence of the many death penalty cases in which sentences were imposed with prejudice by courts with very questionable legitimacy. These courts did not observe internationally recognised standards of a fair trial, notably the Military Court. It is relevant to recall that the decision to abandon the moratorium was taken when the State Prosecutor called on for the 115 persons that were accused of being involved in the assassination of former president Laurent-Désiré Kabila to be sentenced to death.

The decision to suspend the moratorium on the death penalty goes against numerous commitments taken by president Joseph Kabila towards the Congolese population and the international community, notably the ratification by the DRC of a number of international human rights instruments, the statement of intent concerning the abolition of death penalty of July 8th 1999 that was addressed to the UN Secretary General and the promise to abolish death penalty that is written into the Congolese Charter of Human and the People’s Rights.

Consequently, OMCT calls upon the Commission to request that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo take concrete measures in order to:


· re-establish and reform its judicial system in accordance with the relevant international conventions and standards, and especially to follow the commitments taken at the national and international level concerning the abolition of death penalty. In addition, the Government of the DRC should abolish the Military Court, a special court that does not observe the guarantees of a fair trial, in the shortest possible time.

nigeria: Sharia law moves to Nigeria's Christian south

2003-02-13

http://iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=86&art_id=qw1044868683248B213&set_id=1

Islamic sharia law is making inroads into the predominantly Christian south of Nigeria at a time when religion is expected to be a crucial issue in looming general elections.

South Africa: Compensate Victims of the Past

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/rights/13304

The South African government should urgently implement outstanding recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), say Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch in a briefing paper. "President Thabo Mbeki should use the opening of the 2003 parliamentary session to announce a program of reparations for victims and to renounce any possibility of a further amnesty," the organisations urged.
For Immediate Release


South Africa: Compensate Victims of the Past
Joint statement by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch

(New York/ London, February 13, 2003) - The South African government
should urgently implement outstanding recommendations made by the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Amnesty International and Human
Rights Watch said in a briefing paper released today.

"President Thabo Mbeki should use the opening of the 2003 parliamentary
session tomorrow to announce a program of reparations for victims and to
renounce any possibility of a further amnesty," the organizations urged.

In their briefing paper, "Truth and Justice: Unfinished Business in
South Africa," the two organizations also called on the South African
government to ensure swift public release of the two outstanding volumes
of the TRC's report and to strengthen the unit responsible for
prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes.

"There can be no further justification for the government to delay
implementing a reparations program, as has been urged for so long by
civil society organizations in South Africa," Amnesty International and
Human Rights Watch said.

"Though they can't undo the past, reparations form an important
acknowledgement to victims of what happened - especially since so many
who committed abuses have been granted immunity from prosecution."

In addition, the participation of victims of human rights abuses in the
TRC process was critical for the integrity and credibility of this
experiment in addressing past human rights abuses, Amnesty International
and Human Rights Watch pointed out. Many of the victims, furthermore,
had come to the Commission in urgent need of financial help.

There are also clear international obligations for states to provide
reparations, including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation, for
victims of gross human rights violations," the organizations said.

Continuing political violence in KwaZulu-Natal province and the
persistence of police abuses highlight the need to combat impunity in
South Africa.

"The arguments used during South Africa's transition to justify granting
immunity from prosecution are no longer applicable," Human Rights Watch
and Amnesty International said, in reference to recent discussions that
the government might grant an extension to the limited amnesty, which
had been allowed through the TRC process.

"Rather than granting further amnesties, South Africa should strengthen
its efforts to bring human rights violators to justice," said the
organizations. "Those who chose not to apply to the TRC should not have
the opportunity of a second bite at the cherry."

"After the end of apartheid, some people argued that South Africa's
transition was too fragile to withstand a raft of prosecutions against
human rights abusers. Those arguments no longer apply, if they ever
did," they added.

Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International urged the government
to increase the capacity and resources of the national prosecuting
authority's special prosecution unit dedicated to following up cases
referred from the TRC.

Background
The TRC was established following the election of South Africa's first
democratic government in 1994. It was charged with preparing a record
of gross violations of human rights committed during "the conflicts of
the past" (dating back to 1960), making recommendations including for
the granting of reparations to the victims, and granting amnesty in
respect of "acts associated with political objectives" to individual
applicants who made full disclosure of what they had done.

The TRC published a five-volume report in 1998, which included extensive
findings and recommendations and identified more than 20,000 victims of
human rights violations. Though there has been progress on many of the
non-monetary recommendations, the proposed financial compensation
remains largely outstanding. A few prosecutions of former security force
personnel for apartheid-era crimes have taken place, but there were
significant failures in some of these trials.

Two additional volumes of the report, which would among other things
provide a more complete list of victims, were completed in 2002, but a
court case brought by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) against the TRC
has delayed publication for almost a year. The IFP was seeking
amendments to the TRC's findings that it had been responsible for gross
human rights violations. On January 29, 2003, the court case was
settled, with the agreement of the TRC to minor changes in the report
but leaving the core findings intact, removing the final obstacle to
publication and to implementation of a program of reparations.

The briefing paper is available at
http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/truthandjustice.htm


For more information, please contact:
In London, Mary Rayner (AI): +44 20 7413 5609
In Johannesburg, Bronwen Manby (HRW): +27 73 151 8988


--
Jeff Scott
Africa Division
Human Rights Watch
Phone: +1-212-216-1834
Fax: +1-212-736-1300
http://www.hrw.org/africa/index.php
en français, http://www.hrw.org/french/africa/

SWAZILAND: King fails to address key issues

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32186

King Mswati III delivered a much anticipated speech last Friday when he opened the Houses of Parliament, but his briefest State of the Kingdom address ever avoided mentioning the on-going political crises, and offered only one new initiative to combat AIDS, poverty and the current food crisis.

ZAMBIA: Uproar over "national unity" government

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32240

Controversy has erupted over President Levy Mwanawasa's decision to appoint key opposition members of parliament (MPs) to his cabinet, a move that critics say is a breach of Zambian law and designed to weaken his opponents.

zimbabwe: mugabe comes in from the cold

2003-02-13

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?a=37&o=15614

South Africa and Nigeria will allow Zimbabwe to be readmitted to the Commonwealth group of nations when its suspension expires next month, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said on Monday. Howard said a decision by South African President Thabo Mbeki and Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo to cancel a meeting with him next month would effectively see Zimbabwe readmitted to the 54-nation grouping of former British colonies.

Zimbabwe: Student leaders arrested

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=948

Police in Bindura have arrested Itai Masotcha Zimunya, the Zimbabwe National Student’s Union vice president. He was arrested in Bindura where he had gone to organise for mass action.

Zimbabwe: ZINASU wins 2003 Students Peace Prize

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=947

The Zimbabwe National Student’s Union fight for peace and human rights in Zimbabwe has received international recognition. The organisation has been awarded the Student Peace Prize 2003 by the International Student Festival in Trondheim. The ISFiT awards the Peace Price once every two years to a student or a student organisation that has made a particular effort for democracy and human rights.

burundi: Refugees Benefit From UNHCR Internet Project

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302060146.html

Despite having no electricity, coupled with an unreliable telephone system, Burundian refugees living in camps in northwestern Tanzania can now access the Internet, the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refuges (UNHCR) reported last Wednesday.

ERITREA: Eritreans reapplying for refugee status in Sudan

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32220

Tens of thousands of Eritreans are reapplying for refugee status in Sudan, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).

ETHIOPIA: Measles killing children who fled drought

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32192

A measles epidemic is killing children in a camp where families sought sanctuary from the drought, an international aid organisation said on Monday. UK-based Christian Aid said that the crisis in the makeshift camp in Haraghe, in the eastern Oromiya region, is getting worse as more people arrive in search of food and promises of resettlement on fertile land.

liberia: Refugees flee Liberia battle

2003-02-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2735833.stm

Hundreds of people have been streaming into camps for previously displaced people in the western suburbs of the capital, Monrovia. Earlier last week, rebels from the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (Lurd) group were reported to be on the outskirts of Monrovia, sparking panic, but this later proved to be a false alarm.

WEST AFRICA: Refugees International to send humanitarian mission

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32263

Refugees International (RI) is to send a mission to West Africa to identify humanitarian assistance and protection needs of Ivoirian refugees, Liberian refugees, and nationals of other countries displaced by conflict in Cote d'Ivoire, RI reported on Monday.

western sahara: Forgotten People: The Saharawis of Western Sahara

2003-02-13

http://www.refugeesinternational.org/cgi-bin/ri/other?occ=00600&spotlight=1

Imagine being torn from your family and your home by a foreign invasion. Imagine living in a refugee camp in one of the harshest desert environments on earth. Imagine having your time in exile extended to an entire generation due to political manipulation by the invader and the ineffectiveness of the political and peacekeeping arms of the United Nations. Imagine, finally, enduring this situation with precious little solidarity and attention from the wider world. This, in summary, is the plight of the Saharawis of Western Sahara, one of the world’s forgotten people, begins a report from Refugees International.

africa: Short warns of oil boycott over African corruption

2003-02-13

http://www.transparency.org/cgi-bin/dcn-read.pl?citID=51593

UK International Development minister Clare Short has warned the oil industry there is the risk of more Brent Spar-style consumer boycotts if companies fail to join a global drive to stamp out corruption in the developing world by disclosing the payments they make to governments. Oil companies are meeting in London this week to discuss a British plan intended to promote more transparency in the industry.

angola: Angola's battle for survival

2003-02-13

http://www.transparency.org/cgi-bin/dcn-read.pl?citID=51553

In Luanda there are two ways of getting high on Angola's wealth. You can become an oil executive and work from a penthouse office on Lenin Avenue, gazing beyond the shattered skyline out to sea. Or you can join the street children downtown who douse rags in petrol and sniff themselves into a chemical haze before competing with dogs to scavenge from mounds of rubbish. The two worlds have long co-existed in the capital but the approaching first anniversary of peace in a country that suffered three decades of war raises a crucial question: will ordinary Angolans benefit? No other country is so simultaneously rich and poor.

lesotho: Bribery row mars Amec's ballot win

2003-02-13

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,3604,889566,00.html?81%3A+Guardian+business+daily

A row over bribery allegations took the shine off shareholder approval for the Amec board to proceed with its full takeover of French construction company SPIE this week. A legal case involving SPIE Batignolles and its involvement in a controversial dam known as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was adjourned on Monday until October in an African court.

MALAWI: Heads roll as investigations continue into grain corruption

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32252

Malawi on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of two senior government officials accused of obstructing investigations into the sale of the country's strategic maize reserves which added to the country's food crisis.

nigeria: Nigeria shines light on corruption at the top

2003-02-13

http://www.transparency.org/cgi-bin/dcn-read.pl?citID=51549

Nigeria's national assembly, long seen as one of the main centres of graft in a notoriously corrupt polity, is expected to begin within weeks public hearings on a document that will cause it great embarrassment. A 300-page annual report on government spending submitted last month by Vincent Azie, the country's auditor-general, reads like an extended charge sheet against parliament, the president's office, government ministries and the judiciary.

NIGERIA: Senate misfired by targetting me, says Akanbi

2003-02-13

http://www.transparency.org/cgi-bin/dcn-read.pl?citID=51569

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has said he has nothing to lose by giving up his chairmanship of the Commission. This follows a proposed ammendment to the ICPC Act by federal legislators.

south africa: Radebe Outraged At Reports Blaming Him for Bungled Tender

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302090004.html

Public Enterprise Minister Jeff Radebe and his director general said on Saturday they were "outraged" at media reports blaming them for the bungled privatisation of Transnet's production house to an allegedly ANC-linked company.

south africa: Yengeni trial delayed by bid to strike deal

2003-02-13

http://www.dispatch.co.za/2003/02/12/southafrica/cbid.html

The fraud and corruption trial of former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni and businessman Michael Woerfel appears set to get under way. A possible settlement deal between Yengeni and the state has not materialised.

tanzania: Corruption is declining, Lumbanga says

2003-02-13

http://www.transparency.org/cgi-bin/dcn-read.pl?citID=51570

Chief Secretary Marten Lumbanga has claimed it is untrue that corruption was on the increase. Speaking at the closing of a one-day conference on 'Good Governance' at the Courtyard Hotel, Dar es Salaam, he said the corruption index in Tanzania had fallen from 81 points to 71, according to Transparency International.

africa/global: WEF vs WSF: Heavyweight championship for the world

2003-02-13

http://www.oneworld.net/specialreports/worldsocialforum/front.shtml

So how did things go in the third round of the title fight to save the world? SustainAbility--a London-based strategic management consultancy and think-tank dedicated to promoting sustainable development--sent representatives to both the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland and the World Social Forum (WSF) in Brazil.

Africa: NEPAD receives UN financial boost

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=925

Africa's economic revival plan this week received a financial boost from the United Nations aimed at kick-starting the ambitious project more than a year after it was launched.

africa: nepad, un support and civil society concerns

2003-02-13

http://www.sarpn.org.za/documents/d0000141/index.php

There was an "overall sense" from civil society that Nepad had gone for what was politically winnable in current terms, according to Neville Gabriel, a senior official within the Justice and Peace department of the Southern African Catholic Bishop's Conference, who was speaking at a Southern African Regional Poverty Network panel discussion on the decision by the UN General Assembly to make Nepad the framework for its relations with Africa. Gabriel said civil society would like to see a far more direct approach by Nepad to poverty reduction in Africa, noting that Nepad could only be seen to achieve its goals if African communities believed that it was delivering effectively at the community level. Other civil society concerns included debt cancellation and the extent of Africa's integration into the global economic order.

AFRICA: Rich nations urged to "revisit" development policies

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32227

The head of the UN's Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has criticised the international community for often “undermining national development efforts”. Kingsley Amoako called on rich nations to “revisit their policies on aid, trade and debt” in order to reinforce their billion dollar development aid packages.

southern africa: Foreign direct investment: bringing jobs and new skills?

2003-02-13

http://www.id21.org/society/s7bcj1g1.html

FDI is not a magic bullet for development in the SADC, says research from the University of Oxford’s Centre for the Study of African Economies and the London School of Economics. The research warns that the developmental benefits of capital flows are not automatic and that mechanisms are needed to ensure the equitable distribution of the expected benefits of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

ZAMBIA: IMF urged to understand privatisation concerns

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32239

President Levy Mwanawasa has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) not to force Zambia to complete the privatisation of key public firms, the state-run Times of Zambia reported on Tuesday.

zambia: The Fund or the people?

Comment by Mulima Kufekisa Akapelwa, Economic Justice Programme Coordinator, Catholic Centre for Justice, Development and Peace

2003-02-13

http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/topic/adjustment/a3208zambia.html

In the last five years, governance concerns have begun to move up the agenda in development. The multilaterals were among the last to change. What do we mean by governance? In simple terms, governance means openness, participation, accountability, help for the poor and achieving the common good. In Zambia, governance concerns have at various times in the past led to the withholding of bilateral support and most recently has led to debate over Zambia's agreement with the IMF.

africa: Fears over Africa meningitis epidemic

2003-02-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2735783.stm

Millions of people across Africa are to be vaccinated against a new killer strain of meningitis. The World Health Organisation has shipped an initial batch of 100,000 vaccines to Burkina Faso. It follows fears of a possible epidemic across what health chiefs describe as Africa's meningitis belt, which stretches from Senegal to Ethiopia.

AFRICA: Of Aid and AIDS

2003-02-13

http://www.presentdanger.org/frontier/2003/0205aids.html

President Bush has received kudos for his announcement that the administration will propose $15 billion over five years to combat HIV/AIDS abroad. But, says a commentary from Foreign Policy in Focus, many AIDS activists and experts are still waiting to see whether the administration will actually be able to wrestle the money away from a less enthusiastic Republican-controlled House of Representatives. There is also concern that the proposal has slighted multilateral efforts to combat HIV/AIDS - particularly the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria - in favour of a renewed emphasis on bilateral initiatives.

africa: Protection for the poor, not for patents

2003-02-13

http://www.choike.org/cgi-bin/choike/links/page.cgi?p=ver_informe&id=956

In November 2001, WTO members at a ministerial conference in Doha signed up to a 'Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health' which explicitly endorses the right of poorer countries to issue compulsory licences for the manufacture of patent-protected drugs in the face of a threat to public health. Also at the Doha conference, the TRIPS Council was told to find out, by the end of 2002, how a country can get access to generic drugs if it cannot manufacture them itself. At the end of November, talks on this question broke down, primarily because of the unbridgeable gap between the positions of the United States and the developing countries. The Doha 'Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health' calls for the Agreement to be interpreted in a way that promotes progress towards the goal of 'medicines for all'. It remains to be hoped that the industrialised nations will take this call to heart and heed it more fully in future negotiations within the TRIPS Council.

AFRICA: SOUTHERN NGO REPORT BACK ON GLOBAL FUND

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/hivaids/13199

Delays in the approval of NGO proposals from the first round of grants from The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, TB And Malaria (GFATM) was causing great concern amongst NGO board members due to the fact that it was frustrating efforts by civil society to participate in the grassroots response to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. This is according to the first year update for Southern NGOs from the Southern NGO board team.




First Year Update for Southern NGOs-GFATM
-Milly Katana, Uganda
***********************************

First Year Update for Southern NGOs- The Global Fund To Fight AIDS, TB And
Malaria (GFATM)

1st January 2003- Southern NGO Board Team: Milly Katana, Board Member and
Rev. Fidon Mwombeki, Alternate Board Member

As we come to the end of the first year of operation of the GFATM, we
would like to give you a brief update on the current status of affairs.

Today, the GFATM has been able to attract $2.1B for a period of 5 years.
This is a major breakthrough in resource mobilization for a global cause
of this nature. The resources so far realized are indeed below the
estimated annual $10B that was anticipated when the Secretary General of
the United Nations, Mr Kofi Anna called for the International Community to
establish a Global Fund to respond to AIDS in April 2001.

In the past year, the GFATM has approved 54 proposals from the first round
of proposals for a period of 2 years. The total investment in these
projects is approximately $620M. A second invitation of proposals was
issued in July 2002 and a total number of 150 proposals worth
approximately $1.1B have been received.

The Board will meet at end of January 2003 to make decisions on these
proposals. We have received information that NGOs proposals had major
difficulties in getting endorsement especially for proposals that were
targeting access to HIV/AIDS treatment.

The GFATM Secretariat and the Chairperson have been able to enter into
four grant agreements. By end of January 2003, which will be the first
Anniversary of the Fund, a total of 20 grant agreements will be made from
the first round of proposals. It has taken long, from April 2002 when the
board approved the proposals from eth first round, due to logistical
arrangements that had to be negotiated by the Secretariat and the
recipient projects. It has been a tiring process characterized by a lot of
innovation and often disagreements between in-country parties. Such
disagreements, in a few cases have led to slowed-down processes until the
partnerships have been streamlined and strengthened. With the enormous
wealth of experience that has been accumulated from managing the first
round of proposals in the first year, it is anticipated that the second
round agreements and those remaining from the first round will be reached
relatively faster. Indeed each proposal is handled on a case- by-case
basis, but experience is available to draw lessons from.

There are still approved NGO proposals from the first round for which
grant agreements cannot be made yet due to lack of endorsement by country
coordinating mechanisms (CCMs), as required by the GFATM. The NGO board
members, like all the other board members, are greatly concerned about
this delay, which is frustrating the efforts of the civil society
community to effectively participate in grassroots response to HIV/AIDS,
TB and Malaria.

As part of making the most effective use of the skills of the board
members, the board in October approved four working committees. These
committees include Governance and Partnerships, Procurement, Resource
Mobilization, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Finance and Audit. The Southern
NGO board members serve on two of the committees i.e. Governance and
Partnerships, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Finance and Audit/ Colleagues
from the NGOs from the developed countries and Communities of people
living with and affected by the three disease serve on the other
committees in a synergistic effort to make issues that are of special
interest to the civil society effectively death with.

The GFATM has suffered physical loss of a serving board member Charles
Roy, representing Communities living with and affected by the three
diseases. Charles passed away in September 2002.

During the months of August and September 2002, the NGO delegations
carried out an assessment of the involvement of communities and Civil
Society Organizations and people living with HIV/AIDS in the country
coordination mechanisms processes of the GFATM. On behalf of the Southern
NGO board team, the assessment was coordinated by the Asia-Pacific Network
of AIDS Service Organizations (APCASO). We greatly acknowledge APCASO and
others who facilitated the survey process. The result was that the level
of involvement greatly varies from one country to another, with many
countries having the level of involvement in this private-public
partnership still wanting. We thank all of you who participated in this
survey.

During the first year, the Latin American Network of People Living with
HIV/AIDS (REDLA+) kindly offered to serve as the Communication Focal Point
for the Southern NGO Board team. REDLA has done a commendable job of
backstopping the board member and the alternate on all matters related to
interfacing with the GFATM secretariat and the communities. Particular
recognition is made of LACCASO- the Latin American Network who have
facilitated the interaction between eth board team and the
Spanish-speaking Communities.

We request you to consider the following actions during 2003:

i. Continue putting up the case and remind the world of the business sense
of investing in alleviating the impact of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.
Particular efforts should be made to reach governments in the South and
the private sector as effective stakeholders' to invests in the GFATM.

ii. Remind parties who have pledged resources to eth GFATM to make good
their pledges on time so as to channel resources to the second round of
proposals which will be approved in January 2003.

iii. Effective participation at the country level processes to reflect the
private-public partnership philosophy of the GFATM at the global level

iv. Supporting the effective use of the resources channelled by the GF to
scale up intervention at country level.

We thank all colleagues who have supported us during the first year and
wish you all a fruitful 2003.

Milly Katana
Email:katanam@infocom.co.ug

*---*
A posting from AF-AIDS (af-aids@healthdev.net)

drc: 38 die in suspected Ebola outbreak in the Congo

2003-02-13

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?a=37&o=15735

Thirty-eight people in the Republic of Congo have died in a suspected outbreak of the deadly ebola virus, the country's health ministry said late on Tuesday.

KENYA: Improving the quality of lives

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/hivaids/13209

People living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) in rural Western Kenya are learning to improve the quality of their lives through better food production. The Kenya AIDS Intervention Prevention Project Group (KAIPPG) is a local NGO that has been running HIV/AIDS programmes in rural communities in the small town of Mumias, 50 km from the Uganda border.
KENYA: Improving the quality of lives

JOHANNESBURG, 6 February (PLUSNEWS) - People living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) in rural Western Kenya are learning to improve the quality of their lives through better food production.

The Kenya AIDS Intervention Prevention Project Group (KAIPPG) is a local NGO that has been running HIV/AIDS programmes in rural communities in the small town of Mumias, 50 km from the Uganda border.

One of the projects KAIPPG has created is the Community Based Dietary Intervention Project (CBDIP), a programme designed to give PWAs better information on nutrition and to provide support to HIV/AIDS affected households, James Onyango KAIPPG executive director, told PlusNews.

"Nutrition is the medicine of the 21st century as far as HIV/AIDS is concerned. People need education on the value of food for HIV/AIDS prevention," he said.

Poverty and low agricultural production have made the community increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity. The ability of farmers to grow food has also been reduced by the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Under the scheme, KAIPPG selected 180 women to form "field schools", where they were trained in crop husbandry and food production. They were also taught how to care for HIV-infected children, hygiene tips to keep food safe to eat. These groups, through their group leaders, were also trained to give basic treatment and care to other sick members.

Community members donated parcels of land and labour, which were harnessed through a "merry-go-round system". Each group raised crops on their allocated piece of land and passed on a certain percentage of their harvest to the next group. This was to ensure that the project was sustainable, Onyango said.

The nutrition field schools were further divided into three small groups of 10 people to address the needs of weak and terminally ill PWAs. The 10 members maintained daily contact with each other, assisted one another in tilling the farms, and selling their farm products.

"KAIPPG helped me discover that nutrition was a very vital component in a HIV/AIDS patient's life. I was taught that a wasting syndrome called cachexia could be dealt with well by having a balanced diet. With good nutrition, dry mouth and mouth sores could be avoided. One lives longer and fights diseases accordingly," Celesencia Maloba, a beneficiary of the project, said in a report on the project.

According to Onyango, projects such as these have helped reduce the high levels of stigma in the community. "With so many activities, people are coming to accept HIV/AIDS as a reality," he added.

KAIPPG has also formed a network of six theatre groups to educate people about HIV/AIDS. In cultures where storytelling is used as a primary educational tool and where illiteracy is high, such presentations have proved to be a very effective tool, Onyango noted.

During a recent visit to the district, a volunteer witnessed presentations about the role wife inheritance plays in the spread of HIV/AIDS, the effects of social isolation of infected individuals, and families who choose to use traditional healers instead of Western medicine to "heal" those who are infected with HIV.

The NGO also employs two nurses who run mobile outreach clinics and a permanent facility for AIDS education, maternal-child education and monitoring the nutritional status of infants and young children. The mobile clinics operate a monthly cycle of visits to strategically placed rural communities.

For more information about KAIPPG: http://www.kaippg.org


[ENDS]

IRIN-SA
Tel: +27 11 880-4633
Fax: +27 11 447-5472
Email: IRIN-SA@irin.org.za

[This Item is Delivered to the "PlusNews" HIV/AIDS Service of the UN's IRIN
humanitarian information unit, but may not necessarily reflect the views
of the United Nations. For further information, free subscriptions, or
to change your keywords, contact e-mail: Plusnews@irinnews.org or Web:
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Copyright (c) UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2003

Lesotho: Boringer-Ingelhein to supply the anti-HIV drug to Lesotho free of charge for the next five years

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=927

An agreement between the government of Lesotho and the Germany-based pharmaceutical company Boringer-Ingelheim has led to the launch of the AIDS drug nevirapine to combat HIV/AIDS in the country.

SOMALIA: Measles outbreak in south

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32266

Three children have died in an outbreak of measles in the Middle Juba region of southern Somalia, according to an international aid agency operating in the area.

south africa: free AIDS drugs and the talk of life

2003-02-13

http://www.msf.org/countries/page.cfm?articleid=98CB3392-DF2C-46D4-82B953E539C0F237

Every Monday morning, patients infected with the AIDS virus come to the red-brick clinic in this impoverished community of dilapidated shacks. In the waiting room, babies wail, nurses hustle and some young women fidget on wooden benches as their earrings dangle and their chipped pink toenails gleam. The clinic looks like one of the hundreds of medical centers overwhelmed by South Africa's AIDS epidemic. Yet there is little talk of depression or dying here.

south africa: Now rest your case, Miss Manana

2003-02-13

http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2003/02/02/news/news05.asp

Mpumalanga's controversial health minister, Sibongile Manana, has tried once again to evict the Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project from two of the province's hospitals. Manana and Grip - which provides free counselling, health care and anti-Aids drugs to rape victims in the province - have been at loggerheads since October 2000, when she lambasted Grip for providing the drugs to rape survivors.

south africa: tac embarks on march for treatment access

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/hivaids/13238

On February 14, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) will embark on a march for access to HIV/AIDS treatment. TAC says if government fails to sign a national treatment and prevention plan that includes the use of anti-retroviral therapy, then they will be forced to embark on a national and international campaign of civil disobedience against the South African government. The link provided below contains a variety of background information and documents distributed by Africa Action dealing with issues relating to treatment access.
AFRICA ACTION
Africa Policy E-Journal
February 10, 2003 (030210)

Africa: Key Actions on Treatment Access
(Reposted from sources cited below)

This posting contains an urgent sign-on letter and other current
information about affordable antiretroviral treatment to save the
lives of people living with AIDS. Both the South African and U.S.
governments have now, after much resistance, recognized the need
for such treatment. But there is still an enormous gap between that
verbal recognition and saving lives now.

On February 14, in South Africa, the Treatment Action Campaign
(TAC) and numerous allied organizations are holding a march
coinciding with the opening of parliament to demand government
action. They are asking for organizational endorsements. Africa
Action has endorsed the letter below. We urge other organizations
to read the letter and the cover note from Artists from a New South
Africa, and send in your own organizational endorsement. If you
do not represent an organization, please pass it on to an
organization you know that might endorse it.

One of the earliest responses, also included below, is an open
letter to President Thabo Mbeki from the Kebbi Alliance of Positive
People in Kebbi, northern Nigeria.

In the international trade arena, rich countries led by the United
States are still trying to restrict the rights of countries to
import generic medicines. While President Bush acknowledged the
need for affordable generic medicines in his State of the Union
message, his "emergency plan" would not actually provide any drugs
until 2004 at the earliest. Meanwhile, multilateral negotiations
on this issue are stalled. The U.S. is intransigent, while other
rich countries are seeking compromise language that would also
backtrack on the "Doha declaration" of 2001 giving primacy to
health over patents. Press reports say that pharmaceutical
companies forced U.S. trade negotiators to take an even harder line
than that recommended by the U.S. trade representative himself (see
New York Times, Feb. 8, 2003).

This week, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is continuing to
discuss this issue in Geneva. On Saturday, Feb. 8, in a protest
endorsed by Africa Action, local members of the Student Global AIDS
Campaign in Washington staged a "die-in" at the offices of the
United States Trade Representative in protest against the U.S.
position, continuing with a march to the offices of the
pharmaceutical companies' trade association. Also on Saturday,
Medecins sans Frontieres issued an open letter to the WTO warning
that proposed "compromise" language could seriously undermine
previous agreements on the right to health. Brief excerpts from
this letter are also included below; the full letter is available
on http://www.accessmed-msf.org

+++++++++++++++++end summary/introduction+++++++++++++++++++++++

URGENT ACTION - PLEASE READ AND DISTRIBUTE WIDELY

Please send organizational endorsements by February 12, 2003, to:
ansadeborah@aol.com

For more information:
Deborah Baron, Program Coordinator Artists for a New South Africa
2999 Overland Avenue Suite 102 Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 204-1748/tel; (310) 204-4277; http://www.ansafrica.org

Dear Friends,

We are writing to ask your organization to sign a letter and take
action in support of a major South African mobilization effort to
help save the lives of millions of South African people living with
HIV/AIDS. Please forward this request for endorsements and action
to any organizations you know that might be interested in
participating.

On February 14, South Africa's Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) is
organizing a "Stand Up For Our Lives" march in Cape Town. South
African AIDS activists are calling on their government to sign and
implement a comprehensive prevention, care, and treatment plan, the
outline of which has already been negotiated between the government
and labor, business, religious, activist and NGO organizations.
They've requested support from international allies, and have asked
that actions be undertaken in a firm but friendly manner.

Please read the following letter and send authorization to list
your organization no later than February 12, 2003, to:
ansadeborah@aol.com The names of the people to whom letters will
be sent, and their contact information, are listed below, after the
endorsement form. There is further background about TAC and this
action at the end of this email.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1) Sign on to the organizational letter of support; see form below.

2) Send your own letter to South African officials and consulates.

3) If you are close to Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, or New
York City, try to meet with consulate or embassy officials. 4)
Write letters to the editors of local and major newspapers.

Go to http://www.healthgap.org for:

+ updates on solidarity vigils in the U.S. and how to organize your
own vigil

+ information on where to send letters and requests for meetings
with consulate officials in the US.

+ sample letters to the editors + sample short letters to
consulates

+ template of press release for vigils and consulate meetings

+ letter seeking international solidarity from TAC

Be sure to notify TAC of the actions you are taking and send them
copies of letters and press releases to: info@tac.org.za And keep
up with TAC's campaign at: http://www.tac.org.za

Please stand with TAC and all South African people living with or
affected by HIV/AIDS.

In solidarity,

HealthGAP and Artists for a New South Africa

________________________________________________________________


ORGANIZATIONAL SIGN ON LETTER

We, the undersigned organizations, are deeply concerned about South
Africa's HIV/AIDS crisis.

South Africa has been a source of hope to the world, as your nation
triumphed over apartheid, established a new democracy, adopted the
world's most inclusive Bill of Rights and underwent a
precedent-setting process of truth and reconciliation. As the
country at the very epicenter of the global AIDS pandemic, with the
largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS and one of the
fastest growing infection rates, it is essential that South Africa
again demonstrate bold and decisive leadership. We implore the
South African government to act now by introducing a treatment plan
that aims to save the lives of South African people already
infected with HIV.

We join the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), the Congress of South
African Trade Unions (COSATU), the South African Medical
Association (SAMA), and numerous other South African organizations,
in calling on the South African government to implement a national
HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment plan.

We endorse TAC's "Stand Up For Our Lives" march in Cape Town on
February 14, 2003, which will coincide with the opening of
Parliament by President Thabo Mbeki. We stand in solidarity with
the thousands of people who will march for their right to
healthcare and treatment. We ask the South African government to
turn this march into a celebration of life by announcing a National
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Plan that includes a clear
commitment to providing anti-retroviral therapy as a fundamental
part of care and treatment for all South Africans living with
HIV/AIDS who need it.

We recognize the challenges inherent in such an effort. We urge
South Africa to exercise every available policy tool to ensure
affordable and sustainable supplies of generic anti-retroviral
medicines, including issuing compulsory licenses on patented AIDS
drugs and beginning local production of anti-retrovirals. As
Americans, we will continue to demand that our own government stops
reneging on the commitment it made to the World Trade Organization
(WTO) in November, 2001 when it, along with all the other WTO
Member States, adopted the WTO Ministerial Declaration on the
Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
(TRIPS) and Public Health. We will also continue to demand that the
United States contribute its fair share of the funds needed to
combat the global AIDS pandemic effectively.

We welcome President Bush's pledge for increased unilateral funding
for international HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and will work
to make sure that these promises are kept, that bilateral programs
coordinate with recipient prevention, care, and treatment plans,
and that the bulk of the money be channeled through the Global Fund
to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This will help ensure that
unfair conditions are not placed on developing countries and that
bureaucracy, duplication, and delays are minimized.

Finally, we would like to respectfully inform you that if the
government fails to sign and implement a National HIV/AIDS
Prevention and Treatment Plan by the end of February 2003, we will
fully support TAC and their allies in their decision to pursue a
national campaign of non-violent civil disobedience. Using civil
disobedience to call for access to medicines should be unnecessary
and is avoidable. The world is waiting for South Africa's
leadership in confronting this epidemic and implementing a program
to deliver care, support, and medicines to those most in need. We
believe that unity amongst activists, trade unions, business, and
government is possible. We again urge the South African government
to act now.

Sincerely,

_________________________________________________________________

YES, ADD OUR ORGANIZATION TO THE SIGN-ON LETTER ABOVE.

FOR LISTING PURPOSES:

Organization Name:

City where organization is headquartered:

State where organization is headquartered:

REQUIRED INFORMATION:

Name of person authorizing listing:

Title / Affiliation with endorsing org:

OPTIONAL INFORMATION:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

E-mail:

WHO LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO:

If you or your organization would like to write your own letter in
support of TAC, please write to your local consulate as well as to
the following people before February 14, 2003:

The Honorable JG Zuma Deputy President: Via Fax:
011-27-12-323-3114 E-mail: Deputypresident@po.gov.za

The Honorable Dr NC Dlamini-Zuma Minister of Foreign Affairs: Via
Fax: 011-27-12-351-0253 E-mail: media@foreign.gov.za

Ms Lakela Kaunda Chief Director: Communication and Spokesperson
Via E-mail: lakela@po.gov.za

Deputy Chief of Mission Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo South African
Embassy Via Fax: 202-265-1607

Consul General Thami Ngwevela South African Consulate General -
New York Via Fax: 212-213-0102

Consul General Glaudine Mtshali South African Consulate General -
Los Angeles Via Fax: 323-651-5969

Consul General Pat Sonjani South African Consulate General -
Chicago Via Fax: 312-939-2588

Please CC a copy of any letters you send to TAC via E-mail at:
info@tac.org.za

_________________________________________________________________


BACKGROUND

TAC and their allies are mounting this march in a firm but friendly
spirit. For more than four years TAC has appealed to government,
negotiated, marched, held interfaith services, supported the
government in court against drug companies and even litigated
against it to ensure a national mother-to-child HIV prevention
program. Last year, they agreed with South Africa's Deputy
President to hold off on their planned civil disobedience campaign
until the end of February, 2003. TAC is hoping the government will
act now and enable this march to become a celebration. However
given the urgency of the AIDS crisis, if the government doesn't act
by then, TAC will begin a non-violent civil disobedience campaign.

TAC is joined in this march by numerous South African groups
including Access, AIDS Consortium, AIDS Law Project, Archbishop of
Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church in Southern
Africa, ATTN SA, CARE, Children's Rights Centre, Combined AIDS
Ministry, COSATU, Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Centre, FAWU,
FEDUSA, Habonim, HOPSERSA, Jubilee 2000, Kagiso Anglican YCW,
Positive Muslims, Positive Wits - HIV/AIDS Campaign, RAPCAN, SA
Academy of Family Practice, SACTWU, South African Medical
Association, SAMWU, SOHACA, Southern African Catholic Bishops
Conference AIDS Office, The Caring Network, The Southern African
HIV Clinicians Society, Themba HIV/AIDS Project, Triangle Project,
WC-NACOSA, Western Cape Council of Churches, Wits HIV/AIDS
Education and Support Project, Wits Perinatal HIV Research Unit,
Women on Farms Project and many others. They are marching to
support their sisters, brothers, children, parents, families,
colleagues and communities.

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

Open Letter posted in Nigeria-AIDS eForum
http://www.nigeria-aids.org/eforum.cfm

The Nigeria-AIDS eForum is a project of Journalists Against AIDS
(JAAIDS) Nigeria.

For further information, visit our website:
http://www.nigeria-aids.org

Dear President Mbeki,

It saddens our heart that you have still not decided to let your
people live. We who write this letter love you so much and you are
a hero to us.

We are a small group of People Living With AIDS who would all have
died a long time ago but our President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
gave us anti-retrovirals and we are all living our normal lives.
The medicines do a great wonder in the fight against AIDS. Like
our friend Mr. Nasko; he was carried on a stretcher into the
doctors office and given these medicines; yesterday he took the
stairs two at a time and came to visit us. He had returned to his
job as small time trader. So also Mr. Ambursa, he was taken for
dead and wheeled into the doctors office, just six months after,
he too is back at his job.

The medicines are so easy to take and have no side effects that
have made any of us uncomfortable whatsoever.

About two hundred of us here in this poor, illiterate North of
Nigeria are taking these medicines very easily. Just three in the
morning and three in the evening. They are subsidized for us and we
all can afford the 10 dollars every month that we are required to
pay. Families have been re-united, even Lami and Rueben have got
married. Lami wrote her will a few months before getting the
medicines.

You are a good man, President Mbeki, just save the lives of your
people and be the 'Best Man'

Our best regards.

Samaila Garba
Kebbi Alliance Of Positive People (KAPOP)
Birnin-Kebbi Kebbi State, Nigeria
Email: kapokeb@inet-global.com

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

Open Letter to the Members of the WTO from Medecins Sans Frontieres
Paris, 8 February 2003

For more information contact:
Ellen 't Hoen: + 33 6 22375871
Christopher Garrison: + 44 7720470622
Rachel M. Cohen +1-212-655-3762
E-mail: rachel.cohen@newyork.msf.org
http://www.accessmed-msf.org/

Dear Sir, Madam,

On Monday the Chair of the TRIPS Council is expected to propose to
the WTO General Council to adopt the "Motta December 16 text" and
to make the following statement:

"Before proposing the adoption of the text of 16 December
2002, I would like to put on record a number of understandings
which have emerged from the discussions leading up to the
formulation of this text.

The first is that all delegations have reconfirmed their
commitment to the provisions of the Doha Declaration on the
TRIPS Agreement and Public Health and to the need to respect
fully its provisions.

Secondly, delegations have made it clear that they see the
system that we are establishing under paragraph 6 of that
Declaration as being essentially designed to address national
emergencies or other circumstances of extreme urgency.

Third, delegations have recognized the need to avoid
undermining the importance of intellectual property protection
for the development of new medicines and have also reaffirmed
that the TRIPS Agreement does not and should not prevent
Members from taking measures to protect public health.

Having put on record these understandings, I would propose the
adoption of the draft decision contained in ..."

We urgently call upon the WTO Members to reject this statement for
the following reasons:

1. Paragraph 6 was never meant to only address national emergencies
or other circumstances of extreme urgency, whether "essentially" or
otherwise. The objective of paragraph 6 was to ensure that
countries without production capacity could make effective use of
compulsory licensing which is a key TRIPS safeguard. Anyone who
claims otherwise is re-writing the history of the Doha
negotiations. ...

2. The adoption of this text would mean that countries without the
possibility to produce medicines are at a major disadvantage over
countries that do have the capacity. ...

The Doha declaration confirms the right of countries to issue
compulsory licenses in paragraph 5 (b): Each Member has the right
to grant compulsory licences and the freedom to determine the
grounds upon which such licences are granted. ..

The proposed Chairman's statement would entrench a system with
"Second class" Members whose possibilities to exercise their rights
under the TRIPS Agreement and the Doha declaration will be limited
compared to countries that have the capacity to produce. It needs
no mention that it will be the people in the most disadvantaged
countries who will suffer disproportionably from this. ,,,

In effect these two different classes of Members will be
constituted as follows:

First class Members with manufacturing capacity will be able to use
compulsory licensing to address whichever public health problems
they have identified.

Second class Members without manufacturing capacity will be able to
use compulsory licensing to address public health problems only in
case of a national emergency or other circumstances of extreme
urgency. In theory, they can issue a compulsory licence to address
any public health problem; in practice they can only get supplies
of the medicines they need under a compulsory licence in an
emergency situation. ...

In conclusion an agreement to this text would be a disastrous final
chapter in the 2 year old history of the Doha declaration on TRIPS
and Public Health.

If Members agree to this text it will no longer be possible to
maintain that the TRIPS "Agreement can and should be interpreted
and implemented in a manner supportive of WTO Members' right to
protect public health and, in particular, to promote access to
medicines for all." This was the main objective and achievement of
the Doha process which the Chair's statement will undo.

We therefore propose that the Members of the WTO take into
consideration the following alternative wording for the Chair's
statement:

Delegations have made it clear that they see the system that is
being established under this proposed solution as being designed to
promote access to effective treatments to address public health
problems afflicting countries with insufficient or no manufacturing
capacities in the pharmaceutical sector as called for in paragraph
6 of the Doha Declaration on the TRlPS Agreement and Public Health.

Regardless of any accompanying statement, Chairman Motta's 16th
December text is a compromise that is far from ideal because it
fails the test of being simple, workable and economically viable.
It falls far short of what the World Health Organization's proposal
of 17 September 2002 could have delivered or still could deliver.
We maintain our position that it is not too late to reject the
proposals and explore alternative ways to achieve what the Doha
declaration set out to do: access to medicines for all.

Sincerely Yours,

Ellen 't Hoen
MSF Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines

************************************************************
The Africa Action E-Journal is a free information service
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UGANDA: Leading user of anti retrovirals

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32265

A total of 10,000 people, or one third of the 30,000 anti-retro viral (ARV) users in sub-Saharan Africa, are in Uganda, the ministry of health announced this week. "Uganda has been able to achieve this because it has made a marathon roll out of Voluntary Counselling and Testing or VCT's, which is necessary if drug misuse, and eventual resistance is to be avoided," the Minister of State for Health, Mike Mukula, told IRIN on Wednesday.

uganda: Uganda starts human trials of Aids vaccine

2003-02-13

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?a=37&o=15742

Trials of a potential Aids vaccine for Africa have begun with human volunteers in Uganda, one of the worst hit countries on the continent. The vaccine is specifically designed to combat the A strain of the HIV virus, which is the type prevalent in east Africa.

West Africa: UN Urges Help for Health Sector in War-Stricken Region

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302080033.html

As years of conflict and civil unrest continue to weaken the health sector in West Africa, the World Health Organisation has called for immediate donor support in order to avoid a total break down of the region's systems.

africa: CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE USED IN ADULT WARS

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/education/13279

On the eve of the anniversary of the entry into force of an international treaty banning child soldiers, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers warned that the problem of child soldiers, far from being solved, is still prevalent. "Child soldiers continue to be abused as foot soldiers, porters, look-outs and sexual slaves - the problem is not decreasing but, with each new conflict, children are at risk of being drawn into the fighting," said Casey Kelso, Coordinator of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.
PRESS RELEASE COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE COALITION TO STOP THE USE OF CHILD SOLDIERS EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2003
**************************************************************************
*****************************************************

CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE USED IN ADULT WARS

12 FEBRUARY
ANNIVERSARY OF THE UN "CHILD SOLDIERS" TREATY

On the eve of the anniversary of the entry into force of an international treaty banning child soldiers, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers warned that the problem of child soldiers, far from being solved, is still prevalent.

"Child soldiers continue to be abused as foot soldiers, porters, look-outs and sexual slaves - the problem is not decreasing but, with each new conflict, children are at risk of being drawn into the fighting," said Casey Kelso, Coordinator of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers.

The Coalition warned the international community against assuming that the issue of child soldiers could be struck-off simply because their use was now banned by international law The issue of child soldiers has been addressed at the UN Security Council, which has taken a landmark decision to name the names of those who are recruiting child soldiers. In December 2002, the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report to the Security Council identified 23 parties to conflict in five country situations that involved child soldiers: Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia and Somalia. Not only armed opposition groups were using children: the UN pointed the finger at the government forces of Burundi, DRC and Liberia as abusing children by using them as soldiers.

At the end of January 2003, the UN Security Council adopted the new Resolution 1460 on children and armed conflict calling on the Secretary-General to include information about protecting children in all his country-specific reports. "It is essential for the Security Council to make a commitment to accountability to take appropriate action against those using or recruiting child soldiers," said Mr Kelso.

Although 111 countries have now signed the "child soldiers' treaty"
recognising that forcibly recruiting children into war is wrong, only 46 countries have actually made a binding legal commitment to enforce the Optional Protocol.

"This first anniversary of the Optional Protocol should not be a celebration but a time to call upon other countries to join the international community in condemning this appalling practice," said Mr Kelso.

Countries of concern where child soldiers are being used:

* In Myanmar, for example, an estimated 70,000 children are in uniform in the state army - many are forcibly conscripted by kidnapping or threats of prison at ages as young as 11.
* In Colombia, the Coalition's research estimated that up to 14,000 child soldiers -- boys and girls as young as 10 years old -- are recruited into armed groups paramilitaries and militias.
* In Nepal, some sources indicate that as many as 30 percent of the rights in the Communist Party of Nepal fighting forces are children, and the number is growing each month.

Background
The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers was formed in 1998. Its founding members include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Jesuit Refugee Service, Quaker United Nations Office - Geneva, Rädda Barnen for the International Save the Children Alliance, Terre des Hommes. Later, Defence for Children International, World Vision International and several regional NGOs from Latin America, Africa and Asia also joined in the Coalition's activities.
Many Coalition members or partner organisations around the world, from Pakistan to the United States of America, will be celebrating the 12 February anniversary with special events. MEDIA INTERVIEWS For more information about local contacts in your country, or to arrange an interview with the International Secretariat of the Coalition, please contact Casey Kelso, the Coordinator of the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers based in London, at: +44-207-713-2761 or Judith Arenas of Amnesty International at +44-207-413-5810.
**************************************************************************
*****************************************************

africa: Poverty and exclusion among urban children

2003-02-13

http://www.unicef.org/newsline/2003/03pr09urban.htm

Asserting that tens of millions of urban children around the world are living in poverty and life-threatening environments, UNICEF says that municipal authorities need to place the best interest of the child at the forefront of their decision-making. At the launch of the report, "Poverty and Exclusion among Urban Children", released by UNICEF's Innocenti Research Centre (IRC), UNICEF Deputy Director Kul Gautam stated: "The tens of millions of urban children who are denied basic social services - such as education and health care - are living proof that the world has systematically failed to protect them."

Africa: United Nations steps up action on child soldiers

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=944

In a recent diplomatic dance to confront those governments and armed groups using child soldiers, the United Nations took both a firm step forward and a small side step. The challenge to act came in 2001 when the UN Security Council, led by France, adopted a ground-breaking initiative to compile a list of those using or recruiting children as soldiers in armed conflicts on its agenda. Non-governmental organisations campaigning against the use of child soldiers welcomed this landmark resolution.

ANGOLA: Biggest-ever education drive

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32161

On Monday 250,000 Angolan children will return to school in the biggest education campaign in the country's history, backed by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Angolan government. The size and scope of 'Back to School' "underlines the fact that education is being unswervingly endorsed as the engine to drive Angola's long-term recovery" after three decades of civil war, UNICEF said in a statement.

BURUNDI: School feeding programme launched

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32246

The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with World Vision, has launched a major school-feeding programme in the northern Burundi province of Karuzi, thereby boosting the chances of higher school attendance rates among otherwise hungry pupils.

DRC: MONUC denounces recruitment of child soldiers

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32185

The United Nations has denounced the widespread recruitment of child soldiers by Thomas Lubanga's Union des patriotes congolais pour la reconciliation et la paix (UPC/RP), a largely Hema ethnic militia based in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) city of Bunia.

ERITREA: Plea for help as children start to die

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32172

Two thirds of the population of Eritrea are facing food shortages and 10,000 children are severely malnourished, the UN said last Friday. Musa Bungudu, head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Eritrea, said that children were already starting to die in the tiny Red Sea state.

kenya: The challenge of providing free primary education

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32164

Free and compulsory primary education for Kenyan children was one of the key pre-election promises that led the current government, led by President Mwai Kibaki, to power in December 2002. Since then an estimated 1.5 million children, who were previously out-of-school, have turned up to attend classes. "We will not be content until every child of primary school age is enrolled…By educating the children we are investing in the future of this country. In the long term, educating children is one way to eradicate poverty," said the Minister for Education, George Saitoti, last week. Parents and children alike have greeted the move with euphoria.

MALAWI: AN ATLAS OF SOCIAL STATISTICS

2003-02-13

http://www.ifpri.org/pubs/cp/malawiatlas.htm

A social statistic map with and over-riding focus on poverty has been produced by the International Food Policy Research Institute. The spatial patterns seen in the atlas provide insights into key geographic factors associated with poverty, thereby assisting in the development and in the geographic targeting of programs designed to reduce it.

south africa: hope for street children

2003-02-13

http://www.rnw.nl/development/html/030204othandweni.html

The phenomenon of street children is nothing new. As many as 30,000 children were living on the streets of London in the 1850's, for example. In comparison, it's a relatively recent problem for South Africa, but with numbers steadily rising and the HIV epidemic set to make things worse, it is becoming a pressing issue.

uganda: Free education for all, announces Museveni

2003-02-13

http://iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=136&art_id=qw1044033120433B225&set_id=1

Ugandan public primary schools will now offer free education to all children of schooling age, instead of just four per family, President Yoweri Museveni announced here last Friday. Museveni told journalists at the State House here that government would pay school dues for 6,57 million children in its schools.

AIDS Coverage Marked By Neglect And Racism

2003-02-13

http://www.mediachannel.org/picks/

There is no constant flow of HIV/AIDS coverage in the international media and there is an element of "new racism" in existing coverage that presents the epidemic as a black disease, leading to the neglect of the disease in other parts of the world.

Egypt: Mass Arrests of Foreigners

2003-02-13

http://www.hrw.org/press/2003/02/egypt0206.htm

Hundreds of foreigners, including refugees and asylum seekers, were beaten and jailed during two nights of racially-motivated arrests in Cairo, Human Rights Watch says. The threat of arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and racially-based harassment continues to hang over many asylum-seekers and refugees in Egypt, says the organisation.

africa/global: Conservation and poverty alleviation: incompatible objectives?

2003-02-13

http://www.id21.org/society/s2cbd1g1.html

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) aims to protect wild flora and fauna from threats posed by international trade. A paper from the Overseas Development Institute looks at the scope for the parties to CITES to commit themselves to linking conservation initiatives with measures to address rural poverty. It argues that it is time to give teeth to the belated, and still largely rhetorical, recognition that international conservationist goals must go hand in hand with a commitment to poverty reduction.

cameroon: illegal logging detailed

2003-02-13

http://www.globalwitness.org/press_releases/display2.php?id=175

A number of Cameroonian as well as internationally based logging companies have been sanctioned or are involved in ongoing legal cases brought by the Cameroonian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MINEF). Some of these cases result from the documentation of illegal logging by Ministry staff supported by Global Witness, says Global Witness in its latest field investigation reports that detail cases of illegal logging.

kenya: UN To Consider Mercury Treaty After US Drops Opposition

2003-02-13

http://www.ewire-news.com/wires/25B21BA9-2106-4194-AD4309D4240A4366.htm

At a United Nations Environment Program Governing Council meeting, Environmental Ministers are expected to agree on taking immediate actions and consider further measures - including an international treaty - to address the significant adverse impacts of global mercury.

niger/nigeria: Natural resources management: reasons to be cheerful?

2003-02-13

http://www.id21.org/society/s2cmt1g1.html

Do we understand enough about the impact of demographic change on natural resources management (NRM), farm investment and household income strategies in semi-arid areas? Is eco-disaster around the corner, or does land scarcity encourage investment in productivity-enhancing and land-conserving technologies? How should policy initiatives combine poverty reduction with environmental improvement? These questions were raised by a study of Machakos District in Kenya from 1930 to1990. They have now been tested further in four countries – Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Kenya – in research led by Drylands Research UK and carried out with in-country research teams.

SOMALIA: Fishermen accuse foreigners of depleting coastal waters

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32244

Large foreign ships are harassing and intimidating Somali fishermen around the southern coastal towns of Marka and Barawe, according to local fishermen, who fear the ships are destroying the livelihood of Somali fishermen and their families.

south africa: Chernobyl of the Northern Cape

2003-02-13

http://tinyurl.com/5nnk

Gencor has undertaken to pay out more than R460-million to compensate sufferers of asbestos-related diseases. This money will go into a trust fund to pay for treatment and to compensate families who lose breadwinners. But the bill for cleaning up the asbestos mines remains unpaid, and in villages in large parts of the Northern Cape and Limpopo people live in buildings made of asbestos and drive on asbestos roads, while children play on dumps of asbestos fibre.

Zambia: ZRA Receives 1.5m Euros

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302120264.html

THE French government has released a 1.5million euros grant to the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) for the preservation of the Zambezi River resource and promotion of tourism in the area.

Zimbabwe: Governance for sustainability? Balancing social and environmental concerns in Harare

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=941

This article examines urban governance in the framework of sustainable urban development, and agrees with most analyses that sustainable settlements embrace social, ecological and economic dimensions. The discussion stresses that a form of governance that neglects any of these components cannot attain sustainability. It argues that, in Harare, sustainability hinges very much on the role of the governance system, especially as it relates to urban poverty and the day-to-day survival of the urban poor. It is this role of urban governance that eventually manifests itself in the state of society, economy and the environment.

africa/global: What is the special significance of community media to civil society?

2003-02-13

http://www.wacc.org.uk/publications/md/md2002-4/comm-media.html

Community media provide a vital alternative to the profit-oriented agenda of corporate media. They are driven by social objectives rather than the private, profit motive. They empower people rather than treat them as passive consumers, and they nurture local knowledge rather than replace it with standard solutions. Ownership and control of community media is rooted in, and responsible to, the communities they serve. And they are committed to human rights, social justice, the environment and sustainable approaches to development. Read more about community media at the web site provided.

ERITREA: CPJ CALLS FOR RELEASE OF JAILED REPORTERS

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/13274

Calling Eritrea the number one jailer of journalists in Africa, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) delivered more than 600 petitions last week to the Eritrean government urging authorities to release journalist Isaias Afewerki and 17 other colleagues being secretly held across the country.
ERITREA: CPJ CALLS FOR RELEASE OF JAILED REPORTERS

Calling Eritrea the number one jailer of journalists in Africa, the
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) delivered more than 600 petitions
last week to the Eritrean government urging authorities to release
journalist Isaias Afewerki and 17 other colleagues being secretly held
across the country.

During a meeting in Washington, D.C. with the Eritrean ambassador to the
United States, CPJ handed over 607 petitions, including the signatures
of senior media executives from CNN, ABC News, CBS News and the "Wall
Street Journal."

CPJ also met members of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, urging
them to lobby for the release of Eritrean journalists, and sent a letter
to U.S. Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld encouraging him to raise the
issue in future meetings with Eritrean authorities.

Afewerki is the editor of Eritrea's largest circulation newspaper
"Setit." Last November, CPJ honoured him with an International Press
Freedom Award. Most of the 18 imprisoned journalists were detained in
September 2001 when the government cracked down on the private press as
part of a wider clampdown on political dissent, CPJ says. All private
media were subsequently banned.

To sign a petition, visit CPJ's special campaign page on Afewerki:
www.cpj.org/Briefings/2003/Joshua/joshua.htm

Visit these links:
- CPJ Report on Eritrea:
www.cpj.org/Briefings/2003/Joshua/war_words.html
- Reporters sans frontières:
www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=1828&Valider=Consult
- Human Rights Watch: www.hrw.org/africa/eritrea.php

ethiopia: Media professionals issue joint statement protesting draft press law

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/13240

Journalists of the Ethiopian free press, publishers and media professionals have issued a joint statement in protest against a new draft press law.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

PRESS RELEASE/UPDATE - ETHIOPIA

10 February 2003

Media professionals issue joint statement protesting draft press law

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

**Updates IFEX alert of 21 January 2003**

(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is an 8 February 2003 EFJA press release:

Journalists of the Ethiopian free press, publishers and media professionals
issue joint statement in protest against the new draft press law

A workshop that discussed the new draft press law was held at the Semien
Hotel hall on Saturday, February 8, 2003. The forum, in which over 300
people participated, was organized by the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists'
Association (EFJA) and free press publishers. A joint position statement was
issued at the end of the meeting.

Free press publishers, editors, editorial staff members, media
professionals, representatives of government institutions and civic
associations, as well as other invited guests participated in the workshop.
Papers were presented under the following topics, which were extensively
discussed in the process of the workshop:

- the Ethiopian media situation, an overall survey
- the new press law examined from the free press perspective
- the right to access information under the new press law and the role of
the executive body
- restrictions imposed on advertisements and distribution of press
publications under the press law
- the right to ownership under the code of ethics and press council

Many observers were present at this unique workshop, at which free press
journalists, publishers and media professionals forged a union and issued a
joint position statement.

The observers included:

- former prime minister Lidj Michael Imru
- the former president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
(FDRE), Dr. Negasso Gidada
- members of the House of Peoples Representatives
- Executive Committee members of four locally operating opposition parties
- representatives of the veteran Ethiopian Teachers' Association,
professional associations and lawyers
- representatives of the Ministry of Information
- representatives of various foreign embassies in Addis Ababa
- representatives of the Ethiopian and Addis Ababa Chambers of Commerce
- renowned personalities, veteran journalists and public relations officers
- invited guests representing various sectors of society

The following joint statement was issued by participants of the workshop,
namely, the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association, publishers,
editors, editorial staff of the free press and media professionals regarding
the new draft press law:

We, the members of the free press community, have unanimously agreed that:

1. This workshop is a historic meeting at which we forged our unity and took
a position in the interests of our common survival and well-being; we will
further consolidate our cooperation to avoid shortcomings in terms of
observing our professional code of ethics and overcome the obstacles we face
at various stages in the performance of our activities.

2. We do not accept the new press law drafted by the Ministry of
Information, on the grounds that:

- it targets the key question of democracy
- it stands in contradiction to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, to which Ethiopia is a signatory; Article 29 of the Ethiopian
Constitution; the New Partnership for Africa (NEPAD) decision on freedom of
expression and good governance, to which African leaders have jointly agreed
- it is a law that is directed against our very existence and designed to
render us completely ineffective
- any law that is issued in the future in connection with the press without
the participation of publishers and newspapers is irrelevant

3. We will not limit ourselves to expressing our protest against the draft
press law; we will also prepare a document that will focus on the main
points around which our protest revolves, put forward the problems and
recommended solutions; we will gather the support of all participants and
engage in activities that are directed towards enriching the document.

4. The issue relating to the press council strictly lies within the domain
of journalists; it should be established primarily by journalists and
stakeholder (relevant) bodies; we should continue to gather the common views
and ideas of participants and, by scrutinizing these views, reach a stage
where we will prepare a solid document.

5. We are opposed to the draft press law because it has sidelined the main
stakeholders, namely, the private press publishers, journalists and others
who are directly concerned.

6. Whenever the government calls meetings related to the free press, it
should extend invitations to all concerned parties without any
discrimination; the meetings should serve as platforms for conducting
democratic discussions and not as instruments for receiving direction.

February 8, 2003
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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 press release/update is the sole
responsibility of EFJA. In citing this material for broadcast or
publication, please credit EFJA.
_________________________________________________________________
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EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
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tel: +1 416 515 9622 fax: +1 416 515 7879
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Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/

ivory coast: Journalist detained by rebels

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/13194

Reporters sans frontières (RSF), has urged the three rebel groups that operate in the western city of Man to do everything possible to secure the release of a reporter from the independent daily "Soir Info", who was detained by rebels on 6 February 2003.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ALERT - CÔTE D'IVOIRE

7 February 2003

Journalist detained by rebels in western Côte d'Ivoire

SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris

(RSF/IFEX) - A reporter from the independent daily "Soir Info" was detained
by rebels on 6 February 2003 in Man (western Côte d'Ivoire). RSF urges the
three rebel groups that operate in the city to do everything possible to
secure the journalist's prompt release.

"Press freedom can no longer be taken for granted in Côte d'Ivoire. With
each passing day, journalists are taking more risks to cover the news," said
Robert Ménard, the organisation's secretary-general. "The rebels, who have
boasted about their enormous respect for human rights, must release this
journalist and ensure that media professionals can work with a sense of
security in areas under their control," he added.

According to information collected by RSF, on 6 February, rebel forces
arrested René Dessonh, a reporter with the newspaper "Soir Info", in Kouibly
(30 kilometres from Man). The rebels who detained the journalist are most
likely members of one of two western-based rebel groups, the Ivorian Popular
Movement of the Great West (Mouvement populaire ivoirien du Grand-Ouest,
MPIGO) or the Movement for Justice and Peace (Mouvement pour la justice et
la paix, MJP). The previous evening, the journalist had travelled to Man to
cover a meeting of the three Ivorian rebel groups. According to "Soir Info"
management, youths reportedly accused Dessonh of being a spy after
recognising him at a roadblock. He was then reportedly detained by rebels
and driven to Man. No one has received any information from him since and
his place of detention is unknown.

RSF recalls that the three Ivorian rebel groups signed the Linas-Marcoussis
treaty, in which all parties to the conflict pledged to respect human rights
and press freedom.

For further information, contact Jean-François Julliard at RSF, rue Geoffroy
Marie, Paris 75009, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51,
e-mail: afrique@rsf.org, Internet: http://www.rsf.org

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

liberia: journalist tells of torture

2003-02-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2748287.stm

A journalist has told the BBC his stay in a notorious Liberian prison was like being in a torture camp. Hassan Bility said that during his detention he was electrocuted, his penis was attached to electrodes, he was blindfolded and beaten.

MOZAMBIQUE: PRESIDENT'S SON NOT IMPLICATED IN CARDOSO ASSASSINATION

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=933

The man convicted of being the leading figure behind the murder of Mozambique's prominent journalist Carlos Cardoso now declares that it was not the President's son that had ordered the assassination.

sudan: Copies of opposition daily seized

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/13306

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) has denounced the seizure of an edition of the Arabic-language daily "As-Sahafa" on February 8. "We denounce the policy of constant harassment against opposition newspapers," said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard.
La version française suit. The French version follows.

IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
_________________________________________________________________

ALERT - SUDAN

12 February 2003

Copies of opposition daily seized

SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris

(RSF/IFEX) - On 8 February 2003, the Sudanese authorities confiscated the
following day's edition of the Arabic-language daily "As-Sahafa".

"We denounce the policy of constant harassment against opposition
newspapers. Summons, veiled threats, seizures - for too long now such has
been the lot of the press, which consequently incurs huge financial losses.
We call on the Sudanese authorities to put an end to these practices," said
RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard.

On 8 February, the Sudanese authorities confiscated all copies of the
Arabic-language daily "As-Sahafa"'s 9 February issue at the printer's. No
explanation was given to editor Nur el Din Madani. However, the paper's 7
February issue had carried an article quoting statements by the Popular
National Congress (PNC, Hassan el-Tourabi's banned party) criticising the
renewal of the state of emergency. Later in the day, at a meeting with the
newspaper's shareholders and staff, representatives from the security
forces' press bureau warned that the paper would face additional sanctions
if it continued its criticisms. One of the paper's editors told RSF that
"the aim of such confiscations is to make the newspaper incur financial
difficulties."

On 16 January, security forces had also seized all copies of the
English-language daily "Khartoum Monitor". The confiscated issue included an
article on a government delegation's absence from peace talks with the
southern rebels in Machakos, Kenya. A day earlier, the security forces
summoned editor Nhial Bol and managing editor Alfred Taban and accused them
of having close ties with the southern rebels.

For further information, contact Virginie Locussol at RSF, rue Geoffroy
Marie, Paris 75009, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51,
e-mail: northernafrica@rsf.org, Internet: http://www.rsf.org

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of RSF.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit RSF.
_________________________________________________________________
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 e-mail: alerts@ifex.org general e-mail: ifex@ifex.org
Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/
_________________________________________________________________
IFEX - Nouvelles de la communauté internationale de défense de la liberté
d'expression
_________________________________________________________________

ALERTE - SOUDAN

Le 12 février 2003

Saisie d'un quotidien d'opposition

SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris

(RSF/IFEX) - Le 8 février 2003, les autorités soudanaises ont saisi
l'édition du quotidien arabophone "As-Sahafa", à paraître le lendemain.

"Nous dénonçons cette politique constante de harcèlement à l'égard des
journaux d'opposition. Convocations, menaces voilées, saisies : tel est le
lot, depuis maintenant trop longtemps, de cette presse qui subit, par
conséquent, de très importants préjudices financiers. Nous appelons les
autorités soudanaises à mettre un terme à ces pratiques", a déclaré Robert
Ménard, secrétaire général de RSF.

Les autorités soudanaises ont fait procéder, le 8 février, à la saisie du
quotidien arabophone "As-Sahafa" (daté du 9 février) à l'imprimerie du
journal. Aucune explication n'a été fournie à Nur el Din Madani, le
directeur de publication. Néanmoins, dans l'édition du 7 février figurait un
article rapportant des déclarations du Congrès national populaire (CNP,
parti interdit de Hassan el-Tourabi) critiquant le renouvellement de l'état
d'urgence. Plus tard dans la journée, des responsables du bureau de presse
des forces de sécurité ont, lors d'une réunion avec des actionnaires et des
responsables du journal, prévenu ces derniers que, s'ils poursuivaient leur
ligne politique, ils seraient l'objet de nouvelles sanctions. Un des
directeurs du journal a expliqué à RSF que "le but de ce type de
confiscation était de mettre le journal dans des difficultés financières".

Le 16 janvier, tous les exemplaires du quotidien anglophone "Khartoum
Monitor" avaient été saisis par les forces de sécurité. Ce numéro contenait
un article sur l'absence d'une délégation gouvernementale à Machakos (Kenya)
dans le cadre des pourparlers de paix avec les rebelles sudistes. La veille,
Nhial Bol, directeur de publication du quotidien, et Alfred Taban, directeur
général, avaient été convoqués par les forces de sécurité qui les accusaient
d'être proches des sudistes.

Pour tout renseignement complémentaire, veuillez contacter Virginie
Locussol, RSF, 5, rue Geoffroy Marie, Paris 75009, France, tél: +33 1 44 83
84 84, téléc: +33 1 45 23 11 51, courrier électronique:
norddelafrique@rsf.org, Internet: http://www.rsf.org

RSF est responsable de toute information contenue dans cette alerte. En
citant cette information, prière de bien vouloir l'attribuer à RSF.
_______________________________________________________________
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sudan: State confiscates edition of Sudanese daily

2003-02-13

http://iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=68&art_id=qw1044869043815B235&set_id=1

Sudanese authorities confiscated the Saturday edition of one of Sudan's oldest political daily newspapers, its editor said on Sunday. "We do not know why the paper was confiscated," Al-Sahafa editor Nur Elden Maddani told reporters.

TUNISIA: AUTHORITIES URGED TO FREE JOURNALISTS

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/media/13275

Press-freedom conditions in Tunisia were under the spotlight last week as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called on Tunisian authorities to release two journalists from prison.
TUNISIA: AUTHORITIES URGED TO FREE JOURNALISTS

Press-freedom conditions in Tunisia were under the spotlight last week
as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders
(Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of
Journalists (IFJ) called on Tunisian authorities to release the
country's two remaining journalists from prison.

Zouhair Yahyaoui, editor of the Internet magazine "TUNeZINE," and Hamadi
Jebali, editor of the banned Islamist Al-Nahda party's weekly "Al-Fajr"
newspaper, have been subject to harsh treatment in prison, IFJ says.
Yahyaoui has been tortured and is ill, adds IFJ. Both men started a
hunger strike on 13 January in protest over their prison conditions. At
press time, Jebali remains on hunger strike and the state of his health
is worrying, says RSF.

Yahyaoui was arrested on 4 June 2002 in connection with articles he
posted on "TUNeZINE" criticising the Tunisian government's May 2002
referendum, CPJ says. That referendum, approved by 99 per cent of
voters, allowed the government to alter the constitution giving
President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali a fourth term in office.

Jebali has been in jail since January 1991. That year, he was sentenced
to 16 years in prison for belonging to an illegal organisation and "for
aggression with the intention of changing the nature of the state," says
CPJ. Amnesty International has adopted Jebali and Yahyaoui as "prisoners
of conscience."

RSF has named Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali one of the world's "press freedom
predators." Since coming to power in 1987, Ben Ali has silenced all
dissenting voices in Tunisian with the help of a 130,000 strong police
force, RSF says. The media, privately or publicly owned, is uniformly
obedient and any news that suggests criticism of the regime is
forbidden.

Visit these links:
- RSF: www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=4882
- CPJ: www.cpj.org/protests/03ltrs/Tunisia10feb03pl.html
- IFJ: www.ifj.org/publications/press/pr/030206tunisia.html
- Amnesty International:
http://web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/countries/tunisia?OpenView&Start=1&Count=3
0&Expandall

Zimbabwe: new Voice for news and information

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=946

The Voice of America has launched a new radio program for Zimbabwe called Studio 7. The program is broadcast Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 8:00pm. Zimbabweans can listen to Studio 7 on medium wave at 909am or short-wave at 13600 or 17895. Studio 7 features balanced reporting on Zimbabwe and the region, as well as world and U.S. news. Sports, music, culture and health features are also part of Studio 7’s coverage of news, information and entertainment for Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe: News crew arrested

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=939

Three media workers, two of them who work for the South African Broadcasting Corporation, were arrested on 7 February in Zimbabwe while covering a demonstration at the Nigerian High Commission.

ANGOLA: Cabinda seperatists confirm "exploratory" talks with government

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32232

Separatists in Angola's northern Cabinda province on Tuesday confirmed reports there have been "exploratory" talks with the government over the future of the oil-rich enclave.

angola: UN Security Council commends peace process

2003-02-13

http://www.panapress.com/index.asp?code=eng&dte=11/04/2002

Following an update from Secretary General Kofi Annan, the UN Security Council has commended steps taken by the authorities in Luanda towards full implementation of the Lusaka Protocol on peace in Angola.

burundi: exiled rebel leaders return home

2003-02-13

http://www.sabcnews.com/africa/central_africa/0,1009,52842,00.html

After almost a decade in exile, two of Burundi's key rebel leaders are due to return to the country following the signing of the ceasefire agreement last year. Analysts say this will help the peace process in Burundi.

drc: Uganda to pull troops out

2003-02-13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/2744215.stm

Uganda has agreed to withdraw its troops from Ituri Province, in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is after the United Nations warned that Uganda and Rwanda had begun fresh deployments of troops near Bunia, in Ituri Province, despite pulling out most of their soldiers late last year under a peace agreement.

DRC: UN calls for deployment of more military observers in Mambasa

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32183

A military observer team should be deployed in Mambasa, near the Ituri river in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a United Nations-led inter-agency rapid assessment mission organised by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has recommended.

ivory coast: Peace Efforts Redoubled as Fighting Flares in West

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302090092.html

Government troops in Cote d’Ivoire reported fresh fighting in the west of the country on Sunday, as efforts continued to persuade President Laurent Gbagbo and his rivals to implement a peace accord agreed in France last month.
Related Link:
* Death squads sow terror
http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?a=37&o=15740

liberia: Human Tragedy in the Making as Thousands Flee Conflict

2003-02-13

http://www.ips.org/index.htm

A major human tragedy is in the making in the Liberian capital Monrovia, where thousands are seeking refuge after fleeing the conflict between government and rebel forces.

Mozambique: Impending food crisis in the south

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=940

A famine early warning agency has warned that southern Mozambique faces yet another poor harvest this year, which was likely to lead to a "dramatic increase" in food insecurity. In a report based on field assessments and analysis of satellite imagery, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network said that insufficient and erratic rains over the last three months has resulted in extremely poor harvest prospects throughout southern Mozambique, and in parts of the central region.

Southern Africa: The Big Issues of the food crisis

2003-02-13

http://www.caa.org.au/world/africa/bigissues/

The Southern African food crisis didn't appear overnight, nor is it the result of a single problem or issue. Natural, economic, health, political disasters and decisions all played their part. The Big Issue series looks at some of the major underlying reasons for the crisis, their impacts on the lives of ordinary people, and what can be done.

sudan: Brinkmanship Endangers The Peace Process

2003-02-13

http://www.crisisweb.org

An offensive by government-backed southern militias in the Western Upper Nile oilfields of southern Sudan during the first month of 2003 presented the gravest threat to the peace process since its revitalisation in mid-2002. A strengthened cessation of hostilities agreement was eventually signed on 4 February and a memorandum of understanding codifying points of agreement on outstanding issues of power and wealth sharing was signed two days later. However the fighting raises serious questions about the government's commitment to peace, says the International Crisis Group.

SUDAN: Report says civilians targeted by gov't and affiliated militias

2003-02-13

http://irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=32231

Civilians in Western Upper Nile (Wahdah State), southern Sudan, including women and children, have been targeted by the Government of Sudan and allied militia groups in a series of attacks since the new year, a new report has said. A preliminary report issued on Sunday in Khartoum by the independent Civilian Protection Monitoring Team (CPMT) stated that the attacks had occurred in villages around Mayom, Mankien, Tam and Leel.

zimbabwe: One Million Facing Starvation in Cities

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302080103.html

More than one million people in Zimbabwe's urban areas are facing starvation as the food situation in the country continues to deteriorate. This brings to seven million the number of people in need of humanitarian aid according to the latest United Nations food situation report.

Zimbabwe: Political Violence Report for January 2003

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=951

Political violence has characterised the run up to the parliamentary by-election to be held in Kuwadzana over the weekend of 29 - 30 March 2003. The imposition of an unofficial curfew by ZANU PF supporters in Kuwadzana, following the death of ZANU PF member, Tonderai Mangwiro, in a petrol bombing, has stepped up organised violence and torture in the area.

Internet access still a nightmare in Africa

2003-02-13

http://www.dispatch.co.zm/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=180

The usage of the Internet - which has been described as a possible engine for economic growth - is still a ‘mountain to climb’ in many African countries. According to a report published by Africa Online, of the 770 million people in Africa, one in every 150, or approximately 5.5 million people in total, now uses the Internet.

BOTSWANA TO HOST DISCUSSIONS ON TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICAN SCHOOLS

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=938

A Pan-African workshop focused on using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to support the education systems in Africa will be held in Gaborone from 28 April to 2 May 2003. An estimated 250 participants will be participating.

Learning through networking and information exchange: how NGOs can increase their impact

2003-02-13

http://www.id21.org/society/s8csm1g1.html

How can international NGOs (INGOs) use networking, learning and information systems to increase their development impact? What is the state of their systems for accessing and processing information? How could they become more successful in sharing and learning information?

NIGERIA'S NITDA PLANS OFFENSIVE AGAINST 419 SCAMMERS

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/internet/13270

Disturbed by the negative impact of the increasing wave of cyber crime on the image of the country, the Nigerian Government says it will put legislation in place to deter the culprits. Gabriel Ajayi, Director-General of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) who disclosed this, said the government is drawing up a comprehensive plan that would make cyber crime on the internet unattractive to the perpetrators, reports http://www.balancingact-africa.com
Disturbed by the negative impact of the increasing wave of cyber crime on
the image of the country, the Nigerian Government says it will put
legislation in place to deter the culprits. Gabriel Ajayi, Director-General
of the Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) who
disclosed this, said the government is drawing up a comprehensive plan that
would make cyber crime on the internet unattractive to the perpetrators.

Part of the offensive, he said, is the review of the current IT legislation.
He disclosed that his agency has already forwarded a bill to the National
Assembly. The bill, when passed, is expected to make adequate provisions for
dealing with internet-based Advance Fee Fraud, otherwise known as 419.

Ajayi stressed the need for constant review of IT laws to match the dynamics
of the industry. The menace of cyber-crime has resulted in some internet
hosts abroad threatening to cut off some Nigerian ISPs from their networks.

Open source knowledge base

2003-02-13

http://www.tectonic.co.za/default.php?action=view&id=95

Part technology, part academia, Wikipedia is taking the open source idea to new levels with an online, collaborative encyclopedia to which anyone can contribute. (from the Tectonic Newsletter: email news@tectonic.co.za)

South Africa: Do codes of ethics make a difference?

2003-02-13

http://www.africapulse.org/index.php?action=viewarticle&articleid=950

On average, the morals of IT professionals who work for an organisation with a code of ethics are significantly higher than professionals working for companies that do not have a code. Communication and enforcement of a code of ethics is essential in raising public awareness of the code and in minimizing unethical behaviour.

DRILLBITS & TAILINGS: NEWS AND CAMPAIGNING ON MINING, OIL AND GAS

2003-02-13

http://www.moles.org/ProjectUnderground/drillbits/index.html

Drillbits & Tailings is a monthly mining, oil, and gas update published by Project Underground. It is available online in English and Spanish. Back-issues are archived on the web site www.moles.org To subscribe, send a BLANK EMAIL to: englishdrillbits-subscribe@topica.com

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT MAILING LIST

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/enewsl/13266

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court is a network of well over 1,000 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) advocating for a fair, effective and independent International Criminal Court (ICC). If you are interested in keeping abreast of day-to-day developments pertaining to the ICC, you are invited to subscribe to the email list, icc-info@yahoogroups.com To subscribe simply email icc-info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

IRIN Daily News Briefs

2003-02-13

http://www.irinnews.org/aidsfp.asp?selectweekly=Daily

IRIN PlusNews has launched a new service - the "Daily News Briefs". Sharply written, informative and original, the news briefs service was designed for use by radio stations. It is now available to regular subscribers who want a more comprehensive feed on HIV/AIDS news across Africa.

new zim online publication

2003-02-13

http://www.zim-messenger.com/

A new online Zimbabwean publication has launched, reports http://www.balancingact-africa.com The Zimbabwe Online Messenger is comprised of voluntary employees that also include professionals in journalism as well as editors. The purpose of the on-line paper is to keep Zimbabweans living abroad informed about events taking place in Zimbabwe. The on-line paper also provides links to other Zimbabwean newspapers.

newsletter on resources for human rights education

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/enewsl/13264

ERC-L is a monthly e-mail newsletter about new resources for human rights education and training on the web site of Human Rights Education Associates (HREA). HREA's Resource Centre consists of: a Library; a Forums section with various discussion lists related to human rights and human rights education; a Human Rights Education Links section; and a Databases section. To subscribe to ERC-L send an e-mail to: Majordomo@hrea.org with the following message: subscribe erc-l. Archives of previous newsletters can be found at: http://www.hrea.org/lists/erc-l/markup/maillist.php

osisa Capacity Building Programme Guidelines

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/fundraising/13336

Any organization or individual wanting to get funds or establish partnership with OSISA, should send an initial letter of inquiry that shows how its own initiative relates to the mission, strategies and guidelines of OSISA. This letter should present the executive summary of the proposal and should include the project's goals and objectives, the activities of the project, the rationale and methodology, expected outputs, and a budget summarizing resources needed for the whole project and what is being requested from OSISA.
Capacity Building Programme Guidelines on:

www.osisa.org
1. Vision
A region where individuals, groups, organizations and social movements have the skills, critical knowledge and resources to enable them develop positive values and strong institutions necessary for living in and sustaining open societies.

2. Mission
To contribute to the social capital necessary for the provision of a visionary leadership, through internships, fellowships, training and organizational development assistance.

3. Purpose of the programme
The purpose of the programme is to develop critical thinking skills, visionary leadership and strong institutions to face the many challenges of the 21st Century. The programme will seek to bridge the often-artificial divide between academia and research on one hand and practitioners on the other. It will seek to identify creative, visionary social innovators and leaders and give them support for their own growth as well as for the growth of their organizations.

4. Goal
To contribute to the development and retention of a critical mass of social innovators, visionary leaders and strong civil society organizations.

5. Guiding principles
OSISA (www.osisa.org) will endeavour to support projects:

· That are innovative and offer new, different or exciting ways of dealing with issues · Programmes that contribute to bridging the gap between academia/research and practitioners as a means of capacity building · That contribute to developing people's critical thinking · That provide organizational development support to projects that are innovative and have potential to offer a "ground breaking" way of dealing with an issue · That provide organizational development support to civil society organizations contributing to long-term sustainability.

· Formal skills training specific for the development and sustenance of civil society mobilization and advocacy work.

6. Key areas of support
OSISA will support projects that are operating at various levels. High priority will be placed on interventions that:

· Recognize and reward innovation · Mobilize resources beyond the traditional narrow approach of fund-raising from donors · Recognize and reward not just academic excellence but academic input into thinking and practice · Organizational development that has a clear, well-thought and proven methodology.
· Programmes that make creative use of Diaspora Africans.

In addition, OSISA will support programmes that satisfy the following criteria:

o Community participation throughout the project cycle o The meaningful participation of women in the entire project cycle and the production of gender disaggregated data (not just numbers, but quality participation and representation o The participation of young people in decision making throughout the entire project cycle according to their evolving capacities.

o The implementing organization has to fully subscribe to open society ideals not just for its beneficiaries, but also within its own organizational ranks such as gender equity and employee rights.

o Innovative programmes that maximize resources.
o Approaches that provide interesting learning lessons and are sustainable.

7. What OSISA will not fund
o Generalized capacity-building with no proven impact will not be supported
o Academic or research projects that have no clear or discernible linkages with practice
o Individual scholarship programmes

8. Method of applying to OSISA
Any organization or individual wanting to get funds or establish partnership with OSISA, should send an initial letter of inquiry that shows how its own initiative relates to the mission, strategies and guidelines of OSISA. This letter should present the executive summary of the proposal and should include the project's goals and objectives, the activities of the project, the rationale and methodology, expected outputs, and a budget summarizing resources needed for the whole project and what is being requested from OSISA. The inquiry letter should not be any longer than two pages. OSISA programme staff will review the initial inquiry and engage in further discussions with the applicant should the proposal show some promise. The applicant will then be asked to submit a full proposal.

Full proposals should contain:

• An explanation of the initiative, including what the problem or need is, and the environment in which it will be implemented;
• The intended impact;
• A description of the activities that will be undertaken;
• How the programme will be implemented and the relationship to stakeholders, government, and/or other funders or implementers;
• Project costs and financing sources;
• A timeframe for the project and measures taken to ensure sustainability; and
• Issues and risks in the project and how these will be addressed.
• An indication of the capacity of the organization to implement the project.

The following information must accompany the full proposal:
• A copy of the organization's constitution or governing rules;
• Description of organization's goals and objectives;
• List of organization's board members, executives, essential programme staff and membership;
• Most recent annual activities and financial report; • Most recent evaluation, if relevant;
• A detailed explanation of how the organization is addressing sustainability issues as well as a list of current sources of funding;
• Other donors who have been approached to the fund project submitted to OSISA. Provide name of relevant individual at donor agency and their contact information.

Guidelines for proposal writing are available on request.
Application documents should be forwarded to OSISA's office in Johannesburg. Applications are reviewed on an-ongoing basis with continuous interaction between OSISA and the applicant. Although preliminary assessment and interaction regarding a proposal is the responsibility of the Programme Officer, the overall decision lies with the OSISA board. For further information on OSISA's Capacity Building Programme contact:

The Executive Director Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa P O Box 678, Wits 2050 Johannesburg, South Africa.

Telephone: + 27 (11) 403 3414/5/6 Fax: +27 (11) 403 2708 Generic e-mail: osisainfo@osiafrica.org <mailto:osisainfo@osiafrica.org> Website: www.osisa.org Ashraf Patel Program Officer Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's)
OSISA Tel 27 11 403 3414 Fax 27 11 403 2708 cell 27 84 606 6066

OSISA's Information and Communication Technology Program Guidelines launched

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/fundraising/13337

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) has formally launched it's new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program Guidelines. We hereby invite organisations to engage with OSISA on developing effective proposals for ICT's and Development in Southern Africa.
OSISA's Information and Communication Technology Program Guidelines launched

Now Open for proposals on :

www.osisa.org

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) formally launched it's new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program Guidelines. We hereby invite organisations to engage with OSISA on developing effective proposal for ICT's and Development in Southern Africa. .

For detailed information on program guidelines and proposal development and submissions, do contact Mr A Patel, ICT program on email ashrafp@osiafrica.org mailto:ashrafp@osiafrica.org.

VISION
A region whereby citizens live equitably, free from poverty and the suffocating grip of underdevelopment and the control of information. A region where adequate access to information for development is secured by ensuring appropriate access for civil society to effectively participate in the Global Information Society (GIS).

MISSION
To contribute towards an environment whereby the free and equitable flow of information and the deployment of appropriate technologies, systems and knowledge networks are applied to enhance and deepen citizen's rights, access, usage and participation towards an open society.

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
OSISA believes that the free flow of information is essential for the development of open society. Rapid developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the flow of information in the global society. While information is more available on the Internet, it is not accessible to those without the skills and infrastructure to access it. Information technology can be harnessed to contribute to development but can also lead to digital exclusion, particularly of vulnerable groups.

GOAL
· To support the strengthening of ordinary citizen's participation and social networks in, and influence of the ICT policy and regulation processes;
· To support initiatives that aim to further local development goals through effective and innovative application of ICTs;
· To ensure that the southern African region is not marginalised but fully equipped and ready to effectively participate and advocate in all aspects of the global Information Society.

SUB PROGRAMS
The sub-program areas are:

· Advocacy Initiatives in the ICT area for Policy and Regulation
· Consortia Development in Knowledge Applications and New Content
· Civic Networking and Community Information Systems
· Electronic Governance, E Democracy and Cyber Liberties

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

OSISA's ICT Program will support interventions based on:

1 Digital Inclusion and Opportunity Programmes aimed at giving civil society formations an equitable opportunity to be included in the Information Society and Community.

2 Affordable Access and Equity Ensuring the principle of affordable access to all forms of ICT's in all projects is factored into and catered for.

3.Alternative ICT Technology and Delivery Systems for civil society
One of the unique aspects of new ICT's in the African context is that it presents interesting opportunities and options to experiment with new technologies and leapfrog many old and outdated technologies. The program seeks to support innovative and unique approaches to new technology application;
4.Application for Social Action Ensure that all ICT applications lead to organic social action that empowers civil society formations, NGO's and civic networks;
5. Networking and Knowledge sharing Ensure that networking, information sharing and idea generation takes place to develop indigenous knowledge systems and avoid duplication;
6. Effective Use and Social Appropriation Ensure that the principle of effective use of all types of ICT's is secured in all projects and localized at organizational, civic, regional and continental levels.

Ashraf Patel Program Officer Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's)
OSISA Tel 27 11 403 3414 Fax 27 11 403 2708 cell 27 84 606 6066

SOUTH AFRICA: A SOLITARY COAST TO COAST JOURNEY TO RAISE FUNDS

2003-02-13

http://www.thusanang.org.za/index.php?option=news&task=viewarticle&sid=177

According to the Daily Dispatch, Steve Heath has embarked on a month-long journey from Cape Town to KwaZulu -Natal to raise funds for the Bobbi Bear Foundation. Bobbi Bear is a national charity for abused children. Steve is pushing a 85kg trolley which carries a tent, food, fishing rods and clothes as well as a South African flag and a red teddy bear. The Bobbi Bear Foundation is hoping to raise R500 000 from Steve's long journey.

South Africa: Eskom donates sewing machines

2003-02-13

http://www.thusanang.org.za/index.php?option=news&task=viewarticle&sid=178

The Daily Dispatch reports that the Eskom Development Foundation has donated 10 industrial sewing machines for the Happy Home Centre for Disabled Children in the Eastern Cape. The Foundation is providing a helping hand to the Centre for the second time after it realised the significant impact of a first donation it made in 2001.

South Africa: School gets a new home

2003-02-13

http://www.dispatch.co.za/2003/02/13/easterncape/chome.html

A school founded in a shearing shed seven years ago moved to brand new buildings last week, thanks to the work of the Vusisizwe Trust and the AngloGold Fund. Since 1990 the trust has funded and managed the construction of 1051 classrooms, administration facilities and toilets at 56 Eastern Cape schools at a cost of R96,4 million.

Uganda: UK Gives Shs 1.5bn for Education Policy

2003-02-13

http://allafrica.com/stories/200302120656.html

Britain has given Shs 1.5bn (£600,000) to boost education in Uganda through the Commonwealth Education Fund. The fund was started in 2002 by the British government to help poor countries develop their education systems. Seventeen Commonwealth countries, including Uganda, are to benefit from the initial fund of £10m.

11th Training Course on the Use of International Human Rights Procedures

25th - 30th April 2003, Niamey Niger, The Gambia

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/13211

The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is a Pan- African organisation, established in The Gambia in 1989. Since its inception, the Centre has been at the forefront in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy in Africa, through training, action-oriented research, publications and documentation. The 11th Training Course on the Use of International Human Rights Procedures for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Africa, is one of the main tools of ACDHRS to promote and protect human rights in Africa.
African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies

11th Training Course on the Use of International Human Rights Procedures
for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Africa
25th - 30th April 2003, Niamey Niger, The Gambia.

The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is a Pan- African organisation, established in The Gambia in 1989. Since its inception, the Centre has been at the forefront in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy in Africa, through training, action-oriented research, publications and documentation. The 11th Training Course on the Use of International Human Rights Procedures for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Africa, is one of the main tools of ACDHRS to promote and protect human rights in Africa.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this Course is to build the capacities of young human rights activists, on the use of regional and international instruments and mechanisms to promote and protect in Africa. This Course anticipates that participants would seize their governments and relevant national, regional or global human rights institutions on issues regarding the rights of women in their countries, and also embark on human rights education programmes.

The training course is conducted in both English and French with simultaneous interpretations. The Course comprise general lectures, debates, simulation sessions, round table discussions etc, that focus on the African Human Rights System, The United Nations Human Rights System and International Human Rights Law..

Other topics such as the African Union and the New Partnership for African Development and what they hold for the African woman would also be analysed, as well as the Human Rights aspects of HIV/AID in Africa.

RESOURCE PERSONS

Resource persons would be eminent African human rights experts.

FINANCE

There are only very limited numbers of scholarships available for the training course. Candidates wishing to apply for these limited scholarships should do so early. However, applicants who can secure their own funding would be automatically selected to participate. Candidates would be responsible for all pre- departure expenses including communication, medical, visa, passports etc expenses, as well as all transit expenses, as their contribution to the Course.

The cost of participation is roughly estimated at $500 inclusive of accommodation, food, administration expenses and tuition. The scholarships offered by ACDHRS include airfare, board, lodging, tuition documents and administration costs.

PLACE AND DURATION OF THE COURSE

The Course would take place for 6 days, from 25th to30th April 2003, in Niamey, Niger,.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTION

Candidates must meet the following requirements to be accepted:

· Must be between the ages of 25-40 years old.
· Must have at least one-year experience in human rights work.
· Must occupy a position relevant to the training and as such demonstrate the ability to make use of the course in his/her work.
· Must be able to write and speak fluently in either English or French.
· Must submit a one-page curriculum vitae
· Must submit a one-page letter of support from the Head of their organisations affirming that all the post-Course requirements shall be implemented.
· Selected candidates would be required to submit prior to their arrival for the Course, a five-page report on the human rights situation in their countries.
· Participants would be required to undertake a project in line with their duties in their organisations, where the benefits of the Course would be applied and he/ she would report back to the Centre on the project.
· ACDHRS funded participants would be required to participate in the Forum on the participation of NGOs in the 33rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), scheduled to take place in Niamey, immediately after the Course, from 2 to 4 May 2003 and the public sessions of ACHPR at the same venue, from October 5-8 May, 2003. Candidates would be given further information on this upon selection.
· Participants would be required to complete and submit an impact assessment form on the Course after one year.
· Candidate should indicate the project they may want to undertake.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

All application should reach the ACDHRS on or before 21st February 2003. Late applications would not be accepted. Successful applicants would be informed of their selection by 15th March 2003. Candidates are encouraged to send their applications by fax or email. Below is the contact address of the African Centre.

The Executive Director
African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies
Zoe Tembo Building,
Kerr Sereign.
The Gambia
Tel: (220) 462340
Fax. (220) 462338
Email: training@acdhrs.org

Digital Opportunities for Africa - Community Multimedia Centres

Dakar, Senegal 12-17 June 2003

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/13265

UNESCO in collaboration with AMARC Africa is organising a pan-African symposium on Community Multimedia Centres from 12-17 June 2003 in Dakar, Senegal. The aim of this meeting is to find out more about how community radio stations across Africa are using ICTs in order to forge a strategy for larger-scale CMC development in Africa.
Conference on "Digital Opportunities for Africa - Community Multimedia Centres"
Dakar, Senegal 12-17 June 2003


UNESCO in collaboration with AMARC Africa is organizing a pan-African
symposium on Community Multimedia Centres from 12-17 June 2003 in Dakar,
Senegal. The aim of this meeting is to find out more about how community
radio stations across Africa are using ICTs in order to forge a strategy for
larger-scale CMC development in Africa.

The first part of this meeting will be a workshop from 12-15 June, bringing
together representatives of a selection of community radio stations that are
successfully offering some form of public access to ICTs or planning to do
so and also ICT-based projects such as community telecentres planning to
start community radio as part of their operations.

The purpose of this workshop is to:
1. Exchange experiences and compare models, approaches and contexts
2. Identify needs and recommend measures to meet these needs for successful
project implementation
3. Make recommendations for a coherent programmatic approach to CMC
development in Africa that can serve as a rallying point for all partners
and stakeholders including donors

The second part of this meeting, on 16-17 June, will bring together
international partners including national development agencies and
international governmental and non-governmental organizations in a
roundtable on CMC project support in Africa. The roundtable will examine
models of best practice and determine partnership strategies for programme
development that ensures full community appropriation of NICTs,
sustainability, networking and technical support systems.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

AMARC Africa - Michelle Ntab at tel: +27 (11) 403 7913 or email:
regc@global.co.za

UNESCO - Stella Hughes at S.Hughes@unesco.org



__________________________
Shingai Nyoka
Communications Officer
AMARC Africa
Suite 109, Private Bag X42
Braamfontein 2017
South Africa
Tel: 27 11 403 7913
Fax: 27 11 403 7514
E-mail:comofficer@global.co.za

Election Observation

Pretoria, South Africa, 19-29 May 2003

2003-02-13

http://www.hrea.org/erc/Calendar/463.html

This unique two-week course aims to standardise, consolidate and strengthen the institution of election observation in Africa. Through this we attempt to contribute to a credible and genuine assessment of elections in Africa. The course will also deal with problematic issues such as cultural sensitivities on the continent. We are confident that this course will contribute to a culture where aspects such as democracy, civil society and human rights and a respect thereof form the basis of African societies.

HREA Distance Learning Course: INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION

1 September-23 November 2003

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/13260

The course will introduce the international field of human rights education (HRE), including presentations of programming approaches, teaching and learning resources, and related theory. The course is intended for educators and trainers working in both the formal and non-formal sectors. Participants will be assisted in the development of a curriculum, training, or planning to use these skills to further their organisation's advocacy efforts.
HREA Distance Learning Course 8E03:
INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION
1 September-23 November 2003

Instructors: Nancy Flowers and Felisa Tibbitts

The course will introduce the international field of human rights
education (HRE), including presentations of programming approaches,
teaching and learning resources, and related theory. The course is
intended for educators and trainers working in both the formal and
nonformal sectors. Participants will be assisted in the development of a
curriculum, training, or plan to use these skills to further their
organization's advocacy efforts. Participants might be expected to apply
these skills within formal education settings, for staff development
within their own organizations, and for outreach and advocacy.

The course has the following sequence. First, it will introduce the human
rights framework and programming approaches and teaching materials in use
worldwide. This will be followed by a presentation of interactive teaching
methods and related pedagogical theory. Participants will then explore
discipline-based approaches to HRE, examining programming and sample
materials that come from the social sciences, the humanities and the
sciences. This will be complemented by an examination of "issue" oriented
education and advocacy approaches to HRE, drawing examples from children's
rights, women's rights and the rights of minorities. Several sessions will
be devoted to building the skills of participants, by reviewing how to
develop a learning experience, use the Internet for resources and
integration of assessments.

The course involves approximately 60 hours of reading, on-line working
groups, interaction among students and instructors, and assignments, and
is offered over a 12-week period beginning on 1 September. E-mail will be
the main medium for the course, although participants will need to have
periodic access to the Web. This course will integrate active and
participatory learning approaches within activities and assignments, with
an emphasis on reflective and collaborative learning. Participants will do
the required reading, prepare interim and final project assignments and
participate in group discussions.

The maximum number of course participants is 25. Students who successfully
complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It is
also possible to audit the course.


COURSE OUTLINE

Weeks 1-4: Introduction

Week 1. Orientation to the course
Week 2. Introduction to Human Rights
Week 3. Introduction to Human Rights Education
Week 4. Models and methods of teaching HRE

Weeks 5-7: Discipline-based Approaches to Human Rights Education

Week 5. HRE and the Social Sciences
Week 6. HRE and the Humanities
Week 7. HRE and the Sciences

Weeks 8-9: Practical Tools for HRE

Week 8. Developing Learning Activities
Week 9. Finding Resources and Integrating Use of the Internet

Weeks 10-12: Issue-Oriented Education and Advocacy Approaches

Week 10. HRE Approaches for Children's Rights
Week 11. HRE Approaches for Women's Rights
Week 12. HRE Approaches for Minority rights/non-discrimination


ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Nancy Flowers is a former secondary school teacher who has worked as a
trainer and writer in the field of human rights education for over 15
years. Ms. Flowers assisted Amnesty International in the development of
their HRE program and has consulted worldwide with governments,
nongovernmental organizations and UN agencies. Ms. Flowers is the author
of numerous HRE publications, including Local Action/Global Change:
Learning about the Human Rights of Women and Girls (UNIFEM, 1999) and the
Human Rights Education Handbook (University of Minnesota, 2000). She holds
the BA degree from the University of Georgia and Cambridge University, and
an MA from Columbia University.

Felisa Tibbitts is co-founder and director of Human Rights Education
Associates (HREA). Ms. Tibbitts has worked with local educators and
curriculum writers in developing national HRE programs in schooling
systems in numerous countries in Central/Eastern Europe. She has
participated in HRE trainings in over a dozen countries and consults with
inter-governmental, governmental and non-governmental agencies about HRE
programs. Ms. Tibbitts has published numerous articles on HRE, focusing
primarily on policy and applied research. She holds a BA degree and two
masters degrees (Public Policy; Education) from Harvard University.


WHO SHOULD APPLY

The course is intended for educators and trainers working in secondary
schools and adult learning environments. Candidates should have a good
written command of English and have high competence and comfort with
computers and Internet use. HREA aims to ensure equal gender and
geographical distribution across the selected participants.


COSTS

The course tuition fee is US$ 525 (tuition for auditors is $200). A
limited number of scholarships is available for applicants from Africa,
Arab World, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe/Newly Independent States,
Latin America/Caribbean through the support of the Dutch Foreign Ministry.


APPLICATION

The deadline for applications is 15 May 2003. Applications received after
that day unfortunately cannot be accepted. Successful applicants will be
notified by 1 June 2003. Full tuition payment is due on 15 August 2003.


APPLICATION FORMS

Applications forms (in Word and PDF format) can be downloaded from:
http://www.hrea.org/courses/application8E03.doc [Word]
http://www.hrea.org/courses/application8E03.pdf [PDF]

Inquiries about the course can be sent to applications@hrea.org

Human Rights Information and Documentation Management

Lagos, Nigeria, 25-28 February 2003

2003-02-13

http://www.hrea.org/erc/Calendar/483.html

This course is designed to meet the skills development needs of staff from human rights and development NGOs, government agencies, the judiciary, and other institutions with responsibility for information and documentation functions in Nigeria.

The Southern Africa Institute of Fundraising

Workshops & training courses for February and March

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/13295

The Southern Africa Institute of Fundraising are pleased to announce a variety of Workshops & training courses to be held during February and March. Click on the link below for course information and contact details.
The Southern Africa Institute of Fundraising are pleased to announce a variety of Workshops & training courses to be held during February and March.



26, 27, 28 February &#8211; &#8220;Making Sense of the Internet&#8221; &#8211; three day workshops in Johannesburg
24-26 February - Resource Mobilisation and Fund Development &#8211; 3-day Certificated Course &#8211; East London
3 March &#8211; Proposal Writing &#8211; Cape Town
4-6 March - Resource Mobilisation and Fund Development &#8211; 3-day Certificated Course &#8211; East London
4 March &#8211; Presentation and Public Speaking Skills &#8211; Johannesburg
10 March &#8211; Proposal Writing &#8211; George
12 March &#8211; Business Plans for NGOs and completing Application Forms &#8211; Grahamstown
17 March - Business Plans for NGOs and completing Application Forms &#8211; Durban
18-20 March - Resource Mobilisation and Fund Development &#8211; 3-day Certificated Course &#8211; Durban
25, 26, 27 March &#8211; &#8220;Making Sense of the Internet&#8221; &#8211; three day workshops in Cape Town
26 March &#8211; Branding and Marketing for NPOs &#8211; Johannesburg


BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL and bookings close one week prior to the Workshop!

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS &#8211;

CONTACT NOELEEN MULLETT on 011 794 5224 or admin@saifundraising.org.za

Traditional Healing & HIV/AIDS Conference

20-21 July, 2004, Dakar, Senegal

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/courses/13261

In association with the Government of the Republic of Senegal and ENDA TM, we shall host our 4th International Conference & Exhibition on Traditional Medicine under the theme: "Traditional Healing & HIV/AIDS" at Hotel Meridien President, Dakar, Senegal, West Africa.
Senegal Traditional Healing & HIV/AIDS Conference
-------------------------------------------------

20-21 July, 2004
Dakar, Senegal

We are pleased to inform you that, in association with the Government
of the Republic of Senegal and ENDA TM, we shall host our 4th Inter-
national Conference & Exhibition on Traditional Medicine under the
theme: "Traditional Healing & HIV/AIDS" at Hotel Meridien President,
Dakar, Senegal, West Africa. This conference was originally slated
for July 2002 but had to be postponed because of September 11, 2001
terrorists attacks on the world.

The objectives of the 2 days plenary conference are:

(a) To update the world on the current situation of the HIV/AIDS epi-
demic, its trends, social and cultural impacts, in order to ascertain
the needs and appropriate areas of intervention for the future;

(b) To determine the role of traditional healers in the fight against
HIV/AIDS, based on successes achieved, issues of prevention, educa-
tion, research and ethics;

(c) To foster constructive dialogue and education between practitio-
ners of conventional medicine and traditional medicine;

(d) To promote better understanding of traditional healing practices
in various social and cultural backgrounds; and

(e) To stimulate alliances and networking between traditional healers
associations around the globe.

Below are some of the speakers and the topics they would discuss at
the conference:

1) Searching For Anti-HIV Agents Among The Traditional Medicines
Dr. Masao Hattori, Department of Metabolic Engineering, Institute of
Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical & Pharmaceutical University, Japan.

2) Cure & Prevention Of HIV/AIDS Infected People In Africa
Dr. Jean-Pierre Coulaud, Director of the French Institute of Tropical
Medicine & African Epidemiology, Director of Tropical Health Depart-
ment Xavier Bichat Faculte-University of Paris, Director of WHO Col-
laborating Center for STD (Institute Alfred Fournier) France and Pro-
fessor of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota School of Public
Health USA.

3) Dr. Mariza Morgado, Senior Scientist, Department of Immunology,
Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Brazil;

4) Botanical Identification of Medicinal Plants Used In The Treatment
of HIV/AIDS And Malaria In Masaiti and Mpongwe Districts, Zambia
Mr. Joseph Mthetwa, Senior Scientist, Tropical Diseases Research Cen-
tre, Department of Clinical Sciences, Traditional Medicine Research
Unit. (Currently working with WHO AFRO in Harare to evaluate Tradi-
tional Medicine used to treat HIV/AIDS and Malaria), Zambia;

5) Integrating Traditional Medicine Into Modern (Orthodox) Medicine:
One of the Biggest African Challenges at the Beginning of the 21st
Century
Dr. G.A. Balint, WHO Expert, Head, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacol-
ogy, Dept of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, Hungary

6) (1) History of the HIV/AIDS alternative movement in the United
States (2) Summary of RCTs of Natural Medicines In HIV/AIDS Patients
(3) Promising areas of research: (a) Garlic/NK cell activity; (b)
Combination antiviral botanical therapy; (c) Ultrahigh dilutional cy-
tokine
Dr. Leanna J. Standish, Senior Scientist, Bastyr University AIDS Re-
search Center, Washington, USA.

7) A Primary T Cell Model To Study The Regulation of HIV Replication
and Persistence
Dr. Celsa Spina, Associate Adjunct Professor, Department of Pathol-
ogy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.

8) Therapy In AIDS - Maintenance of Health of HIV/AIDS Patients
Dr. Angha S. Kulkarni, Aids Ayurvedic Care & Counselling Charitable
Center, India.

9) The Integration of Traditional Medicine Into Conventional Medical
Education
Dr. Ellen Tattelman, Associate Professor, Albert Einstien College of
Medicine, New York, USA.

10) The role of traditional medicine in HIV treatment and prevention
in the United States Native American population
Dr. Ben Muneta, President of the Association of American Indian Phy-
sicians, Oklahoma, USA.

11) Effect Of Acupuncture And Herbal Medicines On Immunological Re-
sponse In Humans
Dr. J. Federico Rivas V, Specialty in Acupuncture and Phytotherapy,
Head, Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous Univer-
sity-Iztapalapa, Mexico.

12) The Role of Traditional African Healers in the Fight Against
STD's, HIV and AIDS in South Africa Ms.
Rebecca Rogerson, Traditional Healer, South Africa

This list would be updated along with relevant information as and
when we receive abstracts of the remaining resource persons who have
indicated their willingness to participate.

Additional information can be found at:
http://www.africa-first.com/4thICTM.asp

This conference is open to administrators, practitioners, educators
and students of modern and ancient medicine from Africa, Asia, Aus-
tralia, New Zealand, Europe, North America and South America relating
to HIV/AIDS and other ailments.

Part of the event would be the displays of the ancient and modern
sciences and arts of healing diseases, and the exhibition of pharma-
ceutical properties, herbs and plants of medicinal values used in the
cure of various ailments, especially HIV/AIDS, by practitioners from
remote regions of the world.

The overall objectives of the conference are to:

(a) Assemble modern and indigenous doctors, nurses, students and ex-
hibitors, who are currently engaged in conventional and alternative
health administration, practices, services, and studies, among the
world's diverse populations, for presentations, discussions and ex-
change of real life experiences and knowledge in medicine and health-
care relating to HIV/AIDS;

(b) Generate a pool of invaluable scientific findings to enhance
medical education, scientific research and the provision of health-
care in HIV/AIDS related settings; and

(c) Share the findings with interested governmental and non-
governmental agencies, institutions of learning and practice of medi-
cine for possible integration into public health policies and global
health education.

We respectfully invite the African Networks for Health Research & De-
velopment (AFRO-NETS), its members, associates and affiliates every-
where in the world, to participate in this conference in order to
share their experiences and benefit from the experiences of other re-
source persons on the issues of HIV/AIDS as to how the epidemic could
be eliminated and prevented.

We shall also be grateful to receive the assistance of the African
Networks for Health Research & Development, its members, associates
and affiliates everywhere in the world in spreading news about this
conference through any means possible to give opportunity to all con-
cerned about the threats of HIV/AIDS to attend.

We look forward to receiving your timely and favourable response.

Sincerely,

J.William Danquah, President/CEO
Africa First, LLC
517 Asbury Street 11, St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
Tel: +1-651-646-4721
Fax: +1-651-644-3235
mailto:info@africa-first.com
http://www.africa-first.com/eventindex.asp

BURUNDI: SENIOR FIELD OFFICER

Christian Aid

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/13253

We're looking for an experienced and motivated individual to represent Christian Aid in Burundi. With responsibility for Christian Aid's Burundi programme, you will manage the staff and field office, develop Christian Aid's policy and programme, and contribute to the strategic planning of the wider team.
Senior Field Officer - Burundi (2 years unaccompanied)
£23,505 p.a.

We're looking for an experienced and motivated individual to represent
Christian Aid in Burundi. With responsibility for Christian Aid's Burundi
programme, you will manage the staff and field office, develop Christian Aid's
policy and programme, and contribute to the strategic planning of the wider
team. You will have at least five years international development experience,
including appraising, monitoring and evaluating projects, strategic project
management and managing staff. Ability to work in an insecure environment and
fluent French/English are essential. This post is based in Bujumbura. Ref:
615/RC

Closing date: Thursday 20th February Interviews: Week
commencing 3rd March
Start date: Mid March 2003

To find out more about any of these vacancies, please send a self addressed
envelope (41p, A4 size) to The Human Resources Department, Christian Aid, PO
Box 100, London SE1 7RT, letting us know which posts you are interested in, or
email your full postal address to: hr@christian-aid.org

Job descriptions and an application form are also displayed on the Internet.
The website address is: http://www.christian-aid.org.uk

kenya: senior analyst

international crisis group

2003-02-13

http://www.fpa.org/jobs_contact2423/jobs_contact_show.htm?doc_id=147650

The job includes devising, in collaboration with the members of ICG's Central Africa team and the Africa Program Co-Director, a detailed schedule of field research and writing tasks to be carried out; Conducting field research into prevailing security, social, political and economic conditions in Central Africa and; Analysing specific issues linked to the political stability, economic regeneration and the prevention of further conflict.

senior directors

amnesty international

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/13255

Amnesty International is a worldwide organization campaigning on human rights issues. The International Secretariat in London is the movements centre for international research, campaign action and policy making. It employs over 400 staff across international, regional and resource programs. As part of an extensive change process the International Secretariat has been reorganized and the management system is being restructured to strengthen leadership, delivery and accountability of all staff. To this end, Amnesty International wishes to appoint two new Senior Directors, who together with the Secretary General and the Executive Deputy Secretary General will form the senior leadership team.
2 Senior Directors £46,000 -£56,000 (negotiable depending on experience)

Amnesty International is a worldwide organization campaigning on human rights issues. The International Secretariat in London is the movements centre for international research, campaign action and policy making. It employs over 400 staff across international, regional and resource programs. As part of an extensive change process the International Secretariat has been reorganized and the management system is being restructured to strengthen leadership, delivery and accountability of all staff. To this end, Amnesty International wishes to appoint two new Senior Directors, who together with the Secretary General and the Executive Deputy Secretary General will form the senior leadership team.

Senior Director (Movement Support)
You will be responsible for leading the preparation and implementation of a movement wide strategy for membership development and growth; promoting the understanding of development as a challenge for the entire AI movement; leading the implementation of human rights education to strengthen AI&#8217;s role in the global human rights movement; and participating in the corporate management of the International Secretariat.
Ref no &#8211; OSG/03/02

Senior Director (Regional)
You will be responsible for providing political advice on regional operations; leading the planning, development and implementation of regional strategies; overseeing regional programs, including the application of policy, research, action and development standards; and participating in the corporate management of the International Secretariat.
Ref no &#8211; OSG/03/03

As a key member of the senior leadership team you will report directly to the Secretary General. Your vision, leadership and team spirit must be complemented by personal confidence and professional expertise in your field. You will have had significant experience at a senior management level and must be able to work collaboratively, making decisions swiftly and effecting strong delivery. You will be recognized as a leader in your field; have a number of years of experience in innovative application of your expertise; bring commitment and energy to match the weight of your responsibilities; and offer demonstrated capacity to motivate and empower others.

Closing date 6 March 2003
Interviews to be held week commencing 31 March 2003

For further information and to apply online, please visit our website www.amnesty.org/jobs or fax (+44) 20 7413 5822 quoting the above reference.

The International Secretariat of Amnesty International actively promotes cultural diversity and equal opportunities.

south africa: Project Coordinator

Municipal Services Project

2003-02-13

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/jobs/13256

The Municipal Services Project (MSP) is looking for an experienced Project Coordinator to manage research and administrative activities in the second phase of the project.  This is a three-year contract position from March 2003 to March 2006.  The Coordinator will ideally be based in Cape Town at the International Labour Research and Information Group Trust (ILRIG) offices, affiliated with the University of Cape Town, although candidates located in Johannesburg or Durban will be considered. 
Municipal Services Project
Project Coordinator
South Africa office

The Municipal Services Project (MSP) is looking for an experienced Project Coordinator to manage research and administrative activities in the second phase of the project. This is a three-year contract position from March 2003 to March 2006. The Coordinator will ideally be based in Cape Town at the International Labour Research and Information Group Trust (ILRIG) offices, affiliated with the University of Cape Town, although candidates located in Johannesburg or Durban will be considered. The salary and benefits package will be commensurate with experience. Details on the MSP and a description of the job responsibilities and qualifications are provided below.

Please send a copy of your CV, a letter describing your suitability for the position, and the names and contact details of three referees to the following address by March 5, 2003:

Moses Cloete
Director, ILRIG
PO Box 1213 Woodstock
Cape Town 7915

Please also send this information electronically via email to ilrig@wn.apc.org


If you have any questions please contact one of the following people:

Moses Cloete - phone: (27-21) 476-375, Fax: (27-21) 448-2282, email: ilrig@wn.apc.apc.org

David McDonald phone (+1-613) 533-6962, fax (+1-613) 533-2171, email: dm23@post.queensu.ca

Patrick Bond phone: 011-717-3917, Fax: 011-484-2729
email:bondp@zeus.mgmt.wits.ac.za


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

Background on the MSP

The MSP is a research, policy and educational initiative examining the restructuring of municipal services in South(ern) Africa. The first phase of the project examined the impacts of decentralization, privatization, cost recovery and community participation on the delivery of basic services to the rural and urban poor. The second phase (March 2003 - March 2006) will continue to explore these service delivery themes and expand the work to include a closer examination of the health implications of these policy developments (including public, industrial and mental health). The work will also expand geographically to include more countries in Southern Africa as well as selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Research partners are the International Labour Resource and Information Group, Queen's University (Canada), the University of the Witwatersrand, the South African Municipal Workers Union, the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, Equinet (Harare), and the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The project is funded in part by the partner organizations and by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada. More details can be found at www.queensu.ca/msp

Key responsibilities

Project Administration
- ensure research plans are implemented according to plan, time, budget
- organize and attend Steering Committee meetings
- organize project conferences and workshops
- consolidate and coordinate project research contracted to outside organizations
- liaise daily with project Co-Directors
- oversee part-time Project Administrator

Information Dissemination
- oversee production and distribution of project publications
- develop and implement grassroots workshops and education programmes related to project research
- develop and oversee implementation of media strategy

Partnership Building
- represent MSP at partner organization meetings
- explore and coordinate new partnership links

Fundraising
- identify new sources of funding for related project activities
- write and submit funding proposals

Reporting
- consolidate regular project reports for internal and external use

Financial management
- manage the project budget and produce regular financial reports with assistance of Project Administrator
- produce regular financial projections


Qualifications needed
- extensive project management experience
- strong inter-personal and communication skills
- experience in an academic environment as well as with NGOs and labour organizations
- knowledge of municipal service debates and policies in South(ern) Africa
- experience with financial budgeting, or a demonstrated ability to oversee the production of budgetary reporting
- strong report writing skills
- research experience an asset but not necessary

Fahamu