----------
From: Nunu <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, 02 Jun 2004 09:39:09 -0700
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [Adna-list] UPDATE: Questions for '04 Presidential/Congressional
Candidates

ADNA UPDATE: 040602
Message from:  Advocacy Network for Africa
For contact information see also:
http://adna.africafocus.org
contact: Leon Spencer - [log in to unmask]

The Advocacy Network for Africa has developed some questions for
presidential and congressional candidates. We encourage you to take
advantage of opportunities to raise questions of candidates for Congress
and President about Africa. Below are some possibilities from which to
choose. It does not matter if the candidates have already answered the
questions in some other setting. The point of questions is not only to
secure an answer, of course, but also to signal to the candidate that there
are voters who care about his or her position on Africa-related issues.

Questions for President Bush

Questions for Presidential Challengers to President Bush

Questions for Congressional Candidates

****

What about Africa?
Questions for President Bush in the 2004 Campaign

DEBT
Despite international debt relief programs for developing countries,
African countries are still paying more on debt repayments to foreign
creditors than they are investing in education and health.  Debt relief has
allowed countries to redirect their resources to improving important social
services, but these countries still lack adequate funding to improve these
services to address the needs of their people.
? Will you commit to 100% cancellation of bilateral and multilateral debt
owed by impoverished African countries in a second term?
? Do you think the debt relief provided thus far is sufficient, or should
the United States use its role in the World Bank to push for complete debt
cancellation?
? Given your administration's success in securing the cancellation of Iraqi
debt incurred by Saddam Hussein, would you promote the cancellation of
illegitimate debt incurred by other dictators, such as Mobutu Sese Seko in
the Congo and Charles Taylor in Liberia?

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
The UN Millennium Development Goals and the 0.7% of GNP as an appropriate
standard for development assistance offer a vision of responsibility to
those in need around the world, where stunning numbers of people lack safe
water and sanitation, do not attend school, have limited access to health
care, and earn less than a dollar a day.
? Do you commit to the UN Millennium Development Goals and a fair-share
proportion of support for those goals by the United States?  If not, why
not?
? Do you support 0.7% as an appropriate standard for US development
assistance?  If not, why not?
? In a second term would you take steps to ensure that capacity building
and technical assistance programs supported by the US are used in a manner
that will permit African countries to define their own priorities and
agenda?  For example, would you ensure that technical assistance with
regard to intellectual property rights and patent policy strengthen African
capacity to address those issues in accord with their own perspectives and
concerns?
? In a second term would you seek to bring to an end the US policy of "tied
aid" in development assistance programs?  If not, why not?
? In a second term would you increase your budget to confront malaria,
tuberculosis, and the global AIDS pandemic to $5.4 billion - the US fair
share of a need-based total?

HIV/AIDS
There are nearly 30 million people in sub-Saharan Africa living with
AIDS.  Some 7,000 Africans die every day from AIDS-related causes.
? Are you prepared to ensure that any US-Africa trade agreements fully
respect the intent of the Doha Declaration to place public health ahead of
pharmaceutical patents?
? In a second term would you commit to substantial support of the Global
Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis?

HUMAN RIGHTS
Despite African efforts to improve and consolidate the respect and
protection of fundamental human rights, in a majority of African countries
security forces and senior members of the executive branch enjoy impunity
in practice as well as by law.  There is either a total absences of
mechanisms to protect human rights or under-resourced and weak judicial
systems to do so.  Members of civil society, including the independent
media and human rights groups, are perceived as political opponents and
dissidents and are subject to harassment, arrest and ill-treatment.  Women
face widespread discrimination ranging from the lack of equal access to
education, participation in their political systems, and economic
opportunity to systematic and brutal sexual violence, including as a weapon
of war.
? In a second term, how would you ensure that human rights considerations,
such as that provided in the Leahy Law (a provision in recent
appropriations legislation prohibiting US military assistance to foreign
military units that violate human rights with impunity [as expanded from
the 1997 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act]), would serve as the
central criteria for all military and security assistance to African
countries?
? What actions would you envision the US undertaking to support the right
and ability of civil society organizations in Africa to operate freely?
? The rule of law as well as just and effective policing are both key
components to establishing safe, secure environments in which lasting
long-term development can take place. In a second term would you increase
funding for such programs?
? What initiatives would you commit the US to support towards working with
African and women's organizations to improve the respect and protection of
women's rights?
? In a second term, will you reconsider your opposition to the
International Criminal Court?  If not, why not?
? In a second term, how would your human rights policy inform your
counter-terrorism measures?

PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
US diplomatic and financial support for conflict resolution in Africa is
essential for both regional and global stability. Unresolved conflicts in
Sudan, the Great Lakes region and West Africa continue to threaten
democratic progress and development efforts in the continent as a whole.
The human suffering and economic toll are devastating.  Secretary of State
Colin Powell has referred to the war in Sudan as "the greatest tragedy in
the world today."  US support for bilateral and multilateral efforts to end
ongoing wars in Africa and ensure a sustainable post-conflict
reconstruction is critical.
? In a second term would you be prepared to reconsider your refusal to sign
the landmines treaty?
? Would you be prepared to limit US marketing of small arms to Africa, and
help prevent illegal small arms trafficking?
? How would you envision a US role in the prevention of the use of child
soldiers?
? What would be your policy with regard to the training of foreign military
and law enforcement officers in Africa?
? What would be your policy regarding US participation in peacekeeping
operations in Africa?

TRADE RIGHTS
While the US speaks frequently of seeking a "level playing field," US trade
relations with Africa are seriously distorted in the US's favor. The US
seeks "free" trade for US products in African markets while maintaining
domestic agricultural subsidies that prevent African agricultural products
from competing in the world and US markets as well as their own domestic
market.  In terms of trade policy and farmers' rights, Africans at the WTO
are pushing to have community and traditional rights to seeds, plants and
crops recognized in international law versus attempts by multinational
corporations to patent those resources for private profit. Meanwhile, there
is a growing attempt by human rights advocates to have access to freshwater
for drinking and sanitation declared a fundamental human right, including
by the Congress.   And as various trade negotiations proceed, civil
society, in the US and in Africa, are effectively prevented from
participation.
? How do you distinguish between concepts of fair trade and free trade?  Is
the distinction of importance to you?
? In a second term would you be prepared to limit or end domestic
agricultural subsidies?
? Where do you stand on the patenting of living organisms like seeds and
plants?
? Would you agree that US trade and economic policies should recognize
water as a basic human right?
? Are you prepared to embrace the "precautionary principle" as an
appropriate standard on biotechnology issues?
? In trade negotiations between the US and the Southern Africa Customs
Union, and potentially in other US-Africa trade negotiations in the next
several years, in what ways would you ensure transparency in the
negotiations and mechanisms for civil society participation?

****

What about Africa?
Questions for 2004 Presidential Challengers to President Bush

GENERAL
? How will Africa figure in the foreign policy priorities of your
administration?

DEBT
Despite international debt relief programs for developing countries,
African countries are still paying more on debt repayments to foreign
creditors than they are investing in education and health.  Debt relief has
allowed countries to redirect their resources to improving important social
services, but these countries still lack adequate funding to improve these
services to address the needs of their people.
? Will you commit to 100% cancellation of bilateral and multilateral debt
owed by impoverished African countries?
? Do you think the debt relief provided thus far is sufficient, or should
the United States use its role in the World Bank to push for complete debt
cancellation?
? Given the Bush administration's success in securing the cancellation of
Iraqi debt incurred by Saddam Hussein, would you as President promote the
cancellation of illegitimate debt incurred by other dictators, such as
Mobutu Sese Seko in the Congo and Charles Taylor in Liberia?

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
The UN Millennium Development Goals and the 0.7% of GNP as an appropriate
standard for development assistance offer a vision of responsibility to
those in need around the world, where stunning numbers of people lack safe
water and sanitation, do not attend school, have limited access to health
care, and earn less than a dollar a day.
? Do you commit to the UN Millennium Development Goals and a fair-share
proportion of support for those goals by the United States?  If not, why
not?
? Do you support 0.7% as an appropriate standard for US development
assistance?  If not, why not?
? Would you as President take steps to ensure that capacity building and
technical assistance programs supported by the US are used in a manner that
will permit African countries to define their own priorities and
agenda?  For example, would you ensure that technical assistance with
regard to intellectual property rights and patent policy strengthen African
capacity to address those issues in accord with their own perspectives and
concerns?
? Would you as President seek to bring to an end the US policy of "tied
aid" in development assistance programs?
? Would you as President seek an annual budget to confront malaria,
tuberculosis, and the global AIDS pandemic of $5.4 billion - the US fair
share of a need-based total?

HIV/AIDS
There are nearly 30 million people in sub-Saharan Africa living with
AIDS.  Some 7,000 Africans die every day from AIDS-related causes.
? Do you think what the United States is doing currently about this issue
is enough?
? What would be your priorities in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis in
Africa?
? Are you prepared to ensure that any US-Africa trade agreements fully
respect the intent of the Doha Declaration to place public health ahead of
pharmaceutical patents?
? Would you as President commit to substantial support of the Global Fund?

HUMAN RIGHTS
Despite African efforts to improve and consolidate the respect and
protection of fundamental human rights, in a majority of African countries
security forces and senior members of the executive branch enjoy impunity
in practice as well as by law.  There is either a total absences of
mechanisms to protect human rights or under-resourced and weak judicial
systems to do so.  Members of civil society, including the independent
media and human rights groups, are perceived as political opponents and
dissidents and are subject to harassment, arrest and ill-treatment.  Women
face widespread discrimination ranging from the lack of equal access to
education, participation in their political systems, and economic
opportunity to systematic and brutal sexual violence, including as a weapon
of war.
? As President, how would you ensure that human rights considerations, such
as that provided in the Leahy Law (a provision in recent appropriations
legislation prohibiting US military assistance to foreign military units
that violate human rights with impunity [as expanded from the 1997 Foreign
Operations Appropriations Act]), would serve as the central criteria for
all military and security assistance to African countries?
? What actions would you envision the US undertaking to support the right
and ability of civil society organizations in Africa to operate freely?
? The rule of law as well as just and effective policing are both key
components to establishing safe, secure environments in which lasting
long-term development can take place. Would you as President increase
funding for such programs?
? What initiatives would you commit the US to support towards working with
African and women's organizations to improve the respect and protection of
women's rights?
? Will you commit to support US participation in the International Criminal
Court?  If not, why not?
? As President, how would your human rights policy inform your
counter-terrorism measures?

PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
US diplomatic and financial support for conflict resolution in Africa is
essential for both regional and global stability. Unresolved conflicts in
Sudan, the Great Lakes region and West Africa continue to threaten
democratic progress and development efforts in the continent as a whole.
The human suffering and economic toll are devastating.  Secretary of State
Colin Powell has referred to the war in Sudan as "the greatest tragedy in
the world today."  US support for bilateral and multilateral efforts to end
ongoing wars in Africa and ensure a sustainable post-conflict
reconstruction is critical.
? Would you, as President, sign the landmines treaty?
? Would you be prepared to limit US marketing of small arms to Africa, and
help prevent illegal small arms trafficking?
? How would you envision a US role in the prevention of the use of child
soldiers?
? What would be your policy with regard to the training of foreign military
and law enforcement officers in Africa?
? What would be your policy regarding US participation in peacekeeping
operations in Africa?

TRADE RIGHTS
While the US speaks frequently of seeking a "level playing field," US trade
relations with Africa are seriously distorted in the US's favor. The US
seeks "free" trade for US products in African markets while maintaining
domestic agricultural subsidies that prevent African agricultural products
from competing in the world and US markets as well as their own domestic
market.  In terms of trade policy and farmers' rights, Africans at the WTO
are pushing to have community and traditional rights to seeds, plants and
crops recognized in international law versus attempts by multinational
corporations to patent those resources for private profit. Meanwhile, there
is a growing attempt by human rights advocates to have access to freshwater
for drinking and sanitation declared a fundamental human right, including
by the Congress.   And as various trade negotiations proceed, civil
society, in the US and in Africa, are effectively prevented from
participation.
? How do you distinguish between concepts of fair trade and of free
trade?  Is the distinction of importance to you?
? What is your position on agricultural subsidies?
? Where do you stand on the patenting of living organisms like seeds and
plants?
? Would you agree that US trade and economic policies should recognize
water as a basic human right?
? Are you prepared to embrace the "precautionary principle" as an
appropriate standard on biotechnology issues?
? In trade negotiations between the US and the Southern Africa Customs
Union, and potentially in other US-Africa trade negotiations in the next
several years, in what ways would you ensure transparency in the
negotiations and mechanisms for civil society participation?

****

What about Africa?
Questions for 2004 Congressional Candidates

GENERAL
? How will Africa figure in your foreign policy priorities in Congress?

DEBT
Despite international debt relief programs for developing countries,
African countries are still paying more on debt repayments to foreign
creditors than they are investing in education and health.  Debt relief has
allowed countries to redirect their resources to improving important social
services, but these countries still lack adequate funding to improve these
services to address the needs of their people.
? Will you support 100% cancellation of bilateral and multilateral debt
owed by impoverished African countries?
? Do you think the debt relief provided thus far is sufficient, or should
the United States use its role in the World Bank to push for complete debt
cancellation?
? Given the Bush administration's success in securing the cancellation of
Iraqi debt incurred by Saddam Hussein, would you support the cancellation
of illegitimate debt incurred by other dictators, such as Mobutu Sese Seko
in the Congo and Charles Taylor in Liberia?

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
The UN Millennium Development Goals and the 0.7% of GNP as an appropriate
standard for development assistance offer a vision of responsibility to
those in need around the world, where stunning numbers of people lack safe
water and sanitation, do not attend school, have limited access to health
care, and earn less than a dollar a day.
? Do you support the UN Millennium Development Goals and a fair-share
proportion of support for those goals by the United States?  If not, why
not?
? Do you support 0.7% as an appropriate standard for US development
assistance?  If not, why not?
? Would you support legislation to ensure that capacity building and
technical assistance programs supported by the US are used in a manner that
will permit African countries to define their own priorities and
agenda?  For example, would you support provisions that technical
assistance with regard to intellectual property rights and patent policy
strengthen African capacity to address those issues in accord with their
own perspectives and concerns?
? Would you support an end the US policy of "tied aid" in development
assistance programs?
? Would you support 2005 appropriations to confront malaria, tuberculosis,
and the global AIDS pandemic of $5.4 billion - the US fair share of a
need-based total?

HIV/AIDS
There are nearly 30 million people in sub-Saharan Africa living with
AIDS.  Some 7,000 Africans die every day from AIDS-related causes.
? Do you think what the United States is doing currently about this issue
is enough?
? What would be your priorities in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis in
Africa?
? Are you prepared to insist that any US-Africa trade agreements fully
respect the intent of the Doha Declaration to place public health ahead of
pharmaceutical patents?
? Would you commit to substantial support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS,
Malaria and Tuberculosis?

HUMAN RIGHTS
Despite African efforts to improve and consolidate the respect and
protection of fundamental human rights, in a majority of African countries
security forces and senior members of the executive branch enjoy impunity
in practice as well as by law.  There is either a total absences of
mechanisms to protect human rights or under-resourced and weak judicial
systems to do so.  Members of civil society, including the independent
media and human rights groups, are perceived as political opponents and
dissidents and are subject to harassment, arrest and ill-treatment.  Women
face widespread discrimination ranging from the lack of equal access to
education, participation in their political systems, and economic
opportunity to systematic and brutal sexual violence, including as a weapon
of war.
? Are you committed to ensuring that human rights considerations, such as
that provided in the Leahy Law (a provision in recent appropriations
legislation prohibiting US military assistance to foreign military units
that violate human rights with impunity [as expanded from the 1997 Foreign
Operations Appropriations Act]), would serve as the central criteria for
all military and security assistance to African countries?
? What actions would you envision the US undertaking to support the right
and ability of civil society organizations in Africa to operate freely?
? The rule of law as well as just and effective policing are both key
components to establishing safe, secure environments in which lasting
long-term development can take place. Would you support increased funding
for such programs?
? What initiatives would you support towards working with African and
women's organizations to improve the respect and protection of women's
rights?
? Will you support US participation in the International Criminal
Court?  If not, why not?
? How do you think human rights policy should inform US counter-terrorism
measures?

PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
US diplomatic and financial support for conflict resolution in Africa is
essential for both regional and global stability. Unresolved conflicts in
Sudan, the Great Lakes region and West Africa continue to threaten
democratic progress and development efforts in the continent as a whole.
The human suffering and economic toll are devastating.  Secretary of State
Colin Powell has referred to the war in Sudan as "the greatest tragedy in
the world today."  US support for bilateral and multilateral efforts to end
ongoing wars in Africa and ensure a sustainable post-conflict
reconstruction is critical.
? Would you support US ratification of the landmines treaty?
? Would you be prepared to support legislation or international agreements
limiting US marketing of small arms to Africa and helping to prevent
illegal small arms trafficking?
? What further US role would you envision in the prevention of the use of
child soldiers?
? What would be your position with regard to the training of foreign
military and law enforcement officers in Africa?
? What would be your position regarding US participation in peacekeeping
operations in Africa?

TRADE RIGHTS
While the US speaks frequently of seeking a "level playing field," US trade
relations with Africa are seriously distorted in the US's favor. The US
seeks "free" trade for US products in African markets while maintaining
domestic agricultural subsidies that prevent African agricultural products
from competing in the world and US markets as well as their own domestic
market.  In terms of trade policy and farmers' rights, Africans at the WTO
are pushing to have community and traditional rights to seeds, plants and
crops recognized in international law versus attempts by multinational
corporations to patent those resources for private profit. Meanwhile, there
is a growing attempt by human rights advocates to have access to freshwater
for drinking and sanitation declared a fundamental human right, including
by the Congress.   And as various trade negotiations proceed, civil
society, in the US and in Africa, are effectively prevented from
participation.
? How do you distinguish between concepts of fair trade and of free
trade?  Is the distinction of importance to you?
? What is your position on agricultural subsidies?
? Where do you stand on the patenting of living organisms like seeds and
plants?
? Would you agree that US trade and economic policies should recognize
water as a basic human right?
? Are you prepared to embrace the "precautionary principle" as an
appropriate standard on biotechnology issues?
? In trade negotiations between the US and the Southern Africa Customs
Union, and potentially in other US-Africa trade negotiations in the next
several years, what ways would you support to ensure transparency in the
negotiations, including effective congressional oversight as well as civil
society participation?

----------------------------------------------
This message is distributed through the Advocacy Network for Africa (ADNA)

Nunu Kidane
Advocacy Network for Africa (ADNA)
Communications Facilitator for ADNA
http://adna.africafocus.org

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