---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Fri, 05 Oct 2001 17:35:54 -0700
From: Charlotte Utting <[log in to unmask]>
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To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [WASAN] FW: KABISSA-FAHAMU-SANGONET NEWSLETTER 36 - JUSTICE ON
HOLD: IMPUNITY IN KENYA
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From: "Kabissa-Fahamu-SANGONeT Newsletter" <[log in to unmask]>
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Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 21:40:09 -0400
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: KABISSA-FAHAMU-SANGONET NEWSLETTER 36 - JUSTICE ON HOLD: IMPUNITY
IN KENYA
KABISSA-FAHAMU-SANGONET NEWSLETTER 36 * 7862 SUBSCRIBERS
This Newsletter is an advocacy tool for social justice. It is open to any
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others about your work, events, publications, and concerns. The quality and
range of information depends on you.
CONTENTS: 1. Editorial, 2. Conflict, Emergencies, and Crises, 3. Rights and
Democracy, 4. Corruption, 5. Health, 6. Education and Social Welfare, 7.
Women and Gender, 8. Refugees and Forced Migration, 9. Racism and
Xenophobia, 10. Environment, 11. Media, 12. Development, 13. Internet and
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Courses, Seminars, and Workshops, 17. Advocacy Resources, 18. Jobs, 19.
Books and Arts, 20. Letters and Comments
If you have e-mail access, you can get web resources listed in this
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1.EDITORIAL
JUSTICE ON HOLD: IMPUNITY IN KENYA
By Mutuma Ruteere, Kenya Human Rights Commission
Ten years ago, Kenyan leaders wrote a new chapter to its history. In a
series of well-publicised meeting, senior government leaders, including the
Vice President, declared war on Kenyans supporting democratic reforms.
Immediately thereafter, on October 29, 1991, the first houses were torched
and the first drops of blood shed in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It
was the beginning of a campaign of violence that the Kenya Government – even
to this day - seeks to explain away as ethnic violence.
By 1994, over 1,500 Kenyans were dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.
Since then the ghost of violence has regularly visited Kenya. In 1997, this
caravan of death set up camp at the coastal region leaving up to a hundred
people dead and hundreds of thousands of others homeless. Evidence
implicated the complicity of senior politicians and government officials.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission estimates that in the last decade
state-sponsored violence has left over 4,000 people dead and nearly 6,000
forced to flee their homes. Another recent survey put the figure of those
not yet resettled at 228,744.
Ten years on, the perpetrators of these crimes still freely walk the breadth
of the country. Many retain their places of honour in the cabinet. Those
senior civil servants who failed to stop the violence have never been
disciplined. Security officials who failed defend those attacked still
remain at their posts. None sleeps uneasy for fear that the arm of justice
may yet catch up with them.
Neither has any of them resigned for their shameful failure. None has yet
been called to account. Their victims are either dead or in no position to
bring them to justice. Justice is still doled out on their terms. And
because they preside over the government, they have defined the limits on
who gets punished and who does not.
Impunity has become the by-word for governance in Kenya. From the looting of
government corporations to the daylight execution of suspects by the police,
the hydra of impunity has been reproducing itself. It now the single most
serious threat to what remains of the justice system in Kenya.
This is why the independent Kenya Human Rights Commission has started a
campaign to stem this tide of impunity. The Commission’s campaign seeks to
ensure, among other things, resettlement of victims of state-sponsored
terror and individual accountability for human rights violations. The
campaign against impunity in Kenya is not isolated from the tide of world
events shaping our reality. Few can ignore the impact that the Pinochet case
has had on the fight against impunity. That case has set a precedent for
what other dictators could face. Pinochet is now a milestone on that road
that justice may yet be done even when it takes years. And there are several
others. Several countries now have laws facilitating the prosecution of
foreigners for international crimes committed abroad.
The world over, boltholes for violators of human rights violators are
getting sealed. There are several, well known torturers within the Kenyan
police force. Those who bankrolled the orgies of political violence in the
Rift Valley and the Coast provinces in Kenya are well known. They have
names. They have faces. Their names are on every victim's lips. Naming these
violators is one way of blowing off their veil of comfort. Their victims
have been named. Just as those who have survived atrocities have had to wear
their identities as sufferers so should the perpetrators too wear the
identities of shame.
It might be argued that the mere naming of underwriters of death is too
feeble a response; a meaningless endeavour. However, history counsels that
naming names of violators is a powerful first step in the road to justice.
Even governments with the most brazen records of human rights violation will
deny their guilt. Impunity only thrives best under the cloaks of anonymity.
It is a badge of arrogance only won in the security of the collective.
Yet, it will never be possible in Kenya to bring to justice all the
violators of human rights. It has never been possible anywhere in the world.
Decades after its nightmare of disappearances, Argentina is yet to bring to
account the bulk of its military that authored the terror. Having relived
its pain of apartheid, through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
South Africa hopes it has drawn the line on its past. None of the architects
of apartheid has been booked for appointment with justice. Zimbabwe has its
own chamber of horrors. The Matabeleland massacres of the Mugabe government
have remained shielded from public scrutiny. Mugabe did not begin his orgy
of violence with the commercial farmers. Up to 20,000 Zimbabweans are
believed to have been killed in the 1980s violence, largely executed by
Mugabe’s 5 Brigade.
The Kenyan campaign is anchored on the belief that peace and reconciliation
can only be anchored by justice. Individual perpetrators must bear personal
responsibility for certain rights violations. It is individuals who torture
and kill and burn houses. There is now universal jurisdiction for certain
violations that constitute international crimes. In deed we are, but a few
steps from an international criminal court.
The struggle against impunity in Kenya, as elsewhere, will require a
combination of strategies. From court action to sustained political
pressure. To be effective it will not be just a campaign restricted to Kenya
but one that takes advantage of developments at the international level.
That is why it involves an alliance of actors. There are no illusions that
it will be easy. The Kenya Government still leans its weight on all
institutions of justice. Part of the battle will be institutional reform.
Even at the international level there are real difficulties to be overcome.
Many of the powerful governments have abetted in the perpetuation of
impunity. Trade and national interests all too often have been allowed to
trump human rights. We only need to look at the diplomatic dance being
played out over Sudan since it started drilling oil.
The fight against impunity will be not bear quick results. But then, no such
struggles have been easy.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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2.CONFLICT, EMERGENCIES, AND CRISES
BIN LADEN 'SET FOR MOVE TO SOMALIA'
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/archive/3-10-19101-1-7-18.html
US intelligence officials believe that Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda
organisation may be moving its operations base out of Afghanistan to
Somalia. Bin Laden may also be planning to follow.
BIO AND CHEMICAL ATTACK DEFENCES URGED
http://www.paho.org/English/DPI/px010924.htm
The United Nations health chief has urged countries around the world to set
up defences against biological and chemical attacks.
BLAIR PROMISES TO STAND BY AFRICA
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1575000/1575428.stm
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has described the current state of poverty
in Africa as "a scar on our consciences". And he said that if the world as a
community focused on it, it could be healed but if not "it will become
deeper and angrier".
BURUNDI: PEACE MEETINGS MAKE PROGRESS SAYS MANDELA
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/burundi/20011002.phtml
Nelson Mandela, the chief mediator of the Burundi peace talks, said on
Monday that leaders of the Great Lakes countries had agreed to "a number of
issues" that had been hindering implementation of the Burundi peace
agreement, Radio Tanzania reported.
DRC CEASEFIRE UNDER THREAT
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1571000/1571974.stm
The much vaunted ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo is looking
more precarious by the day.
DRC: ANNAN PRESENTS UPDATE ON RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/drc/20011002.phtml
A report released on Monday by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on economic
aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) says that transparency and
liberalisation advocated by Kinshasa at the political and economic levels,
and with respect to human rights, offers a "real opportunity to end the
crisis".
GLOBAL SECURITY AFTER THE ATTACK ON AMERICA
Resolution Of The African Group
We, the African scholars, researchers, academics, practitioners and others
from Africa and the diaspora who attended the Open Forum, STRONGLY CONDEMN
AND ABHOR the attack in America (on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon)
causing the reckless destruction of life and property by persons yet
unidentified; and as Africans, we stand for a humane, just, fair and
democratic world order and community that promotes and defends the sanctity
of human life and dignity everywhere.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3144
KENYA: FORGOTTEN TERRORISTS AND THE LONG ROAD TO HEALING
http://www.gemininewsservice.com/default.asp?content=articlesmp&id=369
In the last major terrorist attack on US installations, 244 people were
killed and 5,000 injured in East Africa more than three years ago. Nairobi
was the worst hit, with 226 fatalities. A Gemini News Service correspondent
looks at how the city rebuilt itself - and how its residents are still
trying to come to terms with the act of outrage.
LIBERIA: BORDER REOPENS WITH SIERRA LEONE, GUINEA
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/liberia/20011001.phtml
Liberia's President, Charles Taylor, on Friday announced the reopening of
its borders with neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea, the pro-government
Radio Liberia International (RLI) reported.
SUDAN TO RELEASE OPPOSITION LEADERS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1573000/1573096.stm
Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has halted the trial of several opposition
activists accused of plotting with the United States against Sudan.
SUDAN: GOVERNMENT SAYS IGAD TALKS "CRUCIAL" FOR PEACE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/sudan/20011002.phtml
A senior adviser to Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir has said the
IGAD-sponsored peace process is a crucial part of efforts to end Sudan's
18-year civil war, AFP reported on Monday.
SUDAN: US SANCTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/sudan/20011001.phtml
The US said on Friday that it would continue to impose restrictions on Sudan
despite the UN Security Council's decision on Friday to lift its five
year-old sanctions, news agencies reported.
UN FINDING A PLACE IN WAR AGAINST TERRORISM
http://www.oneworld.org/ips2/sept01/19_47_049.html
China, Egypt, Iran and Pakistan are calling for a U.N.-sponsored coalition
against terrorism. The move offers the world body a chance to reassert
itself but Washington has some reservations.
UN: ANNAN URGES GLOBAL ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/other/20011002.phtml
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Monday urged all countries of the world
to join the international fight against terrorism, warning that without
united, global action the effort would fail.
ZIMBABWE: LAND TALKS COLLAPSE
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2680
Talks between white farmers and the Zimbabwean government over land seizures
and lawlessness on farms collapsed in deadlock last week.
ZIMBABWE: NO DEAL ON VIOLENCE, SAYS GOVT
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2679
President Robert Mugabe's government insists Zimbabwe did not agree to curb
violence on white-owned farms under the Abuja land deal.
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3.RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY
ANGOLA: GOVT MEETS UN FACT FINDING MISSION
http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/Frm_note.htm
A UN technical team is on an 'exploratory mission' in Angola to learn about
the country's peace process and the consolidation of democracy.
ERITREA: ITALIAN AMBASSADOR ASKED TO LEAVE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/eritrea/20011002a.phtml
The government of Eritrea has asked Antonio Bandini, the Italian ambassador
in Asmara, to leave the country following European Union (EU) protests over
alleged human rights violations in Eritrea in the last two weeks.
GUINEA-BISSAU: OPPOSITION WANTS PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ON VOLATILE SITUATION
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/guineabissau/20011002.phtml
Leaders of opposition parties in Guinea-Bissau agreed on Tuesday to press
for the holding of an extraordinary session of the National Assembly to
discuss the situation in the West African country, a diplomatic source in
the capital, Bissau, told IRIN.
KENYA TEAM TAKEN TO TASK OVER RAPE REPORT
http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/29092001/News/News18.html
A report which exposes the rape of children during ethnic clashes puts Kenya
on the spot at a United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child meeting
in Geneva.
KENYA: OGIEK CASE TO BEGIN OCTOBER 4
The case in which the Ogiek community in Kenya has taken the government to
court over the fate of their Mau Forest land will begin on October 4. The
Ogiek, a forest dwelling Kenyan community has been fighting for their right
to remain on their ancestral land in the Mau Forest, Rift Valley Province of
Kenya.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3187
KENYA: SIX BEATEN TO DEATH IN POLICE CELL HORROR
http://www.nationaudio.com/News/DailyNation/Today/News/News69.html
Six people have been found battered to death in a cell at Thika police
station, in the outskirts of Nairobi. Five of them were found dead in the
tiny room, with injuries all over their body, while a sixth died while being
taken to hospital by police.
NAMIBIA: SPECIAL FORCES SHOOT CIVILIANS
http://www.namibian.com.na/2001/September/news/0118C76330.html
Human rights monitors say two civilians were shot dead by a detachment of
Special Field Force on a routine patrol along the Okavango River, some 130
km east of Rundu.
NIGERIA RATIFIES INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT STATUTE
http://www.iccnow.org
On Thursday, September 27, the Federal Republic of Nigeria ratified the Rome
Statute of the International Criminal Court, thereby becoming the 39th State
Party to the treaty.
SCALE OF HUMAN BONDAGE OUTSTRIPS SLAVERY
http://www.oneworld.org/ni/issue337/keynote.htm
About 27 million people are shackled in conditions akin to slavery around
the world today. This number is higher than during the heyday of the
colonial slave trade, says Dinyar Godrej in the latest online edition of New
Internationalist.
TANZANIA: SMALL SCALE GOLD MINER DEATHS
Mining Watch Canada and the NGO Working Group on the Export Development
Corporation join with environmental and human rights groups in the United
States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Tanzania to call for an
independent investigation into allegations of mass killings and forced
relocation of small scale miners at the Bulyanhulu gold mine in Tanzania in
1996.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3123
UGANDA: PARLIAMENT URGED TO REJECT PROPOSED NGO LAW
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/uganda/20011002.phtml
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday called on the Ugandan Parliament to
reject a proposed law which it claimed would threaten the legitimate
activities of civil society.
ZIMBABWE: CHITEPO KILLERS NAMED
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2709
Top Zanu commanders from the Dare Rechimurenga and the Zanla High Command
killed former Zanu chairman, Herbert Chitepo, in Zambia in 1975, a special
report by a Zambian commission into the late leader's mysterious death
reveals.
ZIMBABWE: HUMAN RIGHTS BRIEFING
A Briefing Paper For SADC Leaders
Between 1980 and 2000 Zimbabwe was a relatively peaceful, stable and
generally tolerant country. It is now being torn apart by violence and the
ZANU (PF) government is now constantly inciting racial hatred.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3158
ZIMBABWE: HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT
This brief report has been produced to underscore the difficulties in
accepting that elections, be they by-elections or the Presidential election,
can be free and fair in the current situation. The persistence of organised
violence and torture seem to mitigate against any acceptance that the
conditions for holding elections are even close to desirable. The current
by-election in Chikomba constituency provides an interesting case study of
the electoral process in Zimbabwe currently.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3157
ZIMBABWE: JUDGES FREE MUGABE TO SEIZE FARMS
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,562095,00.html
The revamped Zimbabwean supreme court delivered a temporary ruling yesterday
which upheld President Robert Mugabe's "fast track" seizures of white-owned
land.
ZIMBABWE: RIGHTS GROUPS REPEAT CALL FOR ELECTION MONITORS
http://www.fingaz.co.zw/fingaz/2001/September/September27/300.shtml
Civic bodies are being hampered by pro-government militia from carrying out
voter education in some rural areas, ahead of Zimbabwe's 2002 elections.
ZIMBABWE: TSVANGIRAI "I'LL BE ZIMBABWE'S NEXT PRESIDENT"
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2710
MDC Party leader Morgan Tsvangirai told a jubilant rally in Bulawayo that he
would easily win the presidential elections, due before April, in which he
would challenge President Robert Mugabe.
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4.CORRUPTION
GAMBIA: TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL TO OBSERVE ELECTIONS
http://library.northernlight.com/FB20010928730000353.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#
Transparency International, an anti-corruption coalition that strives to
counter the impact of corruption on international and nation business
transactions, is preparing to monitor the forthcoming election in The
Gambia.
GHANA’S ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY CLAIMS A VICTIM
http://www.worldpress.org/1001cover8.htm
When Ghana’s new president, J.A. Kufuor, declared “zero tolerance for
corruption” in his inaugural address, most Ghanaians welcomed the move. Yet
public opinion appeared to have shifted when the policy claimed its first
victim, the naive-looking, ever-smiling youth and sports minister, Mallam
Isa.
GOVERNMENT AND CDC RESORT TO COERCION TO FAST-TRACK COEGA
The suspension of John Carr by the department of Minerals and Energy is the
most damning indictment of government and the Coega Development
Corporation's handling of the Coega project to date, say the Southern
African Public Service Accountability Monitor.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3217
KENYA: CANDIDATES MUST VOW TO FOLLOW CODE OF ETHICS
http://allafrica.com/stories/200109250232.html
Candidates aspiring to vie for parliamentary and civic seats on the
Democratic Party of Kenya ticket must subscribe to its code of ethics.
NIGERIA: BILL OUTLAWING BAIL BOND FEES PASSES SECOND STAGE
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news2/nn834614.html
BAIL bond is not a saleable commodity in Nigeria, but the police are known
to be collecting varying amount of money from sureties, usually in
thousands.
SOUTH AFRICA: ANC ARREST OVER ARMS DEAL
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1576000/1576887.stm
A senior official of the African National Congress has been arrested in
South Africa on charges that he profited from a controversial multi-billion
dollar arms deal in 1999.
THE CONTOURS OF GLOBAL CORRUPTION
http://www.transparency.org/documents/press-releases/2001/2001.08.30.10iacc.
html
The first ever edition of the Global Corruption Report, the new definitive
annual overview of the state of corruption around the globe from
Transparency International, will be released on October 15. It features
analyses of party funding, money laundering and corruption in the diamond
trade, and in-depth regional reports from across the globe, all supplemented
by a data and research section. Regional reports also focus on trends in
corruption and anti-corruption activities.
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5.HEALTH
AFRICA MALARIA VACCINES
What Is In The Pipeline For Africa?
29-31 October 2001, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The founding Conference of
the African Malaria Vaccine Testing Network (AMVTN) was held in Arusha,
Tanzania during February 1995. The second AMVTN Conference was held in 1998
in Accra, Ghana. In between the AMVTN Conferences, we have mainly organized
training workshops, which have benefited over 200 African scientists and
associated staff. Given the progress being made in malaria vaccine research
and development the 3rd Conference of the AMVTN is now planned for
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 29-31 October 2001. For more information
contact:
Prof. W. L. Kilama, Chairman/Coordinator African Malaria Vaccine Testing
Network C26/27 Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology Building
P.O. Box 33207 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3176
Contact: [log in to unmask]
ANGOLA: SLEEPING SICKNESS SCARE BLAMED ON POOR LIVING CONDITIONS
http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/Frm_note.htm
The Angolan government has warned that at least four million Angolans run
the risk of catching sleeping disease, due to the precarious conditions of
housing and sanitation.
BIRTH PREPAREDNESS AND COMPLICATION READINESS TOOL
Many more women and newborns would survive childbirth if they received the
care they need when they need it. This issue is addressed by the Birth
Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BP/CR) tool that has been developed
by the Maternal and Neonatal Health Program (a partnership of JHPIEGO,
JHU-CCP, PATH, CEDPA) to facilitate the advance preparation and rapid action
that can reduce delays in deciding to seek care, reaching care and receiving
care.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3173
Contact: [log in to unmask]
DRC: WHO BEGINS RETURN TO BRAZZAVILLE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/congo/20011002.phtml
The World Health Organisation regional office for Africa begins its return
to Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on Tuesday after a four-year absence
caused by civil war, the UN agency reported.
GLOBAL HEALTH WORKERS 'CAUTIOUS' ABOUT ANALYSING ATTACK ON US
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv.cfm
Some global health workers are now "cautious" about making the case that the
security of developed countries is linked to the health of underdeveloped
nations, according to Nils Daulaire, president and CEO of the Global Health
Council.
ISLAM WITH THE INTERNET COULD DO MUCH TO PREVENT DISEASE
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/323/7314/694/b
Modern public health has paid little attention to prevention tailored
towards Muslims even though the Islamic population now numbers over 1
billion. Religion is a major component of the social life of many
communities throughout the world, but in disease prevention we often use the
concept of "one size fits all," with little recognition of religion or
culture. Religion's positive influences can be incorporated into a strategy
for health promotion and disease prevention by using recent developments in
information technology.
NAMIBIA: GOVT GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO AIDS PROJECT
http://www.namibian.com.na/2001/September/news/0118C67E28.html
The Namibian cabinet this week instructed Health Minister Libertina Amathila
to go ahead with the introduction of a pilot programme for Aids drugs.
RESEARCH BRIEFS ON THE FEMALE CONDOM
http://www.fhi.org/en/topics/fc/index.html
Family Health International has published a series of online research briefs
and other materials on the female condom. The briefs summarize the latest
scientific data and are designed to assist program managers and policy
makers to determine the appropriate role for the female condom in
reproductive health programs.
SOUTH AFRICA: AMBIVALENCE OVER ANTI-RETROVIRALS REMAINS
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv.cfm
The South African government continues to resist efforts to supply its
citizens with antiretroviral drugs, the "only medicines known to slow the
replication" of HIV, the Washington Post reports.
SOUTH AFRICA: CENSUS AVOIDS ISSUE OF HIV/AIDS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/southafrica/20011002a.phtml
South Africa's national census which starts next week, will not include
questions on HIV/AIDS, as the topic was "too sensitive", Motale Phirwa,
National Census Manager of Statistic South Africa, told IRIN on Tuesday.
SOUTH AFRICA: GOVT IN SECRET AIDS TRIALS
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/news.html#snake
The South African government's oil agency, the Central Energy Fund, has
pumped at least R80-million into an unproven, coal-based HIV/Aids treatment
that is being tested on Tanzanian soldiers.
SOUTH AFRICA: TOBACCO CONTROLS WIN OUT
http://www.idrc.ca/reports/read_article_english.cfm?article_num=1021
A tax imposed by South Africa's government on tobacco sales as part of an
anti-smoking drive has led to a decisive fall in cigarette consumption over
the last eight years, according to new research.
UGANDA TO PROVIDE NEVIRAPINE FOR ALL PREGNANT WOMEN
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv.cfm
The Ugandan Health Ministry is considering a mandate to require that all
pregnant women receive nevirapine, a drug that can reduce vertical HIV
transmission by up to 50%.
ZIMBABWE: UP TO 60,000 BORN WITH HIV EACH YEAR
Between 40,000 and 60,000 children are born HIV positive in Zimbabwe every
year, according to a senior health official.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3119
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6.EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE
IN A BOOKLESS SOCIETY, WHY START WITH BOOKS?
http://www.idrc.ca/media/Fuchs_e.html
The USAID officer, committed and caring fellow, said to me: "Richard,
computers in schools? Uganda is still a bookless society. They need books,
not computers!" I had to think about this before replying: "In a bookless
society, why start with books?"—a digital variant of Wayne Gretzky's
injunction to "skate to where the puck is gonna be!"
KENYA: SCHOOLS HIT BY FRESH WAVE OF STUDENT RIOTS
http://allafrica.com/stories/200110010477.html
A new wave of student unrest hit the country yesterday.
MALAWI: GIRLS STILL DROPPING OUT FROM SCHOOL
Pupil enrolment increased a staggering 63 percent when Malawi introduced
free primary school education in 1994, but education authorities are still
battling to keep young girls in class.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3143
TARGETING YOUNG MEN IS KEY IN FIGHT AGAINST AIDS
http://www.panos.org.uk/aids/press_release_youngmen&hiv.htm
Agencies involved in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS must target young
men or risk devastating effects in the long-term, warns a new joint report
from the Panos Institute and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
(UNAIDS).
THE INTERNATIONAL BASIS FOR INTERCULTURAL EDUCATION
Pieter Batelaan And Fons Coomans (ed.)
http://erc.hrea.org/Library/curriculum_methodology/batelaan99.html
The goal of this publication is to make international human rights treaties
more known and particularly those that consider teaching and education as
effective means to shape international human rights standards into reality.
ZIMBABWE: GIVING GIRLS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
http://www.camfed.org/Programmes/Secondary_Education/Zimbabwe_-_Secondary/Gi
rls__Stories/girls__stories.html
The entire educational infrastructure for secondary education in Zimbabwe is
in dismal shape - teachers are scarce, buildings are deteriorating and
crucial educational materials are becoming a luxury. An ever-growing number
of families are forced to make the choice as to which of their children
should attend school. And boys are the favourites. Camfed, an organisation
that works for disadvantaged girls in sub-Saharan Africa, is trying to
change that.
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7.WOMEN AND GENDER
GENDER, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
http://www.aed.org/learnlink/Publications/Gender_Book/Home.htm
This new study examines the current state of gender and IT, in terms of the
opportunities and obstacles women encounter. It also makes important
recommendations for planners, policymakers, and educators. You can download
a pdf copy of the executive summary or the full publication for free.
NEW WEB RESOURCE TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
A comprehensive new web site containing more than 5,000 items from over 400
organizations is now available for professionals working around the globe to
end violence against women. The site allows the user to access policy
documentation, articles and publications on the latest research, training
materials and curricula, and communication materials such as videos,
brochures and posters.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3265
Contact: [log in to unmask]
WOMEN LIVING UNDER MUSLIM LAWS (WLUML)
STATEMENT ON ATTACKS IN THE USA
"We know that indiscriminate violence and terrorism by state and non-state
actors are a global phenomenon. We are particularly aware of the human cost
of terrorism and war frequently perpetrated in the name of religion or
belief systems. However we regard all of these as assaults on the principle
of respect for civilian life."
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3213
Contact: [log in to unmask]
WOMEN'S HUMAN RIGHTS RESOURCES
http://www.wougnet.org/links.html#WHRRW
The purpose of the Women's Human Rights Resources Web Site is to provide
reliable and diverse information on international women' human rights via
the Internet. The site is developed by the Bora Laskin Law Library of
University of Toronto, Canada.
WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS BUILDING PEACE
ENAWA - European and North American WomenAction has a dossier devoted to
messages by women's organizations and feminists, developing a culture of
peace. Women's organizations are invited to send their messages, statements
and petitions to the IIAV for posting on the ENAWA site.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3189
Contact: [log in to unmask]
WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2002
Interview With Director Of Network For Human Development
The Women's Action Agenda 21 was originally the platform used to lobby for a
consideration of women and gender in the United Nations Conference for
Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, 1992 (also known as
the Rio Earth Summit). In 1991 women started getting prepared for the Summit
and in November 1991, 1500 women from 83 countries met in Miami for the
World Women's Conference for a Healthy planet. The Women's Action Agenda 21
grew out of this meeting.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3145
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8.REFUGEES AND FORCED MIGRATION
AFRICA'S LANDLESS: BEGGARS IN THEIR OWN HOUSE
http://www.oneworld.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi?root=129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epe
acelink%2Eit%2Fafrinews%2F66%5Fissue%2F66%5Fissue%2Ehtml%23editorial
Most former British colonies are characterised by glaring land inequalities.
Such sad status was part of the agenda during the recent UN conference
against racism and related intolerances.
BOTSWANA: UN TACKLES REFUGEE QUESTION
http://www.gazette.bw/tbg_head4.htm
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees said southern Africa remains
the most war-torn region in the world, at a meeting in Gaborone aimed at
building regional consensus on the controversial refugee question.
DRC-ANGOLA: ANGOLAN REFUGEES FLEE TO DRC AMID RENEWED FIGHTING
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/drc/20011002c.phtml
Fighting in northern Angola has sent a new wave of refugees into the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) reported on Tuesday.
GETTING HOME IS ONLY HALF THE CHALLENGE:
Refugee Reintegration In War-Ravaged Eritrea
http://www.refugees.org/pub/recent.cfm#eritrea
Within the near future, as many as 160,000 Eritrean refugees who fled to
Sudan during Eritrea’s 30-year war for independence expect to repatriate
with the assistance of UNHCR. Based on a USCR site visit to Eritrea in
February 2001, this report assesses this refugee reintegration into Eritrea
after a decade-long stay in Sudan.
REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS AT WCAR
http://www.icva.ch/cgi-bin/browse.pl?doc=doc00000432#wcar
The third World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination,
Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance (WCAR), held in Durban from August 31 to
September 8, has received largely negative press. But for those of us
present in Durban, this was not the whole picture. The voices of thousands
of victims of racism and xenophobia were heard and the achievements in many
areas were far-reaching. Not least amongst these, were gains made in the
defence of refugee and migrants' rights for which NGOs, in particular,
should be especially proud.
SUDAN: MID YEAR REPORT
US Committee For Refugees
http://www.refugees.org/world/countryrpt/africa/Mid_countryrpt01/sudan.htm
The war has left an estimated 2 million persons dead in southern and central
Sudan since 1983. At the beginning of 2001, approximately 4 million Sudanese
were internally displaced, and 420,000 Sudanese were refugees in neighboring
countries. Despite the war, some 360,000 refugees from other countries
resided in Sudan.
WORLD REFUGEE SURVEY 2001
US Committee For Refugees
http://www.refugees.org/world/worldmain.htm
A must-read for policy makers, government leaders, journalists, educators,
relief workers, and humanitarians alike: the World Refugee Survey 2001
provides exclusive insight and expert analysis of the most up-to-date issues
facing refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide.
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9.RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA
INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS: REPORT ON BRITISH RACISM
Race Think-tank Publishes Damning Indictment Of Government's Record
The Institute of Race Relations is set to publish a wide-ranging report
exposing racism in British government policy, institutions and popular
culture. The report, entitled 'The three faces of British racism', shows how
racism has worsened under a government which claims to be leading the fight
against it. The report focuses on asylum policy and reform of the criminal
justice system as the main areas in which the promise held out by the
Macpherson Report has been squandered.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3216
SOUTH AFRICA: BIN LADEN FUNDED ANTI-SEMITIC GROUP
http://allafrica.com/stories/200110020193.html
The appearance of a pro-Hitler pamphlet at the World Conference Against
Racism (WCAR) held in Durban was one of many ironies attesting to the
continuing strength of raw anti-Semitism. It was published by the
Durban-based Islamic Propagation Centre International, now revealed to have
received at least US $3 million (about R27 million) from Osama bin Laden.
THE ROLE OF HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION AT WCAR
http://www.hrea.org/lists/wcar/flowers.html
Although "measures of prevention, education, and protection aimed at the
eradication of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
intolerance" had been declared a central theme of the World Conference
Against Racism (WCAR), this observer found disappointingly little
examination of education of any kind, especially human rights education, as
a tool to prevent and combat racism.
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10.ENVIRONMENT
EARTH SUMMIT LOOKS BACK 10 YEARS
http://www.foei.org/whatsnew/press2001/25_september_rio.htm
Governments of Europe and North America meeting yesterday to plan the agenda
for next year's United Nations Earth Summit in Johannesburg agreed they will
not go beyond pledges made at the last Earth Summit in 1992.
FAO: TOO MANY VESSELS CHASING TOO FEW FISH
http://www.fao.org/WAICENT/OIS/PRESS_NE/PRESSENG/2001/pren0158.htm
Countries could get more fish from the oceans if they allow overfished
stocks to recuperate, reduce wastage and manage fisheries resources better,
said FAO Director-General, Dr. Jacques Diouf, in Reykjavik (Iceland) today.
GOVERNMENTS TRADE AWAY EARTH SUMMIT?
http://www.foeeurope.org/press/governments_trade_away.htm
Friends of the Earth International today criticised the Governments of
Europe and North America for putting trade priorities above people and the
planet in their plans for next year's Earth Summit.
KENYA: HUMANS REACH OUT TO THE GREAT APES
http://ens-news.com/ens/sep2001/2001L-09-26-02.html
Support for an international effort to save the Earth's remaining great apes
was pledged Tuesday by the government of the United Kingdom in a move
welcomed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
MALI: THOUSANDS AFFECTED BY FLOODS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/mali/20010926.phtml
Two people have died and 2,350 others have been affected by floods in Mali
that have destroyed 1,817 houses and washed away 870 ha of farmland, the
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on
Tuesday.
NAMIBIA: ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY RESIGNS
http://www.namibian.com.na/2001/September/news/011823D6EF.html
Environment and Tourism Permanent Secretary Tangeni Erkana has resigned from
his post in unclear circumstances.
NAMIBIA: NEW CONSERVATION AREAS DECLARED
http://www.namibian.com.na/2001/September/news/01181FA565.html
Two areas in the Kunene region at Puros and Ehirovipuka have been earmarked
by the government for conservation. Five percent of the country's land now
falls under government conservation efforts.
SOMALIA: FLOOD ALERT ISSUED
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/somalia/20011002.phtml
Serious floods are likely to occur between October and November this year in
southern Somalia.
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11.MEDIA
BOTSWANA: VICTORY FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
http://www.namibian.com.na/2001/September/news/0118C79205.html
In what is regarded as a victory for media freedom and freedom of
expression, the Botswana High Court this week declared a government ban on
advertising in two newspapers unconstitutional.
BURKINA FASO: SIX NEW RADIO STATIONS
Six private FM radio stations were licensed on Tuesday by Burkina Faso's
communication commission, which regulates broadcasting in the West African
country, PANA reported.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3199
Contact: [log in to unmask]
DRC: UN TO LAUNCH RADIO STATION
Radio Station Expected In November
The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has confirmed
that a network of UN-sponsored peacekeeping FM and shortwave radio stations
is expected to begin with the November inauguration of its 24-hour
headquarter station in Kinshasa. A name for the station has yet to be
selected, and it will not mention either of the main sponsors - the UN or
the Fondation Hirondelle.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3106
Contact: [log in to unmask]
ERITREA: CONCERN OVER GOVERNMENT CLAMPDOWN ON JOURNALISTS
Newspaper Pressure Groups Express
The World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors Forum have written
a letter of protest to Eritrean President Isayas Aferwerki to express their
"serious concern at the government's closure of Eritrea's eight private
newspapers". The letter was sent in response to the indefinite closure on
government orders of the country's free press last week.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3109
Contact: [log in to unmask]
NAMIBIA: MEDIA ACCESS TO MILITARY
Government Tables Law Curbing Media Military Coverage
The Media Institute of Southern Africa said in a statement on Wednesday that
it was "gravely concerned" about the restrictive provisions contained in the
proposed Defence Bill. The Namibian government on Tuesday tabled a law aimed
at limiting media coverage of security and defence issues.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3108
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SENEGAL: PRESS FREEDOM
CPJ Protests Against Deterioration Of Press Freedom
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Monday expressed "deep
concern" at what it described as the increased harassment of Senegalese
journalists by government authorities since President Abdoulaye Wade took
office in April 2000.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3107
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SIERRA LEONE: SEVEN JOURNALISTS THREATENED WITH ASSASSINATION
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is gravely concerned for the
safety of seven Sierra Leonean journalists, all longtime critics of the
government who received identical anonymous death threats during the last
week.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3180
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SWAZILAND: NEWSPAPER EDITOR KILLED
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/swaziland/20011002.phtml
The editor of Swaziland's state-owned newspaper was shot dead on Monday
morning, apparently in an attempted carjacking, agencies reported.
ZIMBABWE: MEDIA MONITORING PROJECT
Media Update # 2001/38
The week under review witnessed increasingly hysterical attempts by the
state controlled media to convince its audiences that the government had
fulfilled its obligations to the Abuja Accord but that white farmers and
ex-Rhodesian racists resident in Australia were attempting to bury the
agreement by discrediting the government’s land reforms at the upcoming
Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Brisbane.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3188
Contact: [log in to unmask]
ZIMBABWE: SO-CALLED MEDIA ETHICS COMMITTEE SETS UP SHOP
http://www.mweb.co.zw/zimin/index.php?id=3770&pubdate=2001-09-21
The government-appointed Media Ethics Committee is set to be a permanent
fixture on Zimbabwe's media scene after locating a head office and
recruiting permanent staff.
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12.DEVELOPMENT
'PROMISES NO LONGER ENOUGH' SAY COUNTRIES SEEKING FAIR TRADE
http://www.gemininewsservice.com/default.asp?content=articlesmp&id=314
Trade ministers from the world's poorest countries are demanding that
Western countries fulfill their promises and open up their markets to goods
from poor countries. But even if the richer members of the World Trade
Organization agree to this (and it is far from certain), reports Gemini News
Service, a question remains: will they get fair prices for their goods?
CAN DEBT RELIEF=POVERTY REDUCTION?
http://forum.oneworld.net:8080/~debtchannel
The fourth and last debate in DebtChannel's debt forum has begun. The
subject? "How to ensure that debt relief is translated into poverty
reduction?" One basic and key element in this respect that doesn't just
apply to debt relief but to public expenditure more widely, says the topic
introduction, is to ensure that the money allocated to specific programmes
actually gets to the beneficiaries. Join in with your views and arguments,
or to take issue with those posted there.
DEHYDRATING CONFLICT
http://www.worldwatch.org/forum/water_fparticle.html
Remember the last time two nations went to war over water? Probably not,
since it was 4,500 years ago. But today, as demands for water hit the limits
of a finite supply, more than 50 countries on five continents might soon be
spiralling toward water disputes unless they move quickly to strike
agreements on how to share the rivers that flow across international
boundaries.
GM CROPS UNDERMINE SADC FOOD SECURITY
A recent "Sustainable Food Security for All by 2020" conference, held in
Germany, further strengthened the belief that Northern countries are not
totally committed to attaining global food security but rather, more
interested in increasing their profits.
IMF SAYS MORE DEBT RELIEF CAN BE GIVEN TO SOME COUNTRIES
http://www.worldbank.org/developmentnews/
The IMF has decided that additional debt relief can be given to some
countries that complete the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program
but whose debt burden remains unsustainable, reports Reuters.
IS GLOBALIZATION DOOMED AFTER SEPTEMBER 11?
http://www.worldbank.org/developmentnews/
"John Gray of the London School of Economics spoke for many last week when
he declared that the era of globalization was over. "The entire view of the
world that supported the markets' faith in globalization has melted down ...
Led by the US, the world's riches states have acted on the assumption that
people everywhere want to live as they do. As a result, they failed to
recognize the deadly mixture of emotions-cultural resentment, the sense of
injustice and a genuine rejection of western modernity-that lies behind the
attacks on New York and Washington ... The idea of a universal civilization
is a recipe for unending conflict, and it is time it was given up.""
NAMIBIA: GOVT TAKES UP LAND ISSUE
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001sep/features/26sep-namibia.html
Namibia will introduce a land tax on commercial farmland to augment
government's efforts in developing the neglected communal areas as well as
to acquire more commercial land for resettlement purposes.
POVERTY TO RISE IN WAKE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS IN US
Millions More People Condemned To Poverty In 2002
http://www.worldbank.org/developmentnews/stories/html/100101a.htm
The September 11 terrorist attacks in the US will hurt economic growth in
developing countries worldwide in 2001 and 2002, condemning as many as 10
million more people to live in poverty next year, and hampering the fight
against childhood diseases and malnutrition, the World Bank says in a
preliminary economic assessment released today.
SADC JOINS IN REJECTING NEW ROUND
WTO Faces Self-inflicted Demise
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/archive/2001sep/features/26sep-sadc.html
With less than two months left before the fourth ministerial conference of
the World Trade Organisation, in Doha, Qatar, the multilateral trading body
finds itself in a fragile state. No consensus seems to have emerged between
North and South regarding issues to be on the agenda for the November
meeting.
SEVEN LEADERS AND A DEVELOPMENT PARADOX
http://www.gemininewsservice.com/default.asp?content=articlesmp&id=377
As governments queue up to volunteer for the US-led coalition against
terrorism, one victim could be another global alliance that has taken 10
years to build. Since the Cold War's end, the world has witnessed a massive
debate on development and calls to eliminate poverty. Gemini News Service
examines an invisible victim of the 11 September carnage in the US.
SUB-STANDARD GROWTH HITS AFRICA'S POOREST HARDEST
http://nt1.ids.ac.uk/eldis/poverty/unctad.htm
With a projected growth rate of just over 3 per cent for the next decade,
Africa's fortunes are unlikely to improve. This figure, marginally above
population growth, is only half the target set by the United Nations 10
years ago to tackle the economic and social challenges of the continent. A
new report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development says
that two decades of sub-standard growth have hit the poorest fifth the
hardest, their incomes dropping by 2 per cent a year.
TAKING STOCK OF TRADE
http://www.oneworld.net/campaigns/trade/front.shtml
More harm than good? That is the question that is sought to be answered by
OneWorld, the world's leading online network for human rights and
sustainable development. We have launched a campaign website on trade in the
lead up to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Meeting in Doha,
Qatar set for 9-13 November 2001. Keep up with the news, actions, background
information and possible solutions by reading what OneWorld and its partners
have to say.
UGANDA: PLAN FOR THE MODERNISATION OF AGRICULTURE
http://www.wougnet.org/Documents/FAO_IP/pma_ug.html
We know that more than 80% of the population in Uganda depends on
agriculture production. For the rural population - more than the 85% of the
total population - agriculture is the main way of making a living either as
pure subsistence farmers or with a little semi-commercial farming. The Plan
for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) - a central element of Uganda's
poverty eradication strategy - is key to enabling the rural population to
improve their livelihood and ensure food security through changing
subsistence agriculture to doing farming as a business.
UN: MILLENNIUM SUMMIT'S ANTI-POVERTY GOALS DOUBTFUL
http://www.worldbank.org/developmentnews/
The UN said yesterday the world may not be able to cut poverty in half in
all countries by 2015, a goal endorsed by more than 150 national leaders at
last year's UN Millennium Summit, Dow Jones reports.
WTO OPTIMISTIC OVER AGREEMENT ON TALKS
http://www.worldbank.org/developmentnews/
WTO Director-General Mike Moore said yesterday he was optimistic ministers
would agree to a new round of global trade liberalization talks when they
meet in Qatar in November, as WTO members studied draft proposals for a
negotiating agenda and related decisions on implementing past agreements,
reports the Financial Times.
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13.INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY
COMMENTARY: ANOTHER WORM, MORE PATCHES
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-201-7239473-0.html
If, like many nonprofits, you're using Microsoft IIS on your servers, the
Gartner Group says it's time to reevaluate. The constant procession of worms
and viruses is driving costs up dramatically. (from
http://news.gilbert.org/)
DEMOGRAPHICS: HALF A BILLION ONLINE
http://www.nua.ie/surveys/analysis/weekly_editorial/archives/issue1no197.htm
l
The latest editorial from NUA Internet Surveys provides interesting data,
disaggregated by region, about Internet access around the world. It's full
of interesting pieces of information such as this one: "If we take a
whirlwind tour around the world's regions, we can see that Internet
penetration remains low in most developing countries. In Africa, for
example, almost all countries have a penetration rate of less than 2
percent."
There is further data about people with Internet access in Africa. Included
is a link to the actual data tables themselves and the research methodology.
An easy, informative read.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
EMAIL TURNS 30 YEARS OLD
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011001/tc/tech_email_anniversary_dc_1.html
Can you believe that email is 30 years old? This article explores the
history of the first email message. It also discusses how email has become
an application most of us can't live without. Well – most of us with an
Internet connection, that is.
FREEPLAY AND MOTOROLA LAUNCH WIND-UP MOBILE PHONE POWER SOURCE
http://66.8.39.94/Sections/telecoms/2001/0109271332.asp?CiRestriction=freepl
ay&motorola
Freeplay Energy Group and Motorola will co-brand and distribute a wireless
phone power source. The wind-up accessory is expected to provide three to
six minutes of talk time and several hours of standby time for each
45-second hand-cranking session.
(via Balancing-Act's News Update 79)
HEWLETT PACKARD-COMPAQ MERGER: IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICA
http://www.balancingact-africa.com/news/current1.html
For most international IT companies Africa is often their smallest market.
As it sits at the bottom of the pile, it does not usually merit much
attention. Since late last year Hewlett Packard has been operating two
divisions in Africa: one for South Africa and another for the rest of the
continent. With its recent merger with Compaq and its e-Inclusion programme
these things might have a wider significance than the usual shifts in sales
channel arrangements. Russell Southwood looks at how Hewlett Packard would
like this change to affect its work.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
INTERNET RESEARCH
http://www.brightplanet.com/deepcontent/index.asp
Bright Planet's Deep Content page features some in-depth articles, tutorials
and tools for Internet research. Much of the Web is 'invisible' to
mainstream search engines. Learn how to access specialised databases at this
site.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
LINUX: REFERENCES AND REVIEWS
The free, open-source operating system LINUX is often cited as a good option
for organisations and individuals. It's free - many cannot afford to
purchase Windows and all the software that goes with it. This review
provides links to various web sites about the practical implications of
installing Linux on your desktop.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3142
Contact: [log in to unmask]
REFORMING TECHNICAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
United Nations Development Programme
http://capacity.undp.org/
While technical cooperation (TC) has undoubtedly contributed to very
significant development successes around the world, it also continues to
perpetuate many counter-productive practices. Is TC, as currently practised,
part of the solution to underdevelopment or too often part of the problem?
Globalization, the information revolution, democratization and increasing
capacities in the South have profound implications for development at large
and for the way in which technical cooperation can adequately contribute to
developing needed capacities. You are invited to join this inquiry to
examine, question and scrutinize the fundamentals of technical cooperation
and capacity development.
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14.eNEWSLETTERS AND MAILING LISTS
AFRICA THROUGH THE EYES OF WOMEN
The West knows about Africa's leaders - Mandela, Mugabe, Moi, Obasanjo - and
their failures and achievements. But rarely does it think about the
tribulations of the oppressed African woman. This is probably because women
never seem to own enough, fight or kill enough to make headlines in most
African countries. The setting up of the first ever women's Internet
newspaper, Africanwoman, might change all this. A group of 36 women from
Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Ghana have originated the project. The paper
will largely constitute news and features that seek to paint the true
picture of Africa through the eyes of women.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3215
BREAKING PLOUGHSHARES INTO PEACE'S VOL 2:9
September 2001
Encouraging to see the growing awareness of the advantages of conservation
tillage on our continent. Spurred on by, for example, the draft problems of
the south (as highlighted in John Asburner's visit to Swaziland and Lesotho)
and the brief planting 'window' of the Sudan, farmers throughout Africa are
turning to conservation tillage and, although there remain many unsolved
constraints, the linking of commercial and subsistence initiatives (as in
the Simdlangetshwa Field Day) and the international exchange of ideas and
channeling of research resources facilitated by ACT, is lending momentum to
the 'agrarian revolution'.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3233
Contact: [log in to unmask]
LIVE RADIO WEBCAST: INT'L WOMEN LEADERS DISCUSS 9/11 WORLD TRADE CENTER
ATTACKS
http://www.learningpartnership.org/WLP/events/2001/peace.html
Please join us next week on a live radio webcast discussion with women
activists and leaders from around the world concerning their reactions in
the aftermath of the recent terrorist attacks in the U.S. See details on our
website about how you can join in.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
TOOLS FOR THE TEKS UPDATE: 9-27-2001
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3234
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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15.FUNDRAISING
CHARITIES COULD SUFFER FALLOUT FROM US ATTACKS
http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/
According to a study by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University the
World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attacks may have unpredictable
effects on Americans' charitable giving.
MAMA CASH
Grant Program For Women's Economic Empowerment
On 1 August 2001, Mama Cash launched a new program: Economic Empowerment for
women. This means that the program is now ready to give out grants to small,
innovative or starting women's groups. Overall, Mama Cash aims to broaden
the economic basis of the women's movement itself, to assist groups working
for economic justice worldwide, and to contribute to gathering,
consolidating and mobilising the knowledge of women to engender economic
changes.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3266
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SOUTH AFRICA: INVITATION TO A FUNDRAISING BANQUET
Friday 5th October 2001
The National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS is a
non-governmental organization (NGO) of people living with HIV or AIDS. Its
major purpose is to mobilise people living with HIV/AIDS, supporting PLWHA
programs, represent, at all levels, their concerns and issues and running
educational and leadership development workshops, seminars and campaigns.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3235
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16.COURSES, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS
CONFERENCE ON GLOBALIZATION'S IMPACT ON THE DISENFRANCHISED
Orlando, 6-9 March 2002
http://ucfed.ucf.edu/cies2002/index1.html
The University of Central Florida's College of Education, in conjunction
with the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) and Indiana
University, will host the 46th annual meeting of CIES in Orlando, Florida on
March 6-9, 2002. The theme of the conference is "The social construction of
marginality: Globalization's impact on the disenfranchised". Panels, papers,
and symposia proposals are due by November 1, 2001.
DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE FINDER
http://www.dlcoursefinder.com/
The International Distance Learning Course Finder is the world's largest
online directory of e-learning courses from 130 countries. This universal
distance education resource has information on over 55,000 distance learning
courses and programs offered from a multitude of universities, colleges and
companies.
SOUTH AFRICA: COMPUTER COURSES FOR DISADVANTAGED
Offer Valid Until Oct 31, 2001
The Community Education Computer Society - a computer training NGO
established in 1985 for the technological empowerment of the historically
disadvantaged - now offers several computer courses for up to 33% discount
to organisations and individuals.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SOUTH AFRICA: GAY AND LESBIAN RADIO DAY - INVITATION TO A SEMINAR
Capetown, 11 October 2001
South Africa’s ground-breaking Constitution outlaws discrimination on the
basis of sexual orientation. But despite this, particularly in the poorer
communities, many gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people across
the country face discrimination and prejudice. Aside from a couple of glossy
publications catering for the more advantaged, this community has very
little access to media through which to express their views, tell their
stories, or receive positive messages about themselves. The programme, In
the Pink, on Bush Radio, is the first and only radio programme dedicated to
gays and lesbians, but it is a lonely voice. Idasa’s Democracy Radio
Project, the Triangle Project, and Idasa’s Chapter 2 Network, are getting
together to host a day-long workshop for radio producers in Cape Town and
surrounding areas, focusing on the gay and lesbian community.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3239
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SOUTH AFRICA: NURSING CONFERENCE
19-20 June 2002, Johannesburg
www.wits.ac.za/fac/med/nursing
"Reshaping the Nursing Landscape" will be the second conference of its kind
to be hosted by the Department of Nursing Education, University of the
Witwatersrand. The organisers are calling for abstracts for oral and poster
presentation. Closing date: 28 November 2001.
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17.ADVOCACY RESOURCES
A GROWING OPPOSITION
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=special&s=nichols20011021
Nonprofit organizations working for peace are showing a growing vitality in
the wake of the 9-11 attacks.
ANTI-WAR PETITION
Please read, copy to new e-mail, sign and forward to friends - the petition
is going to the UN.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3227
EFFECTIVE CAPACITY BUILDING IN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
http://www.venturephilanthropypartners.org/info-url_nocat2026/info-url_nocat
.htm
Effective Capacity Building in Nonprofit Organizations, published in August
2001 by Venture Philanthropy Partners, brings some common language to the
discussion of capacity building and offers insights and examples of how
nonprofits have pursued building up their organizational muscle. The report
contributes to the growing national conversation about how to help
nonprofits become stronger, more sustainable and better able to serve their
communities. McKinsey & Company prepared the study at the request of VPP.
McKinsey also developed a practical assessment tool for this report that
nonprofits can use to measure their own organizational capacity. We hope
that nonprofits and funders alike find value in this report.
SOUTH AFRICA/LONDON: PROTESTS TO FOCUS ON ZIMBABWE CRISIS
Simultaneous Protests In Pretoria And London At The Start Of CHOGM Meeting
To coincide with the start of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
in Brisbane, Australia on Saturday 6 October, there will be two large,
colourful, and peaceful demonstrations - one in London, and one in Pretoria.
It is very important that a strong protest is registered, to make sure that
the delegates to CHOGM fully appreciate the importance of holding the
government of Zimbabwe to the public promises it recently made in Abuja and
Harare. Pretoria : Starts at noon at the Union Buildings. London : Starts at
noon on Saturday 6 October outside the Zimbabwe High Commission.
URGENT ACTION ALERT: IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM
Privacy advocates are urging U.S. citizens who are concerned about
maintaining our constitutionally protected civil liberties to sign the "In
Defense of Freedom" statement before Congress votes on proposals to expand
electronic surveillance and include all hacking offenses in the
anti-terrorism bill drafted in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3226
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18.JOBS
POVERTY / HEALTH JOBS IN AFRICA
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3236
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SOUTH AFRICA: MRC'S AFRICA FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE
The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) and the South African AIDS
Vaccine Initiative (SAAVI) invite applications for one-year travelling
research fellowships in health research, with preference given to proposals
which address the MRC's research priorities (see below) and particularly to
those addressing HIV/AIDS research. While applications for shorter periods
of three to twelve months may be considered, applications for the full
twelve-month period are encouraged. The purpose of the fellowship is to
build research capacity and strengthen research collaboration within Africa
and between African
scientists. The fellowship may be held in South Africa for non-South African
applicants, or in any other African country for South African applicants.
The award will commence no earlier than May 2002, and will cover the
fellow's return travel from home to host country, the fellow's salary
(calculated on South African scales, in US$) in the host country, and
reasonable research costs in the host country. Five such fellowships may be
awarded.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3238
Contact: [log in to unmask]
VACANCY: RESEARCH SPECIALIST - SAVING NEW BORN LIVES INITIATIVE
Save the Children, an international relief and development agency,
seeks a Senior Research Specialist to oversee global research activi-
ties for The Saving Newborn Lives Initiative (SNL).
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3237
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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19.BOOKS AND ARTS
'THOSE WHO DETECT A PESSIMISTIC VIEW OF AFRICA ARE MISTAKEN'
Africultures Interview With Ahmadou Kourouma
http://www.africultures.com/actualite/sorties/anglais/kourouma.htm
After the success of Ahmadou Kourouma's penultimate novel En attendant le
vote des bêtes sauvages, the Ivoirian writer's latest work, Allah n'est pas
obligé (Editions du Seuil), has erupted onto the French literary scene this
autumn, where it has been nominated for several and won one of the country's
top literary awards. Over to the author.
GOING GLOBAL: TRANSFORMING RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT NGOS
By Marc Lindenberg And Coralie Bryant
Based on a unique inside perspective, this is the first book-length
comprehensive study of the big Northern-based international relief and
development NGOs. Lindenberg and Bryant show how these organizations are
managing the transformative changes globalization demands, how NGOs
themselves are organizing on a global basis, and how they are responding to
new challenges of accountability, evaluation and organizational learning.
The authors examine the growing significance for NGOs of complex
emergencies, peacebuilding and advocacy work, as these new contexts grow in
importance compared with traditional development project work. ISBN
1-56549-135-1.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3175
Contact: [log in to unmask]
GOVERNANCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The World Humanity Action Trust Publications
The WHAT Commissions have highlighted urgent issues in the management and
over-exploitation of three of the world’s key resources – fisheries,
agricultural bio-diversity and freshwater supplies. The common conclusion is
that action is needed now, at both the global and national levels, to
improve radically the systems we have for governing the use of these
resources.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3174
THE ZANZIBAR FILM FESTIVAL
http://www.africultures.com/actualite/sorties/anglais/zanzibar.htm
Zanzibar islands are famous for many things. Their exquisite beaches and
splendid resorts are a haven for holiday makers. Their spices make many
chefs around the world very proud of their work and the involvement in
slavery adds a dark side to an otherwise illustrious past. The Islands are
now home to the Zanzibar International Film Festival (Ziff) of the Dhow
Countries now in its fourth year. The festival, arguably the largest
cultural event of its kind in East Africa, has effectively tapped into their
rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage.
ZAMBIA: FILM INDUSTRY STRUGGLES TO FIND ITS ROOTS
http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=19&id=1001068466
The Zambian film industry is struggling to find itself, after Touch of the
Sun, one of the country's first local productions, was a flop.
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20.LETTERS AND COMMENTS
ABUBAKAR MATABARO
Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania
Thanks a lot for your objectives analysies you made concerning the Us
attacks. I have learnt a lot about the "why" of the issue which was hidden
in the international mass media. Keep it up.
TEBOHO FOKANE
Is the world so far gone into madness that the US can get away with what it
pleases? Because what the US does the rest of the world follows. It is like
the popular child in the playground that everyone wants to be friendly with,
even to the detriment of the school.The US is the home of the drug trade,
pornography, irreligion and every other ungodly practise in the world. Their
dominance of negative enegy on the internet testifies to this. I am a South
African who lived through a greater terror than hijacked planes landing on
skyscrapers. The smell of teargas and the pain of rubber bullets I know
firsthand. I was lucky. I survived and bear no animosity to those who
created a system whose aim was white supremacy. Today we Africans have the
vote, but are economically worse off. White supremacy has succeded. If the
terrorist aim is to ensure that America loses faith in the rule of law, then
they have succeded. The last superpower should champion the oppressed
instead of oppressing our champions. I believe America has a role to play in
world peace. The first act they should perform is to demilitarise their
country. This is something that ordinary taxpaying Americans should do, as
its their hard earned money. It sickens me to realise that when I support
American firms (McDonalds, Nike, Microsoft etc) I am promoting their
war-machine.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=3270
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Next WASAN meeting is Wednesday, Oct 17. Location: Kimball Elementary School - Commons, 3200 23rd Ave. S, Seattle (Beacon Hill at 23rd Ave. S. and S. Hanford St. By bus, take the #36, get off at S Hanford and walk east 6 blocks. The easiest car parking is usually on S. Hinds and 24th Ave. S.)
7:00 PM WASAN business meeting
7:30 PM Program: "Gender, Art and the Contemporary Situation in Zimbabwe" and an exhibit of Weya women's art from Zimbabwe (see the website for examples, www.ibike.org/africamatters/weya.htm .)
We usually meet the fourth Wednesday of the month. For a calendar of local Africa events see www.ibike.org/africamatters/calendar.htm . To post a message: [log in to unmask] To subscribe send a message to [log in to unmask] To unsubscribe send a message to [log in to unmask] . All past postings are archived at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wa-afr-network
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