contains an interesting article on land disputes...
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2001 12:33:51 -0700
From: Charlotte Utting <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [WASAN] FW: KABISSA-FAHAMU NEWSLETTER 32 - IS LAND GRABBING FEVER
SPREADING FROM ZIMBABWE TO SA?
----------
From: Kabissa-fahamu Newsletter <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2001 07:12:27 GMT
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: KABISSA-FAHAMU NEWSLETTER 32 - IS LAND GRABBING FEVER SPREADING
FROM ZIMBABWE TO SA?
KABISSA-FAHAMU NEWSLETTER 32 * 6362 SUBSCRIBERS
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CONTENTS: 1. Editorial, 2. Conflict, Emergencies, and Crises, 3. Rights and
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1. EDITORIAL
IS LAND GRABBING FEVER SPREADING FROM ZIMBABWE TO SA?
Earlier this month in Bredell, near Kempton Park on the East Rand, South
Africa and
some say that ‘land grabbing fever’ has hit South Africa, hot on the heels
of the
Zimbabwean debacle.
The land is owned by government, Transnet and a private company. Thousands
of
homeless people invaded the Bredell land allegedly after paying the Pan
African
Congress R25 a plot.
An interim Court order was granted allowing the government to evict
the ‘squatters’. In coming to his decision, Judge Rabie made a reference to
the
irresponsibility displayed by the PAC.
Predictably, there has been a war of words between the PAC and the ANC over
the
land invasion. PAC leader Stanley Mogoba has warned that should the matter
not be
resolved satisfactorily resolved there could be a ‘revolution’. “If
government
wants to go the route of confrontation, they are asking for very big
problems”, he
said (www.iol.co.za).
ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama called the PAC “an organisation of agents
provocateurs masquerading as a caring liberation movement when, in fact,
they are
the worst hypocrites and opportunists who will jump at the slightest
opportunity to
exploit the plight of our people, with the sole purpose of lining their
pockets”
(www.iol.co.za).
Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane said that he found it paradoxical
that the
government was so quick to commit to a multi-million rand arms deal with not
a
visible enemy in sight, but at the same time so slow to respond to an issue
it
billed a top priority in the run-up to the 1994 general election
(www.iol.co.za).
According to the South African Sunday Tribune, a group of black tenant
farmers have
invited Robert Mugabe to come to SA to advise them on how to proceed to get
land.
Joachim Hlatswayo, a tenant leader was quoted in the same newspaper as
saying that
they wanted to hear Mugabe’s views on land restitution and land seizure. The
invitation to Mugabe has been confirmed by the Zimbabwean High Commission in
Pretoria, but they noted that in terms of diplomatic protocol, only the
President
of SA, Thabo Mbeki could invite the president of another country for a
visit.
What is clear is that the Bredell ‘land invaders’ have become political
pawns.
While government’s land restitution has been largely ineffective, it is
equally
clear that landless people are getting impatient (www.iol.co.za).
The squatters are now appealing the eviction order. In the meantime, local
PAC
leaders have not been able to account for the money collected from the
squatters.
The Zimbabwean experience has suddenly made land grabbing an alternative to
remaining landless. This week, saw the establishment of the National
Landless
People’s Movement. NLPA representative Lucas Mufamadi says they support “the
gallant actions of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe”. He also said that
land
occupations are inevitable as land reform has been slow (www.mg.co.za).
Clearly, the Bredell land occupation is illegal and governments all over
need to
take quick action to avert this from happening by stepping up the pace of
land
reform and where land occupations have occurred, they must take action too.
However, should our laws not reflect an African reality as far as land is
concerned? Should there be private property clauses in our constitutions, or
should
there be communal property provisions, or should there be both? Civil
society and
governments must start seriously debating this and other human rights issues
to
make sure that we do not prescribe to a Eurocentric definition of human
rights
which does not fit into the African context. The landlessness issue must be
looked
at from this perspective.
In the interim, government must start pouring its resources into land
reform. In
addition, land grabbing must be strongly discouraged.
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2. CONFLICT, EMERGENCIES, AND CRISES
ANGOLA: OXFAM VOICES CONCERN ABOUT IDPS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/angola/20010726.phtml
The international humanitarian organisation Oxfam says the Angolan
government is
responding inadequately to the needs of people displaced by the civil war.
Speaking
at the end of a visit to Angola, Oxfam's director Barbara Stocking said an
end to
the war was the only way out of the humanitarian crisis in the country, and
called
on the international community to support a negotiated peace.
BURUNDI: ATMOSPHERE AT PEACE TALKS "GOOD"
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/burundi/20010727a.phtml
The atmosphere at the Thursday meeting between President Buyoya and Zuma,
was
described as "good" by Buyoya's spokesman, Appolinaire Gahungu.
BURUNDI: COUP ATTEMPT AHEAD OF REGIONAL SUMMIT
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/burundi/20010723.phtml
Army mutineers staged a coup attempt in Bujumbura on Sunday night, ahead of
a
regional summit on the future of Burundi which began in the Tanzanian town
of
Arusha on Monday.
DEAL, BUT NO PEACE IN BURUNDI
http://www.rnw.nl/hotspots/html/burundi010724.html
The Burundi peace accord has been signed, but there's absolutely no peace,
observes
Monique Harbers.
DRC: WFP SEEKS "URGENT" SUPPORT FOR HUMANITARIAN AIR OPERATION
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/drc/20010727b.phtml
WFP on Friday announced the launch of an "urgent" appeal for US $2.1 million
to
fund a six-month emergency humanitarian air operation to begin in early
August in
the DRC that will enable aid workers to reach remote areas to assess the
needs of
war-torn populations and set up relief operations.
GUINEA-BISSAU: TENSION IN THE MILITARY REPORTED
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/guineabissau/20010726.phtml
There has been rising tension within Guinea-Bissau's army, the Senegalese
news
agency, APS, and other sources reported. The tension appears to centre on
the
future of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Verissimo Correia Seabra.
SIERRA LEONE – FROM ‘RATIONAL VIOLENCE’ TO PEACE
http://www.oneworld.org/panos/news/July2001/SierraLeone.htm
Government soldiers and rebels in Sierra Leone are no longer restless since
a
ceasefire agreement signed last November ended 10 years of civil war. “It’s
been
like paradise since that time,” said Sule Musa, editor of the independent
newspaper, the Advisor.
SIERRA LEONE: RUF CHILD FIGHTERS RETURN TO THEIR FAMILIES
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/sierraleone/20010727b.phtml
Seventy-nine former child combatants of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF)
were
returned to their families on Tuesday in Kailahun, after spending six weeks
at an
interim care centre run by Save the Children Fund (SCF)-UK.
UGANDA-SUDAN: DIPLOMATIC TIES SCHEDULED TO RESUME
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/uganda/20010726.phtml
The governments of Sudan and Uganda are expected to restore diplomatic
relations -
severed in 1996, with each of the two accusing the other of supporting the
other's
rebel movements - through the formal exchange of diplomats next month,
according to
the 'EastAfrican' newspaper.
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3. RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY
IN THE DAYS AFTER GENOA
http://www.indymedia.org/
The massive street protests in Genoa, Italy, this weekend have ended. Most
of the
estimated 200,000 to 300,000 who participated this weekend in demonstrations
against the closed meetings of the G8 have returned to their communities.
People
around Europe and the world are debating what the protests meant, why they
happened, what inspired such harsh reaction by the Italian police and where
we all
go from here. Many see Genoa as a crossroads for the alternative
globalization
movement, facing fragmentation from internal differences or increasing
influence in
challenging global forces of domination. In the aftermath of Genoa, a large
number
of posts on Indymedia turned to discussion of strategies and tactics, old
and new.
BURUNDI: PARTIES TO REMAIN IN OPPOSITION
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/burundi/20010727c.phtml
A spokesman for the group of parties who supported the candidacy of Colonel
Epitace
Bayaganakandi for the presidency of the transitional period, Alphonse
Rugambarara,
reiterated that his group would not enter the transitional government led by
President Buyoya and his deputy, Hutu leader, Domitien Ndayizeye.
DEMAND FOR ITALIAN INQUIRY INTO VIOLENCE AGAINST G8 DEMONSTRATORS
http://www.web.amnesty.org/web/news.nsf/WebAll/3B5E0406F06E7E5B80256A920052E
B7F?
OpenDocument
Amnesty International is demanding an inquiry into the police violence
against G8
demonstrators.
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT DECLARES AMNESTY FOR OPPONENTS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/liberia/20010727.phtml
Liberian President Charles Taylor announced a general amnesty on Thursday
for all
treason suspects abroad and anti-government dissidents in the northern
county of
Lofa, news media reported.
MALAWI: DEMISE OF DEMOCRACY
Malawi Digest
The Malawi Digest, produced by MIDEA, raises concerns about the growing
demise of
democracy in Malawi. According to the Digest, Malawi is in danger of sliding
back
into one-party rule. There are real concerns about the government's lack of
respect
for the constitution and the rule of law, and the real dangers that are now
faced
from the abuse of human rights, the intolerance of dissent and the emergence
of
politcally motivated violence.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2516
MOZAMBIQUE: THE SUCCESSION DEBATE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/mozambique/20010726.phtml
As President Joaquim Chissano serves out his last term of office, a debate
is
simmering between two distinct factions in his ruling FRELIMO party to
determine
his successor, analysts have told IRIN.
MUGABE'S SCARED CRONIES LIE LOW
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2192
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's embattled government is talking tough in
the
face of rising international pressure, but political analysts said its
senior
members are showing signs of worry over their future. Many are taking
seriously
threats of sanctions against Harare and want to lie low to distance
themselves from
Mugabe's controversial record, they said.
RWANDA: FORMER AKAZU MEMBER ARRESTED
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/rwanda/20010727.phtml
A member of the Akazu, the inner circle of former president of Rwanda,
Juvenal
Habyrimana, and also the president's brother-in-law, was arrested on
Thursday at
the request of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), an
ICTR
statement said.
SHELL'S MANAGING DIRECTOR APPEARS BEFORE RIGHTS COMMISSION IN NIGERIA
Mr. Ron Den Berg, the Royal Dutch/Shell Managing Director in Nigeria
appeared today
before the human rights violations investigation commission panel set up by
the
government in the country. Since October last year the commission has been
investigating rights abuses committed before the present government in the
country.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2427
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SIERRA LEONE: MOST SERIOUS ATTACKS IN MONTHS
UN Peacekeepers Needed To Protect Civilians
Recent atrocities against civilians in two districts of northern and eastern
Sierra
Leone are the most serious in several months, Human Rights Watch said today.
These
atrocities include the killing of over twenty civilians by pro-government
militias.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2439
SWAZILAND: THE CONTINUING SAGA...
http://www.bday.co.za/bday/content/direct/1,3523,893576-6078-0,00.html
Mswati III has backed off on an earlier proclamation limiting rights. "That
such an
inward-looking, diehard government can respond in this way underscores how
influential the liberal democratic value system has become in the world."
UGANDA: FULL MINISTERIAL LIST PUBLISHED
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/uganda/20010727.phtml
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has announced the full make-up of his
new
cabinet following parliamentary elections last month. The list contains few
new
faces and includes 10 ministers who failed to win seats in the election but
who can
hold office by presidential appointment, the BBC reported.
UGANDA: MUSEVENI CRITICISED OVER CABINET TEAM
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/uganda/20010724d.phtml
Opposition politicians, religious groups and civil society groups have come
out
against the cabinet line-up of President Yoweri Museveni, endorsed by
parliament on
19 July, saying it was not representative of different groups in the
country,
despite Museveni's promises, the 'EastAfrican' newspaper reported on Monday.
ZIM COPS HOLD MDC CANDIDATE FOR TWO HOURS
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2214
Zimbabwean police detained the opposition candidate in a fiercely contested
by-
election for more than two hours on Sunday, the second day of a poll marred
by
widespread violence during months of campaigning.
ZIMBABWE ELECTION CANDIDATE ARRESTED
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2215
Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change ran a gauntlet of violence,
kidnappings
and arrests at the weekend as the ruling Zanu PF party fought to ensure
victory in
a critical by-election.
ZIMBABWE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE INFORMATION BILL
http://www.misanet.org/alerts/20010725.zimbabwe.0.html
President Robert Mugabe confirmed that the Zimbabwe government would table a
freedom of information and protection of privacy Bill, and replace the
notorious
Law and Order (Maintenance) Act.
ZIMBABWE: BRITISH GOVT SEEKS BETTER RELATIONS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/zimbabwe/20010727.phtml
New British High Commissioner to Zimbabwe, Brian Donnely, said on Thursday
that his
government wanted to re-establish the friendly relations the two countries
enjoyed
before the current controversy over the land issue, news reports said.
ZIMBABWE: COURT DECLINES TO REMAND MDC MEMBERS IN CUSTODY
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2193
Bindura magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi on Tuesday threw out the State's
request for
the remand in custody of seven members of the MDC when they appeared before
him
facing charges of public violence.
ZIMBABWE: MUGABE APPOINTS THREE NEW JUDGES
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/zimbabwe/20010727b.phtml
President Robert Mugabe has added three new seats to the Supreme Court by
appointing three judges seen as stalwarts of his ZANU-PF ruling party, the
state-
controlled 'Herald' reported on Friday.
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4. CORRUPTION
BOTSWANA: NO CORRUPTION AT BTV
http://www.gov.bw/cgi-bin/news.cgi?d=20010723&i=No_corruption_at_Btv
No corrupt intent has been found in the awarding of tenders by the Botswana
Televion (Btv). This was as a result of scrutiny by the Directorate on
Corruption
and Economic Crime (DCEC) on a complaint by the Director of Television
Training
Institute, Billy Kokorwe who accused Btv of curruption and nepotism in the
awarding
of tender for the provision of post-production services and facilities.
CALL FOR ACTION ON CORRUPTION
Uganda Debt Network
The members of Uganda Debt Network write to express consternation and
profound
shock at the high levels of corruption in Uganda as reported by Transparency
International. As members of the civil society, we are deeply concerned
about the
devastating impact of corruption on the economic and political development
of this
country. The results of TI's survey indicate clearly that government
institutions
charged with fighting corruption are too weak and too overstretched to do
their job
effectively and efficiently.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2418
COCOA CORRUPTION TRAPS NIGERIANS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/africa/newsid_1459000/1459406.stm
In Nigeria, two former ministers have been ordered to pay back the
equivalent of
more than $20m after being named by a commission examining corruption in
Nigeria's
cocoa sector.
COEGA, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND THE ARMS DEAL
In 1999 the government sold its purchase of R30bn of military hardware to
the South
African public on the basis of the ‘offset’ benefits accompanying its deal
with
international arms suppliers. The public were told that the deal would bring
R110bn
in direct foreign investment and 65 000 jobs. The Coega Project, to
establish an
Industrial Development Zone in the Eastern Cape, was held to be the biggest
single
beneficiary of this deal. Two years down the line not a cent has been
invested in
Coega as a result of the arms deal. Instead the South African tax-payer will
foot
the bill for the construction of a R4.5bn harbour in Coega.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2425
ETHIOPIA: ANTI-CORRUPTION FREEZE ON BANK ACCOUNTS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/ethiopia/20010726.phtml
The Federal High Court has ruled to block the personal and business accounts
of a
number of former government officials and private businessmen accused of
corruption, local press reports said Wednesday.
MORE ETHIOPIAN OFFICIALS FALL IN ANTI-GRAFT PUSH
http://news.excite.com/news/r/010724/12/international-ethiopia-corruption-dc
Ethiopian authorities have suspended four senior politicians in the latest
round of
a campaign against corruption among leaders of the Horn of Africa country,
officials said on Monday.
NIGERIA: DECLARE YOUR ASSETS, CODE OF CONDUCT URGES PUBLIC SERVANTS
http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news2/nn827328.html
ALL public office holders and senior civil servants across the country who
have not
declared their assets as stipulated by law have been advised to comply or
risk the
wrath of the law. Giving this warning on Monday during a courtesy call on
Governor
Chinwoke Mbadinuju in Awka , the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau,
Capt
Effiong Nsa (rtd) decried the attitude of such public officers who had not
complied.
NIGERIA'S LEADER ORDERS MILITARY TO RETURN THE LOOT
http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalarchive/articles.html?id=010725001562&quer
Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo has ordered leading members of former
military regimes to hand back property they misappropriated from the state
while in
power.
SA: MBEKI EARMARKS CORRUPTION
http://www.bday.co.za/bday/content/direct/1,3523,896046-6078-0,00.html
Allegations around the controversial arms deal have prompted President Thabo
Mbeki
to earmark the issue of corruption for urgent attention - following a
three-day
Cabinet brainstorming session aimed at assessing government's progress over
the
last six months.
SOUTH AFRICA: INVESTIGATING UNIT FACES CHALLENGING TASK
http://allafrica.com/stories/200107250085.html
Parliamentary report points to the urgency of handling backlog of cases,
most
dating to 1998. The controversial special investigating unit, of which the
new boss
will be known next week, has its work cut out.
ZAMBIA: CORRUPTION IS A DANGER TO DEMOCRACY, WARNS HAMANZI
http://library.northernlight.com/FD20010723650000128.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#
People can lose faith in democracy and all institutions charged with good
governance if corruption is rife, Human Rights Commission (HRC) member
Justice
Hamanzi has warned. Speaking during the launch of Transparency International
(TI)
Zambia on Friday, Justice Hamanzi said poor law enforcement could lead to
civil
wars in certain extreme situations.
ZAMBIA: CORRUPTION LEVELS WORRY AUDITOR GENERAL
http://library.northernlight.com/FC20010726170000111.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#
Excessive discretionary powers have contributed to the rise of corruption in
Zambia, observed Auditor General Fred Siame yesterday.
ZIMBABWE: ZANU PF MILITIAS GIVEN EXTRA CASH
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2217
President Robert Mugabe's cash-strapped government has awarded almost $1
billion in
unbudgeted funds to war veterans following a 25% increment on their tax free
monthly gratuities, The Standard has established.
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5. HEALTH
ANTI-TOBACCO TREATY ON TRACK, SAYS WHO
http://www.oneworld.org/ips2/july01/00_49_004.html
The World Health Organisation says it is convinced that a proposed UN treaty
curbing the use of tobacco will survive attacks from opponents.
CONFERENCE ON VERTICAL TRANSMISSION BEGINS IN IVORY COAST
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv_recent_rep.cfm?
dr_cat=1&show=yes&dr_DateTime=24-Jul-01#5962
A four-day conference addressing the issue of mother-to-child HIV
transmission in
Africa began yesterday in the Ivory Coast capital of Abidjan, Agence
France-Presse
reports. Simone Gbagbo, wife of Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, said
that the
conference will allow the eight participating countries to "share their
experiences" on fighting HIV.
EXTRAMED JOINS THE FREE HEALTH INFORMATION INITIATIVE:
Reducing The Health Information Gap Between Rich And Poor Countries
Informania Ltd, the world's largest electronic publisher of biomedical
journals
from the Third World, announced that it would provide the ExtraMED full-text
database to developing country users for free or at very low cost, under the
same
terms as those announced last week by six leading medical publishers. It
would also
enable the distribution of this information through a new network of health
information resource centres.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2438
Contact: [log in to unmask]
G8'S PLEDGE OF $1.3 BILLION TO GLOBAL AIDS FUND A 'PITTANCE'
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hiv_recent_rep.cfm?
dr_cat=1&show=yes&dr_DateTime=24-Jul-01#5962
"It is sad that, with its announcement about the pledges to the AIDS fund,
the G8
conference was able to seize the PR high ground," an editorial in the
Philadelphia
Inquirer states. The commentary piece calls the G8's pledge of $1.3 billion
to the
Global AIDS and Health Fund created by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan "a
comparative pittance."
HIV/AIDS FACT SHEETS AVAILABLE FROM UNAIDS WEB-SITE
HIV/AIDS fact sheets produced by UNAIDS for the United Nations General
Assembly
Special Session on HIV/AIDS (25-27 June 2001) have just been published and
they are
available for download from the UNAIDS Web site.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2471
Contact: [log in to unmask]
HOPKINS REPORT: NEW INFORMED CHOICE STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Guides People To Better Family Planning Decisions
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are
calling for
a new, broader strategy to help people make well-informed choices about
family
planning and protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted
infections
(STIs). The new strategy urges efforts in five areas: government policies,
communication programs, access to contraception, family planning program
leadership
and management, and counseling.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2426
NEW FORUM: PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AFFECTED BY AIDS
There is growing realization in programs around children affected by AIDS
(CABA)
that an essential component is missing - psychosocial support. From the 19th
24th.
August 2001, a small group of practitioners and experts are meeting at
Masiye Camp
(Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) to develop a working definition and to plan how to
scale up
program strategies for a regional response. We are launching this
time-limited pre-
think tank discussion forum. After the think tank this forum will continue
to serve
as a platform for specialized discussions around issues on PSS-CABA. To join
the
forum, please send a message to: [log in to unmask]
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2455
Contact: [log in to unmask]
OPEN ELECTRONIC CONFERENCE ON HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA
Under the project supported by The FUTURES Group International/POLICY
Project
Nigeria and the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA), Journalists
Against AIDS
(JAAIDS) Nigeria is conducting on the Nigeria-AIDS eForum, a six-month long
open
discussion of key HIV-related issues among HIV/AIDS activists and advocates
as well
as governmental, non-governmental, multilateral and community-based
organisations
in Nigeria.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2487
OXFAM RESPONDS TO PFIZER
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/cutthecost/pfizeresp.html
Pfizer argues that the cost of drugs is simply not relevant to the issue of
access
to most medicines in the developing world, citing as evidence the low
utilisation
rates of very cheap generic drugs for pneumonia, TB and malaria. Oxfam
accepts that
the causes of the public health crisis in developing countries are complex.
But
limited access to life-saving drugs that are widely-available in rich
countries is
also central to any explanation.
RX FOR WAR ZONE WORKERS
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/24/health/24CONV.html
An interview with David Kuhns who worked for Médecins sans Frontières in
Somalia
and Afghanistan, and dealt with re-renty problems on returning home to the
United
States. He has set up a Peer Support Network which works with volunteers who
need
help dealing with what they experienced overseas.
THE BUSH EDICT THAT KILLS WOMEN
http://www.consider.net/forum_new.php3?Action=Display&newDisplayURN=20010723
0012
According to Anthony Browne, health editor of the Observer, and a trustee of
Population Concern, "there are many reasons to despise George Dubbya Bush.
But as
he tries to joke away his global calumny during meetings in London and in
Genoa (at
the G8 summit), little is heard of what can only be called his most
pernicious
international act. On his first day in office, he introduced a policy that
is
promoting Aids, encouraging maternal deaths, and increasing poverty among
the
world's most vulnerable people."
WORKING TOWARD AIDS DRUGSTORE FOR AFRICA
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/current/004308.html
In a letter sent to United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan last month,
Barry
R. Bloom, dean of Harvard's School of Public Health, proposed the creation
of
a "global HIV/AIDS pharmacy" that would help facilitate the purchase and
distribution of AIDS drugs in African countries, the Boston Globe reports.
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6. EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE
G8 - FAILING THE WORLD'S CHILDREN
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/policy/papers/g8b.html
The debt burden of the poorest countries helps keep children out of school.
School
fees make education an unaffordable luxury for the world's poor. But the G8
has
failed to tackle the education crisis. Debt relief is not deep enough, and
aid
levels are falling. The world's richest nations should launch a global
initiative
to abolish school fees and get all the world's children into school.
GRAFFITI WALL
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/graffitiwall/index.html
This wall promotes children's rights. It was created by children in South
Africa.
If you want to know how they did it, or how you might do something similar
in your
community, follow this link.
NIGERIAN EDUCATION CRISIS DEEPENS
http://allafrica.com/stories/200107230757.html
Another 20 schools have been closed over the last 72 hours as the education
crisis
continued to deepen. Eight secondary schools in Central Province were closed
over
the weekend following disturbances by students. This brings to 27 the number
of
institutions closed in the province this month alone.
SCHOOLNET SOUTH AFRICA: ACCESSING A WORLD OF LEARNING
http://www.idrc.ca/reports/read_article_english.cfm?article_num=853
In a country where almost 70 % of schools are still without computers,
SchoolNet SA
has carved out a niche not just by making technology more available, but by
focusing on historically disadvantaged schools.
SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN'S RIGHTS IN EDUCATION
The second International Conference on Children's Rights in Education will
be
conducted from 18-22 August 2001 in Victoria, Canada. The main aims of the
Conference are to promote respect and support for children's rights and the
full
development of children through education. It will provide a structured
exchange by
international and national experts of information and perspectives on
theory,
research and practices relating education and children's rights.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2472
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SUDAN: WEEKEND MARCH TO HIGHLIGHT CHILDREN'S NEEDS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/sudan/20010726.phtml
The Sudanese Movement for Children, which comprises governmental and
nongovernmental agencies and civil society organisations, will next Friday
organise
a march to start from Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazirah State, and end
at the
Friendship Hall in Khartoum, as part of the global campaign "Say Yes for
Children".
THE BITTER TASTE OF CHOCOLATE: CHILD LABOUR IN COTE D'IVOIRE AND GHANA
http://www.peacelink.it/afrinews/64_issue/p11.html
Chocolate companies in the West are finally starting to wake up to the
reality that
child labour is being used on the cocoa plantations that supply the
companies with
the raw material to make their chocolate. Some key players in the U.S. and
Britain
are starting to make noise on the issue, although they have a long way to
go.
THE CHANGING FACE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN SOUTH AFRICA
http://www.teacher.co.za/200107/private.html
Independent schools are not the exclusive enclave of the wealthy, but cater
to many
different communities, writes Jane Hofmeyer in a recent issue of Independent
Education magazine.
UNIONISTS DEMAND NIGERIAN INCLUSION IN MAJOR EDUCATION MEETING
Seventy eight (78) teacher trade unionist from Nigeria are stranded in
Johannesburg
because of the refusal of the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria to clear them to
be
granted visas by the Thai government.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2461
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7. WOMEN AND GENDER
CALL FOR PAPERS: JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH AND EVALUATION SPECIAL
ISSUE ON
WOMEN
Deadline: October 15, 2001
In 1995 the Beijing Platform for Action was adopted at the Fourth World
Conference
on Women. The Platform reflected a new international commitment to the goals
of
equality, development, and peace for all women everywhere. the editors of
the
Journal of Social Work Research and Evaluation: An International Publication
invite
manuscripts that address one or more of the following Critical Areas of
Concern
identified in the Beijing Platform for Action: Women and poverty; Education
and
training of women; Women and health; Violence against women; Women and armed
conflict; Women and the economy; Women in power and decision-making;
Institutional
mechanisms for the advancement of women; Human rights of women; Women and
the
media; Women and the environment; The girl child.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2407
FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR WOMEN SCIENTISTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA AND LEAST
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
http://www.twows.org/
The Third World Organization of Women in Science (TWOWS) has fellowships
available
for women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries at
Centres
of Excellence in the Global South. It is a programme for female students to
promote
their effective participation in the scientific and technological
development of
their countries. The deadline is October 31, 2001. You can get more
information,
including the application, online or please contact Leena Mungapen, TWOWS.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
NEW ISSUE OF GENDER, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY FOCUSES ON GENDER RELATIONS IN
FOREST
SOCIETIES
A new issue of the journal Gender, Technology, and Development on the topic
of
Gender Relations in Forest Societies is now available. You can read more
about this
journal, including article titles and authors online.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2435
OFAN AND RADCLIFFE MEETING ON GENDER, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY: CURRENT
TRENDS AND
FUTURE ACTION
A meeting convened by the Once and Future Action Network (OFAN) and the
Radcliffe
Center for Public Policy Center April 30 through May 1, 2001 discussed
possibilities for closer collaboration among the global gender, science, and
technology (GST) networks, and plans were outlined for future
activities. For further details contact ECOWOMAN.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2431
Contact: [log in to unmask]
SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON WOMEN REPORTS TO THE AFRICAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN AND
PEOPLES'
RIGHTS
UNIFEM is supporting the African Commission's Special Rapporteur on Women
and
Violence, Julienne Ondziel-Gnelenga, to report on Violence Against Women at
domestic, community and institutional levels, including women in conflict
situations. Five field studies to assess the situation of women's human
rights in
Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of
Congo
are also being conducted. For more information, contact Hodan Addou,
Programme
Coordinator for East, Central and the Horn of Africa.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2481
Contact: [log in to unmask]
UNICEF ANNOUNCES $190, 000 GRANT FOR GIRLS’ HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION IN
KENYA
http://ippfnet.ippf.org/pub/IPPF_News/News_Details.asp?ID=1282
UNICEF has announced a $190,000 grant to improve primary health care and
education
for girls in Kenya's Kwale district according to a report by the Nairobi
Daily
Nation (23 July). Nicholas Alipui, the agency's country director, appealed
to
parents to challenge outdated traditions that obstruct girls' rights and
asked them
to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS.
WOMENS ECONOMIC RIGHTS-CONFERENCE
1st Nigerian Internet Interactive Workshop On The Economic Empowerment Of
Nigerian
Women
http://www.kabissa.org/mailman/listinfo/womenseconomicrights-conference
You are welcome to the 1st Nigeria Internet Interactive Conference organised
by
Women's Rights Watch Nigeria from the 9th August - 8th September, 2001. The
First
Nigerian Internet Interactive Conference on: THE ECONOMIC RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN
NIGERIA - from rhetoric to action.
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8. REFUGEES AND FORCED MIGRATION
ANGOLA: IRIN FOCUS REPORT ON CAMACUPA'S IDP CAMPS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/angola/20010727.phtml
A patch of bare earth dotted with smoking fires has become home to the
hundreds of
people who arrive each day at the displaced people's camps outside Camacupa
in the
Angolan province of Bié.
CAMEROON: CHADIAN REFUGEES BEGIN LEAVING FOR HOME
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/cameroon/20010725.phtml
UNHCR completed on Monday the voluntary repatriation from Cameroon of 288
Chadians
who had fled civil war in their country in the early 1980s.
CONCERN WARNS OF "POTENTIAL CATASTROPHE' IN ANGOLA
http://www.concern.ie/news/angola.htm
Concern has warned of a "potential catastrophe" in the Angolan city of Kuito
as
malnutrition and mortality rates rise among 300,000 people that have fled
fighting
in surrounding areas.
ETHIOPIA: UNHCR TO RESUME SOMALI REFUGEE REPATRIATION
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/ethiopia/20010726a.phtml
After more than a decade in Ethiopia, Somali refugees in the eastern camp of
Rabasso are preparing to return to their homes in northwestern Somalia, a
spokesman
for UNHCR told IRIN Thursday.
GROUP OF AFRICANS 'DUMPED' ON TURKEY-GREECE BORDER
http://www.un.org/News/dh/latest/page2.html#40
The United Nations refugee agency today said it was in contact with Turkish
and
Greek authorities over recent reports of a group of Africans allegedly
"dumped" on
the border between the two countries.
NIGERIA: RED CROSS AIDS THOUSANDS OF DISPLACED PEOPLE IN CENTRAL REGIONS
http://www.icrc.org/icrceng.nsf/c1256212004ce24e4125621200524882/dfb3f3dec6a
d2e9fc12
56a95004fd0bf?OpenDocument
Over the past four weeks a series of intercommunal clashes in central and
northern
Nigeria has left many dead or wounded and forced an estimated 65,000 people
to flee
their homes in Nasarawa, Benue, Bauchi and Kaduna states. Working with the
Nigerian
Red Cross Society, since the beginning of July the ICRC has distributed
relief
supplies such as blankets, buckets, soap and mats to a total of 22,500
displaced
people living in improvised camps.
PICUM: PUBLICATION ON HEALTH CARE AND UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS
http://www.picum.org
PICUM, the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants,
published a booklet (English only) as a result of the Experts Seminar on
access to
Health Care that took place on 22 and 23 March 2001. Representatives of
Germany,
Belgium, the Netherlands and Great Britain exchanged their experiences in
working
with undocumented migrants. The publication contains besides a description
of the
situation in the above mentioned countries also a report of the discussions
between
the experts on themes such as the importance of professional
confidentiality, the
use of international regulations, the need for education in human rights.
Copies of
the publication (6.25 Euro) can be ordered at the PICUM secretariat.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
PROPOSAL FOR AN EU COUNCIL FRAMEWORK DECISION ON COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN
HUMAN
BEINGS
UN Observations
http://www.unhchr.ch/Huridocda/Huridoca.nsf/(Symbol)/HR.GVA.OHCHR.STM.CHR.01
.04.En?
Opendocument
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) and the United
Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) wish, at the outset, to express their
support for the work of the European Union against trafficking in human
beings and
related exploitation. They do so from the viewpoint of two United Nations
bodies
with different but complementary mandates in this area. Both organisations
believe
that the present proposal to strengthen common approaches to this issue
through the
adoption of a Council Framework Decision is an important and timely step
forward.
SIERRA LEONE: RETURNEES SHUN RESETTLEMENT
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/wa/countrystories/sierraleone/20010727.phtml
Former refugees reluctant to return to their homes in Kono District, eastern
Sierra
Leone, have agreed to temporary relocation to the southern area of Taiama,
UNHCR
Information Officer Isa Blyden told IRIN on Friday.
TRAFFICKING IN WOMEN
http://www.catwinternational.org/un_protocol.pdf
An online Guide to the UN Trafficking Protocol is now available. The Guide
is an
initiative by CATW (Coalition against Trafficking in Women), MAPP, Article
Premier,
AFEM (Association des femmes de l’Europe méridionale) and the EWL (European
Women’s
Lobby). It will soon also be made available in French and Spanish.
U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT TRAFFICKING REPORT A “MIXED BAG”
http://www.hrw.org/press/2001/07/traffick-0712.htm
The U.S. State Department’s first annual report on trafficking in persons
contains
serious flaws, Human Rights Watch has said. "The State Department´s report
is a
real mixed bag," said LaShawn R. Jefferson, Acting Executive Director of the
Women´s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch. "We´re glad the U.S.
government is
finally paying close attention to this important human rights abuse. But the
report
has some major flaws that will need correcting the next time around."
UGANDA: IRIN FOCUS ON DISPLACEMENT IN THE NORTH
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/uganda/20010724.phtml
As villagers of Guru Guru in northern Uganda fled an attack by rebels of the
Lord's
Resistance Army (LRA), one man found himself surrounded and trapped inside
his
home. Unable to escape the armed rebels, Faustino Onek was abducted and
forced into
the bush, where he was tortured, stabbed and finally had his left arm
amputated.
Onek, a community elder and grandfather to 27 children, had met at least one
of his
attackers before: it was his nephew.
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9. RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA
RACISM AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Amnesty International Report
http://www.web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/recent/ACT400202001?OpenDocument
This report illustrates how racial discrimination in the administration of
justice
systematically denies certain people their human rights because of their
colour,
race, ethnicity, descent (including caste) or national origin. Based on
research
conducted by Amnesty International in recent years, it shows that members of
ethnic
minorities often suffer torture, ill-treatment and harassment at the hands
of the
police. In many parts of the world they face unfair trials and
discriminatory
sentencing which puts them at increased risk of harsh punishments, including
the
death penalty.
SOUTH AFRICA: US MAY BOYCOTT RACISM CONFERENCE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/southafrica/20010727.phtml
The Washington Post newspaper reported on Thursday that the United States
had again
threatened to boycott next month's United Nations conference on racism in
Durban,
South Africa.
UN OFFICIAL SAYS DURBAN CONFERENCE MUST ACHIEVE BREAKTHROUGH ON RACISM
http://www.un.org/News/dh/latest/page2.html#41
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, who is also
Secretary-
General of the Conference, said the Durban meeting would be "nothing less
than a
conference to discuss the core principles that should underpin this new
century. It
is an important opportunity for the world community to commit, for the first
time
in the post-apartheid era, to a truly global effort to address the ancient
and the
modern manifestations of this evil."
US BOYCOTT SIGNALS INDIFFERENCE ON RACISM
http://www.mg.co.za/mg/za/news.html#racismcon
THE United States risked appearing indifferent about racism if it were to
boycott
the upcoming United Nations conference on the subject, South Africa's
director
general of foreign affairs said on Sunday."If they don't come, people will
read
into it that they don't see the issues as important. It will send a signal
to their
own constituencies and the rest of the world," Sipho Pityana told the SAPA
news
agency.
WORLD CONFERENCE AGAINST RACISM, A LETTER FROM LYNN HUNTLEY
http://www.aaionline.org/webzine/july2001/presidentletter.html
Lynn Huntley, executive vice president of the Southern Education Foundation,
a
public charity based in Atlanta, Georgia, writes: "No matter what the
official
documents issued by governments and the UN say or don't say, people of
African
descent and their allies can use the time together profitably and well. And
whatever the official documents say or don't say, our work combating racism,
inequality and related forms of intolerance will begin afresh when we all
return
back home."
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10. ENVIRONMENT
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES REGAIN CLOUT AT CLIMATE TALKS
http://www.oneworld.net/ips2/july01/01_37_004.html
Developing countries' delegates at the UN climate talks in Bonn regained
diplomatic
ground lost during negotiations last November in The Hague, says Ramesh
Jaura.
FROM THE HAGUE TO BONN: SNATCHING RETREAT FROM THE JAWS OF DEFEAT
http://www.earthtimes.org/bonn/bonnconferenceanaylsisjul24_01.htm
One of the surest indications that trouble is at hand is when diplomats
start
hiding behind catchy phrases and meaningless terminology. Participants and
observers to the COP-6 Climate Change Conference here have been told that
a "breakthrough," "deal," or "compromise" (take your pick) had been
achieved.
GROUP OF EIGHT PLEDGE CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION
http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2001/2001L-07-23-02.html
The Group of Eight (G-8) major industrialized nations have outlined a series
of
measures to help reduce world poverty, particularly in Africa, and have
pledged to
continue discussions on how to address climate change and other global
environmental issues.
RAMPANT FISHING HITS ENTIRE ECOSYSTEMS
http://www.oneworld.net/ips2/july01/15_42_048.html
Overfishing is far more devastating than is commonly understood and was
taking
place long before its magnitude began to command public attention over the
past
century, say scientists.
ZAMBIA: FOOD SHORTAGES LOOM SAY FARMERS
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/sa/countrystories/zambia/20010727.phtml
Zambia was expected to experience a huge shortage of maize, the country's
staple
food, the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) said on Thursday. "A maize
shortage
is expected this year. ZNFU estimates a shortfall of 120,000 to 150,000 mt,"
Songowayo Zyambo, ZNFU executive director, was quoted saying in an AFP
report.
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11. MEDIA
MEDIA MONITORING PROJECT ZIMBABWE
Media Update # 2001/28
In describing the death of an Odzi settler as murder, the state print media
abandoned all the basic restrictions surrounding the reporting of incidents
involving criminal charges. The purpose of these restrictions is founded
upon the
fundamental principle that accused individuals are innocent until proven
guilty in
a court of law. The conduct of the state media in this case has pre-empted
the
court investigation and raises the question of whether the trial of the
white
commercial farmer involved in the fatal accident may have been compromised
by such
unprofessional coverage.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2486
MOZAMBIQUE: FEAR AND SELF-CENSORSHIP IN WAKE OF CARDOSO MURDER
Eight months after the murder of investigative journalist Carlos Cardoso,
Mozambican journalists are afraid to cover sensitive stories, particularly
those
involving corruption, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists
(CPJ).
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2456
MRA, ARTICLE 19 TO HOLD REGIONAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION WORKSHOP
Freedom of Information experts and activists across Africa will meet in
Nigeria in
September to map out strategies for establishing a regional network aimed at
strengthening campaigns for the enactment and implementation of access to
information laws throughout the continent.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2529
Contact: [log in to unmask]
NEW INFO SOURCE FOR WORLD NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY
As a service to the global newspaper industry, the World Association of
Newspapers
is providing extensive information from the World Newspaper Congress and
World
Editors Forum in a special section on its web site. The information includes
executive summaries of all presentations, selected speeches, photos, and
other data
about trends, management, advertising and revenue, content, design and many
other
subjects of pressing concern to the newspaper community.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2417
POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA AND MASS MEDIATED DELIBERATION
http://www.safundi.com/papers.asp?lop=jacobs1
The black population of South Africa is still at a disadvantage in access to
media,
conclude the authors of this scholarly paper on the relationship between
media and
democracy.
TOWARD AN "OVERSTANDING" OF GENOA AND JAMAICA
http://www.mediachannel.org/views/dissector/overstanding.shtml
Police shootings in Jamaica and Genoa are linked by underlying economic and
social
issues that don't receive the coverage they deserve, says News Dissector
Danny
Schechter, who calls for more media and public "overstanding."
ZAMBIA: COPS PURSUE EDITOR OVER 'CHILUBA IS A THIEF'
http://allafrica.com/stories/200107250158.html
Post editor Fred M'membe yesterday refused to "co-operate" with the police
in
their "probe" of Edith Nawakwi's charges that "Chiluba is a thief". Two
plain
clothes police officers from Woodlands police station yesterday visited The
Post
offices to ask M'membe, deputy news editor Amos Malupenga and reporter Bivan
Saluseki to report to the police station. "I have come to a point where I
feel I
have had enough of police harassment and abuse," M'membe said.
ZIMBABWE ACTS AGAINST BBC
http://www.zwnews.com/issuefull.cfm?ArticleID=2191
The Zimbabwe Government has suspended all accreditation of BBC
correspondents in
the country, accusing the corporation of "distortions and
misrepresentation".
Information Minister Jonathan Moyo said he objected to a television report
by
Africa correspondent Rageh Omaar about a speech by President Mugabe earlier
this
week. The BBC says it stands by the report.
ZIMBABWE: LAUNCH OF KUBATANA.NET
http://www.kubatana.net
As traditional media becomes increasingly repressive in Zimbabwe, the launch
of a
local web site, www.kubatana.net, is a breath of fresh air. The NGO Network
Alliance Project, the energy behind the development of kubatana, has brought
Zimbabwean ngos, csos and development organisations together under one
online
umbrella. Kubatana is a Shona word which means "working together" - an apt
name
when a strengthened civic response to the current social and political
unrest in
Zimbabwe needs to be encouraged.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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12. DEVELOPMENT
AFRICA'S DEBT - AFRICA ACTION POSITION PAPER
http://www.africapolicy.org/action/debtpos.htm
Africa Action calls for the cancellation of Africa's foreign debt, which we
consider in large part to be illegitimate, based on its origins and
consequences.
We consider the present and past attempts to deal with the debt crisis to be
absolutely insufficient, and we oppose the existing debt relief framework,
developed and controlled by creditors and designed to function only in their
interests.
BIOTECH WILL BYPASS THE HUNGRY
UNDP’S HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2001
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/july13/top.htm
Advances in agricultural biotechnology are being desperately promoted in the
name
of eradicating hunger and poverty. The misguided belief that the
biotechnological
silver bullet can "solve" hunger, malnutrition and poverty has prompted the
industry and the development community, policy-makers,and economists to
chant the
mantra of "harnessing technology to address specific problems facing poor
people".
And in the bargain, it is forgotten that what the world's 840 million hungry
need
is just food, which is abundantly available.
BUILD WORKING CLASS POWER TO DEEPEN NATIONAL LIBERATION AND STRUGGLE FOR
SOCIALISM
Today, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South
African
Trade Unions (COSATU) held a successful national bilateral meeting. This
meeting
discussed the following matters: A joint reflection and assessment on the
current
political situation and the context and its impact on the organised working
class,
the unemployed and rural poor from a working class standpoint; The state,
role and
political capacity of the trade union movement; The state, role and
political
capacity of the SACP; A joint reflection on the relation between the
struggle to
complete the national liberation of black people and the struggle for
socialism in
our country and internationally.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2403
KENYA: BIWOTT LASHES AID CONDITIONS AS DONORS CONSIDER CHANGE
http://www.reliefweb.int/IRIN/cea/countrystories/kenya/20010727.phtml
Kenyan Minister for Trade and Industry Nicholas Biwott, an influential
figure in
the government of President Daniel arap Moi, has criticised the aid
conditions
imposed on Kenya as impractical, and suggested that they smack of double
standards.
VICTORIOUS UNIONS CALL-OFF THE NATIONAL ESKOM STRIKE
Today, NUMSA NUM and MWU Solidarity signed the proposed collective
bargaining wage
agreement after the 21000 workers accepted the current revised settlement
proposal
from the Eskom company. Most of the workers scrutinized and ratified the
proposed
settlement package as representing the true, genuine and legitimate mandate
of all
workers.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2402
WORLD BANK AND IMF 2001 ANNUAL MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON DC
The World Bank/IMF website on Annual Meetings is available on the website. A
detailed calendar of events and background information on the various
official
meetings, press conferences, the Program of Seminars and other activities
will be
posted on this site. It will be updated regularly between now and the end of
September, so you may wish to check it periodically for timetables, subjects
and
accreditation details.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2409
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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13. INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY
AFRICAN POLICY AT AN ELECTRONIC ROUNDTABLE
Last year, from January to May 2000, the Economic Commission for Africa
(ECA) and
The Africa Policy Information Center (APIC, now a part of Africa Action) co-
sponsored "International Policies, African Realities: An Electronic
Roundtable,"
which brought more than 500 people together, with African panelists and
participants from Africa and around the world, in a structured on-line
discussion
on a range of African issues. The electronic discussion was hosted by
Bellanet. The
full report is downloadable from the web site below and the discussion is
archived
for all to access.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2525
BSA: A NEW SPIN ON SOFTWARE AUDITS
Software audits and licensing expenses are becoming more and more
threatening. Or
are they? This article mentions a threatening letter which is resulting in
changes
to open source software. The Business Software Alliance's (BSA) 'Truce
Campaign' is
not engendering support from users - and many are looking at other options.
In
South Africa, which is dominated by Microsoft at the end user level, there
have
also been threats of a 'crackdown'.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2522
CALL TO BAN INTERNET CENSORSHIP IN SA
A call to oppose the new draft Interception and Monitoring bill, brought
before the
South African Parliament last week, has come from anti-censorship
organisations.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2437
EVIL COMPUTER VIRUSES AND OTHER MALIGNANT CODE FORCES
There have been a spate of damaging and ubiquitous viruses lately. This
article
explains the difference between a virus and a virus hoax. It also tells you
how
both can damage your computer. Throughout the article there are links to
online
resources: identify whether you are the victim of a virus or a virus hoax,
visit
websites offering free anti virus software, learn how to delete a virus
FOREVER
from your PC, and.. keep your anti-virus software up to date.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2521
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK SITE
This news release about the Global Development Network (research in the
developing
world) describes it's mission and provides a link to the web site. It has
moved
outside the World Bank as an independent organisation, although still
receiving
funding from the WB. Take a look at the site, and tell KFN what you think.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2523
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14. eNEWSLETTERS AND MAILING LISTS
AAIONLINE THE ONLINE NEWSLETTER OF THE AFRICA-AMERICA INSTITUTE
http://www.aaionline.org/webzine/webzine_frameset.html
The function of this newsletter is to keep you abreast of AAI's work and to
bring
you information and perspectives on Africa-related matters that are not
well-
covered by other major news sources. One such forthcoming event is the
United
Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia
and
Related Intolerance (WCAR), to be held next month in Durban, South Africa.
Hence,
this time we are featuring a piece about the WCAR authored by Lynn Huntley,
the
founder and director of the Comparative Human Relations Initiative, an
examination
of contemporary intergroup relations between persons of European or African
descent
in Brazil, South Africa and the United States.
ELECTRONIC JOURNAL ON INTERNATIONAL GENDER, SCIENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY
http://www.wigsat.org/it/wigsatl.html
The International Gender, Science and Technology Digest is a bimonthly
electronic
newsletter that is useful for keeping current on events, resources,
announcements
and publications in gender, science and technology for development. To
subscribe to
this email list directly,
send a message to [log in to unmask] with the message "subscribe" in
the
subject line or subscribe online.
LESOTHO LAYS THE FOUNDATIONS FOR INTERNET ACCESS
Balancing Act Update: 70
http://www.balancingact-africa.com
With the introduction of its own national internet hub, Lesotho has cut the
umbilical cord with South Africa. The authors of this week's story (for
names see
the end of the article) describe how this was achieved and Lesotho's future
ambitions in this field.
ONCE AND FUTURE ACTION NETWORK (OFAN) NEWSLETTER REVIVED
The Once and Future Action Network (OFAN), a coalition of more than 100
organizations working on gender, science and technology, has reinstituted
its
newsletter on Women in Science and Technology. The current issue gives an
overview
of global GST networks as well as the activities of the OFAN regional focal
points.
The next issue will have an environmental focus. If you would like to be
added to
the mailing list, please send a request to the new global secretariat,
ECOWOMAN,
Box 9874, Nadi Airport Post Office.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
THE LOVE AND AIDS GROUP
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loveandaids
A new mailing list for those concerned about things like intolerance, child
abuse,
the state of religion, minorities, social and cultural integration during
their
childhood.
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15. FUNDRAISING
FUNDING SOUTHERN NGOS
The following was published in "HIF-net at WHO" in response to a request on
where
to look for funding "for developing country NGOs undertaking not-for-profit
nutrition, micronutrient and/or blindness prevention projects for the
benefit of
poor urban and rural dwellers/communities."
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2519
Contact: [log in to unmask]
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK AWARDS
Call For Papers And Proposals
http://www.iaen.org/announcements/index.php?view=detail&id=307
The Global Development Network is soliciting research papers and proposals
in the
area of HIV/AIDS and Delivery of Health Services for its Annual Awards
Competition.
Abstracts are now being accepted. Prizes of US$ 10,000 and US$ 5,000 will be
awarded for the best research papers; full submissions are due by August 31.
A
single prize of US$ 125,000 will be awarded for the best research proposal;
full
submissions for proposals are due by August 15.
SOUTH AFRICA: TAX BREAK
Non Profit:register For Tax Exemption
New legislation provides for the exemption of public benefit organizations
carrying
out approved public benefit activities. In addition to the tax exemption
benefits
enjoyed by NPOs, local donors will also benefit. ’An extended category of
qualifying public benefit organizations provides the donor with a wider
selection
of organizations to which tax deductible donations may be made.‘
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2395
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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16. COURSES, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS
ACCèS CINéMA AFRICAIN
African Film Access
A French language immersion offered in Montreal in collaboration with Vues
d'Afrique, the largest festival of Francophone African and Caribbean film
and video
in North America. April 18-22, 2002. Fee: $425.00, includes pass to
festival,
orientation, classes, and discussions with filmmakers; materials, lodging
and some
meals. For more information, contact Julia Schulz, 207-594-7688 or
[log in to unmask]
Contact: [log in to unmask]
PROJECT DESIGN AND PROPOSAL WRITING
20th -31st August, 2001
http://www.iirr-africa.org/tr-link1.htm
Through participatory methods, participants will learn some of the tools and
techniques that facilitate needs assessment, design of sustainable,
people-centred
projects and the formulation of successful proposals. Topics include
principles of
participatory planning, community needs assessment, establishment of project
baselines, village entry techniques, planning tools and writing of project
proposals.
Note: this item apppeared last week under an erroneous headline.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
THE MAINTENANCE OF A MEDICINE
Wednesday 12 September 2001
Sustaining your strategic advantage, through proactive management of the
product
licence.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2388
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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17. ADVOCACY RESOURCES
50 YEARS IS ENOUGH
Demands To World Bank/IMF
http://www.50years.org/s28/demands.html
The following demands are being circulated for endorsement in advance of the
mobilization at the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, DC in
September/October 2001. These demands have been formulated by the 50 Years
Is
Enough Network, a U.S.-based coalition of over 200 organizations committed
to the
fundamental transformation of the IMF and World Bank, through consultations
over 15
months with the members of its South Council.
ADVOCACY ONLINE - DESIGNING ELECTRONIC PETITIONS
Most email users have received their fair share of email petitions on topics
ranging from the support of Afghan women's rights to ending the dolphin
slaughter
in Japan. These types of messages are frequently revealed as hoaxes or
campaigns,
but the question remains: why are email petitions such a bad thing in the
first
place? The E-Petition website explains why you shouldn't use, or forward,
email
petitions (ever!), and provides lots of great links that will legitimately
support
advocacy work online. For queries regarding this tip, or requests for tips,
please
write to [log in to unmask]
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2408
GENDER, HIV AND HUMAN RIGHTS
http://www.unifem.undp.org/public/hivtraining/
A Training Manual from UNIFEM (in pdf. format).
HIV/AIDS ADVOCACY GUIDE
http://www.ippf.org/hivaids/advocacyguide/index.htm
A new HIV/AIDS Advocacy Guide from IPPF outlines what advocacy can do, often
at
little cost, in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Produced for any NGO working in
HIV/AIDS, the guide is aimed at helping groups to influence governments to
change
policy and law as well as reaching the private sector and community leaders
who
have a critical role in prevention and care efforts. Issues covered in the
guide
include involving people with HIV/AIDS, addressing groups at higher risk,
HIV/AIDS
in the workplace and best practices from FPAs.
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18. JOBS
COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER TO THE PAN-AFRICAN PROGRAMME FOR THE CONTROL OF
EPIZOOTICS,
NAIROBI, KENYA
RWA International are looking for a communications specialist to undertake a
2 year
input to carry out the following tasks: development and implementation of
communications strategies and policy at national and regional level;
capacity
building and training in data management and modern communication methods;
provide
national components with communications guidelines and media materials;
assist with
production of media materials nationally and regionally, esp. printed
publications,
TV and Radio; assist with provision of timely and accurate data on animal
health
and disease outbreaks; represent PACE at national and international
conferences
etc; other duties as advised.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2531
Contact: [log in to unmask]
DEBTCHANNEL.ORG EDITOR, ONEWORLD.NET
OneWorld is an international non-profit Network whose mission is to harness
the
democratic potential of the Internet. Its website www.oneworld.net is the
world's
leading portal on development and human rights. We are looking for an Editor
to
edit OneWorld's DebtChannel.org. The DebtChannel.org Editor will be
responsible for
editing and updating the channel to enable it to fulfill its mission as a
leading
Web resource on international debt. She/he will report to the OneWorld
Africa
Regional Coordinator based in Lusaka, Zambia.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2530
Contact: [log in to unmask]
LECTURER PUBLIC HEALTH-UNIVERSITY-WESTERN CAPE
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2533
Contact: [log in to unmask]
RESEARCH DIRECTOR - 2 YEAR FIXED TERM AT HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HIV/AIDS
RESEARCH
DIVISION (HEARD)
A collaboration between HEARD and the USAID funded Policy Project In 1998
the
University of Natal established HEARD under the Directorship of Professor
Alan
Whiteside. The mandate of HEARD is to carry out teaching and academic and
applied
research on the impact and implications of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the
Southern
African region. The Division currently has four academic research posts and
a
number of Research Associates. HEARD is now seeking a Research Director who
will
provide leadership within HEARD and support to the School of Economics in
the
Faculty of Management Studies.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2532
Contact: [log in to unmask]
RWANDA: LECTURER IN JOURNALISM
The School of Journalism and Communication at the National University of
Rwanda is
looking for a lecturer for the 2001-02 academic year, beginning October 2001
for
different undergraduate courses. Courses include Basic Skills for Media
Writing;
Writing for Broadcast Media and Broadcast production.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2396
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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19. BOOKS AND ARTS
AFRICULTURES :
Lettre d'information 30/2001
semaine du 28.07.01 au 05.08.01
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2467
CHALLENGING INEQUITIES IN HEALTH
From Ethics To Action
A new book — Challenging Inequities in Health: from ethics to action — draws
together all of the GHEI studies into a 21 chapter resource on health
equity. This
volume provides new perspectives on the concept of health equity, empirical
evidence on the scale and nature of health inequities in 13 countries and
assessments of relevant policy developments and their implications.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2397
PLANNING FOR LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Titled "Planning for Leadership Transition," this edition of Management
Sciences
for Health (MSH)'s award-winning publication - The Manager -considers
strategy and
process for managing a leadership transition and developing leadership
capacity
among staff at all levels.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2520
Contact: [log in to unmask]
STOLEN HARVEST: THE HIJACKING OF THE GLOBAL FOOD SUPPLY
Stolen Harvest: The Hijacking of the Global Food Supply 2000.140 pages. ISBN
089608-
607-0. WE547. US $14.00 Vandana Shiva
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2465
THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT AND NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
By Mr. Adel Maged
This book is one of the few Arabic publications that deals exclusively with
the
International Criminal Court (ICC) and its legal system. It addresses many
sensitive legal issues relating to the ratification process of the ICC
Statute, as
well as the implementation of international criminal law norms throughout
the Arab
world.
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2399
TWO ETHIOPIANS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
http://www.addistribune.com/Archives/2001/07/27-07-01/Two.htm
Afework Tekle and Tebebe Yemane Brehan, received the most prestigious awards
at St.
John's College Cambridge University from the President of the American
Biographical
Institute (ABI) and from the Director General of International Biographical
Center
(IBC) at the 28th International Congress on Arts and communications, England
held
from 15th - 22nd July 2001.
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20. MEMBERS CORNER
ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS IN GHANA
http://www.kabissa.org/arpg
Our Priority is to make older people well-placed to take leadership roles in
emergencies, encourage conflict resolutions and community justice and foster
problem solving, especially if regular leadership structures are disrupted.
In doing so, we cater for the old in all spectrum of life with respect to
their
ages, ranging from 60 and above, considering their food, shelter, clothing,
health
care and edication. Under these key issues and needs identified by the
United
Nations for older people in principles, in an aging world. It can be
recorded in
1991 that, the United Nations agreed an set of principles to guide social
and civil
practice towards the older people in terms of: Independence, Participation,
Care,
Self fulfillment, and dignity.
Primary Contact: [log in to unmask] ([log in to unmask])
Contact: [log in to unmask]
DéFI BELGIQUE AFRIQUE
http://www.kabissa.org/dba
Stage de vacances en Afrique pour jeunes et étudiants, réalisation et
parrainage de
projets humanitaires, outils de sensibilisation pour les enfants du cycle
primaire
et les jeunes du secondaire supérieur, week-ends Tiers-monde, jumelage
d'écoles,
échanges interculturels ...
Primary Contact: Olivier Mills ([log in to unmask])
Secondary Contact: Vincent Dejemeppe ([log in to unmask])
Street and Mailing Address: 4 Av. Van Volxem 1190 Bruxelles Belgium
Telephone Numbers: 003223747542
Contact: [log in to unmask]
EQUINOX COMPUTER SYSTEMS
http://www.kabissa.org/equinoxgh
ECS aim is is to provide Information Technology Training and knowledge
internet
access to the Ghanaian at little or no cost. ECS is requesting the donation
of new
or used computers and accessories and any equipment that will be useful in
providing training to its targeted audience (the less fortunates, students,
etc.).
We are also seeking support for providing websites for some Ghanaian
organizations.
Primary Contact: Mr Daniel Daitey
Secondary Contact: Mrs Charlotte Daitey
Street and Mailing Address: P. O. Box LA 97, La - Accra
Telephone Numbers: 233-21-770562 233-24-259379
Contact: [log in to unmask]
EQUINOX COMPUTER SYSTEMS
http://www.kabissa.org/equinoxgh
ECS aim is is to provide Information Technology Training and knowledge
internet
access to the Ghanaian at little or no cost. ECS is requesting the donation
of new
or used computers and accessories and any equipment that will be useful in
providing training to its targeted audience (the less fortunates, students,
etc.).
We are also seeking support for providing websites for some Ghanaian
organizations.
Primary Contact: Mr Daniel Daitey
Secondary Contact: Mrs Charlotte Daitey Street and Mailing Address: P. O.
Box LA
97, La - Accra
Telephone Numbers: 233-21-770562 233-24-259379
Contact: [log in to unmask]
HAKIKAZI CATALYST
http://www.hakikazi.org
HAKIKAZI CATALYST aims to support information dissemination and training
activities
which empower marginalized people to have an effective voice in influencing
decisions affecting their lives, achieve civil and political rights and
enjoy equal
status with others both at local, national and international level.
Primary Contact: Emmanuel Kallonga
Secondary Contact: Anne Lema
Street and Mailing Address: HAKIKAZI CATALYST P.O. Box 781, Arusha Jacaranda
Street, Plot No. 12/P Elite Cinema Building, Arusha Tanzania
Telephone Numbers: 255 27 2 509860 255 744 281286 255 744 310346
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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21. LETTERS AND COMMENTS
ACCESSING WEBLINKS IN THE NEWSLETTER
Thanks for this issue but I cannot access any of the weblinks specified in
the
text... what can I do?
OUR REPLY: If you have e-mail access, you can use the Kabissa www4mail
server to
request that web pages be delivered to your mailbox. To use it, address a
message
to [log in to unmask] and copy and paste the weblinks into the body of the
message, one per line. The subject line is ignored by www4mail, but some
people
find it useful for labelling requests. Your web resources will be returned
to you
in the form of attachments that can be viewed using your web browser. If you
do not
even have a web browser, you can request plain text by preceding each
weblink with
the word "GET".
ADRIAN FROM KOSOVO
I am a citizen of Kosovo and a Field Officer for an Inter-ethnic Tolerance
Building
Program in Kosovo-Federal Republic Yugoslavia. My Program Manager who is
from South
Africa introduced me to your newsletter which I find fascinating and
helpful. I am
interested in being in touch with other young people in Africa to exchange
ideas
about the role of youth in peace building. I hope to organise a conference
about
this topic for youth from Africa, Kosovo, northern Ireland and Palestine.
Please
contact me, or pass this message on to young people in your agency or
projects.
Thank you
Contact: [log in to unmask]
AFRICAN NGO PERSPECTIVES ON THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT GATEWAY
Raj Patel, Voice Of The Turtle
Over the past few weeks, KFN has carried a healthy, and splendidly
civilised,
debate on the World Bank’s new Development Gateway initiative. Behind the
candid
commentary, though, are some rather bitter issues, many of them directly
relevant
to African politics.
First, the theory. Colonisation and ‘development’ need knowledge in order to
prop
up the rather shaky rationalisations upon which they rest. The World Bank
has spent
a great deal of time and money cornering the market in ‘development’
knowledge for
precisely this reason. The tragedy is that there’s a great deal of
subversive work
being done by African academics, policy analysts, teachers and activists
that
rarely gets the coverage that headline Bank projects do.
This ‘African silence’ works to the advantage of those trying to secure the
status
quo. For those concerned with active democracy rather than ‘good
governance’, with
redistribution rather than ‘poverty’, with justice rather than ‘law’, the
Bank’s
site is bad news. It is hard enough, given the neoliberal domination of
Africa, to
shift public debate to questioning social fundamentals, much less changing
them.
Now, to practice. Many comrades in the NGO world here are forced to adopt a
different kind of language in order to get themselves heard not only by
donors, but
by governments too. The adoption of ‘the master’s tools’ is precisely the
sort of
compromise that many hoped would be unnecessary after decolonisation. That
our
politicians remain beholden to these rhetorics and policies, whether GEAR in
South
Africa, structural adjustment in Zimbabwe, HIPC conditions in Mozambique or
PRSPs
in Uganda, bears witness to the very limited extent of African
decolonisation. That
people believe that there are no alternatives is *precisely* because
neoliberalism
cannot allow the space imaginatively to entertain these alternatives. Hence
the
importance of the Development Gateway.
So what to do? Sadly, ignoring the World Bank doesn’t make it go away.
Meeting the
Bank’s knowledge offensive (and offensive is the right word) demands action.
Activists have only limited resources, though, and firefighting new
neoliberal
initiatives takes time and energy. This time, we’re in luck. In challenging
the
Bank website, we can not only to reject the Bank, but do it by actively
getting
creative with other projects.
There are already many African organisations that have taken a stand. The
MWENGO
website, at www.mwengo.org for example , is a recently launched Southern
African
regional hub. Among the positions there are some that are openly critical of
neoliberal colonial economics, and supportive of land redistribution. The
chances
of challenges to property rights being disseminated by the Bank? Slim.
(Although the Bank’s PR machine has swung into gear to defend its openness
to other
positions, there are already reasons to be suspicious. Even before the
official
launch, the site has already refused to post correspondence from one legal
scholar,
and there is reason to think merely by looking at the titles of the topic
areas
that some comments are liable to be more ‘on topic’ than others.)
Initiatives similar to MWENGO’s, that fly in the face of this ideological
intimidation, exist elsewhere on the continent. It is our responsibility
actively
to support them, and to create spaces in which alternatives are thinkable
not only
by ourselves, but also the people with whom we work, and whom we may claim
to
represent.
To sign the declaration against the Bank, send an email to
[log in to unmask] with your Name and organisation in the subject
line
(no organisational endorsement is assumed).
Further details: http://www.kabissa.org/kfn/newsletter.php?id=2527
Contact: [log in to unmask]
ALANNA HARTZOK, EARTHRIGHTS INSTITUTE
http://www.earthrights.net
Thank you. I offer you this quote, and the other articles you may download
form my
website.
-- "Forms are nothing when the substance is gone, and the forms of popular
government are those from which the substance of freedom may most easily go.
Political equality, co-existing with an increasing tendency to the unequal
distribution of wealth, must ultimately beget the despotism of organized
tyranny or
the worse despotism of anarchy." - Henry George
Contact: [log in to unmask]
FLORENCE KIFF, AGENCY FOR COOPERATION AND RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT
Editor/Publications Coordinator
http://www.acord.org.uk
Firstly, many thanks for the excellent latest issue of the Kabissa-Fahamu
newsletter. The G8 coverage was very comprehensive and helped me keep up
with all
the details.
Secondly, the latest news from ACORD is that we now have a new, free,
bi-monthly e-
newsletter which I thought you might like to subscribe to. It includes news
from
our programmes, organisational news, a hyperlinked list to all our new
publications, a list of other useful resources and the latest vacancies at
ACORD.
The current issue is on our website at
http://www.acord.org.uk/e-news/No1.htm. If you'd like to subscribe, either
go to
http://www.acord.org.uk/e-news/Subscription.htm or simply reply to me at
this e-
mail address.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
GREG MORAN FROM SOUTH AFRICA
This is the first opportunity to really check out your newsletter and have
to say
it is absolutely fantastic. What a resource!
MICHA HOLLESTELLE
First of all I wish to congratulate you on your growing newsletter. Growing
in
subscriptions, length, depth and most of all in quality. Reading your
newsletter is
almost enough to be posted on the international matters that matter.
Despite all the the satisfaction I get from your newsletter, however, I do
have one
suggestion about the layout: Is it possible to deliver your newsletter in a
more
reader friendly layout, as a word document attached for instance?
OUR REPLY: Thank you for writing. We are glad you appreciate the quality of
the
newsletter - we work hard on it! We very consciously designed the newsletter
so
that it is accessible to subscribers that can read only plain text e-mail
messages.
The feedback from subscribers in Africa has been, by and large, very
positive since
it provides them with all the information they need on a weekly basis in a
single e-
mail. However, this stands in contrast to our subscribers in more
"bandwidth-rich"
countries who are accustomed to news websites and often complain about the
newsletter being too long, containing too much information, and being too
difficult
to navigate. This tension is one we are very aware of, and we are
continually on
the search for solutions. We welcome input from our subscribers!
SOLOMON RAMONYAI, HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA
Greetings to you, I really like to thank you for the interesting newsletter
that
you are sending to me. I find it very informative and and more so out of
this
world. Please keep up the good work of enlightening the civil society of
Africa and
the rest of the world on issues of concern. I real appreciate your vision
and
insight to make the world a tiny web (globalisation).
STEVEN WILSON
I am a representative of a new non profit organization called R.O.P.E. or
Ministry
for the Relief Of People Everywhere. We would like pictures to help in our
fundraising to give food, medical supplies and aid to people of Africa. We
are
starting our focus on Kenya but we will be expanding our efforts to the
whole
continenet of Africa. Any info and contacts that you can provide in our
efforts
would be appreciated. Thank you.
Contact: [log in to unmask]
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Next WASAN meeting is Wednesday, Aug 22, Safeco Jackson St. Center, 306 23rd Ave S @ S Main St, Suite 200, Seattle
7:00 PM WASAN business meeting
7:30 PM Program: "Fundamentals of Doing Aid Work in Africa" by Dr. John Lukyamuzi.
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