2.
What’s
Going On in Asia?
Hong
Kong
JPIC
Gathering: Human Rights Instruments for
Advocacy
One
of the most disputable social issues of Hong Kong in
2010 is the constitutional reform: the argument has
struck on the definition of universal suffrage.
However,
focus on democratic development in Hong Kong seemed
to be fading as the proposal of constitutional reform
was passed. At the first JPIC Gathering
in January 2011, the Asian Center for the
Progress of Peoples invited Andre Frankovits, an
experienced human rights worker and trainer, to share
how to use human rights instrument “at
home”. In spite of the topic, Andre
reminded that human rights instrument is only one of
the many tools that can be used to achieve goals of
greater equity and democratic participation, and
there are many other means that can be used.
It
has always been misunderstood that human rights
instruments, such as the international human rights
treaties, treaty-based and charter-based mechanisms
at the United Nations (UN), can only be used by those
who can attend the UN meetings. “The work
started long before the [UN] meetings……
There is not much use of just attending the meetings
and shouting at the diplomats,” Andre said.
“And the human rights instruments can have
an impact when used strategically in the domestic
sphere.”
To
illustrate how to make the best use of the occasions
at UN level, Andre recommended a video on
“Australian NGO lobbying in Geneva on the
occasion of the periodic review of Australia on 27
January 2011”: <http://www.hrlrc.org.au/content/universal-periodic-review-ngo-delegation-updates/#17jan11>
Some
participants also recognized that, although
“human rights” is a common word used in
Hong Kong, especially among social justice concerned
groups, they may not understand clearly about the
concept of human rights and its usage.
Andre
also shared his recent research on the UN human
rights committees’ recommendations on democratic
development in Hong Kong. According to Hong
Kong’s human rights commitments as a party to
various human rights treaties, its current
interpretation of universal suffrage does not meet
its human rights obligations.
In
Hong Kong, human rights was always projected as a
“value”, this JPIC Gathering
broadened the participants’ understanding on
human rights as a tool and to explore resources to
sustain their promotion of democratic development
even if the proposed reform has been passed.
Source:
Wanyu from the Asian Center for the Progress of
Peoples
Journey
with Justice and Peace Workers
The
beginnings of the JPW Asia-Pacific Forum
started in 1997, but it was only in 2003 when I
actually had a chance to attend my first networking
meeting which was in Sri Lanka. There I started
my journey of meeting groups of "Church
people" who are involved in justice, peace and
integrity of creation, human rights and advocacy work
in their respective countries, in specific sectors,
issues of concern, as well as areas (education,
formation, mobilization, advocacy training, etc.),
some have worked for decades, some have just started
their role in their offices, and many are
“in-between...”
The
most touching moment during my JPW time was in
2005, listening to JPW veterans (priest and
sister from Japan) who have been working for justice
and peace for 20-30 years and still actively
involved. At that time, I was ACPP
Coordinator for only 2-3 years and was about to
give-up. Instead, I extended for a few more
years...
One
of the things I learned from my time at ACPP
is that there are indeed many people in the Church
who are doing fantastic work in terms of social
justice, some with structural and moral support of
the hierarchy, while others have to struggle a bit
more or a lot more. All have their own
challenges, but many stand out because they continue
their effort and struggle even without practical
support or structural/ institutional affiliation, and
those who find opportunities to do more in promoting
justice whatever status they are in. For
me, they are inspiring living proof that while it
helps sometimes to have a formal structure to enhance
solidarity (there are many already), there is also a rare
advantage of a less formally structured group as
long as the people involved are personally
committed. This advantage and nature of the
JPW network should be acknowledged and kept as
a "secret weapon" when the formal
structures fail.
JPWs
are scattered all over the world, in Asia-Pacific, in
each country, in each community, etc. Sometimes
they are able to settle their own concerns locally
and this reflects their experience and knowledge of
the situation enough to resolve among
themselves. Other times, they identify that
they need some more help from "outside" and
when they are clear of what this help would be, they
could approach the appropriate groups for the help
they need. Outside groups need to trust their
local wisdom and consider their own scope and
experience and decide how best to help them.
The
role of JPW Asia-Pacific Forum
and its networking meetings, are to link these people
together in order to facilitate access to each
other's work, resources, experience, expertise,
facilitation, solidarity action. They may not
need to "use" them in their whole lifetime,
but the gathering of people and the interaction, the
sharing of common issues and common challenges and
exploring of possible solutions, such networking is
humanly important to build the bond that lends
solidarity to each other whenever we know that our
friends are in trouble. How to do it
effectively is another story that needs further
discussion and processing through interaction,
communication and specific skills training.
I
feel that this is the role that ACPP
is able to provide to the regional JPW
network - to facilitate a venue for meeting,
discussion, sharing, analyzing, networking,
solidarity. This is why I personally involved
myself and ACPP in co-organizing the JPW
networking meetings in Pakistan (2005), Manila (2008)
and Cambodia (2010).
Through
other ACPP activities, I also learned that
networking is a very misunderstood word (just like
"advocacy") and while all claim its
importance, there are practical difficulties, even
for groups which are already within the same city,
they don’t manage to meet! I have hoped to
be able to do more in this aspect, but it is also
true that this is an on-going situation that needs
on-going commitment.
In
spite of all the challenges, I really enjoyed and
feel that all JPWs should be able to
experience such inspiration and fulfillment even once
in their journey. As I say this, I hope that
whoever will take up the role of continuing the JPW
Asia-Pacific Forum, at ACPP and in the JPW
Co-organizing Team and the network, all the best
to you and remember to find your role and joy in
doing it!
Please
continue to support ACPP to
keep this network going.
Since
JPW is not a "membership" or
official structure that commands action or make
compulsory commitments of those in the network, it
can be said that we are only "few" and such
"endangered species" is so rare that when
we have identified each other, we should take care of
each other. I treasure all the friends I
have made and kept through this network.
As
I leave my 10 years of fulfilling and meaningful time
at ACPP, filled with good memories,
encouragement, support and inspiration from the
network, colleagues and friends, I express my deep
gratitude to you all who have shared your stories,
commitment, friendship and support to me and to ACPP
all these years. I enjoyed my journey because
of YOU! I always like to think that I am only
leaving ACPP, but not justice and peace
involvement (although my JP involvement was mainly
through ACPP). I am hoping that I can still
be blessed with such opportunity to meet and work
with inspiring and committed people, like you, who
are making a difference in the lives of people in the
marginalized sectors of the society. Please
keep in touch!
Source: Linda from
the Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples
India
JPC-Mumbai
speaks with the UN Special Rapporteur
The
Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of
Mumbai (JPC-Mumbai), together with representatives
from the Western Region of Maharashtra, Gujarat and
Rajasthan, attended the meeting with the UN Special
Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights
Defenders, Ms Margaret Sekaggya, on 17 January 2011,
when she visited India to "evaluate the
situation of human rights defenders in the
country."
Below
are highlights of the sharing by the representative
of JPC-Mumbai, Pamela.
Pamela
spoke on issues of the Project-Affected Persons
(PAPs) in the Mumbai Airport Land eviction issue [see
ACPP’s UA101213(7) <http://www.acpp.org/uappeals/2010/10121307.htm>],
particularly about the youth arrested, harassed and
given false charges for resisting the eviction
process; and on the case of Arun Fereira, a rights
activist labelled as a "Naxalite" and
arrested more than 2 years ago, with the state
allegedly filing false cases against him for crimes
occurring while he was in custody. A Jesuit
participant also spoke about the issue of dumping
grounds in Uttan, Thane district in Maharashtra [see ACPP’s
UA100308(2) <http://www.acpp.org/uappeals/2010/100308.htm>]
on behalf of activists, local clergy, and a retired
judge, who were given false court charges that
subsequently restricted their movements and required
them to appear in court many times.
The
Special Rapporteur met approximately 50 persons who
are like-minded persons fighting their own battles to
claim justice for the powerless or marginalized.
Cases
shared ranged from victims of abuse in the
Gujarat-Godhra riots, Dalit issues, tribal rights,
oppression of women, widows with properties being
labeled as witches, empowerment of masses on their
rights and entitlements, and intimidation of
witnesses in the Gujarat riots that also reflects
delay in justice processes. There were also
complaints how trade unionists were being labeled as
Maoists and picked up by police; their situation is
similar to human rights defenders or environmental
activists or anyone who voiced opinions and hence
face death threats, torture, arbitrary arrests, kept
under surveillance, forcibly displaced; and offices
raided and records stolen – stories which many
human rights advocates could relate to their
experience.
“I
was inspired by the many experiences, stories of
courage and conviction, stories of hatred and revenge
and stories of victory and peace which made me stand
tall and speak with conviction for the cause of
justice. This exposure and experience has built me
powerfully and as I conclude this
sharing I salute all the persons who deposed with the
message from James 1:12 Blessed
is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has
been approved, he will receive the crown of life,
which the Lord has promised to those who love
Him,“ , Pamela, shared.
Press
release about the Special Rapporteur's visit can be
found at:
<http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=10664&LangID=E>
Source: Sharing from
Pamela/ Justice and Peace Commission – Mumbai
Pakistan
Statement
of Church leaders on the assassination of Federal
Minister for Minorities
Below
is a press statement by Church leaders in Pakistan,
after the assassination of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti,
Federal Minister for Minorities, on 2 March
2011. Two months ago, on 4 January 2011,
another campaigner against blasphemy laws, Governor
Salman Taseer was also assassinated by his own body
guard. It raises concern about violence against
persons expressing freedom of conscience and
expression, as well as protection of citizens in
Pakistan through proper investigation and punishment
of those acting in violence.
While
the country is still tense after the murder of two
politicians, the news of recent burning of the Holy
Quran (in Florida, USA on 20 March) has intensified
the situation. When an issue is abused by
extremists and used as an excuse to attack others,
everybody in the country, including Muslims, are put
under imminent danger. Let's keep all
citizens of Pakistan in our prayers.
For
more details, please refer to the following
news:
Christians
in fear after Quran burning- Women flee for fear
of attack, two Christians killed, more protests
expected <http://www.ucanews.com/2011/03/24/christians-in-fear-after-qur%E2%80%99an-burning>
Assassination
of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti,
A
Press statement by the Church leaders in
Pakistan
We
the Church leaders in Pakistan express our
deep grief on the assassination of Mr.
Shahbaz Bhatti, the Federal Minister for
Minorities. We believe that the country has
lost in him a patriotic statesman and a
campaigner for interfaith harmony. Mr.
Bhatti’s assassination underlines the
issue of protection of religious minorities,
life and liberty. The government needs to go
beyond the rhetoric of ‘minorities
enjoying all the rights in the country’
and take practical step to curb extremism in
Pakistan.
We
would also like to appeal to the Federal and
Provincial governments to wake up to the
challenge of protection of the citizens of
Pakistan. If the country becomes a killing
field of the democrat and liberal individuals
who exercise their freedom of conscience and
expression, it would embolden the criminals
trying to take charge of the country. The
religion has been massively abused to cause
harassment and suffering of the people. The
reign of terror and bloodshed should be dealt
with by administrative and reformative
actions on urgent basis.
While
the exchange of condolence is due from and to
every citizen, we express our solidarity with
Mr. Bhatti’s family and the All Pakistan
Minorities Alliance his political party on
this profound loss.
In
view of the criminal killing of Mr. Shahbaz
Bhatti, three days mourning will be observed
from 3rd March 2011
and all Christian institutions in the country
will remain closed.
|
NCJP’s Action in Response to issues
in Society
Flood Relief Activities
In
July 2010, heavy monsoon rains affected Pakistan
badly. According to the Pakistan government
data, the flood directly affected about 20 million
people, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood
and infrastructure.
The
National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP)
organized relief activities in affected areas,
distributing provisions (food and non-food) among
2,500 families.
 |
| Volunteers
unloading relief goods. |
 |
| Fr.
Emmanuel Yousaf, National Director of NCJP,
distributing relief goods among the victim
families. |
NCJP urges
government to provide minority students with
religious education relevant to their religion
On
13 and 14 October 2010, a delegation comprising
religious and political leadership of the Christian
community, led by Peter Jacob, Executive Director of
NCJP, met with Mr. Fazl-e-Rahim Marwat, Chairman of
Textbook Board and Mr. Sardar Hussain Babak,
Provincial Minister for Education, Kyber Pkhtunkhwa
province, at the provincial capital, Peshawar.
The
delegation urged the government to provide students
of religion minorities with subject regarding their
own religions.
In
Pakistan, Islamiat (Islamic studies) is a compulsory
subject from Grade 1 to 12. Ethics, an optional
subject has been introduced for the students
belonging to religion minorities. For issues
relating to the religious studies policy, please
refer to “Sharing on New National Education
Policy” under “Listen to the Peoples”.
 |
| NCJP
delegation discussing with Chairman of
Textbook Board of Kyber Pkhtunkhwa |
NCJP launches
“Pakistan ka Muqdma” (The case of Pakistan
in the UN)
National
Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) launched a
book “Pakistan ka Muqadma” at Lahore on 9
December 2010. Prominent personalities from
civil society shared their comments on various
aspects of the publication. About 300 men and
women from different walks of life joined the
ceremony.
The
book brings the Urdu translation of State, NGO’s
and United Nation’s report under “Universal
Periodic Review” (UPR). The publication is
compiled by Mr. Peter Jacob, Executive Director of
NCJP.
 |
| Peter
Jacob (first from the right) at the book
launching. |
Source: National Justice
and Peace Commission - Pakistan
Philippines
Solidarity
for HANJIN Workers in Subic
Hanjin
Heavy Industries and Construction – Philippines
Incorporated (HHIC-Philippines) or HANJIN, is a
Korean ship-building company inside Subic Freeport
and Economic Zone. It is the 4th largest
ship-building factory in the world and has exported
14 vessels worth at least sixty million US dollars
each from 2007 to 2010.
Currently,
more than 17,000 ship-building workers and
construction workers are hired by HANJIN, through
various sub-contractors on a contractual or part-time
basis (some with contract periods of five to ten
years), and their salaries are reportedly less than
what the company had promised them, even less than
the minimum wage rate in the country, and one-tenth
of their Korean counterparts, making the facility
even more globally-competitive in the shipping
industry.
The
National Secretariat for Social Action of the
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP-NASSA) and the Urban Missionaries of the
Association of Major Religious Superiors of the
Philippines (UM-AMRSP) have raised the following
concerns about the workers’ issues:
Fatal
accidents and non-compliance to Occupational Health
and Safety Standards
After an alarming series of accidents reported at
HANJIN, the Senate Labor Committee of Congress moved
to investigate and found HANJIN remiss in
implementing necessary occupational safety measures,
such as providing safety gadgets and personal
protective equipment, in such a hazardous work
environment. There are also no full-time
doctors or hospital facility. The findings also
attributed frequent accidents to
sub-contracting. Moreover, HANJIN clearly
violates Philippine laws, especially on Occupational
Health and Safety Standards, as well as security of
tenure of the Labor Code.
Union
Repression: While HANJIN released a memorandum
adopting safety measures, it was used to suppress the
workers’ right to self-organization and to
divert public attention by putting blame on the
workers. More than 60 workers, mostly union
officers and active union members, have been
terminated under the pretext of health and safety
violations.
Maltreatment:
Local workers have been subjected to slapping,
kicking and verbal abuse from their Korean
counterparts. There was a reported incident
that Filipino workers who have acted in defense
against Korean foremen’s hitting and slapping,
and caused cuts and bruises on the foremen, were
terminated and jailed, and 40 others were suspended.
According
to a statement of the HHIC-Philippines Workers Union
(HHIC-PIWU) and the Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Hanjin
Shipyard (SAMAHAN) on 30 January 2011, with the
intervention of CBCP-NASSA and UM-AMRSP, the Union
has been successful in getting a Registration
Certificate of the Workers Association released; and
a Task Force Hanjin has been formed by the Department
of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to monitor the
compliance of HANJIN to the labour standards.
Furthermore, after a dialogue between UM-AMRSP,
HANJIN workers and MAKABAYAN (Workers for
People’s Liberation) with the Bureau of Labour
Relations (BLR), and a letter from Bishop Broderick
S. Pabillo, Chairperson of CBCP-NASSA, a favourable
decision (acknowledgement) was granted by the
National DOLE-BLR for the Union’s registration
on 28 October 2010.
However,
in November 2010, a motion for re-consideration to
nullify the decision on the Union registration was
received. It was filed by an affiliate company
and a main contracting company at Subic, which is not
a party to the application for registration. It
was quite disturbing as the threat came before the
Registration Certificate was received from the
National DOLE-BLR.
The
Union is therefore calling for pro-active action,
such as sending a letter to the National DOLE-BLR
asking for the (re)issuance of the union registration
decision and registration certificate for the
union.
UM-AMRSP
has suggested the following for campaign and
advocacy: to keep calling for a safe working
environment and strict implementation of health and
safety measures at the facility; call for an end
to sub-contracting schemes and for HANJIN to
employ workers directly as provided for by the Article
279 of the Labor Code of the Philippines; stop
all kinds of mistreatment to local workers; uplift
workers’ conditions with reasonable
compensation, healthy and safe food and better
working conditions; and help spread the issues
by inviting a representative from the HHIC-PIWU to
speak in the community, schools or gatherings.
Meanwhile,
as the registration of workers’ union at HANJIN
was being prevented due to the appeal of management,
the workers continue to organize themselves and
ensured immediate services such as medical aid for
accidents, legal services and medico-legal
assistance. After a workers’ forum
conducted with the Social Action of Diocese of Iba,
workers shared their stories and experiences inside
HANJIN, and it was reported that the management and
Korean supervisors have lessened their abuses but
still punishing in other ways. The general
manager of HANJIN reportedly did not want the Union
to be formed, but they were willing to dialogue with
the workers.
The
Church should accompany HANJIN workers in their
struggle, to ensure that management comply with the
safety standards and treat the workers with
respect. In a call for support and solidarity
with HANJIN workers <http://nassa.org.ph/?p=153>
dated 29 October 2010, signed by Most Rev. Broderick
S. Pabillo, Chairperson of CBCP-NASSA, together with
the representatives of Social Action Center of
Zambales and UM-AMRSP, all peace-loving Filipinos and
advocates for justice are urged to support HANJIN
workers for a humane treatment and safe working
environment, accountability from government
officials, and demand HANJIN to observe and respect
Philippine laws. Advocates for justice and
peace are invited to:
- Call upon the new Administration of President
Aquino to review the investment contract of
HANJIN;
- Demand DOLE, Commission on Human Rights and
Labour Committees of the Senate and House of
Representatives to guarantee safe working
conditions and;
- Demand that HANJIN take full responsibility
and be accountable for the accidents,
injuries and deaths of workers and pay
appropriate compensation due to the workers
and their families.
UM-AMRSP
has issued a fact sheet on the HANJIN issue at its
August 2010 newsletter. Please contact <um77amrsp@yahoo.com>
for a copy or for more details. More
information on the Church groups’ view on the
issue can be found in the abovementioned “Call
for support” which has suggested addresses to
send appeal letters to.
Sources: Sr. Mapet from
National Secretariat for Social Action of the
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP-NASSA) and Lourdes from Urban Missionaries of
the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the
Philippines (UM-AMRSP)
Singapore
Think
Centre’s submission to UPR of Singapore
The
first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Singapore to
the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) is
scheduled for May 2011. In November 2010, Think
Centre, a non-government organization in Singapore,
made a submission of stakeholder’s information
to the UPR of Singapore, comprising of two
independent reports: a singular stakeholder
submission and a joint submission incorporating
national consultation input from other civil society
stakeholders. The aim is to enhance protection
and enjoyment of human rights and democracy.
In
the process, Think Centre coordinated civil society
consultations that provided space for concerned
individuals and NGOs to share their views on human
rights issues and recommendations. Other
information was drawn from public sources such as
news articles, court rulings, relevant
socio-political blogs, and official web sites of
political parties.
The
reports highlighted areas where the government needs
to remedy well-documented human rights problems and
ensure compliance with the international human rights
standards. The reports also called for full
recognition and fulfillment of Singapore’s
obligation under the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR), especially Conventions that Singapore
has ratified.
Key recommendations include:
- Review and repeal outdated legislations and
clauses in legislations that curtail
fundamental freedoms;
- Stop and abolish the practice of cruel,
inhumane, or degrading punishment, such as
mandatory caning and death penalty;
- Convene an independent national human rights
Institution that includes independent
thematic experts and commissioners; and
- Ensure that all workers including migrant
workers are entitled to the same rights as
the local workers with no discrimination.
The
UPR submissions are available at the Think
Centre’s web site: <http://www.thinkcentre.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=3063>.
Source: Think Centre -
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Testimony Therapy for
the Holistic Wellness of Our Ex-Prison Survivors and
their Families
Here are some highlights of “Testimony
Therapy for the Holistic Wellness of Our Ex-Prison
Survivors and their Families” organized by the
Human Rights Office – Kandy.
The second Ceremonial delivery of
testimonies for the year 2010 took place on the 27
November 2010. Around 60 participants,
including some of the survivors who have already gone
through the process of testimony therapy, took part
in the celebration, with the Vicar-General of the
Diocese of Kandy, Very Rev. Fr. Milroy Fonseka.
There were 6 religious as well, and Paul
McAdams and Bing of Equitas Canada were the
guests-of-honor.
Fr. Nandana shared his vision and his
experiences of the prison ministry encouraged the
survivors and their families, and pledged his
support. The climax was when all the participants
greeted the survivors and their family members. It
was a touching moment, when the earlier survivors met
and greeted the new survivors. An atmosphere of
celebration prevailed, while joyful songs were
played. The participants commended the
survivors for their steadfastness and courage, and
assured them of their continued support. Visuals were
then presented on the prison activities of the Human
Rights office. The whole group shared
refreshments together with the survivors.
The survivors were welcomed with Pottu,
highlighting its meaning “We are with you”
and with a Bharatha Natiyam. Like many others, the
survivors were innocent and living very ordinary
lives with their families. While the country is
undergoing reconciliation after the 3-decades civil
war, the ceremony with highlights of Tamil cultural
rituals and elements became extraordinarily
encouraging.
Different forms of art, like drama, singing
and dancing, have well provided means to restore the
participants from the painful memory.
For more news of Human Rights
Office - Kandy, please visit: <http://hrokandy.blogspot.com>.
Source:
Fr.Nandana from Human Rights Office -
Kandy
