[alternet-l] The Alternet News #89

[Joanne Doyle]

THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 89

This issue:

HOT SITES/
ILLEGAL WAR/
WEN WINS APPEAL/
STUDENTS INVADE ESSO HQ/
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY/
SPACE/
RETURN TO GUJARAT/
ETHICAL CAREERS/
COURSES/
QUOTE/UNQUOTE/
JOBS/
DIARY/

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HOT SITES

Electronic Iraq, has been launched by veteran antiwar campaigners
Voices in the Wilderness (founded 1996) and respected Middle East
supplementary news publishers, the Electronic Intifada (founded 2001).

--> www.electronicIraq.net

The Electronic Intifada (EI) is an online educational gateway to 
information about the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering reference material, commentary and
analysis, personal journals from the front lines of the conflict, media
news and analysis, and even satire. Launched 23 February 2001, EI is
independent of any political, factional, ethnic, or religious affiliation,
and bases its view of the conflict on the foundations of universal human
rights and international law.

--> http://electronicIntifada.net

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ILLEGAL WAR

A legal opinion from two leading international lawyers from Matrix, London 
warns the UK
Government that the use of force against Iraq, without a Security Council 
authorisation, will be a clear violation of international law and that the 
Draft Resolution sponsored by the UK, US and Spain does not authorise force.

The opinion obtained today from Rabinder Singh QC and Charlotte Kilroy 1 on 
behalf of CND , and other leading NGOs, advises:

The Draft Resolution would not authorise the US and the UK to use force 
against Iraq if it were adopted. In the present circumstances as known to 
us, if there is no further resolution clearly authorising force, the US and 
the UK would be acting in violation of international law if they were to 
attack Iraq.
This opinion will be used as part of an international campaign of lawyers 
and NGOs to make the US and UK Governments accountable, in law, for any 
unlawful actions. Lawyers in the US , Canada , Australia , Ireland , and 
other countries will be using this opinion to put pressure on their 
governments to act in accordance with the law.

Phil Shiner of Public Interest Lawyers 2 said today: “This opinion leaves 
no room for doubt. Without a specific Security Council authorisation war 
will be illegal. This draft does not give that authorisation.”

More:
--> www.cnduk.org/PRESS/latest.htm

Related site:
--> www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq

More links:
-->www.gn.apc.org/action/ukgroups.html

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WEN WINS APPEAL

Women's Environmental Network (WEN) have won their appeal against an ASA 
Adjudication which had upheld complaints by the disposable nappy industry 
against a WEN information leaflet. The ASA Council have now overturned this 
earlier adjudication.
It accepted WEN's appeal that the original decision was 'substantially 
flawed'.
The decision is a landmark in the struggle between charities and big 
business over public access to contentious information.

The complaints against the leaflet, which went out of print in March 2002, 
were lodged by the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association 
(AHPMA). AHPMA represents the interests of Procter & Gamble and Kimberly 
Clarke, the largest nappy manufacturers in the UK. The UK disposable nappy 
industry is worth nearly £500 million a year but its market is diminishing 
due to the fall in the birth rate. WEN promotes cloth nappies to reduce waste.

Nearly 3 billion disposable nappies are thrown away every year in the UK. 
For families with just one baby, disposable nappies can make up 50% of 
their weekly bin.
At a conference at Aston University on 10th February, Environment Minister 
Michael Meacher praised WEN for its work in promoting the use of real 
nappies to reduce the numbers of disposables going to landfill.

Full story:

--> www.wen.org.uk/general_pages/Newsitems/pr_asa_26.2.03.htm

Related link:
--> www.wen.org.uk/general_pages/Newsitems/pr_nappy_conf.htm

Ethical Consumer's corporate boycott list:
--> www.ethicalconsumer.org/boycotts/boycotts_list.htm

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STUDENTS INVADE ESSO HQ

Sixty anti-war students from the People & Planet network yesterday invaded 
the grounds of Esso’s UK Headquarters in Surrey to highlight Esso’s 
appalling track record of fuelling the oil addiction that lies behind 
President Bush’s desperate push for war.
Surprised Esso security failed to prevent the protestors, many of whom were 
wearing tiger costumes, from simply walking through the main gate into the 
landscaped grounds that surround the purpose-built HQ, where 1,000 Esso 
staff work. Esso employees gathered at windows to watch as:

- A 12-foot wooden model of a sinking oil tanker, bearing the slogan 
“Esso’s going down”, was installed in the company pond.
- A ‘tiger’ in a model tank, with the slogan “Oil fuels war” on the side, 
toured the building, symbolising how Esso is linked to the looming threat 
of war.
- The grounds and main gate of the building were decorated with giant model 
fish and other aquatic life to symbolise the rising sea levels that will 
result if climate change is not stopped.

The students also gave out ‘goody bags’ to staff containing “Esso sucks” 
lollipops and a new report by Greenpeace that outlines how oil is fuelling 
the current drive to war. The bags also contained a letter asking staff to 
examine the evidence against Esso and consider whether they really want to 
work for such an irresponsible company. Several staff were seen reading the 
report as they went home that evening.

Find out more, see:
--> www.peopleandplanet.org/climatechange/pressrelease.php

Greenpeace report here:
--> www.stopesso.com/war/

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INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

In celebration of International Women's Day, March 8th, women
leading the fight against HIV and AIDS will participate in a
series of live online chats throughout the month of March. These
women have fought the battles against this truly global epidemic
in the tall grass of Africa, the grassroots of the U.S.A., international
policy arenas and the streets of New York, Philadelphia and beyond.

More:
--> www.feminist.org/global/globalvoices03/

Women's groups and gender and ICT advocates worked tirelessly during the 
second WSIS Preparatory Committee meetings (PrepCom2) to ensure Gender 
concerns and advocacies were incorporated into the draft Declaration and 
Action plan.

WSIS related stories:
--> www.gn.apc.org/action/index.html

Many advocates who attended the PrepCom are now attending the Commission on 
the Status of Women (CSW) meetings in New York. The themes of the CSW 
include:  Women, media and ICTs;  Elimination of all forms of 
discrimination and violence against women.These conclusions will, in turn, 
feed into the WSIS process. in the coming weeks, information from the CSW 
will be shared and work will continue to refining inputs to the WSIS Draft 
Declaration and Action plan, primarily via the email discussion.

Further information:
--> www.genderit.org/

In a Commons debate to mark international women's day, Patricia Hewitt warned
warned Labour's anti-war women MPs yesterday not to confuse conciliation 
with appeasement, saying: "Of course, conciliation would be better than 
war. But let us not confuse conciliation with appeasement, or muddle our 
rational fear of war with irrational trust in Saddam."

Women backbenchers, notably Glenda Jackson and Alice Mahon, have been 
outspoken and persistent critics of Tony Blair's stand.

Follow the story:
--> www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,909051,00.html

UN Official website:
--> www.un.org/events/women/iwd/2003/

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SPACE

Another kind of space: creating ecological dwellings and environments is a book
compiled by Graham Meltzer and Alan Dearling. Graham is an architect and 
long term member of the world's intentional communities' movement. His 
doctorate at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia was 
on co-housing. Alan is currently senior research consultant with the 
Chartered Institute of Housing in the UK. He also has a long history of 
involvement in environmental action, particularly with regards modern 
nomads, travellers, young people and eco-protest.

"At different levels, and for different audiences, this book offers a 
window into a better world.  It contains a fascinating and inspirational 
selection of dwellings, living spaces and environments from around the 
world, all of which are deliberately fashioned by people and communities 
seeking to live in greater harmony and awareness with each other and the 
natural world. Some of the dwellings provide shelter for nomadic 
travellers; some are situated on communes and intentional communities; 
others are settlements on permaculture and organic farms; still more 
provide homes to rural and urban individuals, households and groups who are 
keen to find 'another way' of living."

Email Alastair Darling for further information or to read sample extracts 
from the book:
--> adearling at aol.com

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RETURN TO GUJARAT

One year after the Gujarat genocide, protesters joined a candlelit vigil, 
Monday 3rd March, outside the offices of the British Charity Commission. 
The protest was to draw attention to the organisations which financed the 
massacres and the continuing communal violence, who are still enjoying 
charity status in Britain.

WLUML are calling for women across the world to demand accountability for 
the perpetrators and justice for the survivors of Gujarat.

"It is also vital to express continuing solidarity with all those who have 
suffered and continue to face daily humiliation and violence. Equally 
important is to also support those within and outside the Muslim community 
who are taking personal risks to provide them support. Global progressive 
forces must make their position loud and clear on the threat posed by the 
implementation of the Hindutva agenda, the lack of an appropriate response 
by mainstream political parties in India, and the shrinking space allowed 
for secular voices to be heard."

Join the actions here:
--> www.wluml.org/english/alerts/2003/1-anniv-gujarat.htm

In April 2002, Human Rights Watch released its report, “We Have No Orders 
to Save You: State Complicity and Participation in Communal Violence in 
Gujarat,” based on investigations conducted in March 2002. In January 2003, 
Human Rights Watch returned to Gujarat:

"Incidents of communal violence continue to be reported almost on a daily 
basis.
Despite assertions to the contrary by the state government, the situation 
is far from “normal.”  While many families have received monetary 
compensation for the deaths of their loved ones, few have received funds to 
adequately compensate for the destruction of their homes and businesses. 
The onus of providing relief has fallen largely on the Muslim community and 
non-governmental groups.

By the end of October 2002, the government had closed most relief camps 
even though most families were afraid to return to what was left of their 
homes.
The violence in Gujarat has proved an efficient catalyst for the 
ghettoization of the Muslim community. The reconstruction of homes has 
largely taken place along communal lines.

Because of fears for their safety, Muslim families have been unwilling to 
return to their homes. After the violence, most cannot work, reside or send 
their children to schools in Hindu-dominated neighborhoods. As the 
segregation of communities continues, hopes for dialogue and reconciliation 
are dissipating. "

Full report here:
--> www.hrw.org/reports/2002/india/

Related link:
--> www.onlinevolunteers.org/gujarat/

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ETHICAL CAREERS

A unique, new set of briefings that provide insight into the ethical
dimensions of various science and technology careers are to be launched 
today, Friday
7th March, by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR). The series,
entitled "Thinking About an Ethical Career in Science and Technology," is
aimed in particular at the large numbers of science and engineering
students and graduates known to be concerned about the ethical implications
of available career choices. The first three briefings have been released
to coincide with the start of National Science Week. They provide in-depth
analysis of ethical controversies within three industry/research sectors
together with guidance on how to make an ethical career choice within those
fields.

The three new briefings are:
· Career choice and climate change
· Cleaner technologies: a positive choice
· Career choice, ethics and animal experimentation (produced in association
with Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research)

Further briefings will be published over the coming months, covering topics
that include the military and space technology; ethics and genetics;
assessing the sustainability of your career; nuclear issues; and military
involvement in science and technology. The briefings mark the next stage in 
SGR's ethical careers work and follow
on from the introductory booklet: "An Ethical Career in Science and
Technology?"

Copies of the briefings can be downloaded from SGR's ethics web-page:
-->www.sgr.org.uk/ethics.html

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COURSES

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) and
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) are announcing an innovative
distance learning course on developing participatory leadership
skills.  The course is intended for leaders, activists, and staff of
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in promoting human rights
and equitable societies.

The course is based on a conceptualization of leadership as horizontal,
inclusive, and participatory. Leadership is approached as a process that
leads to greater choices for all by fostering communication among
individuals who learn from each other, create a shared vision, and reach a
common goal forged by consensus. The alternative leadership model
introduced in this course responds to the need for leaders who aspire to
create egalitarian, democratic, and pluralistic societies based on
collaborative decision-making, coalition-building, and gender equality.
The course sessions will be organised as a progression in learning to
encourage participants' involvement in decision-making processes and to 
promote a
participatory and dialogical leadership style.

The deadline for applications is 1 May 2003. A limited number of 
scholarships (tuition
waivers) is available for applicants from Africa, Asia, Eastern
Europe/Newly Independent States, the Middle East, and Latin
American/Caribbean.

Application forms can be downloaded from:
--> www.hrea.org/courses/12E.html

FELLOWS IN CIVIL SOCIETY
Duke University's Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy is
offering a programme for outstanding civil society practitioners:
The Joel L. Fleishman Fellows in Civil Society. The programme was
created through a generous seed grant from The Atlantic
Philanthropies (USA) and is named for the Institute's founding
Director. The programme is designed to provide a unique learning
experience at one of the United States' leading public policy
institutions.

Application deadline: May 1, 2003. Download application:
http://www.pubpol.duke.edu/centers/civil/index.html

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QUOTE/UNQUOTE

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary 
act."
George Orwell

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JOBS/ VOLUNTEERING

GREENNET
GreenNet are looking for a female volunteer to supervise drop in computer 
access 1/2 day per week at our offices in Angel, Islington. These sessions 
are following on from ESF funded women only training (and trainers) that is 
due to finish end March. You will be familiar with usig web-based email 
(e.g. yahoo) and Internet browers on a Windows based PC. Some knowledge of 
Microsoft office, especially word processing, is useful. For more information:
--> email: joanne at gn.apc.org, or phone 0845 055 4011.

RED PEPPER MAGASINE
Marketing and Campaigns Officer (2 days p/w £8,320 pa)
Good knowledge of green-left issues and campaigns.  Previous experience of
running below and above line marketing projects, as well as media and public
relations is essential. Must be results orientated, flexible and
imaginative, able to plan strategically as well as having a proven track
record in successful revenue generation.

General Manager (Full time £19,500 p/a)
Must have excellent adminstrative skills and experience. Hands on knowledge
of IT, good communication skills and ability to manage paid and voluntary
staff. Experience of event organising, financial management and basic
bookkeeping is also essential. Future development includes expansion of this
post in to one of publisher.

Full CV with covering letter to: Tessa Swithinbank, Red
Pepper, 1B Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ.
Closing date for applications: 28th March 2003

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DIARY DATES

*Human Rights Watch International Film Festival*
March 12th to 20th
Ritzy Brixton, Gate Notting Hill, Phoenix East Finchley
Human rights extend into all areas of life and two very different but 
compelling
titles demonstrate the diversity of the subject, BLUE VINYL and GEORGIE GIRL.

For further information, interview requests, VHS review copies, images contact:
Sarah Harvey or Claudine Wake, SarahHarveyPublicity: 020 7703 2253 / 07958 
597426 /
--> email: press at sarahharvey.info

"Make Ayahuasca Not War!"
Thursday, March 13th
Lecture and Film at the London School of Economics - FREE!
Piers Gibbon will be showing the Channel 4 Ayahuasca film that he presented
(Jungle Trip) and giving a talk on ayahuasca and the entheogens.
8pm, LSE, Clement House, Aldwych, London (next to the Post Office)

*The LSESU Colombian Society presents a one day seminar*
Thursday, March 13th
Colombia's unfinished battles: armed conflict and narco-trafficking
Time: 9.30am - 7:00pm
Venue: Hong Kong theatre (9:30am - 12:00noon); New Theatre (1:30pm-3:00pm 
and 5:00pm-7:00pm)
Speakers: Andres Pastrana, former president of Colombia (1998-2002);
Juan Carlos Echeverry: former Minister of Economic Planning, dean of 
Economics Department, Universidad de los Andes, Colombia; Bernardo Ortiz: 
former vice-minister of Defense, Colombia; Michael Reid, The Economist; Sir 
Keith Morris among others.

This event is free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a 
first come, first
serve basis.

Further information:
--> email:su.soc.colombian at lse.ac.uk, or phone: 07729845570, 07815046107

*Global Crisis, People's Response*
Saturday March 15th 10.00-17.00
War on Want Conference
University of Westminster, New Cavenish Street, London, Googe St 
Underground Station
£3/ £2 entry or free to members

Mary Robinson - former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights 	
Jeremy Hardy - comedian and activist
Victoria Brittain - journalist
Bernado Kucinski - Lula's Workers' Party, Brazil
Gloria Ramirez - former leader of Colombia's largest trade union

Annual event to encourage debate, enthusiasm and, most importantly, action 
in the struggle for
social change in this time of global crisis.

To register contact Nick Dearden at War on Want 020 7620 1111 or
--> email: ndearden at waronwant.org

*WARWICK FOX: HIDDEN ASSUMPTIONS IN ETHICS: HUMANS, OTHER SENTIENT BEINGS, AND
THE WIDER ENVIRONMENT*
Saturday, March 15th
7.30 - 9.30pm
Warwick Fox is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the Centre for Professional
Ethics, University of Central Lancashire, where he teaches courses on ethics
and the philosophy of mind.

The Buddhist House, 12 Coventry Rd, Narborough
LE19 2GR

*DEMO AT BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (BAT) LONDON HEAD OFFICE*
Wednesday, March 26TH
GET BAT OUT OF BURMA!
12.30-1.30pm
Temple Place, next door to Temple Tube, District and Circle Line.

*The Schumacher Lectures*
Soil Soul Society & Health
April 12th
2 ­ 6pm The Courtyard, Edgar St, Hereford
-The Global Economy & how to survive it
Helena Norberg-Hodge Director, International Society for Ecology & culture, 
author of
‘Ancient Futures, Learning from Ladakh’. Helena goes right to the heart of 
global problems and presents a vision of a better alternative within 
everyone’s reach.

- You Are, Therefore I Am*
Satish Kumar After his 8000 mile ‘peace walk’ to the major capitals of the 
world, Satish became editor of Resurgence Magazine & Programme Director of 
Schumacher College. His writings include ‘No Destination’ & ‘You Are, 
Therefore I Am’.

- How to avoid cancer & live to be 100
Dr Sarah Myhill One of the country’s leading experts in environmental 
Medicine, Dr Sarah
explains simple and effective ways to counteract environmental toxins and 
stay healthy.

Plus Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Art & Theatre Workshops for children & 
young people
Doors open at 1.30pm ­ local organic lunch available from 12.00 & dinner 
from 6pm in the Courtyard Restaurant

Tickets from the Courtyard Box Office tel: 01432 359252
Adults £9, concessions £4.50. Children £4, child concessions £2
N.B. Places for childrens’ workshops are limited, please book early and 
specify age:
(5-7), (8-10), (11-13)

*Gaia Cooperative’s eco-literacy programme*
Workshop with Helena Norberg-Hodge
Sun 13th April Soil, Soul, Society & Health

*Residential Weekends in Golden Valley, Herefordshire*
16-18th May Organic Gardening & Herbs
4-6th July Meditation, Health & Wellbeing
11-13th July Web of Life

Further information:
--> www.gaiacooperative.org

*More Diary Dates on GreenNet*
--> www.gn.apc.org/calendar/calindex.shtml

Please add your events to the calendar here:
--> www.gn.apc.org/calendar/add.shtml

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The AlterNet News is edited by Joanne Doyle for GreenNet:
---> www.gn.apc.org

Please note that opinions expressed in AlterNet are those of the
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