[alternet-l] THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 98

[Joanne Doyle]

THE ALTERNET NEWS - ISSUE # 98

This issue:

HOT SITES/
"SNOOPER'S CHARTER"/
WOMEN'S RIGHTS - BAHRAIN/
NUCLEAR SUB STORAGE/
ANTI-WTO/
OPEN SOURCE/
WSIS Prep-Com 3/
FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE/
ENTWOODS/
GREEN FINGERED MONSTERS/
SMART PARLIAMENT AWARD/
QUOTE/UNQUOTE/
JOBS/
DIARY/

*****************************************************************
The AlterNet News is the GreenNet e-newsletter that carries brief news 
items, campaign updates, a diary of key forthcoming events and 
announcements. News comes from our contacts all over the web, but most of 
the AlterNet News will come from the GreenNet community. Please don't send 
news to the AlterNet address. Send items for inclusion, including a web 
link if possible, to actnow at gn.apc.org. Items may need to be edited. Plain 
text e-mail is preferred.

Back issues are on-line at:
--> www.gn.apc.org/news/alternet/index.html

*****************************************************************

HOT SITES

Tamil Centre for Human Rights now online at:

-->www.tchr.net

What are IFIs?  What impact do they have on the environment, debt or trade? 
What are they doing in Africa, East Asia or Eastern Europe? How do they 
operate and to whose rules? Who is watching what they do?

Find out at newly redesigned IFIwatchnet site:

--> www.ifiwatchnet.org

*****************************************************************

"SNOOPER'S CHARTER"

Legislation is being introduced by the government which will allow agencies 
such as fire authorities, jobcentres, the Postal Services Commission, the 
Gaming Board and the Charity Commission the power to use surveillance to 
investigate crime. BBC reports that "phone companies and internet service 
providers will be told by the government to keep records of phone calls and 
internet visits for a year.

Under the revised legislation, fire authorities and ambulance services will be
given automatic access to phone and internet data along with six other state
agencies.

They will be able to access subscribers' names and addresses and details of
telephone calls and e-mails made and received.

They can also get hold of mobile phone operators' data that pinpoints a user's
location within a few hundred yards."

Read the full BBC article here:
--> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3104054.stm

The legislation has been dubbed the "snooper's charter" and has dismayed 
human rights groups.

Liberty, one of the UK's leading human rights and civil liberties 
organisations, comments:
"The government has failed to learn from its mistakes. After the original 
"snoopers' charter" was published last year, the government was forced to 
retreat after enormous public outcry. We hope the same happens again.

"Our lawyers have been looking at these proposals round the clock. Under a 
snowstorm of accompanying paper we have unearthed buried proposals to allow 
new public bodies the right to use undercover agents for investigations. 
Such groups as The Charity Commission, the Gaming Board and the Postal 
Services Commission will now be able to use agents and informants to carry 
out investigations. Why? This underlines the uncomfortable fact that the 
British public are the most spied upon people in the Western world."

More:
--> 
www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/press/press-releases-2003/snoopers-charter.shtml

*****************************************************************

WOMEN'S RIGHTS - BAHRAIN

Women Living Under Muslim Laws (WLUML) are caaling for people to take 
action in support of the members of the Committee of Women’s Memorandum 
(Bahrain), other Bahraini intellectuals, and defenders of human and women’s 
rights.

"Eleven shari’a judges have filed a case accusing them of contempt of court 
and slander following a newspaper article in which they voiced concerns 
regarding women’s rights under uncodified family laws in Bahrain. The legal 
action is a reversal of the political and constitutional reforms currently 
taking place in Bahrain, and is an attempt to prevent the establishment of 
political, social and civil rights for Bahraini women.

The case will be heard on 23 September 2003. It is therefore vital that you 
respond immediately to this urgent call for action."

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Send urgent letters to the Bahraini authorities demanding:

1) The withdrawal of the court case against members of the Committee of 
Women’s Memorandum (CWM), other intellectuals and defenders of human and 
women’s rights.

2) That the government addresses the concerns of CWM in relation to family 
laws in Bahrain, and respond to CWM demands for the codification of family law.

3) That the government provide and permit space for women to raise their 
voices.

4) That the government guarantee freedom of the press and of expression, 
enabling women’s concerns to be published in the press.

Further information and a sample letter here:

--> 
www.wluml.org/english/actionsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[156]=i-156-7b6abd54b10bbd4444e0e10e1c4c6682&cmd[169]=i-169-7b6abd54b10bbd4444e0e10e1c4c6682

*****************************************************************

NUCLEAR SUB STORAGE

The Ministry of Defense has recently announced that proposals have been 
received from companies interested in dismantling old nuclear submarines 
for storage.
The proposals follow a public consultation on radioactive waste management 
from decommissioned nuclear submarines that took place in 2001, named 
'Project ISOLUS' - Interim storage of laid-up submarines. This was the 
first stage in the consultation process.

The second stage of consultation on Project ISOLUS will run from 12th 
September 2003 to 24th December 2003.

A further round of public consultation on outline proposals put forward by 
industry to store radioactive waste from redundant nuclear powered 
submarines on land was announced today by the Defence Procurement Minister 
Lord Bach, who stated:
"We are anxious to hear the public's views on what industry is proposing as 
this will help us to evaluate the proposals over the next few months and 
select those that warrant more detailed consideration. "

However, the Nuclear Submarine Forum has serious concerns with the 
proposals. They responded to the MoD announcement saying:

"The two options at present are to either cut out the reactor compartments 
(RC) and store them whole, or to cut up the compartments and package them 
in containers that will have less visual impact on their surroundings. 
NSubF supports the first option on safety grounds. Workers will not be put 
at risk of a high radiation dose and the intact hull provides the best 
shield to prevent radiation leak during years of storage. No doubt it will 
be harder for industry to "sell" submarine hulks to a community than 
innocuous looking drums, but that is also the MoD's problem and the key 
issue in the consultation process. Who wants this monolithic waste in their 
back yard?"

Read their full press release here:
--> www.nukeinfo.org.uk/subs/isolus_release.htm

More information about the ISOLUS project here:
--> www.lancs.ac.uk/users/csec/isolus/isolus.htm

MoD press release in full:
--> www.lancs.ac.uk/users/csec/isolus/isolus%20-%20min%20approved.doc

Access the NIS annual report here:
--> www.nukeinfo.org.uk/pdf/ar_2002_v2.PDF

Other news:
The anti-nuclear group, the Nuclear Policy and information Unit have 
produced 'Seek Peace' postcards and posters which they suggest may be 
useful at fairs, marches etc.
The postcards and posters are in colour and show an inspiring scene from 
the closing ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games with participants 
holding up lights to spell out the words 'Seek Peace'. Postcards are 15p 
each and A2 posters are 80p plus postage and packing.

To place an order email:
--> office at nuclearpolicy.info.

*****************************************************************

ANTI-WTO

The Zapatistas' Subcommandante Marcus, sent a statement in solidarity to 
the anti-WTO actions last week in Cancun:

"Brothers and sisters of Mexico and the world, who are gathered in Cancun 
in a mobilisation against neo- liberalism, greetings from the men, women, 
children and elderly of the Zapatista National Liberation Army. It is an 
honour for us that, amid your meetings, agreements and mobilisations, you 
have found time and place to hear our words.

The world movement against the globalisation of death and destruction is 
experiencing one of its brightest moments in Cancun today. Not far from 
where you are meeting, a handful of slaves to money are negotiating the 
ways and means of continuing the crime of globalisation.

The difference between them and all of us is not in the pockets of one or 
the other, although their pockets overflow with money while ours overflow 
with hope.

No, the difference is not in the wallet, but in the heart. You and we have 
in our hearts a future to build. They only have the past which they want to 
repeat eternally. We have hope. They have death. We have liberty. They want 
to enslave us.

Brothers and sisters, there is dissent over the projects of globalisation 
all over the world. Those above, who globalise conformism, cynicism, 
stupidity, war, destruction and death. And those below who globalise 
rebellion, hope, creativity, intelligence, imagination, life, memory and 
the construction of a world that we can all fit in, a world with democracy, 
liberty and justice."

Follow the links to the full statement and read the other statements of 
support here:
--> www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2003/09/277442.html

On a separate, but related note, the Rural Industries Research & 
Development Corporation in Australia have just launched a report entitled: 
"Greening farm subsidies - The next step in removing perverse farm 
subsidies 2003" The report states:

"Each year about US$600 billion is given as subsidies to farmers around the 
world. Most of these subsidies are provided by governments in rich 
economies, particularly the United States, the European Union and Japan.

About 80 per cent of these subsidies are perverse. Not only do they damage 
the environment, they also harm the economies of those giving the subsidies 
as well as the economies of other countries."

Download the full report here:
--> www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/GLC/03-040.pdf

*****************************************************************

OPEN SOURCE

Advocates of open source are going from strength to strength - is there 
something to it all? A report from South Africa, where an initiative to 
deliver Internet access to poor schools, highlights the benefits of OS:

"In Africa, in Asia, in much of the world -- especially in the developing 
nations -- open source is looking like the best way to usher in the 
information age. Money, flexibility and plain old independence from a 
monopolist's clutches are a powerful combination.

Around the globe, educators, companies and governments are getting tired of 
paying the Microsoft tax, which tends to rise inexorably, and sending the 
money to America. They don't like the upgrade cycle, especially when older 
computers run Linux just fine. They want to inspire more software 
innovation at home, and suspect Linux may be the best platform..."

Read the full report:
--> www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/business/columnists/6769286.htm

In addition, Microsoft are planning to release Office 2003 in October which 
will include a digital rights management system that allows documents to be 
locked and viewed only
by those with permission - a feature called 'Information Rights 
Management'. However, its not good news for those who don't use Microsoft 
programmes.

Read the BBC report 'Document controls vs net liberties':
--> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3089746.stm

The Low Income Networking and Communications (LINC) Project talks in-depth 
about their efforts to make effective use of Open Source software for their 
communities:
--> http://ga0.org/ct/Gpa2yQp1luJH/

Visit the 'Free Range Activism' website for information about community 
linux training in the UK:
--> www.fraw.org.uk/cltc/index.html

*****************************************************************

WSIS Prep-Com 3

The World Summit on the Information Society Preparatory Meeting is 
currently underway in Geneva. The Prep-Com started on the 15th September 
and is scheduled to go on until the 26th September. The official WSIS 
website states that:

"The anticipated outcome of the Summit is to develop and foster a clear 
statement of political will and a concrete plan of action for achieving the 
goals of the Information Society, while fully reflecting all the different 
interests at stake."

However, the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) has been 
actively participating in the WSIS process and returned from the Paris 
intersessional meeting reporting that political will for a 'more just 
world' was lacking.

Read the full report here:
--> www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=14097

The APC and APC WNSP have in addition critiqued the Draft Declaration and 
Action Plan Prepared for the UN "World Summit on the Information Society" 
and state that “there are critical issues [that] are not addressed 
sufficiently, if at all”:

More here:
--> www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=12235

The first phase of WSIS will take place in Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003.
The World Forum on Communication Rights will be held on December 11th 2003 
alongside the WSIS in Geneva. It is organised by a coalition of civil 
society organisations, initiated by the CRIS campaign. For more information 
about the CRIS campaign, visit their website:

--> www.crisinfo.org/live/index.php

You can join in the online forums at the dgroups website - the two main 
areas for discussion are 'Knowledge societies' and 'Freedom, rights, laws 
and ethics: How to address these issues for Information Society in the South?':
--> www.dgroups.org/groups/IS/index.cfm

You can receive a live webcast from the NGO WSIS site here (alongside other 
news and information):
--> www.geneva2003.org/wsis/info_c01_1_01.htm

Further information is available at the WSIS official site:
--> www.itu.int/wsis/index.html

The CRIS website also has news on the WSIS in English, Spanish and French:
--> www.crisinfo.org/live/index.php?section=2&subsection=3

Keep up to date with civil society presence at the WSIS via the APC:
--> www.apc.org/english/wsis/index.shtml

The British Council WSIS Civil Society web pages are online at:
--> www2.britishcouncil.org/wsis

*****************************************************************

FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE

The BA Festival of Science 2003 took place from the 8 - 12 September. It is 
designed to bring together scientists, science communicators and the 
public. This years festival covered a diverse range of topics, from: 
'Humans 'face extinction'' to 'Virtual bottom teaches surgeons', to 'Stem 
cell injection for stroke on the way'.

The BBC website provides a good series of links to the topics discussed:
--> 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2000/festival_of_science/default.stm

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) has produced an introductory 
booklet and the first three of a series of in-depth briefings intended to 
give scientists and engineers a deeper understanding of the wider ethical 
dimensions of various careers in science
and technology. Topics covered in these publications include military
science, environmental issues and genetics. For more information, email 
Richard Scrase:
--> pressoffice at sgr.org.uk

*****************************************************************

ENTWOODS

'The Entwoods Campaign' began in the North of Holland, at the end of July 
this year. The campaign began in protest against the plans to build 
accomodation to cater for around 3500 more guests at Holland's 'most famous 
themepark'.
Since it began back in July, the protest camp has expanded and now has 
around 2 dozen huts erected in the park.

The Worldwide Fund for Nature, is a 'partner' of the Efteling park.

For further information, email:
--> entenwoud at groenfront.nl

*****************************************************************

GREEN FINGURED MONSTERS

WEN's food project has been breaking new ground by taking its work into 
schools. Several schools are benefitting from education on composting , 
waste prevention and food growing.

Among the recommendations it stresses the need for  developing and 
researching  more resources and information on how food growing and 
composting can be incorporated into the national curriculum.

Read the full report here:
-->www.wen.org.uk/local_food/Reports/GreenFingeredMonsters_report.doc

*****************************************************************

SMART PARLIAMENT AWARD

The Climate and Energy Action Network has created a Smart Parliament Award 
for the most energy efficient parliament buildings in each region and to 
promote a 1 Watt
stand-by power standard for appliances.

"The Smart Parliament Award is still in the early design phase, and members 
of the Action Network will be consulted on how to organize the selection 
process.  The aim is to use parliament buildings to raise public awareness 
of the savings in both energy and money that can be made from more 
efficient heating, cooling and lighting in buildings."

Anyone wanting to participate or wanting to be kept
informed contact:

--> hans.wolters at e-parl.net.

*****************************************************************

JOBS

Women's Environmental Network's waste prevention team needs an experienced 
and committed communicator to help develop policy and publicise the project 
to a wider audience. For further details and job pack visit their website:
--> www.wen.org.uk or email:
--> waste2 at wen.org.uk

Closing date: noon Monday 22nd September

Tibet Information Network (TIN), an independent organisation specialised in
reporting on Tibetan affairs, is looking for a News Editor for its head
office in London.
More information, via email:
--> thierry at tibetinfo.net

Closing date: 30 September 2003.

*****************************************************************

QUOTE/UNQUOTE

"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are 
putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."

--Mark Twain

*****************************************************************

DIARY DATES

SEPTEMBER

Friday 19th September
There will be a vigil outside Gloucester Crown Court from 9.30 am, to mark 
six months on from the war on Iraq .
Supporters of the B-52 activists will also be gathering outside the courts 
at 1.30 pm before going into court where two peace activists are on trial.

Check the websites for updates:
--> www.b52two.org.uk and
--> www.j-n-v.org.uk

Thursday 25 September
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE - PUBLIC TALK: Edinburgh
Friends of the Earth's Chief Executive, Duncan McLaren, kicks off his 
mini-tour of Scotland to talk on the issue of Environmental Justice. This 
event is organised by FoE Edinburgh Local Group. Free admittance. All welcome.
8pm, Friends Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace (off George IV Bridge), 
Edinburgh
--> www.foe-edinburgh.org.uk/

Saturday & Sunday, 20th - 21st September
AktiviX - weekend Linux workshop for campaigners: A weekend for 
environmental / animal rights / peace / social justice campaigners to get 
to know GNU/Linux.
More information here:
--> http://seedsforchange.org.uk/aktivix/aktivix1.html
or via email:
--> aktivix at seedsforchange.org.uk

Friday - Sunday, 26th -28th September
GRASSROOTS ANTI-WAR CONFERENCE
Organised by Justice Not Vengeance & the Grassroots Network
Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Central London WC1
£10 waged/ £5 unwaged in advance, £12 / £7 on the door
Booking form at:
--> www.j-n-v.org/jnvnetwork.htm#conference

OCTOBER

Starting Thursday, October 2nd
6:30 - 8:30 PM
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT
Physicians for Human Rights-UK are organising a 10 week course on the Right 
to Health:
ADVANCING THE RIGHT TO HEALTH THROUGH LITIGATION AND LOBBYING
The course costs £385.
Further information via email:
--> phall at gn.apc.org

Saturday 11th October
No New Oil dismantling the oil economy day gathering - 10.30am -6pm,
@ London School of Economics lement House:
speakers~ videos~ workshops on oil, war and climate change.
Please register in advance due to limited capacity. Entrance by donation to 
cover costs.
Further information:
--> www.risingtide.org.uk

***

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

*****************************************************************

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
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the GreenNet 
Collective.
To subscribe or unsubscribe see:

http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/alternet-l
For more information on this service and how to use it, contact
joanne at gn.apc.org

****************************************************