1ST. QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORT – BLLF PAKISTAN
(01-01-2007 TO 31-03-2007)
JANUARY 2007
01-01-07: A colourful ceremony was arranged in BLLF Office, Pattoki to welcome the near year. Malik Rehmat Ali chaired the meeting whereas Rehmat Ali Shakir performed as stage secretary. Workers, teachers, students, workers, brick kiln laborers and parents committee members participated in the ceremony. Children took part with zeal and zest. They made speeches and read poems. Participants determined to continue their struggle against child labor, forced slavery and illiteracy. Addressing the gathering labor leaders told that historical struggle of Bonded Labour Liberation Front and Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz during the year 2006 has succeeded to convey the message of laborers to the higher authorities. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the implementation of Bonded Labour Acts. We held discussion with Labour Secretary and other high-ups. We do hope that now the laborers will get their rights soon and determine to continue our struggle for the welfare of the laborers.
05-01-07: A meeting of central office bearers of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih chaired the meeting. Organizational matters were discussed and it was decided that an office should be hired immediately so that we can have better links with the labourers.
10-01-07: A meeting of brick kiln laborers was held in the house of Ghulam Rasool Shakir in Faisalabad. It was decided that awareness campaign will be launched to inform the brick kiln labourers about the new wages announced by the Minimum Wages Board. In this connection legal help will be sought through a panel of advocates.
14-01-07: Shaukat Ali convened a meeting of brick kiln laborers in Tezgarh, Jallo Morr, Lahore and decided to present the laborers problems to the Labour Secretary Punjab in written form. It was also decided that a laborer’s delegation will meet the District Labour Officer and inform him the problems faced by the laborers.
19-01-07: A meeting of brick kiln laborers was held in BLLF Office, Shadman, Pattoki. More than 50 workers joined the meeting. Urdu translation of decision of Supreme Court of Pakistan was provided to all and also informed them verbally. It was decided that a delegation of workers will meet District Labour Officer, Kasur.
It was also decided that an awareness campaign will be launched for the implementation of the decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. If laborers did not become active, the decision will be buried into the files. Laborers were informed about the social security facilities.
25-01-07: A meeting of parent’s committee was held in Apna Freedom School, Nizampura, Kasur. Rehmat Ali Shakir and Nusrat Huma also joined the meeting and informed the members of their responsibilities regarding running of school.
During the month of January 2007 a campaign was started for the implementation of notification of Minimum Wages Board and resultantly brick kiln workers of Golden Brick succeeded to get wages according to the notification.
During January 2007 Teacher Aster Lazer left BLLF Pakistan. He got service in Govt. sector. George Jamshed was appointed in his place in Apna Freedom School, 86/9L, Distt: Sahiwal.
FEBRUARY 2007
04-02-07: It was salary day. Salary among teachers and workers was disbursed in Bakhtiar Labor Hall, Lahore. A meeting of office bearers of BLLF Pakistan was held and following decisions were taken.
1. Teachers will send their report on 15th of every month.
2. They will held meetings with the parents committees and send reports to the office.
3. Teachers will assure their participation in the teacher’s training program.
4. Every school will hoist BLLF’s flag and mount school board.
5. All the teachers will open their bank account so that in future salaries can be transferred into their bank accounts for the transparency of the system.
04-02-07: A peasant’s conference was held at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore. More than 40 workers from BLLF Pakistan joined the conference. Workers from Trade Unions all over the Pakistan participated the conference.
09-02-07: Malik Rehmat Ali chaired a meeting of Brick Kiln workers in BLLF Office Pattoki. It was decided that a list of workers who want to get their wages according to the government notification will be prepared and submit to the District Labour Officer, Kasur without any delay.
12-02-07: A parent’s committee meeting was held in Apna Freedom School, Chak No.86/9L. Teacher informed the parents about the performance of children in the annual exams.
19-02-07: Activity report of BLLF Pakistan was submitted to the Social Welfare Officer. A copy was also sent by post to other related offices.
25-02-07: Brick Kiln workers held their meetings in Faisalabad, Lahore and Pattoki. They determined to speed up their struggle against the violation of labour laws. It was decided that a press conference would be held against those owners who are violating the labor laws. Leadership urge the participants to raise and regularize the welfare funds.
28-02-07: It was hearing in the Lahore Cantt: Courts of case No. 656/04. All the office bearers of BLLF attended the Court. Next date of hearing fixed for April 25, 2007.
MARCH 2007
02-03-07: A general body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Bakhtiar Labor Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih presided over the meeting. Agenda of the meeting was as under:
1. To celebrate the Universal Women’s Day on March 8.
2. To make preparation for annual celebration of Bonded Labour (abolition) Act 1992 (17 March).
3. Protection of Brick Kiln Worker’s Rights.
4. Registration of Brick Kiln Workers with NADRA.
It was decided that both the days (8 & 17 March) would be celebrated with enthusiasm and functions will be held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Struggle for the protection of the rights of the workers will continue with fervor and government will be contacted to send their registration (NADRA) teams on the brick kilns so that workers can get the computerized national identity card with wasting any time.
08-03-07: BLLF Pakistan arranged a gathering on the Universal Women’s day in Labour Hall, Lahore. President BLLF Pakistan, Elesha Masih was in chair. Women Workers from all over the Punjab joined the celebration. Nusrat Huma, Naziran Bibi, Malik Rehmat and Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the gathering. They demanded basic and equal rights of women. They demanded the government for the protection of rights of women. The told that women are being sacrifices for terrible rite ‘Karo Kari’ but the law enforcing agencies are silent. They demanded the government to take stern action against the defaulters.
16-03-07: To review the preparations of 17th March program, a meeting was held and a committee was constituted to supervise the preparations. Members of the committee were Hameed Masih, Shaukat Ali, Noor Muhammad and Muhammad Bashir.
17-03-047: Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz and BLLF Pakistan arranged a prestigious function to celebrate the auspicious day of Bonded Labour Abolition (1992) Act. It was passed on 17th of March. 1992. Elesha Masih was in chair whereas Rehmat Ali Shakir performed as stage secretary. Office bearers, workers, teachers and parents committee members participated in the celebrations. Speakers threw light on salient features of Bonded Labour Abolition Act and told that it provides complete protection to the laborers but sorry to say that law enforcing agencies are silent and like other laws, it has lost into files.
They demanded the government to give wages to all type of laborers according to the recommendations of the Minimum Wages Board. Illegal deduction against so-called advance would be stopped henceforth. Arrangements for education of laborer’s children should be made immediately and they should be issued Social Security Cards.
18-03-07: Annual prize distribution function was held in Apna Elementary School, Chak No.261/RB, Adhowali, Distt: Faisalabad. Prizes were given away to the talented students.
27-03-07: A meeting of brick kiln workers was held in BLLF office Pattoki. Cases filed for the implementation of recommendations of Minimum Wages Board were reviewed. Workers complaint that owners are not ready to give us full wages and if we asked them, they threat us of dire consequences and did not allow to work on brick kilns.
28-03-07: Rehmat Ali Shakir and Ishaq Masih started their evaluation visit of Apna Freedom Schools.
meeting. Organizational and educational matters were discussed. Participants pointed out the weakness and presented proposals for their removal. It was also pay day. Salary was disbursed among the teachers and workers.
BLLF Pakistan participated a demonstration against the dearness, poverty and unemployment in front of Press Club Lahore. Khurshid Ahmed, General Secretary All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions, lead the procession.
17-03-04: A meeting was arranged in BLLF Office Pattoki. Representatives from other labor unions also participated in the meeting. Speakers threw light on the importance of this day and demanded the government for the enactment of labor laws in letter and spirit.
25-03-04: From March 25 to 31, results of Apna Primary Schools were announced throughout the Punjab.
27-03-04: A meeting was held with parents’ committee of Apna Primary School, Bhaikot, and Kasur. Parent’s committee members were request to take part in educational activities and help to improve the educational standard of the school.– BLLF PAKISTAN
(01-01-2007 TO 31-03-2007)
JANUARY 2007
01-01-07: A colourful ceremony was arranged in BLLF Office, Pattoki to welcome the near year. Malik Rehmat Ali chaired the meeting whereas Rehmat Ali Shakir performed as stage secretary. Workers, teachers, students, workers, brick kiln laborers and parents committee members participated in the ceremony. Children took part with zeal and zest. They made speeches and read poems. Participants determined to continue their struggle against child labor, forced slavery and illiteracy. Addressing the gathering labor leaders told that historical struggle of Bonded Labour Liberation Front and Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz during the year 2006 has succeeded to convey the message of laborers to the higher authorities. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the implementation of Bonded Labour Acts. We held discussion with Labour Secretary and other high-ups. We do hope that now the laborers will get their rights soon and determine to continue our struggle for the welfare of the laborers.
05-01-07: A meeting of central office bearers of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih chaired the meeting. Organizational matters were discussed and it was decided that an office should be hired immediately so that we can have better links with the labourers.
10-01-07: A meeting of brick kiln laborers was held in the house of Ghulam Rasool Shakir in Faisalabad. It was decided that awareness campaign will be launched to inform the brick kiln labourers about the new wages announced by the Minimum Wages Board. In this connection legal help will be sought through a panel of advocates.
14-01-07: Shaukat Ali convened a meeting of brick kiln laborers in Tezgarh, Jallo Morr, Lahore and decided to present the laborers problems to the Labour Secretary Punjab in written form. It was also decided that a laborer’s delegation will meet the District Labour Officer and inform him the problems faced by the laborers.
19-01-07: A meeting of brick kiln laborers was held in BLLF Office, Shadman, Pattoki. More than 50 workers joined the meeting. Urdu translation of decision of Supreme Court of Pakistan was provided to all and also informed them verbally. It was decided that a delegation of workers will meet District Labour Officer, Kasur.
It was also decided that an awareness campaign will be launched for the implementation of the decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. If laborers did not become active, the decision will be buried into the files. Laborers were informed about the social security facilities.
25-01-07: A meeting of parent’s committee was held in Apna Freedom School, Nizampura, Kasur. Rehmat Ali Shakir and Nusrat Huma also joined the meeting and informed the members of their responsibilities regarding running of school.
During the month of January 2007 a campaign was started for the implementation of notification of Minimum Wages Board and resultantly brick kiln workers of Golden Brick succeeded to get wages according to the notification.
During January 2007 Teacher Aster Lazer left BLLF Pakistan. He got service in Govt. sector. George Jamshed was appointed in his place in Apna Freedom School, 86/9L, Distt: Sahiwal.
FEBRUARY 2007
04-02-07: It was salary day. Salary among teachers and workers was disbursed in Bakhtiar Labor Hall, Lahore. A meeting of office bearers of BLLF Pakistan was held and following decisions were taken.
1. Teachers will send their report on 15th of every month.
2. They will held meetings with the parents committees and send reports to the office.
3. Teachers will assure their participation in the teacher’s training program.
4. Every school will hoist BLLF’s flag and mount school board.
5. All the teachers will open their bank account so that in future salaries can be transferred into their bank accounts for the transparency of the system.
04-02-07: A peasant’s conference was held at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore. More than 40 workers from BLLF Pakistan joined the conference. Workers from Trade Unions all over the Pakistan participated the conference.
09-02-07: Malik Rehmat Ali chaired a meeting of Brick Kiln workers in BLLF Office Pattoki. It was decided that a list of workers who want to get their wages according to the government notification will be prepared and submit to the District Labour Officer, Kasur without any delay.
12-02-07: A parent’s committee meeting was held in Apna Freedom School, Chak No.86/9L. Teacher informed the parents about the performance of children in the annual exams.
19-02-07: Activity report of BLLF Pakistan was submitted to the Social Welfare Officer. A copy was also sent by post to other related offices.
25-02-07: Brick Kiln workers held their meetings in Faisalabad, Lahore and Pattoki. They determined to speed up their struggle against the violation of labour laws. It was decided that a press conference would be held against those owners who are violating the labor laws. Leadership urge the participants to raise and regularize the welfare funds.
28-02-07: It was hearing in the Lahore Cantt: Courts of case No. 656/04. All the office bearers of BLLF attended the Court. Next date of hearing fixed for April 25, 2007.
MARCH 2007
02-03-07: A general body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Bakhtiar Labor Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih presided over the meeting. Agenda of the meeting was as under:
1. To celebrate the Universal Women’s Day on March 8.
2. To make preparation for annual celebration of Bonded Labour (abolition) Act 1992 (17 March).
3. Protection of Brick Kiln Worker’s Rights.
4. Registration of Brick Kiln Workers with NADRA.
It was decided that both the days (8 & 17 March) would be celebrated with enthusiasm and functions will be held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Struggle for the protection of the rights of the workers will continue with fervor and government will be contacted to send their registration (NADRA) teams on the brick kilns so that workers can get the computerized national identity card with wasting any time.
08-03-07: BLLF Pakistan arranged a gathering on the Universal Women’s day in Labour Hall, Lahore. President BLLF Pakistan, Elesha Masih was in chair. Women Workers from all over the Punjab joined the celebration. Nusrat Huma, Naziran Bibi, Malik Rehmat and Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the gathering. They demanded basic and equal rights of women. They demanded the government for the protection of rights of women. The told that women are being sacrifices for terrible rite ‘Karo Kari’ but the law enforcing agencies are silent. They demanded the government to take stern action against the defaulters.
16-03-07: To review the preparations of 17th March program, a meeting was held and a committee was constituted to supervise the preparations. Members of the committee were Hameed Masih, Shaukat Ali, Noor Muhammad and Muhammad Bashir.
17-03-047: Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz and BLLF Pakistan arranged a prestigious function to celebrate the auspicious day of Bonded Labour Abolition (1992) Act. It was passed on 17th of March. 1992. Elesha Masih was in chair whereas Rehmat Ali Shakir performed as stage secretary. Office bearers, workers, teachers and parents committee members participated in the celebrations. Speakers threw light on salient features of Bonded Labour Abolition Act and told that it provides complete protection to the laborers but sorry to say that law enforcing agencies are silent and like other laws, it has lost into files.
They demanded the government to give wages to all type of laborers according to the recommendations of the Minimum Wages Board. Illegal deduction against so-called advance would be stopped henceforth. Arrangements for education of laborer’s children should be made immediately and they should be issued Social Security Cards.
18-03-07: Annual prize distribution function was held in Apna Elementary School, Chak No.261/RB, Adhowali, Distt: Faisalabad. Prizes were given away to the talented students.
27-03-07: A meeting of brick kiln workers was held in BLLF office Pattoki. Cases filed for the implementation of recommendations of Minimum Wages Board were reviewed. Workers complaint that owners are not ready to give us full wages and if we asked them, they threat us of dire consequences and did not allow to work on brick kilns.
28-03-07: Rehmat Ali Shakir and Ishaq Masih started their evaluation visit of Apna Freedom Schools.
meeting. Organizational and educational matters were discussed. Participants pointed out the weakness and presented proposals for their removal. It was also pay day. Salary was disbursed among the teachers and workers.
BLLF Pakistan participated a demonstration against the dearness, poverty and unemployment in front of Press Club Lahore. Khurshid Ahmed, General Secretary All Pakistan Federation of Trade Unions, lead the procession.
17-03-04: A meeting was arranged in BLLF Office Pattoki. Representatives from other labor unions also participated in the meeting. Speakers threw light on the importance of this day and demanded the government for the enactment of labor laws in letter and spirit.
25-03-04: From March 25 to 31, results of Apna Primary Schools were announced throughout the Punjab.
27-03-04: A meeting was held with parents’ committee of Apna Primary School, Bhaikot, and Kasur. Parent’s committee members were request to take part in educational activities and help to improve the educational standard of the school.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Record of the conflict between the Government and Dawn 2004-2007
Dear Madam / Sir,
I am writing to draw your attention to an important matter that indicates the rapidly worsening environment for the freedom of press in Pakistan.
It has always been difficult for governments to coexist with a free and independent press in Pakistan. Of late, however, the government headed by President Musharraf has become increasingly intolerant towards criticism in the press and towards the publishing of news that reflects poorly on the performance of his government on security matters.
One of the intended casualties of this swelling hostility between government and press in Pakistan is the DAWN Group of Newspapers, the country’s largest independent English language newspaper and magazines publishing house.
Since December 2006, the DAWN Group is facing massive advertising cuts equivalent to two thirds of total government advertising. This has occurred primarily as a consequence of a decision ostensibly taken by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s government, but in reality ordered by General Musharraf and engineered by several of his advisors that constitute the government’s inner cabinet.
It is clear that objections to the propriety of the DAWN Group’s editorial policies emanate mainly from President Musharraf’s office and his stance is heavily influenced by key advisors who have been entrusted with responsibility for implementing crisis management and conflict control in flashpoint areas. Particularly sensitive for the agreement are the escalating developments in Pakistan’s western province of Baluchistan, and in the tribal agencies of North & South Wazirstan on the Afghan border. Also irksome have been the DAWN Group’s related attempts to monitor a recurring tendency toward covert militancy among responsible decision-makers in government.
While preparing this dossier, I have attempted to include details and supporting documentation wherever possible, to facilitate your assessment as a key practitioner in the press rights movement internationally. Recent events in Pakistan indicate that attempts by the government to curtail the autonomy of the judiciary have been on the increase. This may have facilitated a temporary unintended pause in the government’s relentless campaign to muzzle the press. But such pauses presage a return to more coercive methods by government against the press, once the messy business of the executive - judicial conflict is brought to a successful halt.
If you peruse the documents accompanying this letter, you will find a chronology of events that cover the continuing conflict between the DAWN Group and the Government of Pakistan in the critical years 2004 to 2007. (Refer Appendix A 1.0) and that reflects some of the main causes of the present breakdown of communication between the government and the DAWN Group.
In the first phase, approximating with the years 2004 to 2005, the Government of Pakistan essentially worked by attempting to exert pressure on the Dawn Group by proxy - the proxy in this case being the Provincial Government of Sindh. It is in Sindh’southern metropolis of Karachi, that the headquarters of the DAWN Group of Newspapers are located.
This period first witnessed the government’s exerting of harsh pressures on our daily evening newspaper - The STAR - by attempting to intimidate and harass journalists with false cases and concocted charges, and by a failed attempt to implicate the writer of this letter, as CEO of the Group, in a totally fabricated incident of terrorism and illegal weapons possession. (Refer Appendix A 1.1.1, to, 1.1.4 and 2.1.2 )
This attempt culminated with a complete ban on advertising on DAWN Group newspapers and magazines by the Government of Sindh. However, in response to a petition filed by DAWN’s lawyers, the Sindh High Court ruled in DAWN’s favour. The Sindh Government sensing an impeding debacle withdrew the advertising ban in advance of the Court’s final verdict.
The second stage involved the direct exerting of pressure by the Federal Government itself. After a series of fumbling measures and half-hearted advertisement bans by the Federal Government with respect to DAWN in 2005, a turning point was reached when one of our influential current affairs magazines, the HERALD, published a series of controversial stories and articles from June 2005 onwards on topics such as the Pakistan Government’s war against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in North and South Wazirstan; a possible resurgence of covert government support to Kashmiri militants; and also on the mushrooming policy debacle for government with respect to the Bugti insurgency in Baluchistan. (Refer Appendix A 1.2.1, to, 1.2.4 and 2.2.2 )
In September 2006 when the government approached DAWN in its attempt to seek a news blackout regarding Baluchistan and the troubled FATA agencies of North and South Wazirstan, the editor of DAWN, Mr. Abbas Nasir, and the Directors of the Board of the DAWN Group, concluded that the government’s ‘request’ was unreasonable and needed to be firmly turned down. (Refer Appendix A 2.2.2 September – December 2006)
As a consequence, the government imposed an almost comprehensive ban on Federal Government advertising. (Refer Appendix A 2.2.2t) with an intent to provoke the financial collapse of the DAWN Group.
The DAWN Group had somewhat anticipated events from the increasingly strident tone of government criticism of its news policies and from the subsequent escalation in unreasonable informational demands from the government. As a precautionary measure aimed at reducing large financial deficits, we were forced to suspend the publication of our newspaper, the STAR, an important, but financial deficit generating newspaper, which has existed for over half a century and had been founded by working journalists of the DAWN Group.
Financial conditions within DAWN now became even more vulnerable to outside pressures as a consequence of our decision to commence work on a new TV channel – DAWN News. The grant of television broadcasting licences by the government towards such end is farmed out to a government organisation - the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) set up courtesy of an Ordinance passed in 2002. The President of Pakistan had on three different occasions in the last three years publicly announced that the controversial cross-media ownership rule (illegally tagged onto the PEMRA Ordinance as a subsequent rule/regulation by the authority) would be withdrawn and the large resource of talent available in the print media would be allowed to participate in the burgeoning electronic media revolution in Pakistan. Public opinion expressed itself in the widely held conviction that with the entry of the mainstream print media in the electronic media profession, discriminatory attitudes and the repressive stance of PEMRA with respect to press freedoms in the electronic media (Refer Appendix B & Appendix C) would be rolled back. However, the government’s current position in the courts with respect to DAWN’s application for a television broadcast licence . (Refer Appendix A 2.3.2) has forced a rapid reassessment of public opinion with respect to the bonafides of government intention and clearly demonstrates that President Musharraf’s government is bent on pursuing a policy of blatant cronyism vis a vis the inclusion of selected and preferred print media houses in the electronic media revolution , and the rejection of others considered as hostile or non-compliant to government needs.
The government also appears determined to continue the domination of all news content on TV channels and on FM radio through harsh and repressive regulatory directives from PEMRA, evidenced in the grant of temporary uplink permissions in place of valid broadcasting licenses to selected channels of PEMRA’s preference.
The recent spate of programmes banned on television by PEMRA and a physical attack engineered by government on the offices of a prominent TV news channel-cum-newspaper office, clearly demonstrate the prevalence of government’s excesses in this matter.
In early December 2005 when the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Shaukat Aziz summoned the undersigned to a meeting at Governor House (Sindh) to announce the Sindh Government’s decision to withdraw its advertising ban on the DAWN Group, he clearly informed me that the government was keen that DAWN should go ahead and set up a TV channel for the broadcast of English language news. The President’s constant public declarations regarding the withdrawal of the notoriously exclusionary cross-media ownership clause in the PEMRA rules and regulations and Parliament’s decision to finally withdraw this rule have not resulted in the licenses promised to newspaper publishing houses outside of government favour- this despite the passing of the legislation by both houses of Parliament . Such permissions have only been granted arbitrarily to selected groups by the government. This has led to a situation where we, at DAWN, in anticipation of the government decision to implement the new law have set up an entire organisation in Pakistan, employing over 350 journalists, technicians and managerial personnel and are anxiously awaiting the promised government license, all the while being forced to squander large financial outlays in anticipation of this.
The government’s refusal to give us a license mainly stems from our refusal to submit to its unethical pressures while reporting events in Baluchistan and North & South Waziristan. This refusal has become an acute cause of concern for the future financial viability of our publishing group.
Clearly the government would dearly like to see us lay off our journalists as they are viewed as a potential source of unwelcome criticism of government policies, rather than as compliant sheep to be hurriedly shepherded by PEMRA according to government whim.
Our colleagues in organisations devoted to protecting the freedom of the press throughout the world have always been a source of moral inspiration and help to us in our struggle for press freedoms in Pakistan.
We therefore urge you to extend your help in this matter and would appreciate if you address your concerns to the authorities in Pakistan regarding the following areas:
1. That the advertising ban by the Federal Government on the DAWN Group’s advertising is both unwarranted and unethical and a transparent mechanism to exert pressure on the newspaper group’s policies in contravention of the internationally accepted norms of objective news reporting.
2. That the decision to withhold a television broadcast license to the DAWN Group by the government is in violation of the judgments of the High Court of Sindh and the consent declarations made by PEMRA and the Federal Minister of Information in the Sindh High Court. Such right should be granted to other applying media groups as well on the same terms .
3. That the Government of Pakistan continue to submit its policies in Baluchistan and its agreements with the pro Taliban tribesmen of North & South Waziristan to the rigorous assessment of public and media scrutiny.
4. That the Government of Pakistan desist from abducting and arresting journalists in the judicious performance of their duties, and desist from physically attacking newspaper offices as has occurred last week in Islamabad.
Your concerns in this respect may be addressed to:
The President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf,
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Shaukat Aziz,
The Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Rana Bhagwandas,
The Federal Minister for Information Development, Government of Pakistan, Mr Mohammed Ali Durrani.
In addition your concerns should also be expressed to other key decision makers in the Government of Pakistan, urging all of them to desist from repressive, illegal and unethical practices deployed in their effort to subvert press freedoms.
For your ease of communication, I am including relevant fax contact details:
General Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan ++9251-9221388
Mr Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of Pakistan ++9251-9212866
Justice Rana Bhagwandas, Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan++9251-9213452
Mr Mohammed Ali Durrani, Federal Minister for Information Development, Government of Pakistan ++9251- 9203740
Thank you in anticipation for your much needed support in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Hameed Haroon.
CEO & Publisher,
DAWN Group of Newspapers
I am writing to draw your attention to an important matter that indicates the rapidly worsening environment for the freedom of press in Pakistan.
It has always been difficult for governments to coexist with a free and independent press in Pakistan. Of late, however, the government headed by President Musharraf has become increasingly intolerant towards criticism in the press and towards the publishing of news that reflects poorly on the performance of his government on security matters.
One of the intended casualties of this swelling hostility between government and press in Pakistan is the DAWN Group of Newspapers, the country’s largest independent English language newspaper and magazines publishing house.
Since December 2006, the DAWN Group is facing massive advertising cuts equivalent to two thirds of total government advertising. This has occurred primarily as a consequence of a decision ostensibly taken by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s government, but in reality ordered by General Musharraf and engineered by several of his advisors that constitute the government’s inner cabinet.
It is clear that objections to the propriety of the DAWN Group’s editorial policies emanate mainly from President Musharraf’s office and his stance is heavily influenced by key advisors who have been entrusted with responsibility for implementing crisis management and conflict control in flashpoint areas. Particularly sensitive for the agreement are the escalating developments in Pakistan’s western province of Baluchistan, and in the tribal agencies of North & South Wazirstan on the Afghan border. Also irksome have been the DAWN Group’s related attempts to monitor a recurring tendency toward covert militancy among responsible decision-makers in government.
While preparing this dossier, I have attempted to include details and supporting documentation wherever possible, to facilitate your assessment as a key practitioner in the press rights movement internationally. Recent events in Pakistan indicate that attempts by the government to curtail the autonomy of the judiciary have been on the increase. This may have facilitated a temporary unintended pause in the government’s relentless campaign to muzzle the press. But such pauses presage a return to more coercive methods by government against the press, once the messy business of the executive - judicial conflict is brought to a successful halt.
If you peruse the documents accompanying this letter, you will find a chronology of events that cover the continuing conflict between the DAWN Group and the Government of Pakistan in the critical years 2004 to 2007. (Refer Appendix A 1.0) and that reflects some of the main causes of the present breakdown of communication between the government and the DAWN Group.
In the first phase, approximating with the years 2004 to 2005, the Government of Pakistan essentially worked by attempting to exert pressure on the Dawn Group by proxy - the proxy in this case being the Provincial Government of Sindh. It is in Sindh’southern metropolis of Karachi, that the headquarters of the DAWN Group of Newspapers are located.
This period first witnessed the government’s exerting of harsh pressures on our daily evening newspaper - The STAR - by attempting to intimidate and harass journalists with false cases and concocted charges, and by a failed attempt to implicate the writer of this letter, as CEO of the Group, in a totally fabricated incident of terrorism and illegal weapons possession. (Refer Appendix A 1.1.1, to, 1.1.4 and 2.1.2 )
This attempt culminated with a complete ban on advertising on DAWN Group newspapers and magazines by the Government of Sindh. However, in response to a petition filed by DAWN’s lawyers, the Sindh High Court ruled in DAWN’s favour. The Sindh Government sensing an impeding debacle withdrew the advertising ban in advance of the Court’s final verdict.
The second stage involved the direct exerting of pressure by the Federal Government itself. After a series of fumbling measures and half-hearted advertisement bans by the Federal Government with respect to DAWN in 2005, a turning point was reached when one of our influential current affairs magazines, the HERALD, published a series of controversial stories and articles from June 2005 onwards on topics such as the Pakistan Government’s war against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in North and South Wazirstan; a possible resurgence of covert government support to Kashmiri militants; and also on the mushrooming policy debacle for government with respect to the Bugti insurgency in Baluchistan. (Refer Appendix A 1.2.1, to, 1.2.4 and 2.2.2 )
In September 2006 when the government approached DAWN in its attempt to seek a news blackout regarding Baluchistan and the troubled FATA agencies of North and South Wazirstan, the editor of DAWN, Mr. Abbas Nasir, and the Directors of the Board of the DAWN Group, concluded that the government’s ‘request’ was unreasonable and needed to be firmly turned down. (Refer Appendix A 2.2.2 September – December 2006)
As a consequence, the government imposed an almost comprehensive ban on Federal Government advertising. (Refer Appendix A 2.2.2t) with an intent to provoke the financial collapse of the DAWN Group.
The DAWN Group had somewhat anticipated events from the increasingly strident tone of government criticism of its news policies and from the subsequent escalation in unreasonable informational demands from the government. As a precautionary measure aimed at reducing large financial deficits, we were forced to suspend the publication of our newspaper, the STAR, an important, but financial deficit generating newspaper, which has existed for over half a century and had been founded by working journalists of the DAWN Group.
Financial conditions within DAWN now became even more vulnerable to outside pressures as a consequence of our decision to commence work on a new TV channel – DAWN News. The grant of television broadcasting licences by the government towards such end is farmed out to a government organisation - the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) set up courtesy of an Ordinance passed in 2002. The President of Pakistan had on three different occasions in the last three years publicly announced that the controversial cross-media ownership rule (illegally tagged onto the PEMRA Ordinance as a subsequent rule/regulation by the authority) would be withdrawn and the large resource of talent available in the print media would be allowed to participate in the burgeoning electronic media revolution in Pakistan. Public opinion expressed itself in the widely held conviction that with the entry of the mainstream print media in the electronic media profession, discriminatory attitudes and the repressive stance of PEMRA with respect to press freedoms in the electronic media (Refer Appendix B & Appendix C) would be rolled back. However, the government’s current position in the courts with respect to DAWN’s application for a television broadcast licence . (Refer Appendix A 2.3.2) has forced a rapid reassessment of public opinion with respect to the bonafides of government intention and clearly demonstrates that President Musharraf’s government is bent on pursuing a policy of blatant cronyism vis a vis the inclusion of selected and preferred print media houses in the electronic media revolution , and the rejection of others considered as hostile or non-compliant to government needs.
The government also appears determined to continue the domination of all news content on TV channels and on FM radio through harsh and repressive regulatory directives from PEMRA, evidenced in the grant of temporary uplink permissions in place of valid broadcasting licenses to selected channels of PEMRA’s preference.
The recent spate of programmes banned on television by PEMRA and a physical attack engineered by government on the offices of a prominent TV news channel-cum-newspaper office, clearly demonstrate the prevalence of government’s excesses in this matter.
In early December 2005 when the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Shaukat Aziz summoned the undersigned to a meeting at Governor House (Sindh) to announce the Sindh Government’s decision to withdraw its advertising ban on the DAWN Group, he clearly informed me that the government was keen that DAWN should go ahead and set up a TV channel for the broadcast of English language news. The President’s constant public declarations regarding the withdrawal of the notoriously exclusionary cross-media ownership clause in the PEMRA rules and regulations and Parliament’s decision to finally withdraw this rule have not resulted in the licenses promised to newspaper publishing houses outside of government favour- this despite the passing of the legislation by both houses of Parliament . Such permissions have only been granted arbitrarily to selected groups by the government. This has led to a situation where we, at DAWN, in anticipation of the government decision to implement the new law have set up an entire organisation in Pakistan, employing over 350 journalists, technicians and managerial personnel and are anxiously awaiting the promised government license, all the while being forced to squander large financial outlays in anticipation of this.
The government’s refusal to give us a license mainly stems from our refusal to submit to its unethical pressures while reporting events in Baluchistan and North & South Waziristan. This refusal has become an acute cause of concern for the future financial viability of our publishing group.
Clearly the government would dearly like to see us lay off our journalists as they are viewed as a potential source of unwelcome criticism of government policies, rather than as compliant sheep to be hurriedly shepherded by PEMRA according to government whim.
Our colleagues in organisations devoted to protecting the freedom of the press throughout the world have always been a source of moral inspiration and help to us in our struggle for press freedoms in Pakistan.
We therefore urge you to extend your help in this matter and would appreciate if you address your concerns to the authorities in Pakistan regarding the following areas:
1. That the advertising ban by the Federal Government on the DAWN Group’s advertising is both unwarranted and unethical and a transparent mechanism to exert pressure on the newspaper group’s policies in contravention of the internationally accepted norms of objective news reporting.
2. That the decision to withhold a television broadcast license to the DAWN Group by the government is in violation of the judgments of the High Court of Sindh and the consent declarations made by PEMRA and the Federal Minister of Information in the Sindh High Court. Such right should be granted to other applying media groups as well on the same terms .
3. That the Government of Pakistan continue to submit its policies in Baluchistan and its agreements with the pro Taliban tribesmen of North & South Waziristan to the rigorous assessment of public and media scrutiny.
4. That the Government of Pakistan desist from abducting and arresting journalists in the judicious performance of their duties, and desist from physically attacking newspaper offices as has occurred last week in Islamabad.
Your concerns in this respect may be addressed to:
The President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf,
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Shaukat Aziz,
The Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Rana Bhagwandas,
The Federal Minister for Information Development, Government of Pakistan, Mr Mohammed Ali Durrani.
In addition your concerns should also be expressed to other key decision makers in the Government of Pakistan, urging all of them to desist from repressive, illegal and unethical practices deployed in their effort to subvert press freedoms.
For your ease of communication, I am including relevant fax contact details:
General Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan ++9251-9221388
Mr Shaukat Aziz, Prime Minister of Pakistan ++9251-9212866
Justice Rana Bhagwandas, Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan++9251-9213452
Mr Mohammed Ali Durrani, Federal Minister for Information Development, Government of Pakistan ++9251- 9203740
Thank you in anticipation for your much needed support in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Hameed Haroon.
CEO & Publisher,
DAWN Group of Newspapers
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Munoo Bheel case SC asks police to recover Hindu family by April 14
Munoo Bheel case SC asks police to recover Hindu family by April 14
Staff Report:Daily Times Lahore
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday directed Sindh Police to recover nine members of a Hindu family, allegedly kidnapped by a landlord some nine years ago, before April 14. The landlord, Abdul Rehman Marri, is currently in jail.
The SC took suo moto notice of the alleged kidnapping of Munoo Bheel’s family on the application of a Swedish human rights activist.
The application said Munnu Bheel and his nine family members along with 71 Haris had been were freed in 1996, but Bheel family was re-kidnapped. The kidnapped people were Munoo’s father Kheero, 70, mother Shirimati Akhu, 60, wife Shirimati, 40, brother Jalal, 25, daughter Shirimati Mumal, 13, daughter Shirimati, sons Chamio, 10 and Kanjee, 8, and a relative Katro.
On Friday, the Supreme Court bench criticised Sindh police for failing to recover the kidnapped people.
The bench directed the Sindh High Court to adjudge Abdul Rehman Marri’s bail plea on merit and expeditiously.
Murtaza also complained to the court that landlord’s family had been barred from using his land. The bench observed that Marri’s family could use his land.
District Police Officer Ajmal Magsi, DIG Mirpur Khas Ghulam Haider Jamali, AIG Mirpur Khas Anwar Subhani and Additional Advocate General of Sindh Qazi Khalid appeared before the bench.
Staff Report:Daily Times Lahore
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday directed Sindh Police to recover nine members of a Hindu family, allegedly kidnapped by a landlord some nine years ago, before April 14. The landlord, Abdul Rehman Marri, is currently in jail.
The SC took suo moto notice of the alleged kidnapping of Munoo Bheel’s family on the application of a Swedish human rights activist.
The application said Munnu Bheel and his nine family members along with 71 Haris had been were freed in 1996, but Bheel family was re-kidnapped. The kidnapped people were Munoo’s father Kheero, 70, mother Shirimati Akhu, 60, wife Shirimati, 40, brother Jalal, 25, daughter Shirimati Mumal, 13, daughter Shirimati, sons Chamio, 10 and Kanjee, 8, and a relative Katro.
On Friday, the Supreme Court bench criticised Sindh police for failing to recover the kidnapped people.
The bench directed the Sindh High Court to adjudge Abdul Rehman Marri’s bail plea on merit and expeditiously.
Murtaza also complained to the court that landlord’s family had been barred from using his land. The bench observed that Marri’s family could use his land.
District Police Officer Ajmal Magsi, DIG Mirpur Khas Ghulam Haider Jamali, AIG Mirpur Khas Anwar Subhani and Additional Advocate General of Sindh Qazi Khalid appeared before the bench.
Monday, March 19, 2007
President Pervez Musharraf in an interview on Geo TV’s popular program ‘Aaj kamran Khan Kay Saath’
President Pervez Musharraf in an interview on Geo TV’s popular program ‘Aaj kamran Khan Kay Saath’ promised to hold elections on time and denied that he would impose a state of emergency amid a row over his removal of Pakistan's top judge. "Elections will be held on time, this is my assurance to the nation," "Emergency... There is no such situation and I will never use the army at all. This is not their job. They are doing their training and they will continue (this),""There is no emergency situation and emergency will not be declared."
Facts and figures about slavery:BBC
Facts and figures
Introduction
Forced labour affects millions of people around the world. It can be found in every region, in almost all countries and in every kind of economy, according to the UN. It is defined as work which is exacted under the menace of a penalty and undertaken involuntarily. Forced labour can be imposed by the state or private agents and takes different forms, including debt bondage, chattel slavery and prison labour. A growing proportion of forced labourers are victims of human trafficking.
Click on the map to read about the forms of forced labour prevalent in each region.
Introduction
Forced labour affects millions of people around the world. It can be found in every region, in almost all countries and in every kind of economy, according to the UN. It is defined as work which is exacted under the menace of a penalty and undertaken involuntarily. Forced labour can be imposed by the state or private agents and takes different forms, including debt bondage, chattel slavery and prison labour. A growing proportion of forced labourers are victims of human trafficking.
Click on the map to read about the forms of forced labour prevalent in each region.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
PAKISTAN Domestic child trafficking pervasive – report
ISLAMABAD, 16 June (IRIN) - A new study on child trafficking has revealed that levels of domestic child trafficking in Pakistan's southern Sindh province are much higher than those for international trafficking in the country.
The report entitled, 'Fading light: A Study on Child Trafficking', released earlier this week, coinciding with the marking of International Day Against Child Labour, also highlighted the lack of recognition of complexities involving domestic child kidnapping, smuggling and trafficking in the country's existing laws.
The report focused on both trafficking of children within Sindh province and across the border. The province has recorded a high occurrence of human trafficking compared with other provinces, according to child rights activists.
"[The] primary objective of this research was to explore the links between child labour and child trafficking and also the magnitude of child trafficking in Sindh province where child labour is highly pervasive," Fazila Gulrez, a child rights activist working with the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), told IRIN on Thursday in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The study done by SPARC also attempted to assess the scope of child trafficking while correlating the problem with level of education of children and their families, employment patterns within families, migration, as well as cultural practices, Gulrez added. Domestic child trafficking occurs often from rural to urban areas mainly for economic reasons.
According to SPARC, an estimated 8 million children are currently working in Pakistan, with almost two-thirds employed full-time. While in Sindh, children make up a quarter of the unskilled workforce and can be found in virtually every factory, workshop, field, informal sector and domestic service.
In Pakistan, the traffickers use different networks and routes that vary according to the purpose of trafficking. However, the extended southern coastline between the south port cities of Karachi and Gwadar are often used for international human trafficking to Gulf states.
The South Asian state serves as a source, transit and destination country of women and for children trafficked for sexual exploitation and bonded labour. While there are no exact figures on the number of people trafficked, the issue remains a source of concern for both governmental and nongovernmental bodies.
The Pakistani government has taken some legislative and administrative measures to deal with the problem. In 2002, the federal government introduced the Human Trafficking Law, proposing imprisonment for human traffickers and compensation to victims.
However, children's rights' activists say that the law addresses only international trafficking and neglects domestic trafficking.
The new SPARC study, conducted in the rural areas of seven districts of Sindh, found that Karachi remained the most popular destination for child traffickers where the children end up in forced child labour in harsh working conditions.
The study also found that within the borders of Pakistan, children are trafficked more for forced labour than for sexual exploitation.
The report calls for a national study on child trafficking to measure the magnitude of the problem and develop strategies to discourage and eventually eliminate it.
The report entitled, 'Fading light: A Study on Child Trafficking', released earlier this week, coinciding with the marking of International Day Against Child Labour, also highlighted the lack of recognition of complexities involving domestic child kidnapping, smuggling and trafficking in the country's existing laws.
The report focused on both trafficking of children within Sindh province and across the border. The province has recorded a high occurrence of human trafficking compared with other provinces, according to child rights activists.
"[The] primary objective of this research was to explore the links between child labour and child trafficking and also the magnitude of child trafficking in Sindh province where child labour is highly pervasive," Fazila Gulrez, a child rights activist working with the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), told IRIN on Thursday in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.
The study done by SPARC also attempted to assess the scope of child trafficking while correlating the problem with level of education of children and their families, employment patterns within families, migration, as well as cultural practices, Gulrez added. Domestic child trafficking occurs often from rural to urban areas mainly for economic reasons.
According to SPARC, an estimated 8 million children are currently working in Pakistan, with almost two-thirds employed full-time. While in Sindh, children make up a quarter of the unskilled workforce and can be found in virtually every factory, workshop, field, informal sector and domestic service.
In Pakistan, the traffickers use different networks and routes that vary according to the purpose of trafficking. However, the extended southern coastline between the south port cities of Karachi and Gwadar are often used for international human trafficking to Gulf states.
The South Asian state serves as a source, transit and destination country of women and for children trafficked for sexual exploitation and bonded labour. While there are no exact figures on the number of people trafficked, the issue remains a source of concern for both governmental and nongovernmental bodies.
The Pakistani government has taken some legislative and administrative measures to deal with the problem. In 2002, the federal government introduced the Human Trafficking Law, proposing imprisonment for human traffickers and compensation to victims.
However, children's rights' activists say that the law addresses only international trafficking and neglects domestic trafficking.
The new SPARC study, conducted in the rural areas of seven districts of Sindh, found that Karachi remained the most popular destination for child traffickers where the children end up in forced child labour in harsh working conditions.
The study also found that within the borders of Pakistan, children are trafficked more for forced labour than for sexual exploitation.
The report calls for a national study on child trafficking to measure the magnitude of the problem and develop strategies to discourage and eventually eliminate it.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Find all missing people, The Supreme Court(SC) tells govt
Find all missing people, SC tells govt
* AG says Amina Masud’s husband could not be found despite repeated efforts
* Court adjourns hearing till March 8 on AG’s request
By Mohammad Kamran
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday issued fresh directions to the government to speed up the process of finding missing people.
The case took an unexpected turn when complainant Amina Masud, whose husband is among the missing people, told the court that a human rights lawyer had seen a number of people, including her husband, in the custody of intelligence agencies.
Amina Masud, who is also leading a protest campaign by families of the missing people, said that Attorney General Makhdoom Ali Khan’s statement that the government was progressing on the case was false, and accused the government of covering up illegal detentions.
The attorney general told the court that Amina’s husband Masud Janjua had not been found in the custody of any intelligence agency. He said that the government had failed to trace Janjua despite repeated efforts.
Amina challenged Khan’s statement and presented in court a reported interview of human rights lawyer CM Farooq who claimed to have seen some of the missing people, including Masud Janjua, Faisal Faraz, Attiqur Rehman, Muhammad Altaf, Hafiz Abdul Basit, Obaidullah, Hafiz Idrees Abbasi and Gul Muhammad, in the detention cells of the intelligence agencies.
CM Farooq had also been taken into custody by the intelligence agencies for supporting the families of the missing people, but was released after two weeks. He had filed an affidavit in the SC, saying that he had seen the missing people in intelligence agencies’ custody.
The attorney general informed the court that he held a meeting at his office on Wednesday, but CM Farooq had refused to attend the meeting, NNI reported.
Amina Masud said that the intelligence agencies had also picked up two persons, Masood and Mudasir, for supporting the families of the missing people.
The attorney general told the SC that computer expert Muhammad Mansoor and businessman Malik Zulfiqar had been detained under the Security of Pakistan Act 1952. They were picked up by the intelligence agencies in March 2005 and June 2006, he added.
He said that Alim %
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\02\16\story_16-2-2007_pg1_2
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
France leads global push to protect child soldiers
France leads global push to protect child soldiers
February 6, 2007
A child soldier holds up a machine gun in an ethnic Hema militia camp near Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo
©Reuters
The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, which sponsored the Paris meeting, estimates that more than 250,000 children were recruited or used by armed forces in 2006.
In a report issued on Monday, British-based charity Save the Children said children as young as eight had been recruited by government forces in southern Sudan, while over 8,000 were being used in rebel and militia groups in West Africa.
By Crispian Balmer
PARIS, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Governments from around the world pledged on Tuesday to do more to prevent children from becoming soldiers and to enable young fighters to return to a normal life.
Amongst the 58 nations that signed up to the so-called "Paris Principles" were 10 of the 12 countries where the United Nations says child soldiers are often used on a "massive scale".
"For the first time, states are solemnly committing themselves to applying and respecting the principles of the struggle against the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict," said French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.
The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, which sponsored the Paris meeting, estimates that more than 250,000 children were recruited or used by armed forces in 2006.
"This really is a crime against humanity," Douste-Blazy told delegates during the two-day conference.
The "Paris Principles" follow on from guidelines laid down in the ground-breaking "Cape Town Principles" which were agreed at a symposium in South Africa in 1997.
But whereas that document was adopted by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Paris accord comes with the blessing of official governments.
"This is unique because it sets out state of the art procedures and practices to be applied by governments, NGOs and the U.N. when dealing with child soldiers," said Rima Salah, the special representative for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Among the countries that signed the document, which carries moral rather than judicial weight, were a number of African states with high numbers of child soldiers, including Angola, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Chad.
DARFUR
"We are particularly worried about Sudan and Chad," Salah said. "There is a real security vacuum at the Chad-Sudan border and children are being recruited from the (refugee) camps."
A political and ethnic conflict raging in the western Sudanese region of Darfur has been spilling over into Chad, but Sudan is defying international pressure to allow a strong force of U.N. peacekeepers to deploy into the area.
In a report issued on Monday, British-based charity Save the Children said children as young as eight had been recruited by government forces in southern Sudan, while over 8,000 were being used in rebel and militia groups in West Africa.
One diplomat said the fact Sudan publicly backed the "Paris Principles" did not mean the international community expected a change of heart over the Darfur crisis.
The Paris document includes 20 specific commitments to protect children from being employed by armed forces or groups.
Amongst these are a pledge to press for the release of all children under arms and to prosecute those who unlawfully recruit children.
Many of the measures refer to ways of reintegrating child soldiers into society, saying such minors should be viewed "primarily as victims" and helped to overcome their traumas.
"Most of the international and legal framework we have (today) regards the non-recruitment issue. These principles talk about what to do with children once they have been released. That's what is unique about it," the U.N.'s Salah said.
© 2007 Reuters
RELATED ARTICLE
Down to Slavery
More News from Reuters
February 6, 2007
A child soldier holds up a machine gun in an ethnic Hema militia camp near Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo
©Reuters
The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, which sponsored the Paris meeting, estimates that more than 250,000 children were recruited or used by armed forces in 2006.
In a report issued on Monday, British-based charity Save the Children said children as young as eight had been recruited by government forces in southern Sudan, while over 8,000 were being used in rebel and militia groups in West Africa.
By Crispian Balmer
PARIS, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Governments from around the world pledged on Tuesday to do more to prevent children from becoming soldiers and to enable young fighters to return to a normal life.
Amongst the 58 nations that signed up to the so-called "Paris Principles" were 10 of the 12 countries where the United Nations says child soldiers are often used on a "massive scale".
"For the first time, states are solemnly committing themselves to applying and respecting the principles of the struggle against the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict," said French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.
The United Nations children's agency UNICEF, which sponsored the Paris meeting, estimates that more than 250,000 children were recruited or used by armed forces in 2006.
"This really is a crime against humanity," Douste-Blazy told delegates during the two-day conference.
The "Paris Principles" follow on from guidelines laid down in the ground-breaking "Cape Town Principles" which were agreed at a symposium in South Africa in 1997.
But whereas that document was adopted by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Paris accord comes with the blessing of official governments.
"This is unique because it sets out state of the art procedures and practices to be applied by governments, NGOs and the U.N. when dealing with child soldiers," said Rima Salah, the special representative for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Among the countries that signed the document, which carries moral rather than judicial weight, were a number of African states with high numbers of child soldiers, including Angola, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Chad.
DARFUR
"We are particularly worried about Sudan and Chad," Salah said. "There is a real security vacuum at the Chad-Sudan border and children are being recruited from the (refugee) camps."
A political and ethnic conflict raging in the western Sudanese region of Darfur has been spilling over into Chad, but Sudan is defying international pressure to allow a strong force of U.N. peacekeepers to deploy into the area.
In a report issued on Monday, British-based charity Save the Children said children as young as eight had been recruited by government forces in southern Sudan, while over 8,000 were being used in rebel and militia groups in West Africa.
One diplomat said the fact Sudan publicly backed the "Paris Principles" did not mean the international community expected a change of heart over the Darfur crisis.
The Paris document includes 20 specific commitments to protect children from being employed by armed forces or groups.
Amongst these are a pledge to press for the release of all children under arms and to prosecute those who unlawfully recruit children.
Many of the measures refer to ways of reintegrating child soldiers into society, saying such minors should be viewed "primarily as victims" and helped to overcome their traumas.
"Most of the international and legal framework we have (today) regards the non-recruitment issue. These principles talk about what to do with children once they have been released. That's what is unique about it," the U.N.'s Salah said.
© 2007 Reuters
RELATED ARTICLE
Down to Slavery
More News from Reuters
Children of Conflict
Children of Conflict
Around the world, millions of children are the unheard voices of war. And the horrors they witness today will inform the adults they become tomorrow. Will they grow up to be the next leaders, teachers, freedom fighters or terrorists?
Nadene Ghouri
Children of Conflict is a four-part series which explores the lives of children whose lives are blighted by growing up in conflict zones. Nadene Ghouri goes in search of what the past has created and what the future holds for these young people.
She travels to Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lebanon but begins her journey in Gaza, where she meets children growing up in an environment of frequent violence and constant economic depression.
PART ONE: Gaza
14 year old Fatima
One of the Worlds biggest news stories, for one of the smallest and most claustrophobic strips of land on earth. Gaza is a virtual prison with no way in and hardly any way out.
In an exclusive story, we talk to the grandchildren of Fatima Al Najar – the oldest female Palestinian suicide bomber. Bewildered and grieving for their grandmother, the children say all they want to do is to follow suit and become ‘martyrs’ themselves.
13 year old Rana
"I want to do the same. And I will recruit the other children of this town for martyrdom", says 14 year old Fatima. When she grows up she wants to study chemistry and engineering at university. "That's if I don’t become a martyr first".
Her views are contrasted with another girl, 13 year old Rana – who dreams of being a journalist "so I can tell people how we suffer here. I am a child, I know what death means, I know what war means, I know what blood means. Me and all the children here know what it means."
10 year old Tehal
Or Tehal, just ten years old – and who wants to be the first female Palestinian president.
Her three wishes? To clean up the mess left behind by Israeli bulldozers, to give children their rights "because they have no rights here" and finally, "to build a new Gaza".
PART TWO: Lebanon
The town of Qana has become synomous with Lebanon's tragedy. Believed to be the site where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine, the town has earned a place in the history of infamy for two massacres of children ten years apart. The first, in 1996, when Israel bombed a UN base sheltering 800 people – most of them children. Over 100 children were killed or maimed.
The second massacre was during last year's war with Lebanon. A rocket hit a house where several families had taken shelter in the basement. It collapsed – burying the children in rubble. 17 were killed. The images of children being carried from the rubble, looking as though they were sleeping, horrified the World.
The film goes back to find the survivors of the first massacre - now teenagers – to find that although most of them have rebuilt their lives, this summers slaughter devastated them emotionally. And there are extraordinary parallels between the two stories.
In 1996, 3 year old Hussein Belhas was believed dead, and was put in a morgue freezer. Remarkably he was discovered to still be alive, and was rescued. Now 13, a composed Hussein says: "I am the boy who died, and then came back to life. This was my destiny." Still suffering horribly from his injuries, (his leg was blown off at the kneecap and has grown back as a twisted stick) Hussein will require medical treatment for the rest of his life, "when I try to play football, it hurts me. I stay awake all night with the pain".
His truly incredible story sits alongside that of Hasan Shalhoub, just 4 years old. In the massacre of 2006, Hasan lost his sister Zeinab who was 7. Also believed dead, Hasan was left over-night in a makeshift morgue. "In the morning I woke up. I started talking to a little girl next to me, but she turned out to be dead. Then I asked for my mother." Too young to fully realise the extent of his dramatic escape Hasan says "I was only injured a little bit in my head. I am fine now."
PART THREE: Afghanistan
Afghanistan is said to be the land where God only comes to weep. A place of wild beauty and extreme cruelty, it seems never to have known peace.
After the civil war of the eighties, two-thirds of the population were either dead or refugees. And after the curse of the Taliban, a new hopelessness descended on the country, and though Afghan children don't know why any of these wars happened, they know they have been born into a devastated land. Misery, poverty, cold and never-ending internal conflict; this is their lot.
The film looks at the many ways children are compelled to work in order to help their families to survive, and at the terrible conditions they are forced to endure.
Few play activities for children exist, and with no sewage or drainage system in Kabul (pop.3.5m), many of their play areas double as open-air toilets.
Signs of war damage abound, and the hospitals bear witness to the daily admission of children maimed by the unexploded ordnance which has littered the fields and valleys of Afghanistan for decades.
The orphanage outside Kabul provides food and shelter for the parentless kids, and though there's no future to look forward to, at least it's warm.
PART FOUR: Democratic Republic of Congo
The film goes inside the minds of the Congolese child soldiers. What makes an 11 year old child capable of awful brutality? "I saw my father die, then they killed my aunt. I didn't want to die by machete at home. That's a pointless death. So I decided to join the milita" says 13 year old Eric.
Responsible for the killings of thousands of innocent lives, the feared child militas of The DRC tell how their childhood was lost. Victims of a war no one understands, brutalized by their commanders who turned them into armed brigands, the children became murderers and rapists in a "kill or be killed" conflict.
For some there is hope. 14 year old Jolie describes how she preferred a machete to a gun in battle. "A gun can run out of bullets. A machete is safer if you want to stay alive". She calmly recalls how she first killed a man. "I hacked off his head and hands". But now she has changed her view. Holding her new baby in her arms she says: "this child will never join a milita. His father was killed in battle. And I saw too much suffering myself. What was it for? Nothing."
For others, like Eric, there is no way back to the normal world. Unable to tell his parents the truth about those he killed, and unwelcome in his village he says, "At home I am nothing, but in the milita I had power and money. I want to go back to the bush."
________________________________________________________________
To contact us about this programme, click on 'Send your feedback' at the top of the page
Around the world, millions of children are the unheard voices of war. And the horrors they witness today will inform the adults they become tomorrow. Will they grow up to be the next leaders, teachers, freedom fighters or terrorists?
Nadene Ghouri
Children of Conflict is a four-part series which explores the lives of children whose lives are blighted by growing up in conflict zones. Nadene Ghouri goes in search of what the past has created and what the future holds for these young people.
She travels to Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lebanon but begins her journey in Gaza, where she meets children growing up in an environment of frequent violence and constant economic depression.
PART ONE: Gaza
14 year old Fatima
One of the Worlds biggest news stories, for one of the smallest and most claustrophobic strips of land on earth. Gaza is a virtual prison with no way in and hardly any way out.
In an exclusive story, we talk to the grandchildren of Fatima Al Najar – the oldest female Palestinian suicide bomber. Bewildered and grieving for their grandmother, the children say all they want to do is to follow suit and become ‘martyrs’ themselves.
13 year old Rana
"I want to do the same. And I will recruit the other children of this town for martyrdom", says 14 year old Fatima. When she grows up she wants to study chemistry and engineering at university. "That's if I don’t become a martyr first".
Her views are contrasted with another girl, 13 year old Rana – who dreams of being a journalist "so I can tell people how we suffer here. I am a child, I know what death means, I know what war means, I know what blood means. Me and all the children here know what it means."
10 year old Tehal
Or Tehal, just ten years old – and who wants to be the first female Palestinian president.
Her three wishes? To clean up the mess left behind by Israeli bulldozers, to give children their rights "because they have no rights here" and finally, "to build a new Gaza".
PART TWO: Lebanon
The town of Qana has become synomous with Lebanon's tragedy. Believed to be the site where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine, the town has earned a place in the history of infamy for two massacres of children ten years apart. The first, in 1996, when Israel bombed a UN base sheltering 800 people – most of them children. Over 100 children were killed or maimed.
The second massacre was during last year's war with Lebanon. A rocket hit a house where several families had taken shelter in the basement. It collapsed – burying the children in rubble. 17 were killed. The images of children being carried from the rubble, looking as though they were sleeping, horrified the World.
The film goes back to find the survivors of the first massacre - now teenagers – to find that although most of them have rebuilt their lives, this summers slaughter devastated them emotionally. And there are extraordinary parallels between the two stories.
In 1996, 3 year old Hussein Belhas was believed dead, and was put in a morgue freezer. Remarkably he was discovered to still be alive, and was rescued. Now 13, a composed Hussein says: "I am the boy who died, and then came back to life. This was my destiny." Still suffering horribly from his injuries, (his leg was blown off at the kneecap and has grown back as a twisted stick) Hussein will require medical treatment for the rest of his life, "when I try to play football, it hurts me. I stay awake all night with the pain".
His truly incredible story sits alongside that of Hasan Shalhoub, just 4 years old. In the massacre of 2006, Hasan lost his sister Zeinab who was 7. Also believed dead, Hasan was left over-night in a makeshift morgue. "In the morning I woke up. I started talking to a little girl next to me, but she turned out to be dead. Then I asked for my mother." Too young to fully realise the extent of his dramatic escape Hasan says "I was only injured a little bit in my head. I am fine now."
PART THREE: Afghanistan
Afghanistan is said to be the land where God only comes to weep. A place of wild beauty and extreme cruelty, it seems never to have known peace.
After the civil war of the eighties, two-thirds of the population were either dead or refugees. And after the curse of the Taliban, a new hopelessness descended on the country, and though Afghan children don't know why any of these wars happened, they know they have been born into a devastated land. Misery, poverty, cold and never-ending internal conflict; this is their lot.
The film looks at the many ways children are compelled to work in order to help their families to survive, and at the terrible conditions they are forced to endure.
Few play activities for children exist, and with no sewage or drainage system in Kabul (pop.3.5m), many of their play areas double as open-air toilets.
Signs of war damage abound, and the hospitals bear witness to the daily admission of children maimed by the unexploded ordnance which has littered the fields and valleys of Afghanistan for decades.
The orphanage outside Kabul provides food and shelter for the parentless kids, and though there's no future to look forward to, at least it's warm.
PART FOUR: Democratic Republic of Congo
The film goes inside the minds of the Congolese child soldiers. What makes an 11 year old child capable of awful brutality? "I saw my father die, then they killed my aunt. I didn't want to die by machete at home. That's a pointless death. So I decided to join the milita" says 13 year old Eric.
Responsible for the killings of thousands of innocent lives, the feared child militas of The DRC tell how their childhood was lost. Victims of a war no one understands, brutalized by their commanders who turned them into armed brigands, the children became murderers and rapists in a "kill or be killed" conflict.
For some there is hope. 14 year old Jolie describes how she preferred a machete to a gun in battle. "A gun can run out of bullets. A machete is safer if you want to stay alive". She calmly recalls how she first killed a man. "I hacked off his head and hands". But now she has changed her view. Holding her new baby in her arms she says: "this child will never join a milita. His father was killed in battle. And I saw too much suffering myself. What was it for? Nothing."
For others, like Eric, there is no way back to the normal world. Unable to tell his parents the truth about those he killed, and unwelcome in his village he says, "At home I am nothing, but in the milita I had power and money. I want to go back to the bush."
________________________________________________________________
To contact us about this programme, click on 'Send your feedback' at the top of the page
US, UK 'worst places for children'
NEWS EUROPE
US, UK 'worst places for children'
The report found no link between gross domestic product and children's well-being [GALLO/GETTY]
Britain and the United States are the worst places in the industrialised world for children to live, according to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).
They ranked among the bottom third in the study which looked at overall well-being, health and safety, education, relationships, risk and their own sense of well-being.
bodyVariable350="Htmlphcontrol1_lblError";
The study said that child poverty - defined as the percentage of children living in homes with incomes below 50 per cent of the national median - remains above the 15 per cent mark in Britain, the US and Ireland, as well as Spain, Portugal and Italy.
bodyVariable300="Htmlphcontrol2_lblError";
"The evidence from many countries persistently shows that children who grow up in poverty are more vulnerable," the report said, especially in terms of academic underachievement, chances of unemployment and low self-esteem. Child well-being was rated highest in northern Europe, with the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark leading the list. "All countries have weaknesses that need to be addressed and no country features in the top third of the rankings for all six dimensions," David Bull, the UK executive director of Unicef, said. Risk behavioursBritain lived up to its reputation for "binge-drinking," hazardous sexual activity and drug use, with the report putting the country at the bottom of the rankings for risk behaviours "by a considerable distance".Almost a third of British youngsters aged 11, 13 and 15 reported being drunk on two or more occasions, against just an average of under 15 per cent in the majority of countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development.Britain had made progress in the field of child safety, having cut the incidence of deaths from accidents and injuries to the "remarkably low level" of fewer than 10 per 10,000.
Sweden, the Netherlands and Italy also achieved the same rate of progress. RelationshipsBritain and the US were also found to have the worst rankings in terms of children's relationships with their families and peers.Unicef noted the sensitivity of this field, but said "at the statistical level, there is evidence to associate growing up in single-parent families and stepfamilies with greater risk to well-being," including dropping out of school, leaving home early, poorer health and low pay. The US, Britain and Sweden had the highest proportion of children living in single-parent families, while Italy, Greece and Spain had the lowest. The study, which looked at 40 indicators to gauge quality of life in economically advanced nations, is the first of its kind. The report said no direct link had been found between gross domestic product and children's well-being.
It highlighted how the Czech Republic had a higher ranking than many richer countries, including France, Austria, the United States and Britain.
Source: Agencies
Tools:
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US, UK 'worst places for children'
The report found no link between gross domestic product and children's well-being [GALLO/GETTY]
Britain and the United States are the worst places in the industrialised world for children to live, according to a report by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef).
They ranked among the bottom third in the study which looked at overall well-being, health and safety, education, relationships, risk and their own sense of well-being.
bodyVariable350="Htmlphcontrol1_lblError";
The study said that child poverty - defined as the percentage of children living in homes with incomes below 50 per cent of the national median - remains above the 15 per cent mark in Britain, the US and Ireland, as well as Spain, Portugal and Italy.
bodyVariable300="Htmlphcontrol2_lblError";
"The evidence from many countries persistently shows that children who grow up in poverty are more vulnerable," the report said, especially in terms of academic underachievement, chances of unemployment and low self-esteem. Child well-being was rated highest in northern Europe, with the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark leading the list. "All countries have weaknesses that need to be addressed and no country features in the top third of the rankings for all six dimensions," David Bull, the UK executive director of Unicef, said. Risk behavioursBritain lived up to its reputation for "binge-drinking," hazardous sexual activity and drug use, with the report putting the country at the bottom of the rankings for risk behaviours "by a considerable distance".Almost a third of British youngsters aged 11, 13 and 15 reported being drunk on two or more occasions, against just an average of under 15 per cent in the majority of countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development.Britain had made progress in the field of child safety, having cut the incidence of deaths from accidents and injuries to the "remarkably low level" of fewer than 10 per 10,000.
Sweden, the Netherlands and Italy also achieved the same rate of progress. RelationshipsBritain and the US were also found to have the worst rankings in terms of children's relationships with their families and peers.Unicef noted the sensitivity of this field, but said "at the statistical level, there is evidence to associate growing up in single-parent families and stepfamilies with greater risk to well-being," including dropping out of school, leaving home early, poorer health and low pay. The US, Britain and Sweden had the highest proportion of children living in single-parent families, while Italy, Greece and Spain had the lowest. The study, which looked at 40 indicators to gauge quality of life in economically advanced nations, is the first of its kind. The report said no direct link had been found between gross domestic product and children's well-being.
It highlighted how the Czech Republic had a higher ranking than many richer countries, including France, Austria, the United States and Britain.
Source: Agencies
Tools:
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Send your feedback
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Tuesday, February 13, 2007
FREEDOM HERO
FREEDOM HERO
IQBAL MASIH by Kelly Frost from North Carolina
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=Iqbal
FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;
FONT-SIZE: 10pt;
FONT-WEIGHT: normal
IqbalIqbal Masih was born in Pakistan in 1982. He lived in Muridke, near Lahore. Iqbal was sold into slavery at a carpet factory at age four, and worked on looms until the age of 10. Iqbal ran away from the looms when he was 10, and was eventually freed by Ehsan Ulla Khan, of the Bonded Labor Liberation Front, (BLLF). He started attending the BLLF's school.
Iqbal refused to go back to the carpet mill where he had worked because he knew his rights as a citizen. Although a child labor law existed in Pakistan, it was not enforced. Soon, speaking out against the mills, he gained international interest. Iqbal eventually started making speeches around the world, talking about child labor and his life experiences.
Iqbal won many awards. He was honored by the International Labor Organization in Sweden, received Reebok's 1994 Human Rights Youth Action Award, and while in the United States accepting the award, was nominated for ABC's "Person of the Week".
Soon after Iqbal returned to Pakistan, he was murdered, on April 16, 1995. He was 12 years old. No one really knows who did it, but there are assumptions that the "Carpet Mafia", was responsible, because many carpet industries were losing a lot of business due to Iqbal's speeches.
Iqbal is one of my heroes because it takes a lot of courage to stand up to such powerful people, and to speak out against evil.
Written by Kelly Frost from North Carolina
RELATED LINKSView a SHORT FILM about Iqbal The film 'Courage' shows how Iqbal decided to fight to end the plight of his fellow children. Iqbal's courage inspired others around the world.Children's World.org This site has information on Iqbal MasihBiography of Books on Poverty Features books for children and adults about this topic.Children's World Congress on Child Labor A global meeting of children to discuss child labor.Free the Children An organization dedicated to empowering children to become leaders who make a positive difference in their world.
RECOMMENDED READING
Iqbal Masih and the Crusaders Against Child Slaveryby Susan Kuklin
More Featured Child Heroes
Alexandra Scott raised money for cancer research through her nationwide lemonade stands.
Alicia O'Brien was the inspiration for Cherie Bennett's novel, Zink.
Anne Frank : 'When I write, I can shake off all my cares.'
Anthony D. Leanna startedthe 'Heavenly Hats Foundation' at the age of 10.
Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack and inspired the world
Brandon Keefe provides books to underfunded libraries in his hometown.
Catherine Malonza saved her brother's life.
Connie O'Connell was a courageous hero and inspiration to her family.
Craig Kielburger believes kids can change the world.
Deland Chan started an environmental group at the YMCA in New York City.
Elizabeth Cline is a hero to her sister, Hallie.
Film Festival 2005 Ellie Wen created a website to help people learn to speak English.
Film Festival 2005Make a Wish Tori Degen is a cancer survivor who helps others with MAKE A WISH Foundation
Gerson Andres Florez Perez was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize at age 16.
Gina Gallant is an inventor whose passion is protecting the environment.
Global Kids Leaders volunteerto help their schools and communities.
Hannah Taylor started the Ladybug Foundation to help the homeless in her community.
Ibrahim Alex Bangura makes music that sends amessage of peace and tolerance.
iEARN connects the globe through technology.
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws.
Jason Crowe received the UN's Global Peace & Tolerance Award.
Jason XV: ArgonautMaria Victoria Ferrara participated in 'Rainforests at the Crossroads' in Panama.
Jason XV: Panamanian Argonaut:Andrea Kam participated in the 'Rainforests at the Crossroads' expedition.
John Tacket is remembered asa courageous, fun-loving boy.
Joneice proved how strong a kid can be to her sister, Kia.
Mattie Stepanek is a hero to people of all ages around the world.
Melinda Rose Hathaway usedthe Internet to encourage other children with cancer, too.
Mory Sanberg makes bag lunches for the homeless people in her city.
Nickole Evans isusing technology for peace.
Nkosi Johnson spoke out on behalf of children with AIDS.
Peace Children voted overwhelmingly for peace and change.
Postpessimists is working for change in the Balkans.
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of schools as a child.
Rudy wanted to run before he could walk.
Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean waterin Africa.
Ryan Wayne White contracted AIDS as a child and devoted his life to educating the public.
Sadako Sasaki inspired an international peace movement.
Samantha Marie Rowlands learned to read when others said she couldn't.
SLATER is a student reporter who exudes peace and goodness everywhere she goes.
Wang Yani has been painting since she was threeyears old.
XIV Argonauts broadcasted their explorations of the Channel Islands.
More Featured Freedom Heroes
Abraham Lincoln was a U.S president who fought for the abolition of slavery.
Angela Davis is a leader, author, and professor who has fought for decades for human rights.
Art Miki founded the National Association for Japanese Canadians to help redress Japanese rights lost during WWII.
Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life to freeing Burma from a repressive dictatorship and creating democracy without violence.
Bill Bradley once a pro-basketball player now is a politician who advocates reform to make America better for all.
Cesar Chavez was a tireless advocate for migrant farm workers.
Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce tribe in an effort to keep its homeland.
Clara Shortridge Foltz was the first woman to practice law in California.
Constance Motley became the first African-American woman judge on the largest federal trial bench in the US.
Craig Kielburger believes kids can change the world.
Crazy Horse bravely fought for the freedom of the Sioux Nation.
Declaration of Human Rights established the basis for human rights beliefs and practices all over the world.
Desmond Tutu worked to end apartheid in South Africa.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" was the civil rights speech that moved the world
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Congressman John Lewis talks about how Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired him as a young man during the Civil Rights Movement
Eleanor Roosevelt was a champion for freedom.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a pioneer in the movement for womens rights.
Emmeline Pankhurst fought tirelessly for women's suffrage, and succeeded.
Frances Ellen Watkins was a prolific author and poet who devoted her life to speaking out against slavery.
Fred Korematsu bravely protested the Japanese-American internment.
George Washington was the first President of the United States.
Harriet Tubman organized the Underground Railroad.
Inez Milholland Boissevain : a brief but spectacular life dedicated to women's suffrage.
Inge Sargent is a Burmese princess devoted to human rights for all.
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws.
James Reeb risked his own life as a brave civil rights crusader.
Jane Akre & Steve Wilson won the 2001 Goldman Environmental Prize for their courageous journalism.
Janet Jagan was the first female president of Guyana.
Jessie Daniel Ames worked openly and actively on behalf of racial justice.
John Adams worked as hard for peace for the United States as he did for its independence.
John Lewis has worked for civil rights for all for over 40 years.
Jose Marti is considered the father of Cuba's battle for independance.
Joseph Ki-Zerbo works to help Africans retain control of their country's agriculture.
Judy Feld Carr secretly helped thousands of Jews escape from Syria.
Kofi Annan is an honored freedom hero and an AIDS activist.
Lyndon B. Johnson was John's great grandfather and the 36th President of the United States.
Malcolm Little known as Malcom X, was a warrior in the fight against racism.
Marian Wright Edelman is one of the country's leading advocates for children.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Peaceful freedom fighter and civil rights activist
Mary Harris Jones worked to free children fromindustrial slavery.
Medgar Wiley Evers worked to end racism in America
Mohammad Hatta was a central figure in Indonesia's fight for independence.
Mohandas K. Gandhi used non-violence to free India from British rule.
Morris Seligman Dees is the co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Moses led the Jews from slavery and gave them religious laws.
My Father, Rupfure Thomas & Nelson Mandela and Rupfure Thomas are heroes to lifesaver Paul Rusesabagina.
Nellie McClung believed in equal rights for all women
Nelson Mandela is a peacemaker and a freedom hero.
Nelson Mandela is Muhammad Ali's hero because he understands what it means to fight against enormous odds
Osceola led the Seminoles in their battle for independence.
Paul Revere risked his life for the freedom of the American colonies.
Quaid-E-Azam helped to create the nation of Pakistan.
RAWA promote women's rights through non-violent action
Rev. James Reeb worked for equal rights for all
Robert F. Kennedy was a voice for the powerless and advocate for human rights.
Roger Nash Baldwin A pioneer in the struggle for civil justice.
Rosa Parks made history when she refused to sit in the back of the bus.
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of schools as a child.
Sir William Wallace was a freedom-fighter for the Scottish people in the early 1300s.
Sojourner Truth born into slavery, worked for the freedom of all.
Susan B. Anthony led the early Women's Suffrage Movement.
The Dalai Lama is the religious leader of Tibet and an emblem of Tibet's hopes for freedom.
Thomas Jefferson helped the American Colonies achieve independence from Britain.
Thurgood Marshall was the first African-Americanto serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tiananmen Square discuss freedom and democracy at Tian An Min Square.
Vaclav Havel despite censorship, wrote plays that helped keep the hope of freedom alive....
W.E.B. Dubois was a leading 19th century writer and scholar.
Last changed on:1/30/2007 11
IQBAL MASIH by Kelly Frost from North Carolina
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=Iqbal
FONT-FAMILY: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;
FONT-SIZE: 10pt;
FONT-WEIGHT: normal
IqbalIqbal Masih was born in Pakistan in 1982. He lived in Muridke, near Lahore. Iqbal was sold into slavery at a carpet factory at age four, and worked on looms until the age of 10. Iqbal ran away from the looms when he was 10, and was eventually freed by Ehsan Ulla Khan, of the Bonded Labor Liberation Front, (BLLF). He started attending the BLLF's school.
Iqbal refused to go back to the carpet mill where he had worked because he knew his rights as a citizen. Although a child labor law existed in Pakistan, it was not enforced. Soon, speaking out against the mills, he gained international interest. Iqbal eventually started making speeches around the world, talking about child labor and his life experiences.
Iqbal won many awards. He was honored by the International Labor Organization in Sweden, received Reebok's 1994 Human Rights Youth Action Award, and while in the United States accepting the award, was nominated for ABC's "Person of the Week".
Soon after Iqbal returned to Pakistan, he was murdered, on April 16, 1995. He was 12 years old. No one really knows who did it, but there are assumptions that the "Carpet Mafia", was responsible, because many carpet industries were losing a lot of business due to Iqbal's speeches.
Iqbal is one of my heroes because it takes a lot of courage to stand up to such powerful people, and to speak out against evil.
Written by Kelly Frost from North Carolina
RELATED LINKSView a SHORT FILM about Iqbal The film 'Courage' shows how Iqbal decided to fight to end the plight of his fellow children. Iqbal's courage inspired others around the world.Children's World.org This site has information on Iqbal MasihBiography of Books on Poverty Features books for children and adults about this topic.Children's World Congress on Child Labor A global meeting of children to discuss child labor.Free the Children An organization dedicated to empowering children to become leaders who make a positive difference in their world.
RECOMMENDED READING
Iqbal Masih and the Crusaders Against Child Slaveryby Susan Kuklin
More Featured Child Heroes
Alexandra Scott raised money for cancer research through her nationwide lemonade stands.
Alicia O'Brien was the inspiration for Cherie Bennett's novel, Zink.
Anne Frank : 'When I write, I can shake off all my cares.'
Anthony D. Leanna startedthe 'Heavenly Hats Foundation' at the age of 10.
Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack and inspired the world
Brandon Keefe provides books to underfunded libraries in his hometown.
Catherine Malonza saved her brother's life.
Connie O'Connell was a courageous hero and inspiration to her family.
Craig Kielburger believes kids can change the world.
Deland Chan started an environmental group at the YMCA in New York City.
Elizabeth Cline is a hero to her sister, Hallie.
Film Festival 2005 Ellie Wen created a website to help people learn to speak English.
Film Festival 2005Make a Wish Tori Degen is a cancer survivor who helps others with MAKE A WISH Foundation
Gerson Andres Florez Perez was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize at age 16.
Gina Gallant is an inventor whose passion is protecting the environment.
Global Kids Leaders volunteerto help their schools and communities.
Hannah Taylor started the Ladybug Foundation to help the homeless in her community.
Ibrahim Alex Bangura makes music that sends amessage of peace and tolerance.
iEARN connects the globe through technology.
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws.
Jason Crowe received the UN's Global Peace & Tolerance Award.
Jason XV: ArgonautMaria Victoria Ferrara participated in 'Rainforests at the Crossroads' in Panama.
Jason XV: Panamanian Argonaut:Andrea Kam participated in the 'Rainforests at the Crossroads' expedition.
John Tacket is remembered asa courageous, fun-loving boy.
Joneice proved how strong a kid can be to her sister, Kia.
Mattie Stepanek is a hero to people of all ages around the world.
Melinda Rose Hathaway usedthe Internet to encourage other children with cancer, too.
Mory Sanberg makes bag lunches for the homeless people in her city.
Nickole Evans isusing technology for peace.
Nkosi Johnson spoke out on behalf of children with AIDS.
Peace Children voted overwhelmingly for peace and change.
Postpessimists is working for change in the Balkans.
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of schools as a child.
Rudy wanted to run before he could walk.
Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean waterin Africa.
Ryan Wayne White contracted AIDS as a child and devoted his life to educating the public.
Sadako Sasaki inspired an international peace movement.
Samantha Marie Rowlands learned to read when others said she couldn't.
SLATER is a student reporter who exudes peace and goodness everywhere she goes.
Wang Yani has been painting since she was threeyears old.
XIV Argonauts broadcasted their explorations of the Channel Islands.
More Featured Freedom Heroes
Abraham Lincoln was a U.S president who fought for the abolition of slavery.
Angela Davis is a leader, author, and professor who has fought for decades for human rights.
Art Miki founded the National Association for Japanese Canadians to help redress Japanese rights lost during WWII.
Aung San Suu Kyi has dedicated her life to freeing Burma from a repressive dictatorship and creating democracy without violence.
Bill Bradley once a pro-basketball player now is a politician who advocates reform to make America better for all.
Cesar Chavez was a tireless advocate for migrant farm workers.
Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce tribe in an effort to keep its homeland.
Clara Shortridge Foltz was the first woman to practice law in California.
Constance Motley became the first African-American woman judge on the largest federal trial bench in the US.
Craig Kielburger believes kids can change the world.
Crazy Horse bravely fought for the freedom of the Sioux Nation.
Declaration of Human Rights established the basis for human rights beliefs and practices all over the world.
Desmond Tutu worked to end apartheid in South Africa.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" was the civil rights speech that moved the world
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Congressman John Lewis talks about how Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired him as a young man during the Civil Rights Movement
Eleanor Roosevelt was a champion for freedom.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a pioneer in the movement for womens rights.
Emmeline Pankhurst fought tirelessly for women's suffrage, and succeeded.
Frances Ellen Watkins was a prolific author and poet who devoted her life to speaking out against slavery.
Fred Korematsu bravely protested the Japanese-American internment.
George Washington was the first President of the United States.
Harriet Tubman organized the Underground Railroad.
Inez Milholland Boissevain : a brief but spectacular life dedicated to women's suffrage.
Inge Sargent is a Burmese princess devoted to human rights for all.
Iqbal Masih was a brave advocate for child labor laws.
James Reeb risked his own life as a brave civil rights crusader.
Jane Akre & Steve Wilson won the 2001 Goldman Environmental Prize for their courageous journalism.
Janet Jagan was the first female president of Guyana.
Jessie Daniel Ames worked openly and actively on behalf of racial justice.
John Adams worked as hard for peace for the United States as he did for its independence.
John Lewis has worked for civil rights for all for over 40 years.
Jose Marti is considered the father of Cuba's battle for independance.
Joseph Ki-Zerbo works to help Africans retain control of their country's agriculture.
Judy Feld Carr secretly helped thousands of Jews escape from Syria.
Kofi Annan is an honored freedom hero and an AIDS activist.
Lyndon B. Johnson was John's great grandfather and the 36th President of the United States.
Malcolm Little known as Malcom X, was a warrior in the fight against racism.
Marian Wright Edelman is one of the country's leading advocates for children.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Peaceful freedom fighter and civil rights activist
Mary Harris Jones worked to free children fromindustrial slavery.
Medgar Wiley Evers worked to end racism in America
Mohammad Hatta was a central figure in Indonesia's fight for independence.
Mohandas K. Gandhi used non-violence to free India from British rule.
Morris Seligman Dees is the co-founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Moses led the Jews from slavery and gave them religious laws.
My Father, Rupfure Thomas & Nelson Mandela and Rupfure Thomas are heroes to lifesaver Paul Rusesabagina.
Nellie McClung believed in equal rights for all women
Nelson Mandela is a peacemaker and a freedom hero.
Nelson Mandela is Muhammad Ali's hero because he understands what it means to fight against enormous odds
Osceola led the Seminoles in their battle for independence.
Paul Revere risked his life for the freedom of the American colonies.
Quaid-E-Azam helped to create the nation of Pakistan.
RAWA promote women's rights through non-violent action
Rev. James Reeb worked for equal rights for all
Robert F. Kennedy was a voice for the powerless and advocate for human rights.
Roger Nash Baldwin A pioneer in the struggle for civil justice.
Rosa Parks made history when she refused to sit in the back of the bus.
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of schools as a child.
Sir William Wallace was a freedom-fighter for the Scottish people in the early 1300s.
Sojourner Truth born into slavery, worked for the freedom of all.
Susan B. Anthony led the early Women's Suffrage Movement.
The Dalai Lama is the religious leader of Tibet and an emblem of Tibet's hopes for freedom.
Thomas Jefferson helped the American Colonies achieve independence from Britain.
Thurgood Marshall was the first African-Americanto serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tiananmen Square discuss freedom and democracy at Tian An Min Square.
Vaclav Havel despite censorship, wrote plays that helped keep the hope of freedom alive....
W.E.B. Dubois was a leading 19th century writer and scholar.
Last changed on:1/30/2007 11
Saturday, February 10, 2007
BLLF PAKISTAN'S QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORTS
3RD QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORT – BLLF PAKISTAN
(01-07-2006 TO 30-09-2006)
JULY 2006
03-07-06: Elesha Masih President BLLF Pakistan presided over a meeting of central office bearers in Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore. Ishaq Masih General Secretary BLLF Pakistan presented the following Agenda points:
1. Problems faced by Apna Primary Schools.
2. Motivation of Parent’s Committee.
3. Planning for welfare of Brick Kiln Labourers.
4. Steps to be taken for elimination of child and bonded labour.
5. Expatriate of Ehsan Ullah Khan.
Meeting was started with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an and Dua. Malik Rehmat Ali, Rehmat Ali Shakir, Shaukat Ali, Elesha Masih, Perveen Kaloo, Nusrat Huma and others presented their point of view and determine to sharpen their struggle.
03-07-06: A parent’s committee meeting was held in Apna Freedom School, Jinnah Colony, Sargodha. President of the committee requested the members for actively taking part in the school activities and fund raising. Teacher Muhammad Ismail briefed the participants about the latest position of BLLF Pakistan and emphasized the members for their co-operation.
10-07-06: A meeting of brick kiln workers was held in Naroki Thatha, Pattoki. About 15 workers joined the meeting. Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the participants and informed them about the new notification of wages issued by the Government.
15-07-06: Shaukat Ali arranged a meeting at Brick Kiln No.555, Tezgarh, Jallo Morr, Lahore. He informed the workers about the new wages rates and emphasized them to be united. He told them that no owner can take forced labour from any worker.
17-07-06: Ghulam Rasool Shakir presided over a meeting of brick kiln and loom workers at Chak No.64 JB, Faisalabad. He requested the workers for co-operation. He also informed them about the struggle of Ehsan Ullah Khan for the uplift of workers at international level.
21-07-06: A meeting was held in 86/9L, Sahiwal and Okara with the brick kiln workers and they were informed about the new wages rates and bonded labour acts.
21-07-06: Malik Rehmat Ali presided over a meeting of brick kiln workers at BLLF Office, Shadman Colony, Pattoki. He informed them about their meetings with Labour Secretary, Government of the Punjab for registration of brick kilns, issuance of National Identity Cards and Social Security problems. He requested the workers for fund raising on self-help basis so that struggle could be continued smoothly.
28-07-06: Rehmat Ali Shakir held a meeting with parents’ committee of Apna Freedom School, Nizam Pura, Kasur. He requested the parent’s committee members to play their part for removal of differences between the teachers of school to avoid educational loss of students. He asked the parent’s committee members to hold regular meetings and informed the center about the results. He also informed them about the endeavours of Ehsan Ullah Khan for the welfare of the labourers.
AUGUST 2006
01-08-06: Monthly progress review meeting of BLLF Pakistan’s central body was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Program was chalked out to celebrate the Independence Day (14th of August) with zeal and zest. It was decided that a circular would be issued to all schools for celebration the auspicious day on local level with fervor. It was also decided that apart from other activities, BLLF Pakistan’s central office bearers will also join the Pakistan Workers Confederation on August 14.
07-08-06: A brick kiln workers’ meeting was arranged in Chak No.37, Pattoki. Workers from 5 brick kilns joined the meeting. Malik Rehmat, Ishaq Masih, Arif Masih and Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the workers.
14-08-06: Colorful functions were arranged throughout Apna Freedom School in Punjab on the auspicious day. Students presented PT shows, Dramas, sang songs and made speeches. In some schools parent’s committees gave away prizes to the outstanding students and read out the message of Founder of the organization Ehsan Ullah Khan.
18-08-06: A five members committee consisting of Rehmat Ali Shakir, Ghulam Rasool Shakir, Ishaq Masih, Perveen Kaloo and Nusrat Huma interviewed the teachers for their final selection at Labour Hall, Lahore. Afterward it was decided in a meeting that a two days training course would be arranged for parent’s committee members to improve their capability on August 25 & 26.
25-08-06: Two days training workshop for parent’s committee members was started. Members were given awareness about their role in the organization, their importance to look after the schooling system, sending of children to schools, child to child program, abolition of child labour, forced slavery, to get rid of fee system, ratta system and ban on corporeal punishment etc.
Afterward a general body meeting was held and program was made to celebrate the Annual gathering of September 18th with zeal and zest.
SEPTEMBER 2006
01-09-06: BLLF Pakistan arranged a two days Workshop on the topic of “Awareness about Human Rights” in Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore from Sept. 1 to 2, 2006. 35 persons participated in the Workshop.
Program Assistant Ms. Rabia Barjis told the participants about the steps taken by the Government for the welfare of the labourers i.e. marriage grant, social security, abolition of child labour and bonded labour etc.
Usama Tariq threw light on the role of Trade Unions for the welfare of the workers. BLLF leadership also informed the participants of their activities and meetings with the Government representatives for the right of the workers. At the end of the Workshop certificates were awarded to the participants.
03-09-06: Central body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Brick Kiln representatives from all district of Punjab joined the meeting and presented their proposal to celebrate the 18th September with enthusiasm. It was decided that all the leaders went to their areas and held corner meeting with the local labourers to convince them to join the celebrations at Lahore.
17-09-06: A central body meeting was held to review the arrangements of 18th September.
18-09-06: 18th September gathering was held in Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih was in the chair. Brick kiln workers from all districts of Punjab joined the gathering. Hall was decorated with welcome banners. Founder President of BLLF Pakistan telephonically addressed the workers. He emphasized them to continue their peaceful struggle
for getting their legal rights. He told that though I am abroad but my heart beats with you. I am striving hard to raise your voice on international level successfully. He said that he would be with you soon hopefully. He stressed the parents to send their children to school regularly. Education is the only way to get rid of poverty and slavery.
Other leaders of BLLF Pakistan and labourers also made speeches and determine to continue their struggle for their rights. Children played dramas, sang songs and poems.
27-09-06: A brick kiln workers meeting was held in Kasur. Sadiq Masih, Malik Rehmat and Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the gathering.
BLLF Pakistan
Lahore.
2ND QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORT – BLLF PAKISTAN
(01-04-2006 TO 30-06-2006)
APRIL 2006
03-04-06: A central body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall Lahore. Elesha Masih presided over the meeting. Teacher’s salaries and brick kiln problems were discussed at large. Planning was made to make the National Identity and Social Security Cards of brick kilns works and registration of brick kilns.
06-04-06: Malik Rehmat Ali presided over a meeting of brick kiln workers in Pattoki. Workers from all over the Punjab joined the meeting. They were informed about the Shariat Court’s decision and were requested to disseminate this information to other brick kiln labourers. They were also informed that BLLF Pakistan is striving hard for the rights of the labourers day and night.
14-04-06: A Central Body meeting was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih was in chair. Discussion was held to celebrate the anniversary of Iqhal Masih. All the participants gave their suggestions to make the program successful.
16-04-06: A gathering was arranged in Labour Hall, Lahore in connection with the 12th Anniversary of Iqbal Masih. Inayat Bibi and Taimoor Hussain presided over the function. Ehsan Ullah Khan founder president of BLLF Pakistan addressed the gathering telephonically. He informed that Government of Pakistan is not willing to issue NOC to him. He is earnestly waiting for the moment to come back Pakistan. He told that he has raised voice against child labour and bonded labour internationally. Government is also taking steps to abolish bonded as well as child labour from Pakistan. Our struggle will continue still the end of the forced slavery. He demanded the government for the registration of brick kilns and issuance of social security and national identity cards to the brick kiln labourers. He also demanded that government should waive off the condition of education for the ensuing general elections so that labourers can took part freely. Many resolutions were passed on the occasion.
17-04-06: A central body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall Lahore. President congratulated for holding a successful gathering. They determine to continue their struggle for the rights of the labourers.
23-04-06: President Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz district Lahore Shaukat Ali presided over a meeting of brick kiln workers at Jallo Morr, Lahore. He informed the labourers steps taken by the Mahaz for their welfare. He told that we will knock the door of the courts for gaining our rights legally.
28-04-06: Iqbal Raza Ch. presided over a meeting in Okara. Malik Rehmat and Rehmat Ali Shakir represented central organization. Brick kiln labourers from Okara joined the meeting. They were informed of the BLLF’s activities for the implementation of Bonded Labour Abolition Act 1992 and Shariat Court’s decision. Labourers narrated their grievances and told that owners are not paying them full pays and making illegal deductions forcefully. If they protest of the illegal deeds of the owners, they started taking revenge. Owners also did not allow them to go out of the territory of the brick kilns. Their children cannot go to school.
Labourers were informed that BLLF is staging a protest rally in Lahore on 1st. May and labourers from all walk of life are requested to participate.
MAY 2006
01-05-06: BLLF Pakistan jointly organized a rally with Pakistan Workers Confideration to celebrate the Universal Labourer’s Day (MAY DAY). A number of labourer’s unions also joined this rally. Speakers paid homage to the Chicago Labourers and determined to continue their struggle for the welfare of the labourers.
BLLF Pakistan also celebrated the Universal Labourer;s Day on district level. Different programs were arranged in Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Jhang, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad. Workers participated in the programs with zeal and zest.
07-05-06: A parent’s committee meeting of Apna Freedom School, Ahmed Nagar, Chiniot was held under the chairmanship of Mukhtar Ahmed Subhani. He informed the parents about the new school project and responsibilities of the parents. Parents committee was reformed and they demanded new furniture for the school.
08-05-06: A parent’s committee meeting of Apna Freedom School, Shadman Colony, Pattoki was arranged by the local leadership. Parents were informed about their role in the organization.
08-05-06: A parent’s committee meeting of Apna Freedom School, Nizampura, Kasur was arranged. Problems faced by the school were discussed and parents were asked for raising of funds. Parent’s committee also demanded new furniture.
09-05-06: A prize awarding ceremony was held in Apna Freedom School, Manga Mandi. Elesha Masih and Rehmat Shakir represented the central body. Children with outstanding performance were given prizes. Speakers paid homage to the founder president Ehsan Ullah Khan for his hectic struggles for the uplift of downtrodden people.
17-05-06: A meeting was held in Apna Freedom School, Sahiwal. Agenda of the meeting was i) to motivate parent’s committees, and ii) to upgrade the educational standard. Parents’ committee members gave a number of proposals for this purpose and demanded special attention of central office bearers for the betterment of the schooling system.
08-05-06: A meeting of brick kiln workers was held. Problems faced by the laborers were discussed at Large. Labourers condemned the behavior of owners. Leadership informed the labourers of their meetings with Labour Secretary and other officers of Labour Department. They told that they are doing their best at all forums and requested the labourers for their cooperation. They referred the Shariat Court decision through which BLLF Pakistan has got released hundreds of labourers from the illegal and iron clutches of the owners.
26-05-06: A BLLF Pakistan’s Board meeting was held in Bukhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore. Agenda of the meeting was to discuss i) organizational matters, ii) legal struggle for the solution of worker’s problems, iii) raising of funds, iv) contact with government departments for the redressal of worker’s grievances etc.
JUNE 2006
03-06-06: A gathering was arranged in Labour Hall, Lahore by the BLLF Pakistan under the title of “ Awareness of Brick Kiln Workers about the Human Rights”. Present of BLLF Pakistan Elesha Masih presided over the meeting. About 200 brick kiln workers joined this ceremony.
03-06-06: A teachers meeting of Apna Freedom School was held in Pattoki. A strategy was planned to improve relationship between Teachers and Parent’s Committees so that educational matters go on smoothly.
12-06-06: A fun fair was arranged for students of Apna Freedom School, 86/9L, Sahiwal. Rehmat Ali Shakir represented center and distributed prizes among the students.
12-06-06: Ghulam Rasool Shakir held a meeting with brick kiln workers in Faisalabad. A huge number of workers of District Faisalabad joined the meeting and narrated their grievances and oppressions of the owners. He assured the workers for the safety of their rights.
16-06-06: Meetings were held in Pattoki, Kasur and Okara in which workers were informed of the Bonded Labour Act, Shariat Court decision and new Notification issued by the Minimum Wages Board, Government of Punjab. Workers were requested to be united and co-operate with BLLF Pakistan for the solution of their problems.
Prepared by:
BLLF Pakistan, Lahore.
(01-07-2006 TO 30-09-2006)
JULY 2006
03-07-06: Elesha Masih President BLLF Pakistan presided over a meeting of central office bearers in Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore. Ishaq Masih General Secretary BLLF Pakistan presented the following Agenda points:
1. Problems faced by Apna Primary Schools.
2. Motivation of Parent’s Committee.
3. Planning for welfare of Brick Kiln Labourers.
4. Steps to be taken for elimination of child and bonded labour.
5. Expatriate of Ehsan Ullah Khan.
Meeting was started with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an and Dua. Malik Rehmat Ali, Rehmat Ali Shakir, Shaukat Ali, Elesha Masih, Perveen Kaloo, Nusrat Huma and others presented their point of view and determine to sharpen their struggle.
03-07-06: A parent’s committee meeting was held in Apna Freedom School, Jinnah Colony, Sargodha. President of the committee requested the members for actively taking part in the school activities and fund raising. Teacher Muhammad Ismail briefed the participants about the latest position of BLLF Pakistan and emphasized the members for their co-operation.
10-07-06: A meeting of brick kiln workers was held in Naroki Thatha, Pattoki. About 15 workers joined the meeting. Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the participants and informed them about the new notification of wages issued by the Government.
15-07-06: Shaukat Ali arranged a meeting at Brick Kiln No.555, Tezgarh, Jallo Morr, Lahore. He informed the workers about the new wages rates and emphasized them to be united. He told them that no owner can take forced labour from any worker.
17-07-06: Ghulam Rasool Shakir presided over a meeting of brick kiln and loom workers at Chak No.64 JB, Faisalabad. He requested the workers for co-operation. He also informed them about the struggle of Ehsan Ullah Khan for the uplift of workers at international level.
21-07-06: A meeting was held in 86/9L, Sahiwal and Okara with the brick kiln workers and they were informed about the new wages rates and bonded labour acts.
21-07-06: Malik Rehmat Ali presided over a meeting of brick kiln workers at BLLF Office, Shadman Colony, Pattoki. He informed them about their meetings with Labour Secretary, Government of the Punjab for registration of brick kilns, issuance of National Identity Cards and Social Security problems. He requested the workers for fund raising on self-help basis so that struggle could be continued smoothly.
28-07-06: Rehmat Ali Shakir held a meeting with parents’ committee of Apna Freedom School, Nizam Pura, Kasur. He requested the parent’s committee members to play their part for removal of differences between the teachers of school to avoid educational loss of students. He asked the parent’s committee members to hold regular meetings and informed the center about the results. He also informed them about the endeavours of Ehsan Ullah Khan for the welfare of the labourers.
AUGUST 2006
01-08-06: Monthly progress review meeting of BLLF Pakistan’s central body was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Program was chalked out to celebrate the Independence Day (14th of August) with zeal and zest. It was decided that a circular would be issued to all schools for celebration the auspicious day on local level with fervor. It was also decided that apart from other activities, BLLF Pakistan’s central office bearers will also join the Pakistan Workers Confederation on August 14.
07-08-06: A brick kiln workers’ meeting was arranged in Chak No.37, Pattoki. Workers from 5 brick kilns joined the meeting. Malik Rehmat, Ishaq Masih, Arif Masih and Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the workers.
14-08-06: Colorful functions were arranged throughout Apna Freedom School in Punjab on the auspicious day. Students presented PT shows, Dramas, sang songs and made speeches. In some schools parent’s committees gave away prizes to the outstanding students and read out the message of Founder of the organization Ehsan Ullah Khan.
18-08-06: A five members committee consisting of Rehmat Ali Shakir, Ghulam Rasool Shakir, Ishaq Masih, Perveen Kaloo and Nusrat Huma interviewed the teachers for their final selection at Labour Hall, Lahore. Afterward it was decided in a meeting that a two days training course would be arranged for parent’s committee members to improve their capability on August 25 & 26.
25-08-06: Two days training workshop for parent’s committee members was started. Members were given awareness about their role in the organization, their importance to look after the schooling system, sending of children to schools, child to child program, abolition of child labour, forced slavery, to get rid of fee system, ratta system and ban on corporeal punishment etc.
Afterward a general body meeting was held and program was made to celebrate the Annual gathering of September 18th with zeal and zest.
SEPTEMBER 2006
01-09-06: BLLF Pakistan arranged a two days Workshop on the topic of “Awareness about Human Rights” in Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore from Sept. 1 to 2, 2006. 35 persons participated in the Workshop.
Program Assistant Ms. Rabia Barjis told the participants about the steps taken by the Government for the welfare of the labourers i.e. marriage grant, social security, abolition of child labour and bonded labour etc.
Usama Tariq threw light on the role of Trade Unions for the welfare of the workers. BLLF leadership also informed the participants of their activities and meetings with the Government representatives for the right of the workers. At the end of the Workshop certificates were awarded to the participants.
03-09-06: Central body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Brick Kiln representatives from all district of Punjab joined the meeting and presented their proposal to celebrate the 18th September with enthusiasm. It was decided that all the leaders went to their areas and held corner meeting with the local labourers to convince them to join the celebrations at Lahore.
17-09-06: A central body meeting was held to review the arrangements of 18th September.
18-09-06: 18th September gathering was held in Bakhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih was in the chair. Brick kiln workers from all districts of Punjab joined the gathering. Hall was decorated with welcome banners. Founder President of BLLF Pakistan telephonically addressed the workers. He emphasized them to continue their peaceful struggle
for getting their legal rights. He told that though I am abroad but my heart beats with you. I am striving hard to raise your voice on international level successfully. He said that he would be with you soon hopefully. He stressed the parents to send their children to school regularly. Education is the only way to get rid of poverty and slavery.
Other leaders of BLLF Pakistan and labourers also made speeches and determine to continue their struggle for their rights. Children played dramas, sang songs and poems.
27-09-06: A brick kiln workers meeting was held in Kasur. Sadiq Masih, Malik Rehmat and Rehmat Ali Shakir addressed the gathering.
BLLF Pakistan
Lahore.
2ND QUARTERLY ACTIVITY REPORT – BLLF PAKISTAN
(01-04-2006 TO 30-06-2006)
APRIL 2006
03-04-06: A central body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall Lahore. Elesha Masih presided over the meeting. Teacher’s salaries and brick kiln problems were discussed at large. Planning was made to make the National Identity and Social Security Cards of brick kilns works and registration of brick kilns.
06-04-06: Malik Rehmat Ali presided over a meeting of brick kiln workers in Pattoki. Workers from all over the Punjab joined the meeting. They were informed about the Shariat Court’s decision and were requested to disseminate this information to other brick kiln labourers. They were also informed that BLLF Pakistan is striving hard for the rights of the labourers day and night.
14-04-06: A Central Body meeting was held in Labour Hall, Lahore. Elesha Masih was in chair. Discussion was held to celebrate the anniversary of Iqhal Masih. All the participants gave their suggestions to make the program successful.
16-04-06: A gathering was arranged in Labour Hall, Lahore in connection with the 12th Anniversary of Iqbal Masih. Inayat Bibi and Taimoor Hussain presided over the function. Ehsan Ullah Khan founder president of BLLF Pakistan addressed the gathering telephonically. He informed that Government of Pakistan is not willing to issue NOC to him. He is earnestly waiting for the moment to come back Pakistan. He told that he has raised voice against child labour and bonded labour internationally. Government is also taking steps to abolish bonded as well as child labour from Pakistan. Our struggle will continue still the end of the forced slavery. He demanded the government for the registration of brick kilns and issuance of social security and national identity cards to the brick kiln labourers. He also demanded that government should waive off the condition of education for the ensuing general elections so that labourers can took part freely. Many resolutions were passed on the occasion.
17-04-06: A central body meeting of BLLF Pakistan was held in Labour Hall Lahore. President congratulated for holding a successful gathering. They determine to continue their struggle for the rights of the labourers.
23-04-06: President Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz district Lahore Shaukat Ali presided over a meeting of brick kiln workers at Jallo Morr, Lahore. He informed the labourers steps taken by the Mahaz for their welfare. He told that we will knock the door of the courts for gaining our rights legally.
28-04-06: Iqbal Raza Ch. presided over a meeting in Okara. Malik Rehmat and Rehmat Ali Shakir represented central organization. Brick kiln labourers from Okara joined the meeting. They were informed of the BLLF’s activities for the implementation of Bonded Labour Abolition Act 1992 and Shariat Court’s decision. Labourers narrated their grievances and told that owners are not paying them full pays and making illegal deductions forcefully. If they protest of the illegal deeds of the owners, they started taking revenge. Owners also did not allow them to go out of the territory of the brick kilns. Their children cannot go to school.
Labourers were informed that BLLF is staging a protest rally in Lahore on 1st. May and labourers from all walk of life are requested to participate.
MAY 2006
01-05-06: BLLF Pakistan jointly organized a rally with Pakistan Workers Confideration to celebrate the Universal Labourer’s Day (MAY DAY). A number of labourer’s unions also joined this rally. Speakers paid homage to the Chicago Labourers and determined to continue their struggle for the welfare of the labourers.
BLLF Pakistan also celebrated the Universal Labourer;s Day on district level. Different programs were arranged in Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Jhang, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad. Workers participated in the programs with zeal and zest.
07-05-06: A parent’s committee meeting of Apna Freedom School, Ahmed Nagar, Chiniot was held under the chairmanship of Mukhtar Ahmed Subhani. He informed the parents about the new school project and responsibilities of the parents. Parents committee was reformed and they demanded new furniture for the school.
08-05-06: A parent’s committee meeting of Apna Freedom School, Shadman Colony, Pattoki was arranged by the local leadership. Parents were informed about their role in the organization.
08-05-06: A parent’s committee meeting of Apna Freedom School, Nizampura, Kasur was arranged. Problems faced by the school were discussed and parents were asked for raising of funds. Parent’s committee also demanded new furniture.
09-05-06: A prize awarding ceremony was held in Apna Freedom School, Manga Mandi. Elesha Masih and Rehmat Shakir represented the central body. Children with outstanding performance were given prizes. Speakers paid homage to the founder president Ehsan Ullah Khan for his hectic struggles for the uplift of downtrodden people.
17-05-06: A meeting was held in Apna Freedom School, Sahiwal. Agenda of the meeting was i) to motivate parent’s committees, and ii) to upgrade the educational standard. Parents’ committee members gave a number of proposals for this purpose and demanded special attention of central office bearers for the betterment of the schooling system.
08-05-06: A meeting of brick kiln workers was held. Problems faced by the laborers were discussed at Large. Labourers condemned the behavior of owners. Leadership informed the labourers of their meetings with Labour Secretary and other officers of Labour Department. They told that they are doing their best at all forums and requested the labourers for their cooperation. They referred the Shariat Court decision through which BLLF Pakistan has got released hundreds of labourers from the illegal and iron clutches of the owners.
26-05-06: A BLLF Pakistan’s Board meeting was held in Bukhtiar Labour Hall, Lahore. Agenda of the meeting was to discuss i) organizational matters, ii) legal struggle for the solution of worker’s problems, iii) raising of funds, iv) contact with government departments for the redressal of worker’s grievances etc.
JUNE 2006
03-06-06: A gathering was arranged in Labour Hall, Lahore by the BLLF Pakistan under the title of “ Awareness of Brick Kiln Workers about the Human Rights”. Present of BLLF Pakistan Elesha Masih presided over the meeting. About 200 brick kiln workers joined this ceremony.
03-06-06: A teachers meeting of Apna Freedom School was held in Pattoki. A strategy was planned to improve relationship between Teachers and Parent’s Committees so that educational matters go on smoothly.
12-06-06: A fun fair was arranged for students of Apna Freedom School, 86/9L, Sahiwal. Rehmat Ali Shakir represented center and distributed prizes among the students.
12-06-06: Ghulam Rasool Shakir held a meeting with brick kiln workers in Faisalabad. A huge number of workers of District Faisalabad joined the meeting and narrated their grievances and oppressions of the owners. He assured the workers for the safety of their rights.
16-06-06: Meetings were held in Pattoki, Kasur and Okara in which workers were informed of the Bonded Labour Act, Shariat Court decision and new Notification issued by the Minimum Wages Board, Government of Punjab. Workers were requested to be united and co-operate with BLLF Pakistan for the solution of their problems.
Prepared by:
BLLF Pakistan, Lahore.
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