Issue 7 September 2005

-     World Bank President met Youth Asian Youth Leaders:

Youth organizations asked Mr. Paul Wolfowitz for more supportive role of WB

-     Youth Camp of Ekta Parishad held: Camp to ensure the involvement of youth in social change.

-     Short Films on Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing of HIV/AIDS

-     WPAY 1995 Progress review by UN General Assembly

-     World misses target to provide equal access to education for girls and boys

Incoming events:

-     Spot painting Competition for children

-     Education for All (EFA): Mid-Decade Assessment Planning meeting

-     Regional Workshop on Child Rights

-     SEAP Region Workshop on Good Practices on Child Rights

-     2^nd Int. Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society

-     World Congress on the Family: Restore Family Life and Sustain World Peace

-     National Consultation on Urban Development Planning and Space for the Poor

-     People in Place in People: 1st International Symposium on Environment, Behaviour and Society

-     3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health

Acknoledgement:

List of Publication received by ICYO.

 

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations: e-News

 

ICYO - Platform of 354 Youth Organizations in India.

ICYO - India’s largest network of urban and rural youth.

=============================================

Youth organizations asked Mr. Paul Wolfowitz for
more supportive role of WB

 

---- WB President met South Asian Youth Leaders ----

 

"Young people are more open to change.  The young people of South Asia have the added advantage of not being prejudiced by history.  It certainly is important to learn about history.  But it's sometimes even more important to get past it" said World Bank President, Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, during a discussion with the representative of youth organizations from South Asia. The meeting was held on August 20.2005 in New Delhi. "Young people do have a pro-development voice and it is in the World Bank's interest to mobilize youth voices for change," Mr. Wolfowitz further added.

Earlier, each participating country showcase their work through posters specially developed for this meeting. Mr Wolfowitz took keen interest each poster presentation and discussed the each group about the activities they are undertaking.

 

Ravi Narayan, Secretary General, Indian Committee of Youth Organizations updates the President about the Asian youth organizations involvement in YDP network of World Bank. He expected more active role of WB in youth development field. Mr. Rajendra Mulmi, from Youth Initiative, Nepal asked for common programmes in South Asia so youth of this sub-region can learn through each other’s experience.

 

"Youth need acknowledgement and recognition," said Ms Asnia Asim, a student at Pakistan's Institute of Business Administration who win the WB’s essay competition, "to keep them engaged in the development choices our countries are making.  Apathy and alienation is setting in and the best brains are already heading out". 

 

Mr Kumaravadivel Guruparan of Sri Lankan Youth Parliament, Sri Lanka informed President that Youth are increasingly being represented in forums that influence decision-making, but the challenge now is moving from mere tokenism to effective representation.

 

Ms. Shikha Jha from the Ark Foundation in India said youth networks such as those facilitated by the World Bank provided valuable opportunities to learn first hand from peers and contemporaries.

 

"I pick up a strong sense that there is a fight going on, in favor of empowerment, at the highest levels of government and that is why those individuals who persisted eventually received support,” Mr. Wolfowitz said.  "Young people can mobilize on the side of development.  If you can present the same kind of opportunities, you too will probably get support."

 

World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Mr. Praful Patel, said the region's engagement with youth was slow in starting but the focus since has been on building forums of youth influence both inside and outside the Bank. 

 

Mr. Rajib Upadhyaya, youth outreach coordinator for South Asia, said the Bank would soon begin to respond to a number of important messages heard from youth groups over the past  year,  through a number of new programs of partnership.

 

Others those participate in discussion are Ms. Garima Verma, Samvad, Madhya Pradesh, India; Ms. Pallavi Sharan, Ark Foundaiton, New Delhi, India; Mr Jayanta Chowdhary, ICYO; Mr. Sher Jan Ahmadzai, AYFUN, Afghanistan; Mohammad Azhar Hossain, BYNF, Bangladesh; Mr. Hassan Raza, Pakistan. Ms Sunita Malhotra, WB, India.

 

Note: To see more photographs, log on

http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/indianyouthorgs/my_photos?urlhint=actn,del%3as,1%3af,0

 

Youth Camp of Ekta Parishad held:

Camp to ensure the involvement of youth in social change

 

A youth camp was organized from 3rd to 5th July 2005 in Ganjbasoda, Madhya Pradesh, India to ensure the involvement of youth in social change and Ekta Parishad. There were 20 participants from Vidisha and Sagar districts attended the camp. Through discussion and games, they were trained to understand the grassroots’ and livelihood problems in the villages and possible mechanisms for solving these problems. Youth camp to ensure the involvement of youth in social change

 

Short Films on Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing of HIV/AIDS

 

UNESCO Delhi office and AIBD jointly worked on developing the network of young TV producers working on HIV/AIDS in Asia.  Under the project, young TV producers from national TV from India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Combodia were participated in various training and produce the short films on the theme of Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing of HIV/AIDS (VCCT).

 

The screening of seven such short films was held in a function organized by UNESCO in Delhi on August 26, 2005. Before the screening Dr. Shanker Choudhury, HIV/AIDS Expert gave the detail of the project and introduction of film and it’s producer.

 

The theme is very timely needed and story line and production quality is very good. As explained during the screening, these short films are address to common public of their respective country to educate and motivate for VCCT but language medium of most of these films is English, which may barrier to reach it to masses.

 

WPAY 1995 Progress review by UN General Assembly

 

In year 1995 United Nations General Assembly (GA) adopted the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), since than the GA did no review. It is first time, after 10 years, in resolution 58/133, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to provide it at its sixtieth session with a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation since 1995 of the priority areas identified in WPAY.

 

In 60^th anniversary session of GA, Secretary General’s report titled ""Making Commitments Matter” will be presented on 6^th October 2005, which will held at UN HQ in New York, USA.

 

The General Assembly will hold two plenary meetings on 6 October, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, devoted to the evaluation of progress made in the implementation of the WPAY. During these meetings, Members States will present their views on this topic. Youth organizations and representatives are invited to observe the plenary meetings.

 

Other events related to WPAY

 

5^th October

 

Prior to the plenary meetings, an informal, interactive roundtable discussion on the theme “Young People: Making Commitments Matter” will be held on 5^th October and facilitate by UN. The roundtable discussion will be open to the participation of all Member States, observers, organizations of the United Nations system and non-governmental youth organizations.

--------------

An interactive dialogue on Youth Taking Action: Linking the Millennium Development Goals to the World Programme of Action for Youth” is being organized by the Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Peace Child International, World Federation of United Nations Association, NGO Committee on Youth and the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN). The Dialogue will be held 5 October 2005 at UNHQ.

 

4^th October

 

The UN Programme on Youth will launch its publication called “World Youth Report 2005”on October 4, 2005.

--------------

UNFPA will organize the Photo Exhibition on theme ‘Chasing the Dream’ and discussion on MDGs at UN Secretariat on 4^th October.

 

World misses target to
provide equal access to education for girls and boys

 

Early data from the forthcoming 2006 Education for All (EFA) Global Monitoring Report shows the target has been missed to get as many girls as boys into school by 2005. The results highlights concerns on the future of the Education for All (EFA) goal and Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on education, particularly the target of getting 100 million children, currently not in school, into school by 2015. An estimated 57 per cent of these children not in school are girls.

 

Incoming events:

 

Spot painting Competition for children

 

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, National Youth Project Delhi branch will organize the Children’s Spot painting Competition on October 2, 2005 in Bal Bhavan, New Delhi.

 

Children from age of 5 to 16 can take part in the event. A special group of Blind participants up to age of 25 will also formed to promote the activities of blind youth. Children residing in Delhi may contact for participation to Mr. G.C. Kaushal on phone 981178012 or from ICYO secretariat.

 

Education for All (EFA): Mid-Decade Assessment Planning meeting

 

UNESCO Bangkok will host the joint National EFA Coordinators’ Meeting and EFA Mid-Decade Assessment Planning from October 24-29,2005 in Bangkok and expected that the representatives from 21 countries will attend this year's meeting.

 

It will focus on progress made in the region regarding EFA implementation, with a special focus on Early Childhood Care and Education. Planning for the Regional Mid-Decade Assessment of progress towards meeting the EFA goals will also be discussed during the meeting. Representatives from countries in South Asia will for the first time join counterparts from East and South-East Asia in the meeting.

 

Regional Workshop on Child Rights

 

Save the Children Sweden (SCW) will organize the Regional Workshop on Demystifying Non-Discrimination for Effective Child Rights Programming in South and Central Asia from October 24 – 28, 2005 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

The objectives of Workshop are to increase understanding on the principles of non-discrimination and its linkages to child rights programming and shared their approaches, strategies and tools for working on non-discrimination.

 

For more detail contact bandana@...

 

SEAP Region Workshop on Good Practices on Child Rights

 

SEAP Region Workshop on Good Practices - a Child Rights Programming Perspective will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from October 17-21 2005.

 

2^nd Int. Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society

 

The conference will take a broad and cross-disciplinary approach to technology in society. With a particular focus on digital information and communications technologies, the conference will address: human usability, technologies for citizenship and community participation, and learning technologies. Participants will include researchers, teachers and practitioners whose interests are either technical or humanistic, or whose work crosses over between the applied technological and social sciences.

 

The conference will be held in Hyderabad, India from December 12-15, 2005. For more information log on http://www.Technology-Conference.com

 

World Congress on the Family: Restore Family Life and Sustain World Peace

 

Service and Research Foundation of Asia on Family and Culture will hold the World Congress on the Family with the theme ‘Restore Family Life and Sustain World Peace’ in Chennai, India from January 2-6,2005.

 

One of the main objectives of this world congress is to recognize that the Family is the Central Unit responsible for the primary socialization of its members, especially children.  It is also the key to sustainable human-centered development.  For more detail log on:  http://www.serfacasia.com
 

National Consultation on

Urban Development Planning and Space for the Poor

 

The consultation seeks to examine, with a pro-people perspective, experiences of various cities in India with regard to Policies, Laws and Development Plans that have direct implications for Housing, Livelihood and basic services for the urban poor.  The meeting is also to evolve strategies for future plan and action.

 

National Alliance of People’s Movements and allies (NAPM) will organize the National Consultation on Urban Development Planning and Space for the Poor and will be held at YUVA Centre in Mumbai from October 15 – 16, 2005.

 

For participation some useful Phone Numbers are Raju Bhise: 9224412004, Deepika D’souza: 9820039557, Maju Varghese: 9892385182.

 

People in Place in People
1st International Symposium on Environment, Behaviour and Society

University of Sydney will host the first International Symposium on Environment, Behaviour and Society with the theme People in Place in People. The Symposium wil held at the University of Sydney, Australia from February 9-11, 2006.

 

The theme will cover some of issues includes: Cultural Identity and the Built Environment; Children, Youth and Environments, and Environmental Experience, Perception and Cognition. For more detail log on: 

http://www.arch.usyd.edu.au/web/research/ebs/ebssymposium.html. 

3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health

The theme of this Conference, "Expanded and Comprehensive Response in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for All Communities" will examine relevant current issues that arose since the last International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and beyond, and with special reference to the Asia Pacific Region.

 

The above conference will be held in Malaysia from November 17 –21, 2005. 
For more detail log on: http://www.3apcrsh.org

 

Acknoledgement

 

The ICYO secretariat has received following publications which is very useful for our documentation, research work and planning of activities. We extended thanks ICYO network to all the organizations those provide us these valuable publications/reports etc.

 

1.                  Yuvahit  - Published by: Print Impression, Pune, India

2.                  Habitat Debate – Published by UN Human Settlement Program, (UN Habitat), Nairobi, (Kenya)

3.                  Popline (March-April 2005)- Published by: Population Institute,

4.                  Population 2005 Newsletter – last issue.

5.                  CASA in Action (September 2005) – Published by:  Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action, New Delhi, India

6.                  Chennai Judicial Exchange on Access to Justice-Published by: Common Wealth Human Rights Initiative (CHARD New Delhi, India

7.                  Human Rights and Policing –Published by: Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, New Delhi, India

8.                  Asian Forum Newsletter– Published by: Asian forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, Bangkok, Thailand

9.                  Niti Marg, (fortnightly), Published by: Samvad, Bhopal, India

10.              Nari Raksha Samiti, Annual Report, New Delhi, India

11.              Sankalp Newsletter –Published by: International AIDS Vaccine Initiative in India, New Delhi, India

12.              IAPPD Newsletter – Published by: Indian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and development, New Delhi, India

13.              Network Newsletter – Published by: Family Health International, USA

14.              Youth of India Newsletter – Published by: National Council of YMCAs of India, New Delhi, India

15.              Disability Tribune – Published by: International disability & human rights information Network, United Kingdom

16.              Say ‘No’ to Violence against women – Published by: Society for women’s Action and Training Initiative (SWATI), Gujarat, India

17.              CRIN Newsletter - Published by: Child Rights Information Network, UK

18.              One Country, Newsletter, Published by: Baha’i  International Community, New York, USA

19.              Pop Times, The Population & Development Newsletter of UNFOPA-India, - Published by: United Nations Population fund-India, New Delhi, India

20.              World Bank in India, Published World Bank, New Delhi, India

21.              Peace Newsletter published by Peace, Mt Lavinia, Sri Lanka

22.              CSEC published by Peace, Mt Lavinia, Sri Lanka

23.              Sexual Health Exchange, published by Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Netherland.

24.              Yuva Bharat Samachar, New Delhi.

25.              The World of Parliaments, published by Inter-Parliamentary Union, Geneva, Switzerland.

26.              Yuva Awaaz, published by Youth Initiative, Nepal.

27.              Positive Dialogue published by Lawyers Collective HIV/AIDS Unit, Mumbai, India.

28.              AHRNew, published by Asian Harm Reduction Network, Thailand.

 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Youth information is published by:

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India
Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978
Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit, non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth
welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand;
ATSECE-DELHI, Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;
Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Network;
Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);
International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);
Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD);
World Youth Foundation, Malaysia.

 

 

 

ICYO - Youth Information

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Information Update for Youth Organizations:

++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Development and the Next Generation:

Theme for WDR 2007

 

The World Bank's annual World Development Report (WDR) is an invaluable guide to the economic, social and environmental state of the world today. Each year the WDR provides in depth analysis of a specific aspect of development. Past reports have considered such topics as the role of the state, transition economies, labor, infrastructure, health, the environment, and poverty. The reports are the Bank's best-known contribution to thinking about development. (for more information on WDR, log on http://econ.worldbank.org/wdr )

 

The theme of the World Development Report 2007 (WDR) is youth between the ages of 12 to 24. As this population group seeks identity and independence, they make decisions that affect not only their own well-being, but that of others, and they do this in a rapidly changing demographic and socio-economic environment.

 

Supporting young people's transition to adulthood poses important opportunities and risky challenges for development policy.

 

Are education systems preparing young people to cope with the demands of changing economies? What kind of support do they get as they enter the labour market? Can they move freely to where the jobs are? What can be done to help them avoid serious consequences of risky behaviour, such as death from HIV-AIDS and drug abuse? Can their creative energy be directed productively to support development thinking?

 

The report will focus on crucial capabilities and transitions in a young person's life: learning for life and work, staying healthy, working, forming families, and exercising citizenship. For each, there are opportunities and risks; for all, policies and institutions matter.

 

It is expected the WDR 07 to be published in September 2006. The preparation process is on.

 

E- Consultation to gets the input from Youth Organizations:

 

World Bank has planned the six weeklong consultations through e-discussion on various issues, which WB is planning to focus on the WDR 07. The World Bank is facilitate the Consultations which moderate by young people and will start from September 26. 2005.

 

This e-discussion will run for six weeks, and will be structured around five
life-changing transitions.

Week 1: The transition from school: continuing to learn beyond primary.
Week 2: The transition to a healthful lifestyle.
Week 3: The transition to work.
Week 4: The transition to family formation.
Week 5: The transition to citizenship.
Week 6:  What are the key questions and ideas from the first five weeks?

The interested YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS can join the consultation and contribute in the debates. Please note that e-discussion can accommodate a limited number of participants, so organizer asked to register only a limited number of young people per youth organization (max. 2-3).

 

This e-consultation is open for “Youth Organizations” only.

-------------------------------------------------------

For more detail contact icyoasia@... with full detail.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ravi Narayan
Secretary General
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India
Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978
Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...  
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit,
non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth welfare in India. 

ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs in India. It's family consists of
over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand;
ATSECE-DELHI, Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;
Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Network;
Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);
International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);
Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD);
World Youth Foundation, Malaysia.

 

ICYO  - Youth Information  

                                 E-News from

  Indian Committee of Youth Organizations

ICYO is a coordinating body of 354 Youth Organizations in India.

 

National Consultation on Habitat & Youth Ending Poverty Housing held

 

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) and Habitat for Humanity India Trust (HFHIT) jointly organized the National Consultation on Habitat Youth Ending Poverty Housing at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on July 7, 2005.

 

The Consultation started with the welcome of Mr. Oscar Farnades and introduction by Mr. Vincent Thakur, Executive Director of HFHIT. He gave brief detail of HFHIT and also outline of ‘Youth Build project’ in India followed by a bouquet presentation to Chief Guest Mr. Oscar Fernades, Minister of Statistics and Program Implementation, Government of India and other dignitaries.

 

Mr. Ravi Narayan, Secretary General of Indian Committee of Youth Organizations highlighted the activities of ICYO network and its concern to young people in his presentation. Dr. Subba Rao, Chairman of ICYO emphasis on more youth programmes where youth to be involve for voluntary work and that should be linked to welfare of poor and needy people, addressing the cultural integration and promotes the harmony and peace among the young generation.

 

Mr. Freddy Martis, Programme Coordinator, HFHIT gave the detailed information on ‘Youth Build India 2005’ than Dr Subba Rao released the Information Kit on Youth Build India 2005 Project and Chief Guest, Mr. Oscar Fernades confirmed his support for the project.

 

In his Key note speech Mr. Miloon Kothari, United Nation’s Special Rappotouer on Adequate Housing and Executive Director, Habitat International Coalition (SARP) presented brief scenario on need of housing for poor. He emphasized the role of women in this sector must be ensured.

 

Mr. Vijay Bharatiya of ICYO made a presentation on Youth and Habitat Agenda (MDG's and Istanbul + 10).

 

The Panel discussion on "Challenges ahead in dealing with Habitat agenda to end poverty housing' was very lively and youth panelist including Ms. Malvika Vartak from Housing and Land Rights Network, Ms Nagma from STOP and Ms. Rekha Kuruvilla, the Resource Development Manager of Habitat for Humanity India Trust presented their views which followed by question answer session.

 

Mr Jayanta Chowdhury, Programme Advisor Asia Pacific Region, Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. adjourned the meeting with vote of thanks.

 

Steering Committee of World Bank's YDP Network Constituted

 

The World Bank organized the two international Conferences on ‘Youth Development and Peace’ (YDP), in Paris (2003) and in Sarajevo (2004). World Bank invited the representatives of Youth Organizations from all over the world in these conferences. The main outcome from the Sarajevo conference was the formation of ‘Youth Development and Peace (YDP) Network’.

 

The Steering Committee constituted to develop and Institutionalization the network and to gear-up activities to strengthen the youth organizations on focused issues.

 

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (represented by Mr. Arturo Romboli), European Youth Forum (represented Mr. Renaldas Vaisbrodas, President), Indian Committee of Youth Organizations - ICYO (represented by Mr. Ravi Narayan, Secretary General), International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS-Pax Romana, represented by Mr. Joseph Zobel Behala Mboy II, Secretary General), Foro Latino Americano de la Juventud(reprsented by Mr. Sebastian Lamonega), Reseau Africain des jeunes contre le SIDA du Burkina Faso (RAJS) (reprsented by Mr. Bagnombo Bakiono), New Voices Peru – AIESEC (represented by Mr. Guillermo J. Palacios García), Youth Voices in Georgia - "New Generation for Georgia" (represented by Ms. Lina Jikia).

 

First SC Meeting:

 

The first Steering Committee meeting was held on 22 and 23 June 2005 in Washington, USA and attended by its members and officers of World Bank. The meeting held during and part of the YDP Week.

Mr. Jean-Louis Sarbib, Sr Vice President, Human Development Network, WB; Mr. Ian Goldin, Vice President for External Affairs, Communications and United Nations Affairs, WB; Mr Jean Christophe Bas, Development Policy Dialogue Manager, Vice Presidency for Europe, World Bank gave the valuable guidance to committee. Mr. Pierre Girardier, Mr. Gaetano Vivo (both from World Bank Paris) facilitated the process.

 

The Steering Committee discussed various matters (including focus issues - Education; Employment; HIV/AIDS - risky behaviors; Conflict Prevention and Resolution). The SC formed various task force, Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) will lead the task on 'HIV/AIDS and Risky Behavior'.

 

The SC was commissioned with responsibility to monitor and follow the proposal from the conference in Sarajevo. It was decided that Europe will monitor by YFJ, FLAJ will cover the Latin and South America and ICYO will cover the Asia & Pacific.

 

YDP Week

 

The Youth Development and Peace Week were observed in Washington. Apart from Steering Committee meeting the Non Formal Education Forum and discussion on forth coming World Development Report 2007 (WDR07) on young people were held.

 

In a special session of Video Conference Mr. Manny Jimenez, (responsible for the WDR 07) discussed the matter from World Bank office at Bangkok with the participants at Washington. Mr. Jimenez also discussed the possible involvement of YDP network organizations.

 

ICYO elected the Vice President of AYC

General Assembly of Asian Youth Council held

 

The Asian Youth Council (AYC), which is the largest network of Asia with the membership of national youth council/national network organizations has elected its new office bearers during its 9^th General Assembly held from 24 to 26 June 2005 in Selangor, Malaysia.

 

Mr Ravi Narayan, Secretary General of ICYO elected as Vice President of Asian Youth Council (AYC). Rt. Hon. Dato' Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo, President of Malaysian Youth Council is elected the new President of AYC.

 

AYC will focus on ensuring that the ‘Millennium Development Goals are achieved by governments in the Asia and Pacific region’ is one of the commitment made by the newly elected president Dr Toyo, while talking to the press after the election on 25^th June 2005.

 

ICYO is member of AYC, attended the GA and represented by Mr. Jayanta Chowdhury and Mr. Vijay Bharatiya.

 

MIYD Adopts Plan to Strengthen National Youth Councils

 

The Melaka International Youth Dialogue (MIYD) adopted a declaration outlining plans to strengthen national youth councils worldwide towards achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

 

The MIYD held from June 27 to 29, 2005 in Malaka, Malaysia and organized by World Assembly of Youth (WAY). This is the annual event and fifth in series. This year’s theme was ‘Strengthening National Youth Councils for Global Development’.

 

Three thematic workshops were held during the dialogue, namely Capacity Building for Greater Efficiency and Effectiveness of National Youth Councils, Developing Partnerships with Governments and International Agencies and National Youth Councils and the Millennium Development Goals.

 

Concluding three days of intense deliberations, the more than 130 participants of the MIYD unanimously resolved to more actively participate in national efforts to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.

 

Five participants from different ICYO member organizations attended the International Youth Dialogue.

 

Build New India - commitment from Yuva Bharat (Young India)

 

The third conference of Yuva Bharat (Young India) was held from 5-9 June 2005 in Bhuvenshawar, Orissa, India and attended by 750 youth from all over India. The main objective is to work towards the exploitation free society for young people.

 

The conference discussed the various statements including on education, cultural policy, economic policy etc..

 

UK Presidency priorities of the EU 2005 –

Education, Youth and Culture Education and Youth

 

The United Kingdom holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1st, 2005 until December 31st, 2005. Some of the priorities of this presidency are the new Youth Programme.

 

The key expected areas of work in education and youth during the UK Presidency are: Negotiating new EU education and youth programme designed to promote cooperation between educational establishments and promote country exchanges between lecturers, teachers and students such as the Erasmus programme; analysing how improving the skills of the European workforce would contribute to increased productivity and agreeing concrete steps under the OMC to take forward work in this area; a report on education and training's contribution to competitiveness and social inclusion under the Lisbon agenda; improving quality assurance for Higher Education Institutions across Europe; agreeing an EU Youth Pact which considers the problems of unemployed young people.

 

The discussion on Education, Youth and Culture is expected on 14 - 15 November 2005 at Brussels.

 

Intervention Studies on Youth Reproductive Health in India

 

From 1999 to 2006, the International Center for Research on Women is working with partners on multi-site intervention studies of men's involvement in adolescent women's reproductive health (RH) in India.

 

The various roles that gender plays in RH - and strategies for cultivating sensitivity to that role - figure prominently in this research. Among the findings: In community-based RH education sessions, young married men preferred a more didactic method as compared to the dynamic, participatory methods (e.g., games and songs) found useful with women. For information log on http://www.comminit.com/experiences/pds2005/experiences-3003.html

 

UNICEF ADAP Global Networking Meeting

 

The Adolescent Development and Participation Unit (ADAP) of UNICEF, New York will convene its first Global Networking Meeting from September 19 -23, 2005. The meeting will bring together over 40 regional and country-level advisors and senior programme staff working in UNICEF's range of programme areas and priorities for adolescent/youth development, including health, education, HIV/AIDS, child protection and social policy. Representatives will also attend the meeting from UN agencies' adolescent/youth focal points, external resource persons and experts and senior staff from UNICEF's Headquarters.

 

Review of the World Programme of Action for

Youth by General Assembly of UN

 

In UN Headquarters in New York several events will take place during October 3 -7, 2005 to mark the ten-year review of the World Programme of Action for Youth. On 6 October 2005, the General Assembly will devote two plenary meetings, morning and afternoon, to an evaluation of the progress made in the implementation of the World Programme. The day prior to the plenary meeting there will be an informal, interactive round-table discussion on the theme "Young people: Making Commitments Matter", which will be open to the participation of Member States, observers, organizations of the United Nations system and non-governmental youth organizations. Representatives of youth organization can attend as the observer of these plenary sessions of UN.

 

Upcoming events:

 

National Integration, Peace and Harmony Youth Camp

 

National Youth Project is organizing the National Integration, Peace and Harmony Youth Camp in New Delhi. 5000 youth will be invited from all over India to attend the youth camp. Date of camp will be announce soon.

 

Roundtable on Youth and Population:

 

ICYO will host the round table on Youth and Population. The organizer has expecting the representative of youth organizations to attend the event and discussion will be focus on family planning programme in India. The roundtable will also try to find the answer to why the youth are excluded from family planning progrmme? The roundtable will be held in Delhi.

 

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for Young People: Training-Workshop

 

Mamta Health Institute of Mother and Child, Swedish Association for Sexuality Education and SIDA will organize the training workshop on 'Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for Young People' in New Delhi from October 14-29, 2005.

 

To promote a better regional understanding of young people's SRH and rights through experience sharing; to enhance capacities of individuals and institutions; and to facilitate formulation of policies, program, strategies and interventions that are positively responsive to the needs of young people, are some main objectives of the training.

 

For further information and participation log on www.yrshr.org

 

International Student Conference

 

The International student conference will be held at Odessa National University Model United Nations 2005 (ONUMUN) in Ukraine from November 25-27, 2005.

 

Main objective of the ONUMUN is to give a unique and interactive opportunity for university students from all over the world to become familiar with international issues and to enhance students' understanding of the institutional and political in-workings of the UN organization.

 

For more detail log on www.onumun.iatp.org.ua

 

Globalization and the Future of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

 

This conference will be organised by CIDESC (International Centre on Economic, Social and Cultural (ESC) Rights) in partnership with Ethical Globalization Initiative and in collaboration with the New University of Lisbon, Portugal from November 24 –26, 2005. The conference will focus on global issues and institutions and their impact on local ESC rights.

 

Internationally recognized advocates for human rights will debate how the human rights community can hold increasingly powerful international institutions accountable for their impact on citizens' rights around the world.

For more information, visit: www.esc-rights.org/EN/conference_organization.htm

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Youth Information issued by:
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India
Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978
Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...

To join the Youth Information Yahoogroup send email to: YouthInformation-subscribe@...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit,
non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of
mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary
agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth
welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs
in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts
of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN),

Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand; ATSECE-DELHI.

Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;

Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Network;
Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);
International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);
Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD);
World Youth Foundation, Malaysia.

 

 

Issue 6 August 2005

Contents

·                     From the Campaign Trail

·                     Take action! Hold your government accountable

·                     Feature Story

·                     Millennium Development Goals: Moving Backwards

·                     Frontline

·                     Two diseases, one patient: Pilot TB/HIV programmes in the Asia Pacific region

·                     Real Speak

·                     Interview:  Mr Craig McClure, International AIDS Society

·                     Unsung Heroine

·                     Niyongamba, a 20 year old Rwandese woman speaks out

·                     Positively Alive

·                     Beating HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination

·                     Spotlight

·                     Indonesia: Business as usual will not stop AIDS

·                     Partner Highlight

·                     Health & Development Networks/World AIDS Campaign

--------------------------------------------- 

Get Involved!

·                     About ACW Campaign

·                     Join the campaign!

·                     Speak out!

+-----------------------------------------------------+ 

Youth Information issued by:
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India
Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978
Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...  
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit,
non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of
mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary
agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth
welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs
in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts
of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand;
ATSECE-DELHI.
Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Network;
Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);
International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);
Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD);
World Youth Foundation, Malaysia.

 

Newsletter from Indian Committee of Youth Organizations

ICYO - Youth Information

                                        August 2005
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 

ICYO - Platform of 356 Youth Organizations in India.          

ICYO - India’s largest network of urban and rural youth.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 

 

The 5th International Conference on the Capability Approach:
Knowledge and Public Action

Education has long been regarded as a key factor in promoting development, in enabling people to live a life they have reason to choose and value. Education is central to the capability approach. Access to knowledge is not only an intrinsic human freedom, it is also fundamental to public debate and to public action. How are knowledge and public action related? This 5th International Conference on the Capability Approach:
Knowledge and Public Action explores this theme on the basis of four themes:

·  Quality education: How can we improve the quality of education and contribute to more equitable and sustainable development?

·  Responsibility: How can we increase the levels of personal freedoms while fulfilling social obligations and responsibility? How does 'development as freedom' relate to responsibility towards others?

·  Collective agency: How can we link actions at the micro level of the person and the household to the meso level of social groups and institutions to promote a more just society?

·  Equity: How can public action ensure an equitable distribution of capabilities within and across generations?

 

The above conference will be held from 11-14th September 2005, Paris, France. For more detail and about the registration fee etc log on: http://fas.harvard.edu/~freedoms/index.cgi?pageBody=september_conference

---=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-==

This is electronic newsletter of

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India

Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978

Email: icyoindia@...  / icyo@...   

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit,
non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of
mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary
agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth
welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs
in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts
of 22 states from different corners of India.

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), ATSECE-DELHI, Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;

Working relation with World Youth Foundation, Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD); International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO); Asian Forum on Population and Development (AFPPD)

Steering Committee member of World Bank’s ‘Youth Peace and Development Network’.

 

 

Youths in 'World Youth and Students' Festival'

Call for Equality And Justice in the UN

------------------------

Newsletter from Indian Committee of Youth Organizations

ICYO - Youth Information

                                        August 2005
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 

ICYO - Platform of 356 Youth Organizations in India.          

ICYO - India’s largest network of urban and rural youth.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 

Youths in 'World Youth and Students' Festival' Call for Equality And Justice in the UN

Delegates to the 16th World Youth and Students' Festival on 14 August 2005 unanimously called for revolutionary reform of the United Nations (UN) in order to restore equality and justice in the international system.

During a debate on the need to reform the UN as proposed by Secretary General Kofi Annan, Venezuelan representative Carlos Wimmer said all nations of the world had a duty to create a United Nations where they could be represented equally.

He said UN reforms were necessary to bring about equality so that fundamental decisions are not taken just by a few nations.

Canadian youth representative Julian Ikin Colect said it was clear from the way the US waged wars in Kosovo and Iraq that it had liquidated the UN system.

He said the kind of unilateralism being exhibited by the US suggested that the US believes that might is right.

Nigerian delegation leader Victor Akinjo said it was high time the UN reverted to its initial role of ensuring world peace, fighting poverty, hunger and disease as opposed to tolerating wars and other calamities.

Akinjo said the African continent had not forgotten how the UN watched without doing anything the massacre of nearly one million people in Rwanda in 1994.

He said Africa had not forgotten how the UN ignored the problem of apartheid in South Africa, just as the continent had not forgotten about the crises in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Akinjo said as a result of all this, it is clear that the UN must be reformed so that it reflects equity and justice and not just to serve the interests of a few nations.

He said permanent seats on the Security Council must be open to all UN members and not just a few countries.

Cuban youth, Perla Payana Masso Soler, said the transformation of the UN would not come automatically unless the youth voiced their concerns and acted.

Soler said there was need to defend the existence of the UN based on the basic principles on which it was originally set up.

She said the UN should shoulder the responsibility of inequality and wars in the world.

Soler said with efficient and well-designed strategies, the UN could be reformed so that the voice of the people could be equally represented and heard in the international system. (The Post, Lusaka)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

This is electronic newsletter of

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India

Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978

Email: icyoindia@...  / icyo@...   

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit,
non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of
mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary
agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth
welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs
in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts
of 22 states from different corners of India.

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), ATSECE-DELHI, Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;

Working relation with World Youth Foundation, Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD); International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO); Asian Forum on Population and Development (AFPPD)

Steering Committee member of World Bank’s ‘Youth Peace and Development Network’.

 

 

Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

Independence Day Address 2005 from Red Fort, Delhi on 15 August 2005 

Dear Countrymen, Brothers and Sisters and Dear Children,

Today is once again a day of joy and happiness when we all gather to celebrate the anniversary of our Independence. On this sacred occasion, I greet you all.

Fifty eight years ago, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had unfurled this glorious Tricolour for the first time from this historical place, thus fulfilling the centuries-old dream of crores of Indians to be independent from foreign rule.

Next year, we will commence the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Independence. Through the celebrations, we will have a chance to once again remember the glorious freedom fighters of that great battle who had laid the foundations for our independence. In 1857, Bahadurshah Zafar had declared the Battle for Independence from this same historic Red Fort. The battle cry of Rani of Jhansi Lakshmi Bai, Peshwa Nana Saheb, Tantia Tope and Begum Hazrat Mahal of Lucknow was – “Delhi Chalo”. This cry was renewed with vigour and force by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and in 1947 this ambition was fulfilled. Today, we have the opportunity of remembering their sacrifices. We can also learn from their enthusiasm and self-confidence, a number of traits which will be useful in facing today’s challenges as well.

Today is a day when we feel proud of and celebrate our victory in the struggle for independence. This is a day of joy and happiness for all Indians, irrespective of where they reside in any part of the world. It is also a day on which we remember our valiant soldiers and security forces, thank them for their bravery and commitment, and hope that they will continue to be alert in the service of the nation.

Mahatma Gandhiji had also dreamt of the same independence when he launched the Dandi March 75 years ago. Through that struggle, he shook the foundations of the greatest and most powerful empire the world had ever seen. Today, we need to once again remember the sacrifice and commitment of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and also his dreams for an independent nation. We also need to reflect on how far we have been successful in fulfilling his dreams.

What was the dream Gandhiji had of an independent India? He had said, “I will work for an India where the poorest of the poor feel that this country and this nation belongs to them and that they have a major role in its construction. An India where there is no higher class or lower class among all people. An India where all communities live in friendship and harmony. An India where women have the same rights as men.” He had also said, “ the Swaraj I dream of is a Swaraj of poor people. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that Swaraj cannot be complete till the poorest have a guarantee of being provided with the basic necessities of life”.

Have we come anywhere near this dream? In the last one year, our attempt has been to build the India of Gandhiji’s dream. The goal of our Government’s National Common Minimum Programme is also the same. Last year on this very day, I had said from the Red Fort that I have no promises to make but only promises to keep. In order to fulfil the promises, we have taken many important steps and have taken major decisions which will contribute to our nation’s progress. While taking these decisions, the focus of our thoughts and attention has always been the aam aadmi. The effort of our government has been that while we continue to make rapid economic progress, the benefits of this progress and growth must reach all sections of society in a fair manner. Our vision is not just of economic growth, but also of a growth which would improve the life of the aam aadmi.

Our country is witnessing unprecedented economic growth at this point in time. Last year, our economic growth rate was 7% and it is likely to be similar this year as well. Our country has never witnessed such consistently high growth rates in the past. I am confident that if we maintain this momentum of growth for the next 5-10 years, then it would be possible for us to eradicate poverty, ignorance, hunger and disease from our country. This is not a dream but something that is possible in our times.

It is not only us but the entire world, which is viewing India as an emerging power of these times. The whole world is eagerly watching the manner in which India is making rapid economic progress. And this economic growth is happening within the framework of a liberal democracy. Our country is a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic nation. Nowhere in the world do we have an example of a country of a 100 crore people seeking their economic and social destiny within the framework of a democracy. It is because of this that the entire world’s attention is riveted on us. It is the result of our combined hard work that India today has made its mark on the world stage and we feel proud of our standing in the comity of nations.

Brothers and Sisters,

It is my belief that India’s future is extremely bright and that this future is indeed, possible. In order to achieve this, we need to focus on achieving rapid economic growth and on ensuring social justice. It is only by walking on these two legs will we be able to ensure that the benefits of growth reach all sections of society.

Last year, while addressing the nation on this day, I had mentioned that our growth is critically dependent on seven sectors which I called the ‘Saat Sutras’. These seven sectors were – agriculture, irrigation, education, health, employment, urban renewal and infrastructure. Today, we can review the progress made in these seven areas.

Our maximum emphasis has been on agriculture. Farmers are the backbone of our country and of our economy. It is the result of their tireless efforts that we do not have any shortage of foodgrains in our country. The entire country is grateful to them for this.

We must admit that the economic growth we have been referring to earlier has not yet fully reached every individual in our society. This is particularly true in our rural areas. The growth in agriculture has not been at the required pace. Even today, over 60% of our population is dependent on agriculture and every farmer has a right to be a participant in our economic growth processes. Hence, we have talked about giving a ‘new deal’ to our farmers. We have taken a number of steps to alleviate the problems of our farmers, such as improving and enhancing the flow of agricultural credit, increasing investment opportunities and storage facilities, launching a National Horticulture Mission to increase the output and trade in fruits and vegetables, and promoting research and training in agriculture. It is our goal that by 2007, there should be a Krishi Vigyan Kendra in every district. Through this, the benefits of advanced research and training will reach all our rural bretheren. Large parts of our country are still dependent on rainfall and we will focus on removing the problems of farmers in dry land areas. We are considering setting up a National Rainfed Area Authority for this purpose. It is our hope that in the coming years, agricultural growth becomes rapid and we have a new green revolution. We are fully committed to achieving this.

It is not possible for our rural areas to develop in the absence of basic infrastructural facilities. In order to improve basic infrastructure in rural areas, we have conceived an ambitious programme called ‘Bharat Nirman’. In Bharat Nirman, one crore hectares of unirrigated land will be irrigated. All villages whose population is 1000 or more, and 500 or more in hilly areas, will be connected with roads. Two and a half crore houses will be given electricity connections, and through this, the entire country will be electrified. Over 60 lakh houses will be built in villages. The remaining 74,000 habitations which do not have access to safe drinking water will be provided these facilities. Each and every village will have at least one telephone connection. I am confident that Bharat Nirman will ensure the rapid economic development of our rural areas.

In all our economic programmes, our policy has been to ensure the participation of the common man, particularly of those in rural areas. They should feel that all programmes belong to them. We have believed that the proper institutional mechanism to ensure their participation in the Panchayat system. Shri Rajiv Gandhiji had dreamt of Panchayati Raj many years ago. Today, zila, tehsil and village panchayats have a major responsibility to discharge. Our Constitution has placed the responsibility on panchayats, not only of ensuring economic development but also delivering social justice. Bharat Nirman provides a unique opportunity to our panchayats to shoulder this immense responsibility by effectively implementing this programme. I am confident that panchayats will ensure Bharat Nirman becomes a milestone in our development process.

We are giving importance not only to our rural areas but also to the economic conditions in our urban areas. Today, a third of our population lives in urban areas and keeping in mind the speed at which urbanization is taking place, the day is not far off when over 50% of India’s population will be residing in urban areas. The foundations of our culture and society were laid thousands of years ago in the cities on the banks of Indus River. We taught the world the basic concepts of urban planning. However, today our cities are often unable to meet the basic needs of their residents on many counts. We will be investing in urban areas and for this, a National Urban Renewal Mission has been launched.

We have a large proportion of young people in our population. We will need to invest in their education and health so that their future prospects are bright. By doing so, our population will become our biggest asset.

It is necessary for every section of society to be literate and educated so that they can take advantage of our growth processes. By strengthening Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, we are trying to ensure universalisation of primary education. We are giving special emphasis to the education of the girl child. We need to make education joyful, interesting and meaningful so that children develop a desire to go to school. We need to pay particular attention to the education of first generation learners. We are resolute in our commitment to see that no child is deprived of the benefit of primary education. It is our hope that in the near future, women are as literate as men. In order to achieve these goals, resources shall not be a constraint. We are also committed to providing education to disabled children as well.

Along with primary education, we also need to pay attention to higher education. If India is seen around the world as a rising knowledge power, it is because of our Universities and Research Institutions. If we want to maintain our rapid economic growth, we need to improve the quality of these institutions and also create many more such institutions. Let us resolve to achieve excellence in academic work in the 150th anniversary year of the Universities of Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai.

However educated an individual may be, it is necessary for the person to be healthy in order to lead a happy life. Through the National Rural Health Mission, we will provide the best primary health care facilities in each and every village. We are confident that by providing excellent primary health care, we will be able to improve the health of young mothers and children which will then lead to a consequent reduction in our population growth rate.

In the last fifty years, we have been able to control and eliminate many diseases which have been a scourge in our country. Leprosy has been eliminated in 25 states. Polio and T.B. are also being gradually brought under control. AIDS is now becoming a major national problem and we need to tackle this on a war-footing. We need to have a mass movement to ensure that this disease is rapidly checked and its growth arrested. We will also ensure that medicines are available to common people at reasonable prices.

As I had mentioned earlier, the true test of development is the number of people who have secured employment and the number of families who have prospered as a result. As long as there is widespread unemployment in the country, we cannot claim that we are truly independent. It is with this goal in mind that Smt. Indira Gandhi had given the nation the goal of ‘Garibi Hatao’. Today, if we need to remove poverty, we need to create employment “Rozgar Badhao”. In order to ensure that a minimum level of employment is available to everyone in rural areas, it is necessary to have an employment guarantee. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Bill has been prepared with this goal in mind. We hope that this Act will bring about a revolutionary change in the lives of people in rural India. We are also revamping the Khadi and Village Industries Commission so that more employment is generated through small and village industries.

In order to ensure that our economic growth does not slow down, it is necessary to have strong infrastructure. Economic growth is intrinsically linked to the availability of infrastructure. Railways, roads and electricity are important elements of infrastructure. In order to improve our railways, a rail modernization programme has been prepared so that our railways become one of the best in the world. A dedicated freight corridor is being developed between Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai by investing over Rs. 25,000 crore rupees.

The development of our national highways is progressing at a rapid pace. We have begun work on an additional 30,000 km of highways and we will soon be six-laning the Golden Quadrilateral. There has been tremendous progress in civil aviation. World class airports are being constructed in many cities. Ports are being modernized and many new ports are under construction.

Shortage of electricity is still a major inconvenience. Electricity is an essential ingredient of economic development. We need to ensure that electricity generation grows rapidly and that power shortages are eliminated. We need far greater investment in this sector. I have often said that, excepting for the poorest sections of society, giving electricity free of cost to other sections will worsen the financial condition of our electric utilities. We need to get used to paying a reasonable price for electricity just as we do for petroleum products. Through this, we can ensure supply of electricity in the right quantity, at the right time and of right quality. In my visit to the United States, we have managed to reduce some of the constraints which have been hampering the growth of our nuclear energy programme and in the next 10 years, in addition to the 1,50,000 MW of capacity being added in the thermal and hydro sectors, another 40,000 MW could be generated through nuclear energy.

While rapid economic growth is one facet of our vision for the nation, social justice and equitable development is the other facet. Last year, our greatest contribution to the nation has been to bring it back on the path of rapid economic growth. There is a ray of hope in the lives of all weaker sections of society. There is an atmosphere of calm, peace and communal harmony all around the country. We believe that this is an important achievement.

In our country, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes and women suffer from many disabilities. Many of them have been discriminated against for centuries. It is essential that they are made stakeholders and participants in our development processes. We are committed to paying attention to their education, health and basic necessities. We have taken some steps to improve their economic and social status. A Bill has been introduced in Parliament on reservation in government employment. It will be our effort now to increase the opportunities for employment and equal opportunities in employment outside Government.

Our Adivasi brothers have been cultivating land near forests for many generations. However, they do not have any rights on this land owing to which they live in constant fear of eviction. Their rights were snatched away from them 150 years ago during British rule. In order to correct this, we are bringing a legislation which will benefit scheduled tribes living in forests while at the same time ensuring conservation of our natural heritage.

Our Constitution provides for equality of all religions. All religions are safe and secure within our Republic. It is essential that minorities should have every opportunity of carrying on their daily activities with a feeling of security and happiness. This is also our goal. Hence we have repealed POTA. As a result, many sections of society are able to breathe easy. We have commissioned a report on the social economic status of minorities. This is being done for the first time and will be the basis for all our policy interventions for improving their status. We will also revive and revamp the 15 Point Programme for Minorities. The New 15 Point Programme will have definite goals which are to be achieved in a specific time frame.

We are going to start a special development programme which will focus on the skill enhancement of artisans and weavers, many of whom are minorities. This will help improve their incomes.

Industrial growth is the result of the sweat and toil of our working classes. This year, our industrial growth in May has exceeded 10%. I would like to congratulate all our workers for this magnificent result. The Government will pay specific attention towards addressing the problems of workers, particularly those in the unorganized sector. It is our hope that we will be able to provide a social security net for them so that they do not feel insecure in times of distress. However, I would like to emphasize that workers too have a responsibility. Wherever they may be working, in factories or in firms, they should work in cooperation with the management so that profitability of enterprises increases and they also benefit from this.

Women are the backbone not only of our homes but also of our nation. We need to strengthen their hands and empower them fully. We have brought legislation to prevent domestic violence against women and to secure their property rights. We will also ensure reservation for women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.

In order to provide an opportunity for our youth and sportspersons to demonstrate their skills, we will make all possible efforts to ensure that India once again hosts the Asian Games in Delhi, the first since 1982.

In this new phase of development, we are acutely aware that all regions of the country should develop at the same pace. It is unacceptable for us to see any region of the country left behind other regions in this quest for development. In every scheme of the Government, we will be making all efforts to ensure that backward regions are adequately taken care of. This has been ensured in the Food for Work Programme and the National Rural Health Mission. We will also focus on the development of our border areas. We will ensure that these regions are provided basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity and telephone connectivity in the next 3 – 4 years.

Our rivers are the lifelines of the country. They are the foundations of our ancient civilization. Today the demand for water is growing all around. In the 21st century, water will the most precious commodity and its shortage will be felt all around. We need to launch a national movement to prevent the wastage of water and for its efficient use. This is an absolute necessity. It is also necessary that all states of our country work together in a spirit of give and take and a spirit of mutual understanding to sort out all contentious issues amicably so that everyone is benefited.

We also need to pay special attention to our environment. We need to start a national campaign for cleanliness – so that our cities, towns, villages, roads, streets and homes are neat and clean. Gandhiji used to emphasise this aspect in his Ashram as well. We need to stop the pollution of our rivers and atmosphere. We need to protect our forests and natural heritage. We must remember that we are only the custodians of our environment and it is our responsibility to preserve and pass it on to our future generations.

In the recent past, natural calamities have affected many parts of our country with disastrous effects on people and property. A tsunami in December, snowfall in January and floods in July. Lot of people have lost their precious lives in these calamities. The entire nation’s sympathies are with the bereaved families. I am confident that we will face the problems of floods in a united manner, just we faced the devastation caused by the tsunami. Last month, Mumbai suffered immense damage and lost many lives because of unprecedented floods. In these difficult circumstances, the citizens of Mumbai have shown courage fortitude and patience in dealing with the enormous problems and have demonstrated the qualities which make Mumbai different from other cities. I would like to assure that we will provide whatever assistance is required to ensure that Mumbai, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka are restored to normalcy. In order to effectively tackle such natural calamities, we have constituted a National Disaster Management Authority. Through this, and by using the latest technologies, we hope to face future calamities in a much better manner.

In the country, we still have regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East where complete peace and tranquility does not exist. The people in these regions are the victims of violence and terrorism. Wherever conditions deteriorate we take the assistance of our Armed Forces. Wherever we have taken their assistance, they have shown patience and perseverance. Many of them have lost their lives. In order to ensure that the children of soldiers who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation get good education, we are starting a Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme. Each year, 5000 children would be provided scholarships for college education.

However, accidents do happen once in a while. Keeping this in mind and with a view to protecting human rights, the Government had set up a Committee to look into the provisions of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The Report of this Committee is being examined in detail and we will take all necessary steps so that there are no violations of human rights under this Act.

As a result of our policy in Jammu & Kashmir, the State is once again on the path of peace and progress. It is our humanitarian obligation that we assist the State in all possible ways so that the people there can live in peace and harmony. Terrorists have never been the friends of the people of Kashmir. As long as they continue their terrorist attacks, our Armed Forces will be alert and give them a fitting response. In this conflict, common citizens may also be affected at times. I have said before and I am repeating once again, that there is no issue that cannot be resolved through a process of discussion and dialogue. Our doors are always open and will continue to be open for anyone interested in dialogue. I invite everyone to join us to discuss the problems of the state of Jammu & Kashmir so that its people can lead a life of peace and dignity. If violence continues, then our response too will be hard. I am aware that the Government of Pakistan has put some checks on the activities of terrorists from its soil. However, it is not possible to achieve success through half-hearted efforts. It is necessary that the entire infrastructure of terrorism is totally dismantled.

In the context of terrorism and extremism, development and security have an intrinsic relationship. We have managed to face extremism successfully through a democratic process. However, it is imperative that a democratic government should be able to differentiate between the genuine problems of people and the designs of terrorists. Today, there are a number of challenges in our security environment such as terrorism, communal violence, atrocities on women and exploitation of dalits and adivasis. Our security forces have been facing the daunting task of controlling extremist violence admirably. Extremism is a challenge which requires a united response from all of us. However, it is also necessary to look at a political resolution of this problem. Often extremism has its roots in backwardness and lack of economic development. It is not easy to handle problem of extremism in violation. However, by addressing it in all its dimensions — social, political, economic and security — in an integrated manner, I am confident that we will be successful in checking it.

India has always been a country which loves peace. Its destiny is intrinsically linked to those of its neighbours. Our goal has always been the prosperity and happiness of our citizens. Hence, we have always sought the friendship of our neighbours, although at times, this has not been fully successful. There seems to be some success in our search for peace and harmony now. Many problems of South Asia are similar, of which poverty and illiteracy are the most widespread. It is possible for us to eliminate these in the region by working together.

The composite dialogue process with Pakistan is continuing. As a result, we have been able to reopen the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway which was a long pending demand of the people and restarted the bus service on this route, a step which has been widely welcomed. Talks are going on to open similar links from points in other states.

Discussions are also going on a gas pipeline from Iran to India via Pakistan. Once this is completed, we will be able to address a major constraint affecting our economy.

It is our sincere hope that we work with all our neighbours in South Asia to effectively address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and disease. If India and Pakistan are able to work together, than we will have many opportunities for making our countries prosperous. I am confident that we will be able to fulfill this vision.

We have had historic links and relations with Afghanistan. It is our desire to see Afghanistan prosperous and strong. In a few days, I will be going to Afghanistan. We will try to strengthen and support democracy and economic growth in all possible ways.

Our largest neighbour is China with whom we have a centuries?old relationship, a relationship from which both of us have learnt a lot and imbibed a lot. We are today willing and ready to deepen our trade and cultural relations with China for the benefit of the two nations. The agreement arrived at between our two countries in April has paved the way for a closer relationship.

I greet the people of Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Myanmar and assure them with utmost sincerity that India is willing to work together with them for promoting development, prosperity and peace in the region.

My visit to the United States has been a major step in promoting friendship with that country. By deepening our economic and technological relations, we will be accelerating our own growth. Simultaneously, our two democracies can work together to strengthen democracy in the world. Russia is an old friend who has helped us in difficult times. We will deepen our friendly relations with Russia.

We also wish to deepen our relations with the countries to the East. The recently concluded trade agreement with Singapore is a major step in improving our economic engagement with the region. We will be entering into many more such agreements in future.

At this point, I would like to emphasize that the contribution of Indians and persons of Indian origin settled abroad in ensuing that our efforts are successful is enormous. They have not only traveled to far off lands to achieve their dreams of prosperity for themselves and their children, but have also played a stellar role in changing the world’s perception of India. The world today sees India as a major knowledge power whose people are skilled, competent, hard working and peace loving. Even within our own country, our scientists, doctors, engineers and scholars have contributed substantially in the achievements of our nation. We are proud of all of them.

To conclude, I would like to say that the biggest challenge in running a Government is to ensure that development programmes are implemented in an effective manner. We will ensure that our outlays of expenditure are visible to citizens as outcomes of progress. The Central Government, State Governments and Panchayats have to work together so that the expectations of people are fulfilled. If we have to achieve results, there is a need to change the manner in which governments function. There is no space in our government or in our society for corruption and arbitrary action. We are not prepared to tolerate this at any cost. Government servants must work with a sense of public service and they should be held accountable to the people. Governments will have to be made more transparent and accountable. The recently passed Right to Information Act is a landmark step in this direction.

India is on the road to progress. The whole world is watching us with expectation. It is possible for us to eradicate poverty, ignorance and disease within our lifetime. This has been made possible by the advances in science and technology.

There comes a time in the history of a nation when it can be said that the time has come to make history. We are today at the threshold of such an era. The world wants us to do well and take our rightful place on the world stage. There are no external constraints on our development. If there are any hurdles, they are internal.

We must seize this moment and grab this opportunity. We need to have the resolve to make our country prosperous. We must have the self confidence to realise that we are second to none, that Indians are as good as the best. Our political system and leadership must show sagacity, wisdom and foresight so that we are able to make the best of this moment and make India a truly great nation.

Let us come together, as one nation, strengthened by our plurality, to work shoulder to shoulder and build a new India. An India where there are no barriers between the government and the people. An India where each and every Indian can stand proudly and proclaim that he is an Indian. Let us work together to build such a nation.

Dear children, join me and say “Jai Hind”, “Jai Hind”, “Jai Hind”.

((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))((((()))))

 

Youth Information is e-newsletter from

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India
Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978
Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...  
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit,
non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of
mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary
agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth
welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs
in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts
of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand;
ATSECE-DELHI, Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;
Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Newtork;
Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);
International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);
Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD);
World Youth Foundation, Malaysia.

 

 

12 August 2005 - International Youth Day
WPAY+10 and Making Commitments Matter

International Youth Day, first celebrated in 1999 (12 August), aims to promote awareness, especially among youth, of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and beyond.

The year 2005 is an important year for youth at the United Nations. This year marks the 60th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (first week of October 2005), which will hold special meetings on youth issues.

Mr Kofi A. Annan, Secretary General of United Nations sent the message to youth of the World. We are forwarding the message with best wishes on International Youth Day.

Message:

Today, there are almost three billion people in the world under the age of 25. More than half a billion of them live on less than two dollars a day. More than 100 million school-aged children are not in school. Every day, almost 30,000 children die of poverty. And 7,000 young people become infected with HIV/AIDS.

All that can be changed, if we work together to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

The Goals were adopted five years ago by all the world’s Governments as a blueprint for building a better world in the 21st century. They represent a partnership.

Poor countries have pledged to govern better, and invest in their own people through health care and education.

Rich countries have pledged to support them, through aid, debt relief, and fairer trade.

Next month, Heads of State and Government will meet at the United Nations for the 2005 World Summit -- expected to be one of the largest gatherings of leaders ever. I believe we will have a once- in-a-generation opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges of our era.

Leaders need to be reminded of their promise to translate the Millennium Development Goals into reality. That is where young people like you come in. Your voices can hold leaders to those pledges-- at the 2005 Summit and beyond.

I know you will not accept a world where others die of hunger, remain illiterate and lack human dignity.

So please make sure your voices are heard. Make sure your generation is the one to defeat poverty.

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Youth Information is published by

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)

194-A, Arjun Nagar, Safdarjang Enclave

New Delhi 110029, India

Phone: 91 9811729093  Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978

Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...

------------------------------------
ICYO is a registered non-profit, non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs in India. Its family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;
Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;
Full Member of World Assembly of Youth (WAY); Asian Youth Council (AYC);
Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN); CRIN, South Asia Youth
Environment Network (SAYEN), ATSECE-DELHI,
Affiliate group of ECPAT International, Thailand. 

 

 

Youth Information --- Upcoming event update
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 Call for participation: UNESCO Digital Arts Award 2005

Young artists from around the world are invited to take part in this year's award devoted to the theme of ‘Cities and creative media’.  Organized in collaboration with Art Center Nabi (Seoul, Republic of Korea), the award program specifically aims to encourage young emerging artists to cultivate new forms of expressions using new media and technology to envision how urban spaces and city environments could be transformed into creative outlets. 

The submission deadline is 14 September 2005.  All project proposals should be submitted online at the official website of submission of the competition at web http://www.nabi.or.kr/unesco_award, where participants will also be able to find further information (description of sub-themes, general guidelines, submission criteria, etc).  All submissions should be in English.

The total prize money is US $10,000 and an international jury will select the award-winning projects.

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Youth Information is published by Indian Committee of Youth Organizations to keep informed the young people about the happenings around the world.

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ICYO secretariat: 194-A, Arjun Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India.

Phone 9811729093, 26183978 email: icyo@...  icyoindia@... 

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Newsletter from Indian Committee of Youth Organizations

ICYO - Youth Information                 July 2005
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ICYO - Platform of 356 Youth Organizations in India.          

ICYO - India’s largest network of urban and rural youth.

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Need to empower adolescent girls and young women so that they can make informed choices…..

- Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

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Married adolescent girls have no information about family planning method.

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New Delhi, July 23, 2005. The first meeting of National Population Commission was started on 23 July 2005 in New Delhi. In his inaugural address Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India emphasized on education of girl child. He felt the need to empower adolescent girls and young women so that they can make informed choices about their lives and the size of their families.

 

He mentioned about the survey indicators that shows ‘over half of young women get married below the legal age of 18 years and they do not have information or easy access to contraception of any kind’.

 

Here is full text of his inaugural speech:

 

"I welcome you all to this very important meeting of the National Commission on Population. At the outset, I must thank each one of you for accepting our invitation to be members of this very important Commission. We have an important national task to address and I urge everyone to pay the highest attention to the issues at hand.

 

One of the key challenges facing India today is stabilizing our population. A population which stood at 36 crores in 1951 is now around 110 crores. Current trends indicate that it is expected to touch 140 crores by 2026. By all reckoning, we will end up as the world's most populated country in the next few decades. While we all can agree that human resource is an invaluable asset in economic and social development, there are limits to the population that our environment can sustain in the long run, particularly in view of our desire to achieve higher standards of living. Therefore, sustainability of development processes requires a degree of population stabilization.

 

However, we must not mistake population stabilization to be population control. There is widespread consensus that population stabilization entails a holistic, comprehensive approach towards education and health care, particularly of our women and children. Investment in comprehensive health care, coupled with a wider development policy addressing the educational and economic needs of our population together with raising the social status of our women must be the key to any population stabilization strategy. Improvement in health indicators must be understood to be interlinked with indicators for literacy, water supply, sanitation, nutrition, housing and incomes.

 

In this context, I believe that unless our population policy is integrated with our wider development policy, it can never achieve the objective of population stabilization within a reasonable time frame. I draw your attention to the experience of states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. The link between social and human development and demographic trends is obvious and too stark to ignore. I urge all political parties, social activists and policy makers in states with high population growth to study and learn from the experience of these states. This meeting offers us a unique opportunity to learn from these states which have served as a beacon in improving their demographic status through a multipronged approach.

 

There are three aspects of population policy that I wish to draw your attention to. In each of these three areas we need a national political and social consensus to move forward. Such a consensus can be generated by the distinguished members of this august Commission.

 

First, there has to be a concerted campaign focusing on issues related to welfare of girls and young mothers. We need to invest in educating the girl child and improving her health and social status. We need to empower adolescent girls and young women so that they can make informed choices about their lives and the size of their families. This empowerment played a critical role in accelerating the demographic transition not just in States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, but across the world. Surveys indicate that even now, over half of our young women get married below the legal age of 18 years. They do not have information or easy access to contraception of any kind. This has contributed to the demographic pattern of "too early, too frequent and too many children." This is more prevalent in demographically weaker states. We need to address this problem.

 

Our Government is committed to the full social and economic empowerment of our women. We have already taken several steps, both legislative and administrative, to widen social opportunities and guarantee the economic rights of women. We are firm in our commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. This is an important policy plank of our Government. You should have no doubt about our commitment in this regard.

 

We also need to understand the role played by families as an effective social safety net. In a country where credible social safety nets are absent, it is children who form the main pillar of support to their parents in their old age. This, coupled with high infant mortality rates, compels families to have more children. Having an effective old age care system along with a focused drive to reduce infant mortality will, I believe, reduce the incentives for having large families. Empowerment of women and a holistic approach to reproductive and child care will enable this to happen and I would want greater attention to be paid to this aspect.

 

Second, in addition to giving focused attention to the welfare of girl child and women, there has to be a concerted campaign to improve the health and educational status of the entire population in general. This is particularly important in the less developed regions of our country. While regional imbalances are inherent to large, continental countries, in our case the less developed regions also happen to be more densely populated and are critical determinants of the overall demographic status of our country. Unless we invest heavily on social infrastructure in these areas, and empower the poor, we cannot directly address the population challenge. It is, therefore, necessary to integrate our population policy with our health and education policy as well as a social empowerment policy.

 

Third, we have to pursue a more balanced policy of regional development so that adequate employment opportunities are made available in the more populated regions of the country. It cannot be a coincidence that the regions that have experienced a lower rate of economic growth are geographically identical to those with a higher rate of population growth. While analysts can debate whether it is development that enables the demographic transition, or the other way round, policy makers must deal with the reality of this imbalance.

 

This means we have to provide new employment opportunities in less developed regions. Since private investment tends to go to better developed regions, the government has to step in to help backward regions. Given the paucity of state level resources, we have set up a Backward Regions Grant Fund to augment development assistance in these regions. We are also launching the National Employment Guarantee programme to ensure livelihoods in these regions. Not only will these measures enhance employment opportunities and incomes and hence, have an effect on demographic trends, but they will also ensure a higher participation of women in our workforce. It is an accepted axiom that increased participation of women in the workforce will ensure an earlier demographic transition.

 

While the three pronged approach of focused attention on women and girls, a general enhancement of educational and health levels and balanced regional development must be the core of any population stabilization strategy, I would also like to draw attention to some aspects of our health programmes.

 

For far too long has the health sector been addressed through a series of vertical, disease based programmes. A focused, target driven family planning programme was another major programme with poor results. Underlying all this was a general programme to support primary health care. This vertical and horizontal fragmentation of health programmes, coupled with a target driven approach to population stabilization in the past has distanced the entire gamut of health services from the aam aadmi (general public) who is the primary stakeholder in any service delivery programme. At the same time, a better understanding of health behaviour has led to a move away from targets to an integrated approach to family welfare. In this framework, it is essential to breakdown the disease centric walls in our health programmes and to increase the stakeholders' role in the management of health sector.

 

Our Government has launched the National Rural Health Mission to facilitate this holistic, participatory, decentralized approach to our people's health care. The Mission, which will function on the basis of a decentralized district plan for health care, will ensure stakeholder participation, enhanced investments and proper prioritization. It will provide accessible, affordable, accountable, effective and reliable primary health care to the poor and vulnerable sections of the population so as to achieve the Goals of National Population Policy & National Health Policy. The Reproductive and Child Health Programme will be integrated into the Mission and become subsumed in it. I hope that this Mission does for our health care sector what the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is doing for our education sector. Our government is committed to increasing the resources committed to primary health care so that there is substantial improvement in all demographic and health indicators over the next five years. Some of our states have demonstrated that this is possible and we will certainly ensure that all other states achieve similar results.

 

The National Population Policy affirms the commitment of the Government towards voluntary and informed choice to citizens availing of reproductive health care services. The policy also reaffirms our commitment to a target free approach in administering family planning services. I would like to make it clear that our policy does not encourage incentives and disincentives as they have, at best, only a marginal impact and sometimes may even cause resentment and non-acceptance of the programme. I sincerely believe that coercion of any kind to achieve population stabilization is unacceptable in a free society. Our Government's approach places fertility reduction in the broader context of evolving an effective development strategy that focuses its attention on elimination of poverty, empowerment of women and offers choice in limiting family size.

 

Population stabilization is only one aspect of population policy. I do urge you to pay equal attention to the challenge of building capabilities of our people. No civilized society can regard any human being as a burden, a liability. Every one of us has a right to live a decent life. The challenge of population management is to empower people so that those who are perceived as liabilities can be effectively transformed into assets. A literate, gainfully employed and socially, culturally and economically productive person is a national asset. In a country of over a billion people, you can imagine what we can do for our nation by helping empower our people. Investing in human capabilities converts human liabilities into human assets. Therefore, even as our population policy focuses on population stabilization, it must also focus on altering the skill profile of our population. This, in itself, can help in limiting population growth.

 

Our Government is committed to making the National Population Commission a more effective institution. Inviting each one of you to join this Commission was an important part of improving the effectiveness of this Commission. I urge you to devote your energies to a meaningful dialogue and suggest practical policy options for Government, the private sector, educational institutions and other civil society organizations. This is a national endeavour and we must all work together to improve the well-being of our people. The task is so stupendous that it will have to be given the shape of a mass national movement. The outcome of this movement is so important that all of us need to put in our very best. We owe all this to our coming generations. I wish your deliberations success."

 

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Newsletter - Youth Information (e-format)  from:

Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO)
194-A, Safdarjang Enclave, New Delhi 110029, India
Phone: 91 9811729093  /Phone/Fax: 91 11 26183978
Email: icyoindia@... / icyo@...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Indian Committee of Youth Organizations (ICYO) is a registered non-profit, non-governmental network organization, committed in developing areas of mutual cooperation and understanding among different youth voluntary agencies, youth groups, clubs and individuals working in the field of youth welfare in India.  ICYO functions as an umbrella organization of youth NGOs in India. It's family consists of over 354 organizations spread in 122 districts of 22 states from different corners of India.

 

Affiliation:  Consultative (Roster) Status with ECOSOC, United Nations;

Consultative Status with Commission on Sustainable Development;

Steering Committee member of World Bank's YDP Network;

Member of Asian Youth Council (AYC);

Youth for Habitat International Network (YFHIN);

South Asia Youth Environment Network (SAYEN),

CRIN, ATSECE-DELHI,

Indian Partner of AIDS Care Watch Campaign;

Working relation with Indian Association of Parliamentarians (IAPPD);

International Medical Parliamentarians Organizations (IMPO);

Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD).

 

Report:

Regional Dialogue on

Elimination of Human Trafficking

New Delhi, India, 28th and 29th April 2005

 

Rationale for Dialogue:

 

This is the first ever meeting where those who are most affected by trafficking, i.e., the trafficking survivors will make their voices heard, especially for the governments in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Although everyone who is participating at this unique forum is affected in one way or another by the trafficking process, the ones who get affected directly are the trafficking survivors themselves. Therefore it is important for the voices of those trafficked and rescued in the region directly. The trafficking survivors’ voice was referred as the ‘most powerful voice’ on the issue. The chair explained that the end goal or intention is to create a list of demands, which can be placed in front of the governments. This list needs to emerge from the trafficking survivors while the civil society participants will remain in the background. It was explained that Day 2 of the workshop would be utilized to brainstorm, discuss and list the charter of demands. Day 3 will be the time for actual interaction with the governments.

 

There was a comment that most survivors’ present are now fairly ‘empowered’ since they’ve gone through a process of healing and rebuilding their lives. It was therefore important for them to trace their journey and not only present who they are and have become now. It was also commented that both the survivors and the NGOs present should not be seen at two separate ends of the table, rather as one. This is why the first two days are important, since both survivors and NGOs will go through separate processes of listing the important issues to be placed before the governments. After that, there can be discussion to consider points of convergence and divergence and develop a list of non-negotiable through this participative and organic process.

 

The Regional Dialogue between policy makers, civil society and survivors working in the field of Elimination of Human Trafficking was held in New Delhi from April 27 to 29, 2005 and organized by STOP, New Delhi, India.

 

Ms Roam Debabrata, President of STOP and organizer of Dialogue said while speaking in first session on 28^th April 2005, “Civil Society and governments have been talking for long. Now it’s the time for Trafficking Survivors to speak. We will use this day to prepare them to be able to conceptualize and concretize ideas to present these clearly tomorrow”.

 

She further added that ‘the end objective needs to be clear. It is that those who are directly affected be able to present their concerns to the governments tomorrow. There needs to be clarity because tomorrow is a negotiating meeting with the governments. In this the trafficking survivors (TS) will play the central role while Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will be in the background. Today, CSOs will assist the TS to create a clear agenda so there is no confusion tomorrow. What we want is clear: i.e., survivors present their concerns clearly’.

 

CSOs need to be together between themselves and with the TS so that there is no sense of conflict and confusion tomorrow. There are people here today, which work on cross-border trafficking issues. So there is a need for us to create a collective voice so that there is an unambiguous charter for tomorrow’s meeting.

 

Mr. R.K. Ojha, Deputy Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development said “ We have been discussing these issues for a long time. It is a difficult issue. We have a nodal department, which needs to work more diligently on the issues. Listening to the children who have come here will help us. DWCD, which helps CSOs financially, has brought a paper describing the issues, which will be shared with the participants”.

 

Earlier, on day one (27 April), all the trafficking survivors were organize their own meeting to discuss and prepare for the dialogue.

 

In second session all participants divided into 2 groups, one for CSOs and the other for TS. The 2 groups will meet later for discussions. The role of the CSOs will be to endorse the voices of the TS.

 

Discussions in the NGO Group

 

The NGO Group was asked to read the paper titled ‘Issues of Concern’, which outlined the charter of demands that the workshop intended to place before the governments.

 

The Discussion:

 

It was agreed that the two broad objectives as part of Issue 1 are:

 

1.         How can we participate, cooperate and strengthen ties for cooperation between cross border countries to prevent trafficking.

2.            Recognize that trafficking is no more a national problem but an international/regional problem.

 

The issue-wise discussions subsequently raised the following comments:

 

Issue 1:

 

Looking forward to strengthening ties and increasing cross-border cooperation between the contracting CSOs, government, policy makers, judiciary, law enforcing agencies, and survivors including other stakeholders on combating trafficking in women and children.

 

Comments/Reflections:

 

The South Asian context is changing. We need to look at escalating factors like the conflict issue in Nepal and tsunami in India. Also structural factors like military regimes in Pakistan and insurgency in Sri Lanka. It is also important to look at the larger political issues as well. It is important to consider the position of the US government. They have said that they would bring economic sanctions if the trafficking situation in India is not dealt with severely. DWCD said that we have not heard anything concrete on this yet, though we have been put on the watch list. Mr. Ojha felt we should not be bothered about sanctions or the US position, but we need to focus and discuss the human rights issues for our own people especially women and children. Our concern needs to be our people, rather than think of positions of other countries. This is a great opportunity, using this conference, to take some concrete steps. DWCD is committed and mandated to look at these issues, so the Indian government’s stand is very clear.

 

It is also important to look at Para-military forces. This becomes especially important in cases of Nepal-India and Bangladesh-India like the role of the BSF. In the Northeast we tied a pact with the para-military forces, which can be looked at as an example.

 

There are no female constables in the border-security forces. The para-military forces cannot question or rescue women there because there are no female officers at the grassroots level. They are put into administrative positions and never posted on the ground.

 

We should also look at Non-state actors, like Maoists. It is important to discuss how to work with them.

 

It was suggested to add the following stakeholders in issue 1 and all subsequent issues:

 

Border security forces and para-military forces, land customs, railways-protection force, including women in para-military forces, non-state actors.

 

A question was raised if it is possible to use a stronger word than ‘cooperation’?

 

·         Referring to the demand of the NGO group working on the SAARC Convention, the group demanded “State Civil Society Organisations, Policy Makers, Government, Judiciary, Law Enforcing Agencies, para-military forces, border security force, customs and immigration departments, railway protection force, non-state actors and Other Stake Holders shall encourage and support international co-operation that would have a positive impact upon regional and national efforts in facilitation, fulfilling the rights and well being of trafficked women and children”

·         Referring to the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Conventions against Tran national Organised Crime.

·         Guaranteeing that the Civil Society Organisations, Policy Makers, Government, Judiciary, Law Enforcing Agencies, para-military forces, border security force, customs and immigration departments, railway protection force, railway protection force, non-state actors and Other Stake Holders shall deliberately co-operate to combat trafficking in women and children through mutual co-operation in preventing trafficking, protecting trafficked survivors, ensuring quick repatriation including law enforcement and criminal procedure to ensure justice against trafficking in women and children

• In light of the SAARC convention as well as the NPAs (National Plan of Action) the Civil Society Organisations, Policy Makers, Government, Judiciary, Law Enforcing Agencies para-military forces, border security force, customs and immigration departments, railway protection force, railway protection force, non-state actors and Other Stake Holders to join hands for more effective co-operation in combating trafficking in women and children

Issue2:

 

Consideration of structural factors like patriarchy, military regimes, insurgency, natural calamities like tsunami and socio-economic situation in the region as well as political factors like economic sanctions by the US, in a way these factors impact trafficking vulnerabilities

 

Comments/reflections: All agreed

 

Issue 3:

 

Confirming that the Civil Society Organisations, Government, Policy Makers, Judiciary, Law enforcing Agencies, para-military forces, border security force, customs and immigration departments, railway protection force, non-state actors and Survivors share common concern against cross border trafficking in women and children as addressed in “SAARC convention on preventing and combating trafficking in women and children for prostitution” which was signed at the 11th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu, Nepal on January 5, 2002

Comments/reflections: All agreed

 

Issue 4:

 

Formulating National Plan of Action (NPA) against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children including Trafficking in Bangladesh in 2001. India has a similar NPA but it does not include cross-border issues. Both the NPAs should stress the need for having international co-operation between the sending and receiving countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and India.

Comments/reflections:

 

India already has guidelines for NPA, which does not take into account cross-border

Issues. It should be reworded to include cross-border issues.

 

Issue 5:

 

Reckoning the South Asia Strategy against Sexual Exploitation and abuse of Children (Dhaka Declaration, November 2001) underlining the need for International, regional, sub-regional consultations involving Governments, Civil Society organizations, international agencies, judicial system, for examining progress made towards the commitments, sharing good practices and developing mechanisms to address international issues related to trafficking.

 

Comments/Reflections:

 

Not sure if everybody present here is part of the Dhaka declaration. So how can us

Endorse it?

 

Final decision: We should leave this out since we do not know much about this. It was therefore decided to take this point out of the charter of demands.

 

 

At this point, the group concurred that they agree with all the remaining issues and they

Should be left as they are.

 

The discussions then proceeded to thematic areas, which are summarized as below:

 

Issues of Concern Regarding Legal Assistance and Procedure:

 

Interpreters should be made available to the victims/survivors.  Even the lawyer or the

Survivor very often doesn’t understand what’s happening in court.

 

The following sentence was thus added to this Area:

“Free and quality legal aid including counseling and any other services required by the

Survivor”

 

All trafficking cases should be on-camera, and not public.  It was questioned whether India could start a special court on trafficking? In Nepal there was a special court, but it is now closed in Kathmandu.  No common procedure is available in different States.

 

In cross-border procedures, how do the proceedings happen?  Will only the destination

Traffickers   are   penalized.  So there   is a   need   for extradition   treaties   and bilateral

Agreements on how the cases will be tackled.

 

There is a need for ‘victim friendly’ protocols. In every aspect, from rescue, repatriation, Rehabilitation,   issues   of   ownership for   the   girl,   will   it be the source country or the  destination country? These need to be clarified because we need to focus on cross-border

issues ensuring victim protection.

 

In the case of trafficking survivors- the issue is also of drugs, what if the rescued girl has

drugs or arms, due to the   insurgencies and narcotics problem, the laws are different in

different countries and how can the 3 issues be brought together?

 

Since   the   procedure   for   the   enquiry   of   girls   in court is not   proper, who takes?

Accountability for this?   Particularly in cross border issues, for restoration, rehabilitation

there needs to be clarity of roles, responsibilities as well as  financial issues.

 

Keeping all the issues   in mind, we need to have some kind of bilateral agreement in

Between countries.  In  these,  there  are  issues  of  accountability,  and  the  role  of each

Government.

 

Suppose a girl goes and works   as   a sex worker, she gets an HIV infection and does not

want to come back.  She should have the right to stay there, and not be repatriated. For

example, if a Nepali girl wants to stay in India, will she be deported back? What is the

Indian government’s stand on this. Similarly what happens if she wants to come back and

this is not allowed?  SAARC does not guide us on what to do. So can we have a bilateral

agreement so we know what is to be done.

 

SAARC is very narrow, also not all countries have signed it. So we can only fall back on

bilateral agreements. Even if the agreement is signed, even to implement this we need to

have our own plan of action for implementation.

 

In the Bilateral Agreement, there should be non-negotiable like:

 

Victim protection

Victim Compensation

Accountability guidelines for different stakeholders

Victim friendly protocols

 

One participant suggested the following:

 

There are so many NGOs, donor agencies etc present here.

 

Can all of us have some kind of understanding between ourselves, so we act as a parallel

Coordinating unit rather than keep depending on the government all the time. So can’t we

 act as a forum, as a voice; we could sign a treaty amongst ourselves. That’s one of the

reasons we have these meetings, to work together more closely. Get yourself recognized

 as a group or entity. Use this as a basis or platform. Not loose networking but a platform

which can take the governments on, and be a better support in times of crises.

 

This was followed by counter-points like:

 

From a practical standpoint, there is also a legal system, so even if we have a parallel

System who will give the punishment? That would be a constraint of this forum. We can

Fight the system, but we cannot run the system.  We cannot give visas, or decide legal

Issues. We   have  a legal, law  enforcement  system,  we  may  come  to  a  consensus  on

sending the girl back, but we cannot pass judgments. So it is very important to work with

the government.

 

It  was  however  agreed  that  here  are  no  mechanisms  to bridge the government’s  and

NGO’s  machinery.  Parallelly, the NGOs need to further unite and also   collectively

Advocate with the government.  We can appoint 3-4 legal people who are attached to our

Networks, so that they can advocate on our behalf with the government.

 

This can be used to strengthen our network. It was pointed out that at present, the mental

health impacts are not addressed. The police need capacity building and sensitization to

deal with survivors or victims.  Training programs are necessary for this. At the village

level anti trafficking vigilance committees now have identity cards. If cross border teams

could have identity cards, which they can get signed by the concerned persons, like police

officers, it would give them power and authority to intervene. The ID  cards can be

Authorized by the government.

 

The police hardly show any participation in checking cross-border trafficking.   The girls

Are put  under ITPA. For this, there are 2 panch at village  level  who  are required. Very

often, rogues  are  hired   to  act  as panch. rogues  and  authorizes  them as  panch .  Also,

victims and traffickers   are kept  in  the same  room and statements are  taken in  front  of

each other. The  witnesses are  also arranged by the police. The supplementary statements

of   the TS never reach  the police. Rescue,  rehabilitation and repatriation are all  done by

separate people. Once a girl is  repatriated,  she is never brought back to the courts. There

needs to be a system to coordinate activities between NGOs, the  police and the judiciary.

Very often, the actual criminals and traffickers go scot-free.

 

It was pointed out that the NGOs can only rescue so many girls. Ultimately, it is also the

state’s responsibility. For this there needs to be a much better  implementation of  ITPA.

 

Even  though trafficking  is considered an  organized  crime, this   very  often   does  not

Translate   into  law.  ITPA  does  not  look at  all  the  people   involved  from  source  to

destination. It is  important  to closely examine the procedure of dealing with victims and

the role of NGOs within this. We need to have reform in the law. There is  nothing cross-

border in both ITPA and the IPC.  Also, trafficking needs  to be  defined in  both IPC and

ITPA.

 

Measures to prevent traffic in women and children

 

It was felt necessary to include how gender based vulnerabilities also are the root Cause of trafficking. Structural issues like patriarchy, poverty etc needs to be highlighted. It was felt that the prevention of trafficking, involves these fundamental issues.

 

Structural  issues  like  immigration  laws  need  to  be  addressed. Bilateral agreement on Unsafe  mobility ,  as  well  as  understanding  that  migration  is  also  a right needs to be included.  Ban  on women being trafficked has happened in Nepal earlier, which is wrong because migration, per se, can be useful and is a right.

 

A  suggestion  was  to  use  terms  like cross border and inter country rather than bilateral.

Hence, there is a need for ‘bilateral cooperation.’ (and not agreement)

 

It  was  suggested  for  point  number  the under  this area that when the government

opens nursing   homes   there  should  be  1%  reservation  for  survivors  and   rescued

women.

It   was  asked  why   we  can’t  put  pressure  on  government  to include them in projects

Like hospitals etc.The question raised was also in a cross border context, about who takes

ownership.  E.g. for dancing  girls  in  Maharashtra  there is only rehabilitation of Marathi

 girls.  Will  that  1%  be  made  available  to  Nepali and Bangla girls in the state as well?

So  we  need  to  talk  of  policies  at  the  national level also before we talk of reservation

issues.  E.g. Nepali  girls are being  troubled  here  in India and being criminalized as also

Bangladeshi  girls,  so  we  need  to  look  at national policies. Patriarchal, political, social

Issues therefore need to be considered in the context of National policy.

 

Under  point   g,  the  word   ‘sympathy’  was   objected   against   and   it  was decided to

Remove  this  from the document. Our approach should be a rights based approach which

includes  basic  human rights like information, services, and the dignity of individuals.

 

A  comment pointed out that the group was not talking for some reason on prevention and

the root causes, but about rescued girls all the time.

 

Birth   registration,   job    registration    migration   registration   should   be   there.   The

Government  has  to  provide   for  these.   This   is   an   issue,   it  is   a  root cause. Birth

registration   is   a   must   for   prevention.   These   are   directly  related to prevention of

trafficking.  This   is a basic governance issue. This is also an issue which also cuts across

borders.

 

Marriage  registration,  abolition  of child marriages, death registration, record of missing

Children need to be included. These should be non-negotiable across the region.

 

Some  system  for  systematic economic empowerment of survivors need to be developed

so it is sustainable.

 

Looking  at  the  demand side of trafficking- issues of masculinity and patriarchy, sex and

sexuality- can these be addressed as part of prevention strategy at the same time. We need

to look  at  how  we  define  demand.  The  girls  who move, who also ‘demand’ jobs. We

cannot legitimize one or the other. So should we use the word demand at all? Can we call

them ‘pull’ factors.

 

A   comment was  made  that  these  are  also  issues  of  unsafe  mobility,  some  of   our

diplomatic  mission  people  (in Nepal)  are smuggled  in  to  Nepal. These are the ground

realities.  Some girls  who  were  not  happy  with  Maoists,  ran away to India, are hiding

themselves, and are in slavery situations. So we need to be careful about terminology.

Issues of concern Regarding Repatriation:

 

Who   takes   account   for   what-  finance  and protection, source or destination countries

needs to be made clear.

 

Informed  consent  should   be   there-   then   what   about those who don’t give informed

Consent?  What  would   be   the intercountry understanding on what to do, for those girls

who don’t want to go back?

 

Safe return and voluntary return are terms which are softer which we could advocate for.

 

Resident  permits  can  be  given  to  those girls who don’t want to go back like in the US,

With a witness, provided they are trafficked. Similar mechanism can be suggested here in

the region?

 

The  government  doesn’t  have  any  policy  on  repatriation, between India and Nepal or

Bangladesh.  It  is the  NGOs who are arranging for this through the respective embassies

 And  home,  foreign  ministries.  So  there  is  need for some kind of policy inter-country.

There  should  not  be  a  blanket  rule  though, since migration is also their right, but they

should have the correct information,  and should also be counseled.

 

There was a discussion about education and literacy for the girls, because otherwise they don’t  know  where  to  go,  what  to do- so advocate their right to education. In Nepal and India there is no deportation and repatriation legally by the governments. There is no clear-cut policy for cross-border repatriation right now. This is something we need to ask the government.

 

Not only is repatriation difficult between countries, it’s even harder across borders.

 

The NGOs need to be given identification that they are working this area.

 

Suggestion:

Can we do 10 non-negotiables within the bilateral cooperation framework?

 

Some of the non-negotiable points discussed were:

 

Victim protection is a non-negotiable. The state cannot ask NGOs alone to repatriate girls with dignity.

 

If there is no informed consent, who will take the responsibility for repatriation of the girl? If she does not want to go, whichever country she is in, that country will have to take the responsibility for her right to stay.

 

Can there be some action on the trafficker? Regionally there should be recognition that it is an organized crime so inter-country it is important for the laws to reflect this fact and take appropriate action. Also, UN convention and SAARC and it’s policy implication and implementation need to be stressed.

 

Issues of Concern Regarding Extradition and Prosecution:

 

For point c under this thematic area, clarity was sought about which county’s laws are applicable. This should be made clear, depending on who the perpetrator is?

 

There has to be an extradition treaty between countries. There is one between Nepal and India, but this is for narcotics and arms but not for human trafficking.

 

Mr. R.K. Ojha, DWCD commented that:

 

UN convention on trans-national organized crimes already exists and India is a signatory to this.  This  includes  trafficking.  India  has  already  signed   it and the entire process is under ratification. Even when extradition treaties are not available between two countries, this is applicable. In addition, we have SAARC. Legally we are bound and are committed to the human rights of all trafficking victims.

 

But then  there  are  some  ‘illegal migrants’  who  have  to  be  dealt  with  differently, as Compared to‘trafficked victims’. Otherwise the convention is already there. All countries have signed this in the region- as part of this survivors will be temporarily stationed in the destination country. They will remain there only if some conditions are satisfied.

 

What we need to demand that all this needs to be implemented. The journey itself should be  with  dignity.  Also,  who  takes  responsibility is dealt with in the document. In cross- border trafficking, the responsibility lies in destination countries.

 

Treating   trafficking   as   an   organized   crime,  so can SAARC and the UN convention become policy instruments, and can this be implemented?

 

Should we think of this only a crime or as an organized crime?

 

Mr. Ojha , DWCD– Organized   crime   could  also involve just 2-3 people where there is intent for trafficking, so the definition is not very rigid.

 

Should   the   bilateral   agreement,   still   have this clause on extradition, because though SAARC  and the UN convention are there, there is no tool at the national level which can be used for protection.

 

Discussion in the Trafficking survivor’s group

 

Points to be considered:

 

·         It should come out as their voice not as an NGO’s voice- dangerous for NGOs present in this group who have been working with them for long.

·         Process of recollection has been retraumatizing. Need to provide support.

·         The facilitator should have a relationship with the TS in the group for a while

·         Need to facilitate and guide them to clarify their ideas on the charter of demands.

·         Facilitation to be neutral.

 

Final Decision:

 

B.Bhamathi and Achal Bhagat to facilitate the TS group for an hour and then some NGO people could be invited to participate in that forum subsequently. Since Ms. Bhamathi is neutral since she is not attached to any NGO, she would be the best person to facilitate the Trafficking survivors’ group.

 

Day 3

 

The initial List of 11 Non-negotiables prepared by a small group that met on end

 

1.       Appropriate Bi-lateral co-operation-agreement with all countries in the region taking into account the specific political-structural-economic context between countries.

2.       Victims/survivors to be central to any agreement/protocol.

3.       In all implementation/ procedural issues victim friendly protocols in terms of rescue protection, compensation, and consent will be the guiding factor.

4.       There should be a clear accountability/transparency mechanism for all stakeholders (state and non-state) for all procedural issues in accordance to International human rights standards.

5.       Trafficking can be an organized crime, and therefore in those cases it should reflect in the domestic laws and extradition treaties even in the punitive intensity.

6.       In accordance to UN protocols, human rights protection procedures to be incorporated in all the steps-rescue to repatriation.

7.       Victims/Survivors of trafficking should be treated on par with victims of severe forms of crime and due provisions to be made available.

8.       The vulnerability of survivors of trafficking to HIV/AIDS to be empathetically understood by all stakeholders and all necessary facilities created for informed consent, counseling and care and support.

9.       The consent of the victim to be the primary factor in any repatriation process and all support for complete recovery to be provided by the state in country of choice the victim/survivor makes.

10.   Migration is a right so create protocols to facilitate safe migration.

11.   Inter-country monitoring mechanism to be integral to all procedures with bilateral task forces constituted with both state/non-state stakeholders.

 

 

Technical Session 1:            Rescue

 

In chair: Ms. Rewa Nayyar, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, GOI

 

Presentation on Modus Operandi and nexus of traffickers and Rescue Operation

(Mr. Balakrishna Acharya, Rescue Foundation, Mumbai)

 

He spoke about the problems encountered by trafficked girls and trafficking survivors as part of his work as experience sharing. Provided anecdotal evidence to show that there is no informed consent, duplicity in the process of trafficking. It also involves buying and selling of girls depending on her age and beauty. The girls are brainwashed and cajoled into sex work and very often confined in closed and suffocating rooms.

 

People are given strange reasons to start sex work like “you will earn a lot of money”, “money will earn you respect and power back in your community”, “the police will inscribe on your chest that you are a whore”, etc. She is not allowed to go out anywhere in the sun or air, but kept suffocated and confined.

 

The people in the source area, like parents, police, give us information. Rival brothel keepers, pimps, doctors in red-light areas give us information. Our rescue officers go there as dummy customers, first to find out if the girl is major or minor. If she is a major, we give her in-brothel counseling. This needs to be done very carefully. If she is a minor, we first find out everything about the brothel and it’s networks. A newcomer girl will have uneven makeup, cant walk in high heel shoes she is given, her hands are rough from village work. A minor girl, of course, is obviously recognizable. The process may take one meeting or sometimes even fifteen meetings.

 

Girls are often confined in the “hidden cell” during rescue process which could be anywhere. We can involve the municipal department in lieu of the ‘illegal constructions’ that are involved. If this does not happen, it is hard to rescue from hidden cells.

 

Comment- Child Affair Committee would like the NGOs to give us details of the actual case and investigative report about the victim or survivor.

 

Comment- Very often the traffickers are women themselves (the madams or the gharwalis), who used to be victims earlier. E.g. women and girls from Nepal or Bengal. But they also often have some men behind them.

 

Comment (Achal Bhagat) The dalals are often not caught because the whole process is very hidden. It important for us to not blame the survivor.

 

Comment (Sunitha Krishnan)- the fact is that there is maximum resistance from the girls themselves during rescue operations because they don’t trust you and have no reason to. They feel you are another dalal who will resell them.

 

Comment (Roma Debabrata): trafficking is an organized crime so how do NGOs  deal with this? Often, they need to adopt measures, which are ‘illegal’. But how else can they catch these traffickers; I will even use goondas to catch them if necessary.

 

Comment (Balakrishna Acharya): During rescue operations, the NGOs have no immunity .We do the investigative processes like a regular judicial process. Becoming a decoy, we go inside and do the rescue. How can the state look into the issue of accountability of the NGO, and the sustainability of the rescue process? NGOs are not here to form a parallel government.

 

Comment (Aparna, Lawyer): Police arrest only those people who are inside the brothel premises. Very often, the brothel owners or landlords are never even questioned let alone arrested. Also, Section 8, for arrest for soliciting, only women are arrested, even though section 8 says that even men can be arrested. As far as clients are concerned, they are not arrested. In different places different laws are used. In some, ITPA is used, but in Bombay, a different act is used. In ITPA, there is a clause for them (clients) to be arrested, for paying money and ‘inducement’.

 

Comment: (Loveleen Singh, DWCD) The department knows about the misuse of Section 8 and 20. We will amend this at some point (DWCD). The 2 sections will not be available for the police to misuse. We’ve setup a central nodal authority for this. Also, it has emerged in International acts that it is an international organized crime. The nodal authority will bring together other concerned departments to create a joint process. We are also planning to setup a state nodal authority. Traffickers, brothel owners, client and pimps will also be brought under the purview of the law.

 

 

VOICES OF TRAFFICKED SURVIVORS

Challenges faced by survivor groups in resolving mechanisms:

 

The trafficked Survivors discussed their problem on day one and day two which was presented on day three in Dialogue.

 

Trafficking Survivor 1:

 

We (TS) spoke yesterday, we have a list of demands which we would like you to hear. Our journey started a long time back and thru a long torturous journey. I want to talk about my journey, so nobody has to feel this.

 

Registration becomes a document. Without this, there is no proof with the survivor. e.g. if she is being beaten for dowry. When there is no witness, nobody supports her like a lawyer or police so she may end up meeting a trafficker. It’s possible she may reach a red-light area and be exploited. So registration is very important, one copy with the woman and the second with the man.

 

Not only should there be a registration, it should also have a photograph. Where there is more trafficking the vigilance should also be higher. From the Bangladesh border, even though there is BSF, they can be easily trafficked here.

 

We ask the government. where there is high trafficking like in Nepal, Mumbai, West Bengal, the government should be more vigilant so that girls, and boys, do not have to reach red light areas. Those who take trafficked boys and girls overseas should be severely punished.

 

The luring is by 2 ways- you will get money, your family will prosper, 2^nd is for films and 3^rd is for medical treatment or to work in the medical industry. Also nursing. We request government to punish the traffickers severely. Schools, colleges, in these institution students should get information on trafficking. A school kid, college students who fall in love and then duped happens very often. Also, in hospitals, nurses are trafficked very often. There is need for information on trafficking.

 

Police, panchayat, ticket collectors, lawyers, hotel managers, army, BSF, these are people who need training on anti-trafficking. One way is that those who are directly affected can be the trainers. They can go to police stations, do orientations there. Truck drivers should get training, as they are the ones who take the girls from one district to another.

 

Also, parents should be trained, because if something happens to the father, he can be offered money and the girl can be taken away from the family.

 

Both men and women should get rights equally. Girls should get the same right as the boys, because she should also be educate. This often does not happen because they think she will go to another home after marriage so what’s the point. Girls and women will also be able to take part in everything equally. If there are any problems there should be a telephone number where they can get in touch. There can be a helpline number like childline.

 

Once I had called a number, and asked them they never connected me or else I would’ve been saved. Everyone should work together, and we can be involved in this. The request from government is to accept our demands, since we all want to work together in this. Don’t forget the messages after leaving this conference room. The government should also give us money/fund to be able to carry out the programs.

 

Trafficking Survivor 2:

 

I want to talk about sorrow. For the survivors it starts from parents. We want to get out and think that our life would change. When I met with traffickers they said they want to give me work and will give me 10,000 rupees. Then he takes me to a red-light district and leaves me there. When I go there, I realize that you have to do this. I had no idea. Even there I have sorrow. I thought, I can still get out and improve my life. They say we have spent so much money to bring you here, now you will have to do what we ask you to. The madam asked me to go to a customer. She says he has given us money. I tell her I have come this far not to do this. After raping me, he doesn’t even pay me. He says there is no need to pay you, and beats me instead. I speak Telgu, there they can’t even understand me or me them. There are other things like drugs we were put into. There is also the risk of disease. All the girls there are aged between 15-20 mostly, and the government should see their plight. The madams prevent us from going outside. They pull our hair. The police should also be trained, and talk sensitively to the girls and not treat them inhumanely.

 

Trafficking Survivor 3:

 

The customer should be caught and there should be legal proceedings. The girls should not be prosecuted. Even girls over 18 should be rescued if they don’t want to stay there. The parents are not the real parents, but fake. There should be some proof that these are the real parents. Dalal should not be allowed to meet the family of the girls. The girls get scared and change their verdict.

 

Supreme Court should give a reason why they are convinced that the parents are the real parents. There should be a DNA test. The girl doesn’t have a choice at all.

 

Dalals dupe the girls, then get them raped, even those who rape should also be prosecuted.

 

There should be a face to face interaction, the girl is often threatened, and she doesn’t even appear in the case. The girl gets scared if the madam is also present as they feel that they (the madams) may create problems for them, if they speak to the parents and society.

 

Comment: ITPA has a provision that the NGO’s help can be taken to find out the actual parents of the girls as opposed to fake guardians, but this clause is never used.

Rescue:

 

Trafficking Survivor 4:

 

• Police is late so they cannot catch the trafficker
• Police drag the girls out and beat the girl
• The information reaches the brothel that police is reaching
• The girl is dragged out, and many have to leave her child and belongings behind.
• The gold etc has to be given at the police station, which she never gets back.
• Sometimes the madam and girl are placed together in the cell, are they are threatened so that they give a wrong statement.
• The police say that girls below 18 have no right to have sex, but those above 18 are not questioned, because they should also be rescued if they want.
• The police physically abuse the rescued girls
• The police don’t give them food, water and toilet facilities- in police stations there should be proper facilities
• The police people also flirt with us, saying that tomorrow we will do your medical
• In medical test, they ask us with contempt, look at her, such a small girl
• The male doctor treats us very badly and it is men who take our clothes off and check us. They say you didn’t think twice before opening your clothes in front of 32 men, why not for a medical exam.
• When the girl is rescued, police say her case is not strong, makes the case complicated. It shouldn’t be like this. They only move our files under pressure when some name dropping happens.

 

Demands of Trafficking Survivors:

 

• Police should be on time
• NGO should be with police during investigations
• There should be female police officers
• During rescue, the madams and girls should be separated
• When the girl is rescued and taken to the police station, he should talk to her properly
• In government homes, girls go to the superintendent, they say you are a dirty person; she will obviously get scared, this should not happen.
• The copy of the witness statement should be with the girl also
• The witness should be taken with dignity and respect, and love.
• The police tell us don’t give your correct address, so the police should talk properly so that the girls don’t lie in the first place
• The statement is taken several times in the police station, hospital, she can get scared one time and give a contradictory statement
• When the girls give statement, the NGO should also be present. The NGOs are asked to go out. Even in the court the NGO should be present
• There should be a  good place to stay in the govt shelter- the home  should take all kinds of girls but the stay should be comfortable
• The girls who work in NGO should also have authority like the police. Give them identity cards also.
• If the raid is at 2 PM, the police get to know, so there should be no information leak.
• The police should not threaten the rescued  girls
• While sending the girls are escorted back home- the woman police officer should have civil dress, and the process should not be too time consuming.
• The police thinks they are doing the girl a favor by rescuing us, it is their job, they get paid for this
• During the medical exam,  the doctors should speak nicely to us
• There should be training on rescue and trafficking for the police

 

Demand for In-Court procedures by the Trafficking Survivors:

 

• The lawyer from the govt asks very lewd questions, this should not happen
• Only the judge should speak to the girl. The judge doesn’t even ask the girl if she wants to speak
• The trafficker has 5-6 lawyers, the girl has only 1 government lawyer, this is unfair
• When the girl goes to the court, there should be a lawyer with her
• The girl is even threatened in the court by traffickers
• The police takes the bribe to allow this to happen, while the judge feels that the girl must have taken the bribe
• The lawyer should speak properly
• The girl should not be called many times to the court
• The trafficker should not be there in court at that time, he continues to threaten using sign language or showing photos etc- e.g. I will show your naked photos back home, scared, she changes her statement
• Someone who the girl likes and trusts should be present in court.

 

Comment:

Jyotsana Chatterjee, JWP

 

The girls have shown openly what they go through. They have also put before us several challenges.

 

Comment:

Loveleen Kacker, DWCD:

 

I would like to thank the organizers. Calling the meeting of the NGOs, government, judiciaries, and the unfortunate victims. I applaud this, from the side of the government and the DWCD dept, we have learnt a lot. After hearing all this, it seems that the entire system is hostile. The problem is really very acute. It is important to work seriously and quickly. Its not that we didn’t know this, but it has become even clearer now. Our information has been there, especially from DWCD. There have been many studies and reports which we’ve been getting from time to time. It is a problematic thing, and we’ve been thinking on this. The first and biggest question is that- what is the role of the home ministry? The Home ministry is a nodal ministry which monitors law and order. It refers to the state govt, law departments etc. The HM, in this case has the responsibility of administering the legality of  ITPA. India has a federal system; some responsibility is of the state government, the rest of the union government. The police of course play a very important role. But even the home ministry has a very important role to play.

 

Training and sensitization is quite necessary. Training of police officers is a continuous process. This happens at very levels. From junior to senior, so the training curriculum has to be revised, and we’ve instructed already for this to happen. . There are a lot of mistakes that happen due to ignorance or lack of awareness. So there is need for both information and also sensitization. There needs to be empathy. It should be in a way that there is focus on the issues in the training programs- even some being planned at a regional level, where NGOs can also participate.

 

Also there is the question, whether the law is sensitive or not,. DWCD has been looking at the bill for ITPA amendment for a long time, and they had asked our opinion for this. We hope the changes will come in this soon.

 

Even the society and environment needs to change, the systems are hostile and the mindset needs to change. If there is awareness that they are unfortunate victims, if society realizes this, we would be able to imp[rove the situation . Even in the education system, parent’s need to be  counseled, so the trafficker should not be able to dupe innocent girls.

 

The social welfare departments, the police, the DWCD at the central level, all should work together. The social advisory committee which keeps meeting should also invite a range of people so the efforts are well coordinated and there should be dedicated teams for specific issues. The work now happens (in problematic areas) very superficially. There needs to be specific teams therefore.

 

Comment:

Mr. J.S. Bhalla

Border Security Force, India.

 

Illegal migration of women and children  and illegal trafficking are linked. We have common borders with many countries- these cannot be sealed. There are families etc even in the remotest border areas. Even though the government is building fences, it is hard to check, the BSF does 13000 interventions every year, and the illegal migrants are also handed over to the families by BSF. But there is still lots of illegal trafficking taking place.

 

There is a need for building awareness on trafficking in remote border areas- request to NGOs. I haven’t  seen any NGO in border areas in my many years of service.

 

There needs to be the involvement of the community in this also, need to sensitize judiciary, community, police and BSF on all the issues to make it happen. There are several programs like smuggling and illegal migration started by the joint task force.

 

Our borders are very porous, there is no bribery as someone has suggested, this is not possible because our borders are very porous, and till they are sealed there is no need for money being exchanged.

 

Comments

 

Trafficking Survivor:

I have seen the exchange of money, rupees 13500 for a girl, I saw from my own eyes.

 

Anuradha Koirala, Maiti, Nepal:

 

In Nepal there are NGOs in the border areas, already working there, even on the Indian side. There are people in India present here who also do work on border areas.

 

Jatashankar:

 

There are contrasting points. The people here in this room, the children here are all Indian people, it doesn’t matter which region they belong to.

 

A lot of children are being trafficked cross border across states, from bus stations, dance bars, etc. not just from brothel areas. The issue here is to look beyond SAARC or India-Pakistan, India-Nepal; there are so many contexts of trafficking. There are many people in UP which do not belong to the area, but there is a anti-trafficking cell developed there.

 

Human trafficking will continue un less we have the involvement of the BSF. It is happening in the NE like in the Assam rifles where we will be training the BSF.

 

Javita Narang, SARIQ

 

The ground realities of illegal migration and smuggling of migrants, there is a lot of exchange of money, illegal documents are made and which increase the vulnerability of the survivors.

 

Sunitha Krishnan:

 

Clarified the process followed yesterday for the government representatives. There was complete objectivity in the TS experience sharing.

 

Mr. B.B. Dash

Dy. Inspector General

Special Services Bureau

 

Trafficking should be treated as an organized crime, and under this, the battle starts with information. Unless we have the information, nothing can be done, it is a large country , what is happening on the UP border or Mumbai, there is no connection.

 

The government is making a database, to collect information, and then inform that we have got information from Nepal border or wherever. This will help coordinate the efforts of the various departments including BSF.

 

In Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, we have already started piloting this; we will make it into a national project.

 

Earlier the victims, used to go Scot free, but under organized crime, we will train our investigators to look at the entire web and bring all those involved under its purview.

 

The program has already started, and in 6-7 months we will make it into a national plan. The government is looking seriously at this and will be part of the National Plan. You people can also give us that information to strengthen the system further.

 

Technical Session 2: Repatriation

Chair: Roma Debabrata, STOP

 

The legal process in court is very long. After the witness examination takes place in court, she is told she is told that she is not required for the case. We have taken 500 girls out of Delhi. One of biggest problems is the identification of the girls. The identification takes place through letters exchanged between individuals from NGOs across the borders.

 

Earlier the process used to take very little time, these days the procedure is much more complex. There is co-operation from the Nepali government. Earlier we have done this to Bangladesh (BNWLA) in 7 days.

 

We don’t know what the political constraints are, but there are girls here who want to go home. The official procedure is very complex. We have not bothered about the process at all. We give letter to external affairs and home office, to write to BNWLA to come and verify that the girl belongs to Bangladesh. Then BNWLA gives us permission from their home office to give permission to the Bangladesh embassy to give permission. Then we get the proper documents from the ministry here to repatriate the girl.

 

If the child doesn’t want to go to her country of origin, we won’t let her go, even if the governments want this in case if she’s a illegal migrant.

 

Hema Bedi, Stree:

Andhra Pradesh- Ananthapur and Cadappah

 

Working on rehabilitation process.

 

We earlier used to get information on the girls from the villages, where they’ve gone etc. We would go there and talk to them, do counseling. We also wanted to give them alternative livelihood. Earlier we used to get a loan for them. The government used to give individual loans, for small shops etc. Even here, people were confused about the work. Now, people realize that even in villages there is a need to work on trafficking.

 

Now we have several self-helf groups at the village level, which now include community members, where there are fewer girls. We include family and community in the processes through counseling. We then started saving for the girls. Many groups have got a revolving fund from the government. Like this, the girls started saving and working. Then, traffickers started coming and we started working with them. We have arrested 58 traffickers in 4 years. All the cases have been booked under ITPA at the mandal level.

 

Many people were cheated when they were taken. Earlier the police used to create a lot of problems for us. Now however we have no problem. In the last 2-3 years, we get a lot of help from the police and from the governments. Individual loans are also got for saree business, tiffin centers, making tea, coffee, at the village level. We now work with 600-700 girls at the village level. Handicrafts- we have given training to hundreds of girls. Got houses for 300 girls, then IOM also came to us, started a rehabilitation program.

 

Started a beauty bar training, canteen, training from NIFT and unit started. 55 members rehabilitated through the IOM program. In communities and villages, we started doing this as a formalized system, using vigilant committees. We nab the gharwali or the traffickers. We are getting a lot of help at the community level. In our region, trafficking has reduced by as much as 50%.

 

Counseling has to be provided to them for trafficking prevention. We also have a link with the tanishq group for marketing linkages.

 

Parasu, Karnataka:

 

It’s a voluntary activist organization. Working for 14 years , we have reunited several girls with their families. Girls have gone to university. Another girl has started a company of her own. Three girls have got together and started a beauty parlor. I don’t like meeting such big meetings and with governments since I am able to do my work through my personal rapport and love.  The great thing about my work is that not even a single person has run away from our home so far. We have even started counseling, painting, moral education, etc as experiments. We believe that where the girls have gone they should be able to reintegrate in the new setup. A girl whose mental challenged/ less than 16 years old/ those who are HIV positive, there is a severe need to highlight their issues. We have not had problem with others in society, we are able to work with all of them. To test whether society can accept them or not, we sent 40 girls on cycle on jatra, from village to village and they were accepted so well. We have caught 36 traffickers so far.

 

Trafficking Survivors experience on Repatriation

 

• We ask for uniforms to be done away with – we are made to wear these to take us to the court- made to feel disgusting, we are taken out then people se us as ‘the girl from that brothel’

 

• We want good food in the government shelter homes- there is terrible quality of food at present

 

• There should be no abuse. We are not responsible if we have been rescued from the garbage.

 

• Good education and learning the right language at the shelter home- for both younger and older children, even if it is by tuition.

 

• We don’t want to be made to recall old issues since it is retraumatizing

 

• There needs to be strict monitoring of the guard at the shelter home

 

• There needs to be a health checkup

 

• The environment should be full of dignity and respect.

 

• The girl should also be asked to go out and not confined, maybe also for a job

 

• She should be taken out for a holiday

 

• A girl’s wish should be taken into account. She should be allowed to do what she wants to do.

 

• If she wants to do a job, she should be given the opportunity.

 

• There should be training of the staff

 

• There should be counseling. Lots of girls are part of the court proceedings, others under the juvenile board. The reports need to be made so the judges know how much they’ve improved.

 

Technical Session 3: Care and Protection

 

Trafficking Survivors experience on HIV/AIDS

 

Girls who are HIV positive, after they have been in the red-light area:

 

• She doesn’t get treatment at the clinic, no ART, CD4 tests are done
• Those who go to the village, they don’t have money for transport to the clinic, she should have the medical facility at a nearby clinic
• Many die without ART
• They face stigma and discrimination at the hospitals.

 

Trafficking Survivors experience of the shelter home

 

• Don’t allow them to go out very often
• HIV positive girls are isolated
• ARV and medical treatment should be free
• Can the girls who are positive be given training to be care workers
• Stigma and discrimination should be minimized

 

Reading out of non-negotiables:

 

The list of Non-negotiables prepared and finalized after discussion by the NGO groups was read out for the government representatives to hear.

 

Presentations by the Government

 

1.         NEPAL

 

(Representatives include Mr. Tirth Khanal, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Ms. Ranju Sigdal, Police Head Quarter, Mr. Ananta Rijal, Ministry of Women, Child and Social Welfare, Ms. Lila Devi Gadtaula, Ministry of Law, justice and Parliament and Ms. Bishnu Subedi, The Supreme Court of Nepal)

 

The issue is transnational. Very closely linked with India. We need to work in a coordinated way. The countries need to have monitoring committees which are joint committees. For trafficking also there needs to be a bilateral and joint agreement. Not just at the porous border, but also at source and destination site.

 

It also has a very close nexus with HIV/AIDS. So it’s a huge responsibility from the side of the government. We have made a plan of action also. Else, we will be destroyed by HIV/AIDS like Africa.

 

The trafficking is not just an Indian issue. All girls educated or not, are impacted by it. Nepal is often the source area. In the Indian side, there is mutual understanding at the non-government level, but not at the government level.  The meetings of the non-government agencies is at the informal level. Nepal has made a plan of action for the anti-trafficking network. Also there needs to be some agreement on cross-border issues.

 

The bill has been passed at the lower house in Nepal; it has many provisions based on CEDAW. There should be contact with the Indian government.. There needs to be a bilateral agreement.

 

Can there be reciprocity, from the Nepal side as well. In case the Indian government also co-operates from their end.

 

Can the NGOs be invited officially when the governments discuss these issues?

 

Comment- Renu Rajbhandari, WOREC, Nepal 

 

1.         How can we maintain the human rights standards and protocols in the entire arena from rescue to repatriation.

 

2.                   How can we institutionalize anti-trafficking procedures. Making of joint cross-border committees.

 

3.                   Informed consent of the trafficked victims necessary for repatriation

 

Comment:

 

Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Nepal also handles trafficking. We do a door to door services. We also do training  programs for change. We will do more.

 

Comment:

 

Trafficking is a social crime, so no government will support it. There is a coordinated input. There may be  some time lag to determine if the trafficked person is Nepali.  Like Dr. Rajbhandari said, if we also invite NGOs, then this can be a start. As far as extradition goes, if we can include this it is great. If we can consider it as a crime, it would be excellent. What the procedural undertaking should be, will be done. But there needs to be more coordination between the government and us. If there is any work in the Nepali embassy, please feel free to contact us.

 

2.            BANGLADESH

 

Ms. Nusrat Jabeen Banu, Junior government assignment officer, NGO bureau, Dhaka

 

I will translate this for my government, thank you.

 

3.         INDIA

 

Anoop Kumar Srivastava

Joint Secretary

Home ministry

 

Any transnational organized crime, has to have international cooperation. This is why there is a convention on this, the UN trans-national convention on organized crime, we have almost ratified this. One of the 3 sections in this is on trafficking. So there is need for co-operation at every level.

 

I didn’t know that the extradition treaty is at the stages of finalization, I will find out where it is and what can be done about this.

 

India has also signed extradition treaties with many countries. It is important to sign these treaties.

 

There have also been recommendations given earlier to tackle these issues.

 

There is a strong need for regional and cross-border co-operation. Let’s have the dialogue on a government to government level. I will try to move this forward, and see if this can move forward. We will start the process.

 

Ramavatar Yadav,

Director

National Crime records Bureau

India

 

It is a very good initiative to have this workshop. We have had the opportunity to come here and to clarify all the issues and look for solutions. We will start a government to government dialogue, which will include bilateral agreements, and protocols. But we can start information exchange immediately. This will be the next step for us.

 

Comment: Renu Rajbhandari, WOREC, Nepal

 

Please also consider the citizenship issue. Girls below 16 years are not considered citizens. Please include this in the government to government dialogue. Those who don’t want to go, should be given citizenship of that country.

 

Loveleen Kakkar

DWCD

 

It has been a great success. Also that people from Nepal and Bangladesh have come together. I can say thanks to many people, specially from the police department, to the home ministry people, and today we have sensitized these people. These will go forward and sensitize others

 

DWCD along with BSF and home ministry will make training programs on issues. We will also institutionalize this. I will speak to home ministry, ask to setup a task force, and devise a training program, and we will start implementing this immediately. I will also talk to home ministry about the identity cards.

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