URGENT ACTION APPEALS - November 2011
Pakistan: Justice and protection for fisherfolk mobilizing in defense of human rights
On 1 June, 2011, ESCR-Net sent a letter to the Government of Pakistan to express concern regarding ongoing threats and acts of violence against leaders of ESCR-Net member Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) who have mobilized in response to the clearing of mangroves and associated land grabbing activities. The complete letter can be downloaded at the original post found here.
India: Stop forcible land acquisitions and the repression of dissent
On June 17, 2011, ESCR-Net sent a letter calling on the Government of India to refrain forcibly seizing lands in and around the village of Govindpur to make way for an integrated steel plant; stop all acts of intimidation and the filing of baseless criminal charges against human rights defenders and respect the human rights of the communities affected by this development project. The complete letter can be downloaded at the original post found here.
Mexico: Respect for the right of workers to organize
In recent months, ESCR-Net has issued several communications to Excellon Resources, a Canadian-based mining company operating in Mexico. On May 24, 2011, ESCR-Net sent a letter to Excellon Mexico expressing concern regarding violations of freedom of association and the harassment of workers seeking to unionize, as well as reports alleging non-compliance with health and safety standards. On June 6, Excellon Mexico responded, denying the allegations. On August 4, ESCR-Net sent another letter underscoring the right of workers to freely select the union that they intend to join, presenting evidence of the company's knowledge of harassment of workers by its General Manager and suggested that they conduct independent investigations rather than rely on its own employees to investigate allegations against them. It also recommended that they increase efforts to promote health and safety in the workplace. Finally, it highlighted the risk faced by human rights defenders in Mexico and urged moderation in the company's public statements. To view a more detailed summary of the communications or to view the original letters transmitted click here.
Please contact Thea Gelbspan if you are interested in finding out more about these actions and how to get involved at: tgelbspan [at] escr-net.org