Ask your friends to meet with you and answer 5 questions to share your ideas on how the MDGs are working in your country!

5 Questions: Tell us where your country is on the MDGs!

1. What does $US1.25 a day buy you in your hometown?
2. Which MDGs are important to you?
3. Which  human rights in the UDHR are NOT covered by the MDGs?
4. If you were the leader of your country, how would you include human rights in the MDGs?
5. What is one thing you can do to make the MDGs real?

Submit your answers and add your thoughts to amplify young people’s ideas on the MDGs!

When to hold your ‘Meet on MDGs’: Between July 20 and September 25, 2010.

To register your ‘Meet on MDGs’ simply fill out this registration form by September 17, 2010.

Register NOW!

When you have had your ‘Meet on MDGs’ it would be really great if you could fill out the Outcomes Sheet! This will allow your views to be collated with other people’s on the MDGs!

Want to know how your country is going? Check out these links! MDGs monitor and UNDP

Questions and Answers

Q: Do I need to know alot about the MDGs in order to take part?

A: No! This is about you and your friends reflecting on what you think! There are lots of resources and information about the MDGs so you may wish to do some pre-reading, but this is about what you think!

Q: Do I need to register for this?

A: Yes, you need to register and host your Meet on MDGs between July 20, 2010 and 25 September, 2010!

Q:  Is this a public activity?

A: No, this is you asking your friends, people you know, to discuss these issues and then sharing these views. However, if you’d like to run a public activity or event, please contact apyncampaigns@gmail.com

Q: Does this cost anything?

A: No, as you are asking your friends, consider where you’d like to meet, it might be at home, school, work or your favourite hangouts. It doesn’t have to be a ‘big event’ more like a small meeting of your friends. Think about where you normally see your friends, and consider turning the next time you meet them, into a ‘Meet on MDGs’.

Q: Do my responses need to be in English?

A: It’s great if you can provide your answers in your own language and English, however, if this is difficult, please provide in your own language. Perhaps one of your friends might be able to help with translations. If you have problem using the outcomes form, you can always email apyncampaigns@gmail.com with the details of your Meet on MDGs and then the answers to the questions!

Q: Do I need permission to hold a ‘meet on MDGs’?

A: It might be best to ask wherever you decide to meet (eg if you are meeting at home, ask the people you live with, at school or work, whoever you need to ask to use the space etc). Remember though, this isn’t ‘public’ events – you are inviting your friends to participate in these discussions.

Q: How does this activity affect change?

A: Community discussions are the first step to increasing awareness on issues. Every person you speak with about issues that concern you is one more person that may consider the issue you care about.

APYN also wants to collate you and your friends views, with others from around the region, to provide a small insight into young people’s reflection on the MDGs. This is why we ask for your feedback. We can then, depending on the volume of responses, look at different ways to amplify the messages that are coming through from young people around the region about the MDGs. While official country reports have already been prepared and submitted for review of the MDGs, we think that your reflections are important!

Q: Great, I’ve organized and hosted my ‘Meet on MDGs’ and provided the Outcomes Sheet, what can I do now?

A: You can join the MDGs youth campaign team and continue to work on this – and other campaigns related to human rights and poverty.

GIN Conference update

In March 2010,  four APYN youth ambassadors partook in a workshop on the link between poverty and human rights -  which addressed one of thematic areas of the Global Issues Network Conference on Poverty Reduction and Youth related best practices.

The sessions were attended by more than 400 participants, who were exposed to  realities surrounding the status of youth and poverty and how these  situations were human rights issues that we should all be concerned about. Participants came from schools around the Asia Pacific region.

As part of the information sharing sessions, the participants broke into various groups where they further explored their personal interests in how they would like to help in the amplifying of their voices and how they could duplicate this in their own communities. The interests areas were derived from the the areas where the four ambassadors present had used in their own communities  (Quiza – Hip Hop and Music, Selena – Creative Arts and Collage, James – New Media, & Peter – Human Rights Education)

The workshops ended with registrations, where participants were asked to submit the responses they had created  to the question ‘What does Living with dignity mean to you?’ (which filled a whole room) to add their voice to the call to (((Demand Dignity))).

Peter, Quiza, Selena and James

‘This time it’s our APYN group turn to do something meaningful for human rights and that’s why we raise the event.’

So, if you are in or near Taipei, Taiwan, come along to Shi-Da Park from 7pm on 23^rd April, 2010. Hope to see you there!

Location：Shi-Da Park (Taipei, Taiwan)

Time: 19:00~21:00

Date : 23th April, 2010

The organisers explain what issues they are raising with the concert:

‘(((Demand Dignity))): focus on ICCPR and ICESCR

It comes out from the concept of demand dignity which requires a huge scope.

After the Taiwan government signed this contract, we consider it’s related and close to the public but the mass media in Taiwan has rarely report about ICCPR and ICESCR. We want people to know when our government implements this contract, what will be changed for our human rights’ issue?

We focus on two parts in particular: right to housing and right to work.’

Another lively discussion session explored concepts and introductory ideas around this human rights issue.

Preparation for the session was fun too – with participants watching:

• Speaking truth to power: (7mins)
• My sister, my self: (13 minutes)

The introductions were through a voice call, and discussion followed through chat – you can read the transcript of this part of the session here!

Be part of the discussion here:

Next week is our last scheduled Skype School discussion on considering online security and risk. We are looking for more session topics for upcoming Skype School session and would love to hear what you’d be interested in discussing! Add a comment below or email apyncampaigns@gmail.com

or download as an mp3 (file size: 41 mb)

We switched to text chat when one of our lines were breaking up towards the end, read the Skype School transcript for this additional section on 20 Jan 2010

APYN Skype Schoolmates attended the first ever APYN Skype School Session on 20th January 2010!

They explored the link between poverty and human rights in this session and invite you to join the discussion here:

The next three Wednesdays will see this group meet on Skype to learn about

• Using facebook for mobilizing and campaigning – the basics! Turning information into action… ideas and lessons!
• All about maternal mortality
• Security – online activism, what do I need to think about?
• The Asia Pacific Youth Network and how YOU can get involved!

Keep checking this space to see updates on APYN Skype School and access recordings and information about the sessions!

There’s been a HUGE interest in APYN Skype School, so if you have an idea about a topic, a skill you’d like to learn or can reccomend someone you know as a speaker, you are invited to post your comments and suggestions below.

For people who were unable to make this round of APYN Skype School, please register your interest for the next rounds here and you’ll be kept up to date on upcoming opportunities !

International Human Rights Day commemorates the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948.
There are many ways to recgonise Human Rights Day , take action today!

•  sign an online petition
• update your facebook or twitter status,
•  join with APYN,
• volunteer for specific campaigns or initiatives ,
•  attend local events in your area by human rights organizations
• tell a friend about what you do to defend human rights or share this
• create a response to ‘what does living with dignity mean to me?’ (like the one above!) and email it to APYN : add your voice
• start a discussion at work or school about why human rights are important

… and so many more ways.

Leave a comment below on how you have recognized Human Rights Day today!

Nepali human rights defender, explaining how a new strong international agency for women could benefit women locally. Saathi Roundtable, Nepal, 2007.

The United Nations is a galvanizing force in setting new international standards and commitments to protect and promote women’s human rights especially those at risk of violence, or facing poverty. But the UN’s capacity to support national implementation of these international agreements is woefully underfunded and inadequate. This has limited the potential for women around the world to fully enjoy their rights in practice.

The four small UN agencies exclusively dedicated to women’s issues lack the necessary status, funding and country presence to enable the wider UN system and national authorities to fully implement their obligations. Other, larger UN agencies, sometimes can make a difference, but advancing women’s human rights and gender equality is usually a small part of their mandate. And none of these agencies are adequately supporting the important work of women’s human rights defenders.

In September 2009, after years of persistent campaigning by women’s human rights advocates around the world, all 192 member states of the UN General Assembly finally adopted a resolution agreeing to the creation of a consolidated and stronger UN agency for women.

“The General Assembly has at last taken decisive action to create a new gender equality entity on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the Beijing women’s conference in 2010. It is a great victory for women’s rights as well as for the coalition of women’s and other civil society organizations. Now we must ensure that it is a robust and transformational body, capable of advancing the realization of women’s rights on the ground, urgently and effectively.” Charlotte Bunch, Founding Director, Center for Women’s Global Leadership, USA.

In order to achieve this, the agreed new women’s agency urgently needs sustained political commitment from all governments and immediate, substantial funding to ensure its effective establishment and success.

Take action! Show your support for a new strong UN women’s agency!

Show your solidarity for women worldwide and sign the global petition to the President of the UN General Assembly!

The United Nations is a galvanizing force in setting new international standards and commitments to protect and promote women’s human rights. But, the UN’s capacity to support national implementation of these standards and commitments is woefully underfunded and inadequate. This has limited the potential for women around the world, especially those at risk of violence, or facing poverty, to fully enjoy their rights in practice,

A global network of over 300 women’s, human rights and social justice groups representing millions of people, are campaigning for a new strong UN agency for women to effectively support the protection and promotion of women’s human rights.

As the representative of all 192 UN member states, the President of the UN General Assembly, His Excellency Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki, can help to prioritize the establishment of the new UN women’s agency, making sure it becomes fully operational in 2010 – the 15th anniversary year of the Beijing World Conference on Women.

The new UN agency for women must have:

• World coverage and the necessary country presence and strong policy and programmatic mandate to effectively improve the lives of women worldwide.
• Accountability mechanisms in place at both national and international levels, including through meaningful involvement of civil society, particularly women’s non-governmental organizations.
• Substantial and predictable resources to ensure the capacity to meet expectations and deliver results at all levels. It must be funded initially at a minimum level of $1 billion USD, with increases over time.
• An Under-Secretary-General, appointed by International Women’s Day on 8 March 2010, in order to lead the agency.

Discrimination is a key driver of poverty and women often face discrimination on multiple grounds – they may be denied their rights because they are women and because they belong to a marginalized group. Women living in poverty also face discrimination simply because they are poor. This discrimination can mean that women are excluded from access to justice, protection or services. In some countries discrimination is built into the laws, while in many other countries it persists despite equality laws. Women are often responsible for providing for their families, though are often paid less than men for the same work, do work in the informal sector with no job security and have less access to resources such as land, credit and inheritance rights.

Many women living in poverty don’t have access to healthcare because they can’t afford to pay for it or reach health services. Women in South Africa, particularly black women, are disproportionately affected by poverty and the HIV pandemic. Transport costs are high in relation to people’s income and women living in poor rural communities often find it difficult to reach hospitals and maintain their treatment. Many women don’t have adequate food, which is essential for coping with the side effectives of anti-retroviral medication. Women’s low social status compounds the problem as when there’s not enough food to go around, they are likely to be the last to eat.

The discrimination women face is linked to violence against women. It shapes the forms of violence that a woman experiences. It also makes some women more likely to be targeted for certain forms of violence because they have less social status than other women and because perpetrators know such women are less likely to report abuse or seek assistance.

Caught in cycles of poverty and violence

Violence, for women, is both a cause and a consequence of poverty – violence keeps women poor, and poor women are most exposed to violence. Women who suffer from violence lose income and their capacity to earn a wage is impaired. Being poor may make women make difficult choices which puts or keeps them at risk from violence. A woman who is economically dependent on her abusive partner may see no way to support herself and her children if she leaves. A girl who becomes pregnant as a result of a rape may find herself excluded from school, with fewer prospects of finding safe work and an independent future.

Poverty is widespread in Haiti and many parents in rural areas make the choice to send their children to cities in the hope that their life chances will be improved. More than 100,000 girls between 6 and 17 in Haiti are in domestic service. Children in domestic service work long hours doing domestic chores, looking after other children in the family and selling goods in markets and are provided lodging. Far from their relatives and friends, and trapped in a situation of total dependence on their employers, many girls are exposed to physical abuse and sexual violence. With virtually no one concerned for their welfare and few prospects of finding safer work, these girls live a lonely, isolated and vulnerable existence.

Women’s lives, men’s decisions

Poverty can restrict women’s opportunities to make choices about their own lives. This can be exacerbated by law, custom, culture and religion which often combine to deny women access to decision-making processes and even crucial choices over their lives and bodies, such as whether to become mothers. In the Philippines, government policies limit women’s control over whether and when to become pregnant as the government prioritises ‘natural’ family planning methods such as periodic abstinence or withdrawal.

Especially at a time of economic crisis when the costs of goods and commodities are rising, many poor women have little control over the timing or spacing their pregnancies where the government fails to make effective contraception free or affordable.

Ten Filipino women die every day from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth that quality health care could prevent or treat. Abortion is banned in all circumstances, even in cases where the pregnancy puts the woman’s life at risk. At least 400,000 Filipino women resort to clandestine abortions every year, and estimates suggest that around 800 women die each year from complications from unsafe abortions.

Girls miss out on education

Violence and poverty often combine to trap women in difficult situations though education can provide an escape route. Getting an education can open up the possibility of economic independence, increasing women’s choices of how to live their lives. Education is a human right, yet more than 55 millions girls worldwide do not attend school as violence and discrimination impede girls’ access to education.

In Tajikistan, many families cannot afford the basic essentials needed for their children’s schooling – text books, clothes and transport. So rather than sending girls to school, they prioritize the education of boys, who are likely to earn more in later life. Many girls do not complete their education but instead care for family members, work in the fields or at the market, or get married at an early age. A lack of education not only reduces women’s chances of economic independence, but also the possibility of them learning about their rights.

Women Speak Out

When women know they have rights, they will claim them despite all the obstacles they face. There are inspiring examples to be found throughout the world. Whether acting as human rights defenders or simply as members of their families and communities, women drive social progress and human rights advancement for all. In numerous countries, women are active participants in the political process and have made significant strides towards political and economic equality.

Progress on Paper

Sustained progress by women’s rights activists over the past decade has brought significant advances in the international community’s commitment to the advancement of women’s rights. At the international level there are legally binding agreements to protect and promote women’s rights while equality between men and women is a key principle reflected in all human rights standards. At national level there are laws in many countries to protect women’s rights, though these laws do little to improve the lives of women if they are not enforced.

There are no legitimate excuses to explain why governments have failed to fully implement and make effective the national and international laws passed over the last few decades to end violence against women and end discrimination and despite the leaps forward, many women’s lives have hardly improved. Women continue to be the most affected by poverty, violence, environmental degradation and disease. One thing is certain: equality and rights can only be achieved when women actively participate in political processes and when their voices are heard.

The Way Forward

States and international institutions must work harder to protect women’s rights, but everyone one of us has a role in creating the political will for change. We can challenge our governments to improve women’s rights at home, and all around the world, through international cooperation.

In September 2009, all government agreed to the creation of a strong new United Nations agency for women. This agency will have greater capacity to help the UN and governments to ensure women and girls around the world enjoy their rights in practice. This new agency urgently needs sustained political commitment and funding to succeed. Take action now to support the creation of a strong new women’s agency at the UN!

TAKE ACTION!

We need to collect a lot of signatures for this to be effective! We’re going to deliver the petition to the President of the General Assembly in March, which is a crucial moment in the creation of the new women’s agency at the UN, when a big push for sustained political commitment from all governments and sufficient funding are crucial factors in ensuring the effectiveness of the new agency. Also, we need signatures from as many countries as possible

How to take part:  Sign the petition

APYN in the Philippines

Asia Pacific Youth Network conducted a series of events and activities  for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October)…

(((More Human Rights = Less Poverty)))

Here’s some of what happened…

• Over 135 people donated their Facebook status for the day – it’s not too late! Add your name to donate your facebook status to (((Demand Dignity))) … and some friends of twitter donated their status too! The online action was translated into at least five languages too!
• In Quezon City, The Phillippines: Asia Pacific Youth Network activists conducted a series of event in celebration of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. APYN says: (((More Human Rights = Less Poverty)))
• In Thailand, (((Voices’ Activism))) with Ploy and three friends of her individual network, who visited Slum Bang Si and joined two activisim groups call “Sor So Arsa” and “Bangkok Metropolitan Youth Council”. Sor So arsa is a volunteer teacher group. Teaching children in Slum is its job.
• In Thailand too, on the 14th of October, students at the Rumrudee International School ((( made their mark))) with View, check out the video here
• In Nepal, there was an essay competition, a public forum in coalition with parliament members and in  partnership with NGOs to recognize World Food Day.
• In Hong Kong, APYN activists hosted their first street event, where young individuals froze in different poses with yellow umbrellas that had ‘Demand Dignity’ slogans on it. The event was also featured on Singtao Daily.
• In New Zealand, APYN activists created a slum -like settlement, with petitions to sign against forced evictions in Cambodia and space to raise voices to Demand Dignity! They had about 120 petitions letters signed and 17 people responded to their questions “What does living with Dignity mean to me?”. They also featured in a major newspaper in NZ!
• In Malaysia, in light of the Diwali Public Holiday, Oct 17 activities will be held on 31^st October, however youth activists still (((Demanded Dignity))) with friends on Oct 17.
• In Australia, and art exhibition held during September amplified over 200 voices, on the 17th activists hosted a Nationwide Flashmob.

Your activities not listed here? Remember to email your updates to share with your friends!

Why is climate change a human rights issue?

Unless states take prompt, adequate action to address its effects, climate change could become a major threat to the realization of human rights, with those already living in poverty feeling the effects sooner and more acutely. As global attention turns to the upcoming round of climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December, it is more essential than ever to bring human rights to the table.

(What is happening in Copenhagen?  Why the number 350? )

• Join an event here: Download the APYN logo and take a print out with you!
• Want to create your own event? (when you register include “Asia Pacific Youth Network” and include the ((( ))) amplification symbols, make sure you let email us too!)
• Take action online by signing the pledge here.

The Global Campaign for Climate Action is a broad coalition of civil society organizations calling for an ambitious, fair and binding climate agreement in Copenhagen in December 2009.

TckTckTck is an unprecedented global alliance of civil society organizations, trade unions, faith groups and people like you—all calling for an fair, ambitious, and binding climate change agreement. If enough of us stand up, world leaders will listen.

Human Rights and Climate Change:

Upholding human rights while confronting climate change

Unless states take prompt, adequate action to address its effects, climate change could become a major threat to the realization of human rights, with those already living in poverty feeling the effects sooner and more acutely.

As global attention turns to the upcoming round of climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December, it is more essential than ever to bring human rights to the table.

Observed and projected changes attributable to climate change include the contraction of snow-covered areas; shrinking of sea ice and melting of polar ice caps; rise of sea levels; increased frequency of hot extremes and heat waves; increase in areas affected by drought; and increased intensity of tropical cyclones.

There is an intrinsic link between such environmental impacts and the ability to realize a range of human rights. State failure to act effectively to curb climate change could result in widespread violations of the right to life, right to health, right to water, right to food, and the right to housing. Acute water shortages and decreased crop yields in the poorer region of the world, to take just two examples, would undermine the rights of millions of people.

State responses to the threat of climate change must ensure that human rights are protected. Strategies for adaptation (preparing for the foreseeable adverse effects of climate change) and mitigation (slowing climate change and reducing its harmful effects) must be firmly rooted in a human rights analysis of the legal obligations of states. Amnesty International believes that the following rights and principles must be an integral part of efforts to address climate change:

• Non-discrimination: The effects of climate change will be felt disproportionately by those who are also vulnerable to human rights abuses because of their poverty, age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability or other status. Climate change policies must not discriminate and must ensure protection against discrimination, particularly of the most vulnerable groups.
• Freedom of information: Access to information is critical to addressing climate change. States must promote and facilitate the flow of information on climate change and measures taken to address it. States have a duty to disseminate information about environmental risks.
• Right to active participation: States must conduct adequate and meaningful consultation with affected people, involving them in decision-making on the policies that would shape their lives. States must ensure participation of civil society, including representative of vulnerable groups, in the design of national adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly: The right to peacefully protest against government action or inaction in relation to climate change is a crucial safeguard that must be respected and protected. Individuals must enjoy the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, and must not be persecuted or otherwise harassed for exercising these human rights.
• Accountability and the right to effective remedy: Where states’ actions and omissions in relation to the impacts of climate change result in human rights violations, victims should have access to an effective remedy.