Volume
3Issue 2 The
Human Rights Magazine
June -July 2004
|
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Water
for All - Is Privatisation the Only Solution ?
European and other world markets with the support
of the World Bank and World Water Council are promoting increased privatization
of water in response to the global water crisis. However, the business
of water should not be left to private companies who primarily see water
as an “economic good” and not as a basic human right.
Making
Water a Human Right
The right to water has been delineated in the General
Comment issued by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
The Committee has explicitly created responsibilities for the States to
ensure entitlements to water to marginalized communities.
'Jal
Ke Chal' Woman and Water in India
Women can play a far greater role in managing water
resources. Already many initiatives have been started but it is unclear
what the future holds, especially with privatisation of water.
National
Water Policy 2002
An examination of the policy with respect to social
justice issues, international agreements, allocation and quality. An alternative
approach is suggested to manage and finance water projects.
Water
Rights - A Legal Perspective
Precisely who owns water is unclear given the fundamental
right to water declared by the Supreme Court, claims to groundwater and
pollution caused by poorly regulated companies.
Privatisation
- The Role of World Bank, IMF and WTO
Looks at privatisation and how the system is
controlled by the policies of international bodies. Government spending
and the National Water Policy are also aligned to hand control of water
to private hands.
Privatisation
of Sheonath River
The first ever privatisation agreement in India has had an adverse effect
on the rural populations access to river water. The agreement contained
many loopholes and has now been cancelled by the state government after
irregularities were exposed.
Soft Drinks - Hard Realities
The CSE report into pesticides in soft drinks has found high levels in many common brands. The Joint Parliame-ntary Committee recommends regulations to put adequate safety standards into place.
Coca-Cola: The Sparkle of Death
The people local to a Coca Cola plant in Kerala have lost of much of their groundwater and are fighting the company for their water and livelihood. Are such large companies capable of managing water in a responsible way?
People's Charter for Water for All
Water is a basic human right, its availability should be closely regulated, projects well managed and disputes settled in the right way.
Globalisation
Patents:
Balancing Economics and Social Justice
Instead of encouraging information sharing, patents
are deterring research and the innovation of new technologies especially
in the field of biotechnology. Ethical criteria legislation and standards
are needed to create a balance between market dynamics and societal well-being.
Plunder
of the Public Sector
Rampant corruption in agencies such as the MMTC show
that India is indeed not shining.
Disability Rights
Writing
Disability Rights into Governance
The new government must put the rights of persons
with disabilities at the forefront of
policy making. Issues involved with physical access and voting rights
should be considered under the constitutional guarantee of equality of
rights and services to all citizens.
Protect Freedom of Expression
Activist support is needed to protest against the lawsuit filed by the Kerala govern-ment against Sreeni Pattathanam for writing a book on Mata Amritanandamayi. The book, which the govern-ment seeks to ban, explores the realities behind her mission and popularity.
Judgments
Religion not to be mixed with Secularism
State of Karnataka v Dr. Praveen Togadia Another indictment of the Gujarat Government: Zahira Sheikh v State of Gujarat
Another Indictment of the Gujarat Government
Judgment in the review petition filed by the Gujarat Government.
Environment
Funding Court Appointed Committees
A look into who should bear the costs of environmental develop-ment and safety under the preca-utionary and pollution pays principles.
Judiciary & Polity
High Court on Strike?
The new Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court has caused a stir over his reforms and accusations of impropriety against two other judges. The court is now faced with judicial mass leave.
Regaining Lost Innocence
Legislation concerning children's rights should incorporate mental health considerations. Recent landmark cases have addressed children's rights regarding child abuse, child labour and mental health.
Beyond the Protection of Juvenile Legislation
Despite laws prohibiting incarceration of children, many are still treated as adults. Rigorous inquiries into a child's age must be taken before trial to ensure the protections afforded to children by law.
Education
Making Private Schools Affordable
A recent Supreme Court judgment has ordered Private Schools to admit more children from poor background. This follows the Duggal Committee investigation into fee increases at such schools.
Education a Trade, Profession, Occupation or Bussiness?
Education is a basic human right, but education can mean many things. The Courts' interpretation of this is examined and found to be construed broadly.
Other
issues:
