Plenary 8 August 2003, Afternoon

During this plenary session, NGOs made their statements on economic, social and cultural rights.

The issue about violation of human rights by transnational companies was an focal issue during the session. Many speakers stressed the need for the adoption of a code of conduct for the working methods and activities of transnationals. Furthermore, was also said that this was not a new need, but because of the big economic power the transnationals have, it has been possible until now to avoid the settlement of one.

Referring to economic rights, violation of human rights by transnationals was not only in the domain of work practices, environmental issues or corruption, but it was also related to the wealth gap, meaning by this by the rise of poverty and the concentration of the wealth among few. All these issues were mentioned as part of the process of globalisation. According to LAZARO PARY, of Indian Movement "Tupaj Umaru", Ina report of UNCTAD, in 2002, there were 65,000 such corporations around the world with their 850,000 branches. For example, Nestle was all over the world, including China, Viet Nam and Colombia, and was exploiting cheap labour.

Other issues raised were the feminization of poverty; and how to ensure economic, social and cultural rights of children.

Among the statements done it is important to highlight the denounces done on the situation in the autonomous region of eastern Turkestan were arrested, imprisoned and even executed by the Chinese authorities just for demanding their rights guaranteed under the Chinese Constitution.

Other example was the situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in spite of excellent resources the state had not been able to make economic progress terrorism terrorism, which had its roots outside the physical boundary of India. in relation to this it was also stated that the beginning of the peace process had a very favourable impact on the overall situation in Kashmir. These last four months had undoubtedly been the best period for the people of Kashmir in the last violent decade and a half.

Japan was also mention on the debate by OSAMU NIKURA, of International Association of Democratic Lawyers. Who said that it was maybe true that Japan was a country where no severe violations of human rights took place, but it was mistaken to say the Japan was among the advocates for the implementation of international instruments of human rights.

By: Paula Bula

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