Hello Everyone,

It's been a whirlwind since the New Year. I hope everyone is enjoying or bearing up through the snow, snow, snow (here in Toronto) and the drought (Australia) and chill (Delhi) and whatever it is that the New Year has bestowed upon us.

The group I belong to with Amnesty International is the Business and Human Rights (B&HR) team. I knew nothing about business when I began (and know only a small bit more now) but what propelled me to join was the Bhopal gas disaster. AI has a report on it – Clouds of Injustice – and at this moment, February 21, 2008, the survivors are yet again marching to Delhi to demand justice. You can see a short news report at http://youtube.com/watch?v=l0Vj-UXSD2o. And please go to http://www.bhopal.net/ for the possibility of making a difference. It looks like the tide is turning in their favour, but we need to keep putting pressure on the Indian central government and Dow. Last year at this time I visited Bhopal with a solidarity banner we had put together in Toronto on International Human Rights Day (see Archives). Satyu, one of the leaders of the movement to demand justice, said that without international pressure they would still have absolutely nothing. Now at least there is a working health clinic and a momentum for justice.

On a slightly different note . . .

Almost two weeks ago the B&HR group hosted a conference. It was truly fabulous – well attended, terrific speakers, and the topics well integrated. We have a 4-minute clip on Youtube of the keynote speaker, Bruce Cox, which you can see by clicking here. Below is the blurb I wrote for The Activist (Amnesty Int'l Canada):

"Rarely has a conference with this staid a title generated such excitement! With the guiding statement "From the micro to the macro: how our money affects human rights and the environment," there was a lot of interest as soon as it was publicized.

"After coffee (fair trade), the morning began with a welcome by Ian Heide, chair of AI Canada's Business and Human Rights Steering Committee. He set the tone for a day filled with dynamic speakers and enthusiastic participant response. As the moderator for the day, he helped us seamlessly move from one subject into the next.

"Panel I focused on Socially Responsible Investing and human and/or environmental rights. Speakers included Ian Bragg of Kingsdale Shareholder Services, Paula Glick and Gillian Stein from Jantzi Research, and Roger Langen with a union perspective from Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation. Each of the panellists then led a break-out group, so participants were able to explore specific issues in greater depth.

"Lunch at Metro Hall was provided by sponsors for the day: Acuity Funds, Alterna Savings, Alternative Grounds, Meritas and Mavrix, both investment companies. Participants enjoyed the meal and listened to keynote speaker, Bruce Cox , Executive Director of Greenpeace Canada. One enthusiastic participant noted that Bruce made the day, and he was truly inspiring.

"In the afternoon Panel II concentrated on business and environmental concerns. From Catherine Coumans of Mining Watch Canada, to Ulises García from Peru and Dirk Matten, professor at York University's Schulich School of Business there was something for everyone. As in the morning, participants eagerly queued up to ask questions and provide comments following the panel.

"Closing the conference, Ian Heide gave a clear and concise presentation of AI's SharePower campaign, discussing the history and some of the successes. And of course he encouraged everyone to get more involved.

"Adding to the conference were 2 photographic exhibits, one by Alex Filipe about mining in the Philippines, the other by James Rodriguez. As well, Zatoun fair trade olive oil and soap, Equita fair trade products from around the world, and Alternative Grounds—all had tables to display their delicious products.

"Judging from the feedback sheets, the day was wholly positive and thought provoking. Looks like the Business and Human Rights team might have n annual conference on its schedule!"

So there are these moments of positivism among the sad news. All we can do is turn away from that knee-jerk reaction to give up, to say "what does it matter?" to be depressed about it all; all we can do is keep fighting . . .

Take good care,

Ellen