 Issue 3, Volume 1, December 2000 Message from the Director | Program News | Program Updates | Case Updates | Hot Spots | FAQs | Action Updates Q&A Q: What is corporate disclosure and why is it important? A: One of the characteristics of globalization is the increasing power of multinational corporations. The global trend towards economic deregulation and privatization of state functions has increased the leverage of corporations relative to the state. With states less willing and able to regulate corporate production practices, communities and activists must step up to the bat to ensure that corporate practices do not harm the environment or violate labor and human rights. An important means towards empowering communities is to demand that corporations publicly disclose information on the location of their facilities and the impacts of their business operations on human rights and the environment. Such information in the hands of the public can be used to hold corporations accountable to internationally recognized environmental, human rights, and labor standards. Q: Can we use the Sierra Club's logo on materials our group produces? A: The Sierra Club's logo is a trademarked image that cannot be reproduced without the Sierra Club's express permission. Agreement from Sierra Club activists to produce joint materials is not adequate expression of the Sierra Club's permission. As a not-for-profit, the Sierra Club cannot allow its logo to be utilized for purposes of raising monies. If you want to create materials with both AI's and the Sierra Club's logos, as gifts or free promotional materials, please contact us so we can elicit permission from the Sierra Club. Q: Can we use photographs from the "Environmentalists Under Fire" report or the Just Earth! website for our groups materials when we produce flyers, fact sheets, etc.? A: Many of the photos used in our report and on our website are not property of Amnesty International but rather belong to professional photographers and other non-governmental organizations who have donated them to us for a limited use and distribution. If you would like to reproduce any of these photos please contact us so that we can ask for permission to use them for your group's materials. Q: How often do you produce the Just Earth! Network Newsletter and how can I contribute? A: The Newsletter is produced tri-annually. We depend on our activists and volunteers for contributions to the Newsletter. We are especially interested in sharing with everyone what groups and individuals are doing on the ground. Contributing stories about your events and actions is a good way to share ideas on effective and successful organizing tactics. You can contribute by sending us, at rdewinte@aiusa.org, brief summaries - about 400 words - of your activities. We are also always looking for accompanying photos. Q: Does AI have a position on violation of indigenous peoples' rights? A: AI's mandate is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Covenants and Conventions passed by the United Nations. The UDHR also address some rights in the social, economic and cultural domain including the rights to adequate food, clothing, housing, medical care, education. It is important to understand that all rights-civil, cultural, economic, political and social-are considered universal, indivisible, and interdependent (1993 Vienna Declaration and Program of Action). AI recognizes indigenous peoples as one of the most vulnerable and marginalized social groups that merit special protection. AI, however, draws no conclusion and takes no position on the relative merits of conflicting land claims. However, it recommends the speedy and just resolution of such conflicts, noting that they are the source of serious human rights violations against indigenous people. Q: How can my school group participate in the Student/Youth Initiative? A: Seek out teachers and faculty at your school who are interested in human rights and/or the environment and encourage them to get a copy of the Human Rights and the Environment Curriculum (available June 2001). Get in touch with Lisa Sock in the Human Rights and the Environment Program to find out about speakers and trainers for your group. Most important, sign up for the Student/Youth Initiative on the web at www.amnestyusa.org/justearth to receive a monthly mailing with ideas and actions for your group and classroom. |
