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Inspired by the successful Janadesh March (People’s Verdict on Land Rights in India) in October 2007, there were talks also of taking steps towards a Global Janadesh (People’s Verdict) on Human Rights! Several concrete suggestions were made by the participants including turning this into an annual learning programme rotated in different regions of the world including a specific programme for slum dwellers.
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| Destruction at Dam Village, Nairobi – Call for action - On Wednesday 11 June, some participants from the Get Organised for Human Rights programme were take to Dam Village, Kangemi, Nairobi. There they met and learned from the Dam Village community about the destruction of the village. On 9 May 2008, in the middle of the night, a demolition force entered the village, and without any warning, forced people out of their homes, destroyed community buildings and homes, thus rendering 300 women, children and men homeless. “We need your solidarity” said Mr Stephen Shipanzi, Chairman of Dam Village. | ||
Photos: left - destruction of homes; centre - defying evictions, children continue school despite destruction of school building; right: Participants of the Get Organised Programme share stories with the Dam Village Residents | ||
June was a sad month as Dignity lost two of our close friends and human rights defenders. | ||
Thomas Nzumbi - On 18 June 2008, Mr. Thomas Nzumbi formerly of Tanzanian Council for Social Development (TACOSODE) and consultant for Dignity International passed away and was put to rest near his home in Tegeta Dar Es Salaam on 18 th June, 2008. He had been suffering from failure of the kidneys. Thomas was due for an operation but in the end sadly passed away before the operation. “ I remember his kindness, human approach and his critical commitment to our fields of interest. We loose a great man and a charitable friend. I wish us, but especially his family, strength and comfort. May he rest in peace.” said Ton Waarts, Chairman of Dignity International. | ||
Toni Kassim - In the early morning of 4 June Toni Kasim a human rights defender par excellence passed away at her sister’s home as a result of duodenal cancer. Toni was a guest facilitator at the 5 th Global Linking & learning Programme on Human Rights Based Development that was held in Malaysia in December 2006. In an e-mail communication, the Suaram secretariat, where Toni previously worked, said “Toni had a wonderful zest for life, and her sparkle, wit and boundless energy was contagious and never failed to brighten up any public gathering or meeting. But most of all, Toni was known to be especially passionate about defending human dignity and the rights of individuals and communities. She is no longer with us, but her spirit will continue to live on. The nation has lost a true human rights defender.” | ||