PHA-Exchange> In the aftermath of the incidents of 11 September

[Andrew Chetley]

Hi,
Earlier today, the following note has gone up on the PHA Movement website
(http://www.phamovement.org) which draws attention to the parts of the
People's Charter for Health that are relevant for the situation that is
occurring at the moment. By doing this, we hope that people in different
parts of the world will be able to use the Charter as one of the tools to
counter the headlong rush towards war and to encourage a more restrained
approach.

It would be useful, if people on this list feel like doing so, to use the
discussion list over the next few days to focus on what practical approaches
could be taken by those of us involved in the PHA Movement. Please post
suggestions and discussion on this list. 

best wishes,
Andrew Chetley

 
After 11 September 2001

In December 2000, more than 1400 people from 93 countries met in Bangladesh
at the world's first People's Health Assembly (PHA). They developed a
People's Charter for Health which describes the vision of 
'a world that respects, appreciates and celebrates all life and diversity'.
Today, such a vision is needed more than ever.

The Charter points out that:
'War, violence, conflict and natural disasters devastate communities and
destroy human dignity. They have a severe impact on the physical and mental
health of their members, especially women and children.'

The Charter also notes that:
'Strong people's organisations and movements are fundamental to more
democratic, transparent and accountable decision-making processes.'

Within its call for action, the Charter calls on people of the world to:
*	Condemn and seek the reversal of any policies which result in the
forced displacement of people from their lands, homes or jobs.
*	Oppose funadmentalist forces that threaten the rights and liberties
of individuals, particluarly the lives of women, children and minorities.
*	Support campaigns and movement for peace and disarmament.
*	Support people's initiatives to achieve a just and lasting peace,
especiallly in countries with experiences of civil war and genocide.
*	Demand that the United Nations and individual states end all kinds
of sanctions used as an instrument of aggression which can damange the
health of civilian populations.

The Charter also calls for the radical transformation of  the UN Security
Council so that it functions democratically. In today's crisis, a
democratic, representative Security Council could provide the international
leadership required to steer a safe path through the present global tension.

The People's Health Assembly Movement is interested in your views of how we
can work together towards a just and lasting settlement of the global terror
that threatens to undo development activities and undermine efforts to
improve health around the world. 


Andrew Chetley 
Programme Director, Exchange 
A networking and learning programme on health communication for development
  
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