People in Need

Homo Homini Award went to two arrested Iranian student leaders

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:03:36 GMT

Prague, 8 March, 2010 – Two detained Iranian student leaders Majid Tavakoli and Abdollah Momeni were awarded for the 2009 by Homo Homini Award. Along with the imprisoned Iranian students the organization has symbolically recognized the whole Iranian student movement. The People in Need organization annually bestows the Homo Homini Award on people who have contributed significantly to human rights protection in the World. Two delegates will collect the award at the One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival opening in Prague on March 10.

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"Both recipients have played an important role in the formation of the Iranian student movement that has become crucial in the promotion of freedom of expression and democracy in Iran in the past ten years," said. “Iranian students are traditionally very active in proreform protests. As a result they are exposed to monitoring, whipping and arrest and within the context of post election protests their situation has worsened”.

One of the recipients, Majid Tavakoli, is a student of Amir Kabir University in Teheran. For his effort in human rights protection he was arrested twice in the past, firstly in 2006.. More recently, he was detained after a speech in which he openly criticized the Iranian regime, false imprisonment of demonstrators and other human rights abuses relating to student actions on December 7 in 2009. For his participation in the protests He was sentenced to 8 years in prison in January 2010.

After He was arrested photographs were published of him dressed in hidjab in the semi-official media Fars news and Raja news. He was charged with trying to escape the security forces from a university campus after making his speech dressed as a woman. To all appearances this was done as an attempt to on various internet websites to support him.him. After this a huge campaign started on various internet websites to support him.

The second laureate is Abdollah Momeni, one of the student leaders from 1999 when huge numbers of students protested daily against the abolition of reform newpaper. In the evening of the day when the demonstrations took place, security forces broke into the student campus of Teheran University and beat up the students. Within the next week the riots spread to the streets of Teheran and other towns and became the biggest rising since the Islamic revolution.

Abdollah Momeni worked as a longtime spokesman of the Advar-e Tahkim Vahdat organization which focuses on enforcement of democracy and human rights protection. He was arrested during protests after the election in June 2009 and later sentenced to eight years in prison for his presence at post-election gatherings and activities against national security. According to witness statements, Momeni is subject to abusive treatment in prison.

According to the latest unofficial news Abdollah Momeni was released on bail for five days on March 7 2010. Then he must return to prison. He will probably hear the news that he has won the Homo Homini Award before his return to jail.

FOR THE LIST OF PREVIOUSLY AWARDED CLICK HERE

For more information call:

Marek Svoboda, People in Need's Human Rights Centre head

+420 724 122 111

PIN SUPPORTS COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE SOUTH OF IRAQ

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:02:26 GMT

Basra, Iraq, February 22nd� – Through the provision of a grant from the Transition Promotion Program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, PIN supported two local Iraqi NGOs in implementing community projects aimed at promoting cooperation between non-governmental organizations, local authorities and the private sector. PIN helped local NGO with health education projects and it also support building of sport yard with basketball, soccer and volleyball fields in last two month.

A local Iraqi NGO – The Culture of Discussion Association, in conjunction with the Directorate of Health and the Directorate of Education, carried out a project to raise health awareness, and access to health check-ups, in order to eradicate the spread of disease in primary schools in Amarah City, in Missan governorate.

Health screening for more than 3,500 students

The scheme began in November 2009 and ran for forty days. It targeted 30 schools in Amarah City. Health information posters and pamphlets were provided to some 12,000 students and staff. They show how to identify major diseases, their causes, cures and prevention. First grade primary students were provided with basic health kits including soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste. Pre-requisite first-aid materials were provided to school pharmacies in addition to more comprehensive health manuals.

Around 3,500 students received health screenings including dental and eye-care. Neglect of difficulties with sight have been particularly strong among families and it is hoped the scheme will raise awareness of this issue and others beyond the classroom and throughout the local community. The schools’ staff will now continue the initial work of the scheme by incorporating regular lectures about health issues into the curriculum. In cooperation with local authorities, in 2010, the project will be extended to other areas in the governorate.

Soccer tournament in new field
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Another Iraqi NGO - the Iraqi Center of Human Rights Activist (ICHRA) erected a sport yard on the island area of Shatt al Arab in the Basrah governorate. Shatt al Arab, an area 7 km away from Basrah City, currently faces the pressures and repercussions of instability and violence in the region.

This problem is exacerbated by the closing of local schools for up to four months, making Shatt al Arab youth susceptible to higher levels of violence due to lack of resources and idle time.

Building this community center provides local families, particularly the 1900 children of Shatt al Arab as well as youth of the 3rd and 4th districts, with an appropriate outlet to spend their free time without engaging in violent activities. Facilities built include volleyball, soccer and basketball fields.

The project was completed in December 2009 and opening day celebrations occurred on 6 January 2010. Local soccer teams competed in a tournament for the chance to win a trophy while various community members mingled and enjoyed the brand new facilities. Attendance included Mr. Ghanem Abdul Amir Star, member of the Provincial Council in Basrah, Mr. Fadel Yousef Mousa, Vice President of the Municipal Council, and Mr. Hussein al-Asadi, representative of People In Need. Mr. Ghanem Abdul Amir thanked ICHRA for the construction of the sport yard, as well as People in Need for their support and efficiency in implementing a project that directly benefited the needs of the citizens of Shatt al Arab.

People in Need worker reports from Haiti

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:03:39 GMT

As People in Need's Haiti relief coordinator, Kutilov� says it will take years to rebuild Port-au-Prince.� The Czech Republic has contributed 80 million K� ($4.4 million) to relief efforts in Haiti thus far. Private humanitarian organizations have raised about 47 million K�, with the government making up the difference. The Prague-based NGO People in Need (�lov�k v t�sni) has raised 26 million K�.

Reports of civil unrest have grown as relief workers called off search and rescue efforts Jan. 24 and shifted focus to survivor care. Through Jan. 24, the United Nations World Food Program had reached 207,392 people in the capital of Port-au-Prince and 113,313 people elsewhere in the country. One Haitian government minister estimates 150,000 people have died in the capital alone, though the latest official figures are 112,000 dead nationwide. An estimated 1 million people are homeless.

Mark�ta Kutilov� is Haiti relief coordinator for People in Need. She arrived in Haiti Jan. 17 and answered our questions by e-mail Jan. 21.

The Prague Post: How did you enter Haiti? What was the journey like?

Mark�ta Kutilov�: I went by plane with a travel service on a charter flight for tourists to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, from there to Santo Domingo, and then to Port-au-Prince by rented car. The journey was a bit bizarre, because the plane was full of tourists going to enjoy luxury hotels in the Dominican Republic, which is on the same island as Haiti. I could not imagine being a tourist and enjoying my holiday so close to that hell. Overall, the journey was OK, but only because I am used to improvising and making quick decisions.�

TPP: What were your first impressions of Port-au-Prince? Were you able to move freely? What are communications like?

MK: The city is calm, and the people are absolutely lovely, not aggressive at all. The roads in the city are clean, and I can move freely. We have a curfew of 6 p.m., which is when it gets dark. The communication systems are down, and they are being repaired very slowly. Internet is sporadic and to make a phone call takes about half an hour.

TPP: There have been reports of looting and violence in recent days. Have you come across any of this?

MK: The atmosphere in the city and the camps is really calm. No NGOs have faced security problems. Of course, some looting happens, but it is normal after a catastrophe like this. There were some riots close to the airport, where the stress is centered, and from time to time a shop or house is looted, but this is nothing special given the circumstances. In the Czech Republic, it wouldn't be different. I feel absolutely safe.

TPP: Have you been able to transmit aid directly to Haitians yet? What are the logistical difficulties?

MK: We are cooperating with the Irish NGO Concern, which has worked in Haiti since 1994, so I joined them directly. We have already distributed jerry cans and soap, helped construct public latrines and planned food distribution, and we are going to send a medical team from the Czech Republic to work in the camps. To get aid to the people is easy, but getting it into Haiti [in the first place] is difficult. The United Nations is starting to have relief packages, so many NGOs, including us, will deliver these to people.

TPP: Have you seen any presence by the Haitian government or police?

MK: I have seen only two police cars. The government is badly affected and is not operational. This is making all humanitarian efforts much more difficult.

TPP: Where are most people sleeping? Have camps been set up or are most people still wandering the streets?

MK: Most of the people sleep in simple shelters they created from sheets, blankets or clothes, including American and Irish flags. It is estimated there are more than 500 camps in the city with varying levels of security. There is a need to organize camps, make a smaller number of them, but land availability is a huge issue. The government says they will make 14 huge camps, each for about 45,000 people, about five miles outside the city. I am guessing it will be impossible to move that many people. It is essential people have tents within two months, when the rainy season starts.

TPP: Did you see any or hear of any trapped survivors being rescued since your arrival?

MK: There are still around 60 people alive under the Caribbean Supermarket. The efforts to bring them out are enormous. Two days ago, they rescued three people. The people have survived because they have food and drinks in there. They communicate via SMS, but they say the smell from dead bodies around them is literally killing them.

TPP: What are the long-term implications of this disaster? How long will the international community need to stay involved? After the initial needs of food, water and medical attention, what are the highest priorities?

MK: After such a disaster, it is usually a five-year or even longer process. It depends on many factors. Port-au-Prince is near the epicenter, and an earthquake can happen again anytime, so we will have to see if they really want to rebuild the city as it was. Most of the NGOs leave after three of six months; others stay a year. People in Need always tries to make longer-term development projects and stay as long as possible. We would like to, for example, reconstruct schools in Haiti.

TPP: Does the scale of damage resemble anything you have seen before? How big a tragedy does this appear on the ground?

MK: Well, it is pretty much similar to the earthquake in Bam, Iran, in 2003, where I worked for one year following the quake. Bam was destroyed completely; very few buildings remained. Here, the whole city is not destroyed, but Port-au-Prince is huge compared to Bam, so it is much more chaotic. The tsunami also caused massive damage, but there just a strip of land was destroyed; behind it was normal life. In Port-au-Prince, there is no normal life.

This interview was published in The Prague Post on January 27

Czech and Slovak MPs nominated Chinese dissident to the Nobel Peace prize

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:02:31 GMT

Prague, February 3rd, 2010 - Forty Czech and fifty Slovak MPs have nominated Liu Xiaobo - a prominent Chinese human rights activist, writer and university professor - for Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination was also endorsed by ex-president Vaclav Havel and many former Charter 77 spokespersons.

Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to an eleven-year jail term on Christmas Day 2009 because of his pro-democracy writings and his role in the creation of the democratic manifesto Charter 08, which was inspired by the Czechoslovak Charter 77.

Read more: People in Need awarded Liu Xiaobo wit Homo Homini prize�

The official Czech nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize was initiated by Senator Alexandr Vondra, the former Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, who is a former political prisoner and spokesperson for Charter 77. The letter to Nobel Peace Committee stated that:

It is distressing that the criminalization of free speech in the name of state security is still with us. The use of this crude tool must be met with a vigorous international response. And those who, like Liu Xiaobo, choose to live in truth, despite harsh consequences, must be recognized for their courage and their service to humanity. In choosing Liu Xiaobo as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, your Committee will remind the world that the values of human rights and human dignity remain a central part of who we are, despite the real threats from governments that live in fear of their own people. Presentation of the award to Liu Xiaobo will also serve as a timely reminder to those in other nations who also struggle for freedom - also under threat of harassment, violence, and worse - that their efforts are not in vain.

Senator’s Vondra initiative to nominate Liu Xiaobo for the Nobel Peace Prize has met with broad cross-party support from 40 members of the Czech Parliament (Chamber of Deputies and Senate). In addition, the official nomination letter has been signed by two Vice Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Ms. Lucie Talmanov� from ODS and Mr. Lubo� Zaor�lek from �SSD and three Vice Presidents of the Czech Senate, Mr. Petr Pithart from KDU-�SL, Ms. Alena Gajd��kov� from �SSD and Mr. Milan �t�ch from �SSD.

The Czech MPs initiative was encouraged and endorsed by numerous Czech Charter 77 signatories. In a letter signed by three of the “keepers of the Charter 77 heritage” and supported by tens of other Charter 77 signatories, Ms. Dana N�mcov� stressed that:

If Mr. Liu becomes a Nobel Laureate, this will be in our opinion a clear signal that universal values, such as respect for human rights, for human dignity and at the same time, the right and responsibility of citizens to demand that their governments uphold them, remain immutable regardless of place and time. These universal values were valid in Czechoslovakia in 1977 when we endorsed the Charter 77 Declaration, and are as valid in China in the 21st century.

In addition, former President Vaclav Havel - one of the initiators and spokespersons of the original Czechoslovak Charter 77 - and a group of prominent international figures have issued an open letter to the Noel Peace Committee calling for Mr. Liu's nomination. Their letter stated that:

In working to promote human rights, political reform, and democratization in China, Liu has made a significant contribution to the values of peace and fraternity among nations that Nobel had in mind when he created the award more than a century ago. Of course, democratization does not automatically guarantee better behavior on the world stage. But it does facilitate a full and rigorous public debate over key questions of a state's foreign and domestic policies. This active and searching conversation, the hallmark of a democratic polity, is the best hope for better decisions by governments, both at home and abroad.

In addition to Bishop Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ex-president Havel�s open letter to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee was also endorsed by philosopher Andr� Glucksmann; president of Carnegie Corporation Vartan Gregorian; former director of the World Trade Organisation Mike Moore; former foreign minister of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg and former chairman of the Russian United Democratic party Yabloko Grigory Yavlinsky.

In a coordinated action with their Czech colleagues, large group of Slovak parliamentarians (51 MPs out of 150-member National Council of the Slovak Republic), have sent their own nomination of Liu Xiaobo for Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination letter was co-signed by both former and the current chairmen of the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, Minorities and the Status of Women, J�zsef Ber�nyi and L�szl� Nagy. Also, two former chairmen of the Parliament, Franti�ek Miklo�ko and Pavol Hru�ovsk�, are among the signatories.

Slovak MPs were supported by protagonists of the November 1989 Velvet Revolution in Slovakia, co-founders of the Public Against Violence and of the Hungarian Independent Initiative, by former leaders of student movement in 1989, by former political prisoners, ex-ministers of Slovak government as well as by prominent public intellectuals, artists, academics and civic activists from Slovak NGOs. “We do it because we are convinced human rights are indivisible. We do it as citizens remembering human suffering under totalitarian system as well as resistance of secret church, civic dissent, and environmentalists in Slovakia. We do it as people believing in the power of ideas and of free individuals,” say the civic coordinators from Pontis Foundation, People in Peril Association, Institute for Public Affairs and Conservative Institute of M. R. �tef�nik.

Mr. Jan Tore Sanner, Member of the Parliament of Norway and Vice President of the Norwegian Conservative Party (Høyre), has been inspired by the President Havel’s open letter and has submitted his own nomination of Liu Xiaobo to the Peace Prize. In his nomination letter, Mr. Sanner wrote

“Liu’s personal courage, his principles and his long struggle against an oppressive state places him in a proud line of dedicated human rights activists that embody the spirit of Nobel’s will. In addition, awarding the price to Liu Xiaobo would send a strong signal that no government, no state, may blatantly disregard fundamental human rights such as free speech. Such an award would serve as an immense inspiration to others fighting for freedom and human rights.”

Liu Xiaobo (born December 28, 1955) is a respected intellectual and human rights activist in China. He has been detained, arrested, and sentenced repeatedly for his peaceful political activities, including participation in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Since 2003, he has served as President of the Independent Chinese PEN Center. On Christmas Day 2009, Liu Xiaobo, was condemned to 11 years in prison on the charges of “inciting subversion of state power,” after being detained since December 8, 2008. Mr. Liu is considered to be one of the main drafters of Charter 08, a petition inspired by Czechoslovakia's Charter 77, which called on the Chinese government to adhere to its own laws and constitution, as well as demanding the open election of public officials, freedom of religion and expression, and the abolition of “subversion” laws.

Mr. Liu's human rights work has received international recognition. In 2004, Reporters Without Borders honored Mr. Liu's human rights work by awarding him the Fondation de France Prize as a defender of press freedom. In March 2009, Liu Xiaobo was awarded with the Homo Homini Award by the One World Human Rights Film Festival, organized by the Prague-based Czech NGO People in Need, in honor of his work promoting freedom of speech, democratic principles and human rights.

In December 2009, the Czech Ministry for Foreign Affairs joined United States, Canada, Australia and several EU member states in condemning Liu Xiaobo’s sentence. On January 6, 2010, former Czech president V�clav Havel joined with other communist-era dissidents at the Chinese embassy in Prague to present a petition calling for Mr. Liu's release.

People in Need Launched Appeal for Earthquake Victims in Haiti

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:02:44 GMT

Prague (13 Jan 2010) - The Czech humanitarian organization People in Need launched appeal for earthquake victims in Haiti on Wednesday. The devastating catastrophe may have claimed up to thousands of lives. The money collected will be used by partners from international Alliance 2015 organization for immediate humanitarian aid and for supplying basic needs.

Donations can be made by bank transfer to SOS Haiti account 40954095/0300 (IBAN: CZ04 0300 0000 0000 4095 4095) or by sending a text message DMS SOSHAITI to phone number 87777.

Follow our effort in Haiti

People in Need have earmarked 300,000 crowns from its humanitarian fund for an immediate aid to Haiti. "We expect that number of causalities will rise as more and more information will be coming in and picture of the catastrophe will be more complex. That's why we appreciate any financial help from public. People from our partner organisations have been working on the spot already and therefore People in Need will not set up its own mission in Haiti," said People in Need director Simon Panek.

In Haiti are already present two People in Need's partners from Ireland and Germany. Irish organization Concern has been working in Haiti since 1994, focusing on improving the health of those in need, preventing violence in the slums and fighting HIV and AIDS. It has also experience with post-hurican relief in 2008. Germany based Welthungerhilfe is present in Haiti since 1974 and concentrated on environmental projects.

The earthquake struck at 22.00 GMT (4pm local time) on Tuesday 12th January 2010. The 7.0-magnitude quake hit south of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince is feared to have killed possibly thousands of people across the Caribbean country. Many people are reported missing and tens of thousands of inhabitants have lost their homes.

PIN already allocated 300 000 Kc (11460 eur) from its humanitarian fund Club of friends. People in Need Friends Club has 5500 members. Average monthly contributions are around 300 Kc. Thanks to this financial support can People in Need help immediately crisis situations.

How to donate:
Through Bank account SOS Haiti 4095 4095/0300
By sending a text message "DMS SOSHAITI " to phone number 87777.

Just one night and the entire village was lit by solar electricity

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:01:24 GMT

Wazirkhan, Afghanistan – System of wells, solar electricity and tailor courses for women change in past four years live in small village in Matwarkh region close to borders with Pakistan. Alikhil, 35 years old man from Wazirkhan, describes, how this change is perceived by locals.

“Three years ago there was only one hand dug well over there. All families from the village were using this well to fetch the drinking water. That couldn’t meet the needs for all of the inhabitants. A small source of water also existed far from the village in the hillside. Just next to the stream a small pond had been dug that was usually used by nomads and settled villagers for their livestock. Due to inadequate water resources some villagers were also fetching their drinking water from the stream.

Only two families could afford to light their home by gas cylinders (gas lamps) during night in the entire village. Others were using the traditional kerosene lamps and lanterns. In addition, many recently returned families in our village were suffering more than others from the difficulties.

Though, several times aid workers had visited the village, just after conducting assessments and collecting preliminary data we never saw them back. One day the employees of PIN/NSP also came to our village. As usual we took them to our Hujra (guest house). Before having tea they started talking about NSP (the largest and development program in the history of the country executed by the government of Afghanistan, facilitated by PIN in Dand-wa-Patan). We listened to them and considered them like others in the past. But few days later they came back and once again talked about NSP establishment of a development council in the village.

The building of confidence

As they were coming to our village more and more , we gradually believed them. In their following visits they started the registration of the families and facilitated the elections. Thus, we established a CDC (Community Development Council, the village level entity responsible and working for the over all development of community). Upon the establishment the CDC conducted several consultative meeting with villagers and prioritized the problems which inhabitants of the village were suffering from. Thus, we prepared a Community Development Plan with assistance of PIN social organizers. Though, our trust was increasing day by day but we still did not believe their statements completely.

One day PIN staff started trainings our CDC members and their engineers conducted the technical survey of our projects. Eventually some time later our CDC was asked to start working for the approved projects. We didn’t believe them. In spite of that, our CDC members went to the provincial capital Gerdiz and received money from Da Afghanistan Bank.

New wells mean safe water for every one

The projects were started. Digging of ten new wells started in the village. At the time of completion almost every family was provided with safe and clean drinking water within meters from their homes. On the other hand, solar panels were purchased and installed in every house. Just in one night the entire village was lit by solar electricity. This changed the view and appearance of the village.

((1))

In couple of months tailoring project for the women also started in two centers. Approximately two dozens most vulnerable women of the village acquired the skill of tailoring. Thus, within a year NSP changed life in our village. Instead of hours, women walk only for few minutes within the village to fetch safe and clean drinking water now. In addition diseases from bad water have been significantly reduced particularly among children. People in our village enjoy light of solar electricity till late hours in the night. Furthermore, school going children also have enough time to do their home works during evenings.

Sewing safes money

A trained woman is available in almost every household of the village. She is saving a lot of money by sewing cloths of her own family members and others.

Above all, compared to pre-NSP era, today solidarity, unity and cooperation has been improved among the inhabitants in our village. Every one is thankful to PIN and NSP who changed life in our village.”

Wazirkhan is one of the cluster villages of Matwarkh which is located at the south-west of Dand-wa-Patan close to the border with Pakistan in the mountainous province of Paktya. Matwarkh area consists of 8 other small communities with approximately 6000 inhabitants.

PIN has been facilitating the implementation of NSP in 152 rural communities of Paktya including Wazirkhan village since 2005 and completed more 136 subprojects there in various sectors such as transport, irrigation, power supply, water supply, HCD (Human Capital Development) etc. In spite of that, currently PIN is also running a Cash For Work intervention in Sayd Karam and AhmadAbad districts of Paktya directly benefiting 1562 drought affected and most vulnerable families in 90 communities of mentioned district.

PIN supported Global Hand Washing day in Iraqi schools

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:01:17 GMT

Amman, Jordan - Since its inception in 2008, Global Hand Washing Day has been used by governments and NGOs alike to promote hand washing as a world-wide hygiene habit. In 2009, PIN, in conjunction with UNICEF, WHO, ACTED, local Iraqi NGOs and the Iraqi government, carried out a week-long celebration of Global Hand Washing day in over 200 Iraqi schools.

The celebrations ran from October 12th -15th and consisted of educational activities that informed the students and their families about the importance of washing hands. It also allowed students to contribute to hand-washing advocacy.

Throughout the week, students participated in drawing competitions, made crafts, and created songs and skits that demonstrated their understanding of hand-washing and its importance to limiting the spread of disease. In addition, members of the Iraqi Directorate of Health gave lectures to the students and families about disease and hygiene.

While it may seem like a simple task, hand-washing after critical moments (such as after bathroom use or before meals) is not a habitual practice in many parts of the world due to lack of essential resources (such as potable water). Especially in light of the fact that diseases caused by a lack of hand-washing (such as diarrhea) are the second cause of child deaths world-wide (UNICEF, 2008), it is essential that societies around the world learn the importance of hand-washing. PIN is pleased with the outcome of Iraqi World-Hand Washing Day celebrations. Organization views its eager reception in Iraqi schools as a hopeful indicator that health standards in Iraq will continue to improve.

Beekeeping training helps Afghans overcome economic difficulties

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:01:13 GMT

Balkh province, Afghanistan - Beekeeping helped locals in remote and vulnerable communities in Balkh province in Afghanistan to stabilized and multiply their income.

Most of the people are living in rural areas of Afghanistan. The main sources of their incomes come from the agriculture and livestock. In the recent decade of drought, majority of locals suffered by economical crisis. However there was possibility of income generating activities. Many people in the area haven’t any familiarity about them. PIN is implementing a livelihood project entitled Income Stability in Northern Afghanistan (ISNA) that funded by European Commission (EC). Beekeeping helped locals to stabilized and multiply their income.

ISNA project goal is to increase the income stability of the most vulnerable communities and individuals living in remote areas of Balkh province with very unstable living conditions. In the same time to strengthen Balkh residents' ability and capacity to be prepared or to better respond to repeating crisis and be able to secure their basic needs.

ISNA project supports and improves different livelihoods sectors. One of the components with excellent result is beekeeping activity. Locals in Balkh received not only training in apiculture and technical support but also honey bees, necessary tools, extractor machine and other equipment to harvest honey at the end of the season. Know-how was shared by representative of Takhar province. Takhar beekeepers were already supported by PIN former EC funded project in northeast of Afghanistan.

One of the beneficiaries of the project is Hossain. His wife and two children had to live on average wage of the 30 dollars per month. He made his living as cobbler in Maghzar working only two days in week, when local market was open. He has no agricultural land, no livestock and faced hard economic difficulties.

Beekeeping multiplies income of locals

“My income was not sufficient to cover my family expenses and needs, though I received more and less 1,200 to 1,500 Afghanis (24-30 dollars) per month. I didn’t have any information about honey bees and how it works. Finally I fortunately took part in practical apiculture training within ISNA project. With other 4 colleagues we started beekeeping in Zare district and gain in one season as pure income from 186 kilograms of honey 91,000 Afghanis ($1,820) and I also multiplied beehives to 9 more. Each beehives cost $120. I also used few quantity of honey to domestic consumption. I have never imagined earning this amount of money. I also definitely care the honey bees to the best of my ability,” said Hossain.

“I was a worker. Sometimes I could find job, but most of the time I couldn’t. Initially I did not expect that honey bees provide me such amount of money. It is the first time that PIN/ ISNA project encourage our people in income generating activities,” said Sayed Hassan, who is one of the beneficiaries of the project. If the honey products will be sold in local markets next year, the beekeepers plan to expand their business to reasonable amount and start to move the hives to seasonal locations.

ISNA project has provided whole technical and financial assistance to beneficiaries and provide them entrepreneurial and marketing trainings. The beneficiaries worked jointly as a group producers in professional networks.

Czech Signatories Of Charta 77 And PIN Call For Release of Mr. Liu!

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:01:08 GMT

People in Need, a leading Czech NGO, Vaclav Havel and other signatories of Charter 77,� express their concern and regret concerning the imprisonment of Mr. Liu Xiabo, who was sentenced to 11 years in jail on December 25, 2009 for „inciting subversion of state power“.

Text of declaration to end prosecution of Liu�Xiaobo released in Prague, January 6, 2010:

�Mr. Liu Xiabo had already been arrested a year ago, just one day before the official publication of Charter 08.�At present, by an unhappy coincidence, his case is being heard by the Beijing prosecutor on International Human Rights Day, and he is realistically threatened with a long term of imprisonment.

�

We consider the Chinese Charter 08, which was inspired by the Czechoslovak Charter 77, as an important and valuable manifestation of a civic initiative, which seeks to instigate an open, civilised and constructive debate concerning key social issues.�We believe that Charter 08 does not infringe on any existing Chinese laws and that it is in conformity with the right granted by the Constitution to participate in civic engagement.

�

We also believe that the basis for the development and growth of civil society in all countries, including China, is the guarantee of universal human rights, the possibility of the full implementation of freedom of opinion, of justice and of progress towards the complete rule of law.

�

We hope therefore that the Beijing prosecutor's office will decide to terminate the prosecution of Mr. Liu Xiabo and to restore to him his freedom.

�

Other Czech personalities and intitutions decided to support this proclamation, some of whom met a Charter 08 representative in Prague in November 2009:

Vaclav Havel, Former president of CR

Czech PEN club

Old�ich �ern�, director of F�rum 2000, NGO

V�clav Mal�, Bishop

Jan Ruml, Formerly the Czech Minister of Interior

Karel Schwarzenberg, Senator, formerly the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs

Jan Urban, Journalist

Alexandr Vondra, Senator

�

English translation of Charter 08

Open letter to the government of the�Peoples Republic of China via the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China

�In your country Liou Sia-pao is now being prosecuted. It is a year since he has been in prison accused of subverting the state by co-authoring a manifesto entitled „Charter 08“ criticising the government of the Peoples Republic of China and organising a petition in its support signed by over 300 signatories.

�

We demand an immediate and unconditional cessation of this prosecution and his release.

At the same time we appeal under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 19-21) whose acceptance China signed up to as one of the first of the member states of the UN on 10 December 1948 and which has become accepted as customary law. We are also appealing to the governments of other states, associated within the UN, that they remind the Peoples Republic of China to fulfil its moral obligations.

Anna �abatov�, Chairwoman

Czech Helsinki Commitee

�

Postscript:

Liou Sia-pao (Liu Xiaobo) was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment on 25 December for alleged crimes against the state, namely for participating in writing and disseminating the Manifesto „Charter 08“.

�

As signatories and friends of Charter 77�we support the statement�of the Czech Helsinki Committee and�express our�sincere solidarity with the above named human rights activist and with all persecuted chinese friends.

�

On December 29,30,31 and on January 1,2 �the following added their signatures to this letter:

V�clav Havel, Pavel Rychetsk�, Petr Pithart, Ji�� Gruntor�d, V�ra Roubalov�, V�clav Trojan, Petr Uhl, Libu�e �ilh�nov�and a futher 52 Czech citizens (total 60 citizens).

�

Signatures to the Open letter of Czech Helsinki Committee:

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Ivan Bierhanzl, Daniela B�skov�, Tom� B�sek, John Bok, Vladim�r Bos�k, Jan Brabec, Nina Brzor�dov�, Olga Brzor�dov�, Anna Dusov�, Jan Dus, P�emysl Fialka, Ji�� Gruntor�d, Tom� Hales, V�clav Havel, Heda Hejd�nkov�, Ladislav Hejd�nek, Jan Hrabina, Jaroslav Hutka, Mikol� Chadima, Jaroslav Chn�pko, Silvestra Chn�pkov�, P�emysl Jan�r, V�ra Jirousov�, Eva Joachimov�, Helena Kl�mov�, Ivan Kl�ma, Erazim Koh�k, Josef Kord�k, V�clav Mal�, Ji�� M�ller, Dana N�mcov�, Martin Palou�, Pavla Palou�ov�, Ji�� Pavl��ek, Jan Petr�nek, Stanislav Pita�, Petr Pithart, V�ra Roubalov�, Franti�ek Rudl, Pavel Rychetsk�, Vojt�ch Sedl��ek, Dana Seidlov�, Efraim K.Sidon, Jan Sokol, Jan �abata, Jaroslav �abata, Marcela �abatov�, Ji�ina �iklov�, Jitka �ilh�nov�, Libu�e �ilh�nov�, Jan �imsa, Martin �imsa, Petru�ka �ustrov�, Jind�ich Tom�ek, V�clav Trojan, Petr Uhl, Ji�� Van�ura, Ji�� Wolf, Pavel Z�lesk�, V�clav ��k…(total 60 people)

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For more information�please contact:�� sekr@helcom.cz

Marek Svoboda, Director of Human Rights Section, People in Need

724 122 111

The Honor of Being a Humanitarian Aid Worker

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:01:36 GMT

Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, November 2nd 2009 -� Working for humanitarian organizations in your own country can be sometimes frustrating experience. Afghan co-worker of the People in Need organizations Ramin Shirzai describes the moment, when he become proud participant of the mission in remote mountain region of northern .

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I have extensive experience working for humanitarian aid organizations and different NGOs in . A year ago, I started to work for People In Need (PIN) in which I further developed my dedication to help vulnerable and impoverished groups, in the most remote and high mountain areas of northern .� This is the region that I call the end of the world.

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Most of Abdul Gan inhabitants (one of the cluster areas of the Zare district - the location where PIN has implemented WASH interventions) have not even been to the center of the province, 150 km from the province‘s large city (Mazar-e-Sharif).

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One morning in August 2009 our small team, consisting of 3 males and 1 female as well as a driver, left the office at our base to visit a remote village in order to carry out a project evaluation. The sky was cloudy and covered with smokey grey-white fumes. A soft wind could be felt on our faces in the car. After 7.5 hrs of driving on winding roads, we finally reached Naw Asiyagak. One of the villages covered by PIN intervention in the Zare district. PIN constructed secure Kandas through the implementation of the ECHO funded project in 2008-2009.

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After reaching the village, the PIN team started their evaluations and suddenly my attention was drawn to a youth who seemed happier than expected.

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Nabi's story

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I greeted him with „Salam Alikom“ (peace be upon you). During our initial discussion, I learned that his name was Nabi. Nabi looked very happy, and his white teeth gleemed when he smiled, attracting everyone’s attention. Nabi started to talk about the ECHO funded project. He explained that since PIN has constructed new protected water points in the village, the villagers now have access to safe drinking water from protected Kandas (underground water reservoirs), that are no farther than 15 meters from their homes. Before the WASH project, the water was 1.5 to 5 hours away.� With the new location of water points, their animals are safe as well.

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When Nabi told me about the safety of animals, it was amazing and strange for me, since I was always only considering the quality and efficiency of the implemented project for people and I hadn’t thought about livestock. Therefore the conversation with Nabi aroused my interest and I asked him to tell me more regarding relation of protected Kandas to animals’ safety. He elaborated on the story of his own animals.

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“When I took my animals (cows, sheep, donkeys and goats) to graze in pastures on the mountains, I lost three sheep. The reason was that they fell down inside the unprotected Kanda, since as of last year all of the Kandas were uncovered and open. No one was able to take the animals out from the Kanda. The result was my loss of animals and the contamination of the water inside the Kanda. Apart from a personal economical burden for me, a very big social problem was created as well, because the particular Kanda was the only public one used by 50 families in our village. Therefore, after the accident last year, people in our village faced extreme hardship due to lack of water. Only people who had personal Kandas were not affected. Some people travelled to Shikar Dara ( Hunting Canyon ), a trip of 8 hours by donkey, to collect water. This was very painful for me.’’

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New water sources help improve relationships in community

Nabi continued recounting his story: “After the implementation of this project we have access to safe drinking water from protected Kandas. Most of the village members are aware of hygiene and sanitation issues that were not necessarily a priority before. The people in this village know, how to use protected water points, and how to maintain and operate pumps that are completely new to us. Now we know, how to treat our children from diarrhea or other waterborne diseases.’’

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Nabi stopped talking and looking at the ground said; „We really appreciate the effort in implementing projects like this.’’

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Proud to be humanitarian worker

Nabi’s speech reinforced the feeling of honor of involving myself in the implementation of this project in which 15,000 people have benefitted from the construction of 100 protected water points.

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Recently PIN has started working on the implementation of another ECHO funded project in the Kishindi district. Kishindi is a neighboring district to Zare and no less poor and vulnerable. Fortunately over 40,000 people will benefit from this project. I am honored to be involved in this project as well.

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I am an Afghan living in a city and I can get water merely by opening the tap in my house. Helping those people, who are used to bringing water after an effort of a 3 to 8 hour trip, is an incredible honor that Allah has offered to me.