------------------------------------------------------------ #251: 12 NOON, SAT, AUGUST 30TH - PROTEST STATE TERROR RAIDS. RALLY IN AOTEA SQUARE
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Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #251, August 21, 2008

Website http://www.gpja.org.nz/ [1] Contact details: Forums – John Minto, Work: (09) 845 2132, Home 09 846 3173 jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor – Mike Treen 0295254744 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz [2] Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Wellesley St, Auckland. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter visit http://www.gpja.org.nz/ [3] or click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.

To access the newsletter online go to: http://gpja.org.nz/ [4]

Kindly forward this newsletter to your friends and encourage them to join this mailing list @ http://www.gpja.org.nz/ [5]

Kia ora koutou,

AUGUST 30TH - PROTEST LAST YEAR’S SO-CALLED ANTI-TERROR RAIDS. RALLY IN AOTEA SQUARE AT 12NOON, SATURDAY AUGUST 30TH. This protest is part of an international day of action focusing on the raids which resulted in 17 activists arrested in a dramatic exercise of state power. Two days later the activists will appear in court for a depositions hearing on the charges. The outcome threatens the right to dissent and the civil liberties of all New Zealanders. The police failed in their attempt to lay terror charges against the activists but they are continuing to press arms charges. The nature of the police evidence is such that if their evidence holds up then any breaches would be technical and would normally have resulted in a warning without prosecution. GPJA has called for all the charges to be dropped. http://www.october15thsolidarity.info/ [6]

SEPTEMBER 1ST GPJA SEPTEMBER FORUM: WHAT THE ANTI-TERROR RAIDS MEAN FOR DISSENT IN NEW ZEALAND. Monday 1st September, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. Further details of the meeting will follow in a future newsletter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MESSAGE RE COMPLAINT ABOUT TVNZ REPORTING I should've written you about this sooner, but I now have a formal complaint in with TVNZ for their unbalanced reporting of the Condoleezza Rice visit, wherein they didn't even mention that there was opposition. How do I let our comrades know that my complaint is under review, that I've also complained to Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs and am waiting for an answer, and that more people should complain if they are so disposed?

HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE SERIES - the Centre for Continuing Education, in association with the United Nations Association of New Zealand, brings you three lectures looking at human rights in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the declaration. You may choose to attend individual lectures or register for the series. The fee is $27 per lecture or $67.50 for the series. A concession of $18 per lecture or $45 for the series is available to students and unwaged. ENROLMENT FOR THE SERIES Class Number: 78063 Cost: $67.50 (International Fee $106.90), $45 Student/Unwaged When: 3 sessions, Monday 6, 13 & 20 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street Click here for more information and to enrol for the series http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe... [7] THE PLACE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: THE UNIVERSALIST-RELATIVIST DEBATE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Mohsen al Attar LLB, LLM . Since the birth of human rights, a debate has raged between two camps. Universalists argue that rights should be regarded in exactly the same manner across the globe and thus criticise societies that do not follow the dominant Western model. Conversely, relativists maintain that cultures vary and that even fundamental human rights can be perceived differently from nation to nation; the one-size-fits-all model must give way to national autonomy. In this seminar, we will examine the place of this debate today. Are Asian values still a viable alternative to the universalist doctrine? Are First World feminists justified in challenging cultural practices that they perceive to undermine female autonomy in the Third World? What of the rebuttal of Third World feminists? How has globalisation and the 'neoliberal' Washington Consensus impacted our perception of socio-economic human rights and has the 'democratic socialist' Bolivarian Revolution of Venezuela undermined this consensus? These issues, among others, will be discussed and debated. Class Number: 78062 Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged When: 1 session, Monday 6 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe... [8] HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE LAW Kris Gledhill, BA, LLM,Margaret Bedggood, MA, LLB This lecture will be in two parts as follows: Part one, Enhancing the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Aotearoa New Zealand will be presented by Margaret Bedggood. This lecture will outline developments in the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in the last decade at international, regional and local level. It will then consider the situation in this country in the light of these developments and international norms and suggest ways in law and policy in which such rights can be better protected for various groups in Aotearoa New Zealand. Part two entitled, Taking Human Rights Seriously: Key Developments in the Human Rights Framework will be presented by Kris Gledhill. This lecture will trace the key steps which have the potential for turning the fine ideals expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into a practical reality, emphasising the role of a committed international judiciary in this process. An assessment will be offered as to whether New Zealand's government - including its judiciary – takes its duties seriously. Class Number: 78053, Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged When: 1 session, Monday 13 October, 7 - 9pm, Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe... [9] "WE DON'T TALK ABOUT IT ANYMORE": SEXUALITY, GENDER AND HUMAN RIGHTS Joy Liddicoat, LLM (HONS) In this lecture we will examine current issues of sexuality, gender and human rights in New Zealand and the Pacific region. We will consider both human rights and development theory changes, including from "women in development", to "women and development", up to the present day theories of "gender and development." In doing so, Joy will draw on experiences from New Zealand and the region to critically reflect on sexuality, gender and human rights issues, seeking to provoke discussion on such questions as: What happened to women's human rights? Is gender still relevant? Can we talk about sex and human rights? Class Number: 78079 Cost: $27.00 (International Fee $40.15), $18.00 Student/Unwaged When: 1 session, Monday 20 October, 7 - 9pm Where: Room 018, ClockTower Building No. 105, 22 Princes Street Click here to enrol in this lecture only http://www.cce.auckland.ac.nz/cce/continuing/index.cfm?P=8548&ClassNumbe... [10]

RIOT EXTRAS NEEDED Jim Edwards' book "Waiting For the Revolution" is being turNed into a television drama. It tells the story of the Unemployed Workers' Movement and the hunger marches and the 1932 Queen St riot. The producers need hundreds of volunteers to take part in the re-created marches and the riot.They need lean and hungry males, 18-60. Anyone interested, contact Aileen O'Sullivan, seann@ihug.co.nz [11]

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2008 ROGER AWARD. You can send your nomination, and any supporting material, by 1/ Filling in the below form and e-mailing it to this address. 2/ Or by sending it by snail mail to the Roger Award, Box 2258, Christchurch. The nomination form and full details about the Award, including past winners, Judges’ Reports, etc, can be accessed online at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/in... [12] Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa, Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand. cafca@chch.planet.org.nz [13] www.cafca.org.nz [14]

VENEZUELA SOLIDARITY BRIGADE - NOVEMBER 2008 Register now for the next Australian solidarity brigade to Venezuela! November 20th-30th, 2008. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see first-hand an unfolding revolution. The deadline for registering for the November 2008 brigade is September 1, 2008. Participants will need to book their own international airfares, but the brigade organisers are able to give advice and recommend a travel agent. You will need to budget for a total cost of approximately $5000. This includes: (i) International airfare approximately $3500 (departing Australia). (ii) Approximately $500-1000 for accommodation (twin-share basis), food and other spending during your stay in Venezuela. (iii) $500 registration fee (for brigade organisation, including translators and transport). For more information, email brigades@venezuelasolidarity.org [15], or phone Lara Pullin on 0439 601 277 or Roberto Jorquera on 0425 289 394. (NB: Australian $ costs and ph numbers – but Kiwis welcome) DOWN LOAD A BRIGADE REGISTRATION FORM http://venezuelasolidarity.org/files/novemberform.pdf [16]

INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE “50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION” Dear Friends: Next year the Cuban Revolution will arrive to its 50th anniversary: 50 years of solidarity and friendship between Cuba and the peoples of the world. From October 5th through 19th this year, our Institute will welcome the “50th Anniversary of the Revolution” International Brigade and friends coming from all over the world will enjoy this unique opportunity to celebrate this important date in Cuba. We are looking forward to hosting you!!!! Asia-Pacific Division, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Email: dasia@icap.cu [17] Tlf: (53-7) 838 2430

INVITATION TO VENEZUELA EDUCATION STUDY TOUR A Collaborative Exchange and Study Tour for Academics, Teachers & Students January 2009 Dear Friends and Colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate in the first Education Exchange and Study Tour of Venezuela. A number of educators here in Australia and internationally have become increasingly interested in the radical education reform currently taking place in Venezuela. The study tour will take place in January 2009 and will involve a range of meetings (seminars) and visits with educational groups, institutions, and community organisations. The details of the week are to worked out in conjunction with colleagues from the Bolivarian University of Venezuela, and local schools and community organizations in Caracas. For further details, to contribute ideas and/or to register your interest please contact the organising committee: Tom Griffiths Tom.Griffiths [at] newcastle [dot] edu [dot] au / Jo Williams Jo.Williams [at] vu [dot] edu [dot] au / Roberto Jorquera roberto [at] latinamericasolidarity [dot] org / Jorge Jorquera Jorge.Jorquera [at] rmit [dot] edu [dot] au

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Friday, August 22, 6pm, The Peace Place: 22 Emily Place Auckland "ANSWERED BY FIRE" An compelling mini series from Australia's ABC co-produced with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation- set in East Timor at the time of the 1999 independence referendum.

Saturday, 23 August, ROOM, basement of TOTO's restaurant on Nelson St THE PARTY: "FREEDOM SOUND" - BACCO ROOM, $5 minimum donation on the door. Will start around 9pm, unless we show film which will be earlier. MUSIC= JAZZ, SOUL, FUNK, REGGAE, DUB, HIP HOP, DUBSTEP, JUNGLE bit for everyone. I'll be playing couple of my records i got in Cuba at the start.

Sunday, August 24, 5.30pm, May Road School Hall Commemorate killings in Sri Lanka: Please join us as we commemorate the 2nd year Anniversary of the Sencholai Orphanage bombing that led to the death of innocent schoolgirls. Contact: Gaja- 6277230 Uma- 6206200 This event is organised by Poonga Tamil Community Education and Tamil Youth Association New Zealand

Wednesday, August 27, 7.30pm, London bar, Cnr Wellesley and Queen Sts, City Drinking Liberally: WHAT: Regular event for Auckland's broad left community to meet, drink, and talk; WHO: You and any of your friends who may be interested; THIS MONTH: Laila Harre will be incisively addressing us on various things to do with unions and politics. COST: Free, you will just need to buy your own drinks.

Wednesday 3 September, 7-9pm, Room 029, Clocktower Bldg. No.105, 22 Princes St FROM POVERTY TO POWER, Duncan Green ( Head of Research Oxfam, UK). This seminar, offered in partnership with Oxfam and Continuing Education at The University of Auckland, will provide critical insights into the massive human and economic costs of inequality and poverty and will propose realistic solutions. Based on his latest book, From Poverty to Power, Duncan Green will argue that a radical redistribution of power, opportunities, and assets is needed to break the cycle of inequality and poverty, and that this change can be achieved through a combination of active citizens and effective states. Free admission Thanks, Jo Davies, Programme Manager, Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland. Phone: 09 3737599 ext 88693; Fax: 09 373 7419; E-mail: je.davies@auckland.ac.nz [18] Web: www.cce.auckland.ac.nz [19]

Tuesday, September 9, 6pm, The University of Auckland Business School, Fisher & Paykel Appliances Auditorium, Owen G Glenn Building, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland THE AGE OF THE WARRIOR - AN HOUR WITH ROBERT FISK - Robert Fisk with Prof. Jane Kelsey [Chair] : Cost: $25 Robert Fisk is a bestselling author and journalist based in Beirut as Middle East correspondent of The Independent. He has lived in the Middle East for three decades and holds more British and international journalism awards than any other foreign correspondent. His last book, The Great War for Civilisation, a history of his career and the numerous conflicts he has covered, was published internationally to great critical acclaim. He is also the author of Pity the Nation, a history of the Lebanese war. Tickets are available through Ticketek at a cost of $25 per person, or $20 for students with a valid ID (services fees may apply). All proceeds will benefit Amnesty International. For more information please contact: Mandy Allan, Advancement, Ph. 3737599 ext. 83308, Email: m.allan@auckland.ac.nz [20]

Saturday, September 20, 7pm, Centro Cultural ALAC Inc, 37 Selwyn Street, Onehunga INVITATION: You are Invited to celebrate together with us CHILE'S NATIONAL DAY. $10 p/p. Children under 5 Free AN Event organised by MAKEHUE Latin American Dance Group

QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Mourn not the dead that in the cool earth lie, but rather mourn the apathetic, throng the coward and the meek who see the world's great anguish and its wrong, and dare not speak": Ralph Chaplin

BEST ON THE WEB

NEW ZEALAND Brian Rudman: Tunnel vision over PPPs is wrong http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=105266... [21] John Minto: Universal student allowance hallmark of caring society http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10526481 [22] Work for the DPB – what, not Work for the Dividend? http://businessday.co.nz/blogs/frontline/2008/08/11/work-for-the-dpb-%e2... [23] Tim Howard: Business model neglects 'flaxroots' http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=105268... [24] Millions of dollars ‘wasted on spy base failures’ http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/niusbeat/080808_waihopai.shtml [25] Yadegary decision shows need for Bill change http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0808/S00233.htm [26] Immigration: Gordon Campbell On The Yadegary Decision http://election08.scoop.co.nz/gordon-campbell-on-the-yadegary-decision/ [27] Greenpeace PR: Earth to National http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0808/S00179.htm [28]

WORLD The perfect storm leading to a global recession: Recent developments suggest that all G7 economies are already in recession or close to tipping into one. Other advanced economies or emerging markets (the rest of the eurozone; New Zealand, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and some Southeast European economies) are also nearing a recessionary hard landing. When they reach it, there will be a sharp slowdown in the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) and other emerging markets. http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080818/opinion/the-perfect-s... [29]

AFGHANISTAN 'Almost half the country lives in extreme poverty' http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/135 [30] Malalai Joya versus Washington's warlords (+ video) http://links.org.au/node/585 [31]

BOLIVIA Bolivia: Historic Vote Confirms Will for Change http://www.socialistvoice.ca/?p=315 [32] The Bolivians cast their votes well http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2008/08/bolivians-cast-their-votes-wel... [33]

PAKISTAN Pakistan’s Political Crisis Deepens http://www.countercurrents.org/symonds190808.htm [34] Musharraf Resigns; But Miles To Go http://www.countercurrents.org/sarwar180808.htm [35] Pakistan After Musharraf By Tariq Ali http://www.countercurrents.org/ali190808.htm [36]

RUSSIA Russian Triumph as Saakashvili's Gamble Fails By Gwynne Dyer http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20517.htm [37] Moscow Issues Nuclear Warning To Poland http://www.countercurrents.org/penketh160808.htm [38] Missile Agreement With Poland Intensifies Danger Of US-Russian Clash By Patrick Martin http://www.countercurrents.org/martin160808.htm [39]

VENEZUELA Corporate Media Bashes New Chavez Enabling Law Decrees By Stephen Lendman http://www.countercurrents.org/lendman150808.htm [40]

YUGOSLAVIA Don't Forget Yugoslavia By John Pilger - The secrets of the crushing of Yugoslavia are emerging, telling us more about how the modern world is policed. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article20525.htm [41]

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