2009.09 UN Social Forum

United Nations: 2009 Social Forum

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The Social Forum is a unique space for open and interactive dialogue between the representatives of Member States, civil society, including grass-roots organizations, and intergovernmental organizations on issues linked with the national and international environment needed for the promotion of the enjoyment of all human rights by all.

Mardiyah at « le Palais des nations »

I first have to tell you how impressed I was with the cathedral-like hall, the domed ceiling, and the semicircles of desks looking down onto the large screen. The architecture, rather than being overwhelming, gave one a feeling of equality and lightness of being.

Of course the proceedings were very long – three entire days. Many details and statistics concerning poverty and hunger in the different countries of the world were shocking — and shockingly repetitive. “Ten Million children are dying, and millions more are starving,” (ILO). All aspects of the poverty issue: food distribution, AIDS, Human Rights, the disabled below the poverty level, health, gender equality, childbirth and pregnancy, the aged, and the environment, were touched upon.

The year 2015 seems to be the target year for resolution or amelioration of these problems by a certain percentage, decided upon by each country. I would like to mention what seemed to me most convincing of the various ‘tools’ used to combat poverty.

Dr. Cichon (ILO) pointed out that Social Security is not only an economic stabilizer, but an absolute economic necessity. Every country can afford some, and everyone has a right to it. The international community needs to build upon a protection floor and convince people of its necessity. It should not just be for workers, but under the Human Rights framework, members of all countries should have it. These should be guarantees, not benefits, says Dr. Cichon. Much depends upon political will, rather than economics.

Experiments with grants were carried out with amazing success, especially considering the hopeless conditions under which they were allotted. Under the Basic Income Grants (BIG) project in Namibia, (with the highest income inequality in the world), five pilot projects were conducted to show the government what can be done. One village with 70% unemployed and 42% malnourished started small businesses: brick-making, sewing. They were given chickens, seed, and building materials, eventually their earnings exceeded the money loaned, and they were able to pay for health clinics, schools. There was a significant reduction of crime and alcoholism.

In Madagascar, (Where there is extreme poverty), NGOs, helped displaced persons return to their villages. In one village people were guaranteed a minimum level of funds. A street library COOP was set up, where people listened to stories, initiating a beginning of literacy. They found manual work and were proud of their work, and became curious, with a desire to study and to get their parents out of poverty. They were taught cottage industry projects, weaving, gardening. Parents wrote a book in their own language about children’s health. As a result of all this, “They have a thirst for dignity.” The observation was that society is biased because it believes the poor cannot help themselves, whereas it is society that does not understand their potential.

There was a general call among members of the forum for NGOs (such as SDIA) to be present, since only they can truly represent the people and situations which are being discussed.

Learn more about the UNHRC's Social Forum.