Brazilian Mining Company Vale Wins Dubious Award Highlighting Human Rights and Environmental Abuses

by Emilee Gaebler
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America 

BRASÍLIA, Brazil – Just recently the annual award for the “worst big company” was given to Brazilian company, Vale.  Close to 89,000 votes were placed online and Vale received just over 25,000 of them.

An advertisement by the Public Eye nominating Vale for the worst company award. (Photo courtesy of Public Eye)

Vale is officially this year’s winner for having the most “contempt for the environment and human rights.”  The undesired award is co-organized by the Swiss nonprofit, the Berne Declaration and Greenpeace Switzerland.  The award is an antagonistic response to the Davos summit hosted each year at this time by the World Economic Forum. 

The Davos coordinators and participants portray themselves as protectors of human rights but those critical of them note that they only represent the “privileged 1%.”  Its members are the 1,000 most profitable and powerful companies globally.

Vale is a mining company and a shareholder in the disputed Belo Monte dam project in Brazil.  As reported by the Public Eye, Vale is the second-largest corporation in Brazil and the second-largest mining corporation internationally as well.  They currently have operations in over 40 countries world-wide.

The company has a long history of abuses.  Reports over the years have cited; terrible working conditions, forced displacement of indigenous people on many of their projects, use of paramilitary leaders to repress indigenous leaders and incalculable environmental damages.  As well, health complications have arisen in the vicinities surrounding Vale’s coal-burning facilities.

The company’s operations in Brazil make up 4% of the carbon emissions in all of the country.  They use 1.2 billion cubic meters of water annually, which is enough to meet the needs of 22,000 people for a one year period.  They also dumped 114 million cubic meters of waste last year.   

The current Belo Monte project they are involved in has garnered media attention over the past year as the construction of the dam threatens to displace thousands of indigenous people by flooding the land on which they currently reside.  The company’s response to the award, aimed at shaming them into better behavior, was denial.

“Those who have chosen to misrepresent Vale’s record cite our participation on the Belo Monte Project, where we hold a 9% share…[c]learly, we are a minority shareholder” was the response posted.

Those responsible for the award are anxious to see more transparency in big businesses and that the leaders of these companies get held to a higher standard of credibility.  The goal is not as simple as embarrassing the companies; but rather to demonstrate that lack of regulations allows them to get away with blatant disregard for human and environmental rights around the world.

 

For more information, please see;

Latin America Press – Vale Wins “Worst Company” Award – 2 February 2012

Common Dreams – Unique Awards Highlight Corporate Irresponsibility – 29 January 2012

The Guardian – Public Eye Award Singles Out Mining Company Vale, Barclay – 27 January 2012

Reuters – Davos Elite’s Largesse Fails to Appease Critics – 27 January 2012

Anti-Gay Bill Reintroduced in Ugandan Parliament

By Zach Waksman
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda – A bill that would impose the death penalty for “repeat offenders” of homosexual acts was introduced to Parliament in Uganda on Tuesday.  The proposed statute, previously introduced in 2009 and shelved last May, drew widespread criticism from international human rights groups and would criminalize other acts of behavior involving homosexuality.

Gay rights activists call for the repeal of Uganda's ban on homosexual behavior, which would be punished by lifetime imprisonment if the proposed bill passes Parliament. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

MP David Bahati, leader of the ruling party, reintroduced the bill, but said that the language referring to the death penalty would be removed, in favor of lifetime imprisonment.  That sentence would apply to anyone caught engaging in homosexual acts for the second time as well as for gay sex where one partner is a minor or has HIV.  If passed, it would also have the effect of making the mere discussion of homosexuality or knowingly renting property to a homosexuality a crime.  The first reading in Parliament reportedly drew applause within the chamber.

Uganda is a conservative country that has already banned homosexual behavior, making it one of more than 80 nations to do so.  According to a press release from the Uganda Media Centre (UMC), “the main provisions of this bill were designed to stem the issue of defilement and rape which in the minds of [Ugandans] is a more pressing and urgent matter that needs to be addressed.”  Despite the UMC’s claim, the bill’s reintroduction quickly drew scorn from world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, who called it “odious.”

Amnesty International, a leading human rights organization, was quick to condemn the bill and encouraged the Parliament to reject it in its entirety so as not to “legislate hate.  “

“It’s alarming and disappointing that Uganda’s Parliament will once again consider the Anti-Homosexuality Bill,” said Michelle Kagari, Deputy Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International.  “If passed, it would represent a grave assault on the human rights of all Ugandans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Though hailed within Parliament, others in Uganda were less than enthusiastic about the bill’s reintroduction.  On Friday, James Tumusiime wrote an editorial urging citizens to fight it in The Observer, making reference to recent incidents in Malawi and India, where groups of people attempted to impose their own culture by interfering with other people’s rights to live as they saw fit.

“Bahati’s bill makes it imperative to speak out now because once it is enacted, an article like this might be interpreted as ‘promoting homosexuality,’ an offence under the proposed law,” he explained.

Similarly, Pepe Julian Onziema, a gay rights activist with Sexual Minorities Uganda, considered the bill dangerous for promoting homophobia.  She told the BBC World News that the country is already facing increased reports of harassment based on sexual orientation.

“Being in jail in Uganda is as good as the death penalty,” she said.  “What I’m worried about most is not even the police coming to arrest me, it’s my neighbour attacking me – it’s the motorbike cyclist [taxi] refusing to take me to a destination. I’ll be killed before I reached my destination.”

In response to these concerns, the UMC said that the government does not back the bill.

“What many of these critics fail to convey is the bill itself was introduced by a back bencher.  It does not form part of the government’s legislative programme and it does not enjoy the support of the Prime Minister or the Cabinet,” the press release said.  “However as Uganda is a constitutional democracy, it is appropriate that if a private members bill is presented to parliament it be debated.”

The bill’s likelihood of passage is unknown.  While anti-homosexuality might be strong, the parliamentary contingent that favors it is small, but vocal.  The ramifications, however are much greater.  It might be a small, but significant step toward a less tolerant country. Tumusime feared the worst.

“[Bahati] may not realise it, but his bill is driving Uganda down the path of bigotry and intolerance. If the MPs legislate against homosexuality today, what will stop them legislating about mini-skirts, leggings, nose pins or G-strings tomorrow?” he asked.

For more information, please see:

The Observer — Today It’s Homo-sexuality, tomorrow it is G-Strings — 10 February 2012

BBC — Uganda Anti-Gay Bill “Not Backed by Government” — 09 February 2012

Al Jazeera — Uganda Anti-Gay Bill Back in Parliament — 08 February 2012

Uganda Media Center — Response to International Criticism of Debate on Anti-Homosexual Bill — 08 February 2012

Amnesty International — Uganda: Anti-Homosexuality Bill “a Grave Assault on Human Rights” — 07 February 2012

Cuba Denies Activist Blogger Exit from the Country… Again

By Brittney Hodnik
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

HAVANA, Cuba – Cuban blogger, Yoani Sanchez continues her fight to share information freely throughout her country.  Her “Generation Y” blog has been up and running since 2007 which criticizes the majority in Cuba and promotes more freedom for her people.  Last week, Cuba retaliated against Sanchez’s expression and did not allow her to leave the country to speak at a conference in Brazil.

Yoani Sanchez has now been denied exit from Cuba 19 times. (Image courtesy of Amnesy International)

According to Amnesty International, Cuba’s migration authorities denied the activist an exit permit – a white card – for the 19th time in four years.  Usually, no reason is given for this denial.  Javier Zuniga, Special Advisor to Amnesty International is quoted as saying, “The Cuban government’s repeated denial of exit permits to critics like Yoani Sanchez can only be seen as retaliation for the expression of their legitimate political views and activism.”

Brazil was showing a special screening of a documentary on freedom of expression in Cuba and Honduras and wanted Sanchez to speak at the event.  Brazil had already issued Sanchez a visa to enter the country according to the Havana Times.  Her peaceful protest tactics were highlighted and commended in the documentary.

Sanchez is kept under strict surveillance by Cuban State Security but has never been charged with any crime, as reported by the Havana Times.  Fidel Castro previously called her the leader of a group of “special envoys of neo-colonialism, sent to undermine” the Castro brothers’ rule, according to Financial Times.

Sanchez tweeted about her understandable frustration after being denied exit for the 19th time.  According to Amnesty International she said, “I feel like a hostage kidnapped by someone who won’t listen or give explanations.  If all this effort helps to shine a light on the migratory absurdity we Cubans are trapped in, then it was worth it.”  She has over 200,000 followers on Twitter, mostly Cubans who find hope in her words.

The country has recently recognized her on EcuRed – Cuba’s equivalent of a Wikipedia page, according to the Associated Foreign Press.  She is described on the website as a “cybermercenary,” and she is praised for accepting “other prizes and recognition from openly counter-revolutionary and far-right groups,” according to the EcuRed entry.

As reported by the Financial Times, Sanchez said, “I never want to become bitter.  I tweet, I blog, I write.  I wake happier than most.  Every day is a new scenario.”  Anyone can follow her blog by clicking here.

For more information, please visit:

Associated Foreign Press — Cuban ‘Wikipedia’ Includes Entry for Dissident Blogger — 8 Feb. 2012

Financial Times — Cuban Blogger Riles with Her Weapon of Words — 7 Feb. 2012

Amnesty International — Cuban Blogger Blocked From Travelling to Film Premiere in Brazil — 6 Feb. 2012

Havana Times — Yoani Sanchez Grounded as Castro Flies — 3 Feb. 2012

Another Tibetan Self-Immolation Amid Tensions in China

By: Jessica Ties
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BEIJING, China – Another Tibetan protester has set himself ablaze in protest of China’s rule over a Tibetan region in the Sichuan province of China.

Scheduled Tibetan protests and recent self-immolations have led to increased security in China (Photo Courtesy of Free Tibet Now).

The most recent occurrence adds to the wave of self-immolation being used to express resistance to the role the Chinese government is playing in the Tibetan region.

Since March 2009 twenty-one Tibetans, a majority of which were monks, have self-immolated causing the Chinese government to crackdown on monasteries.

Although the individual has not been identified, witnesses have reported that he appeared to be a monk and was shouting slogans before being carried away by the soldiers and the police. Two other monks were also detained and have yet to be identified.

Reports have indicated that three other self-immolations occurred just five days ago in the same province in which at least six Tibetan protesters were killed and sixty injured.

Security in China has been extremely tight in preparation of the planned prayers and protests of Tibetans across the world who intend to bring attention to and show respect for those who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan effort.

According to Lobsang Sangay, the leader of the exile government, Chinese security forces have been seen moving toward Tibet in the past few days in preparation for the Tibetan New Year on February 22 and the March anniversary of a failed uprising that occurred in 1959 and resulted in the exile of the Dalai Lama.

India-based monk, Kanyag Tsering, told Radio Free Asia that “[t]he Tibetans in Tibet are aware of the exile Tibetans’ global solidarity protest today, and as a result there was a massive security presence in Ngaba. During the daytime, almost no Tibetans were seen in the street.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Hei, has warned that “the Chinese government will resolutely crack down on any attempt to incite violence or to disrupt national unity and integrity.”

Following the protests links to telephone and internet communication have been cut in certain tumultuous regions and foreign journalists, such as CNN, have been shut out.

In addition, Tibet’s official newspaper has warned that leaders who do not maintain stability would be fired and as part of a “thankfulness education” campaign, Tibetans are required to hang the portraits of Chinese leaders in their homes.

Urges by the United States for China to allow independent observers into the restive areas have gone ignored and the authorities in China’s northern and western provinces have indicated that they will recruit 8,000 police officers to deploy in all villages for added security.


For more information, please see:

The Australian – Beijing Warning on Tibet Vigils – 9 February 2012

ABC News – Exile Prime Minister Decries Chinese Rule in Tibet – 8 February 2012

Radio Free Asia – New Self-Immolation Amid Tensions – 8 February 2012

Wall Street Journal – Tibetans Burning – 8 February 2012

CNN – CNN Crew Detained Amid Chinese Tibet Crackdown – 30 January 2012

Alleged BBC Persian Journalists Arrested in Iran

By Carolyn Abdenour
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

TEHRAN, Iran – On Monday, 6 February, Iranian security forces detained several freelance reporters for possible connections with the British Broadcast Corporation’s (“BBC”) Persian service.  Iran has banned affiliation with the BBC in the country.

In June 2009, supporters of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hold signs against the British media.

BBC stated “no BBC Persian staff members or stringers [were] working inside Iran.”  It added, “We strongly condemn any actions against the families and acquaintances of BBC Persian staff.”  BBC also accused Iranian authorities of intimidating and bullying its Persian service staff last week.

The semi-official Mehr news agency reported the arrests of “a number of people deceived by the lie-spreading BBC Persian network.”   The unnamed “knowledgeable source” said BBC had “the mission of gathering news and information, producing content in various formats, recruiting, training and preparing for the departure of Iran’s elite media workers from the country.”  The source claims the arrested journalists “received huge amounts of money from the company.”

The source added Iran’s judiciary department will issue a verdict once the charges, including committing several security crimes, are finalized.  Lastly, the source reminded journalists that “any kind of co-operation with the BBC Persian channel is illegal and will be prosecuted.”

Although the BBC’s Farsi-language service remains outlawed in Iran, illegal satellite receivers transmit the program.  The Iranian government alleges the BBC encourages unrest within the country by broadcasting “anti-revolutionary programs.”  Tehran has also accused the BBC of hosting Iranian dissidents and serving as a cover for British intelligence.

BBC’s Director General Mark Thompson reported Iranian officials are using “disturbing new tactics” in conjunction with intimidation to target the media.  Iranian authorities arrested the sister of a staff member and held her on unspecified charges in solitary confinement at Tehran’s Evin Prison before releasing her.  Thompson added, several staff members’ Facebook accounts were hacked and subjected to a “consistent stream of false and slanderous accusations…ranging from allegations of serious sexual assault, drug trafficking, and criminal financial behavior.”

Iranian official also arrested six film-makers in September for collaborating with BBC Persian.  The BBC countered the allegations by stating the film-makers were independent, and the BBC simply bought the documentaries’ broadcast rights.  Authorities released two of these film-makers in October.

Human Rights Watch (“HRW”) correlates the media harassment with Iran’s parliamentary elections next month.

The BBC spokesperson said “These latest reports appear to confirm our recent statements and should be of deep concern to all those who believe in a free and independent media.”

For further information, please see:

BBC – Iran ‘Detains Alleged BBC Persian Journalists’ – 7 Feb 2012

CBS News – Iran Arrests Several on Links to BBC Farsi Service – 7 Feb 2012

CNN – BBC Accuses Iran of Intimidating Journalists – 7 Feb 2012

Sydney Morning Herald – BBC Freeland Reporters Arrested in Iran – 7 Feb 2012