DevISSues volume 2, number 3, December 2000

Institute of Social Studies

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E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Volume 2, number 3, December 2000

Inside this issue: 3

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Afro-European Trade Pascal Mihyo

4

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Interview with Gerrie ter Haar

Can Coping Cope? © Jager & Krijger

CONTENTS

The impact of HIV/AIDS on rural livelihood in Southern Africa Gabriel Rugalema Coping strategies have for many years been central to the analysis of household responses to disasters, including famine, drought, disease and crisis.

More recently the concept has been revived to analyse the impact of HIV/AIDS. 6

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economic landscape, can we still talk about coping?

48th Dies Natalis Address

7

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Biodiversity in Brazil Susana Camargo Vieira

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Building a New Kosovo Isabella Fombo

It is sometimes helpful to stand back

HIV/AIDS has given the concept a

of children, cropping patterns, live-

to question the usefulness of the con-

from a subject and try to pull together

‘new lease of life’ in the sense that it

stock production, labour allocation,

cept of coping strategies. My reserva-

the various strands of knowledge that

has been widely used to analyse the

access to productive assets, and

tion hinges on a number of points.

have accumulated about it. This is my

impact of the disease on households.

consumption of goods and services.

First, the term ‘coping strategies’ is

purpose in analysing the impact of

I would like here to look at the evi-

Numerous studies have used the

concerned with analysis of success

AIDS on rural livelihood, particularly

dence to determine whether people’s

concept of coping strategies to show

rather than failure. To say that house-

agricultural production. Given that

response to HIV/AIDS can be ex-

the effects of HIV/AIDS-induced adult

holds are coping implies they are

agriculture is, and will remain, the

plained in terms of coping strategies

morbidity and mortality on rural house-

managing well or perhaps managing

mainstay of many African economies,

or, more accurately, as a failure to

holds. Many borrow Michael Watts’

to persevere. My results show, how-

analysing the effect of ill health on the

cope.

analytical framework developed to

ever, that adult mortality often results

agricultural sector is certainly a critical

study famine survival strategies of

in household dissolution. Since

area of policy.

‘Coping’ with HIV/AIDS

rural households. (1) Watts’ approach

coping strategies are about the long-

at household level

presupposes that households adopt a

term viability of the household, this

Coping strategies as a concept to

Undoubtedly, HIV/AIDS has had signi-

conscious strategy to cope with cri-

clearly represents a failure to cope. In

explain household response to disas-

ficant adverse effects on parameters

ses. The question is, how suitable or

addition, my evidence suggests that

ters gained currency in the 1970s/

such as household demographic

useful is the framework?

households do not have carefully

80s, when famine threatened and

composition, labour, and income.

claimed hundreds of thousands – if

These in turn have knock-on effects

A recent study on AIDS and the crisis

not millions – of lives. The advent of

on ability to produce food, schooling

of rural livelihood in Tanzania led me

8

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Child Soldiers Vicks Quin-Harkin

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University Communication Matty Klatter

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But when a disaster brings fundamental change in the agro-ecological social and

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New Masters of Law Programme

planned strategies, especially to cope with novel disasters such as AIDS. continued on page 11

Majoritarian Tyranny in a World of Minorities Inaugural address - Professor Mohamed Salih On 21 September, Mohamed Salih was inaugurated as Professor of Politics of Development at the ISS. In his inaugural address, Professor Salih questioned the viability of conventional politics of development to articulate minority interests. He argued for an alternative politics of development that treats minority

As an institute for advanced international education and

questions and majoritarian tyranny not just as by-products of the democratic nation-state, but as part of it.

Below is an abridged version of Professor Salih’s address.

research, the ISS generates, Despite the political upheavals, con-

Defining minority has always been a

Kosovo, Chechnya, West Africa, East

There are, of course, cases of domi-

flicts, war and genocide generated by

contentious issue. Many nations have

Timor. In Europe, the neo-Nazi assault

nant minorities, such as the Tutsi in

unequal and unjust minority-dominant

perceived a binding definition either

on asylum seekers, immigrants and

Burundi, the Sunni Arabs in Iraq and

majority relations, minority studies did

as an infringement of their sovereignty

minority groups has cost scores of

the Jews in Israel. These remind us

human aspects of economic

not begin to gain in analytical and

or a potential instrument to be used

lives in the first nine months of the

that minorities are not the passive

and social change, with a focus

political significance until the late

by minority groups to challenge their

new millennium.

recipients of majority oppression, nor

1970s. In the international arena, it

authority.

took the United Nations almost 44

This issue was still not solved when

Minorities are diverse - socially, eco-

Nevertheless, on the whole, history

years after the adoption of the UN

the Declaration was enacted in 1992.

nomically, politically and in their capa-

has so far shown that there are more

Declaration on Human Rights to

Since then, the world has suffered

city to access power and resources.

oppressed than oppressive minorities

adopt the Declaration on the Rights of

several setbacks in minority-dominant

Despite this, the world of minorities is

in the world.

Persons Belonging to Ethnic,

majority relations: the Rwanda geno-

one of unequal treatment, injustice,

Religious, and Linguistic Minorities.

cide, the mayhem in Bosnia and

marginality and struggle for survival.

accumulates and transfers knowledge and know-how on

on development and transition.

The ISS is a leading centre in this field.

immune from oppressing others.

continued on page 10

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ISSues © Jager & Krijger

The Future of International Education From the Executive Board Dutch development cooperation dates back to 1949, when US President Harry Truman called on the developed world to make ‘the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas’.

In response, the United Nations set up an ‘Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance’.

The Netherlands contributed 1.5 million guilders to the new programme, about a third of ISS Rector Hans Opschoor and Prof. H. Voorma, Rector of Utrecht University, sign the declaration of intent

which was for education in the Netherlands.

Fellowships and training immediately became

governance arrangements that would have to

under much scrutiny, after initially having been

how important it is for them to have studied in

crucial elements in Dutch technical coopera-

be established. Moreover, much energy was

given strong emphasis. The World Bank has

an environment providing such opportunities

tion, and were further developed by a working

devoted to exploring potential substantive joint

only recently rediscovered the benefits of hig-

for cultural interaction. And emerging policy

party led by Professor De Vries, later to be-

ventures.

her education, in the new ‘knowledge econo-

orientations seem to favour areas in which the

my’ that comes with globalization. At the

ISS has established expertise: governance,

come the first rector of the ISS. In 1952, Nuffic was created, and shortly afterwards, the ISS.

The upshot of all these negotiations is that the

national level, international education was ori-

social policies, democracy, human rights,

Since then a diverse bouquet of International

ISS is to retain Utrecht University as its budget

ginally the channel through which over 30% of

sustainable development. So I am far from

Education institutes has developed in the

holder, while also continuing its de facto

Dutch development assistance passed. That is

being without hope about the prospects for

Netherlands delivering diploma courses,

cooperative teaching and research arrange-

now closer to 3%. Higher education was still

international education in the broad fields in

Masters degrees and PhDs.

ments with Leiden, Amsterdam and

labelled an instrument of development policy

which the Institute is specialized.

Wageningen. On 6 November, Utrecht

as late as the early 90s, but there was in-

These institutes have recently been confronted

University and the ISS signed a declaration of

creasing hesitation as the decade wore on.

These then are two of the different winds of

with important new developments, two of

intent, allowing the ISS autonomy in terms of

Although the Dutch government made it clear

change that started blowing our way a few

which I would like to refer to here. To begin

its scientific activities and management. The

that it did not intend to cut funds for interna-

years ago. Since some of these winds are rat-

with, the Dutch Minister of Education announ-

arrangement is intended to become operation-

tional education and despite the fact that the

her variable in direction we must sail on, taking

ced last year that he wished to see the five

al in the course of 2002. The ISS will then ope-

overall budget for development cooperation

that uncertainty into account as best as we

institutes for International Education offering

rate from a slightly different position from that

continued to rise as a result of recent econo-

can. Sometimes that exposes us to unforeseen

degree programmes integrate within the uni-

of its first 50 years: well-established within the

mic growth, the budget for international

showers, as you can imagine if you have ever

versity system. He also called for an inter-

University system, with a set of strong part-

education has not changed. So in real terms

set foot on a ship. We have managed to repo-

mediary arrangement between the institutes

ners, but slightly more at a distance from the

it has gone down – and it still seems to be

sition our sails to accommodate some of these

and the Ministry of Education in the form of

Ministry of Education, whilst retaining our

deep-frozen. In the long run we can hope that

winds – bearing in mind the ultimate objectives

budget-holding arrangements with particular

development-oriented mission.

changes in multilateral approaches to inter-

of development oriented international educa-

national education will result in a revival of

tion by institutions in OECD countries. As you

financial support.

can imagine, the ISS and the other institutes

universities. This was meant to better the position of the institutes in the increasingly

The benefits of higher education

competitive international market for the edu-

rediscovered

cational services they offer.

The second source of change relevant to inter-

Meanwhile, we have to wait and see what a re-

we do not expect to get bored in the time to

The ISS has been in touch with four universi-

national education is the evolution of develop-

thinking of the policy framework for develop-

come.

ties, three of which showed interested in such

ment politics internationally and, particularly, in

ment cooperation in general, and for interna-

an arrangement with the Institute. Much of the

the Netherlands. The role of education in the

tional education in particular, will imply. Time

first half of this year was spent on detailed

development process has never really been

and again we hear from our students how

explorations of our potential partners’ interna-

challenged, but that has not always been true

much what is offered here complements what

tionalization strategies and their views on the

of higher education. Not so long ago it was

they are taught in their countries of origin, and

have had very few dull moments lately – and

Hans Opschoor, ISS Rector

International Conference on the Future of Albania and South Eastern Europe On Thursday 9 November, the Centre for

The conference was opened by the Prime Minister of Albania, Ilir

Netherlands Association for International Affairs, Professor Alfred van

the Study of Transition and Development

Meta. The country’s foreign minister also gave a speech on ‘Albania

Staden, Director of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations

and the Albanians in the Context of the Stability Pact for South

‘Clingendael’, and Gerrit Valk, Labour member of the Lower House of

(CESTRAD) and the Albanian Embassy,

Eastern Europe’. Mr Meta was in the Netherlands for an official visit,

Dutch parliament.

together with the Institute for

the first state visit of an Albanian head of government.

The main themes of the conference were:

Contemporary Studies in Tirana, organi-

• 10 years of transition in Albania and the Balkans: dilemmas During the conference, academics, politicians and policy-makers

for political and economic change

zed an international conference entitled

debated the complex transition process and the prospects for peace,

• the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe

‘The First Decade and After - Albania’s

security and democracy in South Eastern Europe. The speakers inclu-

• ‘debalkanization’: the prospects for peace, security and democracy

ded Professor Gene Ruli, President of the Institute for Contemporary

• economic recovery and development

Studies in Tirana and former Albanian Minister of Finance, Professor

• the role of the media.

Joris Voorhoeve, member of the Council of State and President of the

The conference proceedings can be ordered from cestrad@iss./nl

Democratic Transition and Consolidation in the Context of South Eastern Europe’.

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ISSues © Jager & Krijger

The Disappearing Frontiers of African-European Trade Paschal B. Mihyo The Uruguay Round agreements signed in Marrakech in 1994, which integrated Africa into the system of world trade, effectively killed off the Lomé Convention. The Convention, originally intended to regulate fair trade between the European Union and the former colonies of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, is now little more than a development assistance agreement. African countries, with no alternative to fall back on, are becoming increasingly isolated and must present a united front if they are ever to become active players in the new global economy.

From Berlin to Lomé and Marrakech

One of these was that the Lomé Convention

Towards Marrakech

Only France, Portugal and the UK had played a

The history of Africa’s trade with Europe can be

did not establish a firm free-trade bloc. The

In the absence of a mutual free-trade agree-

prolonged role in the colonization of the majori-

divided into four main epochs. The first dates

partnership was based on unilateral free access

ment, and with relations based more on aid

ty of ACP countries. For the other EU countries

back several centuries to the era of triangular

to the European market, which was agreed in

than trade, the ACP countries gradually

there had to be some economic gain in the

trade between Africa, the Americas and

the Convention but was never institutionalized

became redundant in the trade policies of the

relationship. Such gains were minimal.

Europe. Africa exported slaves to the Americas.

in terms of specific commitments on preferen-

EEC/EU. At the start of the Uruguay negotia-

In addition there was a conflict of perceptions

This unpaid labour was used to produce raw

ces. In the meantime the Commonwealth mem-

tions, they were already at the bottom of the list

and agenda. Most ACP countries wanted spe-

materials that were exported to Europe and hel-

bers of the ACP refused to negotiate even a

of Europe’s preferred trade partners. The North

cial treatment, project support, trade stability,

ped to support the industrial revolution. The

limited number of preferences with the EEC,

American market was the first priority and

etc., while the EEC/EU seemed right from the

products of that revolution were exported to

seeking to continue the cooperation on the

provided a mutually beneficial market for trade

start to have wanted a free trade arrangement

Africa and other markets and exchanged for

basis of colonial guilt. This made it unclear to

and investments. Nearer to home and with

based on reciprocity. When this failed to mate-

labour and raw materials.

the European nations what they stood to gain

reliable infrastructure, functioning communi-

rialize they began viewing it as a development

The second epoch was that of colonial domina-

from the cooperation in the long run.

cation systems, abundant and cheap labour

assistance arrangement with some elements

tion that followed the abolition of the slave

and raw materials, Eastern Europe was also

of trade. This eroded the trade objectives and

trade. The 1884 Berlin Conference, which parti-

The second element that affected Lomé’s effec-

opening up. The Mediterranean provided an

restored the ‘colonial’ relationship.

tioned Africa into colonies of the major

tiveness is that it was conceived as a form of

array of established markets in Southern

European powers, marked the beginning of

development assistance rather than a trade

Europe, and emerging markets in North Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has been on a path of

formal and institutionalized trade. The third

arrangement. This was because the ACP coun-

and the Middle East. The economic reforms in

continuous loss in this prolonged relationship

phase was launched in 1975 when the Lomé

tries insisted on the EU countries granting them

Latin America were advancing rapidly and

with Europe. From Berlin in 1884 to Marrakech

Convention was signed between the EEC and

unilateral preferences within the context of their

producing results in terms of investment and

in 1994, Africa’s trade with Europe has been

former European colonies in Africa, the

disadvantaged position. They kept on pushing

commercial opportunities. The pace of political

shrinking in volume and the gains diminishing in

Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). The

for special and differential treatment under

change and policy reforms in most ACP coun-

quantum. While some countries are cushioned

Convention established a framework for

GATT rather than building a system of mutual

tries remained slow and unstable. Financial

by other trade arrangements, such as CARI-

cooperation in trade, investment and technical

preferences under Lomé.

markets and savings remained limited, the size

COM in the Caribbean, sub-Saharan African

assistance.

This was further undermined by the excessive

of the market small and highly fragmented and

countries are still very much on their own.

Lomé was the first step in Africa’s integration

focus on aid packages, which were built into

rates of return low. By 1994 the EU was also

Bilateral agreements with the EU, such as the

into a broader framework that went beyond the

the arrangement to support stability in commo-

looking further than the ACP into East and

recent free-trade agreement with South Africa,

traditional bonds between individual countries

dity prices and income earnings from traditional

South East Asia. The EU had become more

are isolating them even more. Unless African

and their colonizers. The most recent phase is

exports from the ACP countries to the EU. The

preoccupied with conflict prevention, democra-

countries realize that to become players in

that of the Uruguay Round agreements signed

commodity price support mechanisms (Stabex,

tization and the promotion of human rights in

the new global economy they need to form a

in Marrakech in 1994.

Compex and Sysmin) also encountered great

the ACP countries, especially in Africa. After

single, huge, dynamic market, they will continue

difficulties. The procedure for claiming benefits

Marrakech the future of trade relations between

their retreat into further obscurity. They will

What did Lomé achieve?

was lengthy, the system was bureaucratic and

ACP countries and the EU would no longer be

remain of interest to other trade blocs as testing

The Lomé Convention was hailed as a turning

very few countries managed to access the

what they used to be.

grounds for development theories, especially

point in international relations and as a model

funds. Where they were granted, the funds

for the new economic order. Twenty years later

were used to cushion countries from declining

Assessing the losses and gains

it was clear that it had not achieved as much as

incomes rather than to promote productivity or

The failure of the Lomé Convention to effective-

was hoped. During the whole period, the ACP

innovation. Poverty increased in spite of aid,

ly assail poverty and promote growth cannot be

Pascal B. Mihyo is Senior Lecturer in Labour

countries had received an annual average of

and trade did not grow as the ACP countries

blamed only on one partner. The ACP countries

Studies at the ISS.

60% of the EEC’s development aid. In spite of

continued to rely on traditional exports, rigid

made a mistake by pegging the relationship to

He can be contacted at mihyo@iss.nl

this significant contribution, the arrangement

fixed quotas and unpredictable commodity

colonial ties and expecting Europe to continue

was dogged with problems right from the start.

agreements.

paying for past colonial domination.

on democracy, governance, poverty, conflict management and the impact of conditionalities.

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A Conversation with a Scholar of Religion © Jager & Krijger

Interview with Gerrie ter Haar

On 13 April, Dr Gerrie ter Haar gave her Inaugural Address as External Professor of Religion, Human Rights and Social Change at the ISS. In her address, entitled ‘Rats, Cockroaches and People Like Us’, Dr Ter Haar pointed out that concepts of human rights tend to be secular and called for more attention to be paid the ‘human’ side of the equation. In doing so, she emphasized the need to give more thought to the role played by religion, which for most people in the world provides the spiritual context within which they interact with their fellow human beings.

René Bekius spoke to Dr Ter Haar about her new appointment and about her work in general.

Congratulations on your appointment

individual people and cultures; we

good. This is a misunderstanding.

an essential part of people’s humani-

can be used to harm others; so they

as External Professor in Religion,

should listen to what people have to

Religion is just one of many resour-

ty, you have to take account of that

are exiled from the community or

Human Rights and Social Change.

say in other parts of the world when

ces people have at their disposal to

fact. You can’t just ignore it.

may even be killed. There are people

Why religion in the singular and not

we are talking about human rights.

make their lives more liveable. Like

A third starting point is that many

who advocate the prosecution of

in the plural?

This is also why I am concerned with

many things in the world it has the

people living in traditional societies

alleged witches in court, including

the ‘other side’ of the composite term

capacity both to build and to destroy.

have never heard of a concept such

some Westerners, who support the

Thank you. Well, as a scholar of

human rights. We are always talking

It is one of the tasks of my Chair to

as ‘human rights’. This is one of my

idea out of a misplaced sense of

religion I view religion as a social

about ‘rights’, but we also have to

see if religion can be used for the

main lines of research for the future -

respect for other cultures. Part of the

phenomenon, looking at the way it

look at the ‘human’ element, at what

promotion and protection of human

to find out what ordinary people, at

problem is that NGOs do not link

manifests itself in different societies,

people think about humanity and

rights. Not because religion is good

basic community level, think about

witchcraft problems to human rights.

in different cultures, in different tradi-

social relations, which for many in-

in itself, but because it is a good idea

human rights. Of course, there is no

We are trying to introduce this aspect

tions and at different points of time.

clude both the visible and the non-

to mobilize and exploit all our resour-

point in going up to them and asking

into the final report on the project. We

I do not take the position of a theolo-

visible world. This is where we touch

ces for that purpose. Religious

them about ‘human rights’. But you

are also making a number of policy

gian, or of a believer. My task is to

on religion. Religious and spiritual

leaders throughout the world are

can ask them other questions, about

recommendations, notably regarding

describe, to analyse and to make

ideas are very important to the majo-

using religion today to help build a

what they consider important in their

the importance of working with local

recommendations.

rity of people in the world. In the

culture of human rights. Last

lives, what sort of things they value,

communities, since witchcraft accu-

West, and particularly in the

December, for example, I was in

how they think they can promote a

sations are normally an indication of

In your inaugural address you say that

Netherlands - the most secularized

Cape Town for the Parliament of the

good life for themselves and their

disrupted relationships.

‘sensitivity to cultural diversity is a

country in Western Europe - it is

World’s Religions, which was atten-

neighbours, etc. What does it mean

precondition for the successful incul-

difficult for us to understand that the

ded by religious leaders from all

to be human, are there any people

Another important aspect, of course,

turation of human rights’. Do you

spiritual world is a real part of many

kinds of spiritual backgrounds, a very

that they do not consider to be

also from the point of view of the

think that it is possible to bridge the

people’s lives, which can impact on

inclusive gathering. Unfortunately,

human, and what sort of people are

founders of my Chair, is the students

gap between cultures?

how they live and which they can

there are also those who use their

these? These are all things one can

here at the Institute. Many come from

reach in such a way as to improve

positions to do the opposite and

discuss. I’m currently setting up a

societies where religion is an impor-

I think that sensitivity to cultural diver-

their lives. If you define religion as a

exclude certain religions or groups,

small research network with col-

tant dimension of life, something

sity is extremely important, if you

form of communication between the

and sometimes to fight and destroy

leagues working in the study of

which is not explicitly addressed at

want the concept of human rights to

physical and the spiritual, ‘traditional’

them.

religion at African universities. We are

the Institute. The Chair is providing

be accepted in various traditions and

belief systems are as much religions

all very excited, because this kind of

an optional course on religion,

cultures. In my inaugural address I

as the so-called world religions, such

What are your main points of depar-

research is never done.

human rights and social change,

commented on the widely-held view

as Christianity or Islam. But they are

ture in your research into religion and

that every culture is unique and

based on oral traditions, with no

human rights?

should perhaps not conform to

dogma or sacred texts, and claim no

Western conceptions of human

monopoly on the truth. Here lies a

rights. This view is grounded in con-

particular field of interest of mine as a

cern about the cultural superiority of the West, which is understandable

which we hope will give students an Let me give you an example. I have

opportunity to look at the type of

just returned from South Africa,

questions I have been talking about.

My first point of departure is that

where I’m involved in one of the

The essence of the study of religion

everyone – including religious people

SANPAD (South Africa-Netherlands

is to look through different eyes.

scholar of religion. There are plenty of

– is responsible for the protection

Programme on Alternatives in

Students in the Dutch universities

people studying the major religions,

and promotion of human rights.

Development - ed) projects. It is rela-

where I have worked often come

and legitimate, but I don’t think it is

but I believe that far too few scholars

Secondly, I believe that every human

ted to the problem of witchcraft

from rather sheltered backgrounds

the answer. Of course there are diffe-

study the beliefs of people who either

being has certain conceptions about

accusations in South Africa, where

and are afraid that they might lose

rences between cultures, it would be

do not adhere to a literate religion or

the nature of humanity and the rights

there have been frequent killings of

their faith through such an approach.

insulting to deny it. Some observers

for whom traditional religion is a

and duties that derive from that sta-

suspected witches. My concern is

I convince them that in the end they

claim that those differences cannot

natural, self-evident part of their life.

tus. So the humanity comes first and

not that people believe in witchcraft,

will have a better understanding of

then the rights, and not the other way

but the consequences attached to

themselves, which will help and not

be bridged. I don’t believe that. I believe that, on the basis of our sha-

How do you see the role of religion in

around. In many cultures, ideas and

that. There is a widespread belief in

hamper them in their relations with

red humanity, there is something that

the many conflicts around the world?

perceptions about humanity are

many African countries that witch-

other believers.

enables us to cross that bridge.

determined by people’s religious

craft exists as a form of evil that can

That’s why I argue that we should be

People here often have an idea of

world views. If, as in some societies,

manifest itself in a person. ‘Witches’

You are taking a group of students to

sensitive to the specific concerns of

religion as something noble and

the spiritual dimension is considered

are believed to possess a power that

visit the Bijlmer district of

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ISSues

Amsterdam. Could you tell us somet-

city council is now pulling down the

experience this. In some cases, there

upbringing and always had an inte-

scholar of religion, want to try and

hing about your research on the

blocks and the communities have

may be people here from their own

rest in religion. And I have always

break.

Ghanaian community in the Bijlmer?

no place to go. The authorities like

countries and they don’t know how

been interested in Africa. So I wanted

talking about the social importance

they live and how religion contributes

to study religion and I had to make a

The full text of Dr Gerrie ter Haar’s

Well, the Bijlmer is, of course, the

of these religious communities but

to their life as immigrants. I strongly

choice. And religion in Africa is a vast

Inaugural Address ‘Rats,

immigrant community in the

ignore them when it suits them. In the

believe that this whole issue of inter-

subject. Hardly anybody was, and still

Cockroaches and People Like Us’ is

Netherlands. The Ghanaians are par-

end, people like myself go to the

national migration and migrant com-

is, studying this here, with the excep-

available from the ISS.

ticularly interesting because they are

newspapers, who listen because they

munities is important for an institute

tion of some anthropologists and

the largest immigrant group from sub-

want the story. The authorities then

like the ISS.

missiologists. And the situation is very

The External Chair in Religion, Human

Saharan Africa in Europe. In the

respond, but it is damage limitation.

much the same for other oral tradi-

Rights and Social Change was esta-

Bijlmer, they have lively religious com-

This coming weekend, I am indeed

Why did you choose to specialise in

tions – American Indians, aborigines,

blished by a foundation formed jointly

munities, centred around ‘car park

taking a group of students to the

religion, and in traditional religions in

etc. If people don’t read or write, we

by the development organizations

churches’ under the high-rise tower

Bijlmer to visit the various religious

particular? Was it a conscious choice

don’t see them. And if we don’t see

Cordaid, ICCO and the World

blocks.

communities, to see how and under

or coincidence?

them we don’t hear them. And if we

Conference on Religion and Peace

I have done research into this and

what conditions they worship. I think

don’t hear them, we don’t listen. It’s a

(WCRP).

published a book on it. Amsterdam

it is important for the students to

A little of both I think. I had a religious

History of Religions: Origins and Visions

vicious circle. And it’s one that I, as a

Staff News Congratulations

IAHR congress

Staff News

Riet van Eynsbergen was promoted to Periodicals Librarian (per 01.07.2000)

Bas de Gaay Fortman has been given a zero appointment as

Professor of Political Economy of Human Rights, at the Faculty of

In August, Gerrie ter Haar attended the five-yearly congress of the

Law, University of Utrecht (per 01.09.2000)

International Association for the History of Religions in Durban, South Africa.

Max Spoor has accepted his nomination for the APC membership.

The IAHR is a worldwide body of national societies for the study of religion

Welcome new staff

which was founded in Amsterdam in 1950. Whereas in the past scholars from

(per 15.11.2000)

Europe and North America have dominated the Association, this gathering

(per 01.01.2001)

proved a true World Congress, with scholars from all parts of the globe.

(per 01.01.2001)

Linda van de Pol was promoted to Library Assistant (per 15.09.2000)

Marianne van Dieren, Admission Officer in the Students Office M. Murshed, Associate Professor of Development Economics

Christine Sylvester, Professor of Women Studies and Development R. Tangri, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Development Management (per 01.01.2001)

The theme of the Congress, ‘History of Religions: Origins

It was no surprise that the religious traditions of Africa –

and Visions’, was itself an expression of a global aware-

both old and new – were prominent in the programme

Staff leaving

ness. Sudanese scholar Abdullahi An-Na’im – a recent

and drew much attention. There was also ample opportu-

Trudy Creutzburg-Boon, Senior Administrative Assistant

visitor to the ISS – questioned the divide between a reli-

nity for discussions on specific religious traditions, such

(per 01.12.2000)

gious and secular worldview in matters of human rights.

as Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, as well as on indige-

New contact address: PvdA fractie, Tweede Kamer: 070- 3182750

He explicitly rejected the supposition that an objective

nous religions and new religious movements. There were

Gary Debus, Head Publication Office (per 01.12.2000)

search for scholarly knowledge precludes the pursuit of

panels specifically to discuss gender issues or matters of

Jos Mooij, Senior Lecturer in Agricultural and Rural Development

social goals. In his paper entitled ‘Human rights, religion

methodology, or to focus on particular regions. The con-

(per 31.12.2000).

and secularism: does it have to be a choice?’, he challen-

ference was not only about religion but also about many

New contact address: Centre for Economic and Social Studies,

ged the very possibility of value-free scholarship. So too

other issues pertaining to the study of religion, including

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India; email:josmooij@hotmail.com

did Madhu Kishwar from India who delivered an address

diaspora, identity, media, violence, ethics, human rights,

on the religious views of Hindu women. Her speech ‘Allies

nature, music and dance, to mention just a few.

IAHR congress or adversaries?’ focused on the power of female moral exemplars.

Gerrie ter Haar is Deputy Secretary General of the IAHR

Varia Visiting Professor Dr S.P. Subedi has been appointed Professor of International Law at Middlesex University, London

and Programme Director for the next IAHR Congress,

The large number of non-Western scholars made a real

to be held in Tokyo in 2005. She can be contacted at

difference to the Congress. The various panels and

terhaar@iss.nl

workshops discussed issues from a new perspective. A

good example is the issue of witchcraft, already referred to during the opening session by the South African

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Smangaliso Mkhatshwa.

The Minister said that witchcraft was a ‘very contentious issue’ and a matter of great concern. During a day-long

Work by

symposium, participants were impressed with the first-

Silvio Montoya

hand research on the social effects of witchcraft accusa-

in the main hall of

tions in many African countries.

the ISS

5

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ISSues © J. Admiraal

ISS 48th Dies Natalis address

The Impact of the Asian Economic Crisis on Work and Welfare in Village Java This year’s ISS Dies Natalis address was delivered at the Institute by Professor Jan Breman on 12 October 2000. The background to Professor Breman’s lecture was the economic crisis which hit East and Southeast Asia in 1997-98. The causes of the crisis have been the subject of fierce debate and are well-documented. The address focused, however, on how the crisis affected employment and wellbeing in two villages in rural Java.

Referring to a wide variety of com-

of opportunities at home than to a

ting the situation, the poorest were

fairly representative. He called for

economic and political power to dis-

mentators on the crisis and on the

revival of demand in the cities.

reduced to basic survival strategies.

further anthropological research of

trict level. It might provide a new

In the face of this reality, the state

this nature to provide more evidence

opportunity for bottom-up reformasi,

basis of his own fieldwork in the two villages, Breman debunked many of

For the poorest groups, the crisis

and international donors used over-

on the real, structural nature of

but it could also legitimize the closed

the more optimistic analyses of the

meant living from hand-to-mouth.

optimistic claims of coping mecha-

poverty in Indonesia.

shop practices of local wheeler-

impact of the crisis on people’s every-

Migrant workers, sacked on the spot

nisms and absorption capacity in

day lives. He argued not only that

from their jobs in the cities, returned

rural Java to justify their failure to pro-

As far as solutions are concerned,

Breman concluded, the floating mass

policy-makers have underplayed

to the villages. Superfluous in the first

vide adequate social safety nets. The

Breman believes that the answer lies

is still floating. It will take a long time

the extent to which poverty has in-

place, they were unable to find

aid that was provided was painfully

in a genuine bottom-up reformasi

to build up the reform movement that

creased because of the crisis, but

employment. The normal safety nets

inefficient and ineffective.

strategy to tackle poverty, with active

is needed to articulate the interests of

that poverty levels were much higher

of family and friends failed because

community participation. He refuted

the majority of underprivileged and

than was officially acknowledged

these people were invariably poor,

Professor Breman recognized that

claims that the passing of the New

marginalized segments of the popu-

before the crisis even started. He

too. Breman also discovered that the

the conditions in the two villages he

Order has brought politics back into

lation in rural Java.

also countered claims that the worst

much vaunted communitarian ethos

studied cannot be applied to the

lives of normal people. Politics in

of the crisis is over. Returning to the

in the villages was largely a myth,

varied patchwork of ecological, cul-

local communities are still very much

Jan Breman is Professor of Develop-

two villages in August 2000 he found

with little solidarity between the poor

tural-historic and socioeconomic

a concern of the elite. Much will

ment Sociology at the ISS and at the

that, although migrant workers were

and not so poor and a rising inciden-

configurations that make up Java as

depend on the concrete shape given

University of Amsterdam. He can be

indeed once again travelling in search

ce of theft and other forms of crime.

a whole. He does believe, however,

to the central government’s current

contacted at breman@iss.nl

of work, this was more due to a lack

With rocketing food prices exacerba-

that his findings can be considered

agenda of devolution of executive,

Agenda

International Conference Agenda 5-7 April

dealers. When all is said and done,

2001

International Grants

Kennan Institute Short-term Grants Program 2001-2002

6th auDes International Conference on Environmental Science Education and

Grants (up to one month’s duration) offered to scholars whose research in the social sciences

related labour market • Environmental Science Dept. of the University of Venice (Italy)

or humanities focuses on the former Soviet Union, and who demonstrate a particular need to

Calle Larga S. Marta, 2137, I-3-123 Venezia, Italy • Fax: + 39-041-25 78 584 • Information:

utilize the library, archival and other specialized resources of the Washington DC area.

audes6@unive.it • Abstracts from developing countries are welcomed.

Academic participants must either possess a doctoral degree or be doctoral candidates who have nearly completed their dissertations. Applicants are required to submit a concise descrip-

9-12 April

tion (700-800 words) of their research project, a curriculum vitae and two letters of recommen-

50th Conference of the British Sociological Association

dation. Applications should be clearly printed without staples.

Dept. of Sociology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom

Contact: Jennifer Giglio via email: giglioje@wwic.si.edu • Or fax: 202- 691-4247

Information: colette.fagan@man.ac.uk or http://les1.man.ac.uk/sociology/bsa.htm

Projects 4-5 May

Project Harmony’s Program for Internet Community Development in the Caucasus

7th Annual Central and Inner Asia Seminar (CIAS), University of Toronto

This project was founded in March 1985. There are 17 representative offices in the US, Russia,

Call for papers not later than 31 January 2001 • Contact: Prof. Michael Gervers / gervers@utoronto.ca

Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The four main areas are professional development, educational projects, internet technology, and community development

11-12 May 16th Annual Middle East History and Theory Conference, Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the

email: ph@projectharmony.org

University of Chicago, 5828 S University Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA

New Research Institutes

Submit one page and a curriculum vitae by March 1, 2001 • Email: iebinbas@midway.uchicago.edu

Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination serves as a centre for research, teaching and publication on issues concerned with self-deter-

16 May

mination around the world • For more information: http://www.princeton.edu/ Siteware/ Web

Third UNU/INTECH-CERES WP3 Conference on Innovation, Learning and Technological Dynamism

Announce. Princeton_Headlines.shtml#1

of Developing Countries • Call for papers 9-10 July CFP Nationality & Citizenship in Post-Communist Europe, Paris • Fondation Nationale des Sciences Politiques • Call for papers: 200-500 word abstract + one paragraph curriculum vitae by email Conference site: Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris • 27, rue de Saint Guillaume, 75007 Paris, France • Contact: nationalismes.paris2001@sciences-po.fr

6

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ISSues The Sustainable Use of Brazilian Biodiversity

An Appeal to our Readers

Susana Camargo Vieira

From the Editors

International cooperation along the lines laid out in Agenda 21, involving all actors in society, is crucial in developing sustainable use strategies for the natural resources of developing countries. But getting governments, companies and NGOs to work together is no easy task. When one of the world’s largest sources of biodiversity is at stake, the hurdles are even greater. ISS alumna Susana Camargo Vieira looks at Brazil, and

In the first four numbers of Development ISSues, we have tried to cover topics in the field of the development studies which are of interest to a broad readership.

So far, however, much of the input to Development ISSues has come from ISS staff. To achieve a better balance

concludes that it is time for all the actors to do their homework.

between ‘internal’ and ‘external’ input, the Editors and the Editorial

In June 2000 the Brazilian media was kept very

Federal Government has introduced a provi-

by their own chiefs. It is important to define the

Board would like to encourage

busy discussing a contract between a new

sional measure regulating access to biodiversi-

best model of organization to achieve the desi-

more contributions from outside

‘Social Organization’, Bioamazonia, and the

ty, which will require Congress approval to

red results. Government alone cannot do this,

the immediate ISS environment.

Swiss-based multinational Novartis AG, invol-

become permanent.

but neither can NGOs, especially grassroots

ving the export of large quantities of live genetic

organizations. The Social Organizations have an

We would therefore like to encourage

material from Amazonia. Social Organizations

Biodiversity crucial in Brazil

important role to play here. National and inter-

our readers to send us articles on

have been set up in Brazil to add accountability

Brazil is one of five countries deemed crucial for

national cooperation, involving all actors in

specific projects, research outcomes,

and transparency to NGOs’ less bureaucratic

world biosecurity, given the importance of its

society as established in Agenda 21, becomes

forthcoming research and seminars,

and more entrepreneurial features. They can

biodiversity. Biopiracy is a reality which is con-

crucial.

lectures, teaching or other activities

contract with government to perform specific

stantly being brought to our attention, and

activities, subject to performance evaluation,

much biodiversity has already been lost due to

This is why overcoming the problems posed

We would also be pleased to receive

and their Boards of Directors must have a given

the lack of up-to-date legislation regulating

by the Bioamazonia-Novartis contract is so

your reactions to articles that have

number of government-appointed members.

access. The total scale of Brazilian biodiversity

important and should be used to acquire

Bioamazonia was created along these lines in

is unknown, but it is estimated by the Ministry

experience. By improving the dialogue between

1998.

for the Environment at over two million different

Bioamazonia, the Ministry for the Environment

Novartis and Bioamazonia undertook to jointly

species of plants, animals and micro-orga-

and Congress, correcting possible imperfec-

research Amazonian biodiversity for possible

nisms. That is 22% of the world’s flora, 10% of

tions, enacting modern and efficient legislation

industrial uses for a period of three years. This

amphibians and mammals, and 17% of all

and, above all, facilitating societal control and

involved sending the materials to Switzerland.

birds. The Ministry also provides data that con-

involvement with the sustainable use of our bio-

During the first year, up to 10,000 micro-orga-

firms the importance of biodiversity in Brazil. It

diversity, we may be setting new trends for the

nisms (bacteria and fungi) were to be collected,

makes a significant contribution to GNP (agro-

sustainable use of Brazilian biodiversity. And

isolated and identified, then their extracts sub-

industry 40%, forestry 4%, fisheries 1%). The

with full national sovereignty over our natural

mitted to chromatographic analyses in order to

products of Brazilian biodiversity (especially

resources.

international debate on development.

identify potentially active substances. Any

coffee, soybeans and oranges) account for

potential industrial uses would be deposited

31% of Brazilian exports. Forestry and fishery

Susana Camargo Vieira is Associate Professor

We look forward to hearing from you.

with a Brazilian collection, in the name of

activities employ over three million people.

of International Law at the Universidade Sâo

Bioamazonia. Novartis’ investment over three

Agricultural biomass (sugar cane alcohol, fire-

Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil. She is a

The contact addresses for

years would be in the region of US$ 4 million.

wood and vegetable coal coming from native or

member of the International Law Association’s

Development ISSues are given on the

The contract was to be subject to Brazilian law

planted forests) account for 17% of national

Committees on the Legal Aspects of

back page.

and disputes settled by international arbitration.

energy production (50% in some states in the

Sustainable Development and National

north-east). And these statistics do not include

Implementation of Transnational Environmental

A copy of our Guidelines for Contribu-

The announcement of the agreement invoked

the use of plants for medicinal purposes.

Law. She can be contacted at

tors is also available from the editors.

considerable criticism, particularly from environ-

How can the risks of biopiracy and biodiversity

susana@ambras.com.br

mental activist and senator Marina Silva. She

loss be decreased, and the sustainable use and

was, however, not alone. The Ministry for the

distribution of the benefits of Brazilian biodiver-

Environment threatened to denounce all con-

sity be improved? The mere introduction of

tracts with Bioamazonia if this one were not

legislation is not sufficient, as has been proved

suspended. The Ministry said that the contract,

elsewhere. Implementation and enforcement

which had not been discussed with the Board,

strategies, as well as environmental education,

lacked transparency and could not go ahead in

are crucial. Also, especially in the case of Brazil,

the absence of legislation regulating access to

it is important to promote public awareness of

biodiversity. Although two pieces of legislation

the economic importance of our biodiversity.

which you think might be of interest.

already been placed, and your suggestions for specific topics which might be relevant for future numbers.

Your active participation will help us to achieve our aim of making Development ISSues an international platform for discussion and the exchange of views. In this way, DevISSues can make a limited but hopefully valuable contribution to the

Work by Silvio Montoya in the main hall of the ISS © Jager & Krijger

on biodiversity were at the time being discussed in Congress (one of which, submitted by

Indigenous peoples

Marina Silva, had been on the agenda since

Indigenous peoples now hold vast areas of

1995), there were no prospects of a vote in the

land, and thus a significant proportion of Brazil’s

foreseeable future.

biodiversity. They must be made more aware of

As a consequence, the Chief Executive Officer

the economic value of their knowledge, and

of Novartis was called before a Senate

receive assistance in making better use of their

Commission. The contract was suspended and

resources and defending their rights. Otherwise

is currently under discussion with the Ministry

they will continue to be exploited, by scientists

for the Environment. In the meantime, the

or businessmen from Brazil or abroad, or even

7

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ISSues

Building a New Kosovo Isabella Fombo The knocking on my door was so loud it was little wonder that my friend and I did not have a heart attack.

We both jumped to our feet at the same time and ran to the door of my apartment. On the doorstep stood two of our neighbours, Serbian women, and behind them were three other women and about seven children. Everyone seemed to be talking at the same time. The two women on the doorstep were close to tears and I could see the fear in their eyes. My friend, who understood some Serbian, quickly translated to me in English that the children of the two women, five altogether, were missing. They were last seen outside our apartment building playing with other Serbian children who live in the apartment block. But that was an hour ago.

We hurriedly followed the women

please never do this again, never.

tures were integrated into the JIAS

formulated by the IAC. Each Admini-

downstairs and out of the building

It will kill me, never’.

which consists of two bodies, the

strative Department is headed by

Kosovo Transitional Council (KTC)

one Kosova and one international

My hope and prayer is that some

where we found a group of Serbian

live animals.

men, including the fathers of the five

Later that evening as I sat in my one-

and the Interim Administrative

Co-Head who are appointed by the

day, hopefully in the not too distant

children, talking. Like the women,

bedroom apartment in perhaps the

Council (IAC). The former, which had

SRSG and who have expertise in

future, Serbian children and children

they too seemed to be talking at the

only remaining apartment block in

existed prior to the establishment of

their particular field. The SRSG has

of other ethnic communities in

same time. The KFOR soldiers of the

the whole of Pristina that houses

the JIAS, is a consultative body

appointed at least one Co-Head from

Kosovo will be able to play freely and

Irish Battalion, whose role it is to

Serbs, I wondered how long it would

which advises the Special Repre-

each of the communities in Kosovo.

together without fear.

guard the area, had been alerted and

take for the United Nations commit-

sentative of the UN Secretary-

we could see two of them appro-

ment to securing a safe environment

General (SRSG) on a variety of issues

It is a privilege for me to be a part of

Ms Isabella Fombo originates from

aching. I could not help staring, every

for all the peoples of Kosovo to

relating to the administration of

the effort to build a new Kosovo. A

Nigeria. She was at the ISS from

few seconds, at one of the women.

become a reality. I believe it will take

Kosovo. The body has been enlar-

Kosovo where there is peace and

September 1990 to June 1991 where

Her anguish was visible on her face.

many years because the wounds of

ged to reflect the pluralistic composi-

security for all and where the rights of

she graduated in ILOD and Human

She didn’t speak a word, but just

all those years of marginalization and

tion of Kosovo and now has mem-

all citizens are respected. As a lawyer

Rights (DLSJ). Ms Fombo started her

stood still as if she were in a daze.

discrimination still run deep. I still see

bers from the Albanian and Serb

in the Legal Adviser’s Office, I am

UN career with the United Nations

She was the mother of three of the

a much-divided Kosovo. The only

communities as well as the Turkish

able to play a role, albeit a very small

Compensation Commission (UNCC)

missing children. As we stood there

difference is that the tables have

and Bosniac communities. The IAC’s

one, in seeing the creation of a new

in Geneva where she worked for six

in the cold wondering what to do we

turned and it is now the Serbs who

role is to make recommendations to

Kosovo society. Together with my

years. She has spent the last year

heard a little girl shouting from two

feel that they are being marginalized

the SRSG for amendments to the

colleagues, we advise the SRSG, his

working in the Office of the Legal

blocks away. Seconds later, the five

and discriminated against.

applicable law and for new regula-

deputies and the heads of the

Adviser at the United Nations Interim

tions. The Serb National Council has

departments on various issues rela-

Administration Mission in Kosovo

children who were the cause of all the commotion were seen walking

This is not to say that progress has

recently taken up the seat reserved

ting to the administration. The Legal

(UNMIK). She can be contacted

out of the same block. The father of

not been made towards reconciling

for it on the IAC and now shares

Office has to date drafted approxi-

through Dr Karin Arts at arts@iss.nl

three of the children grabbed hold of

the people of Kosovo. Early this year,

provisional management with UNMIK

mately eighty regulations and instru-

them and whisked them up the stairs

The United Nations Interim Admini-

through participating in the Kosovo

ments of a legislative nature on issu-

to their second floor apartment

stration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Transitional Council and the

es as diverse as the applicable law in

where he gave each child a span-

established a Joint Interim Admini-

Administrative Departments.

Kosovo, the registration of habitual

king. It was almost fifteen minutes

strative Structure (JIAS), whereby

after their return before their mother

representatives of all the political

Twenty Administrative Departments

non-bank micro-finance institutions

spoke. Her first words were: ‘I

groups in Kosovo share provisional

have been established to perform the

in Kosovo, tax administration and

thought you had been kidnapped, I

administrative management with

provisional administrative tasks

procedures, appointment of interna-

thought I would never see you again,

UNMIK. All the existing local struc-

implementing the policy guidelines

tional judges and the importation of

residents of Kosovo, the licensing of

Child Soldiers

African Students Conference on Child Soldiers

Suffer the little children

Vicks Quin-Harkin

The conference, which took place on 16

Soldiers and other Dutch NGOs an oppor-

sent by quoting an African proverb: ‘When

September, was organized by the African

tunity to demonstrate the support offered

two elephants are fighting it is the grass

Students in the Netherlands, supported by

by Dutch non-governmental organizations

that suffers most’. The analogy in the pro-

and Ugandan governments agreed to release

The Hague Appeal for Peace and the

to child soldiers in Africa and elsewhere,

verb appropriately conveys the scale of the

between 6,000 and 70,000 child soldiers from

Global Coalition for Africa, and sponsored

and to assure the African participants that

problem. There are an estimated 300,000

Sudan - the mood at the recent African

by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It

this problem is receiving international

child combatants (below the age of 18),

was attended by MA and postgraduate

attention.’

both male and female, worldwide. Asia and

Buoyed up by the success of the recent UN conference in Winnipeg - where the Sudanese

Students Conference at the ISS was both

students from all over Africa studying in the

Africa account for two thirds of this total.

enthusiastic and assertive.

Netherlands, and representatives from

It is a sad but unavoidable truth that many

Combatants as young as seven years old

Throughout the conference students were

several non-governmental organizations.

parts of Africa are involved in conflicts of

have been reported in Liberia, and govern-

invited to ask questions or to make comments,

Cecilia Nilsson from the Hague Appeal for

one kind or another and that, coupled with

ments and rebel factions alike continue to

Peace thought the conference was an

this, many suffer from a poor infrastructure.

recruit children to their armies.

an opportunity which they made the most of

important step, saying that it ‘gave the

Charles Sitofe Saykyi, a Ghanain student at

Apart from the obvious dangers of getting

with eloquent and spirited debate.

Dutch Coalition against the Use of Child

the ISS, echoed the feelings of many pre-

killed or injured in battle the psychological

8

>

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ISSues

trauma to these children is intense. Emmanuel Tugabiirwe, also a

placed on finding a truly African solution to the problem.

governments and multinationals. Citing the media, spiritual

student at the ISS, said: ‘Children are emotionally and physically

As Tanue, a student from Cameroon, said: ‘Africa must take care

leaders, tribal and clan chiefs, families and society at large as a

devastated by war. Many child soldiers witness atrocities, are

of itself.’

vital part of any solution. Mike Wambi Mabonga, Chairman of the

forced to kill and are themselves killed or injured...They lose out

African Students in The Hague, pointed out the importance of a

on normal childhood - they are separated from their families;

Motivated by a screening of Sorious Samura’s moving film ‘Cry

blame-free culture when addressing this issue.

they have no chance to play or go to school.’

Freetown’, the mood at the conference shifted during the after-

The scale of the problem, with its wide range of causes as well

Joke Oranje, from the Nairobi-based NGO Watoto wa Amani

noon to one of optimism, and the focus of the discussions

as the size and diversity of Africa itself, will no doubt mean that it

(Children for Peace), reflected on the reasons for trying; ‘Because

moved towards ideas for a solution. Splitting into working groups

will take some dedicated hard work before a solution is reached.

we are responsible. They are minors. They cannot even vote,

- each working on a different issue - the participants brain-

It certainly will not be reached in one day; however, the conferen-

they do not even have citizens’ rights, and they cannot sign a

stormed ideas. Despite the apparently disparate subjects being

ce did open another door for a different future.

legal transaction. But we use them to kill.’ Joke expressed

brainstormed it soon became clear that common themes were

Closing the conference, Mike Wambi Mabonga said it was a first

Watoto Wa Amani’s commitment to involving the public by invi-

emerging. Perhaps this was, as one group pointed out, because

step. May the journey be a short one.

ting NGOs to unite to organize sports competitions, with games,

the social, economic, political and legal issues cut across each

music and theatre and a secondhand goods market to be rolled

other. Most of those present recognized a need for an integrated

For more information on child soldiers, please contact info@child-

out to different towns and cities across Holland in support of the

and broad-based solution encompassing all elements of African

soldiers.org

liberation of Child Soldiers in Uganda. Much importance was

society. Many groups went further than involving just NGOs,

Euprio Conference

Changes And Challenges In University Communication Matty Klatter, ISS External Relations In a changing and increasingly competitive environment, one of the main challenges for today’s universities - in addition to consolidating their institutional position in the field of education and research - is to redirect and implement external information and communication flows to strengthen their public image in a strategic and comprehensive way.

The knowledge-based economy is growing

only in the media, but also in the wider higher

tity (reality) and the valuation (image or reputa-

with partners, who might not necessarily bring

worldwide, resulting in an increasing demand

education system, politics, business and the

tion) of the university by the various target

revenues to the university in the short run,

for international and continuing education.

society at large.

groups or publics have to be taken into

but who are very important for developing the

In the context of the current profound changes

account. Managing the relationship between

visibility of the institution and therefore for its

in European higher education, such as the

The significance of public information is further

identity and image is an essential part of the

image or reputation, is essential for a success-

growing competition between universities (for

enhanced by the joint Declaration of Bologna

universities’ profile development.

ful approach.

recognition, for funds, for students, for public

(June 1999) by the European Ministers for hig-

attention, etc), the increasing importance of

her education on ‘an open European area for

Given the multiplicity of publics involved, it is

Universities have to make sure that their

the knowledge-based society (recurrent and

higher learning’, especially where the objective

important to identify them and the different seg-

knowledge is widely shared, whether through

part-time education), the ‘service university’

is to strengthen European cooperation in higher

ments within them (segmentation). Only by

information transfer, dissemination of research

(focused on customer-driven education and

education and to increase the international

comprehending the values, motives and influ-

results, or in public discussion on current and

services to external target groups), reorgani-

competitiveness of European universities.

ences of the different target groups can

topical issues, to increase awareness of their

appropriate marketing and communication

needs and of the services they can offer to

zation and funding (outsourcing and lobbying), European universities are increasingly redirec-

These opposing objectives – the political deci-

solutions be developed. Detailed market

society (the transfer of information between

ting their external information and communi-

sion to increase European cooperation in higher

research is needed, but identification of the uni-

universities and the world of business, culture,

cation policies to strengthen their public image.

education and the emphasis on international

versity’s target groups – and of its comparative

and society in general). That is why universities

competition – have major implications for the

advantages or ‘unique selling points’ in relation

have to engage in public dialogue and provide

Public information

way universities communicate. The complexi-

to these various target groups – combined with

external groups with suitable information on

The growing significance of public information

ties involved in the need to increase competiti-

suitable communication strategies to address

their activities, as well as and on ways in which

has been a key issue at recent annual meetings

veness have compelled European universities

each group, is of crucial importance.

academia can contribute to social, economic

of the European Universities’ Public Relations

to reposition themselves, in particular as

and Communication Officers (EUPRIO). (1)

regards their relationship with several ‘target

Total communication policy

The focus is increasingly on the impact of new

groups’ or ‘publics’ in different contexts (politi-

In a changing environment, with education and

(1) EUPRIO addresses the role of communi-

forms of organization, decision-making and

cal, economic, etc.). In this process, the image

research as competitive factors in an interna-

cation in higher education in Europe and

management structures at European universi-

of the university plays an increasingly important

tional context, public information and commu-

was founded in 1986 in Brussels on the

ties on public information policy, and the need

role. This applies not only to the image of the

nication play a strategic role. Today’s universi-

recommendation of the Commission of

to create links among the various groups and

institution as a whole, but also to that of its

ties should aim at a total communication policy:

European Communities.

fields involved. The latter includes a variety of

component parts (faculties, departments,

not only student and donor information and

networks which the university of the future has

research centres, etc.) and its products (cour-

recruiting, but also partner recruiting.

to create on several levels of interaction, not

ses, projects, etc.). In this connection, the iden-

The establishment of long-term relationships

and cultural prosperity.

Matty Klatter can be contacted at klatter@iss.nl

9

D

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues continued from page 1

Professor Mohamed Salih nation-state ensures the dominance of the

and invites more authorita-

Despite claims to the contrary, there is sufficient

nation or nations that constitute the majority.

rianism, and increasingly

evidence to show that the modern nation-state

By individualizing political participation it

develops brutal ways of using

is alive and kicking. However, many nation-

attacks the very basis of minority strength -

the state monopoly over the

states – particularly in the developing world –

the capacity to use its collective will to survive.

use of force to legitimize its

consist of a multitude of nations. In these

holding onto power.

‘virtual’ nation-states, the dominant nations

All this is very clearly relevant in the light of

assume the role of providing the symbols of

the current upsurge of democratization in deve-

In this respect, the relations-

nationhood, including a dominant language, a

loping countries. Many countries have adopted

hip between authoritarianism

dominant culture, even a dominant religion.

Westminster-style, first-past-the-post systems.

and state oppression is all too

The coexistence of nations and/or cultural com-

This tends only to consolidate the power of the

obvious. With the failure of

munities within one state constitutes a challen-

existing majority elites, resulting in minorities

the state to become an arbiter

ge to the nation-state’s capacity to be even-

being neglected. In most developing countries,

of different ethnic claims or an

handed. Conflicts occur when the state is inca-

therefore, democracy is an instrument of

engine of development, the

pable of living up to its responsibility as an arbi-

repression, enabling a politically vocal, educa-

use of force and coercion to

ter of different minority-dominant majority

ted, urban, rent-seeking and land-based elite to

secure political legitimacy

claims.

ignore the minority because it commands the

becomes a dominant feature

votes and material resources to access power

of authoritarian development.

and pursue its interests.

In response, the people’s

The challenge for today’s nation-state therefore

© D. de Jager

Minorities and the nation-state

lies in its ability to develop institutions that are

recipe for humanizing

capable not only of being even-handed but also

Minority and authoritarian development

development is to democrati-

of allowing the invisible voice to be heard and

Conventionally, authoritarian development

ze the state. Restructuring

ensure that its legitimate grievances are acted

refers to authoritarian regimes which perform

authoritarian development

upon. If it fails to heed this challenge, there is a

well in terms of economic growth, while

requires the reversal of the logic of exclusion

promotes development and vice versa. The

danger that social constructs such as state and

denying the human and other civil rights of their

and the empowerment of institutions that foster

alternative politics of development integrates

democracy serve to legitimize the tyranny of the

citizens. Implicit in this notion is that the state is

distributive justice and empower the poor to

minority concerns as part of a paradigm shift

majority.

neutral in abusing the rights of citizens regard-

access resources vital to their survival such as

that searches for commonalties while acknow-

less of religious, ethnic, political or linguistic affi-

land, water, forest.

ledging difference. Unfortunately, this paradigm

Minorities and democracy

liation. I redefine authoritarian development

True democracy is akin to true development

shift may signify a move from development to

Although minorities tend to fare better in demo-

from a minority perspective to denote state

and both should ideally be responsive to

the bare maintenance of peace and order,

cratic regimes, their position depends more on

policies that displace people from their sources

people’s needs, and particularly to the needs

including humanitarian intervention, peacekee-

the nature of the dominant nation than on

of livelihood in the name of development.

of the excluded minority.

ping and crisis management, and would do

democracy itself. To articulate this position I

little to aid the triple heritage of democratization,

introduce two notions of majoritarianism. The

Conclusion

human rights and good governance. It is in fact

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a proliferation

a homecoming, retracing the footsteps of poli-

of international conventions, declarations and

tics of development, but in a changing global

covenants with some reference to minority issu-

context.

es. It took these intentions more than three

As in the conventional politics of development,

strengthen the power of majority groups.

decades to mature and culminate in the enact-

the alternative politics of development con-

Majoritarian democracy is essentially a Western

ment of the Declaration on the Rights of

ceptualizes democracy as a process leading to

tradition, with governments being voted in by a

Persons belonging to Ethnic, Religion and

the restructuring of authoritarian development.

majority of the population according to individu-

Linguistic Minorities. This declaration cannot be

However, it would find it impossible to achieve

al preference. This brings with it the danger that

viewed in isolation from the problems inherent

this goal without democratizing development,

the majority will abuse the rights of the non-

in the three trajectories which I have tried to

thus giving voice to the minorities that have

represented minority. The concept of state neu-

explicate - the nation-state, democracy and

suffered from the excesses of authoritarian

trality is offered to counteract this threat. But

authoritarian development; and even more so

development.

first is that of majoritarian tyranny, and the second is derived from the specific nature of

By its very nature,

the developing world, where the absence of real nation-states means that democracy serves to

authoritarian development

contributes to conflict

and political oppression,

and invites insurgency.

how can the state be neutral in value-laden

as the catalogue of genocide, discrimination

issues such as power, freedom, liberty and

In the developing world development is a

and oppression of peoples belonging to ethnic,

Majoritarian Tyranny in a World of Minorities is

rights? State neutrality is a political ideology

resource in its own right and an activity which

religious and linguistic minorities shows no

not just an inquiry into the world of the exclu-

serving the interests of those who either have

various social forces try to define according to

signs of decreasing. Because of the centrality of

ded, the underprivileged and oppressed. It is a

enough not to need the state, or who wish the

their interests. As an ideology, it is also an

state, democracy and development in the

critique of civilization’s failure to harness its

state to be a ‘gatekeeper’ of their interests while

expression of the preferences of the dominant

excesses committed against minority groups,

mimetic impulses. In his response to the peri-

they exercise dominance. Valid enough in

majority, represented by a minority elite capable

the ethos inherent in these social constructs

lous case of minority-dominant majority rela-

Western societies, this criticism is even more

of using state power to advance their own

should be criticized and not idealized. Hence,

tions in India, Ghandi lamented ‘history will

relevant in most of the developing world, where

particular notion of development. This elite

minority-dominant majority questions cannot be

judge civilization and people with power by the

political parties are formed along ethnic,

invokes ‘national development’ to justify the

isolated from the wider debate on state, demo-

way they treat their minorities’.

religious, cultural or linguistic lines. The parties

eviction, displacement or impoverishment of

cracy and development.

It could be that in these real or imagined

are dominated by a paradoxically pervasive and

the poor or denial of the resources essential

limited elite which, in democratic societies, pro-

for their livelihood.

The alternative politics of development

the true nature of oppression and injustice in

motes the concentration rather than the separa-

By its very nature, authoritarian development

questions democracy’s capacity to promote

their most benign yet inhumane form.

tion of power.

contributes to conflict and political oppression,

development, social welfare, human rights and

Liberal democracy, with its basis in individual

and invites insurgency. It is an arena where the

political stability without due consideration to

The full text of ‘Majoritarian Tyranny in a World

preference, is an imported notion which denies

limitations of majoritarianism are revealed and

minority-dominant majority relations. Within this

of Minorities’ is available from the ISS.

the realities of most of the developing world,

its capacity to tame the state is in question. In

premise, there is ample evidence to challenge

Mohamed Salih can be contacted at

where collectivity counts. The democratic

other words, authoritarianism breeds violence

the convention which shows that democracy

salih@iss.nl

10

expressions of minority or majority relation lies

D

E V E L O P M E N T

© Jager & Krijger

ISSues Encounters an exhibition by Silvio Montoya Velasquez During October the ISS housed an exhibition of the work of artist Silvio Montoya Velasquez.

Sylvio Montoya was born in Colombia and is an alumnus of the ISS. Over the last 25 years in the Netherlands, he has become a innovating visual artist. His background is as eclectic as his work: theatre, multi-media, photography, social sciences and management studies.

The work of Silvio Montoya can be described as powerful and expressive, with the use of temperamental colours. His painted reliefs form a link between contemporary European and South American art. Montoya’s main sources of inspiration are the unruliness of nature and the chaos of city life. The paintings are colourful bundles of abundant abstract shapes on canvas, while the reliefs are sawn-out figures from wood, decorated with acrylic paint and constructed with metal screws. © Jager & Krijger

Silvio Montoya’s works are found in several national and foreign collections. In Colombia, he has exhibits in the Museum for Contemporary Art in Medellin.

In the Netherlands his works can be found in the town halls of the cities of Utrecht, Amsterdam and The Hague, and in the Amsterdam VU Hospital. In recent years, his work has been shown in both individual and collective exhibitions in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Sculptura ‘94 in Amsterdam, Centre de la Culture, Brussels, Centre Culturelle des Amandiers in Paris and La Biennale de la Habana in Cuba.

continued from page 1

Rugalema

They react according to the demands placed on

have implications for future generations.

other disasters in the specific way in which it

best analytical tool to analyse household and

them, and dispose of their assets depending on

Another shortcoming in the analysis of coping

affects household demography and assets.

community responses to HIV/AIDS. AIDS,

the need for cash, for example for the hospitali-

behaviour is the time span considered. The

The very fact that AIDS kills the strong and

unlike drought or famine, is changing not only

zation of a sick person. This is contrary to

assumption is that households will emerge from

leaves the weak, diminishes the capacity of

communities and demographic patterns, it is

observations in famine situations, which show

the disaster with more secure livelihoods. There

households and communities to cope, particu-

also changing agro-ecological landscapes.

households choosing to starve in order to pre-

is, however, little evidence to support this. The

larly in the long term. In other words, AIDS

It is significantly changing the livelihood mix

serve their way of life. More evidence is emer-

evidence on households afflicted by HIV/AIDS

renders households more vulnerable to future

and some of the changes, even though less

ging that even land, the most important agrarian

suggests that they are far more insecure than

shocks than say famine. Unless the fundamen-

desirable, are bound to last for quite a long

asset, may not be spared in the quest to ‘cope’

they were before the disease hit.

tal differences between HIV/AIDS and other

time. So let me end with a question. When a

with illness.

Moreover, insecurity and vulnerability emanate

disasters are factored in, adoption of the

disaster brings fundamental change in the

not only from the disposal of assets and loss of

coping frame-work to analyse the effects of

agro-ecological, social and economic land-

Decisions are often taken jointly. In some situ-

labour, but also from the systemic effects of the

the epidemic will remain problematic.

scapes can we still talk about coping?

ations, individuals (mostly men) make decisions

epidemic on communities and local economies.

on, for example, what assets to dispose of or

The social and structural effects of the epidemic

My last concern is about the policy utility of the

(1) M. Watts, Silent Violence: Food, Famine and

what kind of treatment to be sought regardless

combine to intensify livelihood insecurity in HIV-

framework of coping strategies. The term gene-

Peasantry in Northern Nigeria. Berkley,

of the cost to the rest of the household mem-

affected communities. And, more importantly,

rally implies that ‘things are fine’ or that the ‘situ-

University of California Press, 1983.

bers. In other cases, the husband and wife

this compounds the effects of structural adjust-

ation is under control.’ Policy-makers may assu-

See, for example, UNAIDS, A review of house-

consult on the best course of action, while in yet

ment programmes, drought, lack of credit, etc.

me that they need not intervene since house-

hold and community responses to the HIV/AIDS

others the wider kinship group (therapy-mana-

In the end, the success or failure of the coping

holds and communities will soon surmount the

epidemic in the rural areas of sub-Saharan

ging group) manages the resources of the

process is dependent on wider structural forces

problem. In the case of HIV/AIDS the rhetoric of

Africa. Geneva, UNAID Key Material/Best

afflicted households. This calls into question the

in society.

coping strategies has become an excuse (espe-

Practice Collection, 1999 and D. Topouzis, ‘

cially for African governments) for doing too little

The Implications of HIV/AIDS for Household

concept of ‘household coping strategies’.

Should ‘coping’ behaviour not be seen as

AIDS is fundamentally different

to alleviate the effects of the epidemic.

Food Security in Africa’.

occurring at various levels rather than just at the

HIV/AIDS differs from other disasters, such as

Communities are increasingly forced to take a

Paper presented tot ECA for ECA/FSSDD

level of the household?

famine, in that it is a long-term phenomenon

greater share of providing care for people living

Workshop, Addis Abeba, 11-13 October 1999.

That coping strategies are defined as short-term

that is difficult to predict and prepare for. The

with AIDS, while the issue of how they are to

responses obscures the cost of coping. But

earliest signal is when the victim begins to

finance this care is side-stepped.

typical household responses such as curtailing

weaken due to opportunistic infections. By then

the number and quality of meals, or withdrawing

it is perhaps too late for a household to under-

Conclusion

Wageningen Agricultural University. He can be

children from school have both short and long-

take the first stage of coping (insurance mecha-

In the light of the above, I restate my doubts

contacted at Gabriel.Rugalema@tao.tct.wao.nl

term costs. Poor nutrition, for example, can

nisms). HIV/AIDS is also distinguished from

that the framework of coping strategies is the

Gabriel Rugalema is a staff member of the Technical and Agrarian Research Group at

11

D

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ISSues Working Papers ISS WORKING PAPERS GENERAL SERIES • ISSN 0921-0210 320

A.S. Bedi and J.H. Marshall Primary School Attendance in Honduras (August 2000)

ISS Working Papers can be purchased or ordered from:

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S. George International Education and Multiculturalisms: the Harvard Foreign Student Killings in a Comparative

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A.S. Bedi and A. Cieslik Wages and Wage Growth in Poland: the Role of Foreign Direct Investment (October 2000)

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I.P. van Staveren A Conceptualization of Social Capital in Economics: Commitment and Spill-Over Effects

For a complete list of Working Papers see the ISS website.

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J. de Wit Towards Good Governance at the Local Level: the role of Grassroots Institutions (November 2000)

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322

(November 2000)

New Masters of Law Programme: International Law and Organization The ISS has announced a new

and contribution of international law

development processes.

dispute settlement and international

For further information about the

degree programme, a Masters of Law

and organization in regulating interna-

The programme is intended for law

organization. Participants will have to

programme, please visit its website:

in International Law and Organization

tional economic relations and shaping

students, academics, business

produce a Research Paper of at least

http://www.iss.nl/llm/

(LL.M), which is to start in September

processes of development. The pro-

lawyers, and staff members of govern-

15,000 words, which will allow them

or contact: LL.M Programme

2001. Applications will be considered

gramme will emphasize development

ments, NGOs and intergovernmental

to cover a specific subject in depth.

Institute of Social Studies

starting in January 2001. The pro-

issues in various branches of inter-

organizations. Courses will be taught

Teaching staff will be drawn from

P.O. Box 29776

gramme will be given jointly with the

national law and will offer students an

in English and will cover one acade-

the ranks of the ISS and the VU,

2502 LT The Hague, the Netherlands,

Vrije Universiteit (VU), Amsterdam.

opportunity to explore in depth the

mic year of 40 weeks.

and legal experts from international

tel: +31 70 426-0501

The LL.M in International Law and

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The overarching themes in the

organizations and partner universities

fax: +31 70 426-0799

Organization will focus on the role

nization on international relations and

programme are sources of law,

will be invited as guest lecturers.

e-mail: llm@iss.nl

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For more information, see the ISS web site, or email us at d&c@iss.nl. Available online at http://www.blackwellpublishers.co.uk/online

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Material from Development ISSues may be reproduced or adapted without permission,

Volume 31 September 2000

Number 4

GUY STANDING

Brave New Words: A Critique of Stiglitz’s World Bank Rethink

JEFFREY JAMES

Pro-Poor Modes of Technical Integration into the Global Economy

Development ISSues and the Institute of Social Studies. Unless otherwise stated, all photographs are by courtesy of the projects concerned.

ISSN: 1566-4821

Number 5

CEES LEEUWIS

Reconceptualizing Participation for Sustainable Rural Development: Towards a Negotiation Approach

SARAH JEWITT

Unequal Knowledges in Jharkhand, India: De-Romanticizing Women’s Agroecological Expertise

BRENDA CHALFIN

Risky Business: Economic Uncertainty, Market Reforms and Female Livelihoods in Northeast Ghana

t n e m p o l e v e e g D n a h C d n a

PHILIPPE LE BILLON The Political Ecology of Transition in Cambodia 1989-1999: War, Peace and Forest Exploitation ANJA NYGREN

Environmental Narratives on Protection and Production: Nature-based Conflicts in Rio San Juan, Nicaragua

VALENTINA MAZZUCATO The Cultural Economy of Soil and Water AND DAVID NIEMEIJER Conservation: Market Principles and Social Networks in Eastern Burkina Faso CRAIG JEFFREY AND JENS LERCHE

Stating the Difference: State, Discourse and Class Reproduction in Uttar Pradesh, India

DEBORAH POTTS

Urban Unemployment and Migrants in Africa: Evidence from Harare 1985-1994

provided it is not distributed for profit and is attributed to the original author(s),

Volume 31 November 2000

MATTHEW D. TURNER Drought, Domestic Budgeting and Wealth Distribution in Sahelian Households Reinventing Imperata: Revaluing AlangLESLEY POTTER, Alang Grasslands in Indonesia JUSTIN LEE AND KATHRYN THORBURN

DES GASPER

Anecdotes, Situations, Histories - Varieties and Uses of Cases in Thinking about Ethics and Development Practice

Fertility Decline and Worsening Gender Bias S. IRUDAYA RAJAN, in India: Is Kerala No Longer an Exception?

S. SUDHA AND P. MOHANACHANDRAN

The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute.

12

ALAKA MALWADE BASU Fertility Decline and Worsening Gender Bias in India: A Response to S. Irudaya Rajan et al.