Iraq is a resource-rich country, yet workers hardly earn enough to feed their families. Economic revival has been slow and sporadic, and working Iraqis are seeing little in the way of progress after the long occupation and withdrawal. Sectarian violence means that travel to work can be a risk in many cities, and indiscriminate roadside bombs continue to kill people just trying to work to maintain their families. For retirees, the situation is worse; Iraqis describe the social security system as not providing enough “to pay for the taxi to pick up the check.”

Weak Protection

Unions report that the weakness of occupational safety and health laws and measures, along with the lack of labor inspection, leaves millions of workers at risk daily, especially in industrial facilities, where most workers have little or no safety equipment. Workplace accidents cause death and injury, and workers are exposed to hazardous materials while toiling for less than $1 an hour. Yet when they protest, unions still face the wrath of the courts. Sixteen workers in the Basra refining sector who organized a protest in October 2011 demanding worker rights were fined approximately $60,000 apiece for a work stoppage that lasted 17 hours, a harsh and draconian retaliation.

Iraq has suffered from internal violence resulting from the differences between the major political factions that have heightened the instability in the country. Throughout the war and related violence and instability, union groups have demanded change, only to see their efforts spurned. The right to real collective bargaining remains prohibited for most Iraqi workers. Its importance is manifest in cases where enterprises with no trade union representation are privatized and the ability to resist massive layoffs is considerably reduced. Unions say the proposed privatization initiatives and deregulation in the major utility and transportation sectors, with major port facilities being operated by Gulf companies, threaten to leave more Iraqi workers without employment and the country dependent on foreign ownership of crucial national interest.

Unemployment 43% in Rural Areas

Underemployment, meanwhile, was 43 percent in rural areas and 21 percent in urban areas in 2011, according to the government. With nearly one-fourth of the working population jobless, this means that roughly 55 percent of the workforce was either out of work or working short-time.
Youth and rural unemployment remain huge causes of concern. More than 40 percent of Iraq’s population is younger than 15. According to a recent survey, 21 percent of females and 23 percent of males ages 15–24 are unemployed; 33 percent of youth who intend to migrate are looking for jobs. With the decline of agriculture, Iraqis are flocking to the cities, exacerbating unemployment.

Women are even more economically disadvantaged. Across the country, only 14 percent of all women are either working or actively seeking work, and of those, more than one in five is unemployed. The problem facing women workers is summed up by Shayma’a Salih, a 42-year-old salesperson in Jamela Industrial Center in Baghdad. “I had to work in this center since 2006 to cover the high living expenses for my family of six children, especially after my husband died due to a terrorist bombing in Baghdad. My husband worked in the private sector without insurance or social security, and the government had no plan to help victims of terrorism live in a dignified way. When I get sick or any emergency causes my absence from work, I do not get paid.”

Nine years on, the economy is dependent upon oil, which is not a labor-intensive industry. The government remains the largest employer, but corruption and political patronage are still major issues. Protests against corruption in management have become a frequent event over the last two years.

Nine years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, workers are still struggling in Iraq—for decent jobs, for dignity, for security, for safety, for public services they once enjoyed and for basic rights still denied them. But, they say, they will continue to call for a better environment for working people and for a better Iraq for all Iraqis.

The Frankfurt, Germany newspaper Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) reports it has seen East German files about a deal for IKEA furniture to be made in Cuban prisons. The deal was struck in September 1987, after a delegation of East Germans went to Havana for talks with the Cuban Interior Ministry. East German documents show that they also spoke with Enrique Sanchez, who headed the Cuban company Emiat – responsible for furnishing the holiday and guest homes of the Cuban political elite. The East German files say production sites were “incorporated in the prison facilities of the Interior Ministry” in Cuba.

Sofas Made by Cuban Prisoners

A contract was later signed with East Berlin-based “IKEA Trading Berlin”, the paper said, for up to 4,000 “Falkenberg” three-piece suites and then 10,000 tables for children and 35,000 dining tables, all to be made in Cuba. Problems arose in early 1988, when the first delivery of “Falkenberg” sofas was halted because of poor quality, prompting the East Germans to take another trip to Cuba to ensure production was up to IKEA quality standards. Only then, the documents show, could, “a direct shipment from Havana to Sweden be undertaken.”

The claims will increase pressure on the Swedish retail firm, which has already said this week it will look into allegations that East German prisoners were forced to make its products in the 1970s and 1980s. A spokesman told the FAZ it knew nothing about the Cuban production claims. But this was also the initial response to the East German prison labor claims – and early this week the company said it planned to examine Stasi secret service files from the time to check for evidence. “We take this matter extremely seriously,” said IKEA spokeswoman Jeanette Skjelmose on Monday. “We have requested documents from the old Stasi archive and are speaking with people who were with us at that time.” The FAZ said it was possible that political prisoners were made to build IKEA furniture in East Germany without the company knowing about it. It said many prisoners had to work for companies, without the prisoners knowing where the stuff they made was destined for, nor the firms themselves knowing who had been involved.

A file video shows the Ladies in White of Cuba being harassed and insulted by a pro-Castro, pro-Communist government mob.

(Click on photo to see video.)

Will the Cuban Coast Guard, shown in this file photo from 2009, stop intercepting those who want to leave the Communist island? News reports indicate Cuba’s government  may be  on the verge of a momentous decision that could end a half-century of travel restrictions that make it difficult to leave the Communist-run island, even for a vacation.

The year 2011 featured precarious but potentially far-reaching gains for media freedom in the Middle East and North Africa. Major steps forward were recorded in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, where longtime dictators were removed after successful popular uprisings.

While trends in these countries were not uniformly positive, with important setbacks to democratic prospects in both Egypt and Libya toward year’s end, the magnitude of the improvements—especially in Tunisia and Libya—represented major break­throughs in a region that has a long history of media control by autocratic leaders. The gains more than offset declines in several other countries in the Middle East. And even the great­est declines, in Bahrain and Syria, reflected the regimes’ alarmed and violent reac­tions to tena­cious protest move­ments,­ whose bold demands for greater freedom included calls for a more open media environment.

The improvements in the Arab world were the most significant findings of Freedom of the Press 2012: A Global Survey of Media Independence, the latest edition of an annual index published by Freedom House since 1980. The gains came on the heels of eight consecutive years of decline in the global average press freedom score, a phenomenon that has affected practically every region in the world. Three of the countries with major gains—Burma, Libya, and Tunisia—had for many years endured media environments that were among the world’s most oppressive. Both Libya and Tunisia made single-year leaps of a size practically unheard of in the 32-year history of the report. Furthermore, they were accompanied by positive changes in several key countries outside the Middle East and North Africa: Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Zambia. Other countries that registered progress include Georgia, Nepal, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

At the same time, press freedom continued to face obstacles and reversals in many parts of the world. China, which boasts the world’s most sophisticated system of media repression, stepped up its drive to control both old and new sources of news and information through arrests and censorship. Other authoritarian powers—such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela—resorted to a variety of techniques to maintain a tight grip on the media, detaining some press critics, closing down media outlets and blogs, and bringing libel or defa­mation suits against journalists.

For more, visit the Freedom House website:

http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/freedom-press-2012

When I was in China, I was a journalist. But, after four years, I decided to resign as the Chinese authorities did not allow us to report the truth. I then started to work in an NGO, doing research on social issues.

My concerns included the situation of victims of contaminated water sources, people who contracted HIV/AIDS through blood transfusion, as well as assisting vulnerable groups in defending their rights.

I was one of the more active internet activists, giving my views on public affairs, disseminating information and organizing activities.

From 2005, I was “invited for tea”, and for “chats”, kept under surveillance and periodically placed under house arrest in China.

In 2010, I distributed “Li Peng’s Diary”, a book forbidden by the authorities, and had my home raided and property confiscated by the police. With the help of international NGOs and friends, I managed to go into exile and now live in Germany.

For many bloggers in China, the most common and typical situation you face on a daily basis is all your content is suddenly deleted. In worse situations, sites will block opinions that are deemed to be “sensitive”.

http://livewire.amnesty.org/?p=5634&langswitch_lang=es&preview=true

The call comes from the Independent Trade Union Coalition of Cuba (CSIC), a group comprised of National Workers’ Confederation (CONIC), the Unitary Council of Cuban Workers
CUTC), and the Confederation of Independent Cuban Workers (CTIC).

The CSIC points out that the May Day Parade, called by the government-controlled Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC) is not going to be an opportunity for a peaceful demonstration of ordinary workers to point out the many challenges they face in Cuba’s failed economy, but, instead an event staged to benefit the Cuban Communist Party and the labor organizations it controls.

The independent coalition, in calling for the boycott, notes that Cuban workers and their families are suffering because of their country’s “lack of decent work, a high cost of living, low wages, dual currency, high taxes imposed on the self-employed, and restrictions on private enterprise.”

Here is more from the lengthy statement of the CSIC:

On this May 1st, we proclaim before Cuba and the world the need to unite the workers, in order to confront the administrative excesses compromising the principles and values ??of the historic Cuban working class whose trade union achievements paved the road for the Cuban labor movement.

During its first year of existence, the CSIC has opposed the arbitrariness of the committees of experts, which have been responsible for proposing to the government the dismissal of workers, while incongruously acknowledging the right to work, as established under Article 45 of the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba.  Article 45 defends freedom and the ethnic, social, economic, political, ideological, and cultural equality, as well as other factors benefitting the workers.

We support the implementation of Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and the Right to Organize of the International Labor Organization (ILO).  This is the only way that the working masses will gain the necessary space for independent unions and the road towards a democracy where human rights become real.

The CSIC groups workers from different sectors — laborers, intellectuals, industrial, agricultural, self-employed, seafarers, technicians, educators, scientists, administrators, professionals, artists, salaried or self-employed, and others who value the respect of human dignity.

Therefore, on this May Day, the CSIC pronounces its support for:

Saluting the Cuban working class, unselfish, long suffering, unemployed and underemployed.

Educating the unemployed to face the challenges of self-employment by instructing them on topics such as market policies, research, supply, demand and prices, among others.

Assisting with the preparation of papers for submission to the Bodies of Basic Labor Justice.

(OJLB) demanding legal action to protect workers’ legitimate rights and forcing the CTC to represent and defend them before the OJLB and the Labor Chamber of the Municipal Court.

Advocating for union autonomy, in compliance with international labor standards, particularly ILO Conventions Nos. 87/1948 (Freedom of Association and the Protection of the Right to Organize) and 98/1949 (the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining) as well as the others of which Cuba is a signatory.

Rejecting the prison sentences against those who exercise their rights under the conventions set forth and their right to establish independent unions.

Involving and training workers in the preparation and enforcement of collective bargaining agreements and the monitoring of same.

Educating workers on trade union rights to challenge corruption, larceny, pillage, the abuse of administrative power and other methods used to humiliate the working class.

Opposing all forms of repression–opposing harassment, badgering, imprisonment and the conviction of those promoting free trade unionism ideas.

Respecting the right of the self-employed to form their own unions or to choose the union of their preference, as well as respecting those who decide not to unionize.

Demanding compliance with the International Labor Standards (ILS) and ILO Conventions and international protocols contributing to the benefit of the working class.

Encouraging the private sector to help make self-employment free, creative and limitless.

Demanding the right of the self-employed to associate and create small and medium enterprises that will contribute to economic development and generate jobs.

Facing the challenges of self-employment as well as those from micro, medium and large enterprises.

Allowing space for the freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and the open exchange of ideas.

Endorsing a new Labor Code, a Labor Justice Administration Law and changes in the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba in accordance with democratic principles.

Claiming social welfare for the elderly and the physically disabled, whose income is insufficient to survive and requiring the State to protect and build shelters for them.

Fighting for decent work and fair wages to meet the needs of the working class, paid in one currency. This same currency will be used to purchase life’s basic necessities.

Recognizing the right to work stoppages and strikes, as previously agreed upon.

Demanding the official recognition of independent unions by the CTC.

Enrolling state workers and the self-employed in independent unions.

Allowing international financial assistance to enable the self-employed to create businesses, thus providing the opportunity to associate with non-governmental organizations that will assist them.

Encouraging self-employed professionals to practice within their own specialties and/or related fields.

Revising the tax system that extorts the self-employed, reducing taxes, amending them and offering affordable payment plans.

Promoting human creativity to exercise self-employment.

Permitting the association of microenterprises to enable the population to purchase affordable products.

Authorizing Cuban citizens and foreigners to invest in the diverse sectors of production.

Engaging the workers in the economic problems facing their employers.

Recognizing the true pioneers who defended the working class and rescued and consolidated the trade union goals.

Providing the right to child care centers to self-employed mothers.

Rejecting unwarranted violence, corruption, unemployment and truancy.

Respecting human dignity, which is essential to the free exercise of human rights.

Encouraging agricultural and rural workers to reclaim their lands, to demand their farming implements and to sell their products at fair prices.

Developing a labor culture that will be useful in the defense against governments’ injustices.

Repudiating the bureaucratic structures emanating from state and/or partisan interests hindering economic development.

Objecting to labor injustices and arbitrary or discriminatory disciplinary actions that violate the integrity of the working class.

Defending the purchase-sale provided it is accredited as if it were real estate and other exchanges.

Bestowing on workers the right to enjoy an extra paycheck or an end-of-year bonus, as compensation for their efforts.

Allowing foreign investors or mixed capital businesses to freely hire their labor force.

Rejecting the compliance with the resolutions approved during the VI Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) that attempt to violate the rights of the working class, and other acts against the quality of life of the Cuban workers.

We reaffirm our commitment to the values ??of democracy, the rule of law, the practices of civil society, political pluralism, respect for human values ??and freedoms guaranteed by the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, based on the principles of sovereignty, governance, democracy, equality before the law, right to freedom, stability, peace, social justice and peace.??Issued in Havana?April 23, 2012??¡FOR THE NATION, FREE TRADE UNIONISM AND A FREE CUBA!?¡LONG LIVE MAY FIRST!

María Elena Mir Marrero

General Secretary

National Workers’ Confederation

(CONIC)

Maybell Padilla Pérez

General Secretary

Unitary Council of Cuban Workers

(CUTC)

Iván Hernández Carrillo

General Secretary

Confederation of Independent Cuban Workers

(CTIC)

The representatives of power loom workers –Akbar Ali Kamboh, Babar Shafiq Randhawa, Fazal Elahi, Rana Riaz, Muhammad Aslam Malik and Asghar Ansari – were charged with attacking a factory, injuring its owners and burning it down in July 2010. These charges have been denied.

The Lahore High Court accepted an appeal against their conviction but so far no hearing date has been announced.

To keep the issue in the public eye, the Labor Party of Pakistan organized a lecture at the prestigious Lahore University of Management Sciences in April to present the details of the case to a larger audience.

The six trade unionists were not terrorists but leaders of a strike involving roughly 100,000 power loom workers who were demanding a 17 percent wage hike. There have been allegations the factory owners themselves burned the factory down.

Still, it was the workers who were arrested, supposedly for indiscriminate firing to create fear, destroying public property and kidnapping people for ransom, all acts punishable under anti-terrorism laws in Pakistan.

In an article in the Latin American Herald-Tribune, the Commission refers to 65 cases of people “sanctioned or put on trial” for political reasons, including 15 who are free on parole, most of them members of the “Group of 75” sentenced to lengthy prison terms in the spring of 2003.

According to the Commission’s estimates, in Cuba, there are between 70,000 and 80,000 people “imprisoned or subjected to other forms of mandatory internment, without including an undetermined number of people sentenced to obligatory labor without internment or restriction of freedom.”

“It is impossible to confirm that there are not other prisoners for political reasons within such a disproportionate penal population,” says the report released Wednesday in Havana.

The commission recalls that the total of political prisoners was “markedly” reduced between 2010 and 2011, after the process of releasing 127 prisoners mediated by the Cuban Catholic Church and the Spanish government.

Of that group, 115 former prisoners traveled to Spain and just 12 dissidents from the Group of 75 refused to leave the country as a condition for their release from prison.

According to the commission, that “release-in-exchange-for-exile was thoroughly traumatic … (and) the majority of the political prisoners and their relatives exiled in this way continue to go through great material difficulties and a profound and depressing uprooting.”

In particular, the commission mentions the “tragic suicide” this month in Spain of independent journalist Alberto Santiago du Bouchet.

The rights commission also says that “in contrast to what occurred in the last two years” it is documenting “a new increasing trend” of political prisoners in Cuba, and it notes that it has registered at least nine new cases since the beginning of March.

The document says that the “enormous prison population” in Cuba is “typical of totalitarian or authoritarian regimes” and the country remains “among the top places in the world per 100,000 residents in the number of people interned in prisons, work camps and other places of confinement.”

In a letter to the presidents, the Ladies in White stated:

The undersigned, on behalf of the women members of the peaceful Cuban movement known as the “Ladies in White Laura Pollan,” respectfully request that Cuba not be allowed to the Summit of the Americas.

We want to inform you that the wave of repression and harassment by the Cuban government continues against those who peacefully demand for the release of political prisoners, the respect of human rights and the establishment of a fully democratic system in our country.

Hundreds of democracy activists in the past three months have been subjected to detentions, beatings and house arrests, actions that have been denounced by organizations such as Amnesty International and the International Organization against Torture.

Thousands of human rights activists have suffered the so-called “acts of repudiation,” when neighborhood mobs convene and are helped by political police to beat dissidents, drag them through the streets, and destroy their homes.

We implore you not to allow the dictatorial regime in Havana, which has been in power for 53 years, to be re-integrated into the Summit of the Americas. A democratic government doesn’t exist in Cuba. The Cuban authorities do not respect human rights; the only freedom the government defends is the freedom of its regime to suppress the fundamental rights of its people.