anya.menon's blog

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I am not an expert in legal mechanisms, but I can value a system of justice that offers a fair trial by a jury of peers. Peers are likely to share backgrounds, values and understandings. A trial by peers offers a trust or at least hope of fairness. Down on my level, we have learned that people who get involved in peer support groups trust in the group and find strength in this confidence. When they have problems or complaints, it is easier to present these troubles to peers, as opposed to people higher up on the status scale.
I am not an expert on UN mechanisms, but if the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights is mandated to be a 'Jury for Complaints and Violations' (and last resort for justice for many people), then I think it fair that some of our peers should be on this committee too. Having three seats out of 21 for civil society and the affected peoples is a small step towards building trust in human rights justice between UN institutions and the the people of all nations. It would be a big step towards accountability. /Anya

Pleased to see that the recent posts about the UN ESC Rights Committee are becoming more than just words. The comments and ideas are transforming into a campaign for reform of the UN - where it goes I don't know but it's good, so good to see people taking the initiative and not just talking talking blogging blogging. I am ready for action to help this campaign advance.

BANGALORE: Nutrition, education and property rights. That's what children who are HIV positive demand from society. Better access to medical treatment and easy access to nutrition and continuation of education are among their primary demands. After a public hearing on `Child rights -- issues and entitlements of the orphan and vulnerable children affected/infected by HIV/ AIDS', Shantha Sinha, chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), said four things topped their list of demands. "A comprehensive nutrition programme is needed. Continuation of education is a problem for most because of social stigma," she said.

The Health Minister has asked the Medical Council of India to take action against doctors taking freebies from Pharma companies. Even as the Pharmaceutical Department initiative to goad pharmaceutical associations to hammer out a joint voluntary code of conduct to dissuade companies from giving freebies to the medical practitioners made no progress, the Health Ministry has asked the Medical Council of India to make the available provisions more stringent and take action against the erring doctors.

This signature campaign is excellent. It shall encourage people to think about corruption in all spheres of public health, and hopefully to act by writing or speaking about it.