Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission http://www.atsic.gov.au/   The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) is the peak representative indigenous agency in Australia. ATSIC is a Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for policy development and program design for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and administers many programs. ATSIC also strives to provide an effective voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and peoples. ATSIC works to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations; and to protect, promote and pursue Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collective rights. ATSIC's vision is of "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities freely exercising our legal, economic, social, cultural and political rights".   Through ATSIC, indigenous representatives have for the first time been given real authority in the process of government decision-making affecting their lives. Every three years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people around Australia elect representatives to sit on 35 Regional Councils and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. ATSIC is still an evolving organisation, coming to grips with the developing and complex relationships between elected indigenous representatives, an administration staffed by public servants, indigenous service-delivery organisations and governments at all levels. Nevertheless, it is now well-established as a forceful and independent indigenous voice in policy formulation, program design and service delivery.   Amnesty International http://www.amnesty.org/   The object of Amnesty International is to contribute to the observance throughout the world of human rights as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Amnesty International is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. In pursuance of this object, and recognizing the obligation on each person to extend to others rights and freedoms equal to his or her own.   Amnesty International promotes awareness of and adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally recognized human rights instruments, the values enshrined in them, and the indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights and freedoms. Amnesty International opposes grave violations of the rights of every person freely to hold and to express his or her convictions and to be free from discrimination and of the right of every person to physical and mental integrity, and, in particular, to oppose by all appropriate means irrespective of political considerations; the imprisonment, detention or other physical restrictions imposed on any person by reason of his or her political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs or by reason of his or her ethnic origin, sex, colour, language, national or social origin, economic status, birth or other status, provided that he or she has not used or advocated violence ('prisoners of conscience'). Amnesty International works towards the release of and provides assistance to prisoners of conscience. Amnesty International continues to oppose the detention of any political prisoner without fair trial within a reasonable time or any trial procedures relating to such prisoners that do not conform to internationally recognized norms. Amnesty International is against the death penalty, the torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of prisoners or other detained or restricted persons, whether or not the persons affected have used or advocated violence; the extrajudicial execution of persons whether or not imprisoned, detained or restricted, and "disappearances", whether or not the persons affected have used or advocated violence.   Amnesty International has around a million members and supporters in 162 countries and territories. Activities range from public demonstrations to letter-writing, from human rights education to fundraising concerts, from individual appeals on a particular case to global campaigns on a particular issue. Amnesty International was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1977. Amnesty International is impartial and independent of any government, political persuasion or religious creed. Amnesty International is financed largely by subscriptions and donations from its worldwide membership.   Anti-Slavery International http://www.antislavery.org   Anti-Slavery International (ASI) promotes the eradication of slavery and slavery-like practices, and freedom for everyone who is subjected to them. The abuses which ASI opposes include: slavery and the buying and selling of people as objects; trafficking of women and the predicament of migrant workers who are trapped into servitude; debt bondage and other traditions which force people into low status work; forced labour; forced prostitution; abusive forms of child labour; and early or forced marriage and other forms of servile marriage. ASI focuses on the rights of people who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation of their labour, notably women, children, migrant workers and indigenous peoples.   ASI pursues its objectives by collecting information about these abuses, bringing them to the attention of the public and promoting public action to end them. ASI identifies ways in which these abuses can be brought to an end, and influences policy-makers in governments or other institutions at national and international level to take action accordingly. ASI supports victims of the abuses in their struggle for freedom, in particular by working with organisations they establish and other organisations campaigning on their behalf. ASI is a research and campaigning organisation working for the elimination of all forms of slavery and slavery-like practice, working to raise public awareness of abuses. A charity, founded 1839, its initial aims were to ensure that Britain's laws against slavery were enforced, and then to work towards the abolition of slavery throughout the world. It has a consultative status at the UN.   back to index   CARE International http://www.care.org/ http://www.careaustralia.com.au/   CARE's reason for being is to affirm the dignity and worth of individuals and families in some of the poorest communities of the world. We seek to relieve human suffering, to provide economic opportunity, to build sustained capacity for self-help, and to affirm the ties of human beings everywhere. We are committed to pursuing our mission with excellence because the people whom we serve - beneficiaries and donors - deserve nothing less. CARE is one of the world's largest international development and relief organizations. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, CARE enabled Americans to send 100 million CARE Packages to survivors of the conflict in Europe and Asia. In the 1960s, CARE helped train the first Peace Corps volunteers in Latin America and became a leader in self-help development and food aid. Today, CARE International reaches 24 million people in 62 developing and emerging nations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. More than 90 percent of CARE's expenses go toward program activities; less than 10 percent goes toward overhead. CARE is supported through the generosity of more than 400,000 American individuals and some 500 U.S. corporations and foundations. In addition, supporters in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe contribute through CARE International, a confederation of agencies from 10 nations. This private support helps CARE obtain funding and donated food commodities from governments and international organizations.   In the years ahead, CARE promises to work tirelessly and frugally to help families and communities affirm their dignity and worth and meet these essential needs - basic education for children; economic and social empowerment for women; economic opportunities that provide sufficient income to meet basic needs; a stable supply of food that meets basic nutritional needs; readily available clean water; basic health care, including universal immunization of children against major diseases; access to family planning services; a safe and sustainable environment; and a role in the decisions that affect their families, communities and nations.   Food and Agriculture Organization http://www.fao.org/   The Food and Agriculture Organization was founded in October 1945 with a mandate to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations. Today, FAO is the largest autonomous agency within the United Nations system with 175 Member Nations plus the EC (Member Organization) and more than 1500 professional staff. FAO-assisted projects attract more than $3000 million per year from donor agencies and governments for investment in agricultural and rural development projects. Since its inception, FAO has worked to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition and the pursuit of food security - the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. The Organization offers direct development assistance, collects, analyses and disseminates information, provides policy and planning advice to governments and acts as an international forum for debate on food and agriculture issues.   FAO is active in land and water development, plant and animal production, forestry, fisheries, economic and social policy, investment, nutrition, food standards and commodities and trade. It also plays a major role in dealing with food and agricultural emergencies. A specific priority of the Organization is encouraging sustainable agriculture and rural development, a long-term strategy for the conservation and management of natural resources. It aims to meet the needs of both present and future generations through programmes that do not degrade the environment and are technically appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable.   Friends of the Earth http://www.foe.co.uk/   Friends of the Earth is the largest international network of environmental groups in the world, represented in 52 countries. Largely funded by our supporters, over 80% of our income comes from individual donations, the rest from special fundraising events, grants and trading. Friends of the Earth Trust is a charity which commissions detailed research, provides extensive information and educational materials. Over the years we have won many battles with government and industry - achieving bans on ozone-destroying CFCs, reduced trade in rainforest timber, increased support for cleaner energy technologies, and much, much more.   We are effective: our campaigns get politicians and industry to take action - through persuasive argument, lobbying and use of the law when necessary. We are authoritative: our pioneering research is widely used by governments, commerce, the media and other environmental organizations. We inform: we publish a broad range of information to help everyone find out and take action on environmental problems that affect them. We are independent: we work with all political parties, but are aligned to none. We innovate at all levels: from our participation in Friends of the Earth International to the work carried out by over 250 local groups, we are uniquely placed to mobilize public opinion and campaign successfully - locally, nationally and internationally.   Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/   "Glaciers are melting. Forests are retreating. We are changing the seasons. We are running out of fish in the sea. We are poisoning our children with persistent organic pollutants and accumulating waste. And as carbon emissions increase, we find ourselves running out of sky. Distinguished delegates, the measure of success or failure in your efforts to save the world will not be words. The sole measure of your success will be the actions your words become." (Address by Thilo Bode, Executive Director, Greenpeace International, to the Special Session of the UN General Assembly, June 1997).   'Business as usual' is no longer an option. The use of renewable resources including land, forest, fresh water, coastal areas, fisheries and urban air is beyond their natural regeneration capacity. Our fragile earth deserves effective programmes and commitments which safeguard its future. It needs solutions, not excuses. It demands actions, not words.   Greenpeace today adheres to the same principle that led 12 people to sail a small boat into the US atomic test zone off Amchitka in Alaska in 1971 - that determined individuals can alter the actions and purposes of even the most powerful by 'bearing witness', that is, by drawing attention to an abuse of the environment through their unwavering presence at the scene, whatever the risk. Greenpeace is concerned only to protect the environment. It allies itself with no political party and takes no political stance. Greenpeace is independent of the influence - financial or otherwise - of any government, group or individual. Greenpeace embraces the principle of non-violence, rejecting attacks on either people or property. Greenpeace is a closely-knit network of national and regional offices, co-ordinated from the headquarters in Amsterdam. More than 1,330 people currently staff 43 offices in 30 countries. These, in turn, are financed almost entirely by small contributions from 5 million supporters in 158 countries, and by sales of merchandise. Greenpeace International uses the funds to publish campaign material and reports highlighting such issues as how developing countries are being exploited by illegal trade in toxic waste from the industrialized world. These reports are used by campaigners worldwide, and are sent to the media, politicians, other NGOs and interested members of the public.   back to index   Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission http://www.hreoc.gov.au/   The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission administers Australian federal legislation in the area of human rights, anti-discrimination, social justice and privacy. This includes complaint handling, public inquiries, policy development and education and training. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 established the Commission. The Act provides for the Commission's administration and gives it responsibility for observing seven international instruments ratified by Australia. The Act also empowers the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner to report on and promote the human rights of Indigenous Australians. The Commission is also responsible for administering the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Privacy Act 1988.   Links with unions, industry and non-government organisations have strengthened the quality of policy development and advice to Government and Parliament and the effectiveness of Commission educational programs. The Commission also liaises internationally with governments and organisations to keep abreast of international developments and to ensure Australia is meeting its obligations under international instruments to which it is committed, such as United Nations treaties, conventions and declarations. It participates in forums of national human rights institutions and co-operates with those institutions in human rights initiatives and education, including staff training.   Human Rights Watch http://www.hrw.org/   Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all.   As we contemplate the work of Human Rights Watch over the past year, we are struck by how pivotal a moment it is for the human rights movement. We now have the first opportunity since the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials to build an international system of justice for the most culpable human rights offenders, but this opportunity risks being squandered unless the major powers are willing to arrest those indicted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The growth of the global economy promises new prosperity, but it leaves Western governments hesitant to promote human rights for fear of jeopardizing their trade and investment opportunities, and it confronts multinational corporations with novel questions about human rights practices in their overseas operations.   International Commission of Jurists http://www.icj.org/   The International Commission of Jurists is a non-governmental organisation which works to promote the rule of Law and the legal protection of human rights throughout the world. The ICJ consists of up to 45 jurists who are representative of the different legal systems of the world. It has national sections in over 50 countries. The ICJ carries out research, holds seminars and international conferences of jurists, undertakes missions to various countries, and publishes reports on what it regards as breaches of legal and human rights in countries around the world.   The mission of the ICJ is to promote the understanding and observance of the Rule of Law throughout the world. The Rule of Law is defined as - The principles, institutions and procedures, not always identical, but broadly similar, that arise from the experience and traditions of lawyers from different countries of the world. The Rule of Law is seen as a dynamic concept to be used to advance not only the civil and political rights of the individual, but also economic, social and cultural rights, and to promote development policies and social reforms under which communities at large may realise their full potentiality. A special focus of the ICJ is the interdependence and interrelation of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights under the Rule of Law, without which there can be no meaningful development. Through its mission of "upholding the Rule of Law and the legal protection of human rights", the ICJ has retained its unique role in the galaxy of Non Government Organisations. It is an organisation of jurists that has a legal point of view in its approach to human rights issues. It is therefore an important source of reference for governments, inter-governmental organisations - in particular the United Nations and its Office of the High Commissioner for Humans Rights - regional organisations such as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the Council of Europe and the Organisation of American States (OAS), as well as international and local NGOs.   back to index   International Committee of the Red Cross http://www.icrc.org/   The International Committee of the Red Cross acts to help all victims of war and internal violence, attempting to ensure implementation of humanitarian rules restricting armed violence. The ICRC's mission arises from the basic human desire, common to all civilizations, to lay down rules governing the use of force in war and to safeguard the dignity of the weak. The ICRC has received a mandate from the international community to help victims of war and internal violence and to promote compliance with international humanitarian law. The ICRC's activities are aimed at protecting and assisting the victims of armed conflict and internal violence so as to preserve their physical integrity and their dignity and to enable them to regain their autonomy as quickly as possible. The ICRC is independent of all governments and international organizations. Its work is prompted by the desire to promote humane conduct and is guided by empathy for the victims. The ICRC is impartial: its only criterion for action is the victims' needs. The ICRC is neutral and remains detached from all political issues related to conflict. By applying these principles strictly, the ICRC is able to act as an intermediary between the parties to armed conflict and to promote dialogue in situations of internal violence, with a view to finding solutions for matters of humanitarian concern. The ICRC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, 1917, 1944 and 1963.   Through its work, the ICRC helps to prevent the worsening of crises and even at times to resolve them. The ICRC systematically reminds all military and civilian authorities directly involved in armed conflict or internal violence of their obligations under international humanitarian law and the other humanitarian rules by which they are bound. The ICRC has the duty to remind all States of their collective obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. In all societies and cultures, the ICRC endeavours to promote international humanitarian law and the fundamental human values underlying that law.   As the founding member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the ICRC directs and co-ordinates the international work of the Movement's components in connection with armed conflict and internal violence. The ICRC gives priority to cooperation with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their Federation. It acts in consultation with all other organizations involved in humanitarian work.   International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies http://www.ifrc.org/   The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies exists to improve the situation of the world's most vulnerable people. It provides assistance without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.   The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement works to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found; to protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being, particularly in times of armed conflict and other emergencies; to work for the prevention of disease and for the promotion of health and social welfare; and to encourage voluntary service and a constant readiness to give help by members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and a universal sense of solidarity towards all those in need of its protection and assistance.   The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all people. It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement. It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.   International Confederation of Free Trade Unions http://www.icftu.org/   The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) represents 127 million Trade Union members organised in 206 national trade union centres from 141 countries and territories. The ICFTU works to harness the strength of trade unions across the globe, to promote and update adequate international strategies and policies on social rights, economic policies, international trade and employment promotion. The ICFTU opposes the gross exploitation of working people wherever it occurs; campaigns and participates in the decision-making process for the establishment of international policies and standards to stop and reverse the drift to economic, social and environmental disaster, and to promote full employment, social and economic sustainable development; and to promote the growth of trade union membership throughout the world. The ICFTU has five main areas of work - defending trade union rights; campaigning for employment and international labour standards; tackling the transnationals; promoting the growth of trade union membership; and promoting equality and gender parity.   The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is the world's institutional guardian of workers' fundamental freedoms and the ICFTU is pledged to strengthening its role in the international arena. The International Labour Organisation's Convention 87 which grants workers the right to organise themselves into trade unions, provides international recognition of trade union rights, yet almost one third of the world's countries (61 out of a total of 190) have refused to ratify it. This is a staggering number, says the ICFTU, considering that the Convention, which was adopted in 1948 is the one on which all other union rights are based. The ICFTU is concerned with projecting a strong and effective advocacy at the international level for the essential role of trade unions in bringing a social dimension to world development, and thus, changing the current pervasive climate of hostility against trade unions to one of respect and recognition of our unique role in promoting labour standards and securing the foundations of democracy worldwide.   back to index   International Labour Organization http://www.ilo.org/   The International Labour Organization is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights. It was founded in 1919 and is the only surviving major creation of the Treaty of Versailles which brought the League of Nations into being and it became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946. The ILO was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.   The ILO formulates international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights:freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment, and other standards regulating conditions across the entire spectrum of work related issues. It provides technical assistance primarily in the fields of vocational training and vocational rehabilitation; employment policy; labour administration; labour law and industrial relations; working conditions; management development; cooperatives; social security; labour statistics and occupational safety and health. It promotes the development of independent employers' and workers' organizations and provides training and advisory services to those organizations. Within the UN system, the ILO has a unique tripartite structure with workers and employers participating as equal partners with governments in the work of its governing organs.   International Peace Bureau http://www.ipb.org/   The International Peace Bureau was founded in 1892, as a result of consultations at the Universal Peace Congresses, large gatherings held annually to bring together the national peace societies that had gradually developed, mainly in Europe and North America, from the end of the Napoleonic Wars onwards. The seat of the new organisation was Berne, the capital of neutral Switzerland. Between 1901 and 1982 thirteen of IPB's officers individually received the Nobel Peace Prize, the Bureau itself was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1910.   Today the International Peace Bureau's programmes include - the promotion of nuclear disarmament; the elimination of inhumane weapons; the advocacy of peaceful resolutions to conflicts; advocacy for women and peace. All these topics are featured in their major end-of-century project, the Hague Appeal for Peace. Other issues in which we have an involvement but are less active include - the conventional arms trade and arms conversion; human rights; UN reform; war crimes and the criminal court; militarism and the environment; peace education; chemical and biological weapons; and the levels of military spending.   "IPB exists to serve the cause of peace by the promotion of General and Complete Disarmament; the non-violent solution of conflicts; and international cooperation. Members of IPB commit themselves to working together as a network; to sharing ideas, information and resources; and to the creation of joint projects." (Extract from IPB Constitution).   International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War http://www.ippnw.org/   The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War is a global federation of national physicians' organizations dedicated to safeguarding health through the prevention of war. Founded in 1980, IPPNW was an inspiration born of the Cold War. With the world divided into two militarized camps poised on the brink of nuclear war, a small group of Soviet and American doctors took a leap of faith. They put ideology aside to sound a medical warning to humanity: that nuclear war would be the final epidemic; that there would be no cure and no meaningful medical response. This message was backed by meticulous scientific research into the consequences of nuclear warfare and reached millions of people around the world. In the words of former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange, "IPPNW made medical reality a part of political reality." In its first five years, IPPNW educated the medical profession, the general public, and political leaders about the medical and environmental consequences of nuclear warfare. For this effort, which united physicians across the Cold War divide, IPPNW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.   As the Cold War came to an end, IPPNW had grown to comprise 200,000 physicians, health care workers, and concerned citizens in more than 80 countries. IPPNW, while committed to working for the abolition of nuclear weapons, works for the prevention of all wars and to promote alternatives to violence and armed conflict. War and militarism also represent a theft of resources desperately needed to secure adequate food and health care for billions of people and to ensure economic development. Accordingly, IPPNW advocates a re-ordering of global priorities that leads to a just and lasting peace. IPPNW is also aware that environmental degradation, inequitable use of the world's scarce resources, and population growth are potential sources of future conflicts. Freedom from war is a prerequisite to the global cooperation that will be needed to redress the environmental crisis. IPPNW sees opposition to war and militarism as an essential contribution to restoring and protecting the global environment. IPPNW stands for abolition of all nuclear weapons; demilitarization of the global economy and an end to the arms trade; the re-allocation of resources from military to civilian needs, especially health care and basic human necessities; sustainable, ecologically sound economic development.   back to index   Jubilee 2000 http://www.jubileeplus.org   The millennial year 2000 is the target date to bring about major debt relief for the world's poorest countries. National campaigns to accomplish this goal currently exist, for example, in countries such as England, Scotland, Canada, the Philippines, Australia, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, and the United States. All call for the cancellation of the unpayable debt burden of the world's poorest countries by the year 2000, without conditions that will further harm people living in poverty or the environment. The international scope of this movement means that advocacy efforts can be coordinated throughout the world for maximum effectiveness.   The Jubilee 2000 movement draws its inspiration from the book of Leviticus in the Hebrew Scriptures, which describes a Year of Jubilee every fifty years. In the Jubilee year, social inequalities are rectified: slaves are freed, land is returned to original owners, and debts are cancelled. Debt cancellation especially resonates with many groups concerned about greater global fairness: some of the poorest countries in the world have been struggling with a debt burden since 1982. While there is plenty of blame to go around - irresponsible creditors, corrupt borrowers - the bottom line is that governments of impoverished countries are servicing their debts by diverting their limited resources from meeting the basic needs of their people.   M?decins Sans Fronti?res http://www.msf.org/   M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organisation that provides emergency medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 80 countries. In carrying out humanitarian assistance, MSF seeks also to raise awareness of crisis situations; acts as a witness and will speak out, either in private or in public about the plight of populations in danger for whom MSF works. In doing so, MSF sets out to alleviate human suffering, to protect life and health and to restore and ensure respect for human beings and their fundamental human rights. The philosophy of MSF's action is contained in a charter.   The charter of M?decins Sans Fronti?res sets out the principles by which the organisation carries out its tasks. M?decins Sans Fronti?res offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. M?decins Sans Fronti?res observes strict neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and demands full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions. M?decins Sans Fronti?res' volunteers promise to honour their professional code of ethics and to maintain complete independence from all political, economic and religious powers. As volunteers, members are aware of the risks and dangers of the mission they undertake and have no right to compensation for themselves or their beneficiaries other than that which M?decins Sans Fronti?res is able to afford them.   Native Web Community Centre http://www.nativeweb.org/   The purpose of this community centre is to bring together all indigenous peoples on the internet by providing the tools and resources needed to communicate with each other. NativeWeb is a project of many people. Our vision touches ancient teachings and modern technology. Our purpose is to provide internet capabilities, including resources and hosting, for Earth's indigenous peoples.   In addition to a resource database, the NativeWeb community actively promotes indigenous literature and art, advocates on legal and economic issues, land claims and new ventures in self-determination. While we are expanding our community activity, including hosting Native American nation web sites, NativeWeb is not limited to "officially recognized" Peoples. Those who are not "native" by blood or by government standards may be "native" by attitude and way of life. The truth of being "native" is a matter of values and not of blood. It could not be otherwise in an increasingly mixed-blood world. Our concern is for communities rooted in indigenous life-ways. Our purpose is not to "preserve" in museum fashion, some vestige of the past, but to foster communication among people engaged in the present and looking toward a sustainable future for those yet unborn.   back to index