------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ What's going on at Baina? --------------------------------------------- The Forum for Justice in Baina is deeply concerned about the current situation in Baina. As NGOs working among children and women in Goa, we have often drawn the attention of the authorities to the situation in Baina. Given that the situation has been steadily deteriorating, we would like to draw particular attention to some relevant issues.
Human rights of residents of Baina: We regret to note that the Government has already taken steps to isolate the sex workers using the police force, depriving them from earning their livelihood and putting them to severe hardships including starvation. In the past too we have brought to the notice of the authorities repeated instances of human rights violations in the area. Despite this, no action whatsoever has been taken. We demand that immediate action be taken to stop isolation of sex workers, and keep the people of Baina, including the sex workers, at the centre of the resolution process. We also demand full investigation into all incidents of violations of human rights.
Rehabilitation committee: We understand that the Government has constituted a Rehabilitation Committee wherein only one NGO, Desterro Eves Mahila Mandal (DEMM), has been involved. This Committee has also been formed by a non-transparent process. The inclusion of only one NGO,namely DEMM, along with the complete exclusion of other NGOs, raises doubts about the intentions behind this action. There are several organisations representing different sections working in Baina. These organisations have been actively involved in the process of addressing various issues of sex workers as well as in rehabilitating them. We demand that the Rehabilitation Committee be reconstituted keeping in mind the interests of the residents of Baina beach area, with the inclusion of member organisations of Forum for Justice in Baina, and that the terms of reference of this committee be made public.
Survey for rehabilitation: We understand that a survey for rehabilitation of residents of the Baina beach red light area in Vasco has been conducted by the same Vasco -based organisation, Desterro Eves Mahila Mandal (DEMM), with authorisation from the government. The report of this survey has even been submitted to the authorities at the CM's meeting in Baina on February 11. Extensive enquiries with residents of Baina beach area have revealed their complete ignorance about any such survey. All that some of them have knowledge about is some survey conducted by DEMM a few months ago for Mormugao Municipal Corporation, in which they did physical measurements of the dwelling-places and asked whether they have house tax receipts, ration cards etc.
At no stage has any attempt been made to collect data with any bearing on the problems and needs of the residents. This has led to an apprehension that a large number of people have been left out of this survey. We would like to place on record our strong objections to the Government relying on this non-credible survey conducted by DEMM, as the population which is supposed to be surveyed is itself unaware of any such survey.
Despite repeated enquiries, it is only a few days before the survey report was to be submitted that we have learnt of its existence. The non- transparency and secrecy in selection, implementation and reporting casts serious doubts on the intentions behind the whole exercise.
All information regarding this survey, including the process by which the organisation to conduct the survey was selected; the objectives of the survey; and the methodology of the survey, including the sample size, method of selection of sample, copy of questionnaire, details of all research methods used in the course of the survey, qualifications and expertise of persons conducting the survey, interim and final reports of the survey, etc., should be made public.
Rehabilitation package: From the various statements made by various officials that rehabilitation will be worked out, it appears that there is no concrete package for rehabilitation as yet. For the people of Baina to make informed choices, there should be a concrete package for rehabilitation placed before them. We strongly object to the partisan manner in which the consultations are being carried out by the Government, with a limited and non-representative group.
It is reported that on February 25, the CM will be meeting 10 sex workers, two brothel keepers/bar-owners etc. It is not known how this group has been selected and in what way they can be considered representative of the people of the area. It is essential that a concrete package for rehabilitation be worked out in consultation with a broad cross-section of the residents of the area and people's organisations, before any further action is taken.
Victimisation and harassment of NGOs: We condemn the systematic manner in which the authorities are trying to harass and victimise NGOs working for the human rights and dignity of the residents of Baina beach area.
There is clearly a deliberate attempt to give false legitimacy to the NGOs favoured by the authorities, while maligning, isolating and targeting certain other NGOs which have a long record of work in the area and the active support of the residents.
The authorities have been harassing and intimidating certain NGOs working in Baina, and verbally demanding various kinds of information from them, without following any proper procedures and without stating under what authority or law they are asking for this information.
These verbal requests have also been made along with all kinds of unwarranted threats about action that would be taken in case of non-compliance with these demands. We see these as a deliberate attempt to harass and intimidate certain NGOs which have been working in the area since a long time, and are genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people.
A few days ago, the Project Coordinator of Arz was called to the office of the SP (South) and verbally "advised" by him to leave the state, failing which he would be arrested. When he attempted to explain to the SP what work Arz was doing in the area, he was cut short.
We condemn these high-handed attempts to browbeat and intimidate which have over the years demonstrated their commitment to the welfare of the people and their firm opposition to exploitative practices.
We are shocked that the authorities are resorting to such actions, instead of involving these organisations in addressing the concerns and problems of the people of the area. Such harassment and intimidation of NGOs goes against all norms of democracy, fairness and justice, and does real damage to the interests of the people. We demand such harassment stop forthwith.
We seek the following: * Maintain status quo ante, stop isolation of the sex workers and avoid any further action till the issue is fully resolved, keeping the people of Baina, including the sex workers, at the centre of the resolution process.
* Reconstitute the Rehabilitation Committee to include NGOs and people's organisations working among sex workers in Baina, at the centre of the rehabilitation process.n Conduct a proper, transparent survey involving all NGOs to assess their rehabilitation needs,
* Spell out the rehabilitation package, and discuss and finalise the same with the NGOs and residents before implementing any decision, and,
* Stop the intimidation and harassment of NGOs working in the area. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Forum for Justice in Baina is an alliance of organisations and individuals concerned with issues affecting the rights and human dignity of the residents of Baina beach red-light area. The member organisations include Baina Rahivasi Sangh, Baina Mahila Mandal, Bailancho Saad, Bailancho Ekvott, Children's Rights in Goa, Childline, Positive People, Arz, Jan Ugahi, Population Services International, Sandarsh and Vikalp. ------------------------------------ HERALD 24/2/03 page 6 ------------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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