WTO ministerial met in December at Hong Kong. This gave an opportunity to voluntary organizations, trade unions and other labor groups and pro-people organizations & individuals to express their sentiments.It was also an occasion for these organizers to pass on information to the masses on potential impact of WTO treaties on life of masses. This was ably done by the gathering at Hong Kong. Korean farmers did it with great commitment. Their meticulous planning & programs stole the show. Korean representatives put in honest effects to break police barricades. As usual, police was brutal enough to stall these efforts. Public pressure successfully derailed the negotiations completely. Organizers were compelled had to save face. Frustrated Hong Kong administration arrested Korean and other protesters. People will have to come forward with different ideas to stop WTO treaties.
Occupational H & S is one of the important labor rights. It is a question of existence or life & death in simple terms. At international events progressive & humanitarian groups, worker’s groups, labor group should raise their voice for this right also. Some how this was largely missing at Victoria park programs.
AMRC organized two day meeting of labor groups in Asia on this occasion on labor rights. ANROAV also participated in this meeting besides several other groups.
We present a brief report of the meeting in this issue.
During this period, Chinese Gems & Jewellery workers affected by Silicosis, (supported by Hong Kong based labor group Labor Action China) organized protests before Hong Kong office of the employer who failed to pay adequate compensation to the victims. Chinese news papers carried this news story effectively. The news story is reproduced in this issue.
ANROAV played catalytic role in bringing the groups struggling to get justice for silicosis affected workers in Gems & Jewellery industry in India & China together to discuss plans to organize joint campaign.

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