The Hindu : `Role of global agencies should not be undermined'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 09, 2003

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`Role of global agencies should not be undermined'

By Ramya Kannan

CHENNAI AUG. 8 . The current political situation, especially in Iraq, has once again led to cynicism about the role and power of international agencies, making it easy for States to backtrack on their commitments to global conventions. However, this trend is discouraging, as it could only mean stagnation for nations, especially those in the South Asian region, says the former Vice-Chancellor, Colombo University, and human rights advocate, Savitri Goonesekere.

"We should resist the argument that big world governments are oppressive. Development agencies do contribute and it is for our countries to raise their voices in support, especially in this region. If we do not, we will be the losers, ultimately," Prof. Goonesekere says. She adds, "Identity is very important. We have our own cultures, we think our own thoughts and worship our own Gods, but that does not mean we can have relative values of human dignity and security."

Several international development agencies have done good work in the area of human rights, in terms of bringing the rights' perspective to issues relating to women and children. The Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CeDAW) and the U.N. Child Rights Convention are sterling examples of how societies could be shaken into acknowledging their problems, says Prof. Goonesekere, who is a member of the Monitoring Committee of CeDAW. She hopes that the perceived diminishing of the role of international bodies is only a transitional phase and that nations would reinvest their faith in the international agencies.

At the same time, she points out that it was crucial for the State to continue its "welfare role". "In today's context the State is very important. It negotiates with international agencies, has the defence mechanism and access to resources. We need to make the State accountable and perform its role in partnership with civil society and NGOs," she feels.

Traditionally, because of the politics in some of our countries, some NGOs are adversarial in their stand. They feel that to work with the State is like selling out or giving in, "but that is a wrong approach", she says, adding, "to work with the State is very important." The role of the Government is essential, for example in sectors such as health and education. Disastrous effects would follow if the State withdrew from these segments. Though private investments can be encouraged, accountability of the sector must be ensured, as also its participation in development projects.

Launching onto the subject of laws for women and children, the Professor of Law, Colombo University, says there are some good legislation in countries like India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. "However, when we put in place legislation, but we do not have a back-up in terms of social policies, enforcement mechanisms and the sustained interest of the whole community, then laws do not make a difference, as in South Asia. However, our past experience has proved that implementation is possible, if we set our mind to it."

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