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New survey highlights what 'justice'
means to Brits
75% of British people would expect to
be given financial compensation if the actions of a UK company led to them or
their families being harmed in some way, a new survey shows.
The UK's leading fair trade organisation, Traidcraft, surveyed a sample of the
UK public to find out what we regard as 'adequate justice', before taking
to Westminster, where campaigners called on the new government to put justice
for those in the developing world who've been harmed by UK companies at the
heart of their plans on business and human rights.
As UK companies become increasingly global, it is inevitable that big
corporations will have an impact on workers and communities in the developing
world. Whilst some companies work hard to minimise their impact, there is a
minority that continue to make decisions which result in harm, mistreatment,
abuse or even death to those living in developing countries such as Tanzania,
Bangladesh and Nigeria.
As the government looks to review the UK National Action Plan on Business and
Human Rights this summer, Traidcraft visited Westminster calling on ministers to
ensure that justice for victims is at the heart of this revised plan.
Mary Milne, Traidcraft Campaigns Manager, said:- "The contents of this
action plan could be pivotal for people in developing countries who are still
being mistreated by the actions of UK companies. Although some companies are
working hard to make sure they benefit local people, others are getting away
with things in developing countries which would not be tolerated here. If it's
good enough for us, it should be good enough for others, regardless of where
they happen to live.
Companies get away with these abuses because there is no robust system in place
to hold them to account. This means people who have been harmed often don't even
get so much as an admission of guilt; not to mention financial compensation,
which our survey shows is the very basic form of justice we would expect here in
Britain. And of course if companies get away with their actions, there's then no
incentive for them to improve."
Traidcraft has highlighted the case of 56 year old Magige from Tanzania. He lost
his eldest son Emmanuel, when he was shot and killed at a gold mine near their
village. The mine is owned by a UK based company. The loss of his son hit Magige
hard. "My family depended on him so much. He was going to look after me
when I got old and now he is gone."
With support from a local organisation and a London-based law firm, Magige was
able to bring a case against the company through the English civil courts.
Earlier this year, the company agreed to pay an undisclosed sum in an
out of court settlement, while continuing to deny responsibility for Emmanuel's
death.
Without the case, it seems very unlikely that Magige would have been able to get
justice. But there are many victims of UK companies in developing countries who
have not even been able to do this. And recent changes mean it's getting even
harder for individuals to bring cases.
You can make a difference and help us stand up for justice. Visit:-
TraidCraft.Co.UK/JusticeCampaign to find out more.
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My Secret Wish Poetry
Competition
DO you need a summer project? Why not
write a poem about your secret wish whilst relaxing in the garden or on the
beach?
You could win £50, a free framed certificate and a free copy of the book
containing your poem.
For free entry into 'My Secret Wish' poetry competition please quote Ref:- LPMSW
you do not need an entry form.
Send up to three poems, each up to 25 lines (including blank lines) 160 words
maximum. Closing date 30 September. Do not use My Secret Wish as your title but
always add a title to your poem. AFTER THE WINNER IS CHOSEN we make every effort
to reply to EVERY person who encloses a LOOSE 2nd class stamp. Do not send a
stamped addressed envelope. Remember to include your full name and full postal
address including house number and postcode and send to United Press Ltd, Admail
3735, London. EC1B 1JB. Visit:-
UnitedPress.Co.UK for more
competitions. Budding
Writers Shining At Trinity St Peters
3 Liverpool youngsters have been named as finalists in a
national short story competition. The talented wordsmiths, from Year 4 at
Trinity St Peters School, in Paradise Lane, Formby, were among more than 500
youngsters who entered the KalliKids Short Story Competition 2015.
After reading through all entries, judges have shortlisted 10 stories from each
of the four age categories – years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Tim Waters, Katie Burnett and
Jack James are the 3 Year 4 finalists from Trinity St Peters.
Tim said:- "I was speechless when I heard I was on the top 10 list in the
country. I got my inspiration from Star Wars ships' blueprints."
Jack added:- "I just can't believe I have been shortlisted. I got the idea
from adventure stories like Indiana jones. I love reading adventure stories and
I wanted to write one with the challenge of only 500 words."
Karen Bach, spokeswoman for the KalliKids Short Story Competition, "We
were so impressed with the quality of stories we received. It is amazing that 3
out of 10 children nationally in the Year 4 category all come from Trinity St
Peters. The theme of the competition was shine and these three certainly did
this."
Each story had to be around 500 words long. The final winners in each category
will be chosen by best selling author Jo Rees, and announced at the beginning of
September. Winners will get their stories published in both hardcopy and e-book.
The 4 schools with the most entries will also win a creative writing session
with Jo.
Jo, who wrote Platinum and Come Together said:- "I loved writing stories
as a child. Getting encouragement and feedback set me on my path to become a
writer. Until you set pen to paper, you don't know where your imagination can
take you. That is why I am so delighted to be judging the KalliKids Short Story
competition."
KalliKids is a Brighton based company dedicated to providing parents with a
place to find recommended, trusted and approved family activities. The short
story competition was launched back in February and the youngsters had three
months to enter.
Alex Snell, class teacher at St Trinity, said:- "I am incredibly proud. I
am blessed to teach such wonderful and creative children. Each of them ran with
the Shine theme. I am thrilled for Jack, Katie and Tim. It is an accomplishment
to be shortlisted out of so many entries."
To read all the stories click
here.
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