So I've just returned from a week in Perth, in Western Australia, attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Youth Forum, where, at the invitation of the charity CYEC (Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council) I was a facilitator and speaker. Given the range of more grass roots, radical and potentially meaningful activities I could have been involved in during this time then was this anything more than an expenses paid jolly to sunnier climes as the British Winter bites? I hope so and in this piece will try and break down why I participate in Commonwealth related activities and what I've learnt through this particular experience.
Let's put it up front; this isn' the World Social Forum. On the other hand it's not the World Economic Forum either.... the Commonwealth is a visible legacy of colonialism, somewhat anachronistic and irrelevant to the lives of most of the citizens who, often unknowingly, reside within it. Initially formed as an extension of British 'soft' power in the immediate post-colonial period, it is stil subject to the accusation that the majority white and 'developed' ABC states (Australia, Britain and Canada)dominate the other members, mostly former British colonies from across Africa, Asia, the Carribean and the Pacific (with the relatively recent additions of Mozambique and Rwanda, removed from the UKs colnial sphere of control and willing applicants to join the modern organisation). The organisation still accepts the Queen as its symbolic head, enough to make some stalwart anti-imperialists balk. Furthermore despite equal decision making processes, regionalised operations and a commitment to strenghening intercultural exchange and development across all countries, this North-South multilateral body has little tangible influence or impact in international circles. So can the Commonwealth be another more than a talking shop and why work with its youth representatives?
Learning
Unlike for example, European Circles or open 'global' events, the balance of representation is weighted in favour of the the Global South and mixes people of distinctly different cultures and backgrounds. For me this is a far healthier space to address international issues than others that are typically eurocentric.For young people from some of the smaller states this may be the only international exposure and interaction they get a shot at. That should not be the case but the chance to maximise the positive impact of the experience for such participants is fantastic. Furthermore as a white European facilitator there is often far more challenge and learning to be derived from these spaces (though it does seem that class can be a more decisive or binding influence than others)and a lot of ones one assumptions and prejudices can be healthily addressed in the process. As is the case in most such events the most enlightening moments occur outside of the formal sessions, particularly those that are speaker driven and actively work against interaction between delegates. The thoughts, feelings and experiences of colleagues from four continents and the combined potential of all those stories and all the futures as yet unwritten is in of itself a truly common wealth. Furthermore for those of us who meet with Aboriginal artists and elders at Kidigo Arts Centre I feel that our experience was anchored by the stories they told of the Australian past and present and the art which we created together, giving a real sense of time and place beyond the confines of a hotel and stimulating deeper reflections on our relationships as individuals, peoples and nations.
Making it Meaningful
Some members take the commonwealth very seriously and invest heavily in youth representation at such events. There is little uniform process for the how and why of selection, appointment or election of the individuals who then come to repesent their country. Whilst some representatives are inevitably cherry-picked would be diplomats or politicans with quite an elitist approach, there is a wider range of alternative attitudes and experiences reflected. Many of those attending are solid activists seeking wider international platforms and far from uncritical of either their national governments or the commonwealth and its processes. The challenge is how to faciliate cross learning so that those willing to challenge power are more well equipped to do so in such a limited institutional space and that those coasting and enjoying the perks might have pause for reflection and at least be motivated to engage at the grass roots back home to justify their lofty mandates and, more ambitiously, share some of their power. democratic gaps can be magnified by the elitism of multilateral fora but the positive potential impact to be taken from them should not be underestimated.
Outcomes?
whilst there were fraught, tense discussions throughout this forum related to policies, processes and personalities alike the final communique agreed reflects a common position around one key ask to commonwealth heads of state; a development fund for small scale local action projects, with young people involved in the setting and management of budgets and the selection and evaluation of activities. this is a direct, detailed and realistic request that encompasses three key concerns that emerged during the week; the need to shift from 'youth voice' to youth action, the visibility and legitimacy of commonwealth projects amongst youth constituencies who should be engaged with them and the importance of allowing and encouraging the development and ownership of local approaches. The diverse challenges that the millions of young people across the commonwealth face; whether related to the environment, health, trade or conflict, have different characteristics and impacts. Young people in a tiny pacific state such as Tuvalu may well have a different experience of an issue to their peers in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. By supporting a range of relatively low cost pilots in many countries. Some will inevitably underachieve but the scope for tangible success and learning that can be shared across networks is high.
Reflections
I have many thoughts and criticisms regarding the process of this event but to dwell on them wouldn't serve much of a constructive purpose. At a minimum many delegates will come away with a more informed (and hopefully) empowered understanding of the challenges of dileberative democracy and participation. No one claimed that these things would be pretty or easy. My concern here is with the ultimate impact that could be the product of the impassioned arguments and sleepless nights this past week. The key thought I believe is at least partially addressed by this initiative is the catalysing of civil society, in the broadest sense, as part of commonwealth action and collaboration. for an institution that is claiming to be focused on reform and renewal
the commonwealth comes across as cumbersome, ineffcient and statist. unless ordinary citizens, and young people in particular, associate themselves with the larger community of commonwealth peoples, regardless of the position if their government, then efforts at cultivating solidarity, cooperation and development across members will fail. If funding and other support to independent, egalitarian and risk taking civil society groups is devolved then even if the bigger project of reinventing an aged organisation falters one hopes that the chances are there for a diversity of younger, dynamic and creative individuals, communities and movements to take steps forward in addressing the inequalities and injustices of our times.
I was lucky to get an invite to the event as a guest resource person and facilitator through the wonderful people at the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council. Check them out at www.cyec.org.uk
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Thursday 13 October 2011
Jaevion Nelson Interview
Given the great privilege I've had in connecting with amazing, inspiring people in the UK and all over the world. Their struggles, ingenuity and creativity continue to challenge, inspire and motivate me personally. I wish to use this blog as a platform to share some of their stories and hopefully foster some new learning and connections.
First up Jaevion Nelson. I first connected with Jae when researching for the DfiD Youth Guidance Project (www.ygproject.org) and had the chance to meet him when he moved to the UK to study. Now back at home in Jamaica, Jae is working hard both nationally and internationally.
Who are you and where are you from?
I am Jaevion Nelson and I am from Jamaica.
What work do you do and why?
I do work around human rights and social justice for young people and vulnerable and marginalised groups of people. I do this because I am passionate about human social development and see my contribution as crucial to the advancement of the rights of persons in countries like my own.
What first motivated you to get involved in activism?
I can't recall, but I know when I was exposed to the policy and legal aspect of how countries are governed to the extent that I understood that it has significant implications on poor and voiceless people. I knew then, that this is important and should be the focus of my activism which I have now adopted as my career.
How has your upbringing in Jamaica shaped your approach to later life?
I grew up in rural Jamaica, in an extended family. During those days, I learned a lot about service from my maternal grandmother. I recall being asked to take food to an old man who lived by the train-line in a very dilapidated house. He was unknown to most of the community and had no family there. So it was from those days, that I developed the inclination to look out for those who need empowerment and help most desperately.
"The mere fact that we still have a representative of the Queen in Jamaica after 50 years of independence from Britain is evidence of our dependence on her."
Due to its colonial history Jamaica has strong links to the UK and US, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this in the present?
The views on such a question are quite mixed. Perhaps, I am one of few persons with very little perspective on this. Both relationships have proved worthwhile over the years. However, our colonial history has left a bitter sense of Jamaican pride in many people. There has been several geo-political advantages for both countries and there have been disadvantages too. The mere fact that we still have a representative of the Queen in Jamaica after 50 years of indenpendence from Britain is evidence of our dependence on her.
"Information Is Power"
You specialise in communications, how do you see the relationship between communications and development?
I wouldn't say I specialise in communications, but I do have an appreciation for its importance in keeping people informed and aware of progress in development. Information is power-- it exposes human beings to a whole world outside of what they interact with on a daily basis.
You work on HIV/AIDs locally and internationally. Tell me more about your role and what you are advocating for
My work with HIV and AIDS has been with the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) -- much of which has been fostered through an effective partnership with Advocates for Youth, based on Washington DC. They have pretty much since 2008 become like a parent for JYAN, where sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people are concerned. We have also partnered with a number of other organisations, namely, Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition, and a wide range of actors.
Some of the things we push internationally -- primarily increasing youth involvement in the global AIDS response (at all aspect). We call for funding, prioritization of key and affected populations of youth, better programmes, among others.
Another important part of my work, is advocacy around the human rights at most at risk populations, such as men who have sex with men. They bear the highest burden of HIV in Jamaica and so I think more people should begin to articulate the importance of providing services for these men. It is very dangerous and and I try not to publicize the more sensitive parts of my work like being sympathetic to MSM and sex workers and people living with HIV, but I measure the risk and carry on.
What has been your proudest achievement to date?
I don't have any one achievement because I have had several goals over the years, many of which I have been able to achieve. Some include an being a Chevening Scholarship recipient, Prime Minister Youth Awardee and something as simple as addressing delegates at a UN General Assembly meeting.
What is the biggest issue in Jamaican society at the moment that you would like to see addressed?
The disregard and lack of understanding about human rights and its impact on development.
I think one of the important thing to do is to include human rights education in the school curriculum. This will help people to know about their rights and the rights of the peers. Such an approach can help to reduce vigilante justice as people will understand, for example, the protections they have under the law from police abuse or what avenues there are for redress.
Well a massive thank you Jae. keep up the hard work!
Find out more at
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/jamaica
First up Jaevion Nelson. I first connected with Jae when researching for the DfiD Youth Guidance Project (www.ygproject.org) and had the chance to meet him when he moved to the UK to study. Now back at home in Jamaica, Jae is working hard both nationally and internationally.
Who are you and where are you from?
I am Jaevion Nelson and I am from Jamaica.
What work do you do and why?
I do work around human rights and social justice for young people and vulnerable and marginalised groups of people. I do this because I am passionate about human social development and see my contribution as crucial to the advancement of the rights of persons in countries like my own.
What first motivated you to get involved in activism?
I can't recall, but I know when I was exposed to the policy and legal aspect of how countries are governed to the extent that I understood that it has significant implications on poor and voiceless people. I knew then, that this is important and should be the focus of my activism which I have now adopted as my career.
How has your upbringing in Jamaica shaped your approach to later life?
I grew up in rural Jamaica, in an extended family. During those days, I learned a lot about service from my maternal grandmother. I recall being asked to take food to an old man who lived by the train-line in a very dilapidated house. He was unknown to most of the community and had no family there. So it was from those days, that I developed the inclination to look out for those who need empowerment and help most desperately.
"The mere fact that we still have a representative of the Queen in Jamaica after 50 years of independence from Britain is evidence of our dependence on her."
Due to its colonial history Jamaica has strong links to the UK and US, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this in the present?
The views on such a question are quite mixed. Perhaps, I am one of few persons with very little perspective on this. Both relationships have proved worthwhile over the years. However, our colonial history has left a bitter sense of Jamaican pride in many people. There has been several geo-political advantages for both countries and there have been disadvantages too. The mere fact that we still have a representative of the Queen in Jamaica after 50 years of indenpendence from Britain is evidence of our dependence on her.
"Information Is Power"
You specialise in communications, how do you see the relationship between communications and development?
I wouldn't say I specialise in communications, but I do have an appreciation for its importance in keeping people informed and aware of progress in development. Information is power-- it exposes human beings to a whole world outside of what they interact with on a daily basis.
You work on HIV/AIDs locally and internationally. Tell me more about your role and what you are advocating for
My work with HIV and AIDS has been with the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN) -- much of which has been fostered through an effective partnership with Advocates for Youth, based on Washington DC. They have pretty much since 2008 become like a parent for JYAN, where sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people are concerned. We have also partnered with a number of other organisations, namely, Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition, and a wide range of actors.
Some of the things we push internationally -- primarily increasing youth involvement in the global AIDS response (at all aspect). We call for funding, prioritization of key and affected populations of youth, better programmes, among others.
Another important part of my work, is advocacy around the human rights at most at risk populations, such as men who have sex with men. They bear the highest burden of HIV in Jamaica and so I think more people should begin to articulate the importance of providing services for these men. It is very dangerous and and I try not to publicize the more sensitive parts of my work like being sympathetic to MSM and sex workers and people living with HIV, but I measure the risk and carry on.
What has been your proudest achievement to date?
I don't have any one achievement because I have had several goals over the years, many of which I have been able to achieve. Some include an being a Chevening Scholarship recipient, Prime Minister Youth Awardee and something as simple as addressing delegates at a UN General Assembly meeting.
What is the biggest issue in Jamaican society at the moment that you would like to see addressed?
The disregard and lack of understanding about human rights and its impact on development.
I think one of the important thing to do is to include human rights education in the school curriculum. This will help people to know about their rights and the rights of the peers. Such an approach can help to reduce vigilante justice as people will understand, for example, the protections they have under the law from police abuse or what avenues there are for redress.
Well a massive thank you Jae. keep up the hard work!
Find out more at
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/jamaica
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