Our association cooperates in Bangladesh with two peasant partner organizations, the Bangladesh Krishok Federation (BKF) and the Bangladesh Kishani Sabha (BKS, women’s movement), both members of the international network of the Via Campesina. [1].
These movements are presently involved in three campaigns where our support is greatly needed.
Devastating floods
Sixteen districts in the northern part of the country were struck by massive floods, resulting in heavy damages; people living in low-lying areas were strongly affected, often losing all their belongings. Aid has been very insufficient and sanitary conditions are worrisome. The BKF/BKS is deeply rooted in this region, where the peasantry is very poor, in particular in certain districts affected by the floods. The local organizations of the BKF are aiming at helping 500 families in their areas. They project a budget of 6390 euros for this, where 10% can be collected locally, while the bulk is sought for nationally and internationally. [2].
Peasants and women’s rights in times of climate chaos
Bangladesh is one of the countries most directly affected by the consequences of global warming. The peasantry is particularly concerned, whilst living conditions are already quite fragile. Just like last year, the BKF/BKS is organizing in November a « Caravan for food sovereignty, gender equality and climate justice », in collaboration with Indian and Nepalese peasant movements. The caravan will cross a part of Bangladesh, the eastern part of India and will culminate in Nepal. All those who wish to participate are welcome to join. [3]. Here again, this initiative in defense of the rights of climate change victims need our financial solidarity.
Female workers affected by the collapse of the Rana Plaza still need our help
The collapse of the Rana Plaza industrial building on 24 April 2013 resulted in the death of 1138 textile workers (majority were women), 2500 seriously wounded persons, and 1500 disappeared. The situation of the survivors, especially the handicapped is overall miserable. The assistance promised by the government, the big charitable organizations in Bangladesh and the transnationals from this sector have not reached the concerned or have been extremely insufficient.
A big number of textile women workers are of rural origin, so the BKF/BKS immediately engaged itself in helping the victims. Also, our association conducted a first solidarity campaign which allowed us to send 5000 euros [4]. Now, the BKF/BKS wishes to buy 100 sewing machines to give the lifelong handicapped workers the possibility to have an income, and recover their dignity. The amount needed is evaluated at 6000 euros. [5].
The BKF/BKS cannot take up all the needs of the victims and we too cannot assure by ourselves the international financial support needed by these three initiatives. But we can contribute to it.
Our association, ESSF, decided to launch an urgent solidarity appeal for these campaigns: assistance to flood victims in the northern part of the country ; support to the caravan for the defense of the rights of farmers and women victims of climate chaos ; continuing support to the lifelong handicapped women workers, following the deadly collapse of the Rana Plaza.
We hope that with our donations and your political solidarity, this appeal will be a success. Spread the word around in your networks !
ESSF
Pierre Rousset
To send donations
Cheques
cheques to ESSF in euros only, payable in France, to be sent to:
ESSF
2, rue Richard-Lenoir
93100 Montreuil
France
Bank Account:
Crédit lyonnais
Agence de la Croix-de-Chavaux (00525)
10 boulevard Chanzy
93100 Montreuil
France
ESSF, account number 445757C
International bank account details :
IBAN : FR85 3000 2005 2500 0044 5757 C12
BIC / SWIFT : CRLYFRPP
Account holder : ESSF
Through PayPal
You can send money through Paypal: see the PayPal button on the upper left side of ESSF English home page: http://www.europe-solidaire.org/spip.php?page=sommaire&lang=en
We will keep you informed through our website of the state of the permanent solidarity fund and how it is utilized.