International Fact Finding Mission in Indonesia

Written by April Porteria Sunday, 10 February 2013 08:57

08 February 2013

Dear Friends,

Greetings from the Asian Peasant Coalition (APC) and Alliance of Agrarian Reform Movement (AGRA)!

Currently, 10 major private companies such as the Sinar Mas, Willmar, Lonsum, Salim Grup, Tanoto, Indofood, Bumi Resources, Bakrie Land, and  two other company are controlling 5.3 million hectares of lands in Indonesia.  In the last 5 years, mining companies, especially coal, have reached 84 million hectares. Also, the government is planning  two (2) million hectares for palm oil expansion.  Widespread and intensive misuse of natural resources, is directly proportional to increasing landgrabbing.

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APC Calls for the Prosecution of Henry Sy for Landgrabbing

Written by April Porteria Friday, 08 February 2013 15:15

Press Release

8 February 2013

In support of the Hacienda Looc Farmers

APC Calls for the Prosecution of Henry Sy for Landgrabbing

Quezon City, Philippines –  The Asian Peasant Coalition (APC) is calling for the prosecution of Henry Sy for landgrabbing of 5,800 hectares of lands at Hacienda Looc, in Nasugbu, Batangas.

On January 31, 2013, farmers from Hacienda Looc filed through their counsel Sentro para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo (Sentra), with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) a complaint for illegal and unauthorized conversion against Henry Sy and its SM Investment Corporation, SM Land Corporation and Costa de Hamilo Inc.

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Khangbor meet opposes oil exploration

Written by April Porteria Tuesday, 05 February 2013 09:13

IMPHAL, February 03, 2013 - A community level meeting held at Khangbor village under Tipaimukh sub-division has resolved that the joint efforts of the Government of India and Jubilant Oil and Gas Private Limited (JOGPL) to drill and explore petroleum from Manipur should be aborted immediately.

The meeting held on January 30 was jointly organised by JAC on Oil Exploration in Tipaimukh Area, Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur, All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur, Centre for Organisation Research and Education, All Zeliangrong Students’ Union , Citizens Concern for Dams and Development and Centre for Research and Advocacy.

As oil companies as well as the Government of India have failed to respect and recognise people’s right to self determination over their life, future, land and natural resources, Government of India and JOGPL should put a stop to all their efforts aimed at exploring petroleum in Manipur.

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International Fact Finding Mission in Sri Lanka

Written by April Porteria Thursday, 31 January 2013 10:21

Sri Lanka today is aggressively promoting local and foreign investments in tourism towards transforming Sri Lanka to be Asia’s foremost tourism destination. It created the One Stop Unit (OSU) – a centralized promotion and facilitation centre to assist potential tourism investors. Sri Lankan government permits up to 100% foreign participation in many sectors of the economy, such as tourism. The government  allows 100% repatriation of profits earned in Sri Lanka.  Foreign investors are given 3-7 years tax holidays. A Resident Guest Scheme Visa has been introduced as an incentive for prospective foreign investors and professionals who would contribute to the economic and socio-cultural development of the country.

Unfortunately, these policies will increase landgrabbing offering Sri Lanka lands (mostly agricultural lands) for foreign ownership and use. It has resulted to massive displacement of peasants and the destruction of their communities.

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