MARCH   ACROSS   JAPAN

The full programme, walk details and statement from Peter Shimokowa can be found on this site HERE

More on JAPAN:

Urban Poor in Japan

 

Link To 

ACHR Japan

SUGGESTED MESSAGE
to send to the organizers via email to:

Mr. Peter Shimokawa pmshimo@aa.mbn.or.jp

To  the organizers and participants of "Solidarity March by Homeless People against Unemployment and Eviction" in Japan

We are much impressed by your attempt at collectively embarking on an archipelago-wide walk for solidarity building against unemployment, social exclusion and eviction. Aware of the difficult circumstances faced by people deprived of housing in Japan, we are also encouraged to note that this attempt is initiated and carried out by homeless people themselves.

We, people in the Asian Region, are undergoing negative impacts of money-led globalization. Local economic space and human settlements system, that used to somehow accommodate the urban poor, are rapidly being disrupted, resulting in the increasing number of homeless people and cases of forced evictions. However, we must also be aware that the globalization is also preparing a base for people-to-people unity and experience-sharing trans-nationally.

We regret our inability to join the march physically, nonetheless we are sure you will, while walking along the way, feel and sense our clap and cheers of solidarity. We will certainly join you in raising your voice to the World Summit, so that the global community will pay attention to the need to establish policies ensuring housing rights to everyone.

We wish you health and success in walking.

In solidarity,

<your organization>

MAY 26 2000
BLASPHEMY LAWS PAKISTAN

BACKGROUND

The law on blasphemy had existed since 1927.  However, before the last decade, rarely had anyone heard of the law ever being used.  
Ever since the vague and arbitrary definition of blasphemy was inserted into the Pakistan Penal Code in the 1980's and punishment increased from two years imprisonment to the death sentence, the incidents of alleged blasphemy have suddenly risen. 
The victims are both religious minorities and Muslims.

In April 1998, a victim of the "Blasphemy Laws" was sentenced to death amid several calls were made to re-try the case in a fair and open court

MORE    ON ACTION REQUESTED, BACKGROUND  AND ON THE STORY TO THE RIGHT

MAY 25, 2000
VICTIMS OF BLASPHEMY LAWS PAKISTAN

SUMMARY

Rashid Masih and Saleem Masih two Christian brothers were accused of having said derogatory words about the Prophet Muhammad during a dispute with a street vendor. On May 12, each of them was sentence to 35 years imprisonment and fined Rs.75000 (US $1500) on the charge of 'offering insult to Prophet Muhammad and Holy Quran'.  Recently, on May 2 2000, in another case Ashiq Masih (not related to Rashid or Saleem and also known as Kinghari) has been charged with 'offering insult to Holy Prophet Muhammad'.   He is under arrest and awaiting trial.

In October 1990, Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) was amended. Under the law change, the offense of blasphemy, including speaking or writing against Prophet Mohammed or Islam, 'shall be punished with the death sentence or imprisonment for life and shall be liable to fine.'  Human rights groups have long demanded that Section 295-C of the PPC (or the "Blasphemy Laws") be repealed because it is often used against religious minorities or in personal vendettas and land disputes.  There is a call for the international community to express their concern on the unjust effect of the "Blasphemy Laws" and especially to call for justice for the recent victims.

ACTION REQUESTED  HERE

Above story from 
Hotline Asia:  Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples