Nicaraguan solidarity conference
By Stephen Marks
MANAGUA — "We need to have alternatives ready when its failure and mass opposition bring the neo-liberal project down." This was one delegate's comment at an international conference in solidarity with Nicaragua, held here from October 14 to 16.
The conference explored "the rights of the people for sustainable development" and attracted 160 representatives from Nicaraguan and international non-government organisations, popular movements and solidarity groups. Issues discussed included the disastrous impact of structural adjustment on the Nicaraguan economy, social life and environment.
A special resolution proposed by Nicaraguan Atlantic coast delegates opposed the campaign by US transnationals to transform their region into a toxic waste dump with proposals such as one for the construction of a high temperature incinerator at Puerto Cabezas. The resolution also condemned the contamination of Nicaragua's unique San Juan River by pesticide run-off from Costa Rican banana plantations.
Proposals to help resolve Nicaragua's crisis included support for the democratisation of property in favour of workers and for the demands of the mass organisations. Children, youth and the elderly were recognised as having special needs and problems. The conference also resolved to campaign actively to strengthen the position of women in Nicaraguan society.
The conference energetically condemned the government's plan to extend a 15% tax to international aid donations. Each year international supporters channel over $100 million to the 20 organisations united in the Nicaraguan Federation of NGOs. This aid funds projects in areas such as education, health, agricultural and producer cooperatives and reforestation. They involve and benefit more than half a million people who receive no support from the state.
While the Nicaraguan government pleads for the US to release $116 million in promised loans, it endangers over $100 million of aid. Donations from solidarity and non-government organisations, unlike US loans, are given unconditionally. The conference warned that taxing NGOs and solidarity organisations puts many of their projects and hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans at risk.