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Deliver finance & technologies for climate action for MVCs and LDCs

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equitybd
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On November 05, 2021, the ongoing Cop 26, Global Climate Conference in Glasgow-UK, Civil Society leaders from MVCs (Most Vulnerable Countries) have met a press conference in the conference venue and demand to end Carbon emission instead of so called “Net Zero target by 2050”. They also demanded to developed countries should ensure adequate finance and appropriate tools those will support to effective climate action for MVCs (Most Vulnerable Countries) and LDCs (Least Developed countries).

The Press conference titled “LDC’as & MVC Peoples’ expectations and CoP 26” was held at the meeting room of climate conference center, Glasgow where representatives of different CSO leaders Mr. Soumya Datta from Peoples Forum, India and Md. Ziaul Hoque Mukta CSRL (Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), Md. Shamsuddoha (Centre for Participatory Research & Development), Mr. Shamim Arfeen (AoSED), Md Jahangir Hossen Masum from Bangladesh are participated and spoke. The keynote on civil society expectation is presented by Aminul Hoque (EquityBD) from Bangladesh.

Presenting the keynote, Aminul Hoque said that the COP-26 is being held in a transitional stage in the context of past failure of its commitments, but we hope for the future as the developed countries have pledged to keep their committed action to reduce global warming and support MVCs to fight with climate change impacts. He put some key demands in favor of civil society, those are (i) Developed countries must change their theory of “Net Zero Target”, instead they should revise again the own country NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) to “Zero Carbon emission” target by 2050, (ii) Developed countries will ensure adequate climate finance for LDCs & MVCs through both of the GCF (Green Climate Fund) and their public sources, iii. Ensure support to establish and full operationalization of proposed Loss & Damage Mechanism with separate financial allocation.

Soumya Datta said that the “net zero” is a phrase that represents magical thinking rooted in our future technology obsession. Just presume enough hypothetical carbon capture plan for climate goal. Collectively, “net zero” climate targets allow developed countries to continue rising levels of GHGs (Green House Gases) emissions instead of their reduction directly. That’s why it’s a false solution proposal and all country parties must to stop the discussion on such vague “Net Zero emission” and start the discussion on “Zero Emission target” through ending the fossil fuel and ending the Carbon emission.

Md. Shamsuddoha said the revised NDCs by developed countries and their full implementation will raise the global temperature above 02 degrees which is unacceptable in fact. In such a context developed countries have required greater ambition on mitigation and concrete action to reduce global emissions by 45 percent by 2030. This will have to be done through revision again their NDCs and setting new targets for 2030 and 2050. This target to be done according to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and in light of national circumstances he opined.

Md. Masum said that developed countries are showing their ill attitude in financing to the adaptation which is very less and around 20% in against the current fund mobilization. The discourse of new collective climate finance goal will be a frame of “Climate Justice Perspective” where the financial mobilization process will be adequate and off course will surpass the 100 billion target. MVCs would be preferably prioritized in accessing the fund for both adaptation and later on mitigation. Md. Shamim said every year millions of people are displaced due to loss their all livelihood options and in there, violation of human rights are one of the common phenomenon and happened due to climate change. Rich countries have the responsibility to address the issue and ensure finance and technology support accordingly. The proposed mechanism of “Santiago Network for Loss and Damage” should support by them to make it fully operationalized with proper financing he added.

Related Document [Bangla Press] [English Press]

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Civil Societies Demanded Inclusive Process from the Government to Strengthen Country Interest in CoP 26

By
equitybd
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Dhaka, 21 October 2021.  Civil society organizations (CSOs) urged an inclusive process from the government to strengthen country interest in the upcoming UN climate conference (Conference of the Parties, CoP 26). From a virtual conference organized today, they also opined that, as one of the Most Vulnerable Countries (MVC), Bangladesh should adopt a firm stance in support of a legally binding commitment under the Paris Agreement in order to secure additional funding for improved adaptation activities and to avoid recurrent Loss and Damage. COAST foundation hosted an online session titled “CoP-26: Government Position and CSO Perspectives.”

The online seminar titled “CoP-26: Government position and CSO perspectives” was organized by COAST foundation, An Organization for Socio-Economic Development (AOSED), Centre for Participatory Research & Development (CPRD) Coastal Development Partnership (CDP) and Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) and Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh (EquityBD).

Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP and the Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was the Chief Guest, while Mr. Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP Cox’s Bazar-2 was the Special Guest of the seminar moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD. Among others Mirza Sawkat Ali, Director of Department of Environment, Md. Shamsuddoha of CPRD, Mrs Rabeya Begum, Co-Chair of CANSA-BD, Md. Jahangir Hossen Masum of CDP, Mohan Kumar Mondal of LEADERS, Mr. Shamim Arefin of AoSED-Khulna, Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN, Mr. Kawser Rahaman of Janakhanta spoke at the occasion.  Syed Aminul Hoque from EquityBD presented the key notes of the seminar

Syed Aminul Hoque said that,  the CoP 26 is crucial since it will take a main stocktake on newly submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), establish the Loss and Damage Mechanism, and providing $100 billion in Green Climate Fund (GCF). In this context, Bangladesh’s government should play a critical role in safeguarding the country’s interests, particularly in protecting vulnerable people and reducing the effects of regular loss and damage caused by climate change. He addressed a number of demands to the government delegation, including: i. Continued revision of NDCs by developed and polluter countries based on their fair contribution and economic volume in order to keep global temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius; ii. Developed countries must secure additional funding beyond the GCF to mitigate and adapt to loss and damage; iii. The GCF must streamline its funding process in both the readiness program and the project proposal preparation stages; and iv. Ensure appropriate technologies for MVCs through the CTCN [UNFCCC Climate Technology Centre Network] to support their resilience in both mitigation and adaptation contexts.

Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh will undoubtedly play an effective part in CoP 26 in order to divert the negotiation flow in the country’s favor. ‘Apart from that, our Prime Minister will participate and speak out openly to encourage developed countries to adhere to realistic GHG reduction targets and to get $100 billion in GCF funding’- he added.

‘We have drafted a country position for CoP 26 and are coordinating issues among government officials’-said Mirza Sawkat. he also said, ‘the government’s position has primarily focused on finance and technology, and we will endeavour to reach a consensus to balance the GCF fund for adaptation by 50 percent. CSOs should also be considered separately’.

Mr. Kawser Rahaman, Shamim Arefin, and others stated that Bangladesh has played a positive role in the climate negotiations because of the strong cooperation between civil society and the government, which was previously our strength and is now disturbed. They suggested that for CoP 26, a common position be prepared, including the opinion of the CSO.

Md. Shamsuddoha said, ‘Bangladesh should exert strong pressure on developed countries to increase their NDC targets, because the Paris Agreement will lose its meaning if the target is not increased, and rising temperatures will render our country unrepairable, resulting in massive losses and damages.

Please download [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation]

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Rights- Based CSOs demand Increased Investment for Girl’s Education to Curve the Child Marriage

By
equitybd
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Dhaka, 14th October 2021: Tomorrow is the International Rural Women’s Day, on the eve of the day, the National Committee for the International Rural Women’s Day Celebration hosted a virtual press conference today at 11.00am. The press briefing discussed the surge in child marriage rates during the COVID pandemic. The closure of educational institutions for one and a half years was mentioned as a key cause for this. Lack of effective monitoring and measures by the local administration and law enforcement authorities, the return of migrant workers who are seen as perfect grooms, a drop in income, and the perception of girls as a burden, among other factors played a vital role in this regard. Dropout rates of girls have increased, which can be seen in the attendance numbers after schools finally reopened. The speakers stated that our daughters will be pushed towards an uncertain future as there are hardly social and political commitment, along with increased investment for girl’s education.

Tamanna Rahman, Abu Hanif, Belal Hossain, Lutfor Rahman Labu, Masuda Faruque Ratna, P M Billal, Rashida Begum, Tahrima Afroz, Sheikh Asad, Khondoker Faruk Ahmed, Ashraful Hasan Taimur members of the district committee spoke during the program presided by Shamima Akhter, the chairperson of the committee. Mustafa Kamal Akhand from equitybd and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation also spoke to the event. Ferdous Ara Rumee presented the keynote on behalf of the organizers.

Ferdous Ara Rumee mentioned, Bangladesh ranks fourth in the world in terms of child marriage rates, the country has more than 4 million child brides, according to UNICEF. Furthermore, it has risen at an alarming rate during the pandemic. Due to the continued closure of schools, insolvent rural families have found themselves in a precarious situation. Because the administration and law enforcement authorities are swamped by the pandemic, parents can easily marry off their daughters. The availability of so-called competent grooms, the need to please the elderly, the dread of children participating in romantic relationships, an increase in sexual harassment rates, a lack of social security, financial instability, and other factors all contributed to these weddings. Students would have been occupied with their studies if schools were open. Different clubs run by them would also have been active.

Tamanna Rahman said that the dropout rate of girls has increased, and most of them fell victim to child marriage. Most of these marriages are not registered. They will be deprived of any legal aid in the future because of this. Khondokar Faruk Ahmed said that at the beginning of the pandemic, parents married off their daughters at the first chance they got, as people’s movements were less. Masuda Faruk Ratna said that as administration and law enforcement agencies were busy dealing with the pandemic, they could not implement the initiatives taken against child marriage by the government. Guardians have used this opportunity to arrange child marriages. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said that different studies showed that the rate of child marriage decreased when girls are engaged in higher secondary education and graduation level. Therefore, we should focus on increasing expenditure regarding girls’ education.

Lutfor Rahman Labu said that girls were facing various threats during the pandemic. Many guardians married off their daughters as they were concerned as to when schools would reopen, or how their families would be defaced if girls were to engage in romantic affairs. But this kind of thinking is faulty. Ashraful Hasan Taimur mentioned that on the positive side, educational institutions have reopened again following proper health guidelines. If schools remain opened, activities countering child marriage can take place at educational institutions.

Shamima Akhter said “boys and girls are not different” this spirit has to be introduced among guardians. Moreover, the state, government, and society have to contribute to ensuring free and safe movement for girls.

On behalf of the organizers, Mustafa Kamal Akand mentioned that more than 60 districts in the country are celebrating International Rural Women’s Day. Every year, rallies, seminars, demonstrations, fairs, and award-giving ceremonies for rural women with contributions in different sectors are organized to celebrate the occasion.

Related Paper [Bangla Press] [English Press] [Presentation] [Leaflet]

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Eliminate Inter and Intra State Inequalities for development of LDCs

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equitybd
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7th August 2021, EquityBD, has submitted its comments to LDC-5 Co-Chairs on zero draft Doha Program of Action. LDC-5 conference will be held in Doha in January 2022. Following the event, EquityBD drafted a position paper for LDCs issues.

Please find the zero draft Doha Program of Action and EquityBD position.

  1. EquityBD recommendation on Zero drafts on Doha Programme of Action for LDCs_07 August 2021
  2. Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries_zero draft

LDCs Need Access to Vaccines as Global Public Good

By
equitybd
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Dhaka, 05 August 2021. As Bangladesh is graduating from LDC in 2024, the country will need to comply with the World Trade Organization (WTO) mandated Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. As LDC Bangladesh is enjoying exemption from the patent rights and conditions set by the TRIPs. After graduation from LDC, WTO should continue that exemption for Bangladesh as it will also be helpful for other LDC countries. Today speakers at a virtual workshop opined this.  The virtual workshop titled Emerging Issues in Access to Treatment for Covid-19 in Bangladesh was jointly organized by Equity BD, People’s Health Movement Bangladesh and the Third World Network.

The workshop was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD and Prathibha Sivasubramanian of TWN made the welcome speech.  While and Dr. Rashid-E-Mahbub, Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU),  Rabbur Reza, Chief Operating Officer, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd s, Ranja Sengupta of Third World Network, Sudip Chaudhuri (former Professor, Indian Institute of Management (Kolkata), and K.M. Gopakumar, Senior Researcher and Legal advisor, Third World Network, Zakir Hossain of People’s Health and Ziaul Haque Mukta, Members Secretary of Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods also spoke at the occasion.

Dr. Rashid-E-Mahbub said, we need a global socialistic view to ensuing vaccination for all.  We need vaccines on an equity basis, not on a profit base.  The UN should work to lift WTO restrictions on vaccines and the Bangladesh government should also take an effective policy to ensure vaccines for all.

Rabbur Reza said,  pharma industry is a success story for Bangladesh and it has proven its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are preparing ourselves to face the future challenges, to be in the forefront of the global generic pharma market. We are also focusing on building sufficient capabilities for medical products such as modern vaccines, biotherapeutics like monoclonal antibodies, medical devices and diagnostics.

K.M. Gopakumar said,  people in developing countries and LDCs need access to vaccines and other health products to survive the pandemic, which requires widespread availability of these health products. TRIPS waiver offers the policy space to do away with the IP monopoly and facilitate the scaling up or production through diversification of the manufacturing base.  Further, there is an urgent need to negotiate a smooth transition period for graduating LDCs to address concerns on matters affecting peoples’ health.

Sudip Chaudhuri, former Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata said,  the rise and growth of the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh is a great achievement. Continuation of the product patent exemption in pharmaceuticals will help not only Bangladesh but other countries as well.

Ziaul Haque Mukta said, TRIPS waiver for Bangladesh doesn’t give benefit only for Bangladesh, it is directly benefiting also developed countries along with other LDCs and developing countries as these countries can import low-cost medicines from Bangladesh.  Zakir Hossain said, in terms of amount, allocation for the health sector is increasing but it still 0.95% of the total GDP, which very low. We need to invest more with ensuring proper utilization. We have seen 24% of the allocation is unutilized. To fight COVID 19 pandemic, we need to equip the Upazila level hospitals, we also need to arrange mass awareness at the village level.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, in Bangladesh, we recognize the role of the private sector in the health sector of Bangladesh, but we need to ensure public investment and management dominance in this sector. medical goods for COVID 19 pandemic must be declared as global goods.

Please Download [English] [Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry_Rabbur Reza] [The WTO, Trade and Health_Ranja Sengupta] [TRIPS, Access to Medicine and LDCs_KM Gopakumar ]

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equitybd
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SDG Progress in Bangladesh: Competencies or Complacence?

By
equitybd
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The Sustainable Development Report 2021 ranked Bangladesh as one of the countries that improved most on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index since 2015 until the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to this report, published recently by the Cambridge University Press, Bangladesh ranked 109th among the 165-country. In South Asia, Bangladesh is above India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, but below Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives. Along with successes in terms of achieving the SDGs, there are huge problems based on the reports so far published regarding the SDGs. Along with challenges like data gaps, this report will also discuss some other challenges in achieving the SDGs of Bangladesh. These challenges will include: development inequality, climate change, corruption, and illicit fund flows.

This is a draft report prepared by EquityBD for the Social Watch Review. (Full Report) 

CSOs and coastal MPs Demand BDT 150 Billion for Coastal Embankment and Inclusion of Local Government in Embankment Management

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equitybd
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Dhaka, 12 June 2021. Coastal Members of Parliament (MPs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and experts urged a budget allocation of at least BDT 15000 crore from revenue in the national budget 2021-22 for the coastal protection, particularly for climate-resilient embankment construction. Today from a virtual seminar, speakers also suggested that the government develop an embankment maintenance strategy and ensure effective involvement of local government in the process. The seminar was organized jointly by COAST Foundation, Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL), Center for Participatory Research & Development (CPRD), and Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN).

Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP and the Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change was the Chief Guest of the seminar while it was moderated by Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of COAST and Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL. Mr. Narayon Chandra Chanda MP Khulna-5, Mr. Mir Mushtaque Ahmed Robi MP Satkhira-2, Mr. Nurunnabi Chowdhury MP Bhola-3, Mr. Nahim Razzaq MP Shariatpur-3, Mr. Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP Cox’s Bazar-2, Mr. Shameem Haider Patwary MP Gaibandha-1, Mr. Zafar Alam MP Cox’s Bazar-1, Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus BRAC University, Md Shamsuddoha of CPRD and Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN also spoke at the occasion. The keynote was presented by Syed Aminul Hoque of COAST.

In a keynote presentation, Aminul Hoque of COAST said that, every year cyclone and monsoon floods are damaging the livelihood structures of the coastal areas and cause suffering of the coastal people. But the government has ignored  the sufferings and proposing a  conventional budget for embankment construction which is not appropriate to address the issues. He put three demands, such as (i) Government have to allocate at least BDT 150 billion [15000 crore] every year as the minimum requirement for embankment construction (ii) Local governments have to be given mandate with a budget for embankment maintenance and (iii) Govt. should have a plan of alternatives for coastal protection especially for natural protection, skill-oriented education to facilitate employment for the coastal population while they migrate, govt should also ensure ith water & sewerage facilities in cities. 

Saber Hossain Chowdhury MP said that a national risk assessment is needed that will support the government in allocating appropriate resources. He demanded a roadmap on this issue along with preparing an embankment policy.

Dr.Ainun Nishat said,  political biases should be minimized for prioritization and budget allocation that is absent in embankment planning. The projects under the “Delta Plan” have been taken without consideration of local knowledge. Mir Mushtaque Ahmed Robi MP said, investment in coastal protection will return double. So the budget must be increased. 

Asheq Ullah Rafiq MP said, we are unable to ensure tidal surge based forecasting. That’s why some areas of Cox’s Bazar district were affected and damaged recently. We need a district-wise budget for the embankment. MP Nahim Razzaq said, comprehensive water management system and planning is very essential to reduce the effect of coastal disaster. This only possible by ensuring inter-ministerial coordination. We can form a “Caucus” with coastal MPs to strengthen the advocacy on this issue. Shameem Haider Patwary MP said that embankment construction strategy and approach will have to be integrated with all sort of economic activities than it will get priority to government.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury called for a long-term integrated and eco-system-based disaster risk reduction program for coastal protection, which would include migration-facilitated education for coastal residents. According to Ziaul Hoque Mukta, embankments must be evaluated and prioritized based on disaster impact, and solutions must take into account the agro-ecological settings There should be coordination in the planning and implementation where NGOs, people representatives also be a part of the government.

[Bangla press release] [English press release] [Seminar Presentation]

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Stop Capital Flight for expected Revenue Mobilization

By
equitybd
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Dhaka, 05 June 2021. Today right based civil society organizations and networks leaded by EquityBD has organized an online press conference on national budget 2021-22 and termed the proposed revenue collection policies is business as usual and against the principles of redistributive justice following existing pandemic and increasing poverty context. They demanded government to stop capital flight and enhance revenue mobilization. They also opined that reforming Bank Sector is fundamental to strengthen governance practice in achieving the goal.

The press conference was moderated by EquityBD Chief Moderator Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, key note paper is read out by Ahsanul Karim of same organization. Among the others, Md. Abdul Awal from SUPRO [Campaign for Good Governance], Md. Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN [Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network], Syed Aminul Hoque of EquityBd and Md. Mostafa Kamal Akand from COAST Foundation spoke in the press conference.

Ahsanul Karim said in his key note presentation, government proposed BDT 3.30 trillion Revenue mobilization through NBR [National Board of Revenue] and stepping to expand tax and VAT net in rural areas but did not mention any word how recovery approach of poor and middle classes suffering due to corona pandemic and pressurized by increasing trend of livelihood expenditures. This is a discriminatory approach in present situation of unemployment and redistributive justice. Better government should declare at least VAT exemption on daily essentials those will make easy the livelihood pressure of poor and middle classes. He put five demand relating the issue are (i). Strengthen governance mechanism and its practices in financial sector especially in bank sector to stop the over or under invoicing and capital flight, (ii). Capacitate NBR with modern technologies to strengthen the income tax collection, (iii). Declare VAT exemption for poor and middle classes at least on ten daily essentials, (iv). Declare unemployment allowance for job losers as direct financial support package and (v). Government must take necessary step in reducing corruption in all sector specially focusing on public procurement practices.

Abdul Awal said that government’s development ideology and budgeting plan is somehow unable to reach the poor and marginal people. We facilitate the riches those are tax dodger and engage with capital flight activities. So it’s needed to stop tax dodging at first and govt. should step accordingly to work with NBR.

Hasan Mehedi opined that country debt burden is now around 40% of GDP and the proposed borrowing plan will increase the burden again indeed. He also mention the health sector is failed to face corona crisis despite supported around 37,000 crore [US$ 4.3 billion] through loan in last fiscal year.

Aminul Hoque said that Bank sector is core associate in most cases for trade misinvoicing and illegal capital flight. So that reformation is fundamental to stop this phenomenon. He also recommended government to ensure a fair and competitive environment in economic and business sector to control profiteering. Rezaul Karim said that government has created confusion continuously on black money whitening but it was not say anything in proposed budget on how to stop capital flight which could be a great source of resource mobilization. This is an injustice in view of our principle of liberation war.

[Position Paper] [Presentation]

[Bangla Press] [English Press] [Video]

Input toward preparation of LDC 5 / Doha PoA

By
equitybd
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On 20th May COAST Executive Director and EquityBD Chief Moderator Rezaul Karim Chowdhury as a member of LDC Watch presented climate change focus for preparation of LDC 5 / Doha Plan of Action in front of two Co-Chair Ambassador Rabab Fatim and Ambassador Bob Rae. Please find the note here.

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