European Social Forum London
Between October 14 and 17, around 20,000 activists from all over the world gathered in London, uk to defend the rights of workers and minorities, promote efforts to protect the environment and protest against the us -led war in Iraq. The occasion was the European Social Forum (esf). The event was, however, a huge disappointment. "We aren't seeing the unemployed, nor immigrants, in attendance," Brazilian activist Anselmo Schweltzner told a seminar that concluded esf. "It should never have taken place in London because it is too expensive. It is a shame," added Schweltzner.
The event was estimated to have cost us $18 million, almost half of which was met by London's city assembly. Entry to the esf cost us $36 for those unemployed and us $54 pounds for a worker, if they paid in advance. "How can someone unemployed afford the entrance cost?" questioned Mathilde Unger, a leading figure for Agir, a French pressure group supporting the jobless. She added: "How can someone vulnerable, obliged in this country to have several jobs in order to survive, find the time to participate in debates?
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.