Dissent rumble in the WSF jungle

by Satya Sivaraman

As the WSF kicks off its second year of deliberations against neo liberal globalisation dissidents within and outside the movement are raising serious questions about both the composition of the Forum and the direction in which it is headed.

In an open letter to the thousands of participants gathered from around the world a group of Brazilian trade unionists have accused the Forum of trying to give 'a human face to globalization' through minor reforms like the Tobin tax and not addressing the underlying realities of 'global capitalism'.

'Capitalist globalization has destroyed nations, democracy, and the sovereignty of the poor. It cannot be 'humanized' says the letter signed by over 20 trade union leaders including Julio Turra, National Executive Committee, of Brazil's Central Unica dos Trabalhadores (CUT), which is one of the organisers of the WSF. The signatories to the letter have decided to boycott all the panels, workshops and official sessions of the World Social Forum.

The trade unionists also dub the concept of 'civil society', which the WSF claims to represent, as an attempt to cover up the borders between social classes that exist in society. ' How is it possible to include in the same category of 'civil society' both the exploited and the exploiters, the bosses and workers, the oppressors and oppressed-not to mention the churches, NGOs, and government and UN representatives?' asks their letter.

One other issue provoking rumblings of unhappiness among some participants at the WSF is over the US-led ' War on Terrorism' which they feel the Forum is not doing enough to oppose. The proposed seminars on theme of 'A world without wars is possible' to be held during the Forum they point out lists conflicts in Palestine, Kashmir, the Basque Country, Colombia and Chiapas for discussion but not the ongoing US bombing of Afghanistan.

Over the course of the five days of the Forum's deliberations, critics point out, among the other flash points to watch out for are controversies over the star-billing given to activist or academic 'personalities' over social movements, the presence at the WSF of cabinet ministers from certain European governments and possible intervention on behalf of neo-liberal policies by right-wing members of parliament at the forum.

And once again, like at the first WSF in 2001 there is bound to be a behind-the-scenes tussle between 'moderates' and 'radicals' among the WSF organizers over the shape and specifics of the call for mobilisation issued at the end of the meet.

In other words, keep your eyes and ears open, and don't miss out on the fun !.