Articles and Documents
General Analysis on Protests
This section posts general analysis on protests as an advocacy method for NGOs and other citizens groups.
Be it G8 or G20, Activists Say Protests to Continue (September 25, 2009)
Changing the G8 to the G20 did not ease the many protests at the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh. Despite the increase from eight to twenty states, activists still criticize the summit for not representing the voices of the poor and developing countries. The activists do not believe that twenty countries are capable of making the reform that the global economy needs and making it favorable to all. (Reuters)
Heiligendamm - June 6-8, 2007
Tens of thousands of protestors are expected to show at the 2007 G8 summit, which is taking place June 6–8 in Heiligendamm, Germany. While activists plan for the protest, German security forces are implementing severe and controversial security measures. Activists argue, as they have in the past, that the group of eight major industrial nations makes promises but takes inadequate action.
Singapore - September 19-20, 2006
Protesters at the 2006 annual meeting of the IMF and World Bank did not have as much freedom to voice their disapproval of these institutions as they did at past meetings. The Singaporean government, known for its tough stance against public gatherings, banned street demonstrations and designated a small tightly-secured area for indoor protests. Protesters condemned the government's restrictions, but also criticized the IMF and World Bank for not doing enough to involve NGOs.
Hong Kong - December 13-18, 2005
The WTO's Sixth Ministerial Conference prompted protestors defending the world's poor to swarm to Hong Kong. Many farmers joined the protests, as the delegates inside the convention center were deadlocked on the issue of agricultural subsidies.
The July 2005 meeting of G8 leaders in Scotland prompts global demonstrations urging the heads of state to take concrete steps in eliminating poverty and tackling climate change.
Washington, DC - April 15-17, 2005
Organizers of the protests against the April 2005 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings estimated a crowd in the thousands, but the meetings drew only a few hundred protesters. Participants protested newly appointed World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz.
Washington, DC - October 3, 2004
Antiwar and global capitalism protestors, advocating for changes in US Iraq policy and 100% debt cancellation for developing countries, gathered outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings in Washington. Heightened terrorism threats led to increased security at the IMF and World Bank, but the number of protestors was substantially smaller than that of demonstrations in previous years.
Sea Island, Georgia - June 8-10, 2004
Authorities at Sea Island, Georgia are not taking chances with security at the 2004 G8 Summit. Critics argue that the provision of body bags, missiles launchers on the beaches and a police force of more than 20,000 is excessive and unnecessarily scares many inhabitants.
Evian - June 1-3, 2003
In June 2003 the G8 Summit of leaders of the world's seven rich countries, plus Russia, took place in Evian-les-Bains, France. At the same time protests and alternative G8 Summit activities were staged by NGOs and other activists.
Washington, DC - September 27-29, 2002
In September 2002 NGOs and activists organised protests against the IMF and World Bank in Washington, DC.
Kananaskis - June 26-27, 2002
Strong security meassures at the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada succeeded to keep away demonstrations. In nearby Calgary however, NGOs and activists held a parallel forum and organized protests.
May Day - May 1, 2002
The traditional May Day demonstrations in capitals around the world voiced concern about a variety of issues. In London protests focused on multi-national corporations.
Washington - April 20, 2002
At demonstrations in Washington in April 2002, protesters against globalization collaborated closely with anti-war activists.
Barcelona - March 15-16, 2002
Even though EU Heads of States Summits attract less attention than G8 or WTO meetings, thousands came together in Barcelona to demonstrate against globalization in 2002.
New York - January 31-February 4, 2002
The World Economic Forum in New York City in 2002 was acompanied by large scale anti - Forum demonstrations.
2010
Political Activists Call for Inquiry after Revelations about Undercover Police (March 21, 2010)
An ex-British undercover police officer recently revealed detailed accounts of his experience as a member of the Special Demonstration Squad - a secret unit which deployed full-time undercover officers in the mid 1990s to infiltrate supposedly "subversive" or "potentially violent" activist organizations seen by the police as liable to cause public disorder in London. The revelations have since sparked intense outrage among political activists, who now demand a public inquiry into police tactics at gathering intelligence and at managing public protests. (Guardian)
