Oxfam Horizons May 2003

In this edition, we explore how our work with water is linked to people's basic human rights and wellbeing. Since our first wells were dug in India in the 1950's, water has played a major part in our work, building poor and marginalised communities' access to basic rights.

We profile projects in Laos that improve villagers' basic right to social services like clean water, nutrition and basic health. We see how even a small dam for irrigation has increased an ethnic minority's effective voice in decisions over development that threatened their traditional forest lands. This issue also recognises our 50th year; we take a step back and review key milestones in our history.

Editorial From the Executive Director Newsround 50th Anniversary Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne Roundup walk against want 2003 Roundup Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roundup Horizons Readers Survey Update Buy Fairly Traded Coffee, Tea and Jam What's to rebuild in Iraq? Water brings peace in the desert Creating Water security and peace in Sudan Earthquake response our largest ever Update on our work on the Gujarat (India) Earthquake in 2001   What is a human right? Chris Sidoti, National Spokesperson for the Human Rights Council of Australia, looks at the concepts of Human Rights. Working in Afghanistan is a dangerous business Oxfam emergency relief programs in Afghanistan are resuming gradually after a temporary delay due to violence and insecurity. Collaboration makes a difference By Jack de Groot, National Director of Caritas Australia. Water think tank boils over Report back from the 2003 World Water Forum in Japan. Rice, hamburgers in 'virtuous circle' Improved technology helps rice farmers in Southern China Measuring the impact of clean water Measuring the impact of clean water in Laos. Water project strengthens land rights Water and Land Rights in Laos. Creating equal rights for women? Prove it! How do we assess changes in equality? Our Community Supporter Profile: Profile: Judy Warrell Supporter Profile: Profile: Doug Kettle Oxfam Challenge - Cycle to Cambodia

Cover: From our archives of over 50 years of work, women pumping water from an Oxfam Community Aid Abroad supported well in Zimbabwe 1992 Photo: Ponch Hawkes/OxfamAUS

Editor Chris Gill; Design Paoli Smith; Picture Editor Martin Wurt; Proofing Lisa Vettori. Oxfam Horizons Is Published Quarterly By Oxfam Australia, 132 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Australia. ABN 18 055 208 636/CC29173 ACN 055 208 636/CC 29173 ISSN 1446-0521 The Publisher Does Not Necessarily Endorse Views Expressed By Contributors To Oxfam Horizons. Available Free To Donors And Supporters.