The mismanagement of state power had dragged these conflicts into violence. The expansion of the industrial sector coincides with the bankruptcy of farmers which leads to their massive migration from rural to urban areas to become low-wage workers. They are facing bad working-conditions in dangerous industries. The tragedy of the many factories in Thailand, Southern China, etc. are some examples of industrial development policies which are not responsive to workers' human rights and welfare. Besides, industrial factories and estates are also the main causes of pollution in communities like Minamata in Japan and Bhopal in India.
Development is a right.
But it is meaningless unless it is grounded in the international human rights framework. Without human rights guarantees of freedom of organization, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, the people will not be able to participate in the development process. Without the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, development remains unsustainable. Governments must not only become party to international human rights instruments, they must also make a genuine commitment to the full realization of rights. Technical Support Walter Garcia IPS is the world's leading provider of information on global issues, backed by a network of journalists in more than 100 countries.