INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
International Women’s Day was marked on March 8th with strikes and actions in over 70 countries. It continues to be an important day for women who are fighting for better living conditions through things like access to water and land, paid recognition for carers and the end of ethnic and religious divisions. Demands were also made to change the priorities of the global economy at a time when huge sums are being spent on war preparations.

PAIN IN SPAIN
The Spanish authorities are continuing their repression in the Basque country, closing down the only remaining Basque-language daily newspaper and arresting 10 of it’s staff. As we’ve frequently seen in Northern Ireland, human rights are being trampled on in the name of anti-terrorism, even when there is no good evidence that people are connected to the armed Basque independence group ETA. Many protests have taken place since, including actions at Spanish embassies in London and Edinburgh.

THE FIGHTBACK IN BOLIVIA
The Bolivian uprising continues with people taking direct action against government policies and even police units going on strike. Tax rises, wage cuts, privatisation and land policies are all threatening the survival of Bolivians and they are demonstrating and blocking streets despite killings by the authorities.