University Challenge to Globalisation

Sussex University is an active and involved area. The environment, peace and human rights are particular topics of interests for many Sussex students. Here are a few of the many clubs and societies on campus.

Survival

Set up in 2002, this small society is part of the London-based organisation Survival International. The aim of the society is to raise funds to protect the rights of indigenous people throughout the world: people who are increasingly being pushed off their land and denied their rights.

Survival's actions have included setting up stalls on Library Square and in the Lanes, organising a raffle in East Slope Bar, and showing movies to increase awareness of the issues facing such groups as the Bushmen of Botswana or the tribal people of West Papua New Guinea.

Last year we spoke to the main opposition leader (known to us only as Bennie) imprisoned by the government of Indonesia. The government has been partitioning the island of West Papua New Guinea to foreign oil and building companies, and denying the tribal people's rights.

Half our funds from the autumn term were donated to the local Solidarity South Pacific Campaign, the other half sent to Survival International. The spring term has been spent offering different documentaries every week to students and staff on campus. Contact Survivalbrighton@yahoo.com

Sussex Coalition Against The War

SUCAW was set up in 2001 as a student-staff coalition expressing their opposition to the war against Afghanistan. SUCAW organises demonstrations, talks, and stalls in and around campus to increase students’ awareness of the geopolitical issues facing the world today and mobilise them into action. They organised buses to bring students to London, and provided Legal Observers during demonstrations. They provided mini-buses to London on the 20th of March for the "No More Lies Mr Blair" demonstration. SUCAW is a member of the National Stop the War Coalition. Contact: Sucawmod@yahoo.co.uk

Fair Trade

The Fair Trade society from Sussex University is a very active group on campus, and has organised several events this year including talks, ethical markets, video screenings and raffles. The society has been able to convince private catering agencies on campus to start selling fair trade coffee and tea.

Their aim is to help farmers in developing countries obtain a fair price for their produce, and increase awareness of the unequal deal that farmers from Africa, South East Asia and Latin America receive through Free Trade.

See Fairtrade or look out for posters on campus for events and local contacts.