Reñido debate en torno al Director General de la OMPI: los empleados disienten y África alega racismo

Comments

1. Vox Populis says

   17/10/2007 at 9:59 pm

   I do not share the very aggressive approach used by certain delegations during the discussion of the infamous agenda item 12, which none of the WIPO program managers has dared to explain in the recent briefing sessions to the staff. I also disagree with the way in which the Idris age affair has been handled from the very beginning by the JIU, certain member states from the North, and why not say it, from the South. But the worst has finally arrived. Now we are hearing all sorts of accusations about racism and xenophobia. This is the logical sequel after the regrettable outcome of the WIPO assemblies and the subsequent circulation of a racist poster in WIPO premises. But let us not fool ourselves. It will be another attempt at diverting attention from the main issue at the root of the current institutional crisis: the violation of WIPO staff rules and regulations by its Director General. Allegations of racism and xenophobia cannot be used to justify evident wrongdoing. I guess Paul Wolfowitz could have claimed that he was being the victim of anti-Semitism when he came under attack at the World Bank. Mr. Idris has admitted to having misrepresented his age for 24 years when he decided to change his birth date in 2006. Mr. Idris was first elected Director General in 1997. If he was actually born in 1954 as he now claims, then Mr. Idris assumed this high post at the age of 43, thus making him one of the youngest Director Generals of any UN agency in history. But the member states, some of which are now staunchly backing Mr. Idris, believed then that they had elected a 52 year old man to that position since he was supposedly born in 1945. It thus follows that Mr. Idris deceived the WIPO staff and the member states that elected him. It is difficult to work in a place in which the staff rules and regulations are violated precisely by the very same person who is called upon to enforce them. The North should be ashamed for having been so reckless in presenting the Idris age case. But the South should feel embarrassed for defending someone who has deceived them and openly violated staff rules and regulations. Sooner or later truth will prevail. Due process, whether it takes 2 months or two years, will not exonerate Mr. Idris. And both the member states from the North and the South alike will have a lot of apologizing to do to themselves and to all those who, like me and many other employees, still believe that WIPO can make a difference for the North and the South.
   Vox Populis

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2. Philip Gough (pseudonym) says

   18/10/2007 at 12:03 am

   In a storm any port

   The contemptible smear campaign that is the subject of the statement purportedly by the African Group must be condemned. At least, its scope appears to be limited. The offending cartoon seems to have circulated within WIPO only. Most staff members only learned of its existence through an e-mail message the WIPO administration sent. No one knows how it reached the African Group.

   The existence of a smear campaign, even of limited scope is deplorable, and should not be seized upon by anyone to fan the flames of racism. To make hay from this inexcusable incident, to use it to mobilize support for the embattled Director General is indecent. Everyone remotely interested in WIPO is aware of the evidence suggesting the Director General fiddled with his birth date. Pretending there is no such evidence or that it can not be considered for formalistic reasons has the effect of lending credence to these charges. As long as they are not answered, a cloud of suspicion will continue to surround Idris. Indeed, it continues to grow as a result of Idris’ own effort to disparage his accusers. The so-called Brief Note he issued in the lead up to the Assemblies has refreshed everyone’s recollection of the other misdeeds he was allegedly involved in in recent years.

   By taking cover behind legalistic arguments, rather than answering the charges against him, and by orchestrating a campaign to disparage his accusers Idris has ended up forfeiting the level of support he used to enjoy, particularly but not only among the members of Group B. Without this he can not effectively govern the organization. This is the situation he must address. No one thinks that at this stage he can turn the situation around and regain the support and confidence of the member states whose support he lost as a result of his stonewalling. Those who are charging these same member states with racism are not doing Idris’ cause any favour. Surely, they do not wish to suggest that because of his race he should not be held to account.

   In this stormy sea, the charge of racism will provide no shelter. Innocent or guilty, the only way out is for Idris to leave the organization. His friends would render him a better service, if they helped him see this. No one is served by encouraging him to battle on.

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3. Enki says

   18/10/2007 at 12:24 pm

   We stand here in the presence of a serious dilemma.

   To the one end, the need to see past wrong doing to be redeemed, in order to start working on neat premises, for the future. But, some entities (Member states or/and individuals) may attempt to use this critical situation for more political (hidden) purposes. Let’s not be naïve about this.

   On the other end, we clearly see an attempt to hide away the past (in a childish attitude of wishing that all this wrong doing would never have happened), using arguments such as racism or personal aggression against the individual Kamil Idris. Let’s not walk on that path, either.

   Wipo Staff, notwithstanding all this agitation around the latest General Assemblies are ready and willing to work in a renewed spirit.
   Knowing too well (from the inside) in how far senior management has misused the Organization’s resources during all these years, many staff have indeed lost faith in their senior supervisors.

   Confidence must now be regained fast, and our professional environment cleansed.
   This is our main concern. Our staff needs a strong, honest and respectful management for the future. Wipo needs to be headed by people who proudly stand up for their ideas, but also who have the courage to openly admit flaws, when appropriate.
   Is our staff really undeserving of such straightforwardness?

   Wipo staff now demands that it be addressed, bravely, openly and frankly, by its Director General, so that the few left open questions may find a true and appropriate answer.

   Without such a prompt and courageous move, uncertainty will remain even more present, leading to manifold disproportionate and emotional reactions, themselves conducting to severe losses for the credibility of this Organization, for the staff and for our external partners.

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4. Daedalus says

   18/10/2007 at 5:44 pm

   Irrespective of the strengths or weaknesses of the various allegations made against you, Director General, the central question at this stage is whether your continued stay at the helm of WIPO serves the best interests of the Organization.

   Although they might not say so openly, even your most fervent supporters know that, since this year’s Assemblies, this is no longer the case. This is not a North/South issue, this is an issue that concerns all equally.

   In light thereof, Director General, spare yourself the unseemly spectacle of hanging on in desperation to your position, but opt with courage and dignity for the only remaining honorable solution.

   Daedalus

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5. Thomas weiss says

   18/10/2007 at 6:19 pm

   It is clear that the presumed racial insult is another Idriss ploy to divert attention and to drag the Adrican Group in the mud with him. He was never known to be particularly proud to be an Adrican or for that matter a sudanese. Member states will know better than to be fooled by this

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6. Tao says

   23/10/2007 at 10:40 am

   Voici le mail que l’ensemble du personnel a reçu ce matin, rédigé par le beau-frère de Monsieur Kamil Idris. Nous sommes nombreux

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7. Philip Gough (pseudonym) says

   23/10/2007 at 4:17 pm

   Deux poids et deux mesures

   A propos du message ci-dessus, le Directeur du Personnel et le Conseiller Juridique ont sanctionné un message du Conseil du Personnel au sujet de sa pétition sans pour autant mentionner l’envoie de messages de soutiens. (Voir le courrier ci-après adressé

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8. Brian Thompson says

   23/10/2007 at 6:02 pm

   Mr. Yassin

   What is the difference between nation and People?The DG has not lived by the values you mention. He is instead sacrificing the interest of the organization and the dignity of his nation for his own narrow self interests. All the above does not address the issues at stake. No one is chaalenging the achievements. The question at stake is one of wrong doing. The above defence and advise is counterproductive and will not help the DG. He should listen to more helpful advice.

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9. Tao says

   25/10/2007 at 10:43 am

   Chers collègues,

   J’ai assisté

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10. en-ki says

    25/10/2007 at 11:51 am

    Quelques notes concernant prises lors des réunions d’information qui ont été organisées les 22 et 23 octobre 2007, par le Directeur général de l’Ompi.

    Quelques constats :
    L’information transmise au personnel est restée focalisée sur les seuls points positifs, et les acquis des dix dernières années, ce qui n’est-en soi- pas un problème, cependant, les points litigieux n’ont pas du tout été abordés.

    Certaines statistiques sont présentées de manière “partielle” et “partiale” :
    S’il est vrai que la grande majorité des employés de l’organisation est d’origine européenne, française ou suisse, elle l’est avant tout dans les plus bas échelons (G staff & temporaires), et c’est normal étant donné que notre organisation se trouve être implantée à Genève. Si la même comparaison devait être faite pour les niveaux plus élevés (P5 et plus), les proportions se trouveraient inversées.

    Quelques rappels :
    La bi polarisation au sein de l’organisation n’est pas l’œuvre, ni du personnel, ni du Conseil du personnel… mais avait été initiée dès le débat qui a surgi autour du fameux point 12 (pour lequel avait été faite la demande qu’elle fasse partie intégrante) de l’agenda des Assemblées des Etats membres 2007. C’est le refus de traiter ce point (par les représentants des pays en voie de développement) qui est à l’origine de cette scission.
    L’utilisation (malheureuse et regrettable) de cette affiche de l’UDC est restée -somme toute- très localisée (bâtiment OMM / Ompi) et n’a pas été “circulée, placardée et distribuée” dans le public, comme il avait été mentionné et répété diversement.
    Trop d’accent a été mis sur le thème du racisme, de la xénophobie et sur cette affiche du “mouton noir”, détournant ainsi l’attention afin que les points les plus importants, tels que les conséquences de tous ces écarts par rapport au respect du Règlement du Personnel, ne soient plus évoqués.
    Comment peut-on vouloir faire respecter les règles en vigueur, si l’on ne les respecte pas, soi-même ?

    Un point est resté sans réponse :
    Que se passerait-il si le grave différend qui oppose les groupes d’Etats Membres (suite à l’Assemblée Générale), n’est pas résolu ?
    En fait, quel est le risque encouru par notre Organisation, et surtout, par son personnel, dans le cas où les requêtes formulées par le pays-hôte et par les représentants des pays développés, ne seraient pas entièrement satisfaites ?

    Un regret :
    L’initiative de la pétition a été vivement critiquée et présentée comme étant une tentative pour diviser le personnel, qui devrait normalement rester “neutre, apolitique et silencieux”.

    Depuis ce jour, il semble même que la récolte de signatures pour cette pétition soit interdite par le Département des Ressources humaines de l’OMPI, ce qui est contraire aux droits les plus élémentaires de chacun pour pouvoir s’exprimer. Nous ne vivons pas en dictature, dans les Organisations Internationales, ce serait un comble !

    Conclusions :
    Je pense que plus que jamais, que le Conseil du personnel doit être encouragé et renforcé dans son effort pour défendre notre environnement professionnel.
    Même si nous travaillons au sein d’une Organisation affiliée aux Nations-Unies, le personnel ne doit pas se laisser prendre en otage par une administration, qui cherche de résoudre les problèmes personnels de quelques hauts-fonctionnaires.
    Je reste persuadé cependant que de focaliser toute notre attention sur la personne même du Directeur général, est une erreur. Il s’agit bel et bien d’un groupe de personnes, dont il a su s’entourer (membres de famille, conseillers et cabinet), et qui nuisent continuellement à la bonne santé de notre Organisation.

    Appel à l’aide :
    Nous souhaitons vivement que les représentants des Etats membres, et en particulier le Représentant de la Suisse, notre pays-hôte, puissent accélérer les démarches nécessaires pour faire cesser le plus rapidement possible l’inacceptable emprise qu’a ce petit groupe de personnes, sur l’ensemble du personnel de l’Organisation. Cet appel est d’autant plus pressant, que l’Administration de l’Ompi commence à provoquer une ambiance de peur et d’insécurité au sein de son petit personnel, au moyen de menaces, de mises en demeure.

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11. ali yassin says

    25/10/2007 at 3:42 pm

    To my surprise I discovered in your Website that I am a relative of the DG Dr. Kamil Idris, people are just looking for what pleased and assure them not for the reality.
    The email is my own initiative.
    If I have a blood relation with the DG Kamil Idirs, it should definitely go back to Adam and Eve.

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12. ali yassin says

    25/10/2007 at 5:12 pm

    selon la rumeur, Monsieur Yassin ferait partie de la famille du DG.
    Dear browsers look carefully and highlight the word: (rumeur, rumeur, rumeur).
    I have no comments dear colleagues or colleague.
    Many thanks for bringing your facts from (rumeur)

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13. jerry says

    26/10/2007 at 9:54 am

    Mr Yassin´s first defence (comment 6) is very revealing. No one has said he is a blood relative, but rather a brother-in-law?

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14. ali yassin says

    26/10/2007 at 4:37 pm

    it is niether nor do you understand please?

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15. zia says

    03/11/2007 at 11:00 am

    Je souhaite attirer l’attention des lecteurs sur les différentes pressions exercées actuellement par l’administration de l’OMPI, voire par certains responsablles de secteurs de cette organisation.

    Le personnel de l’OMPI travaille actuellement dans un climat de peur et de crainte.

    L’administration a clairement fait savoir que la pétition n’était pas du ressort du personnel et que les membres de l’organisation devaient se concentrer sur leur travail.

    Du reste, la version française de ce message n a toujours pas été communiquée au personnel.

    Certains responsables demandent

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16. ali yassin says

    18/11/2007 at 3:15 pm

    The following is an email I received among many, but the [author] of this one asked me to share it with your browser,
    With my best regards
    Dear Ali,
    I would like to share with you our gladness for the bright way of handling the issue of the newspaper. In fact – yesterday- all the newspapers wrote wonderful things on Dr. Idris, especially ((Alsoudani)) newspaper, I am sure that you were following them.
    In the internet, there are nothing really say or to comment on, totally nothing, its only showing the anger and rude of some unrespectable people (within and outside WIPO), from the ambitious, strong will, and from the professional way of handling all cases of Dr. Idris. Beside the fact that he is Sudanese. Personally I do so much like the way that Dr. Idris is acting against this entire ridiculous attack and cheap campaign against him.
    Let me ask those dear Ali, that,
    1- where were WIPO before Dr. Idris raised the awareness about its existence, especially in the developing countries?
    2- where were WIPO before the Dr. Idris intelligent technique of increasing efficiency and effectiveness of its work?
    3- Where were WIPO – that small, neglected and ignored organization, before Dr. Idris created its image?
    4- Where were WIPO before the implementation of his plan and wish (which came in his first letter of acceptance of the first election as WIPO DG on 1997)- in finding the WIPO World Wide Academy, and explain to the world the noble and professional aim of that academy?
    5- Where were WIPO before Dr. Idris contacts the best universities ever to develop – in cooperation – the degree of Master in Intellectual property, and the general studies in the major of IP?
    6- Where were WIPO before Dr. Idris profoundly increase its image and position, through his smart connections with the world leaders and explaining that
    7- The goals of WIPO is not only to register the new innovations but to give the sense of creating new life, through IP system, and to improve theirs countries economy?
    8- Where were WIPO before Kamil been its DG, and shown the world that Change is life and push to let all of them is well prepared for the change?

    Eventually Yes, we all believe in Dr. Idris, that young man who throw himself long time ago in life jungle with its different land, and opened his mind widely in a brave, determination and strong principals, aiming and hoping to be a senior professional person.
    Kamil Eltayeb Idris is the kind of people who can draw strategically the aims and goals, and then finds the most possible ways in reaching that goals and hopes, and in a very smart, honorable and polite ways all along the road. He is the person who pays every time gratitude to GOD in Joy and happiness, as well paying dedication to life for being as it is.
    Dear Ali,
    Five years before, I established my meditation lessons through an Indian author and meditation Activists named (OSHO), In all lessons I took through the internet and in all the books I read to him, I saw the way that Kamil moved through and up in his career & life, some many years ago (as the stories of my grandmother tell us how much he was patience, tolerance and willing to accomplish since he was young). Surely since he decided to complete studying in two different universities in Sudan on the same time. I would like to say that all these spiritual lessons that I learned in the last five years through (OSHO), It would very much be founded in Kamil personality and since he was young, his courage, his innovations, his self confusion to himself on any shortage and the way to increase his knowledge, his enthusiasm and ambitious, his self commitment for continues learning and to build
    The wealthiest skills and competencies, and his eagerness & determination to build a better future.
    Yes… we believe on Dr. Kamil Idris, and will continue learning from him, despite of anything might come up to critics him, despite of any ugly opinion appear from cheap and frustrated people.
    Yes, we believe on Dr. Kamil Eltayeb Idris without anything to obtain or to get in return. We believe on him because he deserves everything good, as well because we are all loyal and honorable big family and we know each other’s values.
    Kindly forward this message to Dr. Idris and to WIPO
    We wish all of you – all the best – and to continue showing the world you’re special determination and loyalty to a man that his country is proud of him.
    Best regards,
    A relative from Sudan

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