Esther Sprague said:

Ashis - Obviously I-Act's work is very important and helps provide those stories. I've had the impression that this sort of thing on a regular basis wouldn't be allowed and could create more danger for the people in the camps. What do you think?

Darfur Advocacy Group Undergoes a Shake-Up

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/0 2/world/africa/02darfur.html?_r= 2&pagewanted=print&oref= slogin

Hi Esther,

It is tricky indeed.

When advocacy and humanitarian work mingle.

Yet the regime in Sudan has limitless access to the media.

Not all stories need to be about war or loss. Good news may not be news, but the aspect I am focussing on just as others before me is the interpersonal contact. It need not all be in the open. It is about connecting.

If ever I am at loss of words it is to describe what it does to you when you can talk, interact, listen to a refugee who is living in a camp for four years.

How is it that journalists have more or less unlimited access and there is a different set of rules for people like you and me?

Namaskar,

Ashis