Looking for experts able to comment on issues affecting countries in the Organization of American States, whose representatives are meeting in Windsor? Here are some topics, based on the proposed thrust and agenda of the meetings that can be addressed by the WSU professors indicated. For assistance reaching them, call the Public Relations Office at (313) 577-2150.

How the OAS differs from the World Trade Organization (Frederic Pearson, director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies)

Combating illegal drugs
U.S. policy has focused on support of military forces in countries such as Colombia in an effort to halt the production of drugs. But the effort has been largely ineffective while drawing the United States more deeply into the internal affairs of countries with a history of instability. (Frederic Pearson, director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, and Barry Lyons, assistant professor of anthropology)

Impact of urban violence and civil wars on children, whether it be in dangerous neighborhoods of U.S. cities or civil war in another country, violence victimizes children perhaps more than any group. Yet children have little or no political clout and no powerful groups to speak up for them in many countries. What should the OAS be doing to address this situation? (Rita Casey, director of the Merrill-Palmer Institute for Child and Family Development)

Rights of native peoples In recent years, indigenous peoples of many countries throughout the Americas have become increasingly assertive in defending their right to land, recognition and respect. They have been pressing the OAS to draft a declaration on indigenous rights. This would be an important symbolic victory for native populations, but there is disagreement over the wording of such a declaration. (Barry Lyons, assistant professor of anthropology)