Democracy News - March 9, 2005
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
March 2005
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CONTENTS
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Cambodian Legislators Stripped of Immunity
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
2. Club of Madrid's International Summit on Democracy, Terrorism, and Security
3. Fellowships for Threatened Scholars
4. CIPE Joins Development Gateway Foundation
5. Leeds University Accepting Applications for Fellowship in Governance and Democracy
6. Democratic Development Study on Morocco
7. IDEA Launches New Web Site
8. New HLC Newsletter: Regional Cooperation in the Balkans Confronts the Past
9. Call for Submissions: 2005 Alcan Prize for Sustainability
10. Stanford Business School Offers New Program for Philanthropy Leaders
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
11. Civil Society Organizations Partnership Program Calls for Short Case Studies
12. CIVICUS Launches New Monthly Bulletin
13. Civil Society Collaborating to Build the Hemispheric Agenda: Participation in the Summits of the America through Online Discussion Forums
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
14. IIMC Accepts Applications for Asia, Middle East, and International Symposia for Students on Negations and Conflict Resolution
15. Call for Contributions: Midterm World Report on the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World
16. COPA Training Course on Peace Building and Conflict Transformation
17. Call for Applications: The Peace Building and Development Institute
18. New CrisisWatch Bulletin Released
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
19. The King Baudouin International Development Prize Awarded to Ousmane Sy
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
20. CIPE Feature Articles: "Moving Beyond Dependence in Bosnia and Herzegovina" and "Supporting Public Participation in Egypt"
ELECTIONS
21. Ukraine After the Elections - A Collection of Research and Analyses
HUMAN RIGHTS
22. New Tactics Regional Training Workshop in Asia
23. UNHCHR Calls for Urgent Steps to Halt Atrocities in Darfur
24. Joint NGO Statement to OHCHR Calls for Stronger UN Machinery for Human Rights
25. Documentation Centers around the World Form an "Affinity Group"
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
26. Statement Issued on Belarus
27. Workshop: OSCE Experiences in Promoting Democracy and Cooperative Security: An Inspiration for the Mediterranean Partners and Beyond?
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
28. The Southeast Asian Centre for E-media (SEACeM) Offers Assistance to WMD Participants
29. ItrainOnline Offers ICT Training
30. Report on the State of Freedom of Expression in Tunisia
31. Award in Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Using ICT to Improve Quality of Life in Developing Countries
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
32. Global Organization Against Corruption (GOPAC) Announces New Web site
WOMEN'S ISSUES
33. BAOBAB Issues Call for Women's Participation in Nigeria
34. Conference: "Leading to Change: Eliminating Violence Against Women in Muslim Societies"
35. International Women's Day Celebrated throughout the World
36. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
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DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Cambodian Legislators Stripped of Immunity
On February 3, the National Assembly voted to lift the parliamentary immunity of legislators Sam Rainsy, Cheam Channy, and Chea Poch. These leading opposition members of Cambodia's National Assembly now face prosecution for a number of outstanding charges. One member has already been detained. The International Movement of Parliamentarians for Democracy (IMPD) issued an alert strongly condemning the stripping of parliamentary immunity and urging the government of Cambodia to respect the right of the opposition parties to function freely. IMPD urges its members to write to Cambodian authorities and the media to push the government to respect the political freedom of opposition parties. The Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) has also recently issued an alert condemning the arrest of the legislators.
To read the IMPD alert, go to: www.wmd.org/impd/main.html
To read the ARDA alert, go to: www.asiademocracy.org/content_view.php?section_id=2&content_id=348
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
2. Club of Madrid's International Summit on Democracy, Terrorism, and Security
The International Summit on Democracy, Terrorism and Security, that will take place in Madrid, from the March 8-11, 2005, will host more than 200 scholars and expert practitioners from around the world who specialize in terrorism and security. After working together for months, these group experts will submit the results of their investigations at the Summit to find a common framework of international action to fight terrorism and to reinforce democratic values and principles. The conclusions of the debates will be incorporated into the "Agenda of Madrid", that will consist of a series of guidelines and recommendations, which can be used as a guide for governments seeking a democratic response to terrorism.
For more information, go to: www.safe-democracy.org.
3. Fellowships for Threatened Scholars
The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund provides fellowships for scholars whose lives and work are threatened in their home countries. These fellowships permit scholars to find temporary refuge at universities and colleges anywhere in the world, enabling them to pursue their academic work and to share their knowledge with students, colleagues, and the community at large. When conditions improve, these scholars will return home to help rebuild universities and societies ravaged by fear, conflict and repression. Academics, researchers and independent scholars from any country, field, or discipline may qualify. Fellowships are awarded to institutions for the support of specific individuals, to be matched in most cases by the institution or third-party. The application deadline is April 1, 2005.
For more information and applications, go to: www.iie.org/srf/home
4. CIPE Joins the Development Gateway Foundation
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) recently became a cooperating partner with the Development Gateway Foundation and will contribute publications and other information resources to the Development Gateway's web-based portal of development knowledge. Development Gateway operates a global web portal of information and supports other information service enterprises around the world to advance development locally.
Go to: www.developmentgateway.org
5. Leeds University Accepting Applications for Fellowship in Governance and Democracy
Leeds University, UK, welcomes applications for an academic Research Fellowship in Governance and Democracy. The fellowship offers a fast-track route to permanent academic appointments for outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career. This fellowship position is available for applicants with post doctoral (or equivalent) experience and an established track record of research achievements.
Go to: www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/information/polisfellow.doc
6. Democratic Development Study on Morocco
Rights & Democracy (Montreal) and Espace Associatif (Rabat) announce the publication of their study on democratic development in Morocco. The study analyzes Morocco's history of democratic development and civil society mobilization. The research draws on three themes: gender relations and rights, the rule of law, and the development of democratic culture. By using grass-roots and participatory methodology, the study aims to assist Morocco's non-profit sector in better defining its objectives and strategies. The research was conducted by civil society actors and is relevant to all parties interested in Morocco as well as the Maghreb region.
To access the complete study in French and Arabic as well as a summary in English, go to: www.dd-rd.ca
7. IDEA Launches New Web Site
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), an intergovernmental organization with member states from all continents, has launched a new and improved Web site to mark its 10th anniversary. The Web site has been completely redesigned and now offers new features including information searches by topic or region, a new publications database, and a right hand menu displaying the highlights, related news, and publications for each topic.
Go to: www.idea.int
8. HLC Newsletter: Regional Cooperation in the Balkans Confronts the Past
The Belgrade-based Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) recently published its latest newsletter that highlights new regional cooperation initiatives in the region. Three NGOs from Serbia-Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina formed coalition in 2004 to address the legacies of the conflicts that tore the former Yugoslavia apart in the 1990s. Along with HLC, the Sarajevo-based Research and Documentation Center, the Zagreb-based Documenta - Center for Dealing with the Past, signed a Protocol on Regional Cooperation. The three NGOs have agreed to cooperate and coordinate their activities aimed at documenting and revealing the truth about the conflicts in the 1990s, ending impunity for past humanitarian law violations, and bringing justice to victims. The main activities of the Protocol include the creation of war crimes database, regional war crime trial monitoring, and the support of war crime victims at trials.
To read about the Protocol on Regional Cooperation in the latest HLC newsletter, go to:
www.hlc.org.yu/storage/docs/18afbf368fc1e82a949d2f3858824d7c.pdf
9. Call for Submissions: 2005 Alcan Prize for Sustainability
The Alcan prize recognizes the non-profit sector for its contributions to global sustainability, and underlines the belief that all sectors of society must work together to achieve sustainable development. All non-profit, non-governmental, and civil society organizations working to advance the goals of economic, environmental, and social sustainability are eligible to apply. The prize, which amounts to US $1 million, is awarded annually. The application deadline is March 31, 2005.
For information on eligibility and entry procedures, go to: www.alcanprizeforsustainability.com/2005/en/details/objectives.asp
10. Stanford Business School Offers New Program for Philanthropy Leaders
Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB) is offering a new executive education course geared towards leaders of grant-making organizations. Led by Stanford's world-class faculty, the Executive Program in Philanthropy focuses on the strategy and management of grant-making institutions, with a special emphasis on vision, execution, governance, and collaboration. Ideal candidates are high-level philanthropy leaders, senior program officers, executive directors, presidents, CEOs, or active board members with desire to augment their skills in leadership, business strategy, and organizational vision. The six-day Executive Program in Philanthropy will run from July 31 through August 5, 2005. The application deadline is May 15.
For more information and the application, go to: www.gsb.stanford.edu/exed/epp/
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
11. Civil Society Organizations Partnership Program Calls for Short Case Studies
As part of a new program, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) is looking for short case studies on the topic of civil society organizations (CSOs) and their policy influence. The case studies should be simple stories that describe situations in which CSOs have engaged with policy processes, the nature of the impact they have had (if any), and the relative role of research in the process. Submissions from authors in developing countries will be prioritized. Proposals should be 500 words long, and the case studies should be no longer than 1500 words. ODI will provide US$1500 awards to successful case studies.
For more information, go to: www.odi.org.uk/RAPID/Projects/PPA0104/Index.html
12. CIVICUS Launches New Monthly Bulletin
The CIVICUS' Civil Society Watch (CSW) Team has launched a new Monthly Bulletin highlighting the latest updates for the CSW program. The CSW program aims to mobilize quick, principled, and effective responses to situations that threaten civil society's fundamental rights to express, associate, and organize collectively throughout the world. The CSW Monthly Bulletin will provide a forum for activists' voices and disseminate as widely as possible cases in which the existence of civil society is threatened worldwide. CIVICUS also publishes a weekly bulletin that keeps thousands of people, organizations, and programs informed of the many developments that are taking place in civil society organizations around the world.
To subscribe to the CSW bulletin and for more information, email: cswatch@civicus.org or go to: www.civilsocietywatch.org.
For more information about the CIVICUS weekly bulletin, go to: www.civicus.org or email: news@civicus.org.
13. Civil Society Collaborating to Build the Hemispheric Agenda: Participation in the Summits of the Americas through Online Discussion Forums
In order to support substantive civil society participation in the Summits of the Americas, Partners of the Americas, the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL), the Inter-American Democracy Network (IADN), and Corparacion PARTICIPA, in collaboration with other civil society organizations (CSOs) from across the hemisphere, have developed Online discussion forums that will focus on various themes. The eight themes will include: indigenous peoples, transparency and anti-corruption, sustainable development and the environment, peace building, citizen participation, education, democracy and political parties, and labor. Participation in the Online forums is open to CSOs from throughout the hemisphere. The forums will be conducted in Spanish, but English submissions will also be accepted. Weekly summaries of the discussion will be provided in Spanish and in English. The forums will take place in April and in May, 2005.
Go to: www.partners.net/what_we_do/civil_society/Summit%20forums%20overview.pdf or contact: foroscumbres@parnters.net
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
14. IIMC Accepts Applications for Asia, Middle East, and International Symposia for Students on Negotiations and Conflict Resolution
The Institute for International Mediations and Conflict Resolution (IIMCR), in partnership with Arcadia University and the Elliot School of International Affairs at George Washington University, is conducting a series of month-long symposia for young adults that focus on negotiation and conflict resolution. Three of the symposia, the Asia Symposium, the Middle East Symposium, and the International Symposium, will be held between May and August, 2005. By interpreting current and past conflicts in their regions and worldwide through theory and practice in conflict resolution, international affairs, and international law, participants will develop practical skills in mediation and negotiation to confront conflicts constructively. Applications are currently being accepted for all three symposia. Application details can be found Online.
For information on the courses, costs, online application form, and other details, go to: www.iimcr.org
15. Call for Contributions: Midterm World Report on the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World
The International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World is accepting submissions from civil society organizations for its midterm report assessing the progress (or lack of progress) towards a culture of peace in the world today. Information received by April 2005 will be included in the report sent to the UN Secretary-General and presented at the General Assembly session devoted to the culture of peace. The Fundacion Cultura de Paz and United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY Peacebuilders)/African Network are preparing the report.
To submit contributions and for more information, go to: http://decade-culture-of-peace.org/
16. COPA Training Course on Peace Building and Conflict Transformation
Coalition For Peace in Africa (COPA), a membership organization composed of individuals and organizations within the African continent, is holding an intensive five-week capacity building training on Peace Building and Conflict Transformation for practitioners serving in the fields of human rights, relief and development, religious organizations, and personnel from other fields operating in or around conflict areas. The first training this year is scheduled to take place from May 30 to July 1, 2005 in Kampala, Uganda. Day to day proceedings of the training can be obtained from COPA offices upon request. The deadline for applications is April 28, 2005.
For more information and the application, go to: www.copafrica.org/conflict-trans.htm or email: copa@copafrica.org
17. Call for Applications: The Peace Building and Development Institute
The Peace Building and Development Institute at American University in Washington, DC, is now accepting applications for its Summer 2005 Professional Training Program. The Peace Building and Development Summer Institute provides knowledge, practical experience and skills for practitioners, teachers and students involved in conflict resolution, peace building, humanitarian assistance, and development. Participants from dozens of countries will explore innovative methods of promoting cultural diversity with respect to public policy, community and religion, and war and post-conflict environments, while expanding their knowledge and skills in a participatory and interactive learning environment. Three to four courses will be offered each week for three weeks and participants will have to choose one class each week. The deadline is April 29, 2005.
For more information, including application details, go to: www.american.edu/sis/peace/summer/
18. New CrisisWatch Bulletin Released
According to the new edition of CrisisWatch that was released on March 1, 2005, fourteen conflict situations around the world deteriorated in February 2005. CrisisWatch is a monthly bulletin that provides readers in the policy community, media, business and interested general public with a succinct regular update on the state of affairs in most significant situations of conflict or potential conflict around the world.
To read the report, go to: www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3302&l=1
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
19. The King Baudouin International Development Prize Awarded to Ousmane Sy
The King Baudouin Foundation has awarded the 2004-2005 King Baudouin International Development Prize to Ousmane Sy from Mali. Ousmane Sy has been a pioneer in promoting governance in Mali through the decentralization of public management, which has been handed back to the populations, municipalities, and villages, through various processes of democratic participation. The prize, which amounts to 150,000 euros, will be awarded to Mr. Ousmane Sy on May 3, 2005, at the Royal Palace in Brussels.
Go to: www.kbs-frb.be/code/page.cfm?id_page=240&id_presse=593
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
20. CIPE Feature Articles: "Moving Beyond Dependence in Bosnia and Herzegovina" and "Supporting Public Participation in Egypt"
In February 2005, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) published two online articles as part of its Economy Reform Feature Service. The first, "Accepting Responsibility: Moving Beyond Political and Economic Dependence in Post Conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina," written by Sanja Omanovic, argues that with a government structure dependent on the international community's approval and an economy dependent on donor assistance, a new acceptance of responsibility by local governments and business communities is necessary for a true recovery as Bosnia - Herzegovina looks towards European integration. The second, "Supporting Public Participation in Egypt," by Dr. Ahmed Abdel Halim, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, argues that an improvement to the low public participation rates in Egypt will require fundamental adjustments to the legislative framework, new approaches to education and the media, an improved economic situation, and the establishment of transparency and accountability in Egypt's institutions.
To read these articles, go to: www.cipe.org/publications/fs/index_date.htm
ELECTIONS
21. Ukraine After the Elections - A Collection of Research and Analyses
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has made available a collection of articles and resources about the Ukraine elections. This collection provides information on events leading up to the 2004 elections and analyses on where Ukraine is now headed.
Go to: www.carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=16419
HUMAN RIGHTS
22. New Tactics Regional Training Workshop in Asia
The New Tactics in Human Rights Project, in partnership with Forum-Asia, is calling for applications for the Asia Regional Training Workshop, to be held August 5-11, 2005, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The meeting will engage innovative human rights practitioners from across the Asian region (South, Southeast and Northeast) in sharing and developing ideas, practices, knowledge, and skills to strengthen efforts in advancing human rights. The application deadline is April 4, 2005.
For more information and to apply, go to: www.newtactics.org or email: newtacticsevent@cvt.org
23. UNHCHR Calls for Urgent Steps to Halt Atrocities in Darfur
The most urgent need in Darfur is for concrete measures to end the current violence and restore security and dignity to its people, including taking the issue to the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour. During a briefing to the Security Council on the work of the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur, the High Commissioner said murder, torture, enforced disappearances, destruction of villages, rape and forced displacement continue to be committed against the people of the western Sudanese region. Arbour argued that the ICC could be activated immediately. The Darfur Consortium, an umbrella group of more than forty mainly African civil society organizations, has also urged the U.N. Security Council to refer the situation in the Darfur region of the Sudan to the ICC without further delay.
To read the full Press Release of the UNHCHR from February 17, go to: www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/NewsRoom?OpenFrameSet
For further details about the Darfur Consortium, go to: www.pambazuka.org/index.php?id=27045
24. Joint NGO Statement to OHCHR Calls for Stronger UN Machinery for Human Rights
A number of human rights organizations, including Friends World Committee for Consultation (Quakers), Franciscans International, Amnesty International, the Association for the Prevention of Torture, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, the International Federation of ACAT, the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues, and the International Service for Human Rights, submitted a joint statement to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for discussion at its sixty-first session in Geneva on March 14 - April 22, 2005. The statement calls for the more effective functioning of human rights mechanisms and the adaptation and strengthening of the UN's machinery for human rights.
To read the statement, go to: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G05/105/35/PDF/G0510535.pdf?OpenElement
25. Documentation Centers around the World Form an "Affinity Group"
In collaboration with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) is leading the formation of an "Affinity Group" of documentation centers from around the world -- the former Yugoslavia, Guatemala, Burma (headquartered in Thailand), Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Africa -- to share information and techniques and to work together to address the constraints shared by its members. The group will also regularly call in international experts to help think through solutions to various technical documentation problems. The first meeting of the Affinity Group, held in Phnom Penh this month, addressed the following topics: strategic issues in collecting documents, such as how to connect documentary materials and forensic evidence with the broader goals of accountability, truth-telling, and justice; technical issues in collecting, preserving and using documents; and case studies in documentation and planning for the future. The group plans to hold meetings three or four times per year.
Go to: http://welcome.to/dccam or contact: dccam@online.com.kh
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
26. Statement Issued on Belarus
Belarusian civil society representatives who took part in the conference "A New Quest for Democracy" held in Bratislava on February 23, 2005, issued a statement on the state of democracy in Belarus. The statement indicates that according to sociological surveys, the majority of the citizens of Belarus oppose the politics of Alexander Lukashenka. It also asks for support from the European Union and the United States in the process of democratization, especially in development of independent mass media and a civil society culture in Belarus.
For more information, contact: Andrea@pontisfoundation.sk
27. Workshop: OSCE Experiences in Promoting Democracy and Cooperative Security: An Inspiration for the Mediterranean Partners and Beyond?
The Danish Institute of International Studies (DIIS), the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) and the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), jointly organized a workshop on "OSCE Experiences in Promoting Democracy and Cooperative Security: An Inspiration for the Mediterranean Partners and Beyond?" in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 3-5, 2005. The aim of the workshop was to strengthen overall security and identify viable social structures and relations within the Mediterranean region. This workshop was the first in a series, and examined whether the experiences of the OSCE and its approach to security along three dimensions - politico-military, economic, and human - can serve as a model for other parts of the world, particularly the Mediterranean region.
Go to: www.tesev.org.tr/etkinlik/agit_3_5mart2005_c_paper.php and www.tesev.org.tr/etkinlik/agit_3_5mart2005_program.php
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
28. The Southeast Asian Centre for E-media (SEACeM) Offers Assistance to WMD Participants
The Southeast Asian Centre for E-media (SEACeM) offers its assistance to organizations participating in the World Movement for Democracy. SEACeM will offer following services: (1) Free web and email hosting; (2) Content Management System that provides for easy updating and maintenance of Web sites, (3) a system for registering of new members, renewing of memberships, and receiving of donations online; (4) an online advertising system that allows efficient banner management and provides statistics to evaluate the effectiveness of advertising. World Movement participating organizations interested in receiving these or other ICT services should contact SEAcEM directly.
For more information, go to: www.seacem.com
To submit your requests, contact: prem@seacem.com
29. ItrainOnline Offers ICT Training
ItrainOnline is a joint initiative of seven organizations with expertise in computer and Internet training in the South. ItrainOnline responds to the need for a single source on the web containing a selection of the best and most relevant computer and Internet training resources for development and social change. The ItrainOnline initiative aims to assist civil society organizations and other development actors in developing countries to confront the challenges posed by new information and communications technologies (ICTs). In seeking to overcome skills gaps in development, ItrainOnline connects people and know-how with the needs of ICT learners and trainers. ItrainOnline provides training and "how-to" guides for development organizations and civil society groups and has resources in English, French, Spanish, Albanian, Bosnian, Czech, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Serbian.
Go to: www.itrainonline.org
30. Report on the State of Freedom of Expression in Tunisia
A 60-page report, "Tunisia: Freedom of Expression under Siege," has been published by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange Tunisia Monitoring Group (IFEX), a group of 13 national, regional and international freedom of expression organizations. The report describes the conditions for participation in the World Summit on the Information Society that will be held in Tunis in November 2005. It expresses grave concern about the state of freedom of expression in Tunisia and recommends steps the Tunisian government should take to bring the country in line with international human rights standards.
To read the full report, go to: www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/64665/
31. Call for Nominations: Outstanding Achievement in Using ICT to Improve Quality of Life in Developing Countries Award
The Development Gateway Award will recognize the most exemplary contribution in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) for development during the last 10 years. The award highlights ICT's impact on social and economic development. The Development Gateway welcomes nominations for individuals or organizations (NGO, university program, research institute, and etc). The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2005.
Go to: www.developmentgateway.org/award
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
32. Global Organization Against Corruption (GOPAC) Announces New Web Site
The Global Organization Against Corruption (GOPAC) is an international network of parliamentarians dedicated to good governance and combating corruption. GOPAC's new Web site will be used as a resource for informing GOPAC's members of ongoing developments and as a tool for communicating with their partners around the world.
Go to: www.gopacnetwork.org
WOMEN'S ISSUES
33. BAOBAB Issues Call for Women's Participation in Nigeria
On February 14, 2005, BAOBAB for Women's Human Rights, based in Lagos, Nigeria, issued an urgent press release before the Nigeria Political Conference that opened on February 21, 2005, in Abudja. The press release called for review and adjustments to the lists of delegates to ensure full participation of women in the conference. The delegate selection process, which was dominated by nominations from the president and state governments, resulted in very few nominations of women. As a result, only 7 percent of over 400 delegates present at the conference on February 21st were women. BAOBAB and Nigerian women activists expressed concern over this exclusion of women from important political processes. The Nigerian Political conference will discuss pressing national issues, including the redistribution of oil wealth, federalism, and representation of women in the government over the next three months. Opposition groups that were dissatisfied with the process of delegate selection (which they found to be heavily biased toward the ruling party), narrow agenda, and hasty and poor organization have chosen to boycott the conference.
To read the BAOBAB press release, go to: www.wluml.org/english/newsfulltxt.shtml?cmd%5B157%5D=x-157-126663
To read more about the Nigerian conference, go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4283245.stm
34. Conference: "Leading to Change: Eliminating Violence Against Women in Muslim Societies"
The Women's Learning Partnership (WLP) organized a one-day International Symposium, "Leading to Change: Eliminating Violence Against Women in Muslim Societies" on March 1, 2005 in New York. The Symposium was held in conjunction with the forty-ninth session of the Commission on the Status of Women and the 10th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Symposium speakers addressed major challenges to eliminating violence against women and girls and discussed grassroots, national, and regional efforts focusing on prevention and awareness raising, as well as ongoing efforts to reform legislation on violence and women's human rights.
For the list of speakers and event details go to:
www.learningpartnership.org/events/2005/vawsymposium.phtml
35. International Women's Day Celebrated throughout the World
On March 8th, groups around the world commemorated the International Women's Day, which celebrates women's economic, social, cultural, and political achievements. The celebration is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women seeking to participate in society on an equal footing with men. A listing of global events commemorating the International Women's Day is available on a special Web site dedicated to this day.
Go to: www.internationalwomensday.com
36. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
* Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA - www.asiademocracy.org
* American Society for Kurds (ASK) - www.askurds.org
* BAOBAB for Women's Human Rights - www.baobabwomen.org/
* Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) - www.cipe.org
* CIVICUS - http://www.civicus.org
* Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) - http://welcome.to/dccam
* Forum-Asia - www.forumasia.org/
* Global Organization of Parliamentariand Against Corruption (GOPAC) - www.gopacnetwork.org
* Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) - www.hlc.org.yu/
* International Freedom of Expression Exchange - www.ifex.org/
* International Movement of Parliamentarians for Democracy (IMPD) - www.wmd.org/impd/main.html
* Partners of the Americas - www.partners.net/
* Rights & Democracy - http://www.dd-rd.ca/splash.html
* Southeast Asian Centre for E-media - www.seacem.com
* Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) - http://www.tesev.org.tr/eng/
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