Democracy News - February 15, 2006
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
February 2006
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CONTENTS
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Escalating Detentions in Nepal
2. The Peoples Forum for Human Rights and Development Bhutan Issues Call for Justice
3. The Arab Program for Human Rights Activists ( APHRA) Condemns Imprisonment of Bahraini Activists
4. Recent Alerts from World Movement for Democracy
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
5. Nelson Mandela International Essay Competition on African Security and Development
6. Call for Applications: Reuters Digital Vision Fellowship Program
7. Conference: 6th CIVICUS World Assembly, June 21-25, 2006, Glasgow, Scotland
8. Call for Nominations: 2006 International Freedom to Publish Prize
9. Vacancy: Oxfam Pan Africa Senior Policy Analyst Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
10. Vacancy: Executive Director for Akina Mama Wa Afrika
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
11. Publication: “The Limits of Leadership: Elites and Societies in the Nagorny Karabakh Peace Process”
12. National Peace Council of Sri Lanka Welcomes Peace Talks and Calls for Ceasefire
13. Conference in Belgrade on War Crimes Against Bosniaks in Foca
14. Summer Institutes on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution to be Held in Indonesia and Bolivia
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
15. Report: Local Government and Human Rights: Doing Good Service
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
16. Call for Papers and New Report Issued from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
ELECTIONS
17. Democracy in Nigeria at a Crossroads: Elections in 2007
HUMAN RIGHTS
18. Report: Assessing the Effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions
Co-published by the Geneva-based International Council on Human Rights Policy
19. Physicians for Human Rights Releases New Report on Genocide in Darfur
20. Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies Works to Advance Human Rights in Sudan
21. Uzbekistan Government Suspends Freedom House Human Rights Programs
22. Call for Applications: South East Asian Training Program on Human Rights
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
23. CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2006 Awards
24. Courage in Journalism Award
25. Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Civil Society, March 7-9, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
26. BBC Broadcasts Shut Down in Tajikistan
27. Internet Reporter Held Without Charge in Ethiopia
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
28. National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections-Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE PADD) Offers News Bulletin in Liberia
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
29. International IDEA Issues CD-ROM on Political Party Finance
30. CDI Report: Indonesian Political Parties Study Program
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
31. TI’s Global Corruption Report 2006
32. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
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DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Escalating Detentions in Nepal
According to February 1 press release by Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), there have been increasing numbers of mass arrests in Nepal. More than 6,500 political activists, human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, trade unionists, women rights activists, and students have been arrested and detained since February 1, 2005. FORUM-ASIA urges the government of Nepal to release immediately all arrested in connection with movements promoting human rights and democracy in the country, to stop arbitrary arrests and to repeal the restrictions on peaceful assemblies and movements. In addition, its press release demands that the government guarantee all rights of the people, stop harassment of these activists, lift all measures passed without due process, and declare a ceasefire in order to stop further violations of human rights and to bring a peaceful resolution of the armed conflict. FORUM-ASIA also strongly appeals to the Maoists to respect and commit to international human rights and humanitarian standards, not to violate basic rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Nepal, to follow the 12-point understanding of the seven political parties signed on November 22, 2005, to declare a cease-fire to stop further violence, and to seek peaceful means to resolve the conflict.
Go to: www.forum-asia.org/news/press_releases/fa/1feb06_nepal_appeal.shtml
Another Asian regional group, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) also urges immediate intervention to secure the release of all arrested in connection with movements promoting human rights and democracy in Nepal. The AHRC Web site includes a detailed list of those arrested, and includes directions on how to get involved. It urges sending letters to the relevant authorities listed, and voicing concern for the current situation in Nepal.
Go to: www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2006/1509/
For more information about human rights in Nepal, go to:
http://hrw.org/doc/?t=asia&c=nepal or www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=50552&SelectRegion=Asia&SelectCountry=NEPAL
2. The Peoples Forum for Human Rights and Development Bhutan Issues Call for Justice
On January 31, 2006, S.K. Pradhan, Secretary General of Peoples Forum for Human Rights and Development (PFHRD Bhutan), called for the punishment of those who concealed information about the conspiracy to murder R.K. Budathoki and failed to act to prevent it. R.K. Budathoki was the founding president of the Bhutan Peoples' Party (BPP), which was formed to establish human rights and democracy in Bhutan. He was murdered on September 9, 2001 during meeting convened by the BPP Secretary-General, Balaram Poudyel. According to Pradhan, the court documents pertaining to the R.K. Budathoki murder case reveal that there were several people who had the prior information and knowledge about the murder conspiracy. Pradhan was held in the Jhapa district prison for three years under fabricated charges that falsely linked him to the murder of the Bhutanese leader. After his release, Pradhan told the media that he would revive PFHRD and continue to work towards establishing democracy, freedom, and justice in Bhutan.
For more information, please contact: skpfhrd@mos.com.np
For background information on this case: www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/feb0502.html
3. The Arab Program for Human Rights Activists ( APHRA) Condemns Imprisonment of Bahraini Activists
On January 7, 2006, the Cairo-based Arab Program for Human Rights Activists (APHRA) issued a call for the immediate and unconditional release of prisoners of conscience detained by Bahraini authorities. APHRA received information from the Commission for Solidarity with Activists and Prisoners of Conscience, which reported several different instances of the harassment and detention of human rights activists. In one case, a group of Bahraini citizens were taken to an Interior Ministry jail after initiating a hunger strike. In another instance, on December 31, 2005, a group of activists were brought before a prosecutor where they faced false charges, such as destruction of public property and assaulting security personnel. They are expected to receive three to five years imprisonment. APHRA condemns these actions against Bahraini human rights activists and calls for their immediate release.
Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/aphra-jan7alert-feb06.doc
4. Recent Alerts from World Movement for Democracy
World Movement for Democracy recently issued two alerts: “Russian Civil Society Asks for Support and Solidarity” on January 30, 2006, and “Hundreds of Iranian Bus Drivers Arrested for Planning Strike” on February 3.
To view the alerts, go to: www.wmd.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
5. Nelson Mandela International Essay Competition on African Security and Development
This new competition, established jointly by The Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI) in the UK and the Brenthurst Foundation, based in South Africa, with the generous support of The Nelson Mandela Foundation, aims to encourage fresh and innovative perspectives on African Security and Development. The winning entry will receive an award of GBD £1,500 and a year’s membership in RUSI, and the two runners-up will also each receive a year’s membership. All three winning entries (subject to Editorial Board approval) will be published in the RUSI Journal. Authors of any nationality are eligible, but their work must be presented in English. Essays must not be less than 3,000 words and not more than 3,500 words in length. Entries are preferred by e-mail but will be accepted on paper by post and fax (see Web site). Please do not send floppy disks. Closing date for entries to the competition is March 31, 2006.
Go to: www.rusi.org/mandelaessay
6. Call for Applications: Reuters Digital Vision Fellowship Program
The Digital Vision Program supports social entrepreneurs who seek to leverage technology-based solutions in the interest of humanitarian, educational, and sustainable development goals. The nine-month fellowship will bring individuals from around the world to the Stanford University Campus in California, US. Digital Vision Fellows collaborate with faculty, students, private-sector firms, NGOs, and each other. The Reuters Foundation and other program partners will award approximately a dozen full-time fellowships, covering all Stanford University fees and expenses. Living stipends may be available for fellows accepted from developing world countries. Applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional experience working with information and communications technologies, and have an in-depth knowledge of, and interest in, the latest information and communications technology applications and their implementation in the developing world. The deadline for applications is April 3, 2006.
Go to: http://rdvp.org/become
7. Conference: 6th CIVICUS World Assembly, June 21-25, 2006, Glasgow, Scotland
The 6th CIVICUS World Assembly, entitled “Acting Together for a Just World” will be held on June 21-25, 2006 in Glasgow, Scotland. The CIVICUS World Assembly is a forum for international civil society representatives to get together, exchange ideas and experiences, and build strategies for a just world. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international alliance of an estimated 1000 members in about 100 countries that has worked for over a decade to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened.
Go to: www.civicusassembly.org.
8. Call for Nominations: 2006 International Freedom to Publish Prize
The International Publishers’ Association (IPA) invites international organizations working in the field of freedom of expression to submit nominations for the International Freedom to Publish Prize. The prize recognizes individuals and organizations who have made notable contributions to the defense and promotion of the freedom to publish anywhere in the world. Nominations should explain why a candidate deserves the prize, and should be submitted to Lars Grahn, chairperson of IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee (Lars.Grahn@nok.se) and Alexis Krikorian, IPA’s Freedom to Publish Director (krikorian@ipa-uie.org). The deadline for the submission of nominations is August 1, 2006.
Go to: www.ipa-uie.org/PRESS%20RELEASE%2016%20Dec%2005.htm
9. Vacancy: Oxfam Pan Africa Senior Policy Analyst Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The desired candidate will support Oxfam and partner-based advocacy through analysis, lobbying and campaigning throughout the African Union and its specialized organs. The ideal candidate has at least five years of public policy based advocacy within Africa and demonstrated experience of influencing African policy institutions towards public accountability and participation. Oxfam is looking for an indvidual who has effective team skills, is pro-active, tactful, and a good negotiator. Bi-lingual proficiency (English and French) is required. Submit your application and CV to orhecajobs@oxfam.org.uk by March 3, 2006.
Go to: www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs
10. Vacancy: Executive Director for Akina Mama Wa Afrika
Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) is seeking an Executive Director who will oversee the relocation of its Head Office from the United Kingdom (UK) to Kampala, Uganda, and lead the organization through the next phase of its development from the new head office location. AMwA hopes that a new Executive Director will be an innovator and a key player in the African women’s movement with experience in working in a leadership and management capacity in Africa, UK, or Europe. Applicants must have a proven track record in leadership, fundraising, organizational development, management, advocacy, networking, the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Closing date for applications is Monday, March 13, 2006.
For details about how to apply, please contact the AMwA London office by contacting: amwa@akinamama.org
Go to: www.akinamam.org
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
11. Publication: “The Limits of Leadership: Elites and Societies in the Nagorny Karabakh Peace Process”
The latest issue of Conciliation Resources’ (CR) Accord series highlights the obstacles to a sustainable agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia about sovereignty over Nagorny Karabakh, an area in close proximity to oil and gas corridors from the Caspian basin to Europe. This publication explores the central challenge of bridging the gap between potential for agreement at the negotiating table and popular resistance to the compromises this entails. Featuring contributors from diverse constituencies, it presents perspectives on the peace process and analysis of the impacts of the conflict. It discusses the roles of civil society and the media, the economics of war and peace, and the challenges for further democratization. It also contains key texts and agreements, profiles of key actors, and a chronology of the peace process. The full text is available online, in English and Russian.
Go to: www.c-r.org/accord/nk/accord17
12. National Peace Council of Sri Lanka Welcomes Peace Talks and Calls for Ceasefire
In its press release on January 25, 2006, the National Peace Council (NPC) of Sri Lanka expressed its relief at the announcement that peace talks on implementing the Ceasefire Agreement between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are to take place in Geneva in February. Since the announcement comes in the context of mounting violence and daily killings, the NPC is calling on the government and the LTTE to end the present violence. The National Peace Council of Sri Lanka is an independent conflict resolution organization dedicated to support and facilitate a negotiated solution to the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Go to: www.peace-srilanka.org/npc_mediastatment.html
13. Conference in Belgrade on War Crimes Against Bosniaks in Foca
On January 28, 2006, the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC), in cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), held a conference in Belgrade on war crimes perpetrated against Bosniaks in Foca during the armed conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Foca ’92 conference is part of the HLC's continuing efforts to establish a model of transitional justice for the former Yugoslavia and Serbia that will establish the truth about the past, secure accountability through war crimes trials, and develop responsible institutions through a process of vetting. The conference is the second in a series of three conferences which constitute HLC’s project “Challenging War Crimes Denial in Serbia and Montenegro.” The first conference, entitled “Srebrenica Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” took place on June 11, 2005, and the third conference is scheduled to be held in the second quarter of 2006.
Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/warcrimes-yug-feb06.doc
For more information on HLC, go to: www.hlc.org.yu
14. Summer Institutes on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution to be Held in Indonesia and Bolivia
The Alliance for Conflict Transformation (ACT) accepts applications for its Summer Institute on Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (IPCR). IPCR is an intensive 3-week residential program intended to build the capacity of current and future professionals in a variety of fields to make a critical difference in furthering peaceful relations in the world. The course is offered in two locations: Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on June 10 - July 1, 2006; and Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 22 - August 12, 2006. Participants will learn about such topics as: conflict analysis and assessment; conflict resolution and peacebuilding practices; cross-sectoral approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution (i.e., with development, human rights, etc); post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation; and more. To receive a US $250 discount, apply by March 1, 2006. Final deadline is April 1, 2006
To see the complete program description and on-line application, go to: http://conflicttransformation.org
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
15. Report: Local Government and Human Rights: Doing Good Service
The International Council on Human Rights Policy (ICHRP) has released a new report, “Local Government and Human Rights: Doing Good Service.” The report looks at the increasingly important role played by local governments in our daily lives, from delivering health, water and sanitation to providing primary education, street lighting, and housing. The report discusses how applying human rights principles, such as non-discrimination, participation, and accountability, can help local government officials perform more effectively and with more legitimacy. The report is available to download in English and Russian, with summaries available in English, French, and Spanish.
To download the report, go to: www.ichrp.org/paper_files/124_p_01.pdf
Go to: www.ichrp.org/
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
16. Call for Papers and New Report Issued from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
The Winter 2006 issue of the Overseas Report features stories on Ukraine, a conference in China that attracted 2,000 entrepreneurs, the banking sector in Iraq, businesswomen in the Balkans, and other items.
Go to: www.cipe.org/pdf/whatsnew/overseas/OR_Winter_2006.pdf.
In addition, CIPE has issued a call for articles for its Economic Reform Feature Service. CIPE's main program areas include anti-corruption work, the rule of law, promoting participation of women in the economy, freedom of economic information, property rights, corporate governance, and business association organization and advocacy, but any article relevant to CIPE's mission of strengthening democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform is welcome for consideration.
For additional information or submission of articles, contact forum@cipe.org
ELECTIONS
17. Democracy in Nigeria at a Crossroads: Elections in 2007
According to a recently released Advocacy Document by the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD), Nigeria’s upcoming 2007 elections have the potential to be a milestone in the development of democracy in the country or to become a factor for increased instability. The elections will mark the first time that one administration will have reached its constitutionally mandated term limit and then handed over power to a successor. The 2007 polls are capable of being marred by fraud and violence, however, just as the polls in 2003 were. The CDD maintains that there is already a clear trend towards negative developments concerning the upcoming elections, and that if this does not improve, the polls could become the source of serious abuses, instability and fatalities. The aftermath of the 2003 polls demonstrated that if electoral malpractice continues, it can become a permanently destabilizing factor, as demonstrated in the ongoing political terrorism in Anambra state.
To read more about key issues, identifying opportunities for improvement, and how the international community can make a difference in the upcoming elections, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/cddreport-on-2007elections-nigeria-feb06.pdf
HUMAN RIGHTS
18. Report: Assessing the Effectiveness of National Human Rights Institutions
Co-published by the Geneva-based International Council on Human Rights Policy (ICHRP) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, this report reviews the standards for assessing the effectiveness of national human rights institutions (NHRIs). In 2000, the ICHRP published a report entitled “Performance and Legitimacy: National Human Rights Institutions,” which examined the elements of successful institutions. The current report returns to the subject matter of “Performance and Legitimacy,” and reviews in more depth the characteristics of effective NHRIs. It then suggests how NHRIs might use quantitative, qualitative and participatory indicators to measure the impact of their activities and assess progress. This report is intended to be a practical tool for NHRIs to assess their own effectiveness in order to plan their activities and programs more efficiently.
Go to: www.ichrp.org/paper_files/125_p_01.pdf
19. Physicians for Human Rights Releases New Report on Genocide in Darfur
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and the Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) recently released “Assault on Survival: A Call for Security, Justice and Restitution,” a report that documents the obliteration of the way of life and means of survival of civilians in Darfur by the Sudanese government and its proxy militia, Janjaweed. The report focuses on Janjaweed's systematic destruction of property, slaughter of livestock, and poisoning of water supplies based on surveys and interviews of survivors in three Sudanese villages. The report further describes the critical need for restitution to the survivors of the attacks, but emphasizes that civilian protection is of paramount importance, especially as such attacks continue.
Go to: www.phrusa.org/research/sudan/pdf/sudan_report.pdf
20. Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies Works to Advance Human Rights in Sudan
In its press release of January 22, 2006, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) indicated that it would be working with the Sudanese Minister for Humanitarian Affairs to send a mission of Arab media professionals to visit Darfur to investigate the conflict and the humanitarian situation in the region. CIHRS is also discussing with Sudan the possibility of implementing the Moroccan model of achieving equity and reconciliation as a joint venture of CIHRS, the Moroccan Equity and Reconciliation Commission, Sudanese civil society and the government of Sudan. In addition, CIHRS held a training course for Sudanese broadcasters entitled, "Media and Building the Culture of Plurality and Democracy in Sudan,” on February 5-11, 2006 in Khartoum.
For more information about CIHRS, go to: www.cihrs.org
21. Uzbekistan Government Suspends Freedom House Human Rights Programs
According to a press release of January 13, 2006, the Civil Court of Tashkent ordered Freedom House to suspend its activities in Uzbekistan for the next six months. The Uzbek Ministry of Justice charged Freedom House with violations of Uzbek laws, including Uzbekistan's law covering NGOs. Freedom House believes this incident is a part of a broader crackdown by the Uzbek government to smother civic activism and eliminate nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). To date, about 200 domestic organizations have been forced to close down or leave the country, as have numerous international organizations, including International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), Internews, BBC, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and the Open Society Institute (OSI). Freedom House has been active in monitoring rights in Uzbekistan since independence in 1991, and has been working with human rights defenders in the country since 2002.
Go to: www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=70&release=322
22. Call for Applications: South East Asian Training Program on Human Rights
The Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development at Mahidol University in Thailand announces a call for applications for the South East Asian Advanced Program on Human Rights on May 8-19, 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim of the program is to offer an overview of the international human rights system as well as an in-depth study of the human rights context in South East Asia. The program will accept 25 participants. It is primarily designed for medium and senior level government officials, national human rights institutions and academics. NGO representatives are also welcome to apply. Closing date for applications is February 20, 2006.
Go to: www.humanrights-mu.org/advanced.php
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
23. CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2006 Awards
The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Competition aims to reinforce the importance of journalists’ role in Africa and to recognize and develop journalistic talent across all disciplines. The competition is open to African professional journalists and freelancers working on the continent for media organizations that are (i) African-owned, (ii) headquartered within the continent of Africa, and (iii) distribute in Africa a printed publication and/or electronic medium broadcast which is primarily designed for, and received by, an African audience. There are prizes for 16 different categories. Each category winner will receive a state-of-the-art laptop computer with a modem and printer, and a cash prize. From the 16 category winners, the judges will award a grand prize to the journalist whose individual piece or body of work merits the title CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2006, whether it is a print, television, internet, radio or photographic entry. The deadline is March 7, 2006.
Go to: www.cnn.com/WORLD/africa/africanawards/
24. Courage in Journalism Award
Administered by the International Women's Media Foundation, this award honors women working in the news media who have demonstrated extraordinary strength of character in pursuing their profession under difficult or dangerous circumstances - including physical danger, government oppression, political pressure or other intimidating obstacles. Full-time, part-time or freelance women reporters, writers, editors, photographers or producers are eligible for nomination. The nomination requirements are outlined on the International Women's Media Foundation Web site. The prize is USD $5,000 and a sculpture symbolizing freedom and courage. Up to 3 recipients will be recognized in ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles, in October/November 2006. The deadline is March 15, 2006.
Go to: www.iwmf.org/courage/nominate.php
25. Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Civil Society, March 7-9, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
The South African NGO Network (SANGONet) will host its second annual “ICT’s for Civil Society” Conference and Exhibition on March 7-9, 2006 at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg. The objectives of the 2006 conference will be to learn more about the day-to-day experiences of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in applying and adopting Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as well as to profile and demonstrate relevant and practical applications that can further strengthen the impact of their work. The conference will have a strong focus on free and open source issues and applications. SANGONeT invites anyone interested in participating in the event, as a speaker or participant, to contact info@sangonet.org.za.
Go to: www.sangonet.org.za/conference2006
26. BBC Broadcasts Shut Down in Tajikistan
The BBC’s services to Tajikistan on FM have been suspended by the Tajik authorities since January 11, 2006. BBC services on medium wave and short-wave to listeners in the country remain unaffected. The suspension follows a recently ratified Tajik Media Law that requires BBC to register with the Tajik Ministry of Justice and acquire a media license. Although the BBC has begun the process of registration, the deadline will prevent the BBC from completing the process. The BBC has been broadcasting in Tajikistan since 1996 on Medium Wave. In 2004 the BBC launched two 24-hour FM relays in Dushanbe and Khojand with programs in Tajik, Persian, Russian and English.
Go to: www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/01_january/18/ws.shtml
27. Internet Reporter Held Without Charge in Ethiopia
On January 30, 2006, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a press release calling for the release of journalist Frezer Negash who is being held without charge in Addis Ababa. Ethiopian security forces are reported to have detained the correspondent for the U.S.-based Web site Ethiopian Review, where she joined at least 16 other journalists in jail in Ethiopia. CPJ sources said that Ethiopian officials had recently threatened Negash over her work for the Web site, which is critical of the government. The government launched a crackdown on the press in November following protests over the disputed May elections. Fourteen detained journalists face charges of treason and genocide. Two more local journalists are serving jail sentences after being convicted of press offenses in December.
Go to: www.cpj.org/news/2006/africa/ethiopia30jan06na.html
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
28. National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections-Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE PADD) Offers News Bulletin in Liberia
NAYMOTE-PADD-Liberia has issued its latest News Bulletin for January- March, 2006. This Liberian civil society organization conducts extensive civic/voter education activities. It stresses youth outreach, conscientious voting, and non-violence. The new bulletin, called “The Partners,” offers information on the activities of NAYMOTE-PADD and how they contribute to the democratic process in Liberia.
Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/naymote-partners-feb06.pdf
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
29. International IDEA Issues CD-ROM on Political Party Finance
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has created a CD-ROM that features research material designed for political party experts, political foundations, students of politics, and news editors. The CD-ROM contains a matrix of political finance laws and regulations in 111 countries. It also gives access to IDEA’s database on political finance laws and regulations, a comparative resource covering regulation and enforcement; public funding provisions; bans on sources of funding; and on disclosure rules and ceilings for income and expenditure in more than 100 countries. International IDEA seeks to contribute to an informed debate on how political partiesgoverning and opposition alikecan become better at tasks such as communicating with their members, representing their constituencies, organizing their internal affairs and securing sustainable funding. IDEA believes that the ways that parties get access to money can influence the outcome of elections, determine the relationship between party leaders and members, affect the number of women elected, and condition the level of public trust.
To order a free copy of the CD-ROM, send an email to: publications@idea.int
To download for free, go to: www.idea.int/publications/browse/pp.cfm
Go to: www.idea.int/parties/index.cfm
30. CDI Report: Indonesian Political Parties Study Program
The Australiabased Center for Democratic Institutions (CDI) 2005 Indonesian Political Parties Program Report is now available on the CDI Web site. This is a report on the outcome of a 10-Day study tour for invited representatives from Indonesia's seven major political parties that CDI conducted in October 2005. The program was geared towards improving political governance and strengthening political processes and practice in the country. Its accomplishments include improving the skills and knowledge of the participants on building and maintaining transparent and participatory internal party structures, processes, and practices that are critical to strengthening the integrity and functioning of political parties.
Go to: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/indonesia/Indonesia_Pol_Par_Study_Prog_Oct05.htm
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
31. TI’s Global Corruption Report 2006
Launched February 1, 2006, Transparency International (TI)’s Global Corruption Report focuses on the health sector. Topics include the risks and scale of corruption in different systems, high-level corruption in Costa Rica, counterfeit medicines in Nigeria, health care fraud in the United States, conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical chain, and corruption in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The 5th edition of this report details how corruption deprives millions of access to essential health care and helps spawn drugresistant strains of deadly diseases.
Go to: www.globalcorruptionreport.org
WOMEN’S ISSUES
32. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
• Arab Program for Human Rights Activists (APHRA) www.aphra.org/
• Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) www.forum-asia.org
• Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) www.ahrchk.net
• Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) www.cihrs.org
• Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) www.cdd.org.uk/
• Center for Democratic Institutions (CDI) www.cdi.anu.edu.au
• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) www.cipe.org
• CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation -- www.civicus.org/new/default.asp
• Freedom House www.freedomhouse.org
• Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) www.hlc.org.yu
• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) www.idea.int
• Peoples Forum for Human Rights and Development Bhutan (PFHRD Bhutan)
• South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC) www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/
• Transparency International www.transparency.org/
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