DemocracyNews- August 2006
DemocracyNews- August 2006
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
August 2006
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CONTENTS
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Iran government Bans Leading Human Rights Organization 2. Human Rights Watch Calls on Vietnamese Government to Promote Fundamental Human Rights and Political Pluralism
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. 2006 International Conference on the State of Affairs of Africa 4. Calls for Nominations for 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize 5. Individu-land Announces Updated Web Site 6. Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Calls for Applications for Emerging Leaders Program 7. Human Rights Leadership Training Program Announced 8. New Carnegie Arabic-Language Web Portal 9. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
10. Civic Bangladesh Launches Web site 11. Amman Center for Human Rights Studies Workshop on Non-Governmental Organization
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
12. Radio for Peace Building, Africa, 2006 Awards 13. Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information Issues Policy Paper on Current Middle East Crisis
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
14.Centerfor International Private Enterprise Releases Overseas Report
HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Third Edition of Human Rights in the World Community Published 16. Distance Learning Course on the Inter-American System of Human Rights Protection and Promotion 17. Nominations for 2007 International Human Rights Lawyer Award 18. International Human Rights Colloquium Seeks Applications 19. Distance Learning Course on Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Human Rights Work
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
20. Campaign of Support to Civic Resistance in Cuba Launched 21. Club of Madrid Holds Strategy Meeting 22. African Network on Freedom of Expression Issues Warning 23. New Solidarity Center Report Exposes Dangers Faced by Colombian Trade Unionists
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
24. New Governance and Social Development Resource Center Online
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
25. 13th Human Rights Annual Internship for Arab and Egyptian University Students
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
26. National Front for Democracy-Bhutan Proposes Peoples’ Constitution
WOMEN’S ISSUES
27. New Handbook on Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers
28. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Iran government Bans Leading Human Rights Organization
On August 2, Iran's Interior Ministry banned the Defender of Human Rights Center (DHRC), one of the country's most prominent minority rights groups. Based in Tehran, the organization has been active in defending rights of women, political prisoners and minorities in Iran. The organization was founded by several prominent Iranian lawyers including Abdolfattah Soltani, Mohammad Seifzadeh, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, Mohammad Sharif and, most notably, 2003 Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, who is currently president of the Center. The Center is a member of the International Federation for Human Rights and was the recipient of the 2003 Human Rights Award from the French National Commission of Human Rights.
In a message posted on the Center’s Web site, Ms. Ebadi called for solidarity with members of the Center whose responsibilities include reporting human rights violations that take place in Iran, defending political prisoners, and supporting families of prisoners financially and spiritually. Members of the Center have been threatened with arrest should they attempt to resume activities.
A call for solidarity from the President of the Defender of Human Rights Center (DHRC) is posted at:
http://www.payvand.com/news/06/aug/1093.html
For more information related to the banning of the Center go to:
http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2006/08/E81DC00E-FC38-45AA-BC2B-246F00889AA0.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/08/AR2006080801312.html
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/08/activists-condemn-iran-for-banning.php
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060809-094503-4365r
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/HRW/fb847e9023d98e98325d023315a825c5.htm
Statement from Human Rights Watch -- http://www.hrw.org/english/docs/2006/08/08/iran13928.htm
Other relevant sources:
Shirin Ebadi’s personal website in Persian (the English version is still under construction) -- http://www.shirinebadi.ir/
Nobel Prize page http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2003/ebadi-lecture.html
2. Human Rights Watch Calls on Vietnamese Government to Promote Fundamental Human Rights and Political Pluralism
On July 12, Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued an open letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung of Vietnam commending the Vietnamese government for strides made on economic growth, health, education, and poverty alleviation, but urges the government to seize this opportunity to launch legislative and policy reforms to firmly establish respect for human rights as a central tenant of the administration. HRW identifies the government’s control over freedom of expression and the internet; restrictions on freedom of association and religion; and arbitrary arrest, torture, and unfair trials as the key areas the Vietnamese government should set as priorities to improve its promotion and protection of human rights.
Go to: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/07/12/vietna13728.htm
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. 2006 International Conference on the State of Affairs of Africa
The International Institute for Justice and Development (IIJD) is planning the 2006 International Conference on the State of Affairs of Africa (ICSAA), which will be held in Boston on October 26-28, 2006, and will feature President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia as the keynote speaker. The conference will address current issues facing Africa, such as poverty, political turmoil, and economic stagnation that continues despite years of international aid. The objective of the 2006 ICSAA is to increase international collaboration among African development efforts to address these issues more efficiently. By bringing together politicians, academics, NGOs, experts from international institutions, and other persons directly involved in development efforts, IIJD hopes the conference will facilitate the sharing of experiences and expertise and produce an integrated plan for more effective future work.
For registration and more information go to: www.icsaa.iijd.org
4. Calls for Nominations for 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation invites nominations for the 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize for organizations that have made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering anywhere in the world. The $1.5 million prize—the world’s largest humanitarian award—is presented annually to an established nonprofit, charitable, or nongovernmental organization. Nominated organizations must have an operating budget larger than $500,000. The prize is not a grant based on future goals, but an award for recent and historic accomplishments. Final selections are made by an independent international panel of jurors. The 2007 prize will be announced in the fall of 2007. Nominations must be received or postmarked by November 6, 2006.
For guidelines on nominators and nominees go to: www.hiltonfoundation.org/main.asp?id=43&side=1
5. Individu-land Announces Updated Web Site
August 11 2006, marks the one year anniversary of Individu-land’s work in Pakistan. Individu-land is a cyber space community in which the individual is considered most important, and was founded to re-claim the space for individuals the around the world. Individu-land considers itself a space for liberal, secular individuals who believe that the state is for the individual and not vice versa, championing minimal government, private entrepreneurship, open markets, and globalization. It has been working as a political advocacy, resource and analyst group for one year in Pakistan. Now, Individu-land plans to consolidate its work and begin work on new initiatives, including launching an updated version of its Web site on August 11, which includes a new publications section and a new section titled “Individuals Talk,” featuring audio interviews with subject specialists.
Go to: http://www.individualland.com/
6. Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Calls for Applications for Emerging Leaders Program
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society’s Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program is calling for 2007 applications. The program provides leadership training through applied research and professional mentorships for young scholar-practitioners in the nonprofit sector. The program is open to scholars and practitioners interested in building Third-Sector capacity in the United States and overseas. This year’s Fellows will be selected from abroad and communities of color under-represented in the U.S. grant-making sector. Fellows are based at the Graduate Center of The City University of New York, where they design and pursue an individualized research project and participate in a seminar with Third-Sector leaders. The research topic for applicants to the 2007 Emerging Leaders Program is “community foundations.” A limited number of fellowships for research on Diaspora or corporate philanthropy are also available for applicants based outside the United States. Fellows participate in a 3-month seminar, March 1 to May 31, 2007, on U.S. and international voluntary sectors. Fellows are expected to produce a 25-page research paper on their findings, which will be presented in the seminar. They will learn about the work of key agencies, meet with foundation and nonprofit representatives, and attend selected workshops or conferences. Each fellowship covers the cost of tuition, includes a monthly stipend, and provides single-room dormitory accommodations, as well as economy round-trip air travel to and from the United States. Application materials must be received no later than September 15, 2006.
Go to: http://philanthropy.org/programs/intnl_fellows_program.html
7. Human Rights Leadership Training Program Announced
The Global Human Rights Leadership Development Institute (GHRLDI) launches a Web based Human Rights Leadership Training Program, a capacity building program for activists and community advocates. The online course will be held from October 2 – December 9, 2006, and will provide participants with understanding and skills to equip human rights educators and advocates to integrate knowledge of politics, economics, cultural diversity, and gender issues into human rights work; strategize training and methodologies for human rights training; and establish a global network of trainers on human rights education. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation and a printed copy of the workshop proceedings upon successful completion of the course. The online course costs US$200 with scholarships available for qualified applications. The deadline for applications is September 20, 2006.
Go to: http://www.justicegroup.org/training/application.htm
8. New Carnegie Arabic-Language Web Portal
The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has launched the Carnegie Arabic Web Portal. The portal is an Arabic-language resource designed to reach new audiences to broaden access to Carnegie’s growing volume of Arabic publications. Through these publications, the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment hopes to build knowledge about political and economic reform, help political actors in the Arab world better understand the challenges facing them internationally, and add a comparative dimension to the understanding of reform in Arab countries. The main feature of the Carnegie Arabic Web Portal is the Arabic-language version of the Arab Reform Bulletin, an online monthly journal on the latest political reform developments from Arab and Western perspectives. The Web portal also contains Arabic translations of select Carnegie Papers, commentaries on the Middle East and related subjects, such as nuclear nonproliferation, as well as writings originally published in Arabic.
To access the Arab Reform Bulletin, go to: http://www.carnegieendowment.org/programs/arabic/publications/arb.htm
9. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy welcomes applications from candidates throughout the world for fellowships in 2007-2008. Established in 2001, the program enables democracy activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change. The program is intended primarily to support activists, practitioners, and scholars from new and aspiring democracies; distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible to apply. Projects may focus on the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and may include a range of methodologies and approaches. A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program. The application deadline for fellowships in 2007-2008 is Wednesday, November 1, 2006.
For further information about the program, available in English, Arabic, Russian, and Spanish, go to: www.ned.org/forum/fellows.html
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
10. Civic Bangladesh Launches Web site
Civic Bangladesh, a non-profit, non-partisan civil society organization, has launched its Web site. Civic Bangladesh seeks to empower civil society and civic participation to promote democratic governance in Bangladesh, consolidate democratic norms and processes, promote human rights and the rights of women, and encourage civic engagement in establishing transparent and accountable governance. To achieve these objectives it is working to develop free associations and autonomous institutions, build civic networks and coalitions, and engage citizens in advocacy campaigns. The new Web site describes the organization, current programs, and contains the organization’s contact information.
Go to: http://www.civicbd.org/
11. Amman Center for Human Rights Studies Workshop on Non-Governmental Organization
The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies organized a workshop, entitled "The Mechanisms of the Non-Governmental Organization: Reality and Prospects," in which fourteen working papers were discussed on such topics as: the challenges and concerns faced by human rights organizations in Syria; challenges faced by non-governmental organizations; the reality of women's organizations in Syria; and civil society and its role in change. Fifteen participants from 10 human rights and civil society organizations participated in the workshop, and ACHRS will publish the papers.
Go to: http://www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=205
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
12. Radio for Peace Building, Africa, 2006 Awards
The Radio for Peace Building Africa seeks to recognize through its 2006 awards the best radio programs that contribute to peace. Radio for Peace is looking for programs that reduce tensions in groups and communities, enhance shared interests, break down listener stereotypes, and provide positive role models. The awards are open to all African radio broadcasters. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Drama, Talk-shows, and Youth Radio. Four prizes will be awarded in each category. First place is 800 euros and the others are 300 euros each. Candidates are limited to one program per category. Entries must be in English or French, or must be accompanied by a full translation in one of these two languages. Entries must have been broadcast in Africa in 2005 or 2006. Candidates must enter by September 30th, 2006.
To obtain an entry form contact: radiopeaceafrica@sfcg.be
For more information on Radio for Peace Building, Go to: http://www.radiopeaceafrica.org/
13. Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information Issues Policy Paper on Current Middle East Crisis
On July 25, the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) issued a policy paper to encourage decision makers to use the current Middle East crisis as an opportunity for political change to bring the region into a new era of regional and bilateral negotiations. The paper suggests the opportunities created by the crisis include greater will of all parties involved to replace the paradigm of violence with one of political dialogue and negotiations; the implementation of UN Resolutions; creating a peace process between Israel, Lebanon, and Syria; stabilizing a long-term Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire leading to the renewal of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process; and the utilization of international forces in various effective peacekeeping roles. The paper suggests that the comprehensive approach of dealing with bilateral tracks involving the three nations and Palestine in parallel enables the entire process to be concluded by addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Go to: http://www.ipcri.org/
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
14.Centerfor International Private Enterprise Releases Overseas Report
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has released its summer issue of the Overseas Report, including a feature story on Pakistan’s IT sector, an article on promoting small business in Senegal, a sample post from the CIPE Development Blog, an update on economic reform in Egypt, and indigenous initiatives in Ecuador. The center spread features a report on CIPE’s current work in Afghanistan. CIPE was founded by the US Chamber of Commerce in the belief that economic and political freedoms are intertwined. CIPE partners with business associations, think tanks, and other private sector organizations in countries where there is both a need for progress and an opportunity for reform.
Go to: http://www.cipe.org/publications/overseas/pdf/OR_Summer_2006.pdf
HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Third Edition of Human Rights in the World Community Published
The University of Pennsylvania Press has printed the third edition of the textbook, HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY: ISSUES AND ACTIONS, edited by Richard P. Claude and Burns H. Weston. The text will be featured at the American Political Science Association’s short course on “Teaching Human Rights.” This textbook seeks to introduce students to human rights, while promoting their critical and analytical skills. The textbook features in-depth scholarly introductions to each chapter; questions for discussion and reflection; and an extensive bibliography and annotated filmography. Sample chapters include: Basic Decencies and Participatory Rights, Human Needs as Security Rights, International Approaches to Human Rights, and National Approaches to Human Rights Implementation.
Go to: http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14271.html
16. Distance Learning Course on the Inter-American System of Human Rights Protection and Promotion
Human Rights Education Associates offers a distance learning course to provide participants with practical guidance on how to protect human rights through the Inter-American human rights system, and specifically the institutions and treaties of the Organization of American States (OAS). Participants will be introduced to the main Inter-American human rights conventions and jurisprudence, primarily as developed through the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (Washington D.C.) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (San Jose, Costa Rica). The course addresses human rights standards as they apply to civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; and the rights of minorities. Case studies include freedom of expression; violence against women; victims of torture; the rights of Afrodescendants; and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The course involves approximately 60 hours of reading, online working groups, interaction among students and instructors, and assignments. It is offered over a 12-week period beginning on September 18. Participants should have a good written command of English (the course language is English), have high competence and comfort with computer and Internet use, and have regular access to e-mail and the Internet. The tuition fee is US$ 525 (tuition for auditors is US$ 200). Full and partial scholarships are available for applicants from the Americas based on financial need. Applications are due August 21, 2006.
Go to: http://www.hrea.org/courses/11E.html
17. Nominations for 2007 International Human Rights Lawyer Award
Nominations are sought for the 2007 International Human Rights Lawyer Award, formerly the International Rule of Law Award. The award is presented annually by the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law to recognize distinguished foreign lawyers who have suffered persecution because of their professional activities. Presentation of the Award serves to publicize unheralded efforts and human rights issues deserving greater awareness. Nominations should identify and describe the reasons in support of eligibility of the nominee, the human right issue addressed, and the nature of persecution suffered. The 2007 Award will be presented at either the Spring or Annual Meeting. Nominations are due by September 15, 2006.
Nominations and questions should be emailed to: Russell@kerrlawfirm.com.
18. International Human Rights Colloquium Seeks Applications
Conectas Human Rights, based Sao Paulo, Brazil, invites interested parties to participate in the VI International Human Rights Colloquium, an annual capacity-building and peer-learning event designed for young activists from the “Global South” (Africa, Asia and Latin America). The objective of the Colloquium is to strengthen the impact of human rights activists’ work and offer an opportunity to build new collaborative networks among activists and academics. The Colloquium offers lectures, seminars, and working groups on topics including the role of constitutional courts in protecting human rights, human rights litigation strategies, documenting and denouncing human rights violations, and designing strategies for sustainable financing. The Colloquium is organized by Conectas Human Rights and SUR – Human Rights University Network. Young candidates from the Global South who demonstrate commitment to the human rights cause and have at least two years of work experience in the area are encouraged to apply. Candidates can apply online or can download the application form. Applications will be accepted until September 3, 2006.
Go to: http://www.conectas.org/coloquio/
19. Distance Learning Course on Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Human Rights Work
The Human Rights Education Associates is offering an e-learning course, from September 20 – December 12, 2006, intended for staff members of human rights and social justice NGOs who are responsible for information and communication within their organization. Participants will be introduced to proven methods of using ICTs to promote human rights work. They will become equipped with the knowledge and tools to more effectively design and implement listservs, Web sites, databases or multi-media for advocacy campaigns, training and information management. This course involves 60 hours of reading and online working groups. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion of the course. Deadline for applications is August 15, 2006.
Go to: http://www.hrea.org/courses/3E.html
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
20. Campaign of Support to Civic Resistance in Cuba Launched
A new campaign of support to civic resistance in Cuba was launched, according to Directorio, a non-profit organization that works for democracy in Cuba. The “non-cooperation with the dictatorship” initiative, is a partnership among the Plantados organization, Mothers and Anti-Repression Women (MAR) for Cuba, and the Cuban Democratic Directorate, seeks to mobilize and prompt the Cuban population to refuse to participate in acts of repudiation against political dissidents and generate activities of civil disobedience in favor of democratic change. The campaign is based on six slogans incorporated in signs and stickers which will circulate inside Cuba: I do not follow (I do not belong to the Communist Party, Committees for Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) and the Union of Young Communists (UJC)); I do not repress (I am not a part of the repressive government apparatus); I do not attend (the mass acts summoned by the regime); I do not squeal (I do not betray my countrymen), I do not cooperate (with the economic production activities of the regime); and I do not repudiate (I do not participate in the acts of repudiation). A seventh slogan summarizes the pattern of conduct towards national democratization: I do want change. This first stage of the campaign will last a year.
Go to: http://www.directorio.org/coverage/coverage.php?note_id=1113
21. Club of Madrid Holds Strategy Meeting
The Club of Madrid, an organization composed of 68 democratically elected former heads of state that focuses on leadership for democracy and acts as a consultative body for governments, leaders and institutions involved in the process of political transition, held a strategy session in New York City on July 19- 21. The strategy meeting was attended by four Club members: its Secretary-General, Kim Campbell, former prime minister of Canada; Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique; Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland; and Ben Mkapa, former president of Tanzania. Additionally, partners from peer organizations including the United Nations Development Programme, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, the UN Democracy Fund, and the International Center for Transitional Justice, among others, participated. Additionally, the possibility of bringing the political capital of the Club to bear on countries back sliding from democracy was also considered. It was suggested that strategy meetings of peer organizations should be held more regularly to enhance greater coherence in the approaches of the different organizations.
Go to: http://www.nimd.org/default.aspx?menuid=0&type=newsitem&contentid=326&special
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
22. African Network on Freedom of Expression Issues Warning
The Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO) has warned that the state of free expression and freedom of the press is deteriorating rapidly across the African continent. NAFEO says there is a "marked increase in the arrests, detention, repression and general harassment of journalists, media and other communications workers." The coalition also notes that many governments have either introduced new legislation or have intensified the application of laws that criminalize journalistic work and free expression. Six countries stand out as leading violators of free expression: the Gambia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe. NAFEO has urged Nigerian President Olusegun Obansanjo to use his influence within the African Union to persuade leaders of these countries of the need to respect and protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press. NAFEO says it is planning a campaign aimed at pressuring governments to repeal laws criminalizing press offenses and to free individuals who have been detained or imprisoned for exercising their free speech rights. NAFEO invites human rights groups, media organizations, and other civil society organizations to join the campaign.
Go to: http://www.misa.org/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?category=1&id=1150272690
LABOR UNIONS AND WORKER RIGHTS
23. New Solidarity Center Report Exposes Dangers Faced by Colombian Trade Unionists
On June 15, the US.-based Solidarity Center unveiled a new report, “Justice for All: The Struggle for Worker Rights in Colombia,” at a panel discussion at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The report found that over the past 20 years, more than 4,000 Colombian trade unionists have been killed for their activism. According to the report, Colombia is the most dangerous country in which to be a trade-union member; more union activists are killed in one year in Colombia than in the rest of the world combined. “Imagine accepting a union leadership post during a labor conflict around conditions and respect in the workplace, knowing that the last four previous leaders had been murdered while seeking the same dignity and fairness you seek for yourself and your co-workers,” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice-President Linda Chavez-Thompson, who offered the opening remarks at the panel discussion. “This is a reality for workers in Colombia.” The report includes sections on the historical context of worker rights in Colombia, child worker rights, and suggestions for advancing worker rights in the country.
For the full text of the report, go to: http://www.solidaritycenter.org/files/ColombiaFinal.pdf
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
24. New Governance and Social Development Resource Center Online
The Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC), based in the UK, has launched a Web page to provide information to support international development projects, program planning, and policymaking. The GSDRC, established by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) in 2005, offers access to research and training in governance, conflict, and social development, as well as advice on demand, including rapid response research and consultant finding. Services offered include: document library supporting independent research needs; topic guides providing overviews of current knowledge in various thematic areas; an organization directory with contact information for organizations active in relevant issues; conferences and training directory to support professional development needs; and an email bulletin with announcements of new publications and other news.
Go to: http://www.gsdrc.org/
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
25. 13th Human Rights Annual Internship for Arab and Egyptian University Students
On July 11-30, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) held the 13th Annual Human Rights Internship. The internship program, “Towards Activating the Role of Young People in Democratization,” drew 80 participants from seven Arab countries. Covering themes such as human rights, rights of women, and regional crisis, the annual internship featured 38 lectures, 10 training sessions and round tables, and 7 student-led taskforces. Field visits were made to human rights organizations and centers in Egypt. The activities were led by a host of intellectuals, university professors, judges, journalists, and human rights activists.
Go to: http://www.cihrs.org/Press_details_en.aspx?per_id=113&pr_year=2006
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
26. National Front for Democracy-Bhutan Proposes Peoples’ Constitution
On July 17, the National Front for Democracy - Bhutan (NFD- Bhutan), a coalition of Bhutanese political parties, unveiled an alternative Constitution for the Kingdom of Bhutan. The coalition wrote the People’s Constitution in the form of suggestions as a response to their disappointment in the contents of the "Draft Constitution" unveiled by the royal regime on March 26, 2005. NFD- Bhutan is protesting the Draft’s dismissal of the interests of 20 percent of Bhutanese citizens who live as refugees in India and Nepal. The NFD- Bhutan appealed on April 26, 2005 to the King of Bhutan urging him to review the contents of the "Draft Constitution" to make it more inclusive by providing space to all sections of Bhutanese society regardless of caste, religion, language, or ethnicity, but the requests of NFD- Bhutan were ignored. As a result, the NFD- Bhutan spent a year drafting the Peoples’ Constitution to contain more democratic and inclusive elements.
Go to: http://www.wmd.org/documents/aug06-Bhutan.doc
WOMEN’S ISSUES
27. New Handbook on Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has released a revised handbook entitled “Women in Parliament: Beyond Numbers.” This updated edition provides a three-step approach to strengthening the role of women in parliament by identifying the obstacles women confront upon entering parliament; providing strategies for overcoming these obstacles; and outlining strategies that women parliamentarians can implement to influence politics once they are elected. This edition includes case studies from Argentina, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, Rwanda, South Africa and Sweden, regional overviews from the Arab World, Latin America, South Asia, and a case study on the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Go to: http://www.idea.int/publications/wip2/
28. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
• Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) - www.achrs.org
• Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) - www.ipcri.org
• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) - www.cipe.org
• Club of Madrid - www.clubmadrid.org
• Directorio - www.directorio.org
• Individu-land - www.individualland.com
• Solidarity Center - www.solidaritycenter.org
• Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) - www.cihrs.org
• International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) - www.idea.int
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