DemocracyNews - October 2006
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
October 2006
POSTING NEWS:
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CONTENTS
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Urgent Appeal to UN Rights Bodies to Address Thailand Junta
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
2. Vietnamese Democracy Defender, the Venerable Thich Quang Do, Awarded 2006
3. World Movement for Democracy and ICNL Assist on Democracy Discussion at UN
4. Freedom House Launches Journal on Democracy and Human Rights in Iran
5. New Online Publication Database
6. Deadline Extended for Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Diversity Fellowship
7. Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development Seeks Expertise on Policy Analysis
8. Russian-Language Version of "Campaigning for Freedom of Expression: A Handbook for Advocates"
9. Democracy Coalition Project Holds a Debate on UN Democracy Caucus
10. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
CIVIC EDUCATION
11. Global Human Rights Leadership Development Program
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
12. Solidarity for Asian People’s Advocacy Becomes Formalized
13. Call for Nominations for International Activist Award
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
14. The Network University to Offer Conflict Resolution Course
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
15. Global Network on Local Governance Launches Quarterly Newsletter
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
16. Center for International Private Enterprise Publishes Bangladesh Case Study
ELECTIONS
17. Training Course on Election Monitoring Held in Bahrain
HUMAN RIGHTS
18. FORUM-ASIA and SUARAM Hold Training Session for Human Rights Defenders
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
19. Tactical Notebook on Engaging the Media
20. Media and Politics Program Launched in Lima, Peru
21. Singapore Bans Far Eastern Economic Review
LABOR UNIONS AND WORKER RIGHTS
22. Labor Rights at Risk at Joint Industrial Complex in North Korea
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
23. Paper on Pakistani Parliamentary Committees on Education
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
24. World Youth Movement for Democracy Celebrates World Youth Day for Democracy
25. Youth Movement Monitors By-Elections in Liberia
26. Youth for Human Rights Program Begun in the Arab World
27. Australian Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Program Application Deadline Extended
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
28. Pontis Foundation Publishes Survey on Political Trends in Belarus
RESEARCH
29. CIVICUS Publishes 25th Country Report
RULE OF LAW
30. The Humanitarian Law Center Initiates Lawsuit against the Republic of Serbia
WOMEN’S ISSUES
31. Women’s Learning Partnership Launches “Claiming Equal Citizenship” Campaign
32. Pakistan Defers Vote on 2006 Protection of Women Bill
33. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Urgent Appeal to UN Rights Bodies to Address Thailand Junta
On September 22, the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) posted an urgent appeal for UN rights bodies to address the recent coup d’etat in Thailand and the subsequent military rule, implementation of martial law, threats to human rights defenders, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression. According to the AHRC, since the army launched its coup on September 19, it has moved fast to curtail civil liberties and detain members of the former caretaker government. There is growing resistance to the coup inside Thailand, but vocal opponents--especially journalists and human rights defenders--face very serious risks. The junta has already instructed the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology to target mass media news that is considered harmful to its agenda, and has arrested at least six persons (most of them former officials) without charge. Although the UN Secretary General has condemned the coup, the UN Human Rights Council has yet to act on it. AHRC asks that individuals write letters to key UN human rights officials calling for urgent intervention to protect lives and fundamental liberties in Thailand.
To view the AHRC appeal, go to: www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2006/1984 (http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/mainfile.php/2006/1984)
For information on the coup, go to: www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2006statements/742 (http://www.ahrchk.net/statements/mainfile.php/2006statements/742)
To read the World Forum for Democratization in Asia’s statement on the coup, go to: www.wfda.net/news_detail.htm?id=245 (http://www.wfda.net/news_detail.htm?id=245)
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
2. Vietnamese Democracy Defender, the Venerable Thich Quang Do, Awarded 2006 Rafto Prize for Human Rights
The board of the Rafto foundation decided to award the 2006 Professor Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize to Thich Quang Do of Vietnam. He will receive the prize for his personal courage and perseverance through three decades of peaceful opposition against the communist regime. He is one of Vietnam’s most prominent defenders of democracy, religious freedom, and human rights. Thich Quang Do, a Buddist monk, researcher, and author, has devoted his life to the advancement of justice and the Buddhist tradition of non-violence, tolerance, and compassion. He has provided direction and energy to the democracy movement in Vietnam at the personal cost a total of 25 years in prison. Today, at 77 years old, he is still under house arrest. The Rafto Foundation, together with the Norwegian Parliament's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, calls on the Vietnamese Government to allow Thich Quang Do to travel to Norway in November to receive the Rafto Prize. At the same time, the Foundation calls on the Vietnamese Government to stop its attacks on dissidents and enter into a dialogue with the democratic opposition on reforms, allowing greater public participation, and respecting human rights, freedom of belief, and political liberty. Thich Quang Do was one of two leading, heroic dissidents recognized during the presentation of a Democracy Courage Tribute to democracy activists in Vietnam at the World Movement for Democracy’s Fourth Assembly in Istanbil, Turkey, in April of this year.
Go to: www.rafto.no/DesktopModules/ViewAnnouncement.aspx?ItemID=232&Mid=42 (http://www.rafto.no/DesktopModules/ViewAnnouncement.aspx?ItemID=232&Mid=42)
3. World Movement for Democracy and ICNL Assist on Democracy Discussion at UN
The World Movement for Democracy and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) assisted in arranging a high-level roundtable discussion on democracy at the United Nations on September 19 during the UN General Assembly. The discussion, which brought together some 22 heads of state/government, focused on the challenges that NGOs are facing given the recent "backsliding" from democratic progress in a growing number of countries and the increasingly coordinated international "backlash" against democracy assistance through the passage of new "NGO laws." These new developments were the subject of the first plenary session at the World Movement’s Fourth Assembly last April in Istanbul. The World Movement Secretariat and ICNL arranged for the participation of several NGO leaders, including Natalia Bourjaily of Belarus; Yuri Dzhibladze of Russia; Engi El-Haddad of Egypt; Nozima Kamalova of Uzbekistan; Reginald Matchabe-Hove of Zimbabwe; and Carlos Ponce of Venezuela. Dzhibladze and Matchabe-Hove are members of the World Movement Steering Committee; Bourjaily is Vice President of ICNL. The NGO leaders were accompanied in the meeting by Carl Gershman, President of the National Endowment for Democracy, which serves as the Secretariat of the World Movement, and Douglas Rutzen, President of ICNL.
Initiated by U.S. President George W. Bush, the discussion included presidents and prime ministers from a wide range of countries, including Benin, Liberia, and Senegal in Africa; Finland and Italy in Western Europe; El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in Latin America; Mongolia and Sri Lanka in Asia; Afghanistan, Iraq, and Morocco in the Middle East; and a large number of former Soviet and Southeast European countries, including, among others, Albania, Croatia, Georgia, Lithuania, and Serbia. The NGO leaders have since been formulating recommendations on how longstanding and recently-established democracies can assist NGOs in addressing the new challenges to their work.
For information on the World Movement for Democracy, go to: www.wmd.org (http://www.wmd.org/)
For information on ICNL, go to: www.icnl.org (http://www.icnl.org/)
4. Freedom House Launches Journal on Democracy and Human Rights in Iran
Freedom House has launched “Gozaar,” a new Persian/English online journal devoted to the discussion of democracy and human rights in Iran. “Gozaar,” which means “transition,” recognizes that free access to ideas and information is the cornerstone of freedom. In response to widespread censorship and the closure of all independent print newspapers in Iran, the journal seeks to help Iranian democrats fulfill the universal aspiration for freedom of expression by creating an inclusive and provocative space for the discussion of liberty. Each issue features interviews, essays, political cartoons, feature articles, satire, and reviews of art, film and literature. A central feature of “Gozaar” is its bi-lingual discussion fora. Following each article is a moderated space in which readers from around the world can contribute their ideas. To prevent government surveillance or blockage of the site, “Gozaar” uses the most innovative Internet security technology to allow readers in Iran or elsewhere free, unfiltered access. Contributors to the webzine include feminist Kurdish rights activist Roya Tolouee and writer and free speech advocate Faraj Sarkouhi, as well as contributors writing under pseudonyms from inside the Islamic Republic. Readers can alsoaccess a Resources Page, which provides categorized links to organizations, bloggers, and resource tools concerning democracy and human rights.
Go to: www.gozaar.org (http://www.gozaar.org/)
5. New Online Publication Database
IssueLab is a recently launched, free online database of analyses on democratic development collected and published by non-profit organizations. It is a wide-ranging, searchable, and browse-able archive that simplifies the process of locating and accessing research and policy analysis materials, including reports, white papers, fact sheets, case studies, and data sets. Issuelab is currently looking for submissions from non-profits of both new and older work about peace and conflict resolution. By registering, organizations can submit research they have conducted and receive e-alerts on recently posted publications.
Go to: www.issuelab.com/content/index.php (http://www.issuelab.com/content/index.php)
6. Deadline Extended for Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Diversity Fellowship
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society has extended its deadline until October 31 for applications for the 2007 Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program Diversity Fellowship. The Diversity Fellowship is open to practitioners and researchers from communities of color outside the United States that are under-represented in the U.S. grantmaking sector. The Diversity Fellowship is part of the Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program, a three-month program that provides leadership training for young scholar-practitioners in the nonprofit 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. Fellows will participate in weekly seminars and conduct research on community foundations.
To apply, go to: www.philanthropy.org (http://www.philanthropy.org/)
7. Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development Seeks Expertise on Policy Analysis
The Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development in Tblisi, Georgia, is launching a new initiative aimed at enhancing political analyses and capacity building among political parties and civil society activists. The Center wishes to learn more about best practices, new methods and approaches, and training models in this field. Those with expertise in this area are invited to contact Tina Tkeshelashvili at the Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development.
Write to: tinatkeshelashvili@yahoo.com.
8. Russian-Language Version of "Campaigning for Freedom of Expression: A Handbook for Advocates"
The International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) announced the release of the Russian-language version of "Campaigning for Freedom of Expression: A Handbook for Advocates." This book was translated and published by IDEACCESS, a human rights resource distributor, and contains best practices in campaigning, online resources, and practical tools that can be applied anywhere in the world. The handbook can be downloaded from the Web site.
Go to: www.ifex.org/download/russian/IFEXCampaignHandbookRussian.pdf (http://www.ifex.org/download/russian/IFEXCampaignHandbookRussian.pdf)
9. Democracy Coalition Project Holds a Debate on UN Democracy Caucus
About 40 governmental and nongovernmental representatives of the Community of Democracies debated the workings of the UN Democracy Caucus in a roundtable luncheon, “The UN Democracy Caucus: Challenges and Priorities,” on September 18 at the start of the 61st UN General Assembly in New York. Participants discussed obstacles facing the Caucus, different views on democracy promotion, and competing priorities of the grouping of democratic states, which have met at the UN since 2003. Speakers at the event included Cheick Sidi Diarra (Permanent Representative of Mali to the UN), João Manuel Guerra Salgueiro (Permanent Representative of Portugal to the UN), Gabor Brodi (Permanent Representative of Hungary to the UN), and Matteo Meccaci of the Transnational Radical Party of Italy. The event was organized by the Democracy Coalition Project and co-sponsored by the Open Society Institute, the Transnational Radical Party, Freedom House, and the Council for a Community of Democracies.
Go to: www.democracycaucus.net (http://www.democracycaucus.net/)
10. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) 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 (http://www.ned.org/forum/fellows.html)
CIVIC EDUCATION
11. Global Human Rights Leadership Development Program
The Human Rights and Justice Group International will conduct a “Global Human Rights Leadership Development Program” for human rights advocates and educators. It will run from November 1 to December 29. The application deadline is October 20, and the fee is $200 US. The course provides understanding and skills to help potential human rights educators and advocates integrate knowledge in the fields of politics, economics, cultural diversity and gender issues within the context of human rights education. It will also establish a global network of trainers on human rights education. The program consists of seven modules, and participants who successfully complete all seven will receive a certificate of participation.
Go to: www.justicegroup.org/training/application.htm (http://www.justicegroup.org/training/application.htm)
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
12. Solidarity for Asian People’s Advocacy Becomes Formalized
Due to increasing interest in the work of Solidarity for Asian People’s Advocacy (SAPA), a second consultation was held in Singapore on September 19-20, 2006 to finalize its methods to facilitate effective participation of interested groups. SAPA began when participants at the 11th ASEAN Summit recognized a need to have a forum or platform to share information and resources to enhance the effectiveness of civil society engagement with inter-governmental processes. SAPA aims to enable cooperation among its members and partners to meet this need. Main areas of engagement include democracy and human rights, peace and human security, and sustainable development and environment, as well as globalization and trade, finance, and labor. Criteria for SAPA members and partners have determined, and the first General Forum was proposed for Bangkok on February 5-6, 2007. SAPA is currently inviting interested organizations to participate. Email the convener of SAPA at rashid@forum-asia.org for more information.
Go to: asiasapa.org
13. Call for Nominations for International Activist Award
The Gleitsman Foundation invites nominations for its 2007 International Activist Awards, which honor exceptional individuals whose vision and courage inspire others to join with them in confronting and challenging injustice. The nomination deadline is November 3, 2006; consideration is open to non-U.S. citizens, but the awards will not be presented posthumously, nor to groups or organizations. The honorees will share US $100,000 and each will receive a special commissioned sculpture. Previous awardees include Nelson Mandela and Mahmoud Abbas.
Go to: www.gleitsman.org/intForm.html (http://www.gleitsman.org/intForm.html)
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
14. The Network University to Offer Conflict Resolution Course
The Network University, an initiative of the University of Amsterdam, in cooperation with Bradford University, located in the United Kingdom, will offer an online course, “Transforming Civil Conflicts,” from November 13 to December 9. This four-week course will familiarize participants with contemporary theories of conflict and conflict resolution, provide them with a range of relevant online information on conflict, and consider the practical issues and debates from within the field. The specific aims of the course are to prepare participants for work in conflict areas; make participants’ work in conflict areas more effective; provide inspiring examples; share experiences and expertise; connect the local and international levels; and create a network of conflict transformation experts. There is no official deadline for registering, but those interested in the course should send an email soon to Bart Overbeek at conflict@netuni.uva.nl.
Go to: www.netuni.nl/demos/tcc (http://www.netuni.nl/demos/tcc)
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
15. Global Network on Local Governance Launches Quarterly Newsletter
The Global Network on Local Governance (GNLG), which has developed as a result of discussions at the World Movement’s global assemblies in Sao Paulo, Durban, and Istanbul, has launched a quarterly newsletter. The newsletter will catalogue global developments and trends concerning local governance, relate success stories, and post upcoming events, including a local government election calendar. Each newsletter issue is comprised of four major parts, including an editorial, news from nations, elections, and views and interviews. The inaugural newsletter, published this month, features a story on economic growth in rural India, a story on Nouzha Skalli and her struggle as a female in Moroccan politics, several pieces of election news, global news, and updates in the field of local governance. The newsletter is available online on the GNLG Web site. The GNLG is intended to that promote local democracy and democratic decentralization globally. Its central thesis is that to deepen democracy and consolidate democratic gains, the roots of local governance must be strengthened. It is therefore committed to promoting participatory and decentralized government that is transparent, effective, accountable, and inclusive.
To read the inaugural newsletter, go to: www.gnlg.org/newsdetails.asp (http://www.gnlg.org/newsdetails.asp)
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
16. Center for International Private Enterprise Publishes Bangladesh Case Study
On September 15, 2006, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) published a new case study, “Advancing Reform and Opportunity in Bangladesh through Private Initiative, 1999-2005.” The case study details the work of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), which has led the way in integrating private sector input into Bangladesh's national policy making process. With assistance from CIPE, DCCI developed an advocacy campaign that achieved important economic reforms that have liberalized the economy, improved the investment climate, facilitated the creation of jobs, and made government more responsive and accountable. The case study is available on the CIPE Web site.
Go to: www.cipe.org/publications/papers/pdf/bangladesh.pdf (http://www.cipe.org/publications/papers/pdf/bangladesh.pdf)
ELECTIONS
17. Training Course on Election Monitoring Held in Bahrain
The Arab Election Monitoring Network in cooperation with the Bahraini Association for Human Rights and the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies organized a three-day training course on election monitoring and media performance related to elections. The course was held in Manama, and 30 Bahraini domestic election observers attended. The program focused on fundamental freedoms in the Bahraini Constitution, international standards for elections, the role of media in election monitoring, training in election monitoring, and the role of the election observer. The Arab Election Monitoring Network was established in May 2006, and includes 40 Arab organizations and institutions from 12 Arab countries, all of which work on human rights and election monitoring. Most recently, it has issued a preliminary report on its observation of the Yemeni presidential and local council elections, citing several positive and negative observations.
Go to: www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=215 (http://www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=215)
For the initial Yemeni elections report, go to: www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=224 (http://www.achrs.org/english/CenterNewsView.asp?CNID=224)
HUMAN RIGHTS
18. FORUM-ASIA and SUARAM Hold Training Session for Human Rights Defenders
On September 26-28 in Kuala Lampur, FORUM-ASIA and its member in Malaysia, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), held a National Training and Study Session for Malaysian Human Rights Defenders. The training included several participatory sessions to clarify the jargon and concepts prevalent in UN Human Rights Council discussions, thus making it more meaningful for local NGOs and civil society. During the session, it was revealed that, despite being selected to join the UN Human Rights Council for three consecutive years, Malaysia has only ratified two conventions thus far. Participants therefore discussed ways in which to pressure the government to consider ratifying additional conventions. Also, SUARAM was appointed to serve as the coordinator for the Child Rights Commission shadow report. At the end of the three-day session, participants drew up an action plan to work together on several issues, such as rights to education, right to mother tongue language, assessment of economic, social and cultural rights, child rights, migrant worker rights, and land rights. The session concluded with calls for stronger solidarity among the 40+ NGOs that participated.
Go to: www.forum-asia.org/news/in_the_news/28sept06_ntss_malaysia.shtml (http://www.forum-asia.org/news/in_the_news/28sept06_ntss_malaysia.shtml)
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
19. Tactical Notebook on Engaging the Media
The New Tactics in Human Rights Project just released on its Web site a tactical notebook on engaging the media, written by Jee Hyeon Kim of the Korean Women Workers Associations United (KWWAU). The Notebook shares the efforts of KWWAU to engage the media of South Korea to build public awareness of the unjust minimum wage system. KWWAU teaches the approaches they found most helpful in engaging the media: credible documentation of the problem, petitions to demonstrate public interest in the issue, and visually engaging performances and demonstrations that are easily captured by the media.
Go to: www.newtactics.org/main.php/EngagingtheMedia (http://www.newtactics.org/main.php/EngagingtheMedia)
20. Media and Politics Program Launched in Lima, Peru
On August 31 - September 1, 2006, about 60 politicians, scholars, and journalists from Central America and the Andes region met in Lima, Peru, to discuss the relations between the media and politics in Latin America. The conference was the first in a series taking place in 2006-2007 as part of a project, “Media, politics and democracy in Central America and the Andes region,” a joint initiative of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), Radio Netherlands (RNW), and FreeVoice (FV). Given the growing concern about concentration of the media in the hands of a few conglomerates, it was suggested at the conference that the project should try to involve the owners of media corporations in a dialogue with politicians about possible ways of safeguarding impartial reporting and pluralism within the media sector. The conference concluded that any initiative to reshape the relations between politics and the media in Latin America can only be successful if it includes all stakeholders.
Go to: www.nimd.org/default.aspx?menuid=0&type=newsitem&contentid=338&special= (http://www.nimd.org/default.aspx?menuid=0&type=newsitem&contentid=338&special=)
21. Singapore Bans Far Eastern Economic Review
The Singapore Democratic Party released a statement about the Singapore government’s ban on the sale and distribution of the Far Eastern Economic Review, a monthly magazine owned by Dow Jones & Co., claiming the company failed to comply with the government’s press regulations. On August 3, the government ordered five foreign publications the Far Eastern Economic Review, Time, Newsweek, Financial Times, and the International Herald Tribune to post bonds of US $126,000 each and appoint representatives in Singapore. Reporters Without Borders also condemned the ban as a violation of press freedom.
Go to: www.singaporedemocrat.org/articlersffeerban.html (http://www.singaporedemocrat.org/articlersffeerban.html)
For Reporters Without Borders’ statement, go to: www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19032 (http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=19032)
LABOR UNIONS AND WORKER RIGHTS
22. Labor Rights at Risk at Joint Industrial Complex in North Korea
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the North Korean law governing the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC), a new industrial joint venture between North Korea and South Korean companies, should be amended to ensure adequate protections of basic workers’ rights. The KIC, which produces goods mostly for the South Korean market, opened in June 2004 under a contract between North Korea and South Korea’s Hyundai Asan Corporation and its state-owned Korea Land Corporation. HRW found that South Korean companies are violating the existing KIC Labor Law, which stipulates that employers should pay workers directly in cash. An employers’ representative told HRW that the South Korean companies have been asked instead to pay workers’ wages in U.S. dollars directly to the North Korean government, which in turn pays the workers in North Korean won after deducting a mandatory 30 percent contribution to a “social welfare fund.” Based on information obtained from South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, a representative of the South Korean companies operating at the KIC, and other sources, HRW has released a 19-page briefing paper, “North Korea: Workers’ Rights at Kaesong Industrial Complex.”
Go to: hrw.org/backgrounder/asia/korea1006/
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
23. Paper on Pakistani Parliamentary Committees on Education
The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan) issued its fourth e-alert paper, which describes civil society’s expectations of parliamentary committees on education. The paper contains advice on how the parliamentary committees can strengthen cooperation with civil society, including: holding open meetings, publishing bills for public comment, making the time and agenda of committee meetings public, holding stakeholder consultations, organizing public hearings, disclosing conflicts of interest, and giving easy and timely access to information.
Go to: edu.cpdi-pakistan.org/alerts/sep06/civilsociety.htm
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
24. World Youth Movement for Democracy Celebrates World Youth Day for Democracy
On October 18, the World Youth Movement for Democracy will celebrate World Youth Day for Democracy, as part of the Global Youth Campaign for Democracy. They invite all participants in the World Movement for Democracy who are interested in youth participation to join the WYMD, and to organize an event during October as part of the Global Youth Campaign for Democracy. Participants are encouraged to think realistically about what they could organize in a short time, something they would like to share with other WYMD participants, something they want to contribute to this collective effort of youth around the world working for true democracy, responsive governments, active citizenship, and human rights.
To learn more about the World Youth Day for Democracy and register your event, go to: www.ymd.youthlink.org/ymd/launchday.html (http://www.ymd.youthlink.org/ymd/launchday.html).
25. Youth Movement Monitors By-Elections in Liberia
The Liberian National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections-Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE) recently issued a report on the by-elections of District #2, Margibi County, Liberia, which took place on August 29, 2006. NAYMOTE observed 35 of the 53 polling places. The report describes the security situation as stable and calm, given the presence of UNMIL soldiers and the Liberian national police. The voting process itself went well, and there were no major incidents reported. One negative fact was the low voter turn out, which was reported by all 35 observed polling places. The counting was performed in an open and transparent manner in the presence of various parties’ representatives.
Go to: http://www.wmd.org/documents/oct06-1.pdf
26. Youth for Human Rights Program Begun in the Arab World
Organized jointly by the Arab Institute for Human Rights (AIHR), the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), and Human Rights Educations Associates (HREA), the new Youth for Human Rights Program will provide long-term training and support for young human rights activists in the Arab World. The program, which will accept 75 trainees and 30 auditors, will begin in December 2006 and end in January 2008. It has distance learning as well as workshop components, and all instruction will be in Arabic. The aim of the program is to expand the network of people working in the field of human rights, develop their advocacy and monitoring skills, and increase their knowledge of international and regional human rights standards and mechanisms. The application deadline is October 25, 2006.
Go to: www.cihrs.org/prog_Activity_details_en.aspx?act_id=81&prog_name=Human%20Rights%20Education (http://www.cihrs.org/prog_Activity_details_en.aspx?act_id=81&prog_name=Human%20Rights%20Education)
27. Deadline Extended for Australian Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Program
The Australian Government has extended the deadline for applications until October 13 for its Indigenous Community Youth Leadership Program (ICYLP). The program is open to those in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities between the ages of 18 to 25, who demonstrate the capacity for leadership in their communities. The program will provide an overview of the reforms to indigenous affairs and its challenges; provide an interactive learning environment focusing on the skills and behaviors needed to meet these challenges and maximize opportunities; provide a process for developing a plan for the future; and provide a community development experience based on what is learned at the program.
To read about the program or to apply, go to: www.oipc.gov.au/programs/Indigenous_Leadership_Programs/Application_Kit.asp (http://www.oipc.gov.au/programs/Indigenous_Leadership_Programs/Application_Kit.asp)
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
28. Pontis Foundation Publishes Survey on Political Trends in Belarus
In its summer 2006 political survey, the Pontis Foundation has outlined the most important internal and external factors influencing Belarus’ current political trends. The Foundation’s researchers prepared the survey based on in-depth interviews with 26 Belarusian political and social analysts and experts throughout the summer. The survey deals with the leadership crisis within the opposition and its consequences; covers the preparation for the forthcoming local government elections in January 2007; gives insight on post-election developments of the regime and the democratic opposition after March 2006; and sums up the current relations of Belarus with Russia and the EU. According to the survey, the majority of analysts believe that the government’s continued repression of activists may further strengthen the already existing tendency to push civic activists to be more individualistic and to move away from affiliation with independent think tanks and other organizations. The majority of respondents also believe that the regime will not soon change.
Go to: www.pontisfoundation.sk/tmp/asset_cache/link/0000015387/PONTIS%20Summer%20Survey%20on%20Belarus.pdf (http://www.pontisfoundation.sk/tmp/asset_cache/link/0000015387/PONTIS%20Summer%20Survey%20on%20Belarus.pdf)
RESEARCH
29. CIVICUS Publishes 25th Country Report
On September 20, the international civil society network, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, published its 25th country report of its Civil Society Index (CSI) Program. The latest report addresses civil society in the People’s Republic of China, and highlights the very nascent and constrained nature of Chinese civil society, while also pointing to the huge transformation the country and its civil society are going through at the moment. The country reports underline the vast diversity of civil society and are developed by country partners of the CIVICUS CSI Program. Country reports for an additional 25 states will be added over the next month, and in 2007 CIVICUS will publish the first Global Report on the State of Civil Society. All reports can be accessed for free online.
Go to: www.civicus.org/new/CSI_country_reports.asp (http://www.civicus.org/new/CSI_country_reports.asp).
RULE OF LAW
30. Humanitarian Law Center Initiates Lawsuit against the Republic of Serbia
On September 25, the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) filed a compensation lawsuit on behalf of Alija Halilovic against the Republic of Serbia. Mr. Halilovic spent one year, four months, and eleven days in detention after he was arrested in an illegal weapons search operation conducted by the State Security Service in June 1993. With no explanation or a written decision to take him into custody, he was arrested at his work in Novi Pazar. According to HLC, while he was arrested one policeman kicked him and another twisted his arm. He was found guilty by the District Court of Novi Pazar, but the Supreme Court overturned the verdict and sent it back for retrial in March 1996. However, the District Court scheduled the hearing for the retrial for November 1999, 44 months later. The retrial lasted until January 2006, when the statute of limitations for the case expired. The HLC wants to reiterate that during the period of 1992-1995 the Serbian police illegally arrested several hundred Bosniak men. A majority of those testified to having been brutally tortured by members of the State Security Service. Criminal proceedings were initiated against some of those arrested, including Mr. Halilovic, despite the fact that the Office of the Prosecutor did not have any solid evidence against them.
Go to: http://www.hlc.org.yu/english/Torture/Press_Releases/index.php?file=1505.html
WOMEN’S ISSUES
31. Women’s Learning Partnership Launches “Claiming Equal Citizenship” Campaign
On September 6, Women’s Learning Partnership (WLP), together with its partners in Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, and Algeria, launched the “Claiming Equal Citizenship” Campaign to support the regional campaign for Arab women’s right to nationality. The international campaign began with a panel discussion on “Women as Equal Citizens: Advocating for Change in Muslim-Majority Societies.” There are several Web sites on the WLP main page that accompany this campaign, including a campaign blog with petitions, surveys, and testimonies from women and children on their experience with nationality laws. There is also a Web site with event materials, photos, presentations, and audio files.
For the campaign blog, go to: www.learningpartnership.org/citizenship (http://www.learningpartnership.org/citizenship)
For event materials, go to: www.learningpartnership.org/citizenship/about/international-campaign-launch (http://www.learningpartnership.org/citizenship/about/international-campaign-launch)
32. Pakistan Defers Vote on 2006 Protection of Women Bill
The Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) reports that on September 11, the government of Pakistan deferred a vote on the proposed Protection of Women Bill. The bill, also known as the Criminal Laws Amendment Bill, sought to amend the requirements to prove instances of rape, but also to make disclosure of the identity of any woman alleged to have been raped or family members a punishable offense. Currently, in addition to other unacceptable provisions under the Hudood Ordinances or Criminal Laws, rape victims are required to provide at least four adult male Muslim eyewitnesses to prove their cases, and those victims who cannot prove their cases can be convicted of adultery.
Go to: www.achrweb.org/Review/2006/132-06.htm (http://www.achrweb.org/Review/2006/132-06.htm)
33. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
• Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) www.ahrchk.net/index.php (http://www.ahrchk.net/index.php)
• The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) - www.wfda.net (http://www.wfda.net/)
• Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development (CIPDD) - www.cipdd.org (http://www.cipdd.org/)
• The Democracy Coalition Project - www.demcoalition.org (http://www.demcoalition.org/)
• National Endowment for Democracy www.ned.org (http://www.ned.org/)
• Global Network on Local Governance www.gnlg.org (http://www.gnlg.org/)
• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) www.cipe.org (http://www.cipe.org/)
• Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) - www.achrs.org (http://www.achrs.org/)
• FORUM-ASIA www.forum-asia.org (http://www.forum-asia.org/)
• SUARAM www.suaram.net (http://www.suaram.net/)
• Freedom House - www.freedomhouse.org (http://www.freedomhouse.org/)
• Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD) - www.nimd.org (http://www.nimd.org/)
• The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan) edu.cpdi-pakistan.org
• World Youth Movement for Democracy www.ymd.youthlink.org (http://www.ymd.youthlink.org/)
• Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) - www.cihrs.org (http://www.cihrs.org/)
• Pontis Foundation www.nadaciapontis.sk.en (http://www.nadaciapontis.sk.en/)
• CIVICUS www.civicus.org/new/default.asp (http://www.civicus.org/new/default.asp)
• Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) - www.hlc.org.yu (http://www.hlc.org.yu/)
• Women’s Learning Partnership www.learningpartnership.org (http://www.learningpartnership.org/)
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