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April 2004
CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
2. Publication: Directory of the 12th National Assembly of Pakistan
3. Call for Proposals: Central Eurasia Project of the Open Society Institute
4. Call for Collaboration: Research on "Democrats in Peril"
5. Publication: HIV/AIDS AT SCHOOL-LIVING AND LEARNING IN WORLD WITH HIV/AIDS
6. April 2004 Issue of the Journal of Democracy
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
7. Virtual Specialization Course on Civil Society: Building Social Capital
8. CIVICUS Toolkits Available Online
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
9. Call for applications: The Women PeaceMakers Program/Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
10. South Asian Workshop on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination
against Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous People, Kathmandu, Nepal, May 15-25, 2004
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
11. Workshop: 7th International Workshop on Gender Equity and Micro Enterprise Development, Mauritius, May 27-June 2, 2004
HUMAN RIGHTS
12. Call for Nominations: 2004 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
13. 2004 John Humphrey Freedom Award Seeks Nominations
14. Reebok Human Rights Award Program Seeks Nominations for 2004
15. Conference: 27th Meeting of the European Co-ordination Committee on Human Rights Documentation, Venice, Italy, June 2-4, 2004
16. Online Publication: "Big Democracy Fails International Compliance Test"
17. International Symposium: The New Tactics in Human Rights, Ankara, Turkey, September 29-October 2, 2004
18. Call for Collaboration: Translation Services Needed for Human Rights NGOs
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
19. Conference: "Focal Point" Press Freedom Symposium, Washington, DC, May 3, 2004
20. Small Grant Opportunity from Regional Fund for Digital Innovation in Latin America and Caribbean (FRIDA Program)
21. Broadcasting Parliament: a Discussion between Australia and Vietnam
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
22. Chairman of the Solomon Islands Peace Council Speaks on "Rescuing Democracy in the Solomon Islands"
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
23. 5th Annual Global Youth Service Day
24. Youth Policies: An International Panel, Sao Paulo, Brazil, April 15-17
25. International Youth Peacebuilding Summit, Accra, Ghana, May 2-7, 2004
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
26. Briefing from Workshop held at the Third Assembly of World Movement
RESEARCH
27. New Survey Released: Afrobarometer Round II
WOMEN'S ISSUES
28. International Search for 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005
29. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) welcomes fellowship applications for 2005-2006. The Fellows Program was established in 2001 to enable democracy activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change. While 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. Please note that a working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program. The application deadline for fellowships in 2005-2006 is Monday, November 1, 2004.
Go to: www.ned.org/forum/R-FApplication.pdf
or Contact: fellowships@ned.org
2. Publication: Directory of the 12th National Assembly of Pakistan
The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) announces the launching of a comprehensive directory of the 12th National Assembly of Pakistan. PILDAT is an independent, non-partisan research and training institution committed to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. The Directory of Legislators has been developed as a resource for public and civil society organizations to facilitate their access to parliamentarians. It also aims to serve as a reference tool for national and international research scholars, media, political analysts, and the general public. The 570-page directory has been published in Urdu, English and Sindhi, and contains constituency, legislative, and other key information about the National Assembly.
To view the directory online go to: www.pildat.org/publications/mnadirectory
3. Call for Proposals: Central Eurasia Project of the Open Society Institute
The Central Eurasia Project (CEP) of the Open Society Institute welcomes proposals for program and general operating support grants to organizations working to advance open societies in the region. The CEP strives to increase awareness on human rights issues and the social and economic health of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The CEP uses grant making to international and indigenous NGOs to strengthen civic leaders in the region and construct support networks for them within international structures and movements. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. The next deadline is on June 14, 2004. Eligibility requirements and application guidelines can be found on the web site.
Go to: www.soros.org/initiatives/cep/news/grants_20040218
4. Call for Collaboration: Research on "Democrats in Peril"
World Without War Council (Midwest office), a US-based peace organization, seeks assistance with its research and advocacy on "Democrats in Peril." World Without War Council would like to hear opinions of democrats around the world on the following two questions: (1) Who are the principled democrats in your country who have worked without violence for democracy, who know that democrats defend the rights of their opponents as well as their own, and who work openly and publicly for democracy despite significant risks to themselves? (2) "What other standards would you add to help identify "Democrats in Peril?" The World Without War Council welcomes written suggestions via e-mail.
Email to: Robertwoit@aol.com
To learn about World Without War Council, go to: www.wwwc.org/wwwc/wwwc.html
5. Publication: HIV/AIDS AT SCHOOL--LIVING AND LEARNING IN WORLD WITH HIV/AIDS
This publication, released by UNESCO, aims to combat HIV/AIDS-related discrimination at school by raising awareness about the pandemic. The publication includes three brochures targeting three different audiences- young people, teachers and parents. The brochures describe how to cultivate a culture of non-discrimination in school towards those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Go to: unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001334/133467e.pdf
6. April 2004 Issue of the Journal of Democracy
The Journal of Democracy released its April issue. This issue focuses on a number of topics, including the recent "Rose" revolution in Georgia, the changes in the political party system in Uganda, democratization in East Timor, the constitution-making process in Iraq, the importance of state-building, and the interrelation between Christianity and Democracy. An article, by Ivan Krastev, "The Anti-American Century?," is available free on the Journal's Web site.
Go to: www.journalofdemocracy.org/
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
7. Virtual Specialization Course on Civil Society: Building Social Capital
The Red Interamericana para la Democracia's Executive Secretariat (The Executive Secretariat of the Inter-American Network for Democracy), Partners of the Americas, and Escuela virtual de Gobernabilidad (The Virtual School of Governance) of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya announce a virtual specialization course on civil society, "Building Social Capital," which will run from September 1 until December 3, 2004. The course aims to encourage civic participation and find practical mechanisms for developing relationships with public institutions and actors in the globalized world. Members of NGO community and civil society leaders are encouraged to participate. Pre-registration ends on July 9, 2004.
For information and application materials go to: www.iigov.org/evg/ev40.php
For scholarship possibilities, contact: evg@uoc.edu or evg@iigov.org
8. CIVICUS Toolkits Available Online
CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organizations dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world, has produced several toolkits to enable organizations to improve their capacity in a number of areas, such as communications, planning skills, writing funding proposals, and others. All toolkits are available in English, French and Spanish in MS Word and PDF formats. The latest installment is on "Writing a Funding Proposal."
Go to: www.civicus.org/new/
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
9. Call for applications: The Women PeaceMakers Program/Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice is currently accepting applicants for its 2004 Women PeaceMakers Program. The program is designed for leaders who want to document, share, and build upon their unique peacemaking stories. Selected peacemakers will receive roundtrip airfare, housing, and a small stipend to cover expenses for the eight-week residence (September 25-November 19, 2004) in San Diego, California. Women from anywhere in the world who have assumed a leadership role in peace and conflict resolution with an emphasis in human rights in their own society or in the global community are invited to apply. Assistant writers and a film assistant will help each peacemaker document her unique peacemaking experience. The application deadline is May 28, 2004.
Go to: peace.sandiego.edu or contact slyford@sandiego.edu
10. South Asian Workshop on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination against Ethnic Minorities and Indigenous People, Kathmandu, Nepal, May 15-25, 2004
The workshop will bring together representatives of minorities, self-determination movements, scholars, legal specialists, and NGO representatives from the South Asian region, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Burma. The workshop is organized by the South Asia Forum for Human Rights in partnership with European Academy (EURAC), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), and Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC).
For details, contact: the South Asia Forum for Human Rights at south@safhr.org, 977-1- 5541026 (phone), or 977-1-5527852 (fax)
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
11. Workshop: 7th International Workshop on Gender Equity and Micro Enterprise Development, Mauritius, May 27-June 2, 2004
The International Institute of Development Management Technology (IDMAT) will host its 7th Workshop on Gender Equity and Micro Enterprise Development in Mauritius on May 27 - June 2, 2004. Through interactive sessions and case studies, participants in the workshop will explore how gender inequality affects women and how to promote the participation of women in micro enterprise development. Participants will also explore various learning mechanisms to set up micro enterprises and develop tools for effective monitoring and evaluation of entrepreneurs. IDMAT is an associate of the Asian Society of Entrepreneurship Education and Development that conducts training, capacity building, and consulting for professionals in socio-economic and technology management.
Contact: training@aidmat.com
HUMAN RIGHTS
12. Call for Nominations: 2004 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights invites nominations for the 2004 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. The Center welcomes nominations of individuals struggling to improve human rights (including economic, social, and cultural rights) by using strategic and nonviolent efforts. The nomination deadline for the Human Rights Award is April 15, 2004. Nomination guidelines and information can be found on the Center's web site.
To apply, go to: www.rfkmemorial.org or email hrcenter@rfkmemorial.org
13. John Humphrey Freedom Award Seeks Nominations
The Montreal-based Rights & Democracy is currently accepting nominations for the John 2004 Humphrey Freedom Award, which is presented every year to an organization or person who has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of human rights and democratic development. The award includes a $25,000 prize and a tour of Canadian cities for the purpose of raising public awareness of the recipient's work on behalf of human rights. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2004.
Go to: www.ichrdd.ca/frame2.iphtml?langue=0&menu=m05&urlpage=english/about/brochureHumphrey2001.html
14. Reebok Human Rights Award Program Seeks Nominations for 2004
The Reebok Human Rights Award Program seeks nominations of young human rights activists. Members of the international community of human rights and non- governmental organizations are urged to nominate young men and women to honor for their courage and contributions to further human rights. The award, which seeks to shine a positive, international light on the awardees and to support their work in human rights, provides recipients with a $50,000 grant from the Reebok Human Rights Foundation for the human rights organization of their choice. Candidates must be 30 years of age or younger. They cannot advocate violence or belong to an organization that advocates violence, and they must be working on an issue that directly relates to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All interested individuals are encouraged to make nominations no later than May 31, 2004. Recipients will be selected by December 1, 2004.
Go to: www.reebok.com/x/us/humanRights/text-only/awards/
15. Conference: 27th Meeting of the European Co-ordination Committee on Human Rights Documentation, Venice, Italy, June 2-4, 2004
The European Co-ordination Committee on Human Rights Documentation (ECCHRD) will host its 27th meeting in Venice on June 2-4, 2004. EECHRD is a regional network of human rights documentation centers and human rights organizations based in Europe. The upcoming meeting in Venice will allow information workers to come together to discuss issues of common interest and to exchange experiences. The ECCHRD welcomes suggestions for the development of the meeting's agenda.
Go to: www.law.uu.nl/english/sim/library/ecchrd/ecchrd.html
To view minutes from previous ECCHRD meetings go to: www.law.uu.nl/english/sim/library/ecchrd/meetings.html
16. Online Publication: "Big Democracy Fails International Compliance Test"
South Asia Human Rights Documentation Center (SAHRDC) has issued the latest Human Rights Feature article, HRF-95, "Big Democracy Fails International Compliance Test." The article focuses on India's compliance with international human rights treaties. This article, along with previous Human Rights Features, may be found on SAHRDC Web site.
Go to: www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/hrfeatures.htm#HRF%20FORTNIGHTLY
17. International Symposium: The New Tactics in Human Rights, Ankara, Turkey, September 29-October 2, 2004
This symposium, organized by the Center for Victims of Torture, the Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, and the Institute for Public Administration, will encourage participants to build networks to collaborate and share experiences; learn how well-structured strategies and well-chosen tactics make their work more efficient and effective; learn to use tactics they can apply to their work right away; and become part of the New Tactics in Human Rights movement. The application deadline is April 30, 2004.
For information and to apply, go to: www.newtactics.org
18. Call for Collaboration: Translation Services Needed for Human Rights NGOs
Privaterra, an organization that provides technological education and support for civil society organizations in the area of data privacy, secure communications, and information security, seeks assistance in translating several of its training materials into Arabic, Russian, and other languages. Privaterra also seeks translation and editing help for materials developed last year in English, French, and Spanish. Privaterra is an ongoing project of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR).
To volunteer, go to: www.onlinevolunteering.org/membership/join.php?gp_id=7225
For information on CPSR, go to: www.cpsr.org
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
19. Conference: "Focal Point" Press Freedom Symposium, Washington, DC, May 3, 2004
Resolution 217 will exhibit a "Focal Point" Symposium on May 3, 2004, to benefit the families of journalists who were persecuted, imprisoned or killed last year. The event will provide journalists, photographers and experts in the field of press freedom, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and lawyers specializing in international human rights with an opportunity to describe the current state of freedom of the press worldwide and the challenges it faces. Resolution 217 is an association of photographers, journalists, teachers, designers and artists brought together by a shared concern for the current state of human rights, particularly the right of freedom of expression, to actively work to overcome hatred, ignorance and injustice.
Go to: www.resolution217.org
20. Small Grant Opportunity from Fondo Regional para la Innovacion Digital en America Latina y el Caribe (Regional Fund for Digital Innovation in Latin America and Caribbean, FRIDA Program)
The FRIDA Program is accepting applications from one- or two-year research projects in the field of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for amounts between US$ 12,500 and US$ 25,000. All projects must be proposed by legally incorporated non-profit organizations based in Latin America and the Caribbean, and address at least one of the following objectives: developing or adapting new technologies and standards; social innovation in the use of new technologies for development; modernization of public policies and regulation. The FRIDA program was launched by Research Initiative (PanAmericas) of the International Development Research Center (IDRC), the Institute for Connectivity in the Americas (ICA) and the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Address Registry (LACNIC). Application deadline is May 15, 2004.
Go to: programafrida.net/sp/index.html
21. Broadcasting Parliament: a Discussion between Australia and Vietnam
On February 26, 2004, the Centre for Democratic Institutions based at the Australian National University in Canberra, in cooperation with the Office of the National Assembly of Vietnam (ONA), organized a discussion between Canberra and Hanoi through the video conferencing facilities of the World Bank's Global Distance Learning Network (GDLN). The discussion included an interview of journalist Graeme Dobell, presenter of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's weekly TV parliamentary reporting program, "Order in the House," conducted by the Director of the Centre for Democratic Institutions, Roland Rich. The audience in Hanoi was comprised of officials of the ONA as well as journalists who report on the National Assembly who also added questions and comments at various stages. One feature of the session was the illustration of various points being made by showing clips of the Australian TV program and the Vietnamese TV program "Thoi Su." This led to a lively discussion of issues of quality, priorities, and journalistic style and license.
Go to: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/vietnam/Vietnam_GDLN_Mar04.htm
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
22. Chairman of the Solomon Islands Peace Council Speaks on "Rescuing Democracy in the Solomon Islands"
The Hon Mr. Paul Tovua, Chairman of the Peace Council in the Solomon Islands, delivered the Centre for Democratic Institutions' Annual Address at Australia's Parliament House on 8 March 2004. Mr. Tovua spoke on "Rescuing Democracy in the Solomon Islands." In reviewing the prospects for restoring effective parliamentary democracy in the Solomon Islands, Mr. Tovua warned against the detrimental effects of the 'wantok' regime. According to Mr. Tovua, wantokism encourages government corruption where politicians tend to satisfy the needs of their supporters over society as a whole. Responding to debate in the Solomon Islands about establishing a federal-style system of government, Mr Tovua voiced his concerns that further fragmenting the nation may heighten inter-ethnic tension between the provinces.
Go to: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/annual_address/Paul%20Tovua_8.3.04.htm
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
23. 5th Annual Global Youth Service Day
More than 100 countries are planning for the Fifth Annual Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), which will be held April 16-18, 2004. Organized by Youth Service America, along with the Global Youth Action Network, and a coalition of 30 international organizations and 100 national committees, GYSD creates recognition for the contributions young people are making every day through community service and serves to recruit a new generation of volunteers.
To get involved, go to: www.gysd.net
24. Youth Policies: An International Panel, Sao Paulo, Brazil, April 15-17
Organized by the Instituto Cidadania (Citizenship Institute), the UNDP, and number of other groups in Brazil, the youth seminar, "Youth Policies: An International Panel," will take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 15-17. The seminar is the conclusive event for a 9-month long national discussion that has been focused on developing a proposal for the federal government on national youth policy. The process to date has included a series of seminars in diverse parts of the country. The purpose of this process has been to develop public debate, to deepen discussion, and to gather ideas and proposals through a process that is decentralized and participatory.
Go to: www.projetojuventude.org.br
To participate in the seminar, send an e-mail to projetojuventude@youthlink.org
25. International Youth Peacebuilding Summit, Accra, Ghana, May 2-7, 2004
The International Youth Peacebuilding Summit organized by the Africa Youth Development Alliance in partnership with the African Youth Initiative, Global Youth Action Network-Ghana, International Young Professional Foundation-Ghana, Apeadu Peace Centre, Common Caucus Africa-Canada, Young Peace Brigade and the African Network of Young Peacebuilders will take place in Accra, Ghana on May 2-7, 2004. The summit will feature debate and discussions on policy and advocacy issues, provide knowledge and skills necessary for implementing positive change, and provide an opportunity to formulate strategies on handling conflict situations in Africa.
For details, contact Gloabal Youth Action Network (GYAN)- Ghana at 233-24-989580 or email clement@youthlink.org.
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
26. Briefing from Workshop held at the Third Assembly of the World Movement
A briefing from a workshop on "How to Strengthen Internal Party Democracy," organized by the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, was recently posted on EISA's web site. The workshop took place on February 2, as part of the Third Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy in Durban, South Africa, on February 1-4, 2004. Participants focused on the challenges facing parties and made recommendations to enhance internal party democracy.
Go to: www.eisa.org.za/EISA/wmdr2004.htm
RESEARCH
27. New Survey Released: Afrobarometer Round II
The Afrobarometer announces the recently published results of its survey research project, Afrobarometer Round 2, which measures the social, economic, and political atmosphere in societies in transition in West, East, and Southern Africa. The Afrobarometer is an independent, non-partisan project conducted by the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Idasa), the Centre for Democratic Development in Ghana, and Michigan State University in the United States. The full report and briefing papers on HIV/AIDS and Poverty, Unemployment and Attitudes Towards Democracy can be found on Idasa's web site.
Go to: www.idasa.org.za
WOMEN'S ISSUES
28. International Search for 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005
A group of Swiss women led by Dr Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold, a member of the Swiss Parliament and of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, has launched an initiative to obtain the Nobel Peace Prize for 1000 women in 2005. The group hopes to nominate 1000 women working for peace in their countries, communities and neighborhoods for the Nobel Peace Prize. The group's focus is on women worldwide from various sectors of society (farmer, teacher, artist or politician) who devote themselves to a future free of violence. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the work done by such women and shed light on various strategies for constructive conflict management by providing important impulses for conflict research and peace policies. The deadline for nominations: April 30.
To support this campaign, to make a nomination, or to receive further information, contact: 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005, c/o swisspeace - Swiss Peace Foundation, Sonnenbergstrasse 17, P.O. Box 3000, CH-Bern 7, tel: +41 31 330 12 13, e-mail: info@1000peacewomen.org, www.1000peacewomen.org
29. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
- The Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT)- www.pildat.org
- National Endowment for Democracy (NED)- www.ned.org
- CIVICUS - www.civicus.org/new/default.asp
- Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) - wwww.eisa.org.za/
- Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD) - www.nimd.org/
- The Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Idasa) - www.idasa.org.za/
- Rights and Democracy (Canada) - www.ichrdd.ca/splash.html
- World Without War Council - www.wwwc.org/wwwc/wwwc.html
- Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) - www.cddghana.org/
- Centre for Democratic Institutions (Australia) - www.cdi.anu.edu.au/
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