DemocracyNews
Monthly Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy

August 2007

CONTENTS

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Free Press Institute in Azerbaijan Appeals for the Release of Imprisoned Journalists
2. Activists in Zimbabwe Attacked During Peaceful Demonstration 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. Articles Sought for Biannual Magazine in Africa
4. Call for Applications: Iraq Scholar Rescue Project
5. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Seeking Nominations for Humanitarian Prize
6. New Tactics in Human Rights Announces Partner Grants for 2007-2008
7. Call for Applications: Oxford Internet Institute’s Civil Society Practitioners Program

CIVIC EDUCATION
8. Human Rights Network to Hold Human Rights Training

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
9. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Expands Its Civil Society Index
10. Council for a Community of Democracies to Develop Handbook for Diplomats and Civil Society on Support for Democratic Development

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
11. Humanitarian Law Center Files Compensation Lawsuit against the Republic of Serbia

ELECTIONS
12. Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) Monitors Presidential Elections in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

GENDER ISSUES AND SEXUAL MINORITY RIGHTS
13. African Democracy and Human Rights Group Planning International Women’s Conference in Congo
14. The Land Center for Human Rights Reports on Violence Against Women in Egypt

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE
15. Police Suppress Peaceful Protest in Vietnam
16. African NGO Commemorates Somali Human Rights Day
17. The Graduate Institute of Development Studies and HURIDOCS Announce New Training Course
18. UN Institute for Training and Research and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Hold Human Rights Training Program

LABOR UNIONS AND WORKER RIGHTS
19. Liberian Rubber Workers Have Fair Union Elections

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
20. The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies Reports on Media Freedoms in the Arab Countries
21. ARTICLE 19 and the Association for Civil Rights Release Article on Media in Latin America

YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION
22. Call for Items: World Youth Movement for Democracy August Newsletter
23. Center for Civic Education Holds International “Project Citizen” Showcase

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS

1. Free Press Institute in Azerbaijan Appeals for the Release of Imprisoned Journalists
The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety Dispatch in Baku, Azerbaijan, has released a special issue to appeal the imprisonment of seven Azeri journalists.  According to the Institute, the journalists have been unjustly treated by the government before and during their captivity.  On July 16-17, Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth visited Azerbaijan to assess the condition of human rights in the country and to investigate the cases of the imprisoned journalists.  Roth found that the prisoners were being held with unjustified cause and called for their immediate release. The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety Dispatch and Human Rights Watch therefore called for the release of the prisoners on July 22, National Press Day, but the release did not occur.  The organizations ask those concerned to write to the President of Azerbaijan.

Please send appeals to:
President Ilham Aliyev
Office of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic
19 Istiqlaliyyat Street
Baku AZ1066 AZERBAIJAN

Go to: www.cjes.ru/lenta/view_news.php?id=544&year=2007&lang=eng

2. Activists in Zimbabwe Attacked During Peaceful Demonstration 
On July 25, some 160 National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) activists were detained and beaten during and subsequent to peaceful demonstrations that took place in five cities across the country.  The NCA is an NGO comprised of individual Zimbabwean citizens and civic organizations that aims to have a new, democratic and people driven constitution.  According to the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition – a conglomeration of more than 350 civil society organizations – the perpetrators of the violence were ZANU PF youth militia whose beatings were severe enough to require medical attention for some detainees after being released.  The activists were accused of trying to illegally enter the State House.

Go to: www.crisiszimbabwe.org/news.php?extend.153

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

3. Articles Sought for Biannual Magazine in Africa
Africa in Democracy and Good Governance (ADGG) is collecting articles for the second edition of its biannual magazine, WINDOWS ON AFRICA.  ADGG, an NGO based in The Gambia that promotes human rights, civic responsibilities, the rule of law, and democracy, launched the magazine last March and is seeking contributions for the upcoming edition.  The magazine focuses on human rights and gender issues, and includes reports on the human rights situation in Africa, the policies of country leaders, and the role of African women in peace-building, leadership, and decision making.  The magazine also engages on the issue of politics and gender by examining how politics can affect changes in women's emancipation.  The deadline for contributing articles is August 31.

Go to: www.spanglefish.com/ADGG/

4. Call for Applications: Iraq Scholar Rescue Project
The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (SRF) is currently seeking applications for the Iraq Scholar Rescue Project.  The project will provide fellowships to scholars in Iraq whose lives and work are threatened.  Suitable candidates are academics, established researchers, and professors from Iraq in any field or discipline.  Preference will be given to scholars who have a Ph.D. or equivalent; who have been employed by an institute of higher learning for the last four years; who demonstrate superior academic accomplishment or promise; and whose selection is likely to benefit the academic community in Iraq and/or host country or region.  Applications from female scholars are encouraged.  Fellowships will be awarded for visiting academic positions of up to two years.  In addition, a living stipend and relocation expenses for scholars and their families will be included in the fellowship.  Interested applicants should contact the SRF via email: SRFIraq@iie.org    

Go to: www.iie.org/SRF

5. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Seeking Nominations for Humanitarian Prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2008 Hilton Humanitarian Prize.  The Hilton Humanitarian Prize is the world's largest humanitarian award at US $1.5 million.  This prize is given annually, and any organization in the world that does extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering is eligible to win.  Nominees must be established, at least five years old, NGOs, publicly supported charitable organizations, and have an operating budget greater than US $500,000.  Nominators must have direct knowledge of the organization, but cannot have a biased affiliation, such as being a family member or serving on the board of directors for the nominated organization.   The nomination period runs from August 1 to November 1, 2007.

Go to: www.hiltonfoundation.org/main.asp?id=43&side=1

6. New Tactics in Human Rights Announces Partner Grants for 2007-2008
New Tactics in Human Rights, a human rights project led by international organizations that promote tactical innovation and strategic thinking among human rights groups, has announced their new partner grants for 2007-2008: Coastal Development Partnership (CDP) of Bangladesh; Trauma Centre of Cameroon; B.a.B.e. (Be active, Be emancipated) of Croatia; People's Empowerment Consortium (PEC) of Indonesia; African Democracy Forum (ADF); Citizens Against Corruption of Kyrgyzstan; Solidaridade Buka Hatene (FORSANE) of East Timor; and Kubatana Trust of Zimbabwe.  Using a network, the organizations will be able to help each other given greater and more efficient communications.  New Tactics will be able to help the organizations learn and share information throughout the human rights community.  

Go to: www.newtactics.org/main.php/TraininginPractice/UsingNewTacticsAroundtheWorld/2007

7. Call for Applications: Oxford Internet Institute’s Civil Society Practitioners Program
The Oxford Internet Institute is searching for civil society activists from the developing world to participate in its new Civil Society Practitioners Program.  This visitor program is intended for Civil Society Practitioners of distinction or outstanding promise who wish to visit the Institute for a six-week period between February and December 2008, to undertake research concerning the social impact of the Internet and related ICTs.  Visitors are expected to reside in Oxford during their stay, and to participate fully in the intellectual life of the Institute.   Program participants receive an allowance of 3800 GBP (7500 USD) to cover research expenses and living costs during their stay in Oxford and a travel grant of up to 1000 GBP (2000 USD) for travel to and from the UK.  Applications should be submitted by civil society practitioners in or from the global south, active in the areas of freedom of expression, media reform, media justice, and communications and information policy.

Go to: www.oii.ox.ac.uk/microsites/cspp

CIVIC EDUCATION

8. Human Rights Network to Hold Human Rights Training
The International Human Rights Network will hold a training session entitled “Human Rights Fieldwork – Principles, Strategies, and Skills” at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland, with field exercises at the Irish Defense Forces training facility at Coolmoney Camp, Glen of Imaal, Ireland.  The program will run from October 27 to November 3, 2007.  The objectives of the program are to explore the principles of effective human rights fieldwork and enhance the skills of participants to complete their jobs safely during armed conflict.  Participants can have a background in any facet of human rights field work.  Applications are invited from human rights specialists who wish to adapt pre-existing knowledge of international human rights to the context of fieldwork, and from experienced field practitioners who wish to enhance their skills with a human rights-based perspective.

Go to: www.ihrnetwork.org/hr-fieldwork.htm

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING

9. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Expands Its Civil Society Index
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is expanding its Civil Society Index (CSI) to the African countries of Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and Guinea.  The index is a participatory needs-assessment and action-planning tool for civil society around the world.  Furthermore, the CSI aims to create a knowledge base and momentum for civil society strengthening initiatives.  To be eligible for selection, organizations must have a broad-based constituency at the national level as well as experience and background in both advocacy and research.  The selection process will end on September 18, 2007, and groups that are selected will be informed in early October.  Organizations based in one of these countries should contact CIVICUS for full application forms.  For an application, write to index@civicus.org.

Go to: http://tinyurl.com/3xlopt

10. Council for a Community of Democraciesto Develop Handbook for Diplomats and Civil Society on Support for Democratic Development
The Council for a Community of Democracies is creating a Handbook for Democratic Development Support for the Community of Democracies.  Civil society groups often turn to embassies of participating nations in the Community of Democracies for advice, but in many cases diplomats are unsure what to do and how to be effective.  As a result, the Council decided to create a handbook for diplomats and civil society that will document the considerable experience of diplomatic missions over the years.  The Handbook will cover topics such as local reform and advocacy groups; democratic training for political parties; election monitoring and voter education programs; judicial reform and human rights; independent media; transparency in public information and government; and human security.  The Council plans to have an introduction and annotated outline for the Handbook by November 1.  The complete Handbook should be completed by spring 2008, and the experience and insights of nongovernmental organizations and individuals would be appreciated.  Individuals who wish to share their insights are encouraged to contact the Council for a Community of Democracies via email.

Send input to: handbook@ccd21.org

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

11. Humanitarian Law Center Files Compensation Lawsuit against the Republic of Serbia
On July 10, the Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) filed a compensation lawsuit against the Republic of Serbia on behalf of 20 residents of Kukurovici who lost their homes and property during an attack on the village by the Yugoslav army in 1993.  HLC, an NGO based in Belgrade, documents and researches human rights violations that occurred during the Yugoslav war.  Prior to this lawsuit, the residents of Kukurovici had issued several complaints to the Serbian government.  The investigation conducted by a judge into the matter never materialized into a case, and none of the residents were ever interviewed.  On October 23, 2006, HLC filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Public District Prosecutor in a town nearby, and on October 27, HLC was informed that the case had been sent to the Office of the War Crimes Prosecutor.  HLC calls upon the state institutions of the Republic of Serbia to adopt a comprehensive reparations program and offer adequate compensation to the victims of human rights abuses committed by members of the Serbian Army and police.

Go to: www.hlc-rdc.org/english/Facing_The_Past/Reparation/index.php?file=1664.html  

ELECTIONS

12. Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) Monitors Presidential Elections in Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
On July 19, the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) monitored the third presidential election of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, an autonomous enclave in Azerbaijan.  PILPG is a global, pro bono law firm that provides legal assistance to governments and states involved in conflicts.  The group’s six-person delegation visited 47 polling sites throughout Nagorno-Karabakh.  In addition, they met with the presidential candidates; political leaders, including the current president; election officials; and representatives of civil society and the media.  According to PILPG, the results were a free and fair election and the election of the new president, Bako Sahakyan.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/Aug07DemNews12.pdf

GENDER ISSUES AND SEXUAL MINORITY RIGHTS

13. African Democracy and Human Rights Group Planning International Women’s Conference in Congo
The Africa in Democracy and Good Governance (ADG), a group that promotes democracy and human rights in Africa, intends to hold a three-day conference in Brazzaville, Congo, this November during the 42nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).  The theme is “Women in Politics and Good Governance Program,” and the conference will specifically concentrate on peace and reconciliation building in post-conflict countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has been a hotbed for conflict and hosts some of the poorest nations in the world. In addition, many Sub-Saharan African nations possess fragile democracies that could potentially crumble in the face of economic decline and inter-ethnic rivalry.  Empowerment of both women and men is necessary for achieving political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental security for everyone.  ADG is currently seeking collaboration, partnership, and funding to organize this conference.

Go to: www.iknowpolitics.org/en/node/2803

14. The Land Center for Human Rights Reports on Violence Against Women in Egypt
The Land Center for Human Rights (LCHR) has released a report that claims 247 women have been murdered in Egypt during the first half of 2007.  LCHR gathered sources from Egyptian newspapers and the report goes into detail about the specific acts that occurred.  During the first half of 2007, in addition to the 247 murders, there were 59 reports of sexual assault, 66 incidents of domestic violence, 44 accounts of suicide, and the report includes other more specific information on both deaths and violence perpetrated towards women in Egypt.  The report concludes with recommendations including raising community awareness on the topic of domestic violence, guaranteeing health services for all women, issuing laws to protect women from domestic violence, expanding women’s health insurance, and allocating places for women to confront these issues in the press.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/Aug07DemNews14.pdf

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

15. Police Suppress Peaceful Protest in Vietnam
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that on July 18 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the police quelled a peaceful protest by farmers.  Hundreds of farmers had gathered outside the National Assembly building to protest land seizures.  The police responded by tearing down banners and signs.  Also, according to an eye witness, some of the protesters were taken away on buses.  According to HRW, the government most likely broke up this protest in part because prominent critics of the government and members of the banned Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV) vocalized support for the protest.  HRW asserts that the Vietnamese have a history of crushing dissent instead of allowing free speech and have been especially stringent since joining the World Trade Organization and hosting the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2006.

Go to: www.hrw.org/doc?t=asia&c=vietna

16. African NGO Commemorates Somali Human Rights Day
In commemoration of Somali Human Rights Day, the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) issued a statement extending sincere regards to the human rights defenders in Somalia.  In addition, EHAHRD-Net congratulates the Dr. Ismail Jumaale Human Rights Organization (DIJHRO) for spearheading the Somali Human Rights Day, which took place in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 22.  Using the event as a platform EHAHRD-Net wishes to make recommendations to the Transition Federal government, the allied Ethiopian Forces that back the government, and all non-state actors involved in violent clashes.  The recommendations include desisting from harassing human rights defenders and journalists.  One human rights defender and three journalists have been killed in the past six months, and EHAHRD-NET believes that stopping the harassment of human rights defenders will help ensure that the human rights of all individuals in the country are respected.  Also, it advised the Somali Government to comply with its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and other international principles of human rights.

Go to: www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/1105

17. The Graduate Institute of Development Studies and HURIDOCS Announce New Training Course
The Graduate Institute of Development Studies (IUED) and the Human Rights Information and Documentation Systems International (HURIDOCS) will host a training course in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 12-16, 2008 on monitoring economic, social, and cultural rights.  The course will include lectures and practical work with real situations.  The course welcomes people from all types of human rights institutions.  In addition, the course will take place at the same time as the May session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which will also be held in Geneva so participants in the course should be able to participate in or observe the Committee in session.  The deadline for applications is February 1, 2008. 

Go to: www.huridocs.org/training/escr

18. UN Institute for Training and Research and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Hold Human Rights Training Program
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will hold the 2007 human rights fellowship program for students from least developed countries in Geneva, Switzerland tentatively beginning on October 1 and ending in January 2008.  The objectives of the project are to increase understanding among fellows from least developed countries about international issues and to connect outstanding students and graduates from those countries to UN human rights groups that could use their assistance. The program will consist of both training and practical exposure to the work of OHCHR.  The training will involve seminars and debates to allow for a maximum exchange of views.  A significant part of the training will be devoted to practical skills exercises to strengthen the fellows' professional skills and abilities.  Applicants must be in graduate school or hold a graduate degree, should be less than 30 years old, and should be fluent in English.

Go to: www.ohchr.org/english/about/ldcfellowship.htm

LABOR UNIONS AND WORKER RIGHTS

19. Liberian Rubber Workers Have Fair Union Elections
On July 21 thousands of Liberian workers celebrated new trade union leadership after a free and transparent union election at the Bridgestone/Firestone rubber plantation.  This is the first time workers have elected their own representatives.  Along with the Liberian trade union federation leaders, representatives from the Solidarity Center and the United Steelworkers (USW) monitored the elections at the invitation of a Liberian election committee.  The Solidarity Center has congratulated the 4,700 workers of the Firestone Agriculture Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL), and they commend the Liberian government for its support for the promotion of worker rights.

Go to: www.solidaritycenter.org/content.asp?contentid=667

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

20. The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies Reports on Media Freedoms in the Arab Countries
The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) has released a report on “media freedoms in the Arab countries” for the first half of 2007.  The study states that 35 Iraqi media workers have been killed and more than 30 media workers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have been assaulted.  Out of a total of 18 Arab countries in the study, with the exception of Iraq and Palestine, there were 23 arrests as well as 19 cases where journalists were prohibited from writing in newspapers.  Other parts of the report declare that there were seven cases of seizure and closure of newspapers, seven cases of threats made to journalists, three cases of fines due to publications, seven cases of imprisonment, and eight cases of subpoena of journalists to court.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/Aug07DemNews21.pdf

21. ARTICLE 19 and the Association for Civil Rights Release Article on Media in Latin America
The international organization ARTICLE 19 and the Argentina based Association for Civil Rights (ADC) have released a joint publication entitled “Access to Information: An Instrumental Right for Empowerment.”  The publication aims at promoting greater transparency and access to information in Latin America.  Information is discussed in connection to economic, social, and cultural rights.  In addition, the publication covers such topics as why access to public information is relevant to everyday life, and the strategies different citizens, civil society groups, and NGOs can use to achieve their information goals.  Finally, the publication provides an overview of 15 case studies from 12 different countries where access to information has been used successfully in protecting and developing several economic, social, and cultural rights.     

Go to: www.article19.org/pdfs/publications/ati-empowerment-right.pdf

YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION

22. Call for Items: World Youth Movement for Democracy August Newsletter
The World Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD) is asking for submissions for its August newsletter.  WYMD welcomes news of upcoming events, as well as reports of events that have been organized.  They also welcome announcements requesting partnership on project collaboration, news on any projects already underway, reports, and essays.  By sharing news of events and activities organized by members, WYMD hopes others will be inspired to organize and act.  The deadline for submitting items is August 8.  Those who wish to submit items for the newsletter can contact WYMD via email.

Write to: wymd@youthlink.org

23. Center for Civic Education Holds International “Project Citizen” Showcase
The Center for Civic Education convened the first International “Project Citizen” Showcase in Washington, DC, on July 15-17.  The showcase was entitled “Empowering a New Generation for Democracy,” and more than 250 young people from around the world participated.  For months students created public policy proposals to address problems in their communities.  The student teams have selected such problems as the lack of potable water, the exclusion of handicapped students, neglected historical monuments, and violence in schools.  Student teams presented their “Project Citizen” work through oral presentations and portfolio displays.

Go to: www.civiced.org/index.php?p=111&&st=&&page=internationa_calendar&&eid=16037

African Democracy Forum (ADF) – www.africandemocracyforum.org
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation – www.civicus.org
Council for a Community of Democracies –  www.ccd21.org
Humanitarian Law Center (HLC) – www.hlc.org.yu/english
Solidarity Center – www.solidaritycenter.org
Amman Center for Human Rights Studies (ACHRS) – www.achrs.org
ARTICLE 19 – www.article19.org