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January 2003
CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. E-Mail Lists and Other Electronic Information Sources Now Available on World Movement Web Site
2. The International Human Rights Funders Group Launches Web Site
3. Center for Democratic Governance of Burkina Faso Launches Web Site
4. The Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy (CSID) Announces Fourth Annual Conference
5. ROOTS OF DEMOCRACY IN ISLAM
6. Web Site on Effective Training Skills Launched
7. January 2003 Issue of the JOURNAL OF DEMOCRACY
CIVIC EDUCATION
8. Publication: LET'S GO INTO EXILE
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGHTHENING
9. Civil Society-Nonprofit Scholars Program
10. GURT Resource Center for NGO Development in Ukraine Recognizes Volunteers
11. CITIZENS WORKING FOR JUSTICE (Ciudadanos Trabajando por la
Justicia) Focuses on Bolivia
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
12. The International Crisis Group Assesses Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Sierra Leone
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
13. Publication: PARTICIPATION AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN COLOMBIA
14. Publication: LOCAL RULE: DECENTRALISATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
15. Building Consensus for Reform in Argentina
16. King Baudouin International Development Prize 2002
ELECTIONS
17. COSONGO Reports on Somaliland Local Councils Elections
18. The Centre for Democracy and Development Plans Activities on the Forthcoming National Elections in Nigeria
HUMAN RIGHTS
19. Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) Publishes New Issue of the DEFENDER
20. Fifth Annual Workshop on Procedures of the African Regional Human Rights System
21. Cuban Dissident Receives Sakharov Award
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPERESSION
22. Web Site: World Movement's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Group
23. European Union to Support Media Projects in Western Balkans
24. 2003-04 Digital Vision (DV) Fellowships
25. Building the Information Commonwealth: Information Technologies and Building Prospects for the Development of Civil Society Institutions in the CIS Countries
26. PEN Announces Campaign Against Violations of Freedom of Expression
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
27. Youth Conference in Teslic, Bonsia-Herzegovina
TRANCPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
28. CIPE Feature Article: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND MEDIA IN ADDRESSING CORRUPTION
WOMEN'S ISSUES
29. WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP IN MUSLIM SOCIETIES: VOICES OF CHANGE
30. World Movement Participating Organizations and Individuals Mentioned in this Issue
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. E-Mail Lists and Other Electronic Information Sources Now Available on World Movement Web Site
The World Movement for Democracy has posted a new section on its Web site that contains a list of electronic newsletters, e-mail lists, alerts about human rights abuses or activists in danger, and other sources of information (organized by region). All of the sources listed are free of charge, and subscription information is provided.
Go to: www.wmd.org/emaillist.html
In addition to this list of information sources, the World Movement Web site includes information on regional and functional networking, a searchable database of World Movement participants, the latest version of What's Being Done On, which focuses on Strengthening Local Governance, and other information.
Go to: www.wmd.org
2. The International Human Rights Funders Group Launches Web Site
The International Human Rights Funders Group recently launched its Web site, which includes an on-line searchable funders database, a useful resource for human rights organizations around the world. In addition, the Web site includes news, essays, publications, helpful links, and announcements of events, and provides space for users to post their own news.
Go to: www.HRfunders.org
3. Centre pour la Gouvernance Démocratique Burkina Faso (Center for Democratic Governance of Burkina Faso) Launches Web Site
The Center for Democratic Governance (CGD) of Burkina Faso invites participants to visit their Web site, which includes information on CGD's programs, partner organizations, new members, and online publications. CGP is a local resource center on democracy and governance issues in Francophone West Africa that was established in 2000.
Go to: www.cgdbf.org
4. The Center for the Study of Islam & Democracy (CSID) Announces Fourth Annual Conference
The Fourth Annual CSID Conference will be held on April 25-26, 2003 under the theme of "Why Democracy, and Why Now?" Experts and scholars, both Muslim and non-Muslim, will be invited to take part in discussions. Currently, CSID is calling for paper proposals. Topics include: the role of women and gender in the governance of Muslim states; critical assessment of Islamic resources and their appropriateness for building democratic institutions; Ijtihad and its application in providing cultural legitimization to democracy; the Urgency of Dialogue and Cooperation between the Traditional and Modern institutions of higher learning for a new political discourse; and the two cities - religious and secular in governance of the Muslim peoples. The paper proposals (of 300 words or less) are due by February 20, 2003.
Call for Paper Proposals: www.wmd.org/documents/CallForProposals.doc
To learn more about CSID, and previous conferences, go to: www.islam-democracy.org/index.asp
5. ROOTS OF DEMOCRACY IN ISLAM
On December 16, 2002, Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow Ahmed Subhy Mansour gave a public presentation at the National Endowment for Democracy on "The Roots of Democracy in Islam." Mansour traced the sources of democratic thought in Islamic theology and discussed his ideas of how Islam's democratic potential may be realized in the modern Muslim world.
Go to: www.ned.org/forum/fellows/presentations/MansourSummary.doc
6. Web Site on Effective Training Skills Launched
The Alfred Mozer Foundation (AMF), the Dutch Labor party's foundation for East and Central Europe, launced a Web site for trainers working in the democracy-building field. The first section of the Web site provides an overview of training skills inherent in the AMF method. The second section describes the most frequently used training modules. All modules include suggestions for practical follow-ups. These modules serve as the framework, which can be built on, expanded, and adapted to the needs of the trainees.
Go to: www.effectivetraining.org
For more information on the Alfred Mozer Foundation, go to: www.alfredmozerstichting.nl
7. January 2003 Issue of NED's JOURNAL OF DEMOCRACY
The January issue of the Journal of Democracy includes articles on China that evaluate the strength of the regime, explore necessary conditions for democratic change, and assess the country's prospects for democracy. In addition, the issue, published by the National Endowment for Democracy, Secretariat of World Movement, includes an analysis of obstacles and opportunities for democratic change in Iran, an assessment of the political climate in Jordan, a review of the latest Freedom House survey, analysis of the elections in
Montenegro, book reviews, brief election reports, and more. The
Journal's feature article, "AFGHANISTAN'S LONG ROAD TO RECONCILIATION," as well as a detailed table of contents are available online.
Go to: www.journalofdemocracy.org
CIVIC EDUCATION
8.Publication: LET'S GO INTO EXILE
A novel in Tibetan language, entitled LET'S GO INTO EXILE, written by Gedun Rabsal, tells a story of four Tibetan monks who set out from Tibet to join the exile Tibetan community in India. Through their journey they face numerous difficulties, including involvement in the October First uprising against the occupying Chinese forces in 1987, getting past the heavily guarded borders linking Tibet to Nepal and India, crossing the Himalayan mountains by foot, and other challenges. The book was published by the Tibetan Times, based in Dharamsala, India.
To purchase the book, contact Tibet Times at tibettimes@vsnl.com or go to: www.tibettimes.org
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
9. Civil Society-Nonprofit Scholars Program
The Corporation for National Community Service and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars are offering nine-month fellowships for academics and practitioners to undertake applied research that explores the intersection of civil society, the nonprofit sector, volunteerism, and public policy. Scholars will receive a stipend based on their current salary, reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, and have access to the research resources afforded by the Corporation, the Center, and Washington,DC capital. The deadline for applications is February 3, 2003.
For application materials and information on the fellowship, go to: www.wilsoncenter.org/scholars
10. GURT Resource Center for NGO Development in Ukraine Recognizes Volunteers
On December 20, 2002, GURT held an award ceremony for the winners and participants of the Volunteer of the Year Contest 2002. Sixty-six individuals and organizations were nominated in several categories, including social sphere, youth development, sport, and culture. The contest is a significant step in recognizing and promoting volunteer work in Ukrainian society.
For more information on GURT Resource Center for NGO Development in Ukraine, go to: www.gurt.org.ua
11. CITIZENS WORKING FOR JUSTICE (Ciudadanos Trabajando por la Justicia)Focuses on Bolivia
The Washington, DC-based Partners of the Americas, assisting citizens in forming civil society groups and conducting public campaigns, recently launched a new project called "Citizens Working for Justice." The project aims to improve and increase citizens' knowledge, participation, and support of the reform of the Penal Codes in Bolivia. By increasing the participation of the most vulnerable sectors of Bolivian society, the program encourages citizens to participate actively to increase their access to the judicial system.
For more information contact Martha Cecilia Villada at mcv@partners.net
Go to: www.partners.net
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
12. The International Crisis Group Assesses Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Sierra Leone
The International Crisis Group (ICG) recently released a report titled "Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation Commission: A Fresh Start?" The report assesses the work of the Commission to date and provides a series of recommendations. In its recommendations, ICG encourages the Office of the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, which provides technical assistance and raises funds, to take a more hands-on approach. Similarly the ICG stresses that the international community should become more engaged to ensure that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission plays its crucial role in the peace process.
For the full report, go to: www.crisisweb.org/projects/africa/westafrica/reports/A400858_20122002.pdf
To learn about the International Crisis Group, go to: www.crisisweb.org
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNANCE
13. Publication: PARTICIPATION AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN COLOMBIA
PARTICIPATION AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHNING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN COLOMBIA, by Miguel Ceballos and Gerard Martin, Director and Research Director, respectively, of the Colombia Program at the Center for Latin American Studies of Georgetown University, provides information on lessons learned from public and private projects in Colombia by identifying problem areas, institutions that promote civil participation, and channels for participation. It creates a road map for municipalities in Colombia to improve civic participation.
Go to: www.georgetown.edu/sfs/programs/clas/Colombia/colombia_program_publications_book.htm
14. Publication: LOCAL RULE: DECENTRALIZATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
The Geneva-based International Council on Human Rights Policy has published a report that examines the relationship between decentralization and human rights. Drawing on several case studies, it suggests that decentralization often fails when inadequate
attention is given to human rights issues.
To read the report, go to: www.ichrp.org (choose "Local Government" Project)
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
15. Building Consensus for Reform in Argentina
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in collaboration with the Center for the Implementation of Public Policies Promoting Equity and Growth(CIPPEC) in Argentina, has developed a project called CONSENSUS FOR THE ARGENTINE PUBLIC AGENDA (CAPA). The objective of the project is to encourage coordinated action by civic and business associations to identify policy priorities for economic growth and political stability and to design a national agenda to present to policy-makers. CIPPEC is a leading think tank in Argentina, whose mission is to promote the analysis and implementation of public policies that encourage equity and growth.
Contact: information@cippec.org
To learn about the Center for the Implementation of Public Policies Promoting Equity and Growth, go to: www.cippec.org/EN/cippec.htm
16. King Baudouin International Development Prize 2002
The King Baudouin Foundation, based in Brussels, Belgium, awarded the King Baudouin International Development Prize 2002 to the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International(FLO). With its secretariat in Bonn, Germany, FLO is comprised of 17 national initiatives in 14 countries throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. The aim of FLO is to improve the situation of disadvantaged producers and workers in developing countries by ensuring fair trade standards through a system of product certification, and by creating a framework that enables trade to take place in conditions favorable to them. The King Baudouin International Development Award aims to recognize the actions of individuals or organizations that are making a significant contribution to the advancement of developing countries, or mutual support between industrialized and developing countries.
Go to: www.kbprize.org/english/prize/l_2000.htm
To read about The King Baudouin Foundation, go to
www.kbs-frb.be/code/home.cfm?lang=en
ELECTIONS
17. COSONGO Reports on Somaliland Local Council Elections
The Consortium for Somaliland Non-Governmental Organizations (COSONGO) and NAGAAD, an umbrella organization that includes hundreds of NGO members, functioned as observers and coordinators during local Council elections in Somaliland on December 15, 2002. Their report includes their observations and recommendations, as well as a detailed account of all phases of the election.
Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/COSONGO.doc
18. The Centre for Democracy and Development Plans Activities on the Forthcoming National Elections in Nigeria
The Centre for Democracy and Development(CDD), a research, advocacy, and training NGO based in Lagos and London that works on issues of democracy, human rights, peace and security in West Africa, announced a program of activities focused on the forthcoming national elections in Nigeria, scheduled for April 2003. While the Lagos office will be tracking and analyzing events as they unfold in the run-up to the elections, during the polling, and in the aftermath, the international office in London will carry out an extensive advocacy and information campaign aimed at the media, policy-makers, the nongovernmental community, academics and the general public.
To request copies of papers and reports, write to: cdd@cdd.org.uk
For more information on CDD and their past and current activities, go
to: www.cdd.org.uk
HUMAN RIGHTS
19. Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) Publishes New Issue of the DEFENDER
The DEFENDER is a bi-annual human rights journal published by the Uganda-based Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). The journal not only focuses on human rights issues in Uganda, but also addresses instructive experiences from other countries. The current issue (Vol. 7 Issue No. 3) under the theme of "Human Rights and Democracy," includes articles on: Justice in Uganda; Human Rights Abuse in the Disarmament Program, Karamoja; Towards the Future: Democracy and Human Rights in Uganda; Uganda's Children: Soldiers in Armed Conflict; Racial Discrimination in Uganda: The Plight of the Batwa People; Ugandan Teachers: The Wretched of the Earth; The Kibaale Ethnic Crisis and the Desecration of the 1995 Constitution.
For subscription information and further inquiries, contact:
Publication Editor, Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI),
Fax: 256-41-269525, Email: fhri@starcom.co.ug, fhri@spacenetuganda.com
To learn more about the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, go
to: www.hri.ca/partners/fhri
20. Fifth Annual Workshop on Procedures of the African Regional Human Rights System
The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa will hold its fifth annual workshop on the Procedures of the African Regional Human Rights System on August 11-20, 2003, in Fajara, Gambia. The workshop will give participants practical knowledge on how to use African human rights treaties and enforcement mechanisms in their work. Participants will discuss materials on human rights bodies of the African Unity: procedures of the African Commissions on Human and Peoples' Rights, and the anticipated African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, and African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
For more information on the workshop, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/Brochure5thAW.doc
For application form, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/ApplicationFormHRworkshop.doc
For more information on the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, go to: www.africaninstitute.org
21. Cuban Dissident Receives Sakharov Award
Cuban dissident, Oswaldo Paya Sardiñas, was awarded the Sakharov Award by the European Union. After receiving pressure from the EU and the Spanish government, the Cuban government allowed Paya to travel to Strausbourg to accept the award. The prize was given to him in recognition of his attempts to obtain free elections in Cuba. Named after the late Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize is given annually to people who defend human rights and democracy.
Go to:
www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/4354400.htm
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47820-2003Jan12.html
To learn about Paya's Varela Project (Referendum initiative), go to:
www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/varela_project_003.htm
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
22. Web Site: World Movement's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Group
The Democracy Information and Communication Technology (ICT) group of the World Movement for Democracy invites democracy activists to visit its Web site. This working group, initiated as an outcome of the World Movement's Second Assembly workshop on "Using Internet and Other Media to Promote Democracy," is made up of individuals interested in sharing their expertise and ideas on the practical aspects of information and communication technology. The site includes a guide to many practical resources, including Internet tutorials, training resources, and information on Internet related policy issues. The site also provides information on: how to get started on the Internet; how to find technical assistance and funding for technology; and how to set up Web sites and e-mail lists.
Go to: www.wmd.org/dict/index.html
Participants are also invited to join the group's Demo-IT e-mail list, which provides a forum to discuss ideas or problems and to share information related to technology and democracy promotion. To join the list, send an email message to: Demo-IT-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
23. European Comission to Support Media Projects in Western Balkans
Media and media-related organizations with headquarters in one of the countries of the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and the former Republic of Macedonia) or in the European Union countries are invited to apply for grants from the European Commission. Grants will vary in size from EUR 100,000 to EUR 300,000. Media organizations eligible for grants include trade associations, trade unions, journalism training schools and universities, and non-governmental organizations. Proposals are due by February 24, 2003.
Go to: europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/cgi/frame12.pl
(in the "search" panel, select Project-CARDS/OBNOVA, Status-OPEN, Type-GRANTS, Region and/or Country-ALL)
24. 2003-04 Digital Vision Fellowships
Digital Vision (DV) awards 12 fellowships at Stanford University. DV Fellows spend an academic year on the Stanford campus in Palo Alto, California, designing and building IT solutions for the developing world. DV Fellows draw on the resources of Stanford University and Silicon Valley to develop an ICT-based project that serves a humanitarian purpose in the developing world. The deadline for applications is March 14, 2003.
Go to: reuters.stanford.edu (for eligibility requirements click on the "Become a Fellow" link) or e-mail to: reuter-applicationquestions2003@csli.stanford.edu
25. Building the Information Commonwealth: Information Technologies and Building Prospects for the Development of Civil Society Institutions in the CIS Countries
The International Conference on "Building the Information Commonwealth: Information Technologies and Building Prospects for the Development of Civil Society Institutions in the CIS Countries" will take place in St.Petersburg, Russia, on April 22-24, 2003. It will focus on several key issues of civil society development in New Independent States through the prism of ICT use. Discussions will provide case studies, models, methods and projections. The conference will also feature numerous training workshops. The deadline for submitting paper abstracts is January 20.
To review the agenda, proposal guidelines, and other information on the conference go to: www.communities.org.ru/conference/rus/main_r.htm
26. PEN Announces Campaign against Violations of Freedom of Expression
PEN, the Worldwide Association of Professional Writers, marked International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2002, by announcing a year-long campaign to challenge impunity for violations of the essential right to freedom of expression. The campaign was officially launched on November 25 in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, during a conference of the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN. It will include direct actions throughout the year and will culminate with the release of a PEN report on the problem of impunity and a series of public programs during International PEN's 69th World Congress of Writers in Mexico City on November 23-28, 2003. While PEN is tracking scores of impunity cases worldwide, its 2002-03 campaign will focus primarily on issues of freedom of expression in the Americas, seeking to use the lessons learned from its investigation and advocacy in this region to address similar cases in other regions.
Go to: canada.ifex.org/alerts/view.html?id=11670
For PEN world links, go to: radfilms.com/pen_world_links.html
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
27. Youth Conference in Teslic, Bonsia-Herzegovina
Members of the Youth Network of Bosnia-Herzogovina gathered at a conference that was a collaborative effort of the Helsinki Citizens Assembly (HCA)Tuzla, Youth Union Teslic, Youth Club "Sun" Zvornik, and Youth Center Bosanski Petrovac. Main themes of the conference were "Changes and Additions of Law about NGOs" and "Activation and Initiation of Young People for work in NGO sector." Participants in the conference represented youth organizations and youth branches of political parties from all over the country. During the three-day conference, they discussed youth problems in Bosnia-Herzegovina and made a number of recommendations to overcome the challenges.
To obtain a copy of the report from the conference, write to hcatuzla@bin.net.ba
To learn more about the Youth Network of Bosnia-Herzegovina and its member-organizations, go to: www.omladinskamrezabih.org/english
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
28. CIPE Feature Article: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, CIVIL SOCIETY, AND MEDIA IN ADDRESSING CORRUPTION
In his article, Mark T. McCord, who heads CIPE office in Romania, argues that the private sector, business associations, and the media have responsibility to combat corruption, for example, by establishing fair a transparent processes and demanding accountability from those who bend the rules. Business associations can further aid these efforts by creating an inventory of legal barriers and by duplicate regulations and by providing this information to their members, the government, and the media.
Go to: www.cipe.org/publications/fs/articles/mccord.htm
WOMEN'S ISSUES
29. WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP IN MUSLIM SOCIETIES: VOICES OF CHANGE
On November 25, 2002, the Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development and Peace(WLP), in collaboration with the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Dialogue Project of Johns Hopkins University in Washington,DC, organized a seminar on "Women and Leadership in Muslim Societies: Voices of Change" to discuss constraints and opportunities Muslim women face in increasing their political participation and leadership. Panelists challenged stereotypes associated with Muslim women and strategized about the possibilities for strengthening the role of women in creating democratic and pluralistic societies in the Muslim world. Panelists included Ayesha Imam, founder and former Executive Director of Baobab for Women's Human Rights in Nigeria, and Mahnaz Afkhami, President of the Women's Learning Partnership. Ms. Imam is a member of ADF Steering Committee; Ms. Afkhami is a member of the World Movement for Democracy Steering Committee. Over 200 scholars, activists, NGO leaders, and policy makers participated in the event.
Go to: www.learningpartnership.org/events/2002/02womenandleadership.phtml#review
30. World Movement Participating Organizations and Individuals Mentioned in this Issue
- Tibetan Times: www.tibettimes.org
- Center for Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID): www.islam-democracy.org
- Alfred Mozer Foundation (AMF): www.alfredmozerstichting.nl
- GURT Resource Center for NGO Development in Ukraine: www.gurt.org.ua
- Partners of the America: www.partners.net
- Colombia Program, Center for Latin American Studies, Georgetown University: www.georgetown.edu/sfs/programs/clas/Colombia/index.htm
- Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE): www.cipe.org
- King Baudouin Foundation: www.kbs-frb.be/code/home.cfm?lang=en
- Consortium for Somaliland Non-Governmental Organizations (COSONGO)
- Center for Democracy and Development: www.cdd.org.uk
- The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI): www.hri.ca/partners/fhri
- Oswaldo Paya Sardiñas, Coordinator of VARELA PROJECT (Referendum Initiative): www.puenteinfocubamiami.org/varela_project_003.htm
- The Democracy Information and Communication technology (ICT) group: www.wmd.org/dict/index.html
- Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP): www.learningpartnership.org/events/2002/02womenandleadership.phtml#review
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