DemocracyNews
Monthly Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy

DemocracyNews is a means of facilitating interaction among World Movement participants. A monthly e-newsletter, it enables participants to call for collaboration on democracy projects, announce upcoming activities and events, report on the results of recent work, and call for action on behalf of World Movement participants who are facing danger as a result of their efforts to promote democracy.

June 2009

CONTENTS

1.WORLD MOVEMENT NETWORK UPDATE: International Women’s Democracy Network

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
2. Human Rights House Network Calls to End Persecution of Belarusian Human Rights Defender

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
3. Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Seeks Applicants for Fellows Program
4. Call for Nominations: 2009 Ion Ratiu Democracy Lecture Award
5. Call for Applications: Law Firm Fellowship Program at PILPG

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
6. ICNL Releases Second Issue of Global Trends in NGO Law

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
7. International Criminal Court Launches Online Library
8. Call for Papers: Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution

ELECTIONS
9. Steering Committee Member George Mathew Comments on Indian Elections

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
10. Center for International Private Enterprise Publishes Guide to Governance Reform
11. Report Launched on the APRM Process in Burkina Faso

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE
12. World Movement Posts Web Pages on Human Rights in Eurasia
13. Chinese Human Rights Defenders Release Report on 20th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square
14. Over 1,500 People Urge President Obama to Support Human Rights and Democracy in the Middle East
15. International Service for Human Rights Releases Briefing Papers
16. Final Call for Nominations: 2009 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award
17. Iran Human Rights Defender Wins 2009 Martin Ennals Award

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
18. CIMA Releases New Report on Self-Regulation in the Media
19. Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility Issues Report on State of the Media in the Philippines
20. Plan of Action for the Advancement of the Right of Access to Information in the Americas Developed

RESEARCH
21. NDRI Holds Conference on Poverty, Inequality, and Democracy

YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION
22. Call for Entries: Shoot Nations 09
23. Call for Applications: The United States Meets Europe

24. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE

1. WORLD MOVEMENT NETWORK UPDATE: International Women’s Democracy Network
The International Women’s Democracy Network (IWDN) continues to strengthen the capacity of its regional focal points.  Most recently, the IWDN launched an Online Resource Center, which will provide useful materials to advance the efforts of regional focal points, especially in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, where such resources are scarce.  In addition, the Network has established various methods to expand its reach using different communication media, such as blog and social networking tools, as well as radio programs, film, and mainstream media.  Most recently, the Network launched an online discussion on Facebook with the author of a policy guide published by The Institute for Inclusive Security, a program of Hunt Alternatives Fund, titled “Bringing Women into Government.” The discussion covered specific techniques on how to include women in government and how their participation positively affects not only women but also the greater population. Lastly, members of the Network continue to support each other by exchanging their experiences and less learned.  One example to highlight is how Nigerian women have been mentoring women in Liberia and Togo.

Go to: www.learningpartnership.org/iwdn

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS

2. Human Rights House Network Calls to End to Persecution of Belarusian Human Rights Defender
On May 26, the Norway-based Human Rights House Network issued a letter to the Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Belarus, Valentin Sukalo, regarding the case against human rights defender Leanid Svetsik.  In May 2008, the KGB carried out a nine-hour search of Svetsik’s apartment in Vitebsk.  During the search, the KGB confiscated Mr. Svetsik’s computer.  After the search, he was brought to the KGB office of Vitebsk region where he was interrogated for hours.  Later, he was banned by the regional KGB office from commenting on details of the ongoing investigation on the case concerning the threats by Russian National Unity against certain citizens. Mr. Svetsik had assisted the threatened activists by applying to appropriate state organs for protection.  On September 18, 2008, the case was pending an expert analysis.  On March 31, 2009, the KGB charged Mr. Svetsik with violating Article 131 (fomentation of national and religious enmity) and Article 367 of the Criminal Code (insulting the honor of the President).

The Human Rights House Network regrets that the ongoing investigation of Mr. Svetsik restricts his right to act as a human rights defender in assisting victims of human rights violations. In this respect, Belarusian authorities must conform to the paragraph 8 of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly “Resolution on Strengthening OSCE Engagement with Human Rights Defenders and National Rights Institutions,” which states that OSCE Participating states must recognize “the need for particular attention, support, and protection for human rights defenders.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

3. Call for Applications: Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society Fellows Program
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York is accepting applications for the fall 2009 Senior International Fellows Program.  This program provides an opportunity for the professional development of senior level third-sector practitioners from outside the United States.  The program in 2009 will focus on the topic of community foundations.  Proposals for position papers on Diaspora philanthropy will also be considered.  The program is designed to help build third-sector capacity in the fellows’ home countries.  The application deadline is June 30. 

Go to: www.philanthropy.org/programs/ifp/senior.html 

4. Call for Nominations: 2009 Ion Ratiu Democracy Lecture Award
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is now welcoming nominations for its 2009 Ion Ratiu Democracy Lecture Award.  The Ion Ratiu Democracy Lecture Award brings visibility and international recognition to the ideas, ideals, and accomplishments of individuals around the world who are working on behalf of democracy.  Candidates can be nominated by academic, public and private institutions, NGOs, the media, and the general public.  The award ceremony will take place in late November or early December where a $10,000  award is given by the Board of the Ratiu Family Foundation to the individual selected for their outstanding contributions to democracy.  Previous awardees include Eleonora Cercavschi (Moldova) in 2008, Anatoli Mikhailov (Belarus) in 2007, Saad Ibrahim (Egypt) in 2006, and Sergio Aguayo (Mexico) in 2005.  Nominations can be sent via email to ionratiu-lecture@wilsoncenter.org.

Go to: www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?topic_id=1415&fuseaction=topics.categoryview&categoryid=71E648A8-FF8E-527E-B3DF30E1392D1DCD

5. Call for Applications: Law Firm Fellowship Program at PILPG
In May, the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) launched a Law Firm Fellowship program through which PILPG’s law firm partners are placing fully funded associates with PILPG for up to a year.  Through this program, the law firm fellows will work with PILPG full time to provide pro bono assistance to a variety of PILPG clients.  Law firm fellows have the opportunity to work in PILPG’s various project offices overseas, or in the cities where their law firm sponsor is located.  PILPG is a non-profit organization that operates as a global pro bono law firm providing free legal assistance to states and governments involved in conflicts.  To facilitate the utilization of this legal assistance, PILPG also provides policy formulation advice and training on matters related to conflict resolution.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/0609dn05.pdf

DEFENDING CIVIL SOCIETY

6. ICNL Releases Second Issue of Global Trends in NGO Law
In May, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), an organization that promotes an enabling environment for civil society and public participation worldwide, released its second issue of its publication Global Trends in NGO Law: Global Philanthropy in a Time of Crisis.  In this issue, ICNL examines legal developments affecting global philanthropy, particularly obstacles to foreign philanthropy and assistance.  In Section I, ICNL discusses the most recent laws, draft laws, and government actions restricting cross-border giving, and section II examines potential responses to these restrictions. 

Go to: www.icnl.org/knowledge/globaltrends/glotrends1-2.htm  

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

7. International Criminal Court Launches Online Library
In late April, the International Criminal Court (ICC) launched the new version of “Legal Tools,” an online library on international criminal law and justice, which empowers victims and others who seek a judicial response to atrocities by providing a central vehicle to obtain information on international criminal law.  Legal Tools provide a knowledge-transfer platform for international criminal and human rights laws made freely available to the general public through the ICC Web site.  The online library contains more than 40,000 documents, including decisions and indictments from all international criminal tribunals, ICC preparatory works and case documents, treaties, information about national legal systems, and relevant decisions from national courts.

Go to: www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC/Legal+Texts+and+Tools/

8. Call for Papers: Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution
The Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution (JLCR) is now accepting submissions for its next issue.  JCLR is looking for original articles in basic and applied research as well as critical reviews, surveys, opinions, commentaries, and essays.  JLCR is also seeking qualified reviewers as members of the review board team.

Go to: www.academicjournals.org/JLCR

ELECTIONS

9. Steering Committee Member George Mathew Comments on Indian Elections
George Mathew, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences in New Delhi and World Movement Steering Committee Member, recently wrote an article on this year’s general elections in India.  In the article, Dr. Mathew discusses with great optimism the role of the media during the elections, the use of electronic voting systems, and the improved gender balance in the Parliament.  The views expressed by the author are his own.

To read the article, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/0609dn09.pdf

To read George Mathew’s bio, go to: www.wmd.org/about/steering.html#Mathew

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

10. Center for International Private Enterprise Publishes Guide to Governance Reform
In May, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) published “The CIPE Guide to Governance Reform: Strategic Planning for Emerging Markets.”  The guide introduces CIPE’s techniques for advancing democratic and market reforms, which private sector groups around the world have used to improve the business environment and the quality of governance.  It explains core concepts of market economies and democratic governance, principles for planning a reform agenda, and best practices for designing reform projects.  CIPE has also been working with several partner organizations to develop similar guides for various countries, including Algeria and Tunisia.

To read “The CIPE Guide to Governance Reform: Strategic Planning for Emerging Markets,” go to: www.cipe.org/publications/papers/pdf/Guide%20to%20Governance%20Reform.pdf

To learn more about the “Algerian Corporate Governance Code,” go to: www.algeriacorporategovernance.org

To read the “Tunisian Corporate Governance Best-Practice Guidelines,” go to: www.iace.org.tn/fr/medias/downloads/CIPE/guide_anglais.pdf

11. Report Launched on the APRM Process in Burkina Faso
On March 28, AfriMAP and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) launched a report on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process in Burkina Faso authored by Julien Natielsé, a Burkinabé lawyer and political commentator.  The APRM is a system introduced by the African Union to help countries improve their governance.  Around 35 people attended the launch event, including national APRM secretariat representatives in Burkina Faso, political parties, civil society, academia and the media.  Natielsé presented the report’s conclusions, and in his response to the report’s findings, the national APRM secretary addressed some of the criticisms made, including poor participation of civil society in the first phase of the process; lack of adequate time for completion of the process; and inadequate funding of the self-assessment process. The debate that followed highlighted many of the same problems.  Among the strongest expressed opinions were that the national self-evaluation report should be made public.

To read the report (in French), go to: www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AfriMAP-MAEP-BF-FR.pdf

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

12. World Movement Posts Web Pages on Human Rights in Eurasia
In May, the World Movement updated its “Spotlight” section of its Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia networking Web site.  Spotlight highlights civil society work and various issues regarding democratic development throughout the region.  This edition of Spotlight focuses on human rights in Eurasia. The section is divided into pages by region: the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Russia. For each country, a summary of the situation and lists of recent alerts, reports, and active local human rights organizations are provided. This information will soon be translated into Russian, and similar pages focusing on Central and Eastern Europe are forthcoming.  If you have any information you would like to see included on these and/or future pages, please send an email to Cate Urban or send her a fax at +1-202-378-9889.

Go to: www.wmd.org/cee-nis/spotlight/spotlight2009.html

13. Chinese Human Rights Defenders Release Report on 20th Anniversary of Tiananmen Square
On June 1, Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) released its report “The Legacy of Tiananmen: 20 Years of Oppression, Activism and Hope.”  The report looks back at the human rights violations during and soon after the military suppression, as well as the continued persecution against survivors and families of the victims of the Tiananmen Massacre during the past twenty years.  The report also discusses the current relevance of the 1989 pro-democracy protests to the human rights movement today and examines alternative proposals to address rights violations during the crackdown.  Many individuals continue to suffer the consequences of participating in the pro-democracy movement.  At least eight individuals remain imprisoned in Beijing following unfair trials in which they were convicted of committing “violent crimes.”  Those who were released after long sentences have had difficulty reintegrating into society as they suffer from continued police harassment as well as illnesses and injuries resulting from torture, beatings, and mistreatment while in prison.

14. Over 1,500 People Urge President Obama to Support Human Rights and Democracy in the Middle East
On May 22, a letter signed by over 1,500 experts and civil society leaders was issued to US President Barack Obama, urging him to support human rights and democracy in the Middle East.  The letter emphasizes the importance of improving relations between the US and the Middle East through a commitment to encourage political reform through peaceful policies that reward governments that take active and measurable steps towards genuine democratic reforms.  The signatories urge President Obama to elevate democratic reform and respect for human rights as key considerations in US engagement with both Arab regimes and Arab publics.

To read the letter, go to: www.csidonline.org/documents/pdf/Open_Letter_to_Pres_Obama_about_Democracy.pdf

To add your signature to the letter, go to: www.csidonline.org/sign-open-letter

15. International Service for Human Rights Releases Briefing Papers
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is currently developing a series of six briefing papers providing simple and practical information on rights relevant to the work of human rights defenders.  Recently, ISHR released three of the briefing papers on the freedom of association, the right to access funding, and the right to access international bodies.  These papers seek to present relevant information in a simple and accessible manner to human rights defenders, and act as a practical tool to support them in their work. They can be used as a resource or background reading for specific trainings for defenders on this topic, in addition to assisting in national advocacy or awareness-raising efforts on particular rights, at the regional and national levels.

Go to: www.ishr.ch/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=501&Itemid=533

16. Final Call for Nominations: 2009 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) is seeking nominations for the 2009 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award.  The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have peacefully sought to advance democracy and human rights in Asia.  Recipients are awarded a sculpture along with US$100,000 toward their continued work in the field of human rights. Prior recipients include Reporters without Borders in 2006, Dr. Cynthia Maung of Burma in 2007, and Dr. Sima Simar of Afghanistan in 2008.  Nomination materials should be submitted no later than June 30. 

Go to: www.tfd.org.tw/english

17. Iran Human Rights Defender Wins 2009 Martin Ennals Award
On May 20, Emad Baghi, a leading Iranian human rights defender based in Tehran, was awarded the 2009 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders.  Mr. Baghi is the founder of the Society for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights and has been a vigorous and outspoken opponent of the death penalty in Iran.  The Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders is a unique collaboration among ten of the world’s leading human rights organizations to give protection to human rights defenders worldwide.  The Jury is composed of the following NGOs: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, the International Federation for Human Rights, the World Organization against Torture, Front Line, the International Commission of Jurists, the German Diakonie, International Service for Human Rights, and HURIDOCS.

Go to: www.martinennalsaward.org/en/press/2009-05-20.html

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

18. CIMA Releases New Report on Self-Regulation in the Media
In May, the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) released “Sword and Shield: Self-Regulation and International Media,” a report that examines the ways in which media around the world have attempted to regulate themselves.  Written by Bill Ristow, a veteran journalist and international journalism trainer, the report discusses the use of press councils and ombudsmen.  Many efforts to establish these entities espouse similar high standards, however, they differ in approach, scope, effectiveness, and, most significantly, independence.

Go to: http://cima.ned.org/reports

19. Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility Issues Report on State of the Media in the Philippines
With the May 2010 national elections a year away, the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) issued a report on the state of media in the Philippines.  Years of social, economic, and political crises have demonstrated the critical importance of press freedom and responsibility in Philippine politics and public affairs.  Tapping the active participation of citizens in the reform of Philippine society, government, and politics, CMFR has done extensive reviews of the coverage of elections. This latest report from CMFR reviews the various projects CMFR has taken on to improve freedom of the press as well as media responsibility since the early 1990s.  The report also uses content analysis to describe the quality of coverage of the 2004 and 2007 elections.  In the report, CMFR tracks failures and improvements in coverage from week to week evaluation as well as from election to election. 

World Movement Steering Committee member Melinda Quintos de Jesus is the executive director of CMFR, a non-profit foundation that has focused its endeavors on press freedom protection along with the establishment of a framework of responsibility for its practice.  Its programs represent efforts to protect the press as well as to promote professional and ethical values in journalistic practice. 

To read the report, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/0609dn19.pdf

To read Ms. Quintos de Jesus’ bio, go to: www.wmd.org/about/steering.html#DeJesus

20. Plan of Action for the Advancement of the Right of Access to Information in the Americas Developed
The 115 participants of the “Americas Regional Conference on the Right of Access to Information” in Lima, Peru on April 28-30, 2009, under the auspices of The Carter Center, in collaboration with the Organization of American States, the Andean Commission of Jurists and the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, have developed “The Americas Regional Plan of Action.”  The Plan provides a blueprint for the regional and international community, state and non-state actors to establish, develop, and nurture the right of access to information in the Americas and calls on them to commit to the plan in furtherance of a common objective.  Participants found that the greatest challenges to the right of access to information in the Americas are a lack of implementation and enforcement, backsliding in the more developed systems, and an absence of widespread use of the existing legislation and mechanisms, and that the diversity of the region necessitates diversity in responses.  The group also agreed that states have a special obligation to disclose information pertaining to human rights violations or corruption.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/0609dn20.pdf

RESEARCH

21. NDRI Holds Conference on Poverty, Inequality, and Democracy
On April 26–28, the Network of Democracy Research Institutes (NDRI) convened a conference on “Poverty, Inequality, and Democracy” in Bratislava, Slovakia. Sponsored by the International Forum for Democratic Studies, the Institute for Public Affairs (Slovakia), and Stanford University’s Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law, and with the financial support of the United Nations Democracy Fund, the conference gathered over 30 scholars from around the world to discuss the conference’s topic as it relates to their regions. Conference panels covered topics such as “What Inequality Is and Is Not” and “Reforming the Welfare State in New Democracies,” as well as regional discussions on Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia, Turkey, and Africa.

Go to: www.wmd.org/ndri/ndri.html

YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION

22. Call for Entries: Shoot Nations 09
Shoot Nations is a free global online photographic competition enabling young people to reach the highest level of global governance, the United Nations.  The competition is open to anyone aged 11-25 who is interested in voicing his or her opinion.  In previous years the competition has received 2,500 entries from 108 countries.  The theme for this year’s competition is “Growing up in the 21st Century.”  This year, the competition organizers want people to look at the world around them and think about their place in it, and any limitations, advantages, and opportunities that come with being born male or female.  Participants are asked to focus on stereotyping, on how much who a person is based on their gender and on the different paths boys and girls are encouraged to tread.  Specifically, participants are asked to submit three photos that capture the following statement and questions: “Because I’m a girl/boy…”, “what’s holding me back?”, and “what could I be?”

Go to: www.shootnations.org

23. Call for Applications: The United States Meets Europe
“The United States Meets Europe: A Forum for Young Leaders” (USAME) is now accepting applications for a weeklong seminar to be held in Berlin, Germany, on June 29-July 4, 2009.  USAME is an active network of young leaders who conduct activity to support and strengthen relations between the United States and Europe.  The seminar’s program will consist of lectures, seminars, workshops, and cultural activities in and around Berlin.  The participants will meet with leading figures from the political, diplomatic, academic, and civil society spheres to discuss key issues in transatlantic relations and how these relations can be supported through organized cultural exchange.  The seminar aims to inform participants about the field of Cultural Diplomacy and its importance today; raise awareness of key issues in American-European relations; create an active network among the seminar participants; and provide participants with creative ideas and support for future initiatives.

Go to: www.culturaldiplomacy.org/youngleadersforums/index.php?en_forums_usamg_about

24. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE

• International Women’s Democracy Network (IWDN) – www.learningpartnership.org/en/advocacy/networks/iwdn
• Human Rights House Network – www.humanrightshouse.org
• International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) – www.icnl.org
• Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) – www.issin.org
• Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) – www.cipe.org
• Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) – www.tfd.org.tw/english
• Human Rights Watch (HRW) – www.hrw.org
• HURIDOCS – www.huridocs.org
• Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) – http://cima.ned.org
• Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) – www.cmfr.com.ph/index.html
• Network of Democracy Research Institutes (NDRI) – www.wmd.org/ndri/ndri.html