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June 2002
CONTENTS
NEWS and PUBLICATIONS
1. Iranian Women's Rights Activist Receives International Human Rights Prize
2. Regional Network Seeks Solidarity with Egyptian NGOs
3. Former Jordanian Legislator Imprisoned
4. NGOs in Kosovo Trained to Advocate for Social and Political Change
5. Child Labor Tops ILO Conference Agenda
6. Article on Democracy and Economic Success
7. Article: THE INTERNET AND POWER IN ONE-PARTY EAST ASIAN STATES
8. Report: STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE
9. Report: Mechanism of Intergovernmental Relations in India
10. Publication: ACCESS TO THE AIRWAVES
11. Report: JOURNALISM, MEDIA AND THE CHALLENGE OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING
12. Report: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT
13. Report: Indonesian Media and Democratization
14. Report: Symposium in West Africa on Civil Society and Dialogue among Groups
15. Publication: LIBERIA: THE HEART OF DARKNESS
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
16. Web Site Offers Burmese Nationalities Dialogue and Documentary Films
17. First Arabic Independent Newspaper Launched in Iraq
18. Online Community for Sustainable Development Launched
19. New Web Site Launched for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
20. APC Web Sites Monitor Internet Legislation
21. Central and Eastern Europe and New Independent States Information Guide
22. CIPE Launches Russian-Language Web Site
23. Four Women Democrats from Muslim World to Receive NED Democracy Award
24. World Movement Participant's Speech on Civil Society and Political Reform
25. Conference: Media Fighting Corruption, Seoul, South Korea, July 26-27, 2002
26. Conference: Civil Society and the Democratization of Global Governance, Montreal, Canada, October 13-16, 2002
27. Call for Proposals: The Region in Transition Program
28. Call for Proposals: US Institute of Peace
List of World Movement Participating Organizations Mentioned in This Issue
NEWS and PUBLICATIONS
1. Iranian Women's Rights Activist Receives International Human Rights Prize
Mehrangiz Kar, a prominent Iranian women's rights activist and lawyer, has been awarded the "Ludovic Trarieux International Human Rights Prize." The Prize was created in 1983 and is awarded every two years by the Human Rights Institute of the Bar of Bordeaux to a lawyer who has contributed to and promoted the defense of human rights, the rule of law, racial equality, and tolerance.
Go to: www.idhbb.org/uk-page3.1.plt.htm
2. Regional Network Seeks Solidarity with Egyptian NGOs
The Egyptian Parliament has recently passed a new law on public associations that restricts the activities and independence of civil society associations in the country. In response, the Cairo-based Arab Program for Human Rights Activists, a network of more than 100 human rights activists in the region, has called for regional and international solidarity with Egyptian NGOs by signing an appeal that will be presented to his Excellency the Egyptian President asking him to use his constitutional authority to prevent this law from being ratified, and to allow an open dialogue among NGOs and other sectors of civil society in Egypt in accordance with the Egyptian Constitution and international treaties on human rights.
Go to: www.PetitionOnline.com/rphra4/petition.html
3. Former Jordanian Legislator Imprisoned
On May 17, Reporters Without Borders protested the imprisonment of Ms. Toujan Fisal, a former Jordanian legislator and television reporter, who published a letter on a US-based Web site accusing government officials of corruption. She was sentenced in Jordan to 18 months in prison for slandering state institutions, according to the ARAB TIMES, published in Houston, Texas.
Go to: www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=2213
4. NGOs in Kosovo Trained to Advocate for Social and Political Change
In September, Eyecatcher Associates, led by British democratic development expert Lesley Abdela, will complete a year's commission training 25 new NGOs in Kosovo. The NGOs include Albanian and Serbian Kosovars. The 12-month foundation training has been conducted through workshops at a university in Pristina, on developing the essentials of effective NGO work, including advocacy, communications and campaigning. The training stressed the right of NGOs to participate deeply in social, economic, and political change. The Kosovar NGOs work in the fields of democracy-building, health, illiteracy, education, women's rights, environment, minority rights, justice/reconciliation, small business development, agriculture, and anti-corruption.
Contact: Tim Symonds, Partner, Eyecatcher Associates, Shevolution, Tim.Symonds@shevolution.com
5. Child Labor Tops ILO Conference Agenda
The 90th session of the International Labour Conference began meeting in Geneva in the week of June 3. Child labor is expected to be one of the issues at the top of the conference agenda. A recent study by the International Labor Organization shows that one in every six children, or 246 million children worldwide, are engaged in labor. The conference is expected to announce the creation of a World Day Against Child Labor aimed at increasing international momentum to end child labor.
Go to: www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/ilc/ilc90/index.htm
6. Article on Democracy and Economic Success
Raafat Suliman, an Egyptian economic journalist with the AL AHRAM DAILY newspaper, wrote an article about the connection between democracy and economic success. He stressed that the most important factors allowing a nation to take advantage of the global economy are free trade and democratic institutions. He wrote, "Though some [undemocratic] regimes were able to achieve seemingly concrete economic growth, it was superficial and could not be sustained in the absence of the necessary social mobility and political institutions that constitute a true democracy."
Go to: www.cipe.org/fs/article.php?id=41
7. Article: THE INTERNET AND POWER IN ONE-PARTY EAST ASIAN STATES
In her article, Nina Hachigian argues that "authoritarian states and illiberal democracies do not all try to maximize their control of the Internet. In fact, one party regimes that welcome the Internet are not even more likely to fail than those that attempt to protect themselves from its influence." Hachigian participated the World Movement's Second Assembly in Brazil in November 2002, and co-organized a workshop on "Using Internet and Other Media to Promote Democracy" at the Assembly.
Go to: www.twq.com
8. Report: STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE
The Asian Center for Democratic Governance held a conference on "Strengthening Democratic Governance," March 17-18, 2002, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Organized in cooperation with the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI), it drew together participants from India, Pakistan, the United States, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Iran, and Afghanistan. It included sessions on each of the following critical topics for the region: managing conflict democratically, fighting corruption, and elevating the role of women in public life.
To review the conference report, go to: www.ned.org/acdg/march2002/main.html
9. Report: Mechanism of Intergovernmental Relations in India
The New Delhi-based Institute of Social Sciences, in collaboration with the Ottawa, Canada-based Forum of Federations, held a one-day roundtable discussion on "Mechanism of Intergovernmental Relations in India" on April 22, 2002. The roundtable discussion covered issues on Indian federalism and the federal experiences of Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. Young leaders also presented their perspectives on federalism.
Go to: www.issin.org/cgi-bin/seminar/seminar1.cgi?id1=14
10. Publication: ACCESS TO THE AIRWAVES
On May 15, 2002, Article 19 published "Access to the Airwaves," a set of principles for implementing broadcast regulation that promotes a diverse and pluralistic broadcast sector. The principles are drawn from the premise that in a democratic society, freedom of expression must be guaranteed and subject to narrowly drawn restrictions. The principles cover broadcast licensing systems, independence of regulatory bodies, election coverage, restrictions on content, and transformation of state broadcasters into 'true' public service broadcasters.
Go to: www.article19.org/docimages/1289.htm
11. Report: JOURNALISM, MEDIA AND THE CHALLENGE OF HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING
The International Council on Human Rights Policy, based in Geneva, Switzerland, released a new report entitled "Journalism, Media and the Challenge of Human Rights Reporting" in May 2002. The report is an examination of how journalists conceive of and select human rights news, the impact of recent transformations in the media industry, including new technologies, and the constraints and obstacles to "good" reporting in the area of human rights. The book examines a range of geographical and thematic case studies.
To read more or to order the book, go to: www.ichrp.org/cgi-bin/show?what=project&id=106
12. Report: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT
Amnesty International released its annual human rights report, which documents human rights abuses in 152 countries and territories during 2001.
Go to: web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/home/home?OpenDocument
13. Report: Indonesian Media and Democratization
A workshop on Indonesian Media and Democratization was held February 1-8, 2002, in Australia, and during the workshop participants visited various organizations in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne, Australia. Following two earlier workshops in 1999 and 2000, devised to help prepare Indonesian broadcasters for the transition from a government-controlled broadcasting system to a more independent public broadcasting model, this workshop took the training a step further, developing participants' understanding of public broadcasting and the variety of legal, political, and financial frameworks within which it can develop. The three workshops have been collaborations of the Centre for Democratic Institutions (CDI), the Asia Research Centre, and the School of Media, Communication and Culture at Murdoch University, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
View the CDI report:
- PDF format: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/downloads/IndoMed&DemoReport2002.pdf
- RTF format: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/downloads/IndoMed&DemoReport2002.rtf
14. Report: Symposium in West Africa on Civil Society Dialogue
On January 15-16, 2002, the Liberia Institute of Journalism (LIJ) hosted a two-day symposium on "Creating a space for dialogue between and amongst journalists, human rights advocates/activists, civil society, women's groups, youth groups, decision-makers, traditional leaders and politicians," from the three Mano River countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The aim was to promote dialogue that would establish an enabling environment for peace in the sub-region. The proceedings and resolutions have now been published.
To obtain a copy of the report, write to lij@kabissa.org (US$25 fee for shipping and handling).
For more information about the Liberia Institute of Journalism, go to: www.lij.kabissa.org.
15. Publication: LIBERIA: THE HEART OF DARKNESS
Liberian journalist Gabriel I.H. Williams has published his first book, LIBERIA: THE HEART OF DARKNESS - Accounts of Liberia's Civil War and its Destabilizing Effects in West Africa. The book explores how Liberia drifted from one of Africa's most stable and prosperous countries to a desolate land torn by war and repression. It also includes three chapters on the role of the press during the civil war (1989-1997). Williams served for six years on the executive committee of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), advocating human rights and democracy and advancing the role of the press in Liberia. He is also one of founding members of the Association of Liberian Journalists in Americas.
To read more or to order the book, go to: www.trafford.com/robots/02-0107.html
The World Movement Secretariat has recently interviewed Gabriel I.H. Williams on the role of the press in Liberia. A transcript is now available online at www.wmd.org/wbdo/jun-jul02/gabrielwilliams.html.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
16. Web Site Offers Burmese Nationalities Dialogue and Documentary Films
Mizzima News, a news and feature service organized by Burmese journalists in exile, launches two new sections of its Web site: 1) Nationalities Questions in Burma (Documents and Debates) and 2) Short Video Documentary Films. For the first, Mizzima News has created a space to post ideas and views on the nationalities question in Burma and would like it to be used as a transparent debate and discussion place. The second new section lists short (10-15 minute) documentary films on Burma and Burma-related issues. The purpose of the documentary section is to promote more awareness of the peoples of Burma in the international community. The films are currently in the making, but they may be requested now for purchase when they are completed.
To visit the new Nationalities Questions section of the Web site, go to: www.mizzima.com/n-questions/index.htm
To learn more about the short documentary films, go to: www.mizzima.com/mizzima-works/video-documentary/
17. First Arabic Independent Newspaper Launched in Iraq
AL AHALI Newspaper, the first independent Arabic newspaper in Iraq, has been recently launched. The Erbil-based newspaper features stories on various ethnic and religious groups, civil society, democracy-related issues, and women's rights. It has so far published two issues in print and online.
Go to: www.alahali-iraq.com
18. Online Community for Sustainable Development Launched
OneWorld (www.oneworld.net) and Benton Foundation (www.benton.org) have created the Digital Opportunity Channel, an online community focusing on the use of information and communication technologies for sustainable development. It aims to give organizations and community leaders a platform for their voices to be heard, and seeks to ensure that information and communication technologies no longer increase the gap between the rich and poor.
Go to: www.digitalopportunity.org
19. New Web Site Launched for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) recently launched its new Web site designed to serve as an information-sharing resource for groups and individuals around the world active in advocating and promoting economic, social and cultural rights. The site includes four interactive, searchable databases of organizations and individuals, projects and activities, case law, and events relevant to economic, social and cultural rights. Organizations may submit information about their own applicable projects, events, or cases in which they are involved.
Go to: www.escr-net.org
20. APC Web Site Monitors Internet Legislation
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC) has recently created a Policy Monitor Web site to gather legislation, policy information, and valuable documentation for campaigners and civil society organizations. The Web site is currently monitoring policy in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. APC hopes that the online resources will facilitate civil society organizations in presenting a united voice to advocate for the adoption of Internet policy and practice that will create favorable climates for social change.
Go to: www.apc.org/english/rights/monitors.shtml
21. Central and Eastern Europe and New Independent States Information Guide Available on CD-ROM
Transitions Online (TOL), a news and analysis provider on Eastern Europe, has launched its 2001 Annual Survey. The TOL Annual survey is a guide to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. This reference tool presents a detailed overview of the year's events in post-communist societies and provides rich background analysis on all 28 countries in the region. It includes year-in-review reports for the 28 countries, detailed statistical data, political and relief maps, and links to related online media sites with descriptions.
For more information, go to the TOL Store: store.tol.cz
22. CIPE Launches Russian-Language Web Site
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) recently launched a Russian-language Web site. The Web site contains information about CIPE's projects and partners in the countries of the former Soviet Union and Russian-language materials about democratic and economic reform. CIPE will continually update this Web site, adding new information and articles that are timely and relevant to the target audience. CIPE's new Russian Web site was developed locally through its Moscow office and will serve as a crucial medium through which CIPE can raise the awareness of the value of democracy and a market-led economy among the citizens of the countries of the former Soviet Union.
To visit the Russian-language Web site, go to: www.cipe.ru
23. Four Women Democrats from Muslim World to Receive NED Democracy Award
On July 9, 2002, the Washington-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) will present its Annual Democracy Award to four outstanding women democrats from the Muslim World. They are: Nadjet Bouda (Algeria), Mehrangiz Kar (Iran), Mariam Hussein Mohamed (Somalia), and Mubarak Tashpulatova (Uzbekistan). In choosing this year's award recipients, NED seeks to recognize the courageous and innovative work that is being done by Muslim women throughout the world on behalf of democracy and human rights. Mariam Husseim Mohamed and Mubarak Tashpulatova participated in the World Movement's Second Assembly in November 2000.
For more information, contact: info@ned.org
Go to: www.ned.org
24. World Movement Participant's Speech on Civil Society and Political Reform
Juliana G. Pilon, the Senior Advisor for Civil Society at the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), gave a talk on April 29 entitled "The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Political Reform: Lessons Learned and Best Practices." She spoke at the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes Strengthening conference. The speech emphasized the involvement of civil society in promoting political reform and examined some lessons learned by IFES over the past several years in integrating civil society into a democratic political process. Dr. Pilon participated in the World Movement's Second Assembly in November 2000.
To view the full text, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/pilon.doc
For information about IFES, go to: www.ifes.org
25. Conference: Media Fighting Corruption: Perspectives from Asia and Beyond, Seoul, South Korea, July 26-27, 2002
The Democracy Forum for East Asia, a project of the US-based International Forum for Democratic Studies and the South Korea-based Seijong Institute, will host a conference on "The Role of the Media in Fighting Corruption: Perspectives from Asia and Beyond." The conference will draw together journalists, editors of newspapers and news magazines, leaders of NGOs that focus on fighting corruption, and representatives of government anti-corruption agencies. Participants will engage in roundtable discussions and informal conversations on the theme throughout the two days.
For more information about the Democracy Forum for East Asia, including summary reports on previous conferences, go to: www.ned.org/asia/index.html
Contact: Larry Diamond and Marc F. Plattner, Codirectors, International Forum for Democratic Studies, forum@ned.org
26. Conference: Civil Society and the Democratization of Global Governance, Montreal, Canada, October 13-16, 2002
The Montreal International Forum (FIM) will hold a conference, entitled "Civil Society and the Democratization of Global Governance." The conference aims to share and build bridges among different sectors: civil society, UN and multilateral agencies, parliamentarians, national and local governments, academics, human rights advocates, trade unionists, and indigenous people.
For more information, go to: www.fimcivilsociety.org/g02
Contact: ggm2002@cam.org
27. Call for Proposals: The Region in Transition Program
The Region in Transition (RITA), a Polish-American Freedom Foundation program conducted by the Education for Democracy Foundation based in Poland, solicits grant applications. The program's objective is to support the democratic and market-oriented transformation in the former Eastern Bloc countries. Two deadlines for grants application submission are June 30 and September 30, 2002. RITA will support projects to be implemented mainly in Poland with partners from the region in order to support the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law, civil society, and market economy in the countries of the region.
For details and application forms, go to: www.edudemo.org.pl (Forms available in Polish and Russian)
Contact: Krzysztof Stanowski, kstan@edudemo.org.pl
28. Call for Proposals: US Institute of Peace
The US Institute of Peace (USIP) invites proposals for its solicited grants competition for fall 2002. The solicited grants topics are (a) Religion, Conflict and Peace-building, and (b) Democratic Governance and the Role of the Military. The deadline for application submission is October 1, 2002.
Go to: www.usip.org/grants/sg2002.html#topics The following organizations mentioned in this issue of DemocracyNews participate in the World Movement for Democracy:
- Arab Program for Human Rights Activists - Egypt: www.rphra.org
- Asian Center for Democratic Governance - US/India: www.ned.org/acdg
- Center for International Private Enterprise - US: www.cipe.org
- Centre for Democratic Institutions - Australia: www.cdi.anu.edu
- Education for Democracy Foundation - Poland: www.edudemo.org.pl
- Institute of Social Science - India: www.issin.org
- International Forum for Democratic Studies - US: www.ned.org/forum/internationalforum.html
- International Foundation for Election Systems - US: www.ifes.org
- Forum of Federations - Canada: www.forumoffederations.org
- Mizzima - Burma: www.mizzima.com
- National Endowment for Democracy (serving as World Movement's Secretariat) - US: www.ned.org
- Shevolution - UK: www.shevolution.com
- Press Union of Liberia - Liberia: pressunionofliberia@yahoo.com (e-mail)
Please Note: Readers of DemocracyNews will often be referred to Web sites for further information. If you are interested in a particular item, but are unable to access the World Wide Web, please contact the or fax at (202) 378-9889, and we will try to provide the information to you by other means.
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Tel: (202) 378-9700
Fax: (202) 378-9889
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