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June 2003
CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. World Movement for Democracy: Third Assembly in South Africa Re-scheduled
2. Conference: on Information Technologies and Development of Civil Society in CIS Countries, June 30-July 2, St Petersburg, Russia
3. Publication: JORDAN'S SOCIAL HISTORY
4. Center for Study of Islam and Democracy Holds Fourth Annual Conference
5. Presentations: "Democratic Development and the African Predicament" and "Impact of Civic Education Programs on Developing Democracies"
6. Fellowship Opportunities: Center for the Study of Philanthropy
CIVIC EDUCATION
7. Online Publication: STREET LAW NEWS
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
8. International Civil Society Forum on Democracy, Good Governance and Civil Society
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
9. Second Pan-African Consultative Forum on Corporate Governance
10. CIPE Feature Article: BUILDING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND MARKET REFORM
ELECTIONS
11. Forum on Elections and Change in Angola
12. Publication: JOURNAL OF AFRICAN ELECTIONS, April Issue
13. Ensuring Electoral Participation of People with Disabilities
14. Report: Nigeria's 2003 Elections
HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) Condemns Recent Arrests in Burma
16. SOAT Condemns Restriction of Freedom of Expression in Sudan
17. Yang Jianli Detention by Chinese Government Called Violation of International Law
18. Intellectuals and Human Rights Activists Discuss Egypt's Human Rights Situation
19. Newsletter: RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED-TOWARDS A NEW UN CONVENTION
20. Online Course on Human Rights Education
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPERESSION
21. The Women of Uganda Network Wins AISI Award
22. Africa Learning Channel Launches a New Radio Program on Local Governance Issues
23. Article on Effectiveness of Internet for Activism
24. Indonesian Journalists Attend Investigative Journalism Course
25. Experts Discuss Media in Post-War Iraq
26. American Society for Kurds Workshops on Media
27. Central Asian and Southern Caucasus Freedom of Expression Network Meets in Baku
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
28. Global Knowledge Partnership Youth Award
WOMEN'S ISSUES
29. Women of Kosovo and Afghanistan Pledge Solidarity to Iraqi Women
30. UNIFEM Asia-Pacific and Arab States Program for Engendering Economic Governance Launches New Web Site
31. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. World Movement for Democracy: Third Assembly in South Africa Re-scheduled
The Steering Committee of the World Movement for Democracy announced the re-scheduled dates for the World Movement's Third Assembly, which will now convene on February 1-4, 2004 in Durban, South Africa. The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in April of this year, but was postponed due to the war in Iraq. The theme of the Third Assembly, which will take place at the International Convention Centre in Durban, remains "Building Democracy for Peace, Development, and Human Rights." The Assembly, which will bring together more than 500 democracy activists, practitioners, and scholars, will feature more than 40 workshops focused on regional challenges, areas of democracy work, and building functional networks across borders.
Go to: www.wmd.org/press/may3003.html
2. Conference: on Information Technologies and Development of Civil Society in CIS Countries, June 30-July 2, St Petersburg, Russia
The Center for Community Networking and Information Policy Studies (CCNS), based in St. Petersburg, Russia, announces a conference entitled "Building the Information Commonwealth: Information Technologies and Prospects of Development of Civil Society Institutions in CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States, also known as New Independent States) Countries." The main objective of this conference is to understand the current state and prospects of using modern Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to support civil society institutions within the CIS. The conference will also focus on formation of networks for non-profit and civil society organizations currently undertaking ICT projects in CIS countries. The event will take place on June 30-July 2 in St Petersburg, Russia.
Go to: www.communities.org.ru/conference/
3. Publication: JORDAN'S SOCIAL HISTORY
The Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Research Center (UJRC) recently published a book, JORDAN'S SOCIAL HISTORY that includes dozens of articles on Jordan's social history, changes in art and architecture since the seventeenth century, and the development of civil society and media. Large number of academicians, researchers, media experts, and journalists from Jordan, United Kingdom, United States, and Egypt contributed to the publication.
Go to: www.ujrc-jordan.org/English/Sub-Programs/Jordan's_Social_history.htm
4. Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy Holds Fourth Annual Conference
The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, based in Washington, DC, held its Fourth Annual Conference on May 16-17, 2003 in Washington, DC. Over 15 papers focusing on the theoretical and practical aspects of democratization within the Muslim world were presented at the conference. Saad Eddin Ibrahim of Egypt, who was recently cleared of charges and released from prison, and Zainah Anwar, executive director of Sisters in Islam in Malaysia, gave keynote addresses on their struggles for human rights in their respective countries. Both emphasized the role of Islam in promoting freedom, tolerance, and compassion towards all human beings. The keynote addresses are available on the CSID Web site, and other papers will soon be available online.
Go to: www.islam-democracy.org
5. Presentations: "Democratic Development and the African Predicament" and "Impact of Civic Education Programs on Developing Democracies"
On April 1, 2003, Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow Richard Joseph delivered a public presentation at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on "Democratic Development and the African Predicament." Drawing on decades of observation and analysis and the writings of numerous African scholars, Joseph examined the current challenges facing the continent and the potential pathways toward a brighter future. On May 7, 2003, another Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellow, Steven E. Finkel, gave a public presentation at NED on the impact of civic education programs in developing democracies.
For the summary of Joseph's presentation, go to: www.ned.org/forum/fellows/presentations/JosephPresentationSummary.pdf
For the summary of Finkel's presentation, go to: www.ned.org/forum/fellows/presentations/FinkelPresentationSummary.pdf
For Information on NED's Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program, go to: www.ned.org/forum/fellowship_program.html
6. Fellowship Opportunities: Center for Study of Philanthropy
The Center for Study of Philanthropy announces two fellowship opportunities for scholars and practitioners from outside of the United States: Fall 2003 Senior International Fellows Program and the Spring 2004 International Fellows Program. The Senior International Fellowship, a pilot program for senior practitioners working in the non-profit sector, will focus on the topic of community-based foundations and will include a one-month seminar beginning in October 2003. Fellows will be expected to develop recommendations for the development, adaptation, or expansion of community-based foundations in their country or region. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2003. The Spring 2004 International Fellows Program is for younger scholar/practitioners in the non-profit sector. It will focus on community foundations and diaspora philanthropy and will also offer a 3-month seminar. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2003. For both programs, the Center will provide living expenses and travel expenses.
Go to: www.philanthropy.org/inside/international_philanthropy/international_fellows_prog.htm
CIVIC EDUCATION
7. Online Publication: STREET LAW NEWS
Street Law, a Washington, DC- based non-profit organization, announced the Spring/Summer 2003 issue of Street Law News Online. This issue highlights Street Law publications, news, and projects, such as Moldovan and Ukrainian youth participation in public policy, activities in Malawi, and new book releases on civic education, civil society, and democratic culture in Uganda and Ghana. The issue also announces new educational aid material for civic educators and the soon-to-be-released redesigned interactive Web site for Street Law.
Go to: www.streetlaw.org/newsletter/spring-summer_03/index.html
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
8. Conference: International Civil Society Forum on Democracy, Good Governance and Civil Society, September 8-9, Ulanbaator, Mongolia
The International Civil Society Forum on Democracy, Good Governance and Civil Society will be held on September 8-9 in conjunction with the Fifth International Conference on New and Restored Democracies (ICNRD) in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia. Civil society activists and advocates, academics, and media professionals focusing on civil society research and advocacy are invited to participate in the forum. The topics to be covered include conceptual issues surrounding civil society and democracy, challenges to civil society, and strengthening civil society in the era of globalization. Participants are encouraged to contribute as panelists and speakers. Those who are interested in participating must send applications by June 30. Submission of one-page abstracts is required for those who are interested in presenting papers. The Fifth ICNRD will take place on September 10-12, and will include a Parliamentarian Forum on September 11, in which parliamentarians will discuss their role in promoting democracy.
To read about the International Civil Society Forum, go to: www.icsf-2003.mn/
To read about the Fifth ICNRD, go to: www.icnrd5-mongolia.mn/index.html
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
9. Second Pan-African Consultative Forum on Corporate Governance
The Second Pan-African Consultative Forum on Corporate Governance will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, at the School of Monetary Studies on July 21-23, 2003. Representatives from private and public sectors, including institutional investors and major development institutions, with various experiences in banking, manufacturing, policy making, regulation, and legislation will take part in the meeting. The meeting will provide participants with opportunities to exchange experiences and foster cooperation among them, and encourage efficient use of resources for technical assistance and capacity building. Participants will examine the progress made in Africa in implementing good corporate governance practices since the first Forum held in 2001, discuss key regional corporate governance issues, identify priorities for reform, and develop an action plan to coordinate Pan-African corporate governance initiatives.
For the Forum's background information, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/PanAfricanForumBackgroundInf.doc
To review the agenda of the Forum, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/PanAfricanForumDraftAgenda.doc
10. CIPE Feature Article: BUILDING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND MARKET REFORM
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) Web site's feature article, "Building Democratic Governance and Market Reform: Experience of the Center for International Private Enterprise," was written by John Sullivan, CIPE Executive Director. He highlights some common challenges facing developing nations in the process of further democratization and development. Sullivan asserts that "countries need to build the institutions of a market economy at the same time as they develop democratic governance as these are essentially two sides of the same coin." He shares methods and approaches that CIPE advocates to reform economies and to build democratic institutions, and provides several case studies from around the world of successful projects. The article is based on a presentation given at the "Conference on Post Cold War Initiative for Peace Building and Democracy: Enhancing the Role of Parliament and the NGOs," organized by Japan's Committee to Aid Democracy for Peace-Building in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2002. Go to: www.cipe.org/publications/fs/articles/jdsgovernance.htm
ELECTIONS
11. Forum on Elections and Change in Angola
Members of the Angolan civil society and opposition leaders gathered at a forum on "Elections and Change: the Trends in Democracy and Opposition," in Luanda, Angola on May 20, 2003. The Forum, sponsored by the Open Society Institute in Angola, focused on the democratization process in the country. In his statement, Rafael Marques, a leading Angolan journalist, spoke about trends and problems of democratization in post-war Angola. Participants addressed the current state of the political opposition and the role that it can play in the period of transition leading up to elections.
To read the conclusions and recommendations of the Forum, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/AngolaElectionsRecommendations.doc
To read a statement by Rafael Marques presented at the Forum, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/AngolaElections_RafaelMarquesStatement.doc
12. Publication: JOURNAL OF AFRICAN ELECTIONS, April Issue
The Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) recently released the April 2003 issue of its Journal of African Elections. This issue includes papers presented at a conference on "Electoral Perspectives and the Process of Democratization in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)," organized by EISA in partnership with La Ligue des Electeurs (a non profit organization in the DRC) in January 2002. The conference initiated dialogue within Congolese civil society and political parties on the elections. The papers in this issue have been updated to include the recent developments that took place since the conference was held. Other topics covered in this issue are: electoral reforms in Namibia, South Africa's electoral system, and the electoral process and democratic governance in Lesotho.
Go to: www.eisa.org.za/EISA/publications/pubjournals.htm
To order a copy of the Journal, contact: jkalley@eisa.org
13. Ensuring Electoral Participation of People with Disabilities
Through its "Global Initiative to Enfranchise Citizens with Disabilities," the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) works to increase the political and electoral participation of people with disabilities in developing nations, and to remove legal and institutional barriers that impede the full political participation of this marginalized segment of society. The IFES Web site provides: (a) a review of how constitutions and election laws impede or promote the rights of citizens with disabilities; (b) global standards to ensure electoral access; (c) reports on model projects in developing nations; and (d) pertinent news and research.
Go to: www.electionaccess.org
For additional information, contact Jerry Mindes at jmindes@ifes.org
14. Report: Nigeria's 2003 Elections
The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD), UK-based non-governmental organization with local offices in Nigeria, deployed forty observers across the six zones of the country, selectively covering rural, semi-rural, and urban communities during the 2003 National Assembly, gubernatorial, presidential, and State Assembly elections in Nigeria. The observation and research projects were engaged at all stages of the process from the commencement of campaigning to the announcement of results. In the report, CDD concludes that although the elections were far from free and fair, the riggings did not significantly distort the popular will. The report also states that the institutional impediments surrounding the administration of the elections, including a lack of polling infrastructure, made it difficult for the Electoral Commission to have avoided the inadequacies prevalent in the elections.
Go to: www.cddnig.org
HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) Condemns Recent Arrests in Burma
The Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) sent a letter to the Burmese Embassy in Singapore expressing its concern about the recent violent arrests of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her colleagues. In the letter, ARDA urged the authorities in Burma to ensure their safety. The letter claims that ARDA joins in the continuing effort to urge the release of those who have been detained and ensure the long term goal of developing democracy in Burma. ARDA also called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to use its influence in rectifying the situation in Burma.
Go to: www.asiademocracy.org/4-6-2003.html
16. SOAT Condemns Restriction of Freedom of Expression in Sudan The Sudan Organization Against Torture (SOAT) recently issued a press release raising its concern about the restrictions on freedom of expression in Sudan. The government in Sudan has closed several newspapers, and journalists have been jailed and ill-treated while in prison. Most recently, the government closed an English-language daily Khartoum Monitor for "misquoting the Holy Koran." On May 9, 2003, after suspending the newspaper, its editor, Nhia Bol, was fined 1 million Sudanese pounds, and was forced to spend a night in jail because he could not pay the fine. According to SOAT, the newspaper has been a subject of harassment by the security forces for over two months. In March, Edward Lado Terso, a Khartoum Monitor reporter, was imprisoned. Yousif Al Bashier Mousa, a reporter from Al Sahafa daily newspaper in Nyala province of Sudan, was arrested on May 3, and a few days later the Governor of the Nyala province issued a decree extending Yusif Bashier's detention for six months for allegedly "spreading incorrect information against the State." In the May 7 press release, SOAT demanded assurance of Yousif Bashier's, safety and his release.
Go to: www.soatsudan.org
17. Yang Jianli Detention by Chinese Government Called Violation of International Law
On June 4, 2003, the United Nations Human Rights Commission has ruled that the imprisonment of U.S.-based Chinese scholar Yang Jianli by the Chinese government is a violation of international law. After reviewing the case, a five-member working group, including independent experts from Algeria, France, Paraguay, Hungary and Iran, determined that China failed to file formal charges, to formally acknowledge Yang's arrest, to give him access to a lawyer, and to release him after 37 days, which is required if no formal charges are filed. Yang is the founder and head of the Boston-based Foundation for China in the 21st Century. On his trip to China in April 2002, he traveled around the country meeting with democracy advocates, laid-off workers, and other activists. He was taken into custody on April 26, 2002 while boarding a plane in Kuming Airport with false travel documents.
Please visit World Movement's previous Democracy Alerts on Yang Jianli at: www.wmd.org/democracyalert/june2602.html
18. Intellectuals and Human Rights Activists Discuss Egypt's Human Rights Situation
The Human Rights Center for the Assistance of Prisoners (HRCAP) held its second conference entitled "Human Rights in Egypt from Geneva 2002 to Geneva 2004." The conference focused on the situation of human rights in Egypt, and participants discussed the Egyptian government's third and fourth periodic reports presented to the U.N. Human Rights Commission in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Egypt is a signatory. The conference was attended by a diverse group of Egyptian intellectuals, public figures, journalists, and human rights activists. Participants also discussed U.N recommendations, the progress in application of these recommendations, and the future of human rights in Egypt. The event took place on May 25-26, 2003 in Cairo.
Go to: www.hrcap.org/pressreleases2/18_05_2003I.htm
19. Newsletter: RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED-TOWARDS A NEW UN CONVENTION
The New Delhi-based South Asia Human Rights Documentation Center (SAHRDC) announced the release of the 77th issue of its news feature service, Human Rights Features (HRF), which provides detailed information on human rights, democracy, and good governance. The current HRF issue is entitled RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED-TOWARDS A NEW UN CONVENTION. It highlights an upcoming meeting (June 2003) of the United Nations Ad Hoc Working Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities that will discuss the reports from member states, United Nations bodies, National Human Rights Initiatives, and NGOs, and will consider proposals for a new comprehensive convention to promote and protect the rights and dignities of persons with disabilities. This HRF discusses the importance of change in attitudes towards the rights of individuals with disabilities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Go to: www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/hrfeatures/HRF77.htm
20. Online Course on Human Rights Education
An online course on human rights education will be offered by Human Rights Education Associates (HREA), an international non-governmental organization that supports human rights learning, the training of activists and professionals, the development of educational materials and programming, and community-building through online technologies. The course is intended for educators and trainers working in schools and adult learning environments. The course will focus on curriculum development, teaching skills, and training skills. This 12-week course will begin on September 1, 2003. E-mail is the main medium for the course, although periodic access to the Web is required. The course tuition fee is USD 525. It is also possible to audit the course for USD 200. A limited number of scholarships is available for applicants from developing countries. The extended deadline for applications is June 15, 2003.
Go to: www.hrea.org/courses/8E.html
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPERESSION
21. The Women of Uganda Network Wins AISI Award
The Web site of the Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) was selected as a winner for this year's Local Content Application category of the African Information Society Initiative (AISI) Media Award. The Web site was found to be "a good source of information, knowledge, best practices and lessons learned on women's issues, and a variety of socio-economic issues." It encourages women's involvement and participation in political and social processes by providing information on such issues as economics, health, environment, development, business. WOUGNET's mission is to promote and support the use of ICTs by women and women's organizations in Uganda.
To read about AISI media award go to: www.uneca.org/aisi/mediaaward.htm
For information about WOUGNET, go to: www.wougnet.org
22. Africa Learning Channel Launches a New Radio Program on Local Governance Issues
Africa Learning Channel (ALC) presents a new special radio program series dedicated to local governance issues, called "Local Government on the Radio Waves." The series started broadcasting on May 14 and runs every Wednesday at 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm (GMT+2) (Malawi time) on the Africa Learning Channel for eight weeks. The program discusses women in local government, strengthening women's participation in local governance, civic participation in local governance, and training local government officials. ALC reaches audiences in 51 African countries providing vital programming on such topics as HIV/AIDS prevention, conflict resolution, child survival and youth development, women's rights, micro-enterprise development, general health and nutrition, food security, and environmental conservation. ALC is a project of World Space Foundation.
Go to: www.enlilprojects.com/wsf/mrp/radio.htm
To learn more about Africa Learning Channel, go to: www.worldspace.org/alc.html
23. Article on Effectiveness of Internet for Activism
Digital Freedom Network has posted an article by Robert Lebowitz on the effectiveness of Internet technology in activism entitled "Can Internet Technology Still Revolutionize Activism?" The author considers several questions: Has the Internet increased participation in the political process? Have mass e-mailings had significant impact on decision-makers? Will the Internet decrease the importance of affiliations with parties and organizations and increase the impact of the individual? Lebowitz reviews all major forms of activism through the Internet (e-mail petitions, Web-based petitions, virtual sit-ins), provides case studies, and points to pros and cons of virtual activism. The article provides tips and suggestions on how to use innovative Internet technology to amplify the effects of traditional means of protest (letter writing, visits, town halls, newspaper editorials, demonstrations).
To read the article, and find more resources on internet technology use for activism, go to: www.dfn.org/workshop/elect-act.htm and www.dfn.org
24. Indonesian Journalists Attend Investigative Journalism Course
Eight Indonesian Journalists have been invited to Australia to attend a course on Investigative Journalism at the School of Media Communications and Culture, Murdoch University, in June, 2003. The course has been designed specifically for Indonesian journalists, and the purpose of the course is to improve the standard of investigative journalism in Indonesia. The course is sponsored by the Center for Democratic Institutions and the Australia-Indonesia Institute.
For information about Murdoch University, go to: www.murdoch.edu.au
For information about Australia-Indonesia Institute, go to: www.dfat.gov.au/aii
For information about CDI, go to: www.cdi.anu.edu.au
25. Experts Meet on Media in Post-War Iraq
A conference to design a legal framework for democratic media in Iraq took place on June 1-3 in Athens, Greece. This multilateral forum to address post-war reconstruction was organized by Internews Network (based in the United States) and Internews Europe (based in France) and was hosted by the Greek Foreign Ministry. The three-day symposium brought together leading Iraqi, Arab and Western media experts to develop a set of policy recommendations for legal and regulatory reforms in Iraq.
Go to: www.internews.org/prs/mideast/athens_conf_20030520.htm
26. American Society for Kurds Workshops on Media
American Society for Kurds (ASK) completed two workshops on media development entitled "Media in Kurdistan: Freedom and Censorship," in Sulaymania province of Iraq on April 26-28, and in Arbil province of Iraq on May 27-29, 2003. The workshops are part of ASK's campaign to increase public participation in decision-making processes in the media and municipalities. ASK also organized workshops for Arbil and Sulaymania municipalities on February 18-20, and 24-26, 2003. These workshops gathered large groups of officials and activists and laid down the foundation for similar workshops in Iraq in the future.
Go to: www.askurds.org
27. Central Asian and Southern Caucasus Freedom of Expression Network Meets in Baku
Central Asian and Southern Caucasus Freedom of Expression Network (CASCFEN) held its first meeting on March 18-20, 2003 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The purpose of this meeting was to bring together CASCFEN members and all those interested in being involved in media issues in Central Asia and South Caucasus and to officially launch the network. CASCFEN consists of eight member organizations from six countries (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) and is open to all press freedom groups in the region. The Network aims to coordinate activities of press freedom groups, represent those groups at the international level, advocate for the freedom of the press, and support journalists and independent mass media.
Go to: www.cascfen.org/index.php
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
28. Global Knowledge Partnership Youth Award
The Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) Youth Award aims to reward and bring international recognition to the outstanding work of young people who have used Information Communication Technologies (ICT) for the promotion of development around the world. The winner of this award will be honored at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2003. The GKP Award is open to youth projects around the world that fulfill the following criteria: projects that are initiated by youth or have significant youth involvement; projects that use ICTs in achieving development objectives and desired results; projects that have been running for at least a year; and projects that have clearly defined results/impact. The winning project will receive USD 10,000. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2003.
For online application and further information, go to: www.globalknowledge.org/gkps_portal/index.cfm?menuid=282
WOMEN'S ISSUES
29. Women of Kosovo and Afghanistan Pledge Solidarity to Iraqi Women
The Afghan Women's Network (AWN), representing 24 NGOs and over 1,000 individual women in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Kosovo Women's Network (KWN), representing 32 women's organizations in the Kosovo, each issued an open letter addressing Iraqi women, who have been apprehensive to emerge in public due to violence, looting, and emerging support for Islamic fundamentalism, following the war. AWN and KWN encouraged women in Iraq to "organize, raise their voice, and be part of rebuilding of their country." The two networks also urged the occupying forces in Iraq to improve security, which poses special threat for women and ensure that women's rights are guaranteed in any new legal system.
To read the open letter from AWN, go to: www.womensnetwork.org/english/news_openletter.html
To read the open letter from KWN, go to: www.afghanwomensnetwork.org/activities/news_openltriraq.htm
30. UNIFEM Asia-Pacific and Arab States Program for Engendering Economic Governance Launches New Web Site
UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women) Asia-Pacific and Arab States Program for Engendering Economic Governance has recently modified its Web site. The new structure makes it easier to access a variety of articles, event announcements, summaries of workshops and seminars, descriptions of programs, and links to other UNIFEM Web sites. New additions include summaries of three workshops that took place within the last few months. The most recent workshop focused on "Using Gender Statistics for Gender-responsive Policy Analysis and Policy Advocacy on Economic Issues," and took place in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 17-26, 2003. Other new additions can be found under the "New on the site?" heading.
Go to: www.unifem-ecogov-apas.org/
31. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
- Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Research Center (UJRC) - www.ujrc-jordan.org
- Center for Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) - www.islam-democracy.org
- National Endowment for Democracy - www.ned.org
- Street Law - www.streetlaw.org
- Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) - www.cipe.org
- The Electorate Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) - www.eisa.org.za
- The International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) - www.ifes.org
- The Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) - www.cddnig.org
- The Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) - www.asiademocracy.org/index.html
- Khartoum Monitor - Sudanese English-language daily
- Yang Jianli - Foundation for China in 21st Century
- The Human Rights Center for the Assistance of Prisoners (HRCAP) - www.hrcap.org
- South Asia Human Rights Documentation Center - www.hrdc.net/sahrdc
- Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) - www.wougnet.org
- World Space Foundation - www.worldspace.org
- Center for Democratic Institutions - www.cdi.any.edu.au
- American Society for Kurds (ASK) - www.askurds.org
Participating organizations are encouraged to submit the database information form by fax or online.
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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