DemocracyNews
Monthly Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy

March 2008

CONTENTS

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
1. World Movement for Democracy to Meet in Kyiv

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
2. Women’s Rights Leader Detained in Iran
3. CIVICUS Demands Pakistani Government Protect Civil Society Organizations

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
4. Call for Nominations for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism Award

CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS
5. Human Rights Education Associates Publishes Educator’s Guide to Crimes of War

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
6. CIVICUS Seeks to Measure Civil Society Space

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
7. New Tactics to Hold Online Discussion Focusing on Truth and Reconciliation Commissions

ELECTIONS
8. Web site Reports on Elections in Argentina

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
11. Global Integrity Seeks Journalists and Researchers to Help Prepare Report

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE
12. Human Rights Education Associates Announces Distance Learning Course on Monitoring Children’s Rights

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
13. South East Europe Media Organization Monitors Abuses of Journalists in Balkan Region
14. Society for Democratic Initiatives in Sierra Leone Condemns Arrest of Journalist
15. CIMA Publishes Reports Highlighting the Roles of New Media and Media-Support Organizations
16. Voice of Justice Radio Program Broadcasts Online From Cambodia

RESEARCH
17. Minority Rights Group International Publishes Report on State of Minorities Worldwide

YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATIONP
18. World Youth Movement for Democracy Issues February 2008 Newsletter

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

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. World Movement for Democracy to Meet in Kyiv
Hundreds of democracy activists, practitioners and scholars from more than 100 countries will convene April 6-9 in Kyiv, Ukraine, for the Fifth Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy.  The Assembly, which will be held at Kyiv’s Ukrainian House, begins at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 6.  Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko will present welcoming remarks at the opening session.  Keynote speakers will include former President of Peru Alejandro Toledo; Maina Kiai, chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights in Kenya; and journalist Myroslava Gongadze, founder of the Gongadze Foundation, Ukraine. 

“ Making Democracy Work:  From Principles to Performance” is the theme of the biennial Assembly, where more than 500 participants will take part in a wide range of practical workshops focusing on both global and regional challenges to the development and defense of democracy.  The workshops are designed to produce practical recommendations and initiatives, and to help participants build and strengthen networks that will advance their work after the Assembly.  A complete agenda for the Assembly is available online. 

The findings of a ground-breaking new report issued by the World Movement in February 2008, “Defending Civil Society,” will be presented during plenary session and the subject of  panel discussions and workshops, providing participants with an opportunity to collaborate in responding to the current backlash against democracy and democracy promotion in countries where recent democratic gains have been eroded, or where authoritarian regimes seek to restrict the space in which civil society organizations carry out their work.

Another highlight of the Assembly will be the presentation of the World Movement’s Democracy Courage Tributes at the John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner on the closing night, April 9th.  Several groups that have taken extraordinary risks to promote and protect democratic principles will be recognized: the Monks of Burma, Pakistan’s Legal Community, and the Print and Broadcast Journalists of Somalia.

The Europe XXI Foundation, based in Kyiv, is serving as the local partner organization, working with the World Movement Secretariat to organize the Assembly.

Those interested in attending should note that participation in the Assembly is at full capacity and additional invitations cannot be issued.

Go to: www.wmd.org/fifth/index.html

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS

2. Women’s Rights Leader Detained in Iran
The Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) is reporting that on March 3, 2008, Parvin Ardalan, an Iranian women’s rights activist, writer, and journalist, was stopped at the airport in Iran as she was leaving for Stockholm to receive the Olaf Palme award for her work on the “One Million Signatures Campaign” for legislative reform in Iran.  The objective of this campaign is to pressure the Iranian government, through the collection of signatures, to end discriminatory laws against women in Iran.  The 72 hour delay in Stockholm caused Ardalan to miss the award ceremony in Sweden on March 6, 2008.

Ggo to: www.learningpartnership.org/advocacy/alerts/iranwomenarrests0307

3. CIVICUS Demands Pakistani Government Protect Civil Society Organizations
Following recent attacks on both local and international civil society organizations working in Pakistan, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation urges the newly elected government of Pakistan to protect such groups.  In particular, CIVICUS recommends that the people or groups responsible for these violent incidents be brought to justice, that the families of the victims be compensated, and that the safety and security of all citizens, especially the staff of NGOs, is guaranteed.

Go to: www.civicus.org/csw/Pakistan.Alert.28.02.08.htm

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

4. Call for Nominations for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism Award
The Central European Initiative (CEI), in cooperation with the Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), invites nominations for its 2008 Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism Award.  The Award is part of CEI’s mission to encourage the role of independent media in its Member States.  The Award is open to nationals of CEI Member States (Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine) who are still active in journalism.  Self-nominations are not allowed.  The deadline for applications is March 31, 2008.

Go to: www.ceinet.org/download/CEI_Journalists_Award_CALL.pdf

CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS

5. Human Rights Education Associates Publishes Educator’s Guide to Crimes of War
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) has published its “Educator's Guide” for the second edition of “Crimes of War: What the Public Should Know.”  The Crimes of War book profiles laws governing armed conflict and their application in practice.  Each of the thematic chapters of the Educator’s Guide is linked to the second edition of Crimes of War and contains the following elements: an essential question, learning objectives, methodology, background information on the theme, discussion questions, extension activities, ways that learners can take action, and additional film, Web and print resources that might be used in the classroom.  The Guide was developed in cooperation with the Crimes of War Project (publisher of the second edition) and the United States Institute of Peace.

Go to: www.hrea.org/crimesofwar

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING

6. CIVICUS Seeks to Measure Civil Society Space
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is searching for civil society actors (including individuals involved in the media, NGOs, trade unions, and faith-based organizations, among others) in the USA, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia to participate in a series of surveys that will measure the levels of threat to civil society as experienced by experts in each country.  Ultimately, CIVICUS hopes to develop what it is calling a “Civic Space Barometer.”

Go to: www.civicus.org/csw/civic.space.barometer-call.doc

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

7. New Tactics to Hold Online Discussion Focusing on Truth and Reconciliation Commissions
In March 2008, New Tactics in Human Rights—a project coordinated by the Center for Victims of Torture that promotes tactical innovation and strategic thinking within the international human rights community—is featuring on its Web site a discussion focused on the ways in which Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) processes have been, and are being, implemented.  New Tactics in Human Rights invites contributors to share their experiences, insights, and questions related to TRC processes. 

Go to: www.newtactics.org

ELECTIONS

8. Web site Reports on Elections in Argentina
Argentina Elections, a Web site launched to report on and analyze elections in Argentina, has compiled information about the 2007 general elections in the country.  A stated objective of the Web site is to deepen the public debate about the Argentine electoral regime and its influence on the political system.  Argentina Elections is supported by the University of British Columbia, as is Peru Elections 2006—a Web site launched to follow the 2006 Peruvian presidential elections.

Go to: www.argentinaelections.com

GENDER ISSUES AND SEXUAL MINORITY RIGHTS

9.Sisters Arab Forum for Human Rights Holds Fourth Democratic Forum
The Sisters Arab Forum for Human Rights (SAF) recently held its fourth Democratic Forum in San’a’, Yemen, the focus of which was legislative challenges that hinder Yemeni women's political participation.  Among other topics, proceedings highlighted the absence of female participation in the process of writing legislation and the exclusion of women in laws, which refer only to men.  The Forum concluded with a set of recommendations including continuing the dialogue to approve a 15 percent quota for women in political parties, intensifying pressure mechanisms to lobby for legislative amendments, and supporting and coordinating partnership efforts among all the supporting women mechanisms to increase the number of women in decision-making positions.

Go to: http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=1134&p=local&a=2

10.Report Monitoring Violence Against Women in Egypt Developed
The Land Center for Human Rights (LCHR) has completed work on a new report monitoring violence, discrimination and other violations of women’s rights in Egypt during the second half of 2007.  The report is a survey of incidents as reported in Egyptian newspapers and includes an introduction focused on what the authors describe as the deteriorating social, economic, and political conditions in Egypt that has led to such violence.  The authors of the report recommend increasing awareness of the situation, amending legislation to guarantee equality among citizens, improving public services, and coordinating integrated programs implemented by civil society to protect women in Egypt.  The full report will be published on LCHR’s Web site following its translation into English.

For a summary of the report, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/March08demnews10.pdf

For more information, go to: www.lchr-eg.org/eindex.htm (page 10)

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

11. Global Integrity Seeks Journalists and Researchers to Help Prepare Report
Global Integrity, a US-based NGO dedicated to collecting and disseminating data and information on governance and corruption trends around the world is seeking journalists and researchers with expertise in governance and corruption issues to help prepare the 2008 edition of its Global Integrity Report.  The Report is a compilation of in-depth country assessments of the strengths and weaknesses of national anti-corruption mechanisms made by local experts that makes use of both qualitative journalistic reporting and quantitative data gathering techniques.  Global Integrity compensates all experts for their efforts, typically paying lead reporters approximately US$1,250 for preparing the Reporter’s Notebooks, lead researchers approximately US$2,000 for scoring the Integrity Indicators, and peer reviewers US$250 for each country assessment they review.

For more information on this call for experts, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/March08demnews11.pdf

For more information on Global Integrity, go to: www.globalintegrity.org

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

12. Human Rights Education Associates Announces Distance Learning Course on Monitoring Children’s Rights
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) announces a new online training course on monitoring children's rights set to take place September 17 - December 16, 2008.  This distance learning course is a basic introduction to measuring and monitoring the status of children—including basic health and welfare, education, civil rights and freedoms, and special protection measures.  The course will address the full cycle of monitoring, including tool development; methodologies for carrying out monitoring; and the application of results for improving the promotion and protection of children's human rights. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2008. 

Go to: www.hrea.org/index.php?base_id=332

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

13. South East Europe Media Organization Monitors Abuses of Journalists in Balkan Region
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is alarmed by the recent death threat against Croatian journalist Drago Hedl.  Hedl has actively investigated war crimes committed against civilians in the eastern city of Osijek in 1991.  SEEMO will continue to monitor the situation, and urges the Croatian authorities to investigate this case expeditiously and ensure Hedl’s protection.  In a press release dated February 28, 2008, SEEMO petitions current prime minister of Montenego, Milo Djukanovic. to drop his 1 million Euro lawsuit against Vijesti, Montenegro’s leading newspaper.  According to SEEMO, such a move on his part would serve as a signal that the current government permits and even encourages freedom of speech.  Finally, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Serbia, Vojislav Kostunica, SEEMO has expressed alarm at the recent upsurge of violent attacks on journalists in Serbia.  According to SEEMO, a number of journalists reporting on protests held in reaction to Kosovo’s proclamation of independence, have been subjected to serious physical attacks.  SEEMO urges the Prime Minister to work towards providing a more secure environment for journalists in Serbia, while using his position to speak out on the importance of the media’s freedom to report on current events. 

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/March08demnews13.pdf

14. Society for Democratic Initiatives in Sierra Leone Condemns Arrest of Journalist
The Society for Democratic Initiatives in Sierra Leone (SDI-SL) strongly opposes the recent arrest of Jonathan Leigh, editor of the Independent Observer, for allegedly libeling the Transport and Aviation Minister of Sierra Leone, Kemoh Sesay.  Leigh was arrested following an article he published claiming that the minister had built two large mansions in the immediate period after being elected into office. SDI-SL accuses the government of abusing defamation laws to prevent legitimate criticism of public officials.  Specifically, SDI-SL takes issue with the defendant being tried in criminal, as opposed to civil, court for what is essentially a case of alleged defamation.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/March08demnews14.pdf

15. CIMA Publishes Reports Highlighting the Roles of New Media and Media-Support Organizations
The Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has recently released two new reports: “Scaling a Changing Curve: Traditional Media Development and the New Media” by Shanthi Kalathil, a consultant to the Communication for Governance and Accountability Program (CommGAP) at the World Bank, and “The Role of Media-support Organizations and Public Literacy in Strengthening Independent Media Worldwide” by media trainer and development consultant Ann C. Olson.  In her report on new media, Kalathil seeks to shed light on the state of current practice with respect to independent media development and new technologies.  In her report, Olson explores two important topics in the media-assistance field: media literacy—educating the public about the function and responsibilities of the media and how to discern reliable from unreliable or biased news sources—and supporting organizations for media. 

Go to: www.mediaactioncenter.org

16. Voice of Justice Radio Program Broadcasts Online From Cambodia
The Cambodian-based Center for Social Development (CSD) announces the availability on its Web site of the Voice of Justice Radio Program, managed and hosted by Chap Chandia and is broadcast seven days a week.  The Program is driven by the goal of generating a free press, the right to assembly, and a free and more open society generally.

Go to: www.csdcambodia.org/voice.html#

RESEARCH

17. Minority Rights Group International Publishes Report on State of Minorities Worldwide
Minority Rights Group International has published its third annual edition of “State of the World's Minorities.”  This report surveys a number of issues affecting the human rights and security of ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples around the world.  Specifically, the report includes, among other things, an analysis of the impact of climate change on minorities, including first-hand accounts of the impact of global warming; a report from Pakistan on the plight of the country's religious minorities; comprehensive regional sections, highlighting the main areas for concern, as well as any notable progress; and a unique statistical analysis and ranking of Peoples under Threat 2008.

Go to: www.minorityrights.org/?lid=6138

YOUNG PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION

18. World Youth Movement for Democracy Issues February 2008 Newsletter. Delegates of the Citizen’s Continental The World Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD) issued the February 2008 edition of its newsletter –a source of information and a forum for participants to exchange experiences, opinions, and information.  The newsletter offers toolkits or articles on youth participation in democracy promotion, news of upcoming events or opportunities, and shared experiences related to issues of youth participation, democracy, and human rights.

Go to: www.ymd.youthlink.org/ymd/newslettermain.html

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

• Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) – www.learningpartnership.org
• CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation – www.civicus.org
• Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) – www.hrea.org
• South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) – www.seemo.org
• New Tactics in Human Rights – www.newtactics.org
• Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) - www.ned.org/cima/cima.html
• Land Center for Human Rights (LCHR) - www.lchr-eg.org