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March 2004
CONTENTS
CALL FOR ACTION
1. Support Yang Jianli's Hunger Strike Declaration!
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
2. World Movement for Democracy Convenes its Third Assembly in Durban, South Africa
3. Sri Lanka Environmental Journalism Forum Seeking Intern
4. Conference: "Defining and Establishing Justice in Muslim Societies," May 28-29, Washington, DC
5. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGHTHENING
6. New Tactics in Human Rights Database available Online
ELECTIONS
7. Publication: ELECTIONS TODAY March Issue
HUMAN RIGHTS
8. Reebok Human Rights Award Program Seeks Nominations for 2004 Award
9. 2004 John Humphrey Freedom Award Seeks Nominations
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
10. Publication: SISTEMA JUIDICO INDIGENA
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPERESSION
11. Conference: "Media and Xenophobia: Youth Media against Racism, Xenophobia, and Racial Discrimination in CEE/CIS Countries," May 18-23, Tábor, Czech Republic
12. Online Publication: MEDIA MONITORING NEWSLETTER February Issue
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
13. Street Youth of Mozambique Develops Radio Program
14. Publication: The Youth Network in Bosnia Herzegovina's MONTHLY INFORMATION BULLETIN February Issue
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
15. New Publication: THE GLOBAL CORRUPTION REPORT 2004
WOMEN'S ISSUES
16. Burmese Women's Group Calls for Peace and Democracy
17. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
CALL FOR ACTION
1. Support Yang Jianli's Hunger Strike Declaration!
Chinese pro-democracy advocate and World Movements participant, Dr. Yang Jianli, has been illegally imprisoned in Beijing for 22 months. Dr. Yang Jianli's wife, Christina Fu, is collecting signatures for a petition to build solidarity for Dr. Yang and calling for the Chinese government to end his illegally prolonged detention. The Chinese National People's Congress is currently in session in Beijing until March 15, and Ms. Fu is planning to submit this petition to the Chinese government within two days.
Go to: www.wmd.org/democracyalert/june2602.html to find the text of the petition that Ms. Fu has sent to the World Movement Secretariat, and e-mail your name and affiliation to info@yangjianli.com as soon as possible. More information about Dr. Yang and his case is also available online at the Web site address above.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
2. World Movement for Democracy Convenes its Third Assembly in Durban, South Africa
The World Movement for Democracy convened on February 1-4, 2004 in Durban, South Africa, for its Third Assembly, "Building Democracy for Peace, Development, and Human Rights." In more than 40 workshops, approximately 600 participants from nearly 120 countries explored how to expand and strengthen democracy in their countries and in their regions of the world; how to strengthen civic groups, political parties and the media; how to increase accountability of political institutions; and how to use civic education and culture as a means for promoting democratic values. Other areas of discussion included increasing women's participation, the challenges of working in conflict-ridden societies, and transitional justice, among others. The transcripts and the video clips of the tree keynote addresses are now available online, as well as photographs of the Assembly. The final report will be posted on the World Movement Web site later this year.
Go to: www.wmd.org/third_assembly/index.html
3. Sri Lanka Environmental Journalism Forum Seeking Intern
The Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF) is offering an unpaid internship for future environmental/media professionals and activists. This opportunity is open for graduate and postgraduate level students around the globe. The applicant should possess the following skills and qualities: good English writing and speaking skills, hardworking and energetic, capable and willing to work in teams, and available for at least three months.
Send applications to: slejf_hq@sri.lanka.net
For more information on Sri Lanka Environmental Journalism Forum, go to: www.environmentaljournalists.lk
4. Conference: "Defining and Establishing Justice in Muslim Societies," May 28-29, Washington, DC
The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy invites scholars, democracy activists, and leaders from around the world to its fifth Annual Conference scheduled for May 28-29, 2004 in Washington DC. The theme of the conference is "Defining and Establishing Justice in Muslim Societies." Participants are encouraged to submit paper abstracts/proposals by March 15. Papers should address the following questions: (1) What are the political foundations of justice and their relationship to democracy in Muslim states? (2) How central is economic justice to democracy in Islamic societies? (3) Does a social organization limit justice in Islam? (4) What constitutes justice for women in Islamic democracy? and (5) How is justice of religious law (sharia) related to democracy?
Go to: www.islam-democracy.org/5th_Annual_Conference__Call_for_Papers.asp
Email your abstracts/proposals to: conference@islam-democracy.org
5. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED) welcomes fellowship applications for 2005-2006. The Fellows Program was established in 2001 to enable democracy activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change. While the program is intended primarily to support activists, practitioners, and scholars from new and aspiring democracies, distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible to apply. Please note that a working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program. The application deadline for fellowships in 2005-2006 is Monday, November 1, 2004.
Go to: www.ned.org/forum/R-FApplication.pdf
or Contact: fellowships@ned.org
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGHTHENING
6. New Tactics in Human Rights Database available Online
The New Tactics in Human Rights' Web-based database includes over 120 innovative tactics (techniques, methods, and tools) from around the world. The database includes a wide range of tactics, including street theatrical productions educating people on voting and elections and building coalitions to advance protection of human rights. Submission of new tactics is also welcome and can be done online. The New Tactics in Human Rights is a project led by a diverse group of international organizations and practitioners from around the world.
Go to: http://newtactics.hutman.net/main.php
ELECTIONS
7. Publication: ELECTIONS TODAY March Issue
The March issue of the ELECTIONS TODAY magazine was released on March 5, 2004. This issue explores the role of elections in places of conflict and the challenges facing democracy in crisis. ELECTIONS TODAY is a three-issue-per-year magazine published by the International Foundation for Elections System. It focuses on elections and democratic development. The magazine along with several other IFES publications is available online.
Go to: www.ifes.org/research_comm/publications.html
HUMAN RIGHTS
8. Reebok Human Rights Award Program Seeks Nominations for 2004
The Reebok Human Rights Award Program seeks nominations of young human rights activists. Members of the international community of human rights and non-governmental organizations are urged to nominate young men and women to honor for their courage and contributions to further human rights. The award, which seeks to shine a positive, international light on the awardees and to support their work in human rights, provides recipients with a $50,000 grant from the Reebok Human Rights Foundation for the human rights organization of their choice. Candidates must be 30 years of age or younger. They cannot advocate violence or belong to an organization that advocates violence, and they must be working on an issue that directly relates to the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. All interested individuals are encouraged to make nominations no later than May 31, 2004. Recipients will be selected by December 1, 2004.
Go to: www.reebok.com/x/us/humanRights/text-only/awards/
or Contact: rhraward@reebok.com
9. 2004 John Humphrey Freedom Award Seeks Nominations
The Montreal-based Rights & Democracy is currently accepting nominations for the John Humphrey Freedom Award, which is presented every year to an organization or person who has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of human rights and democratic development. The award includes a $25,000 prize and a tour of Canadian cities for the purpose of raising public awareness of the recipient's work on behalf of human rights. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2004.
To obtain information on eligibility criteria, go to: www.ichrdd.ca/frame2.iphtml?langue=0 (Information about this award will be available later this month)
To learn about past recipients of the award, go to: www.ichrdd.ca/frame2.iphtml?langue=0&menu=m05&urlpage=english/about/brochureHumphrey2001.html
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
10.Publication: SISTEMA JUIDICO INDIGENA (Indigenous Juridical System)
Bolivia's Justice and Participation Network announces a new publication SISTEMA JUIDICO INDIGENA (Indigenous Juridical System)." The study examines the current juridical system in the areas of the indigenous chiquitano, mojeno-ignacio, and tacana populations. The Justice and Participation Network is comprised of over 100 civil society organizations working together to monitor the implementation of Bolivia's Code of Criminal Procedure and effectively advocate for reforms that continue to improve access to and participation in the criminal justice system. The Network has established active working groups and developed projects in the following areas: education and community outreach; advocacy and citizen participation; legal assistance and alternative dispute resolution; strengthening community justice; strengthening existing Integrated Legal Services Centers; introductory criminal law; and training citizen judges. Network members and projects specifically target Bolivia's disadvantaged populations including women, the indigenous, and the poor.
Go to: www.participacionyjusticia.org
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPERESSION
11. Conference: "Media and Xenophobia: Youth Media against Racism, Xenophobia, and Racial Discrimination in CEE/CIS Countries," May 18-23, Tábor, Czech Republic
This conference will take place in Tábor, Czech Republic on May 18-23. It is co-organized by several groups: Information and Publishing Centre- Alarm!!!, based in Tábor; European Youth for Action (EYFA), a European-wide network of individuals and grassroots groups active in social and environmental issues; Belarusian magazine "Antyfashyk;" and the Cultural Exchange Station in Tábor (CESTA). The objectives of the conference are to discuss challenges, share experiences, and develop tools for dealing with nationalism, xenophobia, discrimination, and racism. The conference will consist of discussions, workshops, and public events. Details about the conference goals, participants, fees and reimbursements, organizers of the event, and the event venue can be found online. Application deadline is April 1.
Go to: www.eyfa.org/Tabor-May.htm
12. Online Publication: MEDIA MONITORING NEWSLETTER February Issue
Memo 98, based in Bratislava, Slovakia, has issued its February issue of MEDIA MONITORING NEWSLETTER. The newsletter includes information on the latest development in Belarus, Serbia, and Ukraine, as well as an interview on media legislation in Ukraine with media lawyer Oleg Tselujko. MEMO 98 documents and disseminates information about media violations in Central and Eastern Europe and New Independent States. In Slovakia, MEMO serves as a watchdog and as an advocate for media reform, and it monitors and disseminates information on media's depiction of minorities, as it strives to promote tolerance among both media and the public in Slovakia. MEMO also shares its skills and experiences in monitoring with its counterparts in Belarus, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine, and other countries in the region.
Go to: www.memo98.sk/en/index.php?sm4=on&base=data/newsletter/5
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
13. Street Youth of Mozambique Develops Radio Program
Community Media for Development (CMFD) in collaboration with GOAL Mozambique has developed a radio program with a group of street youth in Maputo, Mozambique. The group recorded songs, skits, and messages about HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse, and children's rights in Portuguese and Shangana. The audio from the program is available online. To request a copy of the program on CD, contact the CMFD with details of your organization and how you will use the programs.
Go to: www.cmfd.org/sections/goal.html
or Contact: deb@dmfd.org
14. Publication: The Youth Network in Bosnia Herzegovina's MONTHLY INFORMATION BULLETIN February Issue
The Youth Network in Bosnia-Herzegovina has recently released the February issue of its MONTHLY INFORMATION BULLETIN. The issue reports on the past and upcoming activities of its member organizations. It also provides information on funding opportunities, fellowships, and other opportunities for young people. The Bulletin is one of the ways in which the Youth Network connects youth initiatives from all over Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is available both online and through e-mail distribution.
Go to: www.omladina-bih.net/eng/englishFrameset.htm
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
15. New Publication: THE GLOBAL CORRUPTION REPORT 2004
On March 25, 2004, Transparency International will launch its third Global Corruption Report. With a focus on political corruption, the 360-page book identifies some of today's most pressing issues in the fight against corruption. Essays in this book examine the role of money in politics by assessing the regulation of political party financing, suggesting ways to 'rewire' the arms and oil trades for greater transparency, and analyzing the problem of vote buying. The book also contains 34 country reports with in-depth analyses of corruption-related developments in different parts of the world, as well as a selection of the latest empirical research on corruption.
Go to: www.globalcorruptionreport.org
WOMEN'S ISSUES
16. Burmese Women's Group Calls for Peace and Democracy
The Women's League of Burma held its Third Presidium Board Meeting on February 18-22, 2004 on the Thai-Burma border during which it issued a statement regarding the 7-stage "road map" announced by the Burmese Government's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). The statement stipulates that SPDC's efforts in connection with 7-stage "road map" and the revival of National Conventions are in reality attempts to legitimize the military rule in Burma. The statement by the Women's League demands that the SPDC implement a national ceasefire immediately; stop the process of increased militarization in Burma and withdraw troops stationed in ethnic states; end systematic violation of human rights including various forms of violence against women; release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners; allow for free political activities and expression for all parties; initiate dialogue between the ruling military government and various political parties and ethnic groups; and implement a National Convention that will be based on the results of such dialogue.
For the full text of the statement, contact: http://womenofburma.org/Statement&Release/currentpolitical_feb232004.pdf
17. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
- Dr. Yang Jianli
- Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy - www.islam-democracy.org
- National Endowment for Democracy - www.ned.org
- International Foundation for Elections Systems (IFES) -- www.ifes.org
- Rights and Democracy - www.ichrdd.ca
- Memo 98 - www.memo98.sk
- Transparency International - www.globalcorruptionreport.org
c/o National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street, NW, Suite 800,
Washington, DC 20004 USA
Tel: (202) 378-9700
Fax: (202) 378-9889
http://www.wmd.org
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