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The World Movement for Democracy is a global network of democrats, including activists, practitioners, academics, policy makers, and funders, who have come together to develop new forms of cooperation to promote the development of democracy. View previous issues of DemocracyNews.

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November 2004

CONTENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. Statement from PFHRD-Bhutan
2. CEE-NIS NGO Representatives Assess Needs and Opportunities for Networking in the Region
3. African Regional Workshop for the Community of Democracies
4. Asian Democrats to Develop Strategies for Democratization in Closed Societies
5. International Summit: "Democracy for a Safer World"
6. Call for Applicants: Justice Initiative Fellows Program

CIVIC EDUCATION
7. Call for Collaboration: Human Rights and Democracy Education Researchers

CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS
8. Publication: "Security Sector Governance in Africa"
9. Publication: "From Military Peace to Social Justice? The Angolan Peace Process"

CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
10. Conference:"Global Democracy: Civil Society Visions and Strategies"

CONFLICT RESOLUTION
11. Report: Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report
12. Publication: "An African Peace Process: Mandela, South Africa and Burundi"

DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
13. Conference: Commonwealth Local Government Conference

ELECTIONS
14. Report: Belarusian General Elections Observer Mission

HUMAN RIGHTS
15. Conference: Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human rights (NKHR)
16. Human Rights House Network Adopts Statement to Protect Human Rights Activists

LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE
17. International Legislative Development Conference

INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
18. ARDA launches new Web site
19. Reporters Without Borders Announces Third Annual Worldwide Index of Press Freedom
20. Free Software: Human Rights Information Management
21. Updated Web site: Council for the Community of Democracies
22. Distance Learning Course: The Role of the Media in the Rwanda Genocide

POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
23. Call for applications for the John Smith Fellowship Program

WOMEN'S ISSUES
24. Training: "Making Governance Gender Responsive"
25. Win with Women Global Initiative Update
26. New Web site: Coalition for Women's Human Rights in Conflict Situations

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

1. Statement from PFHRD-Bhutan

Mr. S.K. Pradhan, Secretary General of Peoples Forum for Human Rights and Development (PFHRD Bhutan), held his first press conference on October 1, 2004, in Kathmandu after regaining his freedom. He was held in the Jhapa district prison for three years under false and fabricated charges that linked him to the murder of a Bhutanese leader. The conspiracy was hatched by those who wanted to silence the voice for democracy and human rights in Bhutan. During the press conference, Mr. Pradhan told the representatives of major Nepali newspapers that the voice for freedom and democracy in Bhutan cannot be silenced no matter what comes in the way. Mr. Pradhan told the media that he would revive PFHRD and continue to work towards establishing democracy, freedom, and justice in Bhutan.

For more information, please contact: skpfhrd@mos.com.np

To read WMD DemocracyAlerts on Pradhan's case, go to: www.wmd.org/democracyalert/feb502.html

2. CEE-NIS NGO Representatives Assess Needs and Opportunities for Networking in the Region
Five-year Governance and Alongside the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe's Human Dimension Implementation Meeting that took place in October in Warsaw, Poland, 27 NGO representatives from Central Eastern Europe and the New Independent States took part in a discussion regarding the viability of creating a region-wide democracy and human rights network. The October 11, 2004, meeting was initiated by World Movement participants, who first raised the idea of creating a regional network at the World Movement's Third Assembly in Durban, South Africa, in February 2004. A letter summarizing the Durban discussion was circulated among World Movement participants from CEE-NIS prior to the meeting in Warsaw. At the meeting, participants discussed the issues proposed in the letter, identified reasons for creating a regional network, discussed potential problems that may be associated with a new network and ways of addressing them, and outlined the goals, purpose, and activities for such a network. A report from the meeting will soon be available online.

For further information, contact annap@ned.org

3. African Regional Workshop for the Community of Democracies
International IDEA, the Electoral Institute for Southern Africa (EISA), and the Executive Secretariat of the Non-Governmental Process for the Community of Democracies (CD), currently based at Participa in Santiago, Chile, are co-organizing an African Regional Workshop on November 22-23, 2004. The theme of the workshop is "Political Transition and Challenges for Democratic Consolidation in Africa: Non-Governmental Process for the Community of Democracies."  The objectives of the workshop include facilitating a discussion with a broad group of actors in Sub-Saharan Africa on the main democratic deficits in the region, and developing concrete proposals that will be presented at the next CD Ministerial meeting in Santiago in May 2005.  Members of the World Movement's Africa Democracy Forum will participate in the workshop. The Community of Democracies is a coalition of democratic governments established with the aim of strengthening democratic values and institutions at the national, regional, and global levels.

Go to: www.eisa.org.za/EISA/conferences/ssaw/ssaw.htm

For more information on the Community of Democracies, go to: www.santiago2005.org

4. Asian Democrats to Develop Strategies for Democratization in Closed Societies
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) will hold its first Strategy Development Workshop, entitled "Assisting Democratization in Asia's Closed Societies," in Taipei, Taiwan, on December 16-17, 2004.   During the workshop, democratic leaders and activists from countries such as Burma, China, North Korea, and Vietnam, will gather to discuss strategies to promote democracy in these countries.  The WFDA is a new initiative of several leading regional democracy networks and organizations, including the Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia, Alternative Asean Network on Burma, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, Initiatives for International Dialogue, and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.  This two-day workshop will be the WFDA's first formal event and will mark the beginning of a series of three workshops that will prepare the ground for a major conference scheduled for July 2005.

For more information, contact Bo Tedards at bo@taiwandemocracy.org.tw

5. International Summit: "Democracy for a Safer World"
The Club of Madrid will host the Summit on Democracy, Terrorism, and Security on March 8-11, 2005, in Madrid, Spain. The Club of Madrid is an independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world by drawing on the unique experience and resources of almost fifty former heads of state and government of democratic nations. The Summit will serve as an open debate for citizens and their representatives to interact with leaders, experts, and citizens of other parts of the world. Participants will discuss democratic responses to the increasing threat of global terrorism and the lack of domestic security. The purpose of the Summit is to commemorate the victims of terrorism around the world and to honor the people of Madrid who have suffered immeasurable grief since the March 11 attacks.

Go to: http://english.safe-democracy.org/

6. Call for Applicants: Justice Initiative Fellows Program
The Open Society Justice Initiative, in collaboration with the Central European University, is accepting applications for its 2005-2007 Justice Initiative Fellows Program. The Fellows program aims to support and further develop a network of lawyers and activists dedicated to working on human rights-related issues internationally. Applicants must be nominated by a human rights-oriented NGO from the following countries or regions: Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, West and Southern Africa, the African Great Lakes region, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Haiti, Guatemala, Mexico, or Peru. Applicants must be nominated by a NGO concerned with human rights, hold a university degree, demonstrate a strong commitment to human rights, and be highly proficient in English. The application deadline is January 6, 2005.

For application guidelines, go to: www.justiceinitiative.org or contact Rita Bakradze at rbakradze@osi.hu


CIVIC EDUCATION

7. Call for Collaboration: Human Rights and Democracy Education Researchers
The Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) is conducting a research initiative to follow up the 'Human Rights and Democracy Education in Curriculum- Challenges and Contestations' conference that was held in March 2004. Researchers are compiling a collection of school based curricula and learning support materials that will be used in Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, South Africa, Malawi and Botswana. The material will be reviewed by a team of curriculum and human rights specialists to provide insight into comparing different approaches and analyzing the strengths and challenges faced in the region.

For more information or to participate please contact Sherri Le Motte at sherri@eisa.org.za or go to: www.eisa.org.za


CIVIL MILITARY RELATIONS

8. Publication: "Security Sector Governance in Africa"
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), a NGO working to promote the values of democracy, peace, and human rights in the West African sub-region, recently uploaded new publications to its Web site. Edited by Nicole Ball and Kayode Fayemi, "Security Sector Governance in Africa: A Handbook" serves as a practical guide to governance and security in Africa and describes the critical processes and institutional relations necessary to promote human rights and democracy. The CDD also recently published a briefing on the elections in Cameroon.

CDD publications are available online at www.ccd.co.uk>


9. Publication: "From Military Peace to Social Justice? The Angolan Peace Process"
Conciliation Resources' Accord Programme recently published a series of articles on the Angolan Peace Process. The articles explore both the history of the conflict and the challenges of working towards social justice. The Accord Programme works to support the efforts of those directly involved in transforming armed conflict into opportunities for sustainable human development by responding to the ongoing challenge of informing and enhancing peace processes.

To view the full text of the articles, go to: www.c-r.org/accord/ang/accord15>


CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING

10. Conference: "Global Democracy: Civil Society Visions and Strategies"
The Montreal International Forum, an international NGO think tank, will host the Global Democracy 2005 (G05) Conference on May 29-June 1, 2005, at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. The conference, "Global Democracy: Civil Society Visions and Strategies," will explore civil society's role in building a democratic and participatory form of global governance. The conference will include close to 700 civil society practitioners, multilateral representatives, government officials, parliamentarians, scholars, and other interested participants. Registration information is available online.

Go to: www.G05.org


CONFLICT RESOLUTION

11. Report: Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report
The Sierra Leone Truth and Reconciliation Commission has released its final report highlighting the causes of conflict in Sierra Leone. The report gives an account of the abuses committed during the civil war and makes recommendations on how the country can address its past and move forward. Two chapters and a brief overview of the final report in PDF format are available online.

To view the latest issue, go to: www.ictj.org

12. Publication: "An African Peace Process: Mandela, South Africa and Burundi"
The South Africa-based Human Science Research Council has published "An African Peace Process: Mandela, South Africa and Burundi." Written by Kristina Bentley and Roger Southall, the book traces South Africa's role in the Burundi peace negotiations process, discusses important lessons that both South Africa and Burundi have learned from the peace process, and explains why South Africa has become so intimately involved in Burundi.

For more information, go to: www.hsrcpress.ac.za


DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

13. Conference: Commonwealth Local Government Conference
The Commonwealth Local Government Forum will hold the Commonwealth Local Government Conference on 'Deepening Local Democracy' on March 15-17, 2005, in Scotland, UK. The three-day international conference will focus on promoting, sustaining, and re-energizing local democracy and will discuss issues from ballot boxes to community planning and local decision making.

For more information, go to: www.clgc2005.org


ELECTIONS

14. Report: Belarusian General Elections Observer Mission
The Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe (IDEE) released the initial report of an independent observer mission of the elections in Belarus. The observer mission included 18 journalists from Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, and Russia. The mission monitored the election of 110 parliamentarians and the referendum process regarding proposed changes to the Constitution. The report includes information on the legal principles of the Belarusian electoral code, electoral campaigns, "pre-electoral" voting, unacceptable practices, and the vote count. The report is available in English and Russian on the IDEE Web site.

Go to: www.idee.org/belarusreport2004.html


HUMAN RIGHTS

15. Conference: Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights (NKHR)
In cooperation with the Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies, Ewha Woman's University, Sogan University, Handong International Law School, and the Korean Society for Human rights Law, NKHR will host its 6th International Conference on North Korean Human Rights and Refugees on February 14-16, 2005, in Seoul.

For more information, go to: www.nkhumanrights.or.kr/NKHR_new/index_eng_new.htm

16. Human Rights House Network Adopts Statement to Protect Human Rights Activists
The Human Rights House Network celebrated its 10th Anniversary by convening an international conference on the protection of human rights defenders. The conference, "Activists under Attack: Defending the Right to be a Human Rights Defender," was hosted by the Human Rights House Network Secretariat on 13-14 October 2004, in Oslo, Norway. Representatives of governments, grass-roots organizations, and international experts participated at the conference. A statement was presented and adopted recommending how governments should support and protect human rights activists. The statement, conference program speeches, and Human Rights House delegate biographies are available online.

Go to: www.humanrightshouse.org/dllvis5.asp?id=2168

To view the statement, go to: www.humanrightshouse.org/dllvis5.asp?id=2424


LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT AND ASSISTANCE

17. International Legislative Development Conference
The Center for Legislative Development (CLD) will host the Second International Legislative Development Conference on December 2-3, 2005, in Makati City, Philippines. The conference, "Strengthening Legislatures in Response to Globalization and International Security Issues," aims to increase legislative awareness and enhance legislative support services for understanding international security issues, address the shortcomings of legislative committees and legislative oversight, and formulate an action plan to create a new agenda for legislative strengthening. The conference program and registration materials are available on the CLD Web site.

For more information go to: www.cld.org


INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

18. ARDA launches New Web site
The Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA) launched a new Web site that will serve as a clearing house for information about political developments across Asia. ARDA is a network of individuals and organizations dedicated to the advancement of democratic values, human rights, good governance, and the rule of law across Asia. ARDA welcomes submissions of articles or new reports that would be useful in the promotion of democracy in the region. Please send these contributions to contact@asiademocray.org. ARDA also encourages visitors to fill in the e-form on the "Join Us" page.

Go to: www.asiademocracy.org0

19. Reporters Without Borders Announces Third Annual Worldwide Index of Press Freedom
In the Third Annual Worldwide Index of Press Freedom, Reporters Without Borders determined that East Asia and the Middle East have the worst press freedom records due to either the lack of an independent media or the persecution and censoring of journalists. Reporters Without Borders based its findings on a survey it conducted with partner organizations, correspondents, journalists, researchers, and human rights activists from 167 countries on the state of press freedom.

To view the report, go to: www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=11715


20. Free Software: Human Rights Information Management
Martus, an information and documentation management system designed to help human rights organizations document human rights violations, recently announced its newest version of Martus Client 2.0.1. The software is available in English, Spanish, Russian, and French, and can be downloaded online. Martus works strategically with grassroots NGOs around the world to offer outreach, training, and support to ensure that documentation of human rights violations is safeguarded and disseminated.

For more information go to: www.martus.org


21. Updated Web site: Council for the Community of Democracies
The Council for a Community of Democracies (CCD) recently updated its Web site to include new sections and designs. The updates include a section on the proposed United Nation's Democracy Caucus with documents and articles on the caucus' new developments. The CCD is also developing a section of its Web site on "Democracy Transitions" to serve as a support center for struggling democracies.

Go to: www.ccd21.org


22. Distance Learning Course: The Role of the Media in the Rwanda Genocide
Persons living and working in Rwanda are invited to participate in a distance learning course on "The Role of the Media in the Rwanda Genocide." Participants will study the various facets of the media's role and will explore the problem of inadequate or distorted international coverage of crises and conflicts. The 10-week course organized by Faamu for UPEACE will be taught by Gerald Caplan and will begin on January 10, 2005.

For application guidelines contact: info@fahamu.org


POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

23. Call for applications for the John Smith Fellowship Program
The John Smith Memorial Trust is seeking applicants for its 6-week fellowship program on good governance, democracy and social justice. The John Smith Fellowship is open to young leaders from Russia, the Ukraine, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Applications are currently being accepted for the June/July 2005 program. Applicants working in legal services, human rights, political processes, journalism, government services, and democracy promotion NGOs are encouraged to apply.

For application guidelines go to: www.britishcouncil.org/jsmithpublic/index.html

WOMEN'S ISSUES

24. Training: "Making Governance Gender Responsive"
The Center for Asia Pacific Women in Politics (CAPWIP) is organizing a six-day training on "Making Governance Gender Responsive" for 25-30 participants on January 9-15, 2005, in Manila, Philippines. The training is designed for middle and senior level government executives, men and women in local governments, political parties, research and training institutes, and civil society organizations working on governance reform initiatives. The training will give participants a strong understanding of the link between gender and governance. Registration information is available online.

Go to: www.capwip.org

25. Win with Women Global Initiative Update
The Win with Women Global Initiative released the October issue of its newsletter highlighting recent efforts to promote women's political participation using the Win with Women Global Action Plan. The newsletter includes updates on conferences and events where the Global Action Plan is being discussed and used as an advocacy tool for increasing women's participation in political parties. The Win with Women Global Initiative was launched in 2003 by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs to promote women's political participation.

For more information go to: http://winwithwomen.ndi.org

26. New Web site: Coalition for Women's Human Rights in Conflict Situations
The Coalition for Women's Human Rights in Conflict Situations was established in 1996 to promote greater prosecution of perpetrators of crimes of gender violence in transitional justice systems in Africa. The Coalition's new Web site examines the advocacy work on strategies for the prosecution and investigation of gender crimes and witness protection and support. The site contains amicus curiae briefs, letters, memoranda, and articles by the Coalition that can be used as resources by women's rights activists, international legal experts, students, and others.

Go to: www.womensrightscoalition.org


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


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