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November 2002
CONTENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. Cuban Dissident Released From Prison
2. Article: BHUTAN EMBARKS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY: YET ANOTHER DRAMATISATION
3. Fellowships for Threatened Scholars
4. Publication: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY: A GLOBAL SURVEY OF FOREIGN POLICY TRENDS 1992-2002
5. Ukrainian Regional Report
STRENGTHENING CIVIL SOCIETY
6. Conference: Center for Public Participation
7. Position Available: Development and Advocacy Associate
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
8. Civil Society Organizations in Cote d'Ivoire Coming Together to Build Peace
9. Free Publications: International Crisis Group
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
10. CIPE Feature Service Announcement: ENSURING TRANSPARENCY IN GEORGIA
HUMAN RIGHTS
11. Singapore Activists Arrested and Mistreated in Prison
12. Publication: PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF TERRORISM
13. Applications: Distance Education Course on Human Rights Advocacy
14. SOAT Expresses Concern over Human Rights Violations in Sudan
15. Report: Sri Lanka- The Human Rights Task Ahead
16. Publication: CAPACITY BUILDING BY HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
17. SEEMO Media Prize Awarded to Leading Croatian Journalist
18. Committee to Protect Journalists 2002 International Press Freedom Awards
19. Concern Over Police Attack on Journalists
LOCAL GOVERNANCE
20. New issue: "What's Being Done on Strengthening Local Governance?"
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
21. Seoul Conference: 11th International Anti-Corruption Conference
WOMEN'S ISSUES
22. New Electronic Journal Issue: Feminist Africa
23. Women's Day Nomination
24. World Movement Participating Organizations and Individuals Mentioned in this Issue
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
1. Cuban Dissident Released From Prison
Cuban dissident Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet was released from prison on October 31, 2002, after serving a three-year sentence for protesting government policies. On November 3, 1999, Biscet, a 41-year-old doctor, was arrested and convicted of dishonoring patriotic symbols, instigating crime, and public disorder. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, Biscet was held in poor conditions and was mistreated by prison authorities during his detention.
Go to: http://hrw.org/press/2002/10/cuba1031.htm
2. Article: BHUTAN EMBARKS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY: YET ANOTHER DRAMATISATION
In his paper BHUTAN EMBARKS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY: YET ANOTHER DRAMATISATION, Mr. Narad Adhikari, General Secretary of Druk National Congress, explores the Bhutanese King's current process of drafting the first constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan at a time in which Bhutan faces serious human rights problems and endless refugee crises. Adhikari raises questions in his paper about the environment in which the constitution is being drafted, and points out that the constitution drafting committee does not fully represent the Bhutanese people and all other sectors of society.
Go to; www.wmd.org/documents/bhutan.doc
Send your comments to Narad Adhikari at: lamajigme@jhapa.info.com.np
3. Fellowships for Threatened Scholars
The Institute of International Education (IIE), the Scholars at Risk Network, and the Open Society Institute are accepting applications for scholarships from the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund. These partial fellowships are provided to universities and colleges willing to host temporary visits by scholars threatened by violations of their fundamental human rights. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply jointly with a university that has agreed to host the visit and provide the necessary additional funds.
Go to: http://scholarsatrisk.uchicago.edu/IIESRF.htm
4. Publication: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY: A GLOBAL SURVEY OF FOREIGN POLICY TRENDS, 1992-2002
The Democracy Coalition Project announced the release of a survey that assesses how democratic governments pursue a democratic foreign policy. The survey concludes that governments are doing a better job of promoting democracy beyond their borders, but still put other interests first when dealing with dictatorships or responding to violations of democratic rights. "Defending Democracy" grades 40 countries on the implementation of their pledges to protect and promote democracy, and gives each state a "defending democracy" rating ranging from very good to poor.
Go to: www.demcoalition.org
5. Ukrainian Regional Report
The EastWest Institute Kyiv Centre has announced its new issue of the Ukrainian Regional Report. The report discusses the development of small businesses and the active participation of regional development agencies in Ukraine.
Go to: www.urr.org.ua
STRENGTHENING CIVIL SOCIETY
6. Civil Society Organizations in Cote d'Ivoire Coming Together to Build Peace
In response to the increasing instability and security concerns in Cote d'Ivoire, Le Collectif de la Societe Civile pour la Paix (Civil Society Collective for Peace), a group of several civil organizations, was launched on October 29, 2002 to "conduct a vast campaign of sensitization throughout the national territory and to prevent and curb ethnic or religious conflicts." Le Collectif warns that the situation in the country could get worse "if nothing decisive is done now to stop the beginnings of ethnic or religious clashes observed in certain areas of the country." The socio-political crisis in the country emerged on September 19, when a force, including former members of the Ivorian military, failed in a bid to overthrow President Laurent Gbagbo, but took over central and northern towns, Bouake and Korhogo. While a regional inter-governmental organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has intervened and has begun facilitating a peace process between the Ivorian government and the rebel group, le Collectif plans to send delegations to various parts of the country and hold meetings with local administrative authorities, chiefs of ethnic and religious communities, and elected local government representatives. Le Collectif includes the country's key human rights organizations - la Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits de l'Homme (LIDHO) and le Movement Ivoirien des Droits de l'Homme (MIDH) - and the local chapters of two international organizations - le Groupe d'Etude et de Recherche sur la Democratie et le Developpement Social en Afrique (GERDDES) and l'Association Internationale pour la Democratie (AID). Other members are religious leaders representing Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. The Program Coordinator of LIDHO, Lucie Coulibaly, is a member of the World Movement Steering Committee.
For more information, go to: www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=30656&SelectRegion=West_Africa&SelectCountry=COTE_D_IVOIRE"
7. Position Available: Development and Advocacy Associate
CIVICUS, an international civil society movement working with its network of partners to ensure that civil society organizations enjoy the rights to organize, speak freely, and promote the common good, is currently seeking a Development and Advocacy Associate to work closely with the Officer of Development and Advocacy in the Washington, DC, office. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, three letters of reference, and salary expectations to jobs@civicus.org.
Go to: www.civicus.org
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
8. Conference: Center for Public Participation
The Centre for Public Participation (CPP), an independent South African non-partisan organization contributing towards the building of an empowered civil society, is hosting a national conference on public participation in April 2003. Approximately 200 delegates from civil society organizations, academia, parliamentarians, government officials, and policy makers will come together to assess and deliberate opportunities and mechanisms for public participation at local, provincial, national and regional levels of governance. The CPP hopes this occasion will be a driving force for the mobilization of South Africa's civil society and intelligentsia to make more meaningful contributions towards the establishment of best practice models for public participation in various spheres of government. A moderated email discussion forum will help encourage interaction and participation before and after the conference.
Go to: www.ppp.org.za/
Contact: sifiso@ppp.org.za
9. Free Publications: International Crisis Group
The International Crisis Group (ICG) invites those interested to become a recipient of their free publications. The ICG is a private, multinational organization, working through field-based analysis and high-level advocacy to prevent and resolve deadly conflict.
Go to: www.crisisweb.org
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
10. CIPE Feature Service Announcement: ENSURING TRANSPARENCY IN GEORGIA
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) announced its latest Feature Service article, "Building Partnerships in the Republic of Georgia: Tracking the Administrative Code." The article was written by CIPE Program Officer Elena Suhir, and discusses the achievements of the Partnership for Social Initiative (PSI) in Georgia. PSI has taken strides to engage the business community and civil society in the policy-enforcing process and has conducted analyses of public perceptions of the General Administrative Code designed to "ensure respect by administrative bodies for human rights and freedoms, public interests, and rule of law."
Go to: www.cipe.org/publications/fs/articles/esuhir.htm
HUMAN RIGHTS
11. Singapore Activist Arrested and Mistreated in Prison
On October 8, 2002, a Singaporean Court sentenced Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) leader Dr. Chee Soon Juan to a five-week imprisonments for violating the Public Entertainment and Meeting Act by organizing the Labor Day rally. Chee was arrested on May 1 (Labor Day), 2002, for planning to organize a rally for workers' rights without a government license. SDP's application for a license was rejected by the Public Entertainment Licensing Unit citing "law and order problems." Critics have recently been accusing Singapore's ruling People's Action Party of using judicial proceedings and limitations on public speech to suppress political opposition. Recent information indicates that prison conditions have had a negative impact on Dr. Chee Soon Juan's health.
Go to: www.wmd.org/democracyalert/oct3002.html
12. Publication: PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF TERRORISM
The Canadian Rights & Democracy has released a report on its annual Think Tank Meeting held in Ottawa, Canada in May 2002, entitled PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF TERRORISM. Participants gathered to examine how various policies and practices that emerged in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11 have impacted human rights. The report details the topics that were addressed at the meeting, including security legislation in numerous countries that affect civil liberties and democracy; the possible explanations as to what compels people to engage in terrorism; the channels through which action can be taken to respond to terrorism; and recommendations on how governments and NGOs can ensure the respect for human rights as nations implement anti-terrorist measures.
To view the report, go to: www.ichrdd.ca/english/commdoc/publications/libertas/LOLnov2002/newPublicationsEng.html
13. Applications: Distance Education Course on Human Rights Advocacy
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) announced its 2003 distance learning course, which will focus on the theoretical foundations and critical issues of human rights advocacy, elements of advocacy planning, and strategies for action. The course includes 60 hours of reading, on-line working groups and interaction with students and instructors. The course will be offered over a 12-week period, beginning on February 17, 2003. Registration deadline is January 1, 2003. Scholarships are available.
Go to: www.hrea.org
Contact: applications@hrea.org
14. SOAT Expresses Concern over Human Rights Violations in Sudan
The Sudan Organization Against Torture (SOAT) expresses concern over the arrest and harassment of human rights defenders in Sudan. Member of SOAT and journalist Faisal el Bagir was arrested on October 7, 2002, and questioned about an international conference organized by the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) and International Media Support (IMS) on press freedoms that he attended in Senegal. The Director of Khartoum Centre for Human Rights, Amir Mohamed Suleiman, was questioned about the Centre's activities. The Khartoum Centre is under close surveillance by security forces. SOAT believes these surveillance methods prevent human rights defenders from fully exercising their rights of freedom of movement, association, and expression.
Contact: soatsudan@btclick.com
15. Report: Sri Lanka- The Human Rights Task Ahead
The Human Rights Documentation Center (HRDC) announced a report on the background leading up to the current cease-fire and peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). HRDC stresses the need for practical measures to protect human rights during the negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE.
Go to: www.hrdc.net/sahrdc/
16. Publication: CAPACITY BUILDING BY HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS
The Center for the Study of Human Rights and the Banyan Tree Foundation announced the release of the final report of a Roundtable on Human Rights Capacity-Building, which was held at the Center for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University in December, 2001. The publication, "Capacity Building by Human Rights Organizations: Challenges and Strategies," discusses the meeting, which included representatives of NGOS working in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to build local capacity for human rights.
Go to: www.columbia.edu/cu/humanrights/publications.htm
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
17. SEEMO Media Prize Awarded to Leading Croatian Journalist
The South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO) presented the 2002 "Dr. Erhard Busek- SEEMO Award for Better Understanding in South East Europe" to Croatian journalist Denis Latin for his outstanding efforts in journalism. Latin is the editor and presenter of the popular political TV and radio program "Latinica," and writes a column in NACIONAL, a Croatian magazine. Latin was commended for promoting diversity and pluralism through journalism.
Contact: seemo@journalist.com
18. Committee to Protect Journalists 2002 International Press Freedom Awards
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) will present the 12th Annual International Press Freedom Awards to journalists who have endured death threats, defied criminal charges, suffered imprisonment, and survived physical attacks for their work. Awardees include Ignacio Gomez of Columbia, Tipu Sultan of Bangladesh, Irina Petrushova of Kazakhstan, and Fesshaye Yohannes of Eritrea. In addition, CPJ will honor the late Daniel Pearl, former South Asia bureau chief for the WALL STREET JOURNAL, with the Burton Benjamin Memorial Award for his courage, talent, and intelligence as a reporter.
Go to: www.cpj.org
19. Concern Over Police Attack on Journalists in Honduras
The Committee for the Freedom of Expression (Comité para la Libertad de Expresión- CLIBRE) and Journalists Against Corruption (Periodistas Frente a la Corrupción- PFC) expressed concern over the police attack on journalists that took place during a protest by social organizations in Honduras on October 24, 2002. CLIBRE and PFC report that authorities used unnecessary force against the protesters, and appeal to international and national organizations to express their solidarity.
Go to: www.probidad.org/honduras/libexp/2002/004.html (Spanish only)
LOCAL GOVERNANCE
20. New issue: "What's Being Done on Strengthening Local Governance?"
The World Movement for Democracy announces its new Web site portion of "What's Being Done on Strengthening Local Governance?," which highlights democracy-building organizations and groups around the world that work to empower communities to participate in local decision-making processes by promoting accountable, participatory, transparent, and efficient local governments. This new section of the Web page provides illustrative examples that activists and practitioners might consider in their own efforts to enhance democratic local governance.
Go to: www.wmd.org/wbdo/oct-nov02.html
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
21. Seoul Conference: 11th International Anti-Corruption Conference
The Korean Government will host the 11th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) and the Global Forum II on Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity on May 25-31, 2003. The Seoul Conference will unite the Global Forum, an intergovernmental conference, and the IACC, an anti-corruption conference, by promoting the exchange of experiences and knowledge in the fight against corruption.
Go to: www.11iacc.org
WOMEN'S ISSUES
22. New Issue of FEMINIST AFRICA
FEMINIST AFRICA announced its new issue entitled "Feminist Perspectives on African Higher Education," which analyzes systemic gender inequality in African higher education. The issue looks at the development of gender studies in Africa, and relates them to the global context of gender-based intellectual activism.
Go to: www.femistafrica.org
23. Women's Day Nomination
The Digital Freedom Network is calling for nominations of women human rights activists to be celebrated on International Women's Day (March 8, 2003.) The Digital Freedom Network will profile the work and lives of five lesser-known women activists and feature a story on each of the women. Nomination forms are available on the Freedom Network's Web site.
Go to: www.dfn/org/volunteer/womens-form.htm
24. World Movement participating individuals and organizations mentioned in this issue:
- Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)-(U.S.): www.cipe.org
- Dr. Chee Soon Juan, Alliance for Reform and Democracy in Asia (ARDA): www.asiademocracy.org/
- Druk National Congress (Bhutan, Nepal-based)
- National Endowment for Democracy (serving as the World Movement's Secretariat)-(U.S.): www.ned.org
- Probidad - (El Salvador): http://probidad.org
- La Ligue Ivoirienne des Droits de l'Homme (LIDHO)-(Cote d'Ivoire)
- Rights and Democracy - (Canada): www.ichrdd.ca/flash.html
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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