DemocracyNews
Monthly Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy

DemocracyNews is a means of facilitating interaction among World Movement participants. A monthly e-newsletter, it enables participants to call for collaboration on democracy projects, announce upcoming activities and events, report on the results of recent work, and call for action on behalf of World Movement participants who are facing danger as a result of their efforts to promote democracy.

CONTENTS

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Repression Continues at One-Year Anniversary of Saffron Revolution in Burma
2. Latin America and Caribbean Network for Democracy Issues Appeals
3. Singaporean Activist Chee Soon Juan Seeks Support in Upcoming Trials
4. China Human Rights Lawyers Appeal for Support in Contaminated Milk Cases

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
5. World Movement Secretariat’s Anna Pkhrikian Memorial Internship Launched
6. Democracy Resource Center Seeks Publications for New Online Catalog
7. Call for Applications: John Smith Fellowship Program 2009
8. International Peace and Development Training Center to Host Peace-Building Workshops
9. Call for Proposals: New Tactics in Human Rights Project
10. Call for Applications: MEPI’s Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
11. Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition Calls for New Conflict Resolution Initiative
12. Institute of Development Studies Issues Paper on Civil Society and Conflict Transformation

ELECTIONS
13. Nordic Africa Institute Releases Report on Sierra Leone’s 2007 Elections

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
14. Transparency International Publishes 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE
15. Human Rights Defenders in Africa Express Concern over Ethiopia's Draft NGO Bill
16. New Guidebook for Human Rights Field Officers in Post-Conflict Environments
17. New Tactics Notebooks Available in Kyrgyz
18. Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Releases First Issue of Biannual Magazine

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
19. Malaysian Government Urged to Hold Consultations with Civil Society Groups
20. South East Europe Media Organization Raises Concern about Threats to Press Freedom in Moldova
21. Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights Issues Report on Press Freedom

RESEARCH
22. Brazil-Based Initiative Expands Its Virtual Library

RULE OF LAW AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
23. Arab Center for Development of Rule of Law and Integrity Launches Online Library

YOUNG PEOPLE'S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION
24. International Youth Human Rights Movement Urges Georgian-Russian Civil Dialogue

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

DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS

1. Repression Continues at One-Year Anniversary of Saffron Revolution in Burma
September 26 marked the one-year anniversary of the Saffron Revolution – the monk-led popular uprising in Burma.  Hundreds of thousands of brave monks, nuns, human rights activists, students, and citizens courageously took to the streets a year ago to bring about social, economic, and political change in the country.  The Burmese military regime (SPDC) responded by having the army open fire into the protesting crowds.  Despite the worldwide attention created by the Saffron Revolution, the protesters’ demands are still far from being met.

Since the Saffron Revolution the number of political prisoners has increased from approximately 1,150 to more than 2,100.In anticipation of the Saffron anniversary, the SPDC intensified its repression of pro-democratic forces in the country.  In August, at least 39 activists were arrested, and in the first ten days of September at least 26 more were arrested.  Two youths, Kyaw Oo and Saw Maung, who are members of the Generation Wave, an activists group that emerged from the September 2007 movement, were among those arrested.  To further control the situation during the anniversary, the SPDC also appears to have tried blocking information flowing in and out of the country.  Last week, several exile Burmese media Web sites, including The Irrawaddy, Democratic Voice of Burma, and New Era, came under cyber attack.

At its Fifth Assembly, in Kyiv, Ukraine, in April 2008, one of the World Movement’s Democracy Courage Tributes was presented to the Monks of Burma.  Accepting for the monks were the Venerable Sawyadawgyi U Pannya and the Venerable U Uttara, who, in their acceptance speeches, urged the international community to stop selling arms to the Burmese junta and to unite to end the suffering of the Burmese people. 

To read more about developments since the Saffron Revolution, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/1008demnews01.pdf

To read more about the recent arrests of Kyaw Oo and Saw Maung, go to: www.generationwave.co.cc

To read more about the World Movement’s Fifth Assembly, go to: www.wmd.org/fifth/index.html

2. Latin America and Caribbean Network for Democracy Issues Appeals
Following various events throughout the region, the Latin America and Caribbean Network for Democracy recently issued three statements.  The Network issued an appeal for assistance to Cuban and Haitian people affected by the devastating hurricanes that swept through the Caribbean.  Given the latest clashes in northern Bolivia, the Network has issued a statement in support of the Bolivian people.  And, most recently, the Network issued a statement condemning the government crackdown on civil society organizations conducting a “March for Democracy” in Nicaragua. 

To read all three statements, go to: www.democracialatinoamerica.org/-ALERTAS_.html

3. Singaporean Activist Chee Soon Juan Seeks Support in Upcoming Trials
World Movement participant Chee Soon Juan of Singapore is currently standing trial for speaking without a permit, and he has four more similar charges and another four for assembly and procession without permit pending.  The verdict and sentencing related to his current trial is expected soon.  If he is fined, but does not pay it, he will be sent to prison.  He has already served seven prison terms for his pro-democracy work.  A fund has been established to support his defense.

For information about the Fund to Support Chee Soon Juan, write to: Bo Tedards (bo@taiwandemocracy.org.tw) or Paolo Zamora (paolo_zamora@cald.org)

For previous alerts issued on behalf of Dr. Chee, go to: www.wmd.org/democracynews/aug08.html#2

4. China Human Rights Lawyers Appeal for Support in Contaminated Milk Cases
As of September 24, 124 mainland Chinese lawyers from 22 provinces have signed up to offer voluntary legal aid to the victims of contaminated milk powder products.  During September, more than 50,000 infants were found at risk of contracting kidney stones, according to the country’s Ministry of Health.  About 12,000 of the children have been hospitalized.  A voluntary lawyers’ group has been initiated by prominent Beijing human rights lawyer Li Fangping.  However, some lawyers have been warned by judicial departments to stop taking up these cases. The China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group (CHRLCG) is worried that this kind of pressure will force some lawyers to withdraw from providing voluntary legal aid to the victims.  

CHRLCG urges concerned individuals to write appeal letters to the All-China Lawyers Association, calling on this government-backed association to support and protect the lawyers providing voluntary legal aid to the victims.  A sample letter is provided on the organization’s Web site.

Go to: www.chrlcg-hk.org/?p=322

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

5.World Movement Secretariat's Anna Pkhrikian Memorial Internship Launched
The World Movement for Democracy Secretariat at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has created the Anna C Memorial Internship was created in memory of Anna Pkhrikian who began her work at NED in 2003 as a project coordinator.  She passed away on September 7, 2007, after a brave battle against leukemia.  The Internship was established by NED and Anna’s alma mater, Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, to provide opportunities for Maxwell students to gain knowledge and experience, in the fields of democratization and democracy promotion, in light of Anna’s deep commitment to the values of democracy and human rights, and to nonviolent efforts to advance those values.  All undergraduate and graduate students in the Maxwell School Program are eligible for consideration for the Internship position, which will be filled not less than once each year. 

Lauren E. Parnell, who worked with the World Movement for Democracy from June through August 2008, was the first Anna Pkhrikian intern.  During her time with the World Movement, Lauren assisted in developing materials related to the Latin America and Caribbean Network for Democracy and in researching and writing on the integration of minority peoples in the political process.

Go to: www.wmd.org/about/internship.html

6.Democracy Resource Center Seeks Publications for New Online Catalog
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED)’s Democracy Resource Center (DRC), which houses a unique collection of thousands of works on democracy and democratic governance from numerous academic and NGO sources, seeks electronic, full-text publications to add to its new Online Catalog.  Those interested in providing publications should submit an electronic copy of the publication along with a statement giving permission to the DRC to store the publication and make it available in full text via the Online Catalog.  Those not owning copyrights to publications they wish to submit must first secure permissions from the copyright holders. 

To submit a publication for the Online Catalog, or to obtain more information, contact Allen Overland, Director of the DRC, at: allen@ned.org.

To access a preliminary version of the Online Catalog, go to: http://geniehost25.inmagic.com/InmagicGenie/opac.aspx

For information about the Democracy Resource Center, go to: www.ned.org/research/research.html

7.Call for Applications: John Smith Fellowship Program 2009
The John Smith Memorial Trust is seeking applications from potential candidates for its 2009 Fellowship Program, to take place in June/July.  The aim of the Fellowship is to enable outstanding individuals to study political, judicial, constitutional, and other institutions and procedures in the United Kingdom, and to share experiences with institutions in their own countries with their peers, British hosts, and experts.  The main purpose of the program is to foster better relations and understanding between the Fellows’ countries and the UK and among the Fellows’ countries themselves.  Applications are invited from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine.  The program is open to political leaders, government or local government officials, journalists/media experts, lawyers, and influential young leaders from civil society or the NGO sector.  The ideal candidate will be 25 to 35 years old with a track record of concern for good governance.  Good written and spoken English is essential.  Applications are due by November 5, 2008. Go to: www.johnsmithmemorialtrust.org/Web/Site/Programme/how_to_apply.asp

8. International Peace and Development Training Center in Romania to Host Peace-Building Workshops
The International Peace and Development Training Center of the Peace Action Training and Research Institute of Romania will host several peace-building workshops in London, England, throughout November and December 2008.  “Integrating Early Warning and Comprehensive Prevention: A Field Guide to the Prevention of Deadly Conflict  for Practitioners and Policy Makers” will be held on November 25; “Systemic Peace Building: Enhancing Effectiveness and Impact in Policy and Practice for Crisis Management and Prevention, Conflict Transformation, and Peace Building” will be held on November 26-28; “Introduction to Peacebuilding: Training for Peace Workers” will be held on November 29; and “Improving Effectiveness and Impact in the Design, Development and Implementation of Peace Building Projects and Programs will be held on December 1-3.  The programs are designed for policy makers, aid and development workers, journalists, practitioners, and conflict specialists.

Go to: www.patrir.ro/training

9. Call for Proposals: New Tactics in Human Rights Project
The New Tactics in Human Rights Project (New Tactics) of the Center for Victims of Torture is seeking interested partner organizations to share, adapt, and apply New Tactics thinking, materials, and resources in their country or region.  The New Tactics Project will select and work with up to eight partner organizations from December 1, 2008 to July 31, 2009.  Each selected partner will receive a grant up to USD 6,000, although proposals are encouraged for projects incurring costs of less than that.  The funds are intended to make it possible for human rights practitioners to share, translate, adapt, and/or apply New Tactics materials and resources for strategic and tactical innovation in local human rights struggles, as well as share examples of innovative tactics with a broad range of people.

Go to: www.newtactics.org/grants/ned2008/rfp

10. Call for Applications: MEPI's Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program
The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) of the U.S. Department of State is now accepting applications for candidates in its Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program.  This annual program provides young civic and democratic reform leaders from the Middle East and North Africa with the opportunity to complete both academic coursework and a practical, skills-building experience, as well as network with like-minded reformers and activists inside and outside the region.  The fellowship will cover international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing, and a moderate living stipend.  The program is open to applicants between the ages of 25 and 40 with a Bachelor's degree and English language fluency to function successfully in an American academic and professional environment.

Go to: www.state.gov/documents/organization/109470.pdf

CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

11. Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition Calls for New Conflict Resolution Initiatives
On September 5, the Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition issued a statement calling on the Rivers State Government in Nigeria and others in the region to consider new initiatives for resolving ongoing conflicts and crises.  The Coalition believes that the persistent reliance on military security and the ad hoc responses to militia and criminal violence have failed.  The rates of violence and kidnapping have not declined in the 18 months since the new state governments have been instated.  The region is thus unstable, and the coalition believes that the situation demands a more disciplined approach to security matched by an integrity-based commitment to local engagement and conflict resolution.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/1008demnews10.pdf

12. Institute of Development Studies Issues Paper on Civil Society and Conflict Transformation
The Institute of Development Studies in Sussex, UK, has released a paper on civil society and conflict transformation in the European Union.  The paper provides a conceptual framework and discussion for analyzing which local civil society actors play roles in conflict and conflict transformation.  It also seeks to determine their effectiveness, and how European Union (EU) neighborhood policies can enhance the constructive impact of those actors in peacefully transforming conflicts.  According to the institute, the EU has recognized the importance of engaging with civil society in situations of violent conflict, but should engage more with local civil society to make its policies more effective.

Go to: www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/?doc=38783&em=180908&sub=conf

ELECTIONS

13. Nordic Africa Institute Releases Report on Sierra Leone's 2007 Elections
The Nordic Africa Institute has issued a report on the 2007 Sierra Leone elections entitled, “The Search for Sustainable Democracy, Development and Peace.”  The report traces challenges back to their roots and examines the possible future course of the country and what is needed for peace and development.  According to the report, sustainable peace with justice will ultimately depend on good governance and the elimination of social injustices.

Go to: www.nai.uu.se/publications/electronic_publ/978-91-7106-619-0-1.pdf

GOOD GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

14. Transparency International Publishes 2008 Corruption Perceptions Index
On September 23, Transparency International (TI) released its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2008.  The 2008 CPI ranks 180 countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys.  With countries such as Somalia and Iraq among those showing the highest levels of perceived corruption, the CPI highlights the links between poverty, failed institutions, and graft.  The 2008 CPI also indicates that the strength of oversight mechanisms is at risk among the wealthiest nations.  Huguette Labelle, Chair of Transparency International, argues that “the continuing high levels of corruption and poverty plaguing many of the world’s societies amount to an ongoing humanitarian disaster and cannot be tolerated.  But even in more privileged countries, with enforcement disturbingly uneven, a tougher approach to tackling corruption is needed.”

Go to: www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi

HUMAN RIGHTS, EQUALITY, AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE

15. Human Rights Defenders in Africa Express Concern over Ethiopia's Draft NGO Bill
On September 18, the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) and its local Ethiopian organization, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), held a panel in coordination with key Geneva-based NGOs to discuss and analyze the Draft Proclamation on Charities and Societies (the CSO Bill), which will be under review by the Ethiopian Parliament when it reconvenes in October.  The panel was organized to raise awareness of the provisions of the bill, and its potential consequences on human rights work in Ethiopia, in the hope of generating greater attention, concrete international action, and mobilization around the issue.  Human rights defenders and their partners in Ethiopia are concerned that if passed under its current form the CSO Bill will have a detrimental impact on all forms of activism in Ethiopia, particularly human rights work.  Of particular concern is that the Draft Proclamation provides that charities and societies receiving more than 10 percent of their income from external sources are considered foreign organizations, and once considered to be “foreign” may not engage on issues relating to human rights, governance, democratization, and conflict resolution.  According to EHAHRDP, this clearly poses a significant risk given that the majority of NGOs in Ethiopia receive some form of foreign funding to carry out their activities. The bill, which has been put forward with only a limited and inadequate level of involvement of civil society organizations, undermines the very existence of human rights activism in Ethiopia.

To read the EHAHRDP statement, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/EHAHRDNET092008.pdf

To read the EHRCO statement, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/EHRCO092008.pdf

16. New Guidebook for Human Rights Field Officers Working in Post-Conflict Environments
In July, the University of Nottingham published “Guiding Principles for Human Rights Field Officers Working in Conflict and Post-Conflict Environments.”  The paper seeks to enhance the professionalism of human rights field officers by offering a set of guidelines for best practices for those working in conflict and post-conflict situations.  The authors stress that the paper will also be of assistance to those who engage with such human rights field operations as humanitarian and development agencies and international military and police.  The paper is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Go to: www.humanrightsprofessionals.org/images/guiding%20principles%20for%20human%20rights%20field%20officers.pdf

17. New Tactics Notebooks Available in Kyrgyz
The Citizens Against Corruption (CAC) in Kyrgyzstan have translated eight New Tactics in Human Rights (New Tactics) tactical notebooks into Kyrgyz.  The notebook authors recount their personal experiences, although their backgrounds and situations differ.  They all used innovative tactics to help address urgent human rights situations.  With these notebooks, practitioners, and activists can learn how a tactic was actually implemented, what factors influenced its use, and the challenges that surfaced along the way.  The following notebooks were translated into Kyrgyz: Access to Justice: Creating Local Level, Citizen Action Mediation Bodies to Ensure Human Rights; Action Theatre: Initiating Changes; A Region-wide Participatory Research Process to Build Participation, Awareness and Advocacy on Trade Policies; Familiar Tools, Emerging Issues: Adapting Traditional Human Rights Monitoring to Emerging Issues; Human Rights Advocacy Utilizing Religious Perspectives and Opinion Leaders: Promoting National Human Rights Education in Indonesia; Human Rights and the Corporation: The Development of the Human Rights Compliance Assessment; The Human Rights Education Program for Women: Utilizing State Resources to Promote Women's Human Rights in Turkey; and Powerful Persuasion: Combating Traditional Practices that Violate Human Rights.

Go to: www.newtactics.org/en/Notebooks/Grid

18. Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Releases First Issue of Biannual Magazine
In June, the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) in Uganda released the first issue of its biannual magazine, THE DEFENDER.  The topics discussed in the magazine include peace, justice, civic duties and obligations, constitutionalism, governance, transparency and accountability, democracy, minority issues, environmental rights, corruption, children’s rights, elections and the electoral process, land issues, gender issues, freedom of expression and association including the media, and the fate of political organizations in Uganda.  The current issue highlights democratization in Uganda, women’s emancipation, and human-trafficking.

Go to: http://fhri.or.ug/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=18&phpMyAdmin=b1PuAlFU0WKlp2AJK80qpoaJTIe

MEDIA, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

19. Malaysian Government Urged to Hold Consultations with Civil Society Groups
On September 8, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) – a Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) partner based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – and the Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) urged the Malaysian government to hold consultations with the public and civil society groups before instituting a mechanism that would potentially restrict media freedom.  CIJ and WAMI said they are concerned that the government's response to reporting that affects its reputation is to tighten media control.  CIJ and WAMI are therefore calling on the Malaysian government to set up a parliamentary select committee on the media to discuss media freedom issues and media law reform. The select committee, they say, should collect public feedback, as well as consult civil society groups, before making any decisions. CIJ and WAMI also call on media outlets to use this opportunity to stand united and oppose any new mechanisms that could enhance controls already placed on them, and to demand a more thorough and open review of the laws and policies that govern their work.

Go to: www.seapabkk.org/newdesign/alertsdetail.php?No=948

20. South East Europe Media Organization Raises Concern about Threats to Press Freedom in Moldova
On September 22, South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO) issued a statement expressing its concern about several recent legal developments in Moldova that pose threats to press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right of access to information.  According to SEEMO’s information, Moldova’s Parliament has passed an amendment to the Law on Editorial Activity that came into effect on June 26, 2008.  The Law on Editorial Activity currently includes a ban on printing material that challenges or defames the state and the people, that incites war; aggression; national, racia,l or religious hatred; discrimination; territorial separatism; or public violence, or that in any other way threatens the constitutional regime.  SEEMO supports the Publishers’ Union of Moldova in its claim that this amendment can result in self-censorship.

Go to: www.seemo.org/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1

21. Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights Issues Report on Press Freedom
In September, the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights (TIHR) issued a report on the state of freedom in mass media, the right to freedom of speech, and free access to information in Turkmenistan.  According to the report, after the death of Turkmenistan’s first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, the new authorities have sought to build their image by formally contrasting their actions and decisions with the explicit totalitarian rule of Niyazov.  However, this may mislead international observers into believing that the current Turkmen authorities are prepared to implement democratic reforms.  The report states that amid the declared liberalization of the regime, the authorities of Turkmenistan actually continue to violate freedom of speech and severely limit free access to information.  

To read the report in English, go to: www.chrono-tm.org/?0258044376000000000000011000000

To read the report in Russian, go to: www.chrono-tm.org/?0252044375000000000000011000000

RESEARCH

22. Brazil-Based Initiative Expands Its Virtual Library
The virtual library of Plataforma Democratica, a Brazil-based initiative devoted to strengthening Latin American democratic institutions and culture, has reached the mark of 3,000 texts on issues related to democracy in Latin America. Most of the articles and books were produced by the intiative.  Associated institutions and other Latin-American research centers have also contributed to the virtual library.  Over the next months, Plataforma Democratica expects to double the number of texts available online.  The organization depends on outside support to expand the database on research centers.

Go to: www.plataformademocratica.org/English/BuscaPublicacoes.aspx

RULE OF LAW AND JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE

23. Arab Center for Development of Rule of Law and Integrity Launches Online Library
The Arab Center for the Development of the Rule of Law and Integrity (ACRLI), an Arab regional NGO founded in 2003 to develop and reinforce the rule of law, integrity, and good governance in Arab countries, has launched an online library.  An encyclopedia of legislation and regulations for all Arab countries, the library contains almost 6,000 references and a searchable list of individuals, organizations, and think tanks that focus on rule of law, justice, anti-corruption, and democracy.  Most information is available in Arabic and English.

Go to: www.arabruleoflaw.org/index.aspx?postingID=319

YOUNG PEOPLE'S POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION

24. International Youth Human Rights Movement Urges Georgian-Russian Civil Dialogue
As a result of the political crisis between the Russian Federation and Georgia, which developed into a military confrontation, relationships between the peoples of the two nations have sustained a serious impact.  In response, the International Youth Human Rights Movement is launching an initiative to strengthen dialogue and mutual understanding between the peoples of Georgia and Russia.  They are appealing to all NGOs from the two countries to join this initiative and contribute to strengthening connections between Georgians and Russians.  They also invite NGOs from other countries to join the initiative as partners.

To read the declaration in English, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/11sept08eng.pdf

To read the declaration in Russian, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/11sept08rus.pdf

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

• Democracy Resource Center (DRC) – www.ned.org/research/research.html
• New Tactics in Human Rights (New Tactics) – www.newtactics.org
• Transparency International (TI) – www.transparency.org
• East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) – www.yorku.ca/crs/AHRDP
• Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) – http://fhri.or.ug
• Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights (TIHR) – www.chrono-tm.org
• International Youth Human Rights Movement – www.yhrm.org