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September 2004
CONTENTS
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Statement by Russian NGOs and Individuals Concerning Recent Terrorist Attacks
2. Malaysian Civil Society Organizations Welcome Court's Judgment Freeing Anwar
3. Aksam Nu'aysa Released from Prison/More Detentions in Syria
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
4. Call for Applications: Fellowship for Threatened Scholars
5. Call for Applications: Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program for United States Citizens
6. Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
CIVIC EDUCATION
7. Call for Collaboration: "Connecting Islam and Democracy"
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
8. Free Outreach Tool for Democracy Activists
9. Call for Nominations: The Center of Philanthropy and Civil Society's Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
10. Call for Applications: Scholar of Peace Fellowships
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
11. Conference on Increasing Citizen Participation in Local Governance, October 27-28, Durban, South Africa
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
12. Recent Publication: "A Retrospective of CIPE's Accomplishments 1983-2000"
HUMAN RIGHTS 13. Call for Nominations: International Justice and Human Rights Award
14. New Norwegian Human Rights House Launched
15. Online Course on "The United Nations Human Rights System"
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
16. First Annual "ICTs and Civil Society" Conference, March 2-4, 2005, Johannesburg, South Africa
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
17. New Online Journal Issue: Changemakers
18. Call for Submissions: African Journal on Youth Studies
19. Asia's Young Liberals Adopt Strategic Plan at Manila Workshop
20. Youth Training in Iraqi Kurdish Provinces
RESEARCH
21. Call for Submissions: "Transformation of Political and Social Institutions."
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
22. Call for Applications: "No Corruption- Civic Control of Local Authorities"
23. Call for Collaboration: Search for Partners to Promote Good Governance
24. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Statement by Russian NGOs and Individuals Concerning Recent Terrorist Attacks A number of Russian NGOs, including several participating organizations in the World Movement for Democracy, have circulated a statement in response to the recent terrorist attacks in the country. The statement, co-signed by World Movement Steering Committee member, Yuri Dzhibladze, is available in English and Russian.
To read and sign the statement, go to: www.hro.org/war/2004/09/beslan_e.php
2. Malaysian Civil Society Organizations Welcome Court's Judgment Freeing Anwar World Movement for Democracy participating organizations in Malaysia have released statements welcoming the recent decision of the Malaysian Federal Court to overturn the conviction of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In 1988, Anwar was abruptly fired from his position as Deputy Prime Minister by then-Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, because of differences over how to handle the Asian financial crisis. In 2000, Anwar was arrested, tried, and jailed on charges of sodomy and corruption; however, many of Anwar's supporters interpreted the ruling as an act of personal revenge by Mahathir against Anwar, who would have likely been his successor. While civil society organizations regard the recent decision by the Court to free Anwar as good news for democracy in Malaysia, they also recognize the challenges that exist in the judicial process and call for reforms and stronger justice in the system.
To review statements by World Movement participating organizations, go to: Suaram's Statement (September 2) http://www.suaram.net/display_statement.asp?ID=118
Malaysiakini's Opinion Feature: http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinionsfeatures/29766 (More articles and opinion features at www.malaysiakini.com)
Also see: Anwar's Message to the World Movement's Third Assembly in Durban, South Africa: www.wmd.org/third_assembly/anwar_durban.html
3. Aksam Nu'aysa Released from Prison/More Detentions in Syria On August 16, 2004, Aksam Nu'aysa, the President of the Committee for the Defense of Democratic Liberties and Human Rights in Syria (CDDLHR), about whose case we have previously issued an alert, was released after a 4-month detention. The court required the posting of 10,000 Syrian Lira (USD 200) bond and the court date has been set for October 24, 2004. Mr. Nu'aysa was jailed in April for collecting the signatures of 7,000 intellectuals in Syria demanding the abolition of the Emergency Laws that have been in effect since 1963. He had also recently published his 2004 human rights report critical of the authorities. In the meantime, more activists have recently been detained.
Go to: www.wmd.org/democracyalert/june804.html
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
4. Call for Applications: Fellowship for Threatened Scholars
The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund provides fellowships for scholars whose lives and work are threatened in their home countries. Through these fellowships, scholars may find temporary refuge at universities and colleges anywhere in the world, which enables them to continue their research and share their knowledge with students, colleagues, and the community at large. Once conditions at home improve, scholars will return to help rebuild universities and societies ravaged by fear, conflict, and repression. Academics, researchers, and independent scholars from any country, field or discipline may qualify as fellows. Universities, colleges and research centers in any country may apply to serve as hosts. Institutions interested in hosting a particular scholar should submit a letter with the scholar's application. Non-emergency applications are reviewed in September, January, and April each year. Emergency applications may be reviewed on a more frequent basis.
Go to: www.iie.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/Activity/ActivityDisplay.cfm&activityid=399
5. Call for Application: Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program for United States Citizens
The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for its nine-month fellowship program that enables young professionals from the U.S. to acquire an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, and cultural environment of Europe. Fellows will complete internships in key German institutions, such as the Federal Government, Parliament, headquarters of private corporations, major German media, associations, and cultural institutions. Fellows gain understanding on issues facing the European Union and Germany today through their work experience, lectures, and seminar visits across Europe. Applications for September 2005 must be received no later than October 15, 2004.
Go to: www.cdsintl.org/fromusa/bosch.htm
6. 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. Projects may focus on the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and include a range of methodologies and approaches. 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.
For more information, visit: www.ned.org/forum/R-FApplication.pdf or contact: fellowships@ned.org CIVIC EDUCATION
7. Call for Collaboration: "Connecting Islam and Democracy"
The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) and Street Law launched a new project to develop, publish, and disseminate textbooks on "Islam and Democracy" in four Arab states--Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Jordan. The CSID and Street Law are looking for partners from each country to serve as consultants in designing and disseminating the textbooks and training materials. NGO leaders and activists, youth leaders, political and religious leaders, and journalists are encouraged to apply. The orientation and planning seminars for the project are scheduled for early October and early December. Applications to participate in the project must be submitted by September 14, 2004.
For details in Arabic and English, go to: www.ned.org/forum/R-FApplication.pdf or contact: fellowships@ned.org
CIVIL SOCIETY STRENGTHENING
8. Free Outreach Tool for Democracy Activists
Catalytic Communities (CatComm) recently launched a Spanish-language portal to complement its existing Web site in English and Portuguese. The Web site includes a Community Solutions Database, which features detailed descriptions of various community problems and ways in which they were successfully addressed by different groups. Through the database, grassroots solutions to a host of social and environmental problems -- ranging from democracy-building and advocacy to HIV prevention and housing -- are shared among community leaders worldwide. To document your group's democracy-building program, visit the CatComm Web site, select your preferred language, and then click on "Include My Project" immediately below the Community Solutions Database. Your submission will be translated into all three languages and posted on the CatComm's Web site where it will be available to the press, potential volunteers, funders, and colleagues around the world.
Go to: www.catcomm.org or
To submit your project details offline through MS Word version, or if you have any difficulties describing your project, contact: csd@catcomm.org.
9. Call for Nominations: The Center of Philanthropy and Civil Society's Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society's Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program is currently accepting applications from scholars and practitioners interested in building Third-Sector capacity. The Program provides leadership training through applied research and professional mentorship for young scholar-practitioners in the nonprofit sector. If selected, fellows will be based at The City University of New York. The application deadline is September 30, 2004.
Go to: www.philanthropy.org/programs/intnl_fellows_program.html
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
10. Call for Applications: Scholar of Peace Fellowships Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP) is now accepting applications for the Scholar of Peace fellowship program. The fellowship program explores a range of areas, such as human security, conflict transformation and peace building, multi-track diplomacy, terrorism, regional cooperation, human rights, diversity, and coexistence. Fellowships are awarded for academic research, media projects, and other special projects. The Fellowship program focuses on methods that promote an inclusive, gender sensitive discourse on a range of issues related to peace, security and conflict transformation in the South Asian region. Application must be received by September 15, 2004.
Go to: www.furhhdl.org/wiscomp/html/index.htm
DECENTRALIZATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
11. Conference on Increasing Citizen Participation in Local Governance, October 27-28, Durban, South Africa
On October 27-28, 2004, the Democracy Development Programme (DDP) and the School of Public Administration and Development Management of the University of KwaZulu Natal will hold a conference in Durban, South Africa. The conference, "Deepening Local Democracy, Enhancing Citizen Participation, and Developing Collaborative Partnerships Beyond the First Decade," will bring together a select number of local government stakeholders, including practitioners, councilors, officials, policy makers, and civil society organizations. Experts in the field of local governance will present case studies and best practice models.
For more information on the conference, go to: http://www.ddp.org.za, or contact: Karishmad@ddpdurban.org.za
ECONOMIC REFORM AND THE BUSINESS SECTOR
12. Recent Publication: "The Business Case for Democracy -- A Retrospective of CIPE's Accomplishments 1983-2000"
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) released its latest annual report, which takes a retrospective look at the 20 years of CIPE's efforts in promoting democratic reforms around the world. The report is divided into several chapters that focus on a particular topic: the Business Case for Democracy, Business Associations, Advocacy for Reform, Women and Youth Participation, Access to Information, Property Rights and the Informal Sector, Combating Corruption, Corporate Governance, and Democratic Governance. Each section also features an essay written by a prominent expert in the field.
One of the essays featured in the report, "Local Knowledge and Institutional Reform," was written by Nobel Prize-winning economist Douglass North. In this article, Douglass North claims that in order to design effective reform policies that would lead to economic growth, it is essential to understand the cultural heritage and historical background of a country and employ the local knowledge in developing local institutions, including property rights and legal system.
To read the report, go to: www.cipe.org/about/report/
HUMAN RIGHTS
13. Call for Nominations: International Justice and Human Rights Award The University of Connecticut is accepting nominations for the Thomas J. Dodd Prize in International Justice and Human Rights. The prize, which commemorates U.S. Senator Thomas Dodd's commitment to fight against suppression of human rights, will be presented to an individual or group who has made a significant effort to advance the cause of international justice and global human rights. The awardee will receive a prize of $75,000. The application deadline is November 1, 2004.
Go to: http://doddprize.uconn.edu/about.htm
14. New Norwegian Human Rights House Launched
On August 27, 2004, Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik honored the opening of a new Norwegian Human Rights House in Oslo. The new Human Rights House gathers nine different human rights organizations in the same building to "strengthen the defense of human dignity." This house is the newest addition to the Human Rights House Network that was launched 15 years ago. The Human Rights House Network is an international forum of cooperation among independent human rights houses. By bringing groups together, the network generates synergy, capacity, creativity, security, and cooperation among the 70 human rights organizations in the Network. The Human Rights House Foundation has developed a manual, which is available online, describing how to establish a Human Rights House. The purpose is to help NGO's collaborate and share knowledge and resources through co-location.
For more information go to: www.humanrightshouse.org/dllvis5.asp?id=2306
For the manual, go to: www.humanrightshouse.org/assets/1000manual_2004.pdf
15. Online Course on "The United Nations Human Rights System"
Human Rights Education Associates (HREA) is accepting applications for a new HREA distance-learning course, "The United Nations Human Rights System," that will be offered in February-May 2005. The course will provide a brief introduction to the UN human rights system, the core UN human rights standards and supervisory machineries, the charter- and treaty-based system of human rights protection, the role of the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Subcommission on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly, and the Security Council. The online course, which will focus on the history, mandate, and composition of the Commission on Human Rights and the role of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, will enable students to follow the deliberations of the Commission and understand the human rights system processes.
Go to: www.hrea.org/courses/10E.html
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
16. First Annual "ICTs and Civil Society" Conference, March 2-4, 2005, Johannesburg, South Africa
The Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) will be organizing its first annual "ICTs and Civil Society" conference on March 2-4, 2005 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The conference will focus on the ICT challenges facing the civil society organizations (CSOs) by highlighting and promoting practical benefits, opportunities, and lessons learned. It will provide an opportunity to both CSOs that are ICT-enabled, as well as those organizations which are considering introducing ICT solutions to their work, to discuss critical issues of common concern and learn from each other's experiences. The conference will also include an exhibition where CSOs and ICT service providers will be able to showcase their products and services.
Go to: www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=25026
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
17. New Online Journal Issue: Changemakers
Changemakers is an online Journal initiated by Ashoka, a global nonprofit organization which strives to address various social problems through social entrepreneurship. The latest issue focuses on how young people can be the key to jump-starting civic participation in a society. The issue highlights Aracati, an organization that encourages Brazil's citizens - especially its youth - to participate and be active in identifying and working on solutions to their nation's problems.
Go to: www.changemakers.net/journal/04august/fallender.cfm
18. Call for Submissions: African Journal on Youth Studies
The biennial African Journal on Youth Studies (AJOYS) was recently launched to provide researchers and organizations working on youth development in Africa and elsewhere the opportunity to report their findings and exchange information. The Journal will showcase youth contributions to development, provide an avenue for youths to express their view on issues affecting them and development, and empower African youth for greater development. AJOYS will accept article submissions for the next issue of Journal until October 31st, 2004.
For information on article submission requirements contact cenduserve@yahoo.com
19. Asia's Young Liberals Adopt Strategic Plan at Manila Workshop
The Young Liberal and Democrats of Asia (YLDA) met for its first Strategic Planning Workshop in Manila on August 18-21, 2004. Young leaders from seven Asian countries reviewed the organization's mission statement, assessed the group's strengths and weaknesses, and defined a list of strategic goals for the future. During the General Meeting following the workshop, it was decided that the permanent secretariat of YLDA be in Manila and that the second General Meeting will be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in October 2004.
For more information on YDLA, go to: www.yldasia.org
20. Youth Training in Iraqi Kurdish Provinces
The American Society of Kurds (ASK) recently concluded its 2003-2004 youth training program in the three Kurdish provinces of Iraq (Arbil, Duhok, Sulaymania). For a period of eight months, ASK held weekly educational meetings that focused on human rights and leadership skills. ASK fostered cooperation and goodwill among young women and men who had a chance to spend time together for the first time since the internal fighting between the two Kurdish factions began in 1996. Upon conclusion of the program, participants were assigned to various local NGOs to work as interns.
Go to: www.askurds.org or contact, Salah Aziz at askurds@yahoo.com
RESEARCH
21. Call for Submissions: "Transformation of Political and Social Institutions."
The East Europe Research Club based in Kaliningrad, Russia, is currently working on the third issue of the Baltic Studies Yearbook, which will focus on "Transformation of Political and Social Institutions." The Baltic Studies Yearbook Editorial Board welcomes articles and proposals from all perspectives pertaining to the following subjects: parties and party systems; parliamentary systems; and institutionalizations of the society (formation of NGOs, foundations, professional organizations, trade unions, etc). The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2004. Baltic Studies Yearbook is an independent journal published in Russian, but articles and proposals written in English, Polish, and Czech are also welcome.
To submit articles and for more information on submission guidelines, contact: Igor Joukovskii at Joukovski_igor@mail.ru, or by fax: +7 0112 53 82 81
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
22. Call for Applications: "No Corruption- Civic Control of Local Authorities"
The Foundation for Polish-Czech-Slovak Solidarity, in cooperation with the Independent Society for Education and Human Rights, is currently accepting applications for a project, "No Corruption-Civic Control of Local Authorities." Moldovan civil society activists working on anti-corruption, journalists, and local government authorities are encouraged to apply. The project will consist of two ten-day study tours in Poland, during which participants will attend lectures and meetings concerning the following issues: the legal and institutional monitoring of activities undertaken by local authorities; the monitoring of local authorities by independent media; and the role of citizens' committees and NGOs in monitoring the activities of local authorities. Russian interpretation will be available for every lecture and meeting. A seminar summarizing the project will be organized in November 2004 in Chisinau.
For more information, got to: www.spczs.engo.pl/index_en.php?dzial=news&newsid=57
For application form, go to: www.wmd.org/documents/no-corruption-applicationform-9-2004.doc
23. Call for Collaboration: Search for Partners to Promote Good Governance
The Global Network for Good Governance (GNGG) is searching for partners to expand its network. The GNGG was formed in 2000 and includes individuals and organizations from 21 countries that work together to fight corruption and promote good governance. The Secretariat of the GNGG is based in Lime, Cameroon. Among other activities, GNGG holds focus discussions, provides legal advice and assistance, conducts training programs, and disseminates information. The GNGG is interested in finding groups or individuals to help open branches in several major capital cities around the world, including London, Rome, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
If interested, contact: Mukete Tahle Itoe, GNGG Secretary General,Cameroon at gngg2000@yahoo.com 24.WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
- American Society of Kurds (ASK) - www.askurds.org
- Catalytic Communities (CatComm) - www.catcomm.org
- Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) - www.cipe.org
- Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) - www.islam-democracy.org/
- Democracy Development Programme (DDP) - www.ddp.org.za/
- Human Rights House Network - www.humanrightshouse.org/vis.asp?id=1
- National Endowment for Democracy (NED) - www.ned.org
- Polish-Czech-Slovak Solidarity - www.spczs.engo.pl/index_en.php
- Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) - www.sn.apc.org/corporate/index.shtml
- Street Law - http://www.streetlaw.org/
- Yuri Dzhibladze, Center for the Development of Democracy and Human Rights - www.demokratia.ru/
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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