February 2010

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February 2010

Contents

Democracy Alerts/ Appeals
Update: Liu Xiaobo’s Appeal is Denied

Announcements and Events
IFES Announces Photography Contest
Geneva Summit for Human Rights, Tolerance and Democracy Set for March 2010

Civil Society Strengthening
CIVICUS Civil Society Index Now Accessible Online

Conflict Resolution and Transitional Justice
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum Launches Transitional Justice Program
Spring Peace Academy in Romania Set for May 2010

Constitutionalism and Institution Building
Kenyan NGO Analyzes Failure to Reform Kenyan Constitution

Elections
North South Institute Holds Elections and Conflict Workshop
IFES Releases Public Service Announcements in Tajikistan

Gender Issues and Sexual Minority Rights
FEMNET Publishes Case Studies on Freedom of Information and Gender in Africa

Good Governance, Transparency and Anti-Corruption
Call for Information: Cases of Civic Action Campaigns

Human Rights, Equality and Access to Justice
Call for Human Rights-Based Approach to Humanitarian Assistance for Haiti
Arab Human Rights Organizations Condemn Smear Campaigns against Tunisian Activists
Dissident Activists Arrested in Vietnam
Members of WOZA Arrested in Zimbabwe
Human Rights Organizations Voice Concern over Kenya’s Approach to National Security
Oslo Film Festival Features “Getting Justice: Kenya's deadly game of wait and see”
Democracy Coalition Project Issues Translations of Annual Report
Human Rights Watch Releases World Report 2010

Political Parties and Political Leadership
Center for Democratic Institutions in Australia Concludes Development Course for Parliamentarians

Role of International Institutions
European Union Establishes Clear Direction for Democracy Support
New Guide for Engagement with the African Union

Young People's Political and Civic Participation
Today’s Youth Asia Award Winner Announced in Kathmandu
Youth Leadership Workshops Held in Liberia

World Movement Participants Mentioned in this Issue

 

Democracy Alerts/Appeals

Update: Liu Xiaobo’s Appeal is Denied
According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), in January, the Beijing Upper Court refused to grant Liu Xiaobo’s request for an appeal hearing.  Liu, a prominent Chinese dissident and principal author of “Charter ‘08,” was sentenced to 11 years in jail on December 25 for “inciting subversion of state power.”  “Charter ‘08,” a public appeal calling for bold reforms that promote democracy and human rights in China, was published via the Internet in December 2008; Liu was arrested for posting the appeal that same month.  He was detained for over a year awaiting his trial.

Also, Vaclav Havel, former dissident and first president of the Czech Republic (1993–2003), expressed strong solidarity and sympathy with Liu Xiaobo in a recent interview with Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China and World Movement participant.  Havel said: “It’s incumbent upon us, who have lived through those times and those experiences … to be among the first ones to show solidarity with those who are persecuted for the same reasons.”  Havel emphasized that solidarity can send a clear message to the Chinese government that “it can’t just do whatever it wishes.”

Human Rights in China will publish the full interview with Vaclav Havel in the 2010-1 issue of “China Rights Forum,” an issue on freedom of expression, including a comprehensive dossier on Liu Xiaobo’s case.

For more information on the appeal, go to (in Chinese): www.crd-net.org/Article/Class18/lxb/201001/20100121130737_19539.html

For more information about Sharon Hom’s interview with Vaclav Havel, go to: www.hrichina.org

For previous alerts, go to: www.wmd.org/democracynews/jan10.html#1

 

Announcements and Events

IFES Announces Photography Contest
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is accepting submissions for its democracy-themed 2010 Photography Contest that began on January 29, 2010.  This year, IFES encourages images of individuals supporting or participating in the electoral process, or efforts that demonstrate the value of institutions of democratic governance and citizen engagement. Two distinct groups are eligible for entry: the general public and current IFES employees. One winner and as many as ten finalists will be named for each category. The winner of each category will receive US $400.  The deadline for entries is March 8, 2010.

Go to:  www.ifes.org/photocontest.html

Geneva Summit for Human Rights, Tolerance and Democracy Set for March 2010
The second Geneva Summit for Human Rights, Tolerance and Democracy will take place on March 8-9, 2010.  The event will bring together renowned human rights defenders, dissidents and experts to advocate UN and international action on some of the world’s most compelling human rights issues and situations.  Topics will include Internet freedom, gender equality, freedom of speech, and defending ethnic minorities, among others.

Go to: www.genevasummit.org

 

Civil Society Strengthening

CIVICUS Civil Society Index Now Accessible Online
The CIVICUS Civil Society Index (CSI) has recently launched its new Indicator Database, which showcases data gathered from 2003-2006 about civil society in more than 50 countries.  The Database is accessible online and is available to all users free of charge.  It is searchable by country, dimension, and individual indicator.  The CIVICUS CSI serves as an action planning tool for civil society around the world, with the aim of creating a knowledge base and momentum for civil society strengthening initiatives.  Each individualized report provides a thorough assessment of the state of civil society in the participating country.  Individual country reports from the 2003-2006 research phase are also currently available to download. The Civil Society Index project will make their findings from 2008-2010 accessible later this year.

Go to: www.civicus.org/csi-phase1/index.php

 

Conflict Resolution and Transitional Justice

Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum Launches Transitional Justice Program
On February 3, 2010, the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum launched a Transitional Justice Program to reach out to Zimbabweans residing in the United Kingdom to encourage a dialogue on developing a transitional justice model for Zimbabwe.  The launch of the program was marked with an event in London with keynote speaker Sekai Holland, Zimbabwe’s Minister for National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration.  Similar programs will be launched in South Africa this month.

Go to: www.hrforumzim.com/diaspora.pdf

Spring Peace Academy in Romania Set for May 2010
The International Peace and Development Training Center (IPDTC), along with Peace Action, Training and Research Institute of Romania, has announced the launch of the IPDTC Spring Peace Academy 2010.  Programs will focus on knowledge building and skills training for policy makers and practitioners working in peace-building, conflict transformation, development work, humanitarian aid, gender, and governance.  The first session, on May 17-21, 2010, in Romania, is titled “Advanced Mediation and Peacemaking: Achieving Resolution and Transformation in Intractable and Complex Conflicts.” The second session will take place on May 24-28, 2010, in Romania, and is titled “Designing Peacebuilding Programmes.”

Go to: www.patrir.ro.training

 

Constitutionalism and Institution Building

Kenyan NGO Analyzes Failure to Reform Kenyan Constitution
Bunge la Mwananchi (BLM), a Kenyan organization that operates through a combination of the English parliamentary system and the traditional African community gatherings for dialogue, strives to create public space for democratic actions to reform socio-economic issues and transform the politics of Kenya.  Recently, BLM released a newsletter that features a thorough analysis of the failure to reform the Kenyan Constitution, by correspondent George Nyongesa.  In his article, Nyongesa explains how political games are denying Ken­yans long overdue reforms.

Go to: www.bungelamwananchi.org/images/publication004.pdf

 

Elections

North South Institute Holds Elections and Conflict Workshop
On October 29-30, 2009, the North South Institute held a workshop on elections and conflict in Ottawa, Canada.  The workshop addressed the causes, indicators, and consequences of electoral discord and violence with the goal of articulating good practices for conflict prevention and mitigation before, during, and after elections. The event brought together a combination of policy experts, officials, and UN election administrators for an expert panel discussion.

Go to: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/_research/2009-10/2009_10_RES-WSC_elect&cnflct_BR_CAN.html

IFES Releases Public Service Announcements in Tajikistan
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), working with national and international partners, recently supported the development of TV and radio public service announcements to educate and motivate voters for national legislative and local elections in Tajikistan to be held February 28.  These elections represent the first in the country in which voters will be casting ballots for heads of local governing councils.  The service announcements are part of a larger informational campaign for Tajikistan’s voters.  They will air in Tajik on three state-owned TV channels and two national radio stations from January 23 to February 26, 2010.

To view What to expect at the polling station, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ak-f75f7glU

To view World champion martial artist urges young people to vote, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-f4oE6Ag10

 

Gender Issues and Minority Rights

FEMNET Publishes Case Studies on Freedom of Information and Gender in Africa
To help strengthen women’s participation in the lobbying for freedom of information in Africa, FEMNET has collected case studies in Cameroon, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia.  The case studies have been compiled into a book that will be distributed to African women’s organizations to be used in their advocacy and lobbying work.  The book aims to enhance the collective participation of African women in lobbying for the enactment and implementation of Freedom of Information in their respective countries.  FEMNET partnered with UNESCO to execute this project.

To receive a full copy of the book, send an email to communication@femnet.or.ke

 

Good Governance, Transparency and Anti-Corruption

Call for Information: Cases of Civic Action Campaigns
The International Center on Nonviolent Conflict is asking for cases of civic action campaigns or movements, as well as cases of citizen participation, in the fight against corruption.  Through an international research project, Ms. Shaazka Beyerle will document and study civic initiatives to identify general lessons learned and best practices.  Corruption may be the sole focus, or it may be linked to other concerns, such as poverty, democracy, accountability, budgets/spending, state service provision, human rights, or other issues. 

Contact Shaazka Beyerle: sbeyerle@nonviolent-conflict.org for more information.

Go to: http://socialtransparency.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/beyerle_call-for-cases2010.pdf

 

Human Rights, Equality and Access to Justice

Call for Human Rights-Based Approach to Humanitarian Assistance for Haiti
In January, several organizations, including the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, issued a statement calling for a human rights-based approach to humanitarian assistance in Haiti and urging international donor organizations and NGOs to adhere to international human rights principles in responding to the needs of Haitians.  The recovery process in Haiti will take many years which makes it all the more critical that clear human rights principles guide the process. In response to past emergencies, Haiti has experienced uncoordinated and unpredictable aid and broken promises, leading to even greater suffering.  By creating a coordinated response, the international community should take steps to ensure that assistance efforts do not exacerbate or reinforce marginalization or human rights abuses that pre-dated the earthquake.

Go to: www.rfkcenter.org/files/100114_HaitiAid_Statement_FINAL.pdf

Arab Human Rights Organizations Condemn Smear Campaigns against Tunisian Activists
On January 10, several Arab human rights organizations, including World Movement participating organization, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), issued a statement condemning the smear campaigns launched against prominent Tunisian human rights defenders Kamel Jendoubi, Sihem Bensedrine, Mokhtar Trifi, and Khamis Chamari.  The signatories declare their solidarity with human rights defenders in Tunisia, and they place full responsibility for these smear campaigns in the pro-government press with the Tunisian authorities. The supporting organizations believe that these slanderous campaigns are a cover for the brutal practices of the Tunisian police state, which have targeted human rights defenders and critics of the state’s repressive policies particularly over the last year.

Go to: www.cihrs.org/English/NewsSystem/Articles/2528

Dissident Activists Arrested in Vietnam
According to the Vietnam Committee on Human Rights (VCHR), four pro-democracy activists in Vietnam have received between 5 and 16 years in prison for “activities aimed at overthrowing the people’s administration.”  Those imprisoned include Internet entrepreneur Tran Huynh Duy Thuc, engineer and blogger Nguyen Tien Trung, human rights lawyer Le Cong Dinh, and businessman Le Thang Long.  They were charged under Article 79 of the Criminal Code, which has been denounced by the United Nations as a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights since it does not differentiate between activities of terrorism and legitimate civic participation.  Those who were allowed to watch the trial via video, claim that it was unfair, considering that the proceedings were hastily wrapped up in one day and the judges’ conclusions were clearly prepared in advance.  This case is especially troubling, as Vietnam recently became chair of ASEAN and the new ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

Go to: www.queme.net/eng/news_detail.php?numb=1287

Members of WOZA Arrested in Zimbabwe
On February 2, 2010, 22 members of Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) were arrested at a private residence where they were discussing the constitutional reform process.  The members were later released without being charged.  These latest arrests follow the events on January 28, when 11 WOZA members were beaten, arrested, and later released without being charged after a group of 200 marched to the government complex to deliver a WOZA report on the failing state of the education system in Zimbabwe.  In the January 28 incident, after dispersing from the Minister of Education’s office, riot police charged out of the nearby police station and beat protesters along with innocent bystanders. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights quickly attempted to intervene on behalf of the detained, but were unable to locate them during their incarceration. Several hours later, protesters were released without charge or explanation. WOZA vows to continue demonstrating until the fees that keep children out of school are removed.

Go to: http://wozazimbabwe.org

Human Rights Organizations Voice Concern over Kenya’s Approach to National Security
On January 26, 2010, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) issued a statement expressing their concern about the Kenyan Government’s approach to security and counter-terrorism, as evidenced by the deportation of Abdullah Al-Faisal, a Jamaican Muslim.  At the end of 2009, Al-Faisal entered Kenya through the Lunga Lunga border point where, as the Minister of Immigration has explained, the computerized vetting system was not operational.  The government then detained him without trial at the Industrial Area Remand Prison for an alleged immigration offense: preaching without an appropriate entry permit.  KHRC and FIDH claim that Kenya has on at least two occasions been the target of terrorist attacks, yet its response continues to be alternatively inadequate and then excessive in human rights violations. The Al-Faisal case reveals the inability of the government to balance security with
human rights.

Go to: www.fidh.org/Press-Statement-on-Security-Counter-Terrorism-and

Oslo Film Festival Features “Getting Justice: Kenya's deadly game of wait and see”
On February 3, 2010, the Oslo “Human Rights Human Wrongs” Film Festival featured "Getting Justice: Kenya's deadly game of wait and see,” a documentary film by World Movement Steering Committee member Maina Kiai that explores the causes and consequences of the violence surrounding Kenya’s 2007 presidential, parliamentary, and civic elections.  In the film, Mr. Kiai questions the involvement of the police in the violence and explores options for how to carry out investigations and resolve lingering issues surrounding the events of 2007.

To view the trailer, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk46hp2MWbQ

Democracy Coalition Project Issues Translations of Annual Report
In January, the Democracy Coalition Project (DCP) provided translations of its annual report, Human Rights Council Report Card: Government Positions on Key Issues 2008-2009, in Arabic, French, Russian, and Spanish to facilitate wider comprehension and distribution to a global audience.  The report assesses the work of the UN Human Rights Council by studying the positions of governments on important thematic and country-specific issues during the Council's third year of work.  DCP's annual assessments aim to increase transparency and accountability of the work of the United Nations and its individual member states in the promotion of universal human rights standards and democratic development.

For Arabic, go to: www.demcoalition.org/site09-2008/pdf/pdf/Arabic%20DCP%20HRC%20Report%20Card%202008-2009.pdf

For French, go to: www.demcoalition.org/site09-2008/pdf/pdf/French%20DCP%20HRC%20Report%20Card%202008-2009.pdf

For Russian, go to: www.demcoalition.org/site09-2008/pdf/pdf/Russian%20DCP%20HRC%20Report%20Card%202008-2009.pdf
For Spanish, go to: www.demcoalition.org/site09-2008/pdf/pdf/Spanish%20DCP%20HRC%20Report%20Card%202008-2009.pdf

Human Rights Watch Releases World Report 2010
In January, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released “World Report 2010,” the organization’s 20th annual report summarizing human rights conditions in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide. The report reflects extensive investigative work undertaken in 2009 by the HRW staff, usually in close partnership with human rights activists on the ground.  The report highlights attempts by governments to silence and attack human rights defenders.  HRW calls on governmental supporters of human rights to help defend the defenders by identifying and countering these reactionary efforts.

Go to: www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2010

 

Political Parties and Political Leadership

Center for Democratic Institutions in Australia Concludes Development Course for Parliamentarians
On October 30, the Center for Democratic Institutions (CDI), an organization based in Canberra, Australia, concluded its new professional development course for members of parliament from the Pacific Islands region and Timor-Leste.  The course was aimed at relatively new parliamentarians who want to better understand their roles and responsibilities and who aspire to be better prepared for future leadership positions.  Sixteen parliamentarians from across the region participated in the course.

Go to: www.cdi.anu.edu.au/.asia_pacific_region/2009-10/2009_10_AP_PRO_RMG.htm

 

Role of International Institutions

European Union Establishes Clear Direction for Democracy Support
The European Union Council recently agreed upon a common approach for democracy support after several months of deliberations.  The purpose of the new agenda is to improve the cohesiveness and effectiveness of EU democracy support.  The released document clearly outlines common values and central principles among member states and details key areas where further action is needed.  Expected actions include a country-specific approach to democracy building; an increase in building local partnerships and dialogue; improved coordination between headquarters and the local country; mainstreaming of human rights, democracy, and rule of law in all activities; increasing efforts to promote democracy activities within international bodies; and increasing visibility of democracy support.

Go to: www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/gena/111250.pdf

New Guide for Engagement with the African Union
The Africa Governance and Monitoring Project of the Open Society Institute and Oxfam International released a new guide to assist citizens in gaining access to the African Union (AU) and to encourage active engagement of civil society with the AU.  The guide, released during a time of major AU reforms, was written to create greater openness and understanding of civic engagement with the work of the organization and to encourage civil society to support the AU and advocate for improved policies within it.

Go to: www.afrimap.org/report.php#45

 

Young People's Political and Civic Participation

Today’s Youth Asia Award Winner Announced in Kathmandu
On January 9, 2010, the “Today’s Youth Asia” award for 2009-10 was presented to Lesley Abdela in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Ms. Abdela is best-known for her work as a specialist in gender studies and her work with emergencies and disasters.  She was the GENCAP Senior Gender Advisor to UN Agencies in Kathmandu, Nepal, and has worked extensively with many international agencies and NGOs in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Nepal, as well as in the Middle East and North and sub-Saharan Africa.  She was most recently in Nepal to conduct workshops for 75 young Pakistani journalists on best-practices in reporting issues of extreme sensitivity.

Go to: www.tyasia.org

Youth Leadership Workshops Held in Liberia
In the last three months, the National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) and Liberia’s Peace Building Program held a series of Youth Leadership and Community Dialogue/Forums, bringing together students, teachers, and community-based organizations. The objective was to empower participants with the skills needed to make informed choices on critical issues.  Experts shared with participants their knowledge on prosecution of crimes, conflict prevention, peer mediation in conflict, leadership techniques, and community development.  Other forums focused on developmental issues, how to increase youth involvement, and youth leadership.  At each forum, participants identified their major concerns and outlined a path forward to address these issues.  Next steps include hosting regular monthly meetings in rotating locations to increase involvement and mass dissemination of information from meetings in various media outlets.

Go to: www.wmd.org/documents/0210dn24.pdf

 

World Movement Participants Mentioned in this Issue

Human Rights in China – www.hrichina.org
International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) – www.ifes.org
CIVICUS – www.civicus.org
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum - www.hrforumzim.com
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) – www.cihrs.org
Vietnam Committee on Human Rights (VCHR) – www.queme.org
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) - http://wozazimbabwe.org
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) - www.zlhr.org.zw
Maina Kiai, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) - www.wmd.org/about/steering.html#kiai
Democracy Coalition Project (DCP) – www.demcoalition.org
Human Rights Watch (HRW) – www.hrw.org
Center for Democratic Institutions (CDI) -www.cdi.anu.edu.au
Open Society Institute (OSI) - www.soros.org
National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) -

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 World Movement for Democracy or fax at +1-202- 378-9889, and we will try to provide the information to you by other means.