June 2010

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June 2010

Contents

Democracy Alerts/Appeals
 
World Movement Network Updates
 
Announcements & Events
 
Defending Civil Society
 
Conflict Resolution & Transitional Justice
 
Economic Reform & the Business Sector
 
Elections
 
Gender Issues & Sexual Minority Rights
 
Good Governance, Transparency, & Anti-Corruption
 
Human Rights, Equality, & Access to Justice
 
 
Democracy Alerts/Appeals
 
Update: UN Calls for Investigation into Death of World Movement Participant Floribert Chebeya
According to THE NEW YORK TIMES, on June 3, the United Nations officially called for an investigation into the death of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire, a leading human rights activist in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and World Movement participant, who was found dead in his car near Kinshasa on June 2. Three days prior to his death, Mr. Chebeya Bahizire had been summoned by General John Numbi, the General Inspectorate of Police in Ligwala, Kinshasa.
 
On the same day the UN issued its official statement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement calling on the government of the DRC to urgently open a credible and transparent investigation with the assistance of the UN. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Chebeya Bahizire’s death were certainly suspicious, especially considering the increased harassment of human rights activists in Congo in the past year.  HRW asserts that without UN involvement any investigation will lack credibility and transparency.
 
To read THE NEW YORK TIMES article, go to: www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/world/africa/04briefs-Congo.html
 
To read the statement from HRW, go to: www.hrw.org/node/90781
 
To read the World Movement’s previous alert regarding Mr. Chebeya Bahizire’s death and to take action, go to: www.wmd.org/alerts/world-movement-participant-found-dead-drc
 
Burma Campaign UK Calls for Immediate Medical Care for Political Prisoner
Burma Campaign UK, an NGO working for the promotion of human rights, democracy and development in Burma, is calling on concerned individuals to sign an online petition to ensure immediate medical treatment for Burmese political prisoner, Ko Mya Aye, who is currently being denied treatment for his heart condition. Ko Mya Aye is one of the leaders of 88 Generation Students Group, which led protests in 1988 and again in 2007. He is currently detained in Taungyi Prison in Shan State, miles from emergency medical care, and too far away for family to make regular visits. Ko Mya Aye appears to be suffering from angina, which has recently become unstable causing heart failure and requiring urgent medical treatment.
 
Burma’s generals systematically use the denial of medical treatment to mistreat and abuse political prisoners, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), which estimates that 137 political prisoners are currently being denied proper medical care.
 
 
WFDA Condemns Violence in Thailand
On May 27, the World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) issued a statement condemning the recurrence of violence in Thailand and calling for a peaceful settlement and national reconciliation. Violence broke out again in Bangkok on May 14-18, between security forces and anti-government demonstrators from the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD, commonly known as the “red shirts”), resulting in more than 50 deaths. WFDA asserts that the current calm in Bangkok is only superficial and that deeper issues must be properly addressed to prevent further conflict. WFDA calls on the government to restore its democratic credentials, which have been badly damaged by the handling of the red shirt protest. Specifically, the government should recognize that it resorted to military force too hastily. WFDA also expresses its solidarity with all members of Thai civil society who continue in their efforts to promote a democratic society with human rights and rule of law for all people in Thailand.
 
 
Tiananmen Anniversary Marked by Harassment, Detentions, and Official Silence
On June 3, the Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) issued a statement asserting that the Chinese government continues to refuse to address openly and truthfully the events of June 4, 1989, and persists in its efforts to silence Chinese citizens who seek to commemorate the massacre at Tiananmen Square. For several days leading up to the anniversary, police around the country have warned activists not to organize events or otherwise commemorate the anniversary. Surveillance and monitoring of activists also intensified. 
 
According to data compiled by CHRD, more than 900 individuals across the country were imprisoned during the crackdown after the occurrence at Tiananmen Square. Twenty-one years on, at least four individuals – Zhu Gengsheng, Li Yujun, Yang Pu, and Miao Deshun – remain incarcerated in Beijing. Last year, at least three activists were sent to re-education through labor for attempting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the massacre.
 
CHRD calls on authorities to immediately cease the persecution and harassment of individuals for commemorating, investigating, and speaking out about the events at Tiananmen Square. They also demand that the Chinese government allow a full, transparent and impartial investigation of the massacre and allegations of torture. Finally, CHRD asks that the Chinese government apologize to and compensate those whose family members were killed and those who were injured, imprisoned, detained, or otherwise punished for participating in the protests.
 
 
 
World Movement Network Updates
 
World Youth Movement for Democracy Launches Political Prisoners Campaign
The World Youth Movement for Democracy recently launched its Political Prisoners Campaign, an initiative created to protect youth advocates in adverse circumstances, a top priority of the network for upcoming years. The campaign aims to increase recognition and advocate for the release of youth activists from around the world who have been imprisoned for their political beliefs or actions. Each month the campaign will focus on a different region as well as mobilize support for arrested youth as cases arise. The Web site for the campaign includes a map with the locations, names, and information of imprisoned activists. The map, which has received several thousand views thus far, serves as a central location to track and identify the growing problem of young political prisoners. To add information to the map, please send name and the details of an arrest to urgentaction@wymdonline.org.
 
To view the map and to learn more about the campaign, visit: www.wymdonline.org/political-prisoner-campaign.html
 
 
Announcements & Events
 
Report on the State of Democracy in Africa Now Available Online
In May, the Council for a Community of Democracies (CCD) posted its report “The Pretoria Roundtable on Democracy in Africa,” online. The report is the result of a roundtable discussion with over 40 civil society democracy proponents from 15 African countries, held on February 24. The roundtable was organized with the support of IDASA, the World Movement for Democracy, and the African Democracy Forum (ADF), the African regional network of the World Movement. Discussants focused on the rights of women and minorities, elections, the free press, democracy and development, democracy education, and threats to civil society.
 
 
International Republican Institute Releases Survey of Kazakhstan Public Opinion
On May 19, the International Republican Institute (IRI) released its survey and analysis of Kazakhstan public opinion. The poll, conducted April 3-13, 2010, is a comprehensive analysis of attitudes regarding the Kazakhstani economic, social, and political landscape. The goal of the program is twofold – gauging public opinion and using this information in conjunction with IRI’s work with Kazakhstan’s political parties.  The randomly selected sample consists of 1,527 adult men and women from 55 rural and 30 urban locations in all 14 regions of Kazakhstan plus the cities of Astana and Almaty. The survey and analysis are available in Russian.
 
 
Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy Publishes New Country Fact Sheets
In May, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) released new fact sheets on Georgia and Uganda, as well as an updated fact sheet on Bolivia. NIMD fact sheets offer concise program information and political analysis in each country. There are currently nine fact sheets available on the NIMD Web site. The Georgia fact sheet includes information on the state of democracy in the country, the political landscape, the state of constitutional reform, and border tensions. In the Uganda fact sheet, NIMD reviews constitutional issues, political parties, and the 2011 presidential and parliamentary elections.
 
 
International Council of Museums-U.S. Awards 2010 Citation to International Coalition of Sites of Conscience
On May 25, the International Council of Museums-U.S. (ICOM-U.S.) announced that it awarded its 2010 International Service Citation to the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. The Citation recognizes the impact of Sites of Conscience in the museum field and its leadership in museum-based international relations. The 2010 International Service Citation, presented at a reception at the American Association of Museums’ annual conference, is only awarded in years when a person, museum, or other organization is identified whose work has promoted international relations and has had significant impact in the museum field.  This is only the sixth time the award has been presented.
 
 
The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience participated in the World Movement’s “What’s Being Done On…” installment on Memory Projects. To read the World Movement’s interview with the Coalition, go to: www.wmd.org/resources/whats-being-done/memory-projects/interview-liz-sevcenko-director-secretariat-international
 
“Assessing the Quality of Democracy” Now Available in French
International IDEA recently made its guidebook, “Assessing the Quality of Democracy: An Overview of the International IDEA Framework,” available for free download in French. The guidebook is also available in English and Spanish. The guidebook presents International IDEA’s State of Democracy (SoD) assessment Framework, which was developed for public use around the world and has been applied in some 20 countries since its first launch in 2000. The Framework is different from other methodologies because its comprehensive assessments are led and owned by local actors, and move away from the practice of ranking democratic performance and making external judgments. The guidebook also links assessment to reform and in doing so, highlights achievements and challenges, as well as lessons learned from previous assessment teams’ experiences.
 
 
Call for Applications: Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellowships
The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program at the Washington, D.C.-based National Endowment for Democracy invites applications for fellowships in 2011-2012. The program enables democracy activists, practitioners, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change. Dedicated to international exchange, this five-month, residential program offers a collegial environment for fellows to reflect on their experiences; consider best practices and lessons learned; conduct research and writing; engage with counterparts; and develop professional relationships within a global network of democracy advocates.
 
The program is intended primarily to support practitioners, scholars, and journalists from developing and aspiring democracies; distinguished scholars from established democracies may also apply. A working knowledge of English is required. All fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel assistance, and research support. The program does not fund professional training, fieldwork, or students working towards a degree.
 
The program will host two five-month fellowship sessions in 2011 - 2012: October 1, 2011 - February 28, 2012 (Fall 2011) and March 1 - July 31, 2012 (Spring 2012).
 
Deadline: Monday, November 1, 2010.  For more information and application instructions, visit www.ned.org/fellowships/reagan-fascell-democracy-fellows-program. Applications will be accepted through our online application system beginning August 1, 2010 at: http://fellowships.ned.org. Flyers may also be viewed in the following languages by clicking on these links:  English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Spanish, Russian, and Portuguese.
 
 
Defending Civil Society
 
CIVICUS Calls for Sustained Pressure on Egypt amid Clampdown on Civil Society
On May 10, CIVICUS issued a statement calling on individuals and organizations to apply pressure on both the Egyptian government and key international actors by stating their solidarity with Egyptian civil society and by demanding open, transparent, and democratic multi-party parliamentary elections in 2010 and in the presidential elections in 2011. In the statement, CIVICUS lists several instances since March 2010 that show continued repressive conditions for civil society activists and organizations in Egypt. Specifically, in recent months, against a backdrop of continued demonstrations on a wide range of social problems, including high food prices and low minimum wages, the government has singled out political protests in particular for violent suppression. Various protesters have been detained and beaten and face serious threats of even more violent repression. Also in March, a copy of a draft law to suppress independent civil society was leaked to the local press and immediately garnered widespread denunciation from local civil society, as well as international criticism from both human rights groups and governments.
 
Go to:
 
 
Conflict Resolution & Transitional Justice
 
Call for Applications: United States Institute of Peace 2010 Annual Grant Competition
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is now accepting applications for its 2010 Annual Grant Competition. The Grant Program increases the breadth and depth of the Institute's work by supporting peace-building projects managed by non-profit organizations including educational institutions, research institutions, and civil society organizations. USIP grants support innovative peace-building projects involving research; the identification of promising models and effective practices, the development of practitioner resources and tools; the development and delivery of education, training and dialogue programs; and the production of films, radio programs, and other media.  Grants may also be used to fund projects focused on preventing, managing, and resolving violent conflict and promoting post-conflict peace-building. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2010.
 
 
International Peace and Development Training Centre to Offer New Courses
The International Peace and Development Training Centre (IPDTC), based in Romania, will offer two courses in October. The first course, “Peace-building, Conflict Transformation, and Post-War Stabilization,” will be held on October 18-22 and will bring together practitioners, experts, and donor organizations to address key issues facing those working on conflict and to improve approaches to peace-building in the field. The second course, “Gender and Peace-building,” will be held on October 25-29 and will focus on integrating gender frameworks in the field during peace-building processes. 
 
 
 
Economic Reform & the Business Sector
 
CIPE Releases Afghan Business Survey
On May 6, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) released the results of its 2009-2010 Afghan Business Survey . The survey results highlight recent private sector growth and promise in Afghanistan, and Afghan businesses’ desire to engage policymakers in Afghanistan on the country’s most pressing business development challenges: security, government corruption, and lack of electricity. Charney Research conducted the survey between December 2009 and January 2010, gathering opinions from 738 business owners and executives in Afghanistan’s six principal cities: Herat, Jalalabad, Kabul, Kandahar, Khost, and Mazar-e-Sharif.
 
 
 
 
Elections
 
Asian Organizations Salute Successful Elections in the Philippines
The World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA), the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict-Southeast Asia (GPPAC-SEA) have issued a statement welcoming the successful conclusion of balloting in the Philippines on May 10. The organizations were impressed by the dedication and patience of the Filipino people, who turned out in very large numbers, despite having to grapple with an entirely new voting method and enduring very long waits often under hot sun. Likewise, they applauded the polling stations staff, who made great efforts to implement the new system. The organizations also noted the issues that arose during the election, including violence, a wide array of technical difficulties, and increased public anxiety due to pre-election violence. These issues will be reported in more detail by ANFREL, which deployed a nationwide international observer mission.
 
For more information from WFDA, go to: www.wfda.net/news_detail.htm?id=464
 
 
 
Gender Issues & Sexual Minority Rights
 
Women’s Learning Partnership Publishes New Handbook
In May, the Women’s Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) published “Leading to Action: A Political Participation Handbook for Women.” The handbook is designed for use as a learning tool by those who are challenging themselves to play a more significant political role in their communities. Whether the goal is to be elected to office, support a campaign, encourage women to vote, or secure better legislation for the community, this handbook helps women hone their skills to take the next political step. The handbook can be used independently, but outlines strategies for workshop facilitators. “Leading to Action” has been tested in workshop settings in Lebanon, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
 
 
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Issues Statement on the Persecution of Sexual Minorities
On May 25, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition issued a statement expressing deep concern over the continued persecution of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, inter-sexed persons, and transvestites by Zimbabwean authorities as evidenced by the raid on May 21 on the Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) office and the seizure of property belonging to the association, and the subsequent arrests of two GALZ employees, Ellen Chademana and Ignatius Muhambi on the same day. According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Chademana and Muhambi have been accused of possessing indecent material and of insulting the office of the President. In its statement, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition reminds the Government of Zimbabwe that these sexual minorities have inalienable freedoms that include freedoms of choice, association, and expression. The government should ensure that all Zimbabweans are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is unacceptable and should be strongly castigated. The Coalition calls on the authorities to release Chademana and Muhambi immediately and uphold the rights of citizens. 
 
 
Call for Papers: GENDER & DEVELOPMENTSeeks Articles on Migration
The March 2011 issue of the international journal GENDER & DEVELOPMENT, published by Oxfam,will focus on migration. The journalinvites articles for this issue from development practitioners working from a gender perspective, those that analyze the experiences of migrants and their loved ones, those that support the rights of women and men who have undergone forced migration, and/or those that track how change occurs in gender relations as a result of migration. Interested persons should send a paragraph outlining his/her proposed idea to gadeditor@oxfam.org.uk as soon as possible, but no later than the commissioning deadline of June 14, 2010. If a proposal is commissioned, the deadline for articles is September 15, 2010.
 
 
 
Good Governance, Transparency, & Anti-Corruption
 
CIVICUS Organizations in Latin America Aim to Strengthen Accountability Practices
A group of organizations in Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay have joined efforts to strengthen their accountability practices, by consolidating systematic actions for self-regulation through mutual learning and the transfer and adoption of voluntary common standards. In each country, civil society organizations are discussing the minimum standards of information that organizations participating in this process will voluntarily disclose. The group includes active CIVICUS membersand builds upon experiences such as NGOs for Transparency from Colombia and the Legitimacy, Transparency, and Accountability Project in 10 countries in Ibero America. This regional effort is being promoted by the Colombian Confederation of NGOs (CCONG), the NGOs for Transparency Network, the Communication and Development Institute (ICD), and CIVICUS.
 
 
For more information in Spanish, go to: www.lasociedadcivil.org/softis/nv/975
 
 
Human Rights, Equality, & Access to Justice
 
African Human Rights Defenders Issue Statement on Human Rights on the Continent
On May 8-10, 164 NGO representatives from 30 African countries gathered in Banjul, the Gambia, to develop an NGO statement presented to the 47th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.  In their statement, human rights defenders express their concerns over reports of increased intimidation, harassment, and attacks directed at people of different sexual orientation in Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, and Uganda.  The statement also requests that the Commission pay particular attention to issues of limited freedom of expression, opinion, and assembly in Angola, Burundi, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, the Gambia, Eritrea, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe.  The statement was delivered on May 12 to the African Commission's opening session by Hannah Forster, Executive Director of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies, Chairperson of the African Democracy Forum (ADF), and Member of the World Movement Steering Committee.
 
 
Democracy Coalition Project Demands UN Human Rights Council Candidates Meet Membership Standards
The Democracy Coalition Project has joined the global NGO Coalition for an Effective Human Rights Council in calling upon candidates for the upcoming UN Human Rights Council elections to take concrete steps to meet membership standards. In letters to UN member states, the Coalition expressed concern that the human rights records of Angola, Libya, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uganda currently fall short of the standards set for Council membership, including the obligation that they uphold the "highest standards" of human rights and that they "fully cooperate" with the Council. Signatories to the letters urged member states to withhold their votes for countries that do not take concrete steps to address human rights concerns.
 
 
Call for Nominations: 2010 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) recently announced the call for nominations for the 2010 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award. Each year, the Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the advancement of democracy or human rights in Asia through peaceful means. The Award consists of a sculpture and a US$100,000 grant from the TFD to support the ongoing work of the awardee, to be presented at an official ceremony in Taipei on December 10, International Human Rights Day. To submit a nomination, please download the official 2010 ADHRA Nomination Form on the TFD Web site and follow the accompanying instructions.
 
 
Facebook Group Calls on Activists to Host Film on World Refugee Day
A Facebook group is calling on activists to mark June 20, World Refugee Day, by hosting screenings of “In Search of My Home,” a cinematic journey with an Afghan refugee family, as it explores the complexities in their everyday battle for survival. The 30-minute film was directed by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh, and was produced by the Centre for Communication & Development Studies, based in Pune, India. Free copies of the film are available for anyone interested in hosting a screening.
 
 
Cambodian NGOs Express Concern over Land Disputes
On June 1, the Cambodia-based Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, composed of the Cambodian Human Rights Action Committee (CHRAC), the NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGO Forum), and the Housing Rights Task Force (HRTF), issued a statement expressing their strong concerns regarding land disputes in Cambodia. According to the Coalition, statistical analysis shows that the number of land disputes in Cambodia is rapidly increasing. Most of these disputes involve both local and foreign companies. While the Coalition supports the Royal Government in attracting business to Cambodia, it also calls on the government to resolve the land disputes by providing fair and proper compensation agreed to by both parties and to stop using arrests and other forceful measures to settle the disputes.
 
 
 
World Movement Participants Mentioned in this Issue