Democracy News - December 9, 2005
The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
December 2005
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CONTENTS
DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Aid Agencies Call on UN Security Council to Protect Civilians from Rebel Attacks in Uganda
2. Democracy Activist Imprisoned and Facing Possible Execution in Ethiopia
3. Editor Freed After 14 Months in Prison
4. News Reports: Nepal Government Will Not Issue Travel Documents to Refugees
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
5. "China's Conscience," Distinguished Writer Liu Binyan, has Died
6. Call for Applications: Distance Learning Course on Campaigning for Access to Information
7. Stanford 2006 Summer Fellows Program
8. African Network (ADF) Newsletter Now Available Online
9. IFES's Democracy at Large Focuses on Asia
CIVIC EDUCATION
10. Publication: Islam and Democracy: Towards Effective Citizenship
11. ICTJ Announces Essentials Course on Transitional Justice
ELECTIONS
12. World Forum for Democratization in Asia Reports on Sri Lanka's Elections
HUMAN RIGHTS
13. Current Issue of Individu Focuses on Violence in Pakistan
14. NGOs Call for Credible Human Rights Council at UN
15. Violations of Human Rights alongside UN WSIS Summit
16. Court Orders Trial of Civil Society Leaders in Venezuela
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
17. New Book on Post Authoritarian Transitions Published
18. Seminar Summary of the Czech Republic's Transition Experiences
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
19. New Funding Opportunity for Documentary Producers
20. African Free Expression Groups Launches Network
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
21. Applications for International Volunteerism Summit
22. Telecentre.org to Offer Support to Grassroots Technology Centers around the World
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
23. New Publication: NDI Political Party Research Series
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
24. Conference on International Anti-Corruption Held in Guatemala
25. GOPAC Launches New Web Site
RESEARCH
26. Global Integrity Seeks Experts in Governance and Corruption Issues
WOMEN'S ISSUES
27. New Advocacy Tool for Reform of Family Law in Muslim-Majority Societies
28. Submissions Deadline Extended for Women's Stories and Art
29. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
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DEMOCRACY ALERTS/APPEALS
1. Aid Agencies Call on UN Security Council to Protect Civilians from Rebel Attacks in Uganda
Fifty international aid agencies have requested that the UNSC help protect children in the northern region of Uganda. They say the violence by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) fighters is claiming 1,000 lives every week. Their call comes as a high-level UN Security Council delegation is due to begin talks with the Ugandan government. British-based charity Oxfam calls it the world's worst case of mass child abuse, with 20 children being abducted every week by the rebels. The organization Save the Children takes the view that this is no time for half measures and says the Security Council must challenge the government to protect its own people. LRA attacks have risen in the last month since the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the five top rebel leaders.
Go to: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4420488.stm
2. Democracy Activist Imprisoned and Facing Possible Execution in Ethiopia
Berhanu Nega, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) vice chairman, New York-educated economist, was imprisoned for participating in peaceful demonstrations against the government of Ethiopia on October 31. Academics from Nega's alma mater, the New School, are asking U.S. Secretary of State Rice, Senator Clinton, and Ethiopia's representative at the United Nations to intervene and help free him. According to Amnesty International, Mr. Nega is one of hundreds of Ethiopians detained by the government in the wake of the protests. Along with almost a dozen CUD leaders and journalists, the economist has been listed by the organization as a "prisoner of conscience." Students at the New School working on behalf of Mr. Nega's release said he is reported to be in solitary confinement and limited to one meal a day.
Go to: savenega.org/
3. Editor Freed After 14 Months in Prison
Reporters Without Borders voiced delight at the release of Paul Kamara, the founder and editor of the independent daily "For Di People," after 14 months in prison for urging the Sierra Leone government to keep its promise of democracy and put an end to its repression of the news media. "After more than a year of waiting and suffering, Paul Kamara is finally being reunited with his family and his newspaper," the press freedom organization said. Reporters Without Borders added: "Any further serious press freedom violations such as the imprisonment of one of the country's most respected journalists would cause irreversible harm to Sierra Leone." Kamara was released by the Freetown appeals court, which overturned his October 5, 2004 conviction of two 24-month sentences for "seditious defamation." He left the court smiling, accompanied by his wife and daughter, his newspaper staff, other journalists, and his lawyer.
Go to: www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=15761
4. News Reports: Nepal Government Will Not Issue Travel Documents to Refugees
A Nepal government source told Nepal News that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) recently approved a policy decision denying travel documents to refugees including those from Tibet. This latest move is likely to pose serious difficulties for all refugees living in Nepal who are traveling to third countries and likely to raise international concerns especially in the West. Travel documents issued by host nation for refugees are regarded as passports for overseas journeys. Denial of travel documents would further isolate refugees from the outside world. It is estimated that 2,500 to 3,000 Tibetan refugees enter Nepal every year after a long and arduous journey through the Himalayan passes from the Chinese Autonomous Region of Tibet. The Nepal government's decision would remain in effect for an indefinite period, the source revealed. The government claims that the total number of Tibetan refugees in Nepal is not more than 15,000.
Go to: http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2005/oct/oct24/news11.php
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
5. "China's Conscience," Distinguished Writer Liu Binyan, has Died
One of China's most distinguished and revered writers, Mr. Liu Binyan, died at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on December 5. The cause of death was advanced colon cancer that had spread to other organs. He was 80 years old. In 1956 he published "On the Bridge Worksite," which exposed bureaucracy and corruption, and "The Inside Story of Our Newspaper" about press control. The two works had a powerful nationwide impact among readers, but the following year, 1957, Mr.Liu was labeled a "rightist" and expelled from the Communist Party. He spent the next 21 years in and out of labor camps. In 1985, when the Chinese Writers' Association was allowed (for the first and last time) to elect its own leaders, Liu Binyan received the second-highest number of votes. In spring of 1988, he came to the United States for teaching and writing; after publicly denouncing the Chinese government for its Beijing massacre and nationwide crackdown in June1989, he was barred from returning to China and consequently never returned. Although largely separated from his Chinese readers, he continued to read and write about China, and to interview visitors from the country, in every way he could. In recent years, while fighting his losing battle with cancer, Liu wrote several letters to China's top leaders asking permission for one last visit to the country he loves. The letters were delivered, but Liu received no response, not even a notice of rejection. Liu is survived by his wife Zhu Hong, son Liu Dahong, daughter Liu Xiaoyan, and two grandsons, Liu Dongdong and Li Dakuan.
Go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/06/international/asia/06liu.html
6. Call for Applications: Distance Learning Course on Campaigning for Access to Information
The global free expression group, Article 19, and the human rights organization, Fahamu, invite applications for a distance learning course on Campaigning for Access to Information. This course, available to those in southern Africa, looks at why access to information is important, what an access to information law should contain, and how to set about campaigning for one. While several countries in southern Africa have draft laws for access to information in place, South Africa is the only country in the region that has a proper access to information law. But even when a law or a draft law is in place, it is important to have the ability to critique it in order to make sure it includes the best provisions possible. Participants who successfully complete this course will be awarded a certificate from Article 19 and Fahamu. Applicants should send a one page summary CV, with a letter of 500 words or less explaining why they should be selected for this course.
Applications should be sent to: info@fahamu.org
Go to: http://www.fahamu.org/foi.php
7. Stanford 2006 Summer Fellows Program
The Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, California, invites policy makers and activists from countries undergoing political, economic, and social transitions to participate in its second annual Summer Fellows Program on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law to be held July 31 - August 18, 2006. This program offers a unique approach to studying the ways in which democratic institutions and institutions that foster economic development can be established and strengthened in varying country contexts. The curriculum draws on the combined expertise of Stanford scholars and practitioners in the fields of political science, economics, law, sociology, and business and emphasizes the links between theory and practice. This program is aimed at early to mid-career policy makers, academics, and leaders of civil society organizations who will play important roles in their country's democratic, economic, and social development. The deadline for the applications to the program is January 6, 2006.
Go to: cddrl.stanford.edu/summerfellows/
8. African Network (ADF) Newsletter Now Available Online.
The African Democracy Forum (ADF) recently issued its second ADF Newsletter, which is now available online. This issue features three articles: "The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the Role of Civil Society: Lessons from Ghana"; "Critical Analysis of the Economic and Social Rights of Congolese Citizens Recognized in the Transition Constitution"; and "A Critique of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections." The newsletter also includes reports on ADF activities and a profile of ADF member organization, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network.
Go to: www.africandemocracyforum.org
9. IFES's Democracy at Large Focuses on Asia
The December issue of Democracy at Large, a quarterly magazine published by IFES, designed for professionals and others interested in democracy development worldwide, focuses on Asia, with articles on India, the Philippines, Indonesia, Afghanistan and China. The issue features articles by Roland Rich ("Designing Democracy in Pacific Asia"), Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino ("Coping with Corruption in the Philippines"), and a profile of Women Power Connect's Ranjana Kumari, and more.
Go to: www.democracyatlarge.org
CIVIC EDUCATION
10. Publication: Islam and Democracy: Towards Effective Citizenship
This book is an Arabic-language guide to teaching about democracy in Muslim societies intended for leaders involved in grassroots education in their communities. The guide was written by authors from Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Jordan in collaboration with Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) and Street Law, Inc.
Go to: www.islam-democracy.org/
11. ICTJ Announces Essentials Course on Transitional Justice
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), in association with the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Faculty of Law, has established an Essentials Course: a 4-day intensive, non-credit course on Transitional Justice. The course will cover the essential themes, mechanisms, and case studies in the field of Transitional Justice. The first course will be offered from February 2-5, 2006. The venue for the course is the historic Irish College in Leuven, Belgium, just outside of Brussels, where the ICTJ is in the process of establishing a new office. The cost of the course is 390 Euros, payable within 15 business days following admission into the course. The program is primarily targeted at (1) pre-mission field staff of international and regional multilateral bodies, and (2) mid-level and senior human rights academics and practitioners who cannot spare long periods away from their jobs and families. To be considered, an applicant will need to prove gainful employment in human rights or a related field, and possess a Master's degree or equivalent. Each course will be limited to a maximum of 30 participants. Graduates of the course will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Go to: www.ictj.org
ELECTIONS
12. World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) Reports on Sri Lanka's Elections
WFDA reports that the presidential election that took place November 17th in Sri Lanka was one of the key contests requiring regional attention. People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) and the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) were applauded for their efforts in regional observation and monitoring missions. The election was peaceful in most of the country and participation was high with a turnout reported at over percent. However, WFDA states that improvement is needed in the north and east regions of Sri Lanka and that these LTTE controlled regions were unable to vote or boycotted the elections. According to WFDA, democracy in Sri Lanka cannot be considered to be complete until all citizens are able to participate.
Go to: www.wfda.net/news_detail.htm?id=210
HUMAN RIGHTS
13. Current Issue of Individu Focuses on Violence in Pakistan
The current issue of "Individu -spotlight," a monthly newsletter that appears on Individu-land's Web site, entitled 'While Gilgit burns...' focuses on the violence in Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) in Pakistan and the political basis for this violence. "Individu-land" is a cyber space where the individual is considered as the most important actor. The principles that connect the various individuals at "Individu-land" include: individual freedom, social responsibility, rule of law, pluralism, equality before the law, independent judiciary, democracy, free market economy, and secularism.
Go to: www.individualland.com/newsletter/newsletter.html
14. NGOs Call for Credible Human Rights Council at UN
A coalition of 62 civil society organizations from around the world wrote to the UN General Assembly President Jan Eliasson urging prompt "establishment of an effective, credible, and authoritative Human Rights Council." Coordinated by Human Rights Watch and the Democracy Coalition Project (DCP), the broad coalition of democracy and rights groups outlined the essential elements needed to "fulfill the promise that engendered this reform." DCP has additionally called for a UN Democracy Caucus position on the Human Rights Council, as well as on resolutions introduced in the General Assembly dealing with rights abuses in seven countries around the world.
Go to: www.demcoalition.org/pdf/Joint%20HRC%20Letter%20on%20Timeline%20-%20Dec.%206%20%2020051.pdf
15. Violations of Human Rights alongside UN WSIS Summit
Association for Progressive Communications (APC) reports that in front of participants of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), journalists and human rights defenders were jostled, insulted, and then violently beaten. On November 14, 2005, at Place d'Afrique in Tunis Omar Mestiri, a founding member of the National Council for Freedom in Tunisia (Conseil National pour les Libertés en Tunisie - CNLT) was seized by police as soon as he arrived for the meeting of the coordinating committee of the Citizens' Summit on the Information Society (CSIS)." Mr. Mestiri was then beaten by the plainclothes policemen who were impatiently awaiting international and Tunisian delegates and members of civil society. The law enforcement agents shouted, jostled, and tried to physically intimidate the on-site Tunisian journalists. When members of international NGOs, such as the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), Human Rights Watch, the Danish Human Rights Institute and other civil society representatives tried to intervene, the police officers moved away from the journalists, and manhandled the international delegates in turn. "
Go to: www.apc.org/english/news/index.shtml?x=2430527
16. Court Orders Trial of Civil Society Leaders in Venezuela
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), by ordering a trial of four civil society leaders on charges of treason, a Venezuelan court has assented to government persecution of political opponents. A court in Caracas has ordered that María Corina Machado and Alejandro Plaz be tried on treason charges brought by a public prosecutor because their nongovernmental organization, Súmate, accepted foreign funds for a program that encouraged citizen participation in a referendum on President Hugo Chavez's presidency in 2004. Two other Súmate leaders, Luis Enrique Palacios and Ricardo Estévez, will also be tried on charges of complicity with this alleged crime. Machado and Plaz have been charged under Article 132 of the Venezuelan Penal Code with "conspiracy to destroy the nation's republican form of government." If convicted, they face up to 16 years in prison. Súmate engaged in voter outreach and education that encouraged participation in a national referendum to determine whether Chávez should remain in office.
Go to: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/07/08/venezu11299.htm
INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY ASSISTANCE AND SOLIDARITY
17. New Book on Post Authoritarian transitions Published
"Transiciones: La Experiencia de Europa del Este" (Transitions: The East European Experience) has recently been published in Argentina by the Center for the Opening and Development of Latin America (CADAL), a think tank that advocates for development in Latin America, together with the Miami-based Center for the Study of a National Option (CEON) and the Bratislava-based Pontis Foundation. Several transition leaders were present in both Argentina and Chile for the book's presentation, including former Bulgarian Prime Minister Philip Dimitrov and former Vice-President of the Czech Senate Jan Ruml. The book will also be available via PDF format for free download at the CADAL Web site. It aims to inform Latin Americans, especially Cubans and Cuban-Americans, about the pitfalls and opportunities that post-authoritarian transitions represent. It covers political, institutional and economic reforms, and is divided into three sections: Policies, Results and Lessons.
Go to: www.cadal.org
18. Seminar on the Czech Republic's Transition Experiences
On October 18, 2005, a seminar, on the Czech Republic's Transition Experience was held in Coral Gables, Florida at the Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies, at the University of Miami with the cooperation of the Transformation Promotion Unit of the Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic. The Czech delegation gathered at this seminar to share their real life experiences of transition and to present their views on possible lessons for a Cuba in transition. The transcript of the seminar is available electronically.
To request a copy, email: ctp.iccas@miami.edu
Go to: http://ctp.iccas.miami.edu
INTERNET, MEDIA, AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
19. New Funding Opportunity for Documentary Producers
Independent Television Service (ITVS), a US-based initiative to ensure that diverse voices be championed on public television, is funding a new initiative for international producers. They are seeking programs that present people, cultures, and points of view that are seldom seen on U.S. television. Single documentaries by international producers (non U.S. residents) about international issues will be considered. The deadline to apply is January 20, 2006.
Go to: www.itvs.org/producers/imdf_guidelines.html
20. African Free Expression Groups Launches Network
Free expression groups from across Africa have launched a new initiative aimed to improve the environment for freedom of expression and press, as well as to strengthen collaboration among free expression organizations on the continent. The Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO) unites 33 African and international organizations under one umbrella to campaign against criminal defamation laws, promote access to information and media pluralism, and monitor attacks on journalists and media outlets. Launched at a conference in Accra, Ghana, which took place on October 28-30, 2005, the new network will put in place a rapid response mechanism to deal with crises that seriously affect free expression in Africa. It will also work to build and strengthen the capacity of regional and sub-regional organizations, especially in the East and North Africa regions.
Go to: www.ifex.org
POLITICAL AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF YOUTH
21. Applications for International Volunteerism Summit
The International Youth Volunteer Summit: Social Entrepreneurship in Youth Volunteerism will take place at Northwestern University (USA) on February 23-26, 2006. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, and project-focused workshops will be featured, giving delegates a chance to build the knowledge, skills, and contacts to be more productively engaged across borders. The summit will bring together young people from a variety of backgrounds including international students, young social entrepreneurs, academic experts, and NGO representatives.
Go to: iyvs.org/
22. Telecentre.org to Offer Support to Grassroots Technology Centers around the World Telecentre.org, a $21 million collaborative initiative that will strengthen the capacity of tens of thousands of community-based "telecentres" around the world was launched at the World Summit on the Information Society. A first round of social investments is being made in telecentre networks in India, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Mozambique, South Africa, Chile, and the Americas. Investments will also be made in the Non-Profit Enterprise and Sustainability Team and TakingITGlobal, two organizations that will play a key role in providing support services to telecentre networks. Telecentres and other public access computing initiatives that bring the benefits of the information economy to isolated villages and communities on every continent provide a community gathering place where people can access computers, use the Internet, learn new skills, and tackle local social issues.
Go to: about.takingitglobal.org/d/media/releases?view=102
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICAL LEADERSHIP
23. New Publication: NDI Political Party Research Series
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) recently published a unique series of research papers that blends theoretical knowledge, empirical research and practical experience. "Political Parties and Democracy in Theoretical and Practical Perspectives" explores four topics central to the role and function of political parties: party law, party finance, intra-party democracy and communications. NDI recruited eminent scholars Kenneth Janda, Michael Johnston, Pippa Norris and Susan Scarrow to write the papers, and engaged party leaders, democracy practitioners, NDI staff members and other noted academics in each stage of the writing process. It is hoped that the series will help readers gain a better understanding of each topic, and in particular, the complexities of the issues addressed. The complete texts of these papers are available online.
Go to: www.ndi.org/globalp/polparties/programspp/research.asp
TRANSPARENCY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION
24. Conference on International Anti-Corruption Held in Guatemala
The 12th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) held on November 15-18, 2006, in Guatemala City and Antigua, Guatemala. The conference theme was "Towards a fairer world: Why is corruption still blocking the way?" The meeting offered the opportunity for an honest and rigorous examination of the continuing obstacles posed by endemic corruption around the world. Government officials, and civil society and business people met to exchange information and ideas about the fight against corruption, assessed existing strategies, and developed new approaches. Transparency International, which serves as secretariat to the IACC Council, worked with its national chapter in the country, Acción Ciudadana, and the government of Guatemala to hold the conference.
Go to: www.transparency.org/iacc
25. GOPAC Launches New Web Site
The Global Organization Against Corruption (GOPAC) recently launched its new Web site. The Web site is intended to serve as a portal for parliamentarians and others interested in joining forces to fight corruption and promote good governance. It is available in English, French and Spanish. GOPAC is an international network of parliamentarians dedicated to good governance and combating corruption throughout the world.
Go to: www.gopacnetwork.org
RESEARCH
26. Global Integrity Seeks Experts in Governance and Corruption Issues
Global Integrity is seeking qualified and motivated experts to assist them in the field in 2006. Global Integrity invites journalists, social scientists, and academic experts from any country with expertise in governance and corruption issues to send a resume/curriculum vitae (including full contact information and three references), and an expression of interest in joining the 2006 team. For each country, Global Integrity is looking for one lead reporter to write the Reporter's Notebook, one lead social scientist or academic expert to score the Integrity Indicators, and 3-5 readers. Experts' independence from corporate or government influence is a critical qualification; a working proficiency in English is strongly preferred but not essential. Reporters and social scientists should be currently working in-country; readers can be both in-country and out-of-country experts.
Go to: http://www.globalintegrity.org/inviteletter/
WOMEN'S ISSUES
27. New Advocacy Tool for Reform of Family Law in Muslim-Majority Societies
"Guide to Equality in the Family in the Maghreb" is the first volume in a new Translation Series launched by the Women's Learning Partnership. The series aims to communicate a shared vision of legal reform supporting the development of more egalitarian families, communities, and societies. The Guide outlines a process that empowers women's capability to make deliberate and thoughtful choices for meaningful social change. In each module, the Guide presents the current state of the law, and then proposes religious, human rights, sociological, and domestic legal arguments for reform.
Go to: www.store.yahoo.com/learningpartnership/gutoeqinfain.html
28. Submissions Deadline Extended for Women's Stories and Art
The International Museum of Women and the "Imagining Ourselves" Global Team invite young women in their 20's and 30's all over the world to submit their stories and art that answer the question: "What Defines Your Generation of Women?" The Online Exhibit will feature an interactive multi-lingual gallery of over 300 interpretations of young women in answer to this question. Young women with images to share, a story to tell and a voice that wants to be heard should get involved in the "Imagining Ourselves" conversation.
Go to: imaginingourselves.org/guidelines/guideenglish.php
29. WORLD MOVEMENT PARTICIPATING NETWORKS, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE
* African Democracy Forum (ADF) - www.africandemocracyforum.org
* Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy (CSID) - www.islam-democracy.org
* Democracy Coalition Project (DCP) -- www.demcoalition.org/2005_html/home.html
* IFES -- www.ifes.org/
* National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) - www.ndi.org
* Pontis Foundation -- http://www.pontisfoundation.sk/en/10311
* Street Law -- www.streetlaw.org/
* Transparency International (TI) - www.transparency.org
* Women's Learning Partnership (WLP) - www.learningpartnership.org
* World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) - www.wfda.net
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The WMD's DemocracyNews
Electronic Newsletter of the World Movement for Democracy - www.wmd.org
