e-CIVICUS - Connecting civil society worldwide - Number 153
13 March, 2002

CONTENTS:
SECTION 1. FROM THE DESK OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
(Peace in Colombia: Appeals from Civil Society)

SECTION 2. FEATURED NEWS-ITEM OF THE WEEK
(Colombia and Zimbabwe go to polls)

SECTION 3. CITIZEN ACTION AROUND THE WORLD
(Women's Justice Centre Forum; Balkans Peace Studies Centre; Youth and
Family Planning Programme Council; Global Exchange; 'Bol' ? forum to
discuss gender, reproductive health and rights issues in South Asia)

SECTION 4. JOBS/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
(Postings from CIVICUS; Institute for Sustainable Communities; Family
Health International Youthnet Program)

SECTION 5. SCHOLARSHIPS/ AWARDS
(Announcements from International Centre for Human Rights and
Democratic Development; UNDP Equator Initiative)

SECTION 6. CONFERENCES/ MEETINGS/ EXHIBITIONS
(European Festival for Peace; OECD Forum 2002; National Multicultural
Institute's Seventeenth Annual Conference)

SECTION 7. TRAINING COURSES/ ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
(Carr Center Fellowship Program; Century Foundation's 2002 Century
Institute Summer Program)

SECTION 8. PUBLICATIONS/ CALLS FOR PAPERS
('The Heart of War in Colombia'; 'Seeding Solutions Volume 2, a
followup to People, Plants and Patents'; 'L'Afrique ? Societe Civile,
Multilinguisme et Developpement'; OECD Forum 2002 Essay Competition for
Tomorrow's Leaders)

SECTION 9. INTERNET NEWS/ FEATURED WEBSITES
(Reports magazine (IDRC); El Centro de Derechos Economicos y Sociales;
Web Anthology from Women's Learning Partnership)

SECTION 10. "CIVIL SOCIETY WATCH No. 4" ? a special supplemental digest
(The Largest Displaced Population in the World)

SECTION 11. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US (Contacting the eCIVICUS team)

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SECTION 1. FROM THE DESK OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Peace in Colombia: Appeals from Civil Society

Three weeks ago, Colombian President Andres Pastrana Arango called off
the peace process started in 1998, and launched a military offensive in
the territory held by the leading leftist guerilla group FARC.
Following the kidnapping of a senator by FARC rebels at a time when
international peace negotiators were in the country, the government
declared all-out war, and began bombing the 40,000 square-kilometre
territory controlled by FARC. More recently, the kidnapping of Ingrid
Betancourt, a candidate in the Presidential elections scheduled for May
2002, also made international headlines.

Despite longstanding mistrust and hostility between the government and
guerilla forces, there were hopes of a negotiated settlement to end the
four decade-old conflict that has left 40,000 civilians dead and over
two million refugees in their own country. This is no ordinary conflict
or "civil war". Rather, it involves complex issues, starting with
control over a large territory (with five districts) and extending to
international links with narcotics rings, weapons sales and oil
pipelines. FARC and the government agreed to come to the negotiating
table in 1998, thus initiating a 'peace process'. However, the past
three and half years have been anything but 'peaceful', with massacres,
kidnappings, arbitrary disappearances, threats to trade unionists and
civil society activists, loss of property and massive human
displacement.

Local and international human rights observers blame these atrocities
on the ultra-left guerillas as well as ultra-right wing paramilitary
forces, reported to be allied with the army. They are also cautious
with their assessment of 'Plan Colombia', a US initiative, which aims
at a comprehensive attack on the drug trade. Plan Colombia seems to be
a mixed blessing at best. On the one hand, it has infused much needed
resources into the economy and strengthened the government's position.
On the other hand, the large-scale fumigation of cocaine and poppy
fields in the countryside has affected other crops, the health of
civilians as well as that of the national economy. Plan Colombia is
also supplying resources for the current military offensive.
Ultimately, there is concern from all fronts that the USD 1.3 billion
aid package might spill-over from its 'anti-narcotics' mandate into a
full-fledged war against FARC and other guerilla groups, thereby
inadvertantly strengthening right wing paramilitary forces.

Currently, there seems to be significant public support for the
military offensive by the government, since FARC rebels and their
allies have lost credibility as serious negotiating partners. However,
Colombians, understandably have other concerns as well, especially the
sinking economy (with the fall of staples such as coffee and bananas in
the commodities market), and the need to elect a President who can
provide unity and stability. Amnesty International, UNHCR, MADRE (an
international organisation for women's rights), CODHES (Consultancy on
Human Rights and Displacement), PCN (Black Communities Process) and
other local and international groups are campaigning for the safety and
dignity of civilians. Afro-Colombians, black communities, women
and children are in disproportionately high numbers among those
killed, wounded and displaced by the conflict.

There is immediate concern for the safety of civilians who are in the
rural areas being bombed by the army. There is concern that right-wing
paramilitary forces will use this opportunity to flush out 'FARC-
supporters', and massacre innocent civilians. Urban residents fear a
reprisal from urban guerillas, and do not rule out further kidnappings,
murders and destruction of vital infrastructure. However, Colombians,
especially civil society representatives are relentlessly organising
themselves ? documenting and monitoring events, conducting peace
marches, teach-ins, and appealing to international civil society for
support.

CIVICUS partners in Colombia point to the fact that although Colombian
civil society is strong, until now it has lacked cohesion. This crisis
seems to offer an opportunity to come together to build greater
solidarity and unity amongst civil society activists. There is the
possibility for international civil society to respond to appeals for
peace in Colombia. I urge you to offer support to our colleagues in
Colombia.

For further information, please visit:
for full coverage of the crisis in Colombia
for documentation of rights
violations
for updates from MADRE

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/in_depth/africa/2002/zimbabwe/
For indepth news coverage of events in Colombia, please
visit: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/World/Colombia/

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SECTION 3. CITIZEN ACTION AROUND THE WORLD

Women's Justice Centre Forum - bilingual Spanish & English forum where
victims, activists, advocates, & professionals can communicate on all
aspects of violence against women & children.
http://www.justicewomen.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.html

Call for Peace in the Balkans:
BALKAN PEACE STUDIES CENTRE (BPSC) seeks to build a broad coalition of
citizens' groups and movements to work in solidarity to achieve high
level of consciousness and action for world peace. The object of this
task is to promote a multilevel approach to peace issues related to
the Balkans and international/local relations, which has been lacking
thus far. If you or your organisation would like to contribute to this
action, kindly write your views and your analysis addressing global
and/or regional aspects of peace. The aim of the call is to continue
the strong task in building world peace by building connections between
activists, organisations and groups who are doing good things for the
society and culture. To endorse this call for world peace and justice,
please e-mail your maximum 300 word abstract including your name,
email, name and address of the institution/ organisation that you are
affiliated with to: Dr. Olga Murdzeva-Skarik [email][email protected] or
Ljupco Efremov [email][email protected]

Information Kit on Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitations of Children
and Youth:
The Youth and Family Planning Programme Council (YFPPC) is in the
process of compiling an Information Kit on Sexual Abuse and Sexual
exploitation of Children and Youth for organisations either working or
interested to work against the sexual exploitation/abuse of children
and youth. The Information Kit will be in Hindi and distributed to all
interested organisations working in India. If you have information
that would be useful for the Kit or would like to receive information
please contact: [email][email protected] or
Youth and Family Planning Programme Council
Post Box No. 3850 New Delhi 110 049, India

The international human rights organisation, Global Exchange, launched
a grassroots Fair Trade Cocoa Campaign on Valentine's Day to pressure
the chocolate industry to take substantial steps to help end modern day
child slavery and poverty wages in the production of cocoa. In San
Francisco, citizens held protests and rallies to call on See's Inc., to
take immediate steps to end child slavery in the cocoa fields. For
further information please visit www.globalexchange.org

'Bol' (Talk) - people & organisations within & outside South Asia,
discuss issues of gender, reproductive health, rights & legal
developments pertaining to human rights within the region. Contact Ms.
Anju Vyas [email][email protected]
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/Organizations/healthnet/frame2/frame2.html

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SECTION 4. JOBS/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

ORGANISATION: CIVICUS WORLD ALLIANCE FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
POSITIONS: Research Associate, Professional Assistant, and
Executive Assistant
DESCRIPTION: CIVICUS has openings for the above positions in the
Johannesburg office.
Application deadline: 19 March 2002
For full details please visit: www.civicus.org

ORGANISATION: Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC)
POSITION: Program Officer for the Balkans, Ukraine, or Russia; Project
Accountant for the Balkans, Ukraine, or Russia; Human Resources Manager
DESCRIPTION: The ISC seeks candidates for the above positions in its
home office in Montpelier Vermont to manage and support its growing
programs. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the
United States. For more information, please visit the ISC website:
www.isctv.org or email: [email][email protected]
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 March 2002
Please indicate which position you are applying for and submit your
resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to:
ISC
56 College Street; Montpelier, Vermont 05602, USA
Fax: 1-802-229-2919 Email: [email][email protected]

ORGANISATION: Family Health International YouthNet Program
POSITION: Internship Opportunities in Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS
DESCRIPTION: Applications accepted for an eleven-week internship
programme designed to give current and recent undergraduate university
students from developing countries experience in designing,
Implementing and evaluating youth reproductive health (YRH) and
HIV/AIDS programmes. Six positions based in the Washington, DC area are
available. The internship programme will run from 27 May ? 9 August
2002. Applications and inquiries can be sent to:
YouthNet Interns
Family Health International
2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22201, USA

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SECTION 5. SCHOLARSHIPS/ AWARDS

JOHN HUMPHREY FREEDOM AWARD FOR RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY:
International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development
presents the John Humphrey Freedom Award each year to an organisation
or individual from any country or region of the world, including
Canada, for exceptional achievement in the promotion of human rights
and democratic development. The Award consists of a grant of $25,000
as well as a speaking tour of Canadian cities to help increase
awareness of the recipient's human rights work. It is named in honour
of the Canadian John Peters Humphrey, the human rights law professor
who prepared the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights. For more information (Information française disponible sur le
site web/ Información en español disponible en la página de Internet)

UNDP ? Equator Initiative:
In support of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), to be
held in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26-September 4, 2002,
IDRC is partnering with UNDP, the UN Foundation, and Environment Canada
to showcase highly successful and innovative partnerships in
sustainable development through the Equator Initiative. The Equator
Initiative seeks to promote a worldwide movement to reduce poverty and
conserve biodiversity through the recognition of local achievements,
the fostering of South-South capacity building, and by contributing to
the generation and sharing of knowledge.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 May 2002
For more information and to download application forms, please visit:
http://www.equatorinitiative.org
CONTACT: Environmentally Sustainable Development Group
Bureau for Development Policy
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
One UN Plaza; New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: 1.212.906-6206 Fax: 1.212.906-6973
E-mail: [email][email protected]
Web: www.EquatorInitiative.org

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SECTION 6. CONFERENCES/ MEETINGS/ EXHIBITIONS
(Conferences marked with an asterisk (*) are appearing in
e-CIVICUS for the first time)

(*) A FESTIVAL FOR PEACE: Building a Culture and Vision for Peace in
Europe ,
Cluj Napoca, Romania, 21 ? 27 April 2002
European Festival for Peace is a youth conference for the promotion of
a culture of peace, human rights and multi-culturalism, building
bridges and promoting dialogue between young people and students of
Europe. Combining training programmes, workshops, interactive panel
discussions, and artistic celebration, the Peace Festival will provide
a forum for the celebration of diversity and a culture of peace and
youth participation for democratization and human rights. Particapants
will be 18-25 years of age and will be youth leaders and/or NGO
activists within their communities. The Coordinating Committee will
work to ensure gender equality and geographical diversity in the
selection of participants. For further information please contact:
[email][email protected]; Web: www.transcend.org

(*)OECD FORUM 2002, "Taking Care of the Fundamentals: Security, Equity,
Education and Growth"
Paris, France - 13 to 15 May 2002
The OECD Forum is an international public conference offering civil
society, business, labour and civil society the opportunity to discuss
key issues of the 21st century with government ministers and leaders of
international organisations. What is unique about the OECD Forum is
that it allows participants to shape the outcome of the OECD annual
ministerial summit meeting to be held on 15-16 May 2002. For Forum
details, visit:

(*)THINKING GLOBALLY: BROADENING THE CONTEXT OF MULTICULTURAL DIALOGUE
AND ACTION
The National Multicultural Institute's 17th Annual National Conference
30 May ? 2 June 2002
Issues of culture, ethnicity, race, age, gender, and sexual orientation
have assumed greater significance in the United States as a result of
changing demographics and the growing national awareness of ifferences.
New skills and knowledge are required in fields such as workforce
diversity, human resource management, education and conflict
resolution. The major goals of this conference are to: offer an
opportunity for in-depth diversity training and skills building; focus
on unique issues that professionals face in working with culturally
diverse population; create an environment in which an open, cross-
cultural dialogue can occur.
VENUE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capital Hill
CONTACT: National Multicultural Institute
3000 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 438
Washington, DC 20008-2556, USA
Tel: 1-202-483-0700 ext 227; Email: [email][email protected] Web:www.nmci.org

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SECTION.7 TRAINING COURSES/ ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES

CARR CENTER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy
School of Governance:
The Carr Center's Fellows Program brings together a diverse group of
human rights practitioners, scholars and activists to conduct research
on human rights policy, contribute to the Center's programs, and
participate in broader dialogue with students, faculty and researchers
in the Harvard community. At the Center, fellows will have an
opportunity to advance their own professional development by completing
works in progress, bridging into new fields or disciplines, or pausing
for reflection or consolidation in a practitioner career. Fellows are
expected to devote some portion of their time to collaborative
endeavors, as arranged by the Fellows Program Director. Fellows are
also expected to complete a significant publication or research
project during their period of residence. Applications must be received
by 1 April 2002. Decisions will be announced 1 May 2002. Resident
fellowships will begin 2 September 2002 and end 30 June 2003
For further information, eligibility and application details, please
visit: www.centuryinstitute.org To request an
application via postal mail call 1-212-452-7728 or send an email to
[email][email protected]

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SECTION 8. PUBLICATIONS/ CALLS FOR PAPERS

PUBLICATIONS:

THE HEART OF WAR IN COLUMBIA By Constanza Ardila Galvis
Ardila tells the stories of ordinary Colombians who have been directly
affected by the war, as victims, witnesses or perpetrators of violence.
She goes beyond the dramatic statistics to portray the culture of
violence which permeates Colombia and which has consistently emanated
from the most powerful in society, and whose victims are in their
majority the poor.
CONTACT: Guy Bentham, Kumarian Press, at 860-243-2098.
The Heart of the War in Colombia by Constanza Ardila Galvis
ISBN 1-899365-42-7 US$ 22.95 paperback
Latin America Bureau, 224 pp., 2000

SEEDING SOLUTIONS VOLUME 2: Options for National Laws Governing Access
To and Control Over Genetic Resources by The Crucible II Group
Version française disponible en 2002 / Edición en español disponible en
2002
This book brings readers up to date on what has changed -
scientifically, politically, and environmentally - since the
publication in 1994 of the landmark PEOPLE, PLANTS AND PATENTS. Volume
2 discusses legal mechanisms to address three key issues: (1) the need
to conserve and exchange germplasm for the benefit of present and
future generations; (2) the need to encourage innovation in the
conservation and enhancement of germplasm; and (3) new options for
securing and strengthening the rights and interests of indigenous and
rural peoples in their role as creators and conservers of biological
diversity. IDRC/IPGRI/DHF 2001, ISBN 0-88936-958-5, $35 CAD

"L'AFRIQUE: SOCIETE CIVILE, MULTILINGUISME ET DEVELOPPEMENT"
by Latévi Lawson Anani-Bo
D+C Développement et Coopération (No. 2, Mars/Avril 2002,p. 26-27)
Cet article est un interview avec M. Yamar Mbodj, chargé des projets de
programme de l'ANAFA (L'Association Nationale pour l'Alphabétisation et
la Formation des Adultes). M. Yamar Mbodj explique ses espoirs pour
l'Afrique au sein de la société mondialisée qui doit mettre en avant
l'action des citoyens en vue du changement économique et social.
http://www.dse.de/zeitschr/df202-11.htm

CALL FOR PAPERS

On the occasion of Forum 2002, the OECD is launching its Forum Essay
Competition for Tomorrow's Leaders. Students under the age of 25 years
old, from the world over, are invited to prepare an essay on the
following topic: "The state of the world in 2002: how can international
co-operation make the world a better place?" Authors of the four best
essays will be invited to participate in the opening panel of the OECD
Forum 2002 on 13 May in Paris. These essays will also be published in
the special "Forum 2002 Highlights" magazine to publish in July 2002.
Essays should be no longer than 1,000 words in length and written
in English or French.
Deadline: 31 March 2002
Kindly send submissions by Email: [email][email protected]
or Paper mail to: John West
Public Affairs Division, OECD,
2 rue André Pascal, 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France.

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SECTION 9. INTERNET NEWS/ FEATURED WEBSITES

To mark International Women's Week, Reports magazine is running a
retrospective of stories that focus on gender and research for
sustainable development:
www.cdes.org

Web Anthology from Women's Learning Partnership (WLP):
Edited with an introduction by Mahnaz Afkhami, President of WLP.
WLP announces the web anthology Toward a Compassionate Society, which
addresses the importance of cultural pluralism and women's role in
promoting peace in a rapidly globalising world. The issues are examined
from a variety of gender-focused cultural and inter-disciplinary
perspectives including sociology, anthropology, human rights,
philosophy, and religion. The anthology is available at
http://www.cultureofpeace.net

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SECTION 10. CIVICUS CIVIL SOCIETY WATCH #4

THE LARGEST DISPLACED POPULATION IN THE WORLD

"?One of the major causes of the over two decades long ordeal suffered
by the people of Afghanistan was not only the exclusion of their civil
society from public affairs but also deliberate attempts to suppress
it?"(1) (excerpt from the declaration adopted at a joint meeting of 300
representatives of Afghanistan and Pakistan civil societies)

Over 20 years Afghanistan has produced the world's largest refugee
group ever, at times as high as 6.2 million people.(2)

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT?
Over 350 asylum-seekers drowned while trying to reach the remote
Australian Christmas Islands, travelling in a tiny, ramshackle boat.
The 44 survivors recounted horrible tales. They are helpless victims of
an unjust world divided between rich and poor and of unscrupulous human
smugglers who exploit desperate people by promising deliverance from
poverty or persecution in some distant 'promised land'.

The tragedy also reflects how growing instability in parts of the globe
is increasingly met with barriers against asylum seekers and illegal
immigrants. With affluent countries becoming more vigilant, desperate
refugees are paying greater sums of money to agents and adopting
increasingly risky modes of transportation to reach their destinations.

Accepting asylum seekers is an unpopular option in the developed world.
Ironically, a poor country like Pakistan, already home to some two
million Afghan refugees, has received increasing international pressure
to open its borders to more refugees - a case of blatant double
standards on the part of affluent countries unwilling to accept
refugees themselves.(3)

Meanwhile, violence, crime, ethnic persecution, lack of food, and
insecurity in Afghanistan mean people continue to leave. UN official
Yussuf Hassan noted that they are "concerned about minorities in the
north," predominantly Pashtuns, who have been forced to flee. These
latest victims of the turbulent situation have fled persecution
and violence as former ethnic rivalries resurface.(4)

However, with limited public debate, EU members, Canada, Australia, and
the United States have all begun changing immigration laws in the
"fight against terrorism." A proposal by US Attorney General John
Ashcroft to reform the immigration appeals process is being attacked by
human rights groups as the latest attempt to remove independence
from immigration judges post-11 September. Timothy Edgar of the
American Civil Liberties Union noted that this "would effectively deny
thousands of innocent immigrants their day in court", put their fate
into the hands of the Attorney General, and turn immigration courts
into a "rubber stamp for the Attorney General."(5)

Cautioning that the fight against terrorism might weaken international
laws meant to protect refugees and asylum seekers, the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ruud Lubbers, told the Security
Council that such people risked becoming "convenient scapegoats" who
may be unfairly victimized.(6)

At a UN Security Council meeting on the links between refugees and
international peace and security, Mr. Lubbers said refugees and asylum
seekers must not be discriminated against because their religion,
ethnicity, national origin or political affiliation somehow assume
links to terrorism. He added that governments "must avoid resorting to
the mandatory or arbitrary detention of asylum seekers" and that
detention "must remain the exception, not the rule."(7)

REPATRIATION
Five million Afghans have been displaced persons or refugees for as
long as 23 years, two million each in Iran and Pakistan and about one
million people displaced within Afghanistan. UNHCR is preparing for a
massive repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan this spring and also to
assist large numbers of internally displaced Afghans in returning
to their homes. But since the fall of the Taliban, sizeable numbers of
refugees and displaced have also returned to their homes voluntarily
and without international assistance.

Despite the uncertainties, most Afghan refugees interviewed recently by
Refugee International in Pakistan indicated they planned to return to
Afghanistan. The UNHCR has proposed a repatriation package for
returning refugees and displaced including transportation, food,
shelter materials, and miscellaneous items, such as seeds and
agricultural tools. UNHCR will also undertake Quick Impact Projects ?
short-term investments to generate income for returnees, dig wells,etc.

The factors that will influence the number of Afghan refugees and
displaced who return home are security, economic opportunities, and
economic ties in countries of asylum. Enayatollah Nazeri, the Afghan
interim administration's Minister of Repatriation and Refugee Affairs,
rates the challenge he faces as enormous, but achievable with
international assistance. Provided that peace and stability are
maintained, he expects five million Afghans to return over the next
five years ? one million of them in 2002.(8)

For Afghans in Pakistan, uncertainty reigns. The presence of refugees
has burdened the Pakistani social fabric and civic amenities. There has
been great pressure on hospitals and the transport system and increased
competition in the local labour market and in business. The government
of Pakistan has been working with UN agencies to relocate refugees, and
since mid-November, UNHCR has moved 37,000 people to new camps. It is
expected that these camps, in addition to the camps at Ashgaro and
Khanzadgan, will receive 67,000 re-located people by the end of March
2002. NGOs, however, are concerned that these moves may be involuntary,
and that people may be pressured to return to Afghanistan against their
will.(9)

AFGHANISTAN ? ARE THEY PREPARED?
The murder of Aviation and Tourism Minister Abdul Rahman less than two
months after the UN-backed interim administration took office has
underlined concerns about their ability to ensure security in the
country. The interim government is a coalition of armed factions
representing disparate ethnic groups while real power is wielded by
local warlords.(10)

In addition, sky-high property rents could force local NGOs to close.
In Kabul, one NGO that was paying US $200 a month has been told to "pay
US $1,000 or move out". Abdul Fatah Mamnoon of the Agency Coordinating
Body for Afghan Relief noted that local NGOs don't have the money and
"if it continues this way I fear the worst." International aid
agencies face similar difficulties. A representative of Médecins sans
Frontières noted that the foreign media have pushed wages up
significantly. People who were previously paid $200 a month are now
being paid US $100 a day.(11)

AFGHANS WORK TOGETHER TO REBUILD CIVIL SOCIETY
Empowering ordinary Afghans and providing them with the necessary
skills to rebuild grassroots civil society will be the key to
rebuilding Afghanistan, according to Sima Wali, an Afghan-American
woman who directs Refugee Women in Development.

Wali states that "these are the silent majority, the unheard voices in
the Afghan community, the people who are rebuilding the shattered lives
of traumatized women, the elderly, the handicapped and land-mine
victims? at grave risk to themselves. Against all odds, they form
institutions and organizations, with no assistance from the
international community. They have demonstrated remarkable leadership
and ability. They are our link to democratic-minded civic institutions
in Afghanistan. They are our hope for Afghanistan ? and their voices
must be included in the peace process, in the reconstruction
Dialogue."(12)

1.www.dawn.com/2001/12/11/nat5.htm
2.www.afghanwomensmission.org/background/
3.www.dawn.com/2001/10/26/ed.htm
4.www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8
ad5/ffcac6e4b1e3f081c1256b67005659c9?OpenDocument
5. http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/01110505.htm

THIS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL DIGEST IS PRODUCED BY THE CIVICUS TEAM IN OUR
VANCOUVER OFFICE. WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS AT
[email][email protected])

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SECTION 11. HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international
alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society
throughout the world. e-CIVICUS is produced weekly, and distributed to
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THE e-CIVICUS TEAM:
Indira Ravindran (Editor), Christie Atherton, Patricia
Sipher, Gail Goodall, Jan Wells

Address: CIVICUS, World Alliance for Citizen Participation
919, 18th Street, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC, 20006, USA
Tel: 1-202-331-8518 Fax: 1-202-331-8774
Email: [email][email protected] Web: www.civicus.org
Gail Goodall
New Membership Recruitment
CIVICUS
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Ph: 61 2 8267 6366
Fax: 61 2 8267 6352
Mobile: 0425 204 492
Email: [email][email protected]
www.civicus.org

The hearing of the appeal of Tunisian communist leader Hamma Hammami, editor of the party newspaper El Badil, against a nine-year prison sentence for subversion was postponed for three weeks by the Tunis appeal court on 9 March.

BROADCASTING is a complex profession demanding special attention. It has surpassed its traditional role of informing, educating and entertaining. In fact it is a mobilizer and a formidable factor in the new world order in economy, technology and politics.

Two foreigners were yesterday arrested and powerful communication equipment seized in Nairobi's Eastleigh estate. The police said they impounded two radios, four chargers and six batteries. The radios were used to communicate with militiamen in war-ravaged Somalia.

For malicious computer hackers and virus writers, the next frontier in mischief is the mobile phone.

Digital Opportunity Channel is a joint endeavour of OneWorld and the Digital Divide Network. This global portal will highlight uses of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development. The content in this portal will be collected from thousands of organisations around the world working in the field among marginalized and poor communities.

An Australian has made use of adapted World War II spy technology to foil car theives. He attached "millions of the laser- etched identification dots to cars and industrial products. In the future, the dots could also be used on legal documents and even cattle" (Wired).

The latest release of the Mozilla web browser (free) is now available. An excellent browser, and downloadable for free and available for Linux, Windows, Solaris, Mac and Irix.

The 2nd revised and substantially extended virtual edition of the Directory of African Organisations and Businesses in the Netherlands has been been put online. The number of entries has grown from 280 to nearly 800. The number of categories has risen from 9 to 13. Categories are amongst others artists (painters, sculptors and musicians), professionals, trade and commerce and religion. We have focused mainly on Africans from Sub-Sahara Africa. However we made an effort to include especially Morocco. The virtual Directory will be updated regularly.

The most visited web site in South africa closed for interenational business this month.

Trau-Mail will launch its first edition of on-line weekly mail on 3 April 2002 with the objective of enabling South Africans to share their traumatic experiences with others. People will be provided with a platform to publish interesting and touching life experiences, specifically traumatic experiences.

Donated by Thintana Communications, the Corporate Citizenship Programme includes the donation of R30m to a maths, science and technology initiative, which will result in the establishment of 18 science and technology centres at a rate of two per province over the next six months. The grant has been described as the largest ever single intervention in the teaching and learning of Maths Science and Technology.

The Non Profit Partnership in conjunction with Tlhavhama Training Initiative will be hosting a one-week training course on Financial Sustainability for CBOs, NGOs and government officials working with these structures in Limpopo.

[Information technology] is often blamed for invading privacy and depersonalising communications, but it is also praised for the increased efficiency of communication [source: Mail & Gaurdian]

A new report suggests that scientists have achieved nuclear fusion-- the energetic process by which two light atoms join to form a third, heavier atom and energy as a by-product--in a beaker sitting atop a laboratory bench. The results have attracted plenty of skepticism from within the scientific community. [source: Scientific American]

Opposition parties have criticised the proposal to empower a government department to nominate a member to the board of directors of the proposed Media Diversity and Development Agency.

Attorney-General Amos Wako has accepted a media industry plan to set up a self regulatory council. The industry will be allowed to run the independent council for up to a year after which its performance will be reviewed and a decision made on whether to make it statutory.

In a letter to Justice Minister Amadou Ali, RSF expressed its concern following the arrest of the publication director of "Le Front Indépendant" and the police's efforts to locate and arrest the publication director of "La Nouvelle Presse".

The course is delivered in asynchronous mode. All communications are email-based. Course materials are provided on a course web site (using Blackboard as a platform) and on a CD-ROM. Therefore, you do not need access to the web to participate. If you have no (or limited) access to the web, you need an email address that can handle a significant volume of messages and a CD-ROM drive on your computer.