The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written to Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressing its concern over the recent arrest of the editor of a weekly magazine on charges of criminal defamation.

The following is a critique of "The Pitfalls of Universal Jurisdiction" by John M. Forbes, Executive Director of World Federalist Association of New England. "The Pitfalls of Universal Jurisdiction" is written by Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, in Foreign Affairs, July/August 2001 issue.

Highlights of coverage and analysis from the Social Justice Advocacy Digest, South Africa for the last few months.

An interesting question. A recent discussion on Slashdot, with some interesting links, focused upon the environmental soundness of genetically engineering plants - and therefore, food.
Recommended: http://csmonitor.com/durable/2001/06/27/fp3s1-csm.shtml

The the NGO & Academic ICANN Study Project (NAIS) released a report today. NAIS, an alliance of non-governmental and academic groups, urged the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers to include greater public participation in its decision-making progress. In ICANN's most recent election, its members voted to its board of directors only five "at-large" members to serve as voices of the Internet public. Read on for the whole article... and wonder at the sheer egotism of a handful of people who consider themselves qualified to make decisions about the internet without adequate civil society representation and consultation.

A new study from the World Bank has revealed that internet useage seems to be influenced by urbanisation and competition policy more than income. This is definitely interesting information in an area where research is lacking: what are the true facts and definitions behind the 'digital divide'?

This article by Julie Meloni makes a strong argument against many of web guru Jakob Nielsen's principles of web design. Although some of her points may not be that applicable in Africa, it is a must read for all web developers. She maintains that most of Nielsen's objections to complex design and technology are a design skill problem, not a technology problem. It's just a matter of knowing how to use the technology.

ICT investment creates jobs and skills. Those who have jobs spend money and create more jobs. This process may not solve all of Africa's problems with poverty but it is - as the Americans say - a "no-brainer". So how is Africa faring in the worldwide competition for external investment? With the exception of its larger markets (Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa), Africa barely registers on the world scene. Its capital markets are small and it has a damaged reputation with external investors based on the many troubles that affect the continent, most notably HIV/AIDS and corruption.

The purpose of this list is to share information about how to use the Internet for effective organizing and coalition-building with grassroots organizations, to offer suggestions and advice on outreach to organizations that are not online, and to point out opportunities for training and networking with online and grassroots activists.

The European Foundation presents SD Online, a special feature of the Sustainable Development pages. SD Online is a full-text database of the Foundation's resources that "explore specific facets of the sustainability debate and take advantage of the Foundation's research in a variety of areas." Beginning in 1998, the databases have grown to include a Networks database, tools database, as well as databases on SME support initiatives and education and training.

Lettre d'information 26/2001
semaine du 29.06.01 au 08.07.01

Access to the information highway is by small roads connected to homes and communities. Download a book on how it works in Africa.

British, American and international journalists' groups have criticized Zimbabwe after it ordered the last British newspaper correspondent, the Daily Telegraph's David Blair, to leave. President Robert Mugabe was accused of trying to gag independent reporters before presidential elections next year.

Propaganda stories in the state owned media about the solar eclipse overshadowed warnings in the private Press of looming food shortages and news of the first victims of government’s renewed clampdown on foreign journalists. And in its efforts to portray Zimbabwe as a peaceful and stable country, the state-owned media ignored yet another spate of political violence widely reported in the private Press.

Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) is looking for an Information Officer to join its team, based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Qualifications: a relevant degree with five years experience in journalism or communications. Contact: SAfAIDS, PO Box A509, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe. Deadline: 13 July, 2001.

How can community organizations successfully exploit the new information and communication technologies (ICTs)? That is the issue confronting Rabia Abdelkrim Chikh, an anthropologist and researcher with Enda Ecopole in Senegal. As leader of a project that aims to demystify computers for young people in some of the most crowded neighbourhoods of Dakar and its outskirts, and make them a commonplace work tool, she has had some success.

Forced labour in the 21st Century. £2.50 plus postage.
Human Rights & Trafficking in Persons: A Handbook. £8.00 plus postage.
Do You Know about the New ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. Free.
The Changing Face of Slavery (updated & redesigned) Video and teaching pack.
£15.00 plus postage.

Dear Kabissa Fahamu Newsletter

I'm writing from Anti-Slavery , as it's Publications Officer, to ask: can we promote publications on your website? We have some free brochures: Do You Know about the New ILO Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention. A very reasonable £2.50 report on Forced Labour in the 21st Century and soon a Handbook for advocacy work with Child Domestic Workers? Incidentallly, congratulations on an newsletter that really reports on global issues and events,

Becky Smaga
Publications Officer, Anti-Slavery, Thomas Clarkson House,
The Stableyard, Broomgrove Road, LONDON SW9 9TL
Tel: 020 7501 8922 email: [email protected]

A Guide to fundraising for Southern NGOs and Voluntary Organisations, Michael Norton (1996)Most literature on fundraising is written for practitioners in USA and UK. Now for the first time, there is a much-needed comprehensive handbook on fundraising for fundraisers in the rest of the world and particularly targeted to the needs of fundraisers in developing countries.

This year, the 21st International Fundraising Congress will be bringing together speakers and delegates from all over the world to discuss the future of fundraising and learn and share new skills. The Congress will be held 16th - 19th October in Noorwijkerhout, near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We have hand picked 50 of the most talented speakers in the world of fundraising who will lead over 100 sessions. Each one will be packed full of thought-provoking and innovative ideas to challenge your thinking and to refresh your creativity.