Latest

Yesterday, the Third UN Committee adopted the resolution on the Human Rights situation in the Republic of Belarus. The document was introduced by USA in co-authorship with Australia, EU, Israel, Canada, Switzerland and Japan. The resolution expresses ‘deep concern’ with the systematic HR violations in the Republic of Belarus and ‘further erosion of the democratic processes’. (22-NOV-07)
 

Last night, an open meeting was held at the Rafto House on the situation in Western Sahara. Several speakers participated to provide an understanding of the forgotten conflict. The Saharawi student and human rights activist, Rabab Amidane, right, described a shocking reality. (21-NOV-07)
 

Belarusian human right defenders express deep concern about the destiny of the political prisoner Andrey Klimau. They appeal to everyone to support Mr. Klimau, who is being kept imprisoned in very bad conditions. On August 1, he was convicted to two years´ imprisonment for his publications on the Internet. (21-NOV-07)
 

Last night, an open meeting was held at the Rafto House on the situation in Western Sahara. Several speakers participated to provide an understanding of the forgotten conflict. The Saharawi student and human rights activist, Rabab Amidane, right, described a shocking reality. (20-NOV-07)
 

The conference “Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Context of Local and International Legislation” started in the Republic of Azerbaijan on the 19-th of November. The conference opened with a 15-minute film prepared by the Presidential Administration Socio-Political Department, which presented the situation with freedom of expression in the Republic of Azerbaijan only from a positive standpoint. The film did not contain a word on murdered or imprisoned journalists. (20-NOV-07)

On 10 November 2007, the editor in chief of Azadlig newspaper Ganimat Zahidov (right) was arrested, being formally charged with committing hooliganism (Article 221.1) and inflicting minor bodily harm (Article 127.2.3). Thus, the father of four young children and the uncle of five children of his imprisoned brother, Sakit Zahidov – well-known “Azadlig” Newspaper satiric/journalist, Ganimat Zahidov can be imprisoned for a minimum of 3 years. (13-NOV-07)
  

On the 6-th of November 2007, 27 IFEX members signed up for the joint letter to the president of Republic of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev. The letter urges the president to allow the erection of the memorial to slain journalist Elmar Huseynov, an outspoken editor in chief of the Monitor Weekly, who was shot to death on the 2-nd of March 2005 at his doorway. (08-NOV-07)

Women’s Association for Rational Development (WARD) held two Round Tables on the topic “Role Models: Women Daring to Change”, financially supported by the US Embassy in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The round tables took place in the Baku office of British Council on the 30 and 31 October and were a part of the project of the same name. (03-NOV-07)

“Realny Azerbaijan” and “Gundalik Azerbayjan” newspapers’ Editor-in-Chief and Founder Eynulla Fatullayev is accused of threatening terrorism, inciting religious, ethnic and/or national hatred, and tax evasion. The conviction of Fatullayev by Azerbaijan’s Grave Crimes Court on the 30-th of October is a culmination of a concerted effort by the Azerbaijani authorities to silence Fatuallyev and his newspapers. (01-NOV-07)
  

From 15 to 25 October 2007, there was organized 3 series of training workshops “Do Not Harm” in Tbilisi for civil society organizations from Republic of Armenia, Republic of Azerbaijan and Georgia with full support of EED and Heks Aper institutions. The DNH was evaluated to be an important tool for conflict-sensitive programme management. (29-OCT-07) 
       

On 16 November, the Ecumenical Foundation “Tolerance” honored the HFHR for “outstanding achievements in promoting idea of tolerance” by awarding it a diploma and the “Deserved for Tolerance” medal. The awarding ceremony takes place each year during the International Tolerance Day set by UNESCO.(19-NOV-07)

“We, the delegates attending the annual meeting for the Human Rights House Network, express our concern regarding the situation in Burma (Republic of the Union of Myanmar). We urge the international community, with emphasis on the role of the EU, UNSC and ASEAN, to work to prevent Burma´s situation from returning to status quo”. Thus began a statement that was signed by all delegates to the HRH network meeting in Nairobi last week. To read the full statement, see below. (19-NOV-07)