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Buried bodies were what was found when the renovation of what was later to become the Human Rights House of Sarajevo began in 1997. Previously, it had served as an interrogation and torture centre. This week, representatives from 10 countries in the Human Rights House Network gather in Sarajevo, among other things to make preparations for an international conference to take place in Oslo in October on human rights defenders’ deteriorating working conditions and general security. (30-JUNE-04)
 

This year, the Human Rights House Network celebrates its 10th Anniversary. An international conference will be hosted by the Secretariat in Oslo 13-14 October, titled “Activists under attack. Defending the right to be a human rights defender.” (01-OCT-04)
Background 
Preliminary conference program
 

Jacek Kuron, one of the most outstanding Polish politicians and social activists, died on June 17. He was 70 years old. He was a member of the group of co-founders and main activists of the Polish democratic opposition. Because of his intransigence, courage and devotion, he enjoyed the greatest social respect and trust among all Polish politicians. (29-JUN-04)

Mr. Vaclav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic, contributed an editorial on the North Korean human rights situation to the South Korean newspaper, Chosun Ilbo. In this editorial, which was printed in the Washington Post, as well, Mr. Havel urges the democratic countries of the world — the European Union, the United States, Japan, South Korea — to take a common position.(29-JUNE-04)
  

 The Kurdish Joan of Arc, Leyla Zana, and three other prominent Kurdish MPs have been freedafter ten years from Turkish jail pending on appeal. The 1994 Rafto Prize award recipient, said after her release; “Today is not the day to fuel sad feelings or pain, today is the day for brotherhood and understanding.” 
 
 
 

The Human Rights House Foundation (HRH) is pleased to note that the Minsk Administrative Court by a recent decision fully allowed the claim of the Republic of Belarus Helsinki Committee (BHC). Last week,  HRH sent a letter to the Belarusian President concerning the authorities’ accusations brought against BHC of tax evasion.  HRH hopes that all claims against BHC and its employees now may be terminated. (29-JUNE-04)
 
 

The Human Rights House in Sarajevo and the Helsinki Committee of Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina has started the project „Children`s rights – practice and strategy in BiH“ on June 03, 2004. Their first destination was north – west and central Bosnia where they visited primary schools gathering educationists from schools – teachers, psychologists, social workers, directors, representatives of competent ministries, NGO`s activists, representatives of primary school pupils and representatives of local youth councils.
 

The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights has been nominated for the second time to serve the function of the National Focal Point in the European RAXEN network, which gathers information on the subject matter of racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islam phobia and anti-Roman activity. It will serve this function until the end of 2004.
 

Mr. Vaclav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic, contributed an editorial on the North Korean human rights situation to the South Korean newspaper, Chosun Ilbo. In this editorial, which was printed in the Washington Post, as well, Mr. Havel urges the democratic countries of the world — the European Union, the United States, Japan, South Korea — to take a common position. (20-JUNE-04)

The Kenyan Activist Wangari Maathai was awarded the Norwegian Sophie Prize last week. Ms Maathai is one of the most outspoken and respected environmental activist in Africa, who for the last 30 years has fought fearlessly for the protection of the environment and human rights. – President Mois authoritarian regime is over, and Kenyans are free. But building democracy is a long process that has only just been allowed to begin, said Mr Niels Jacob Harbitz (picture) at the Human Rights House Foundation (HRH), who spoke at the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of supporting civil society.(21-JUNE-04)
 
 

The Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC) is under threat of being closed down because of tax evasion accusations brought against it by the Belarusian authorities. According to the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, these accusations follow an investigation conducted by tax inspectors of
the Moscow District of Minsk between August 2003 and January 2004. (21-JUNE-04)
 

The Kenyan Activist Wangari Maathai was awarded the Norwegian Sophie Prize last week. Ms Maathai is one of the most outspoken and respected environmental activist in Africa, who for the last 30 years has fought fearlessly for the protection of the environment and human rights. – President Mois authoritarian regime is over, and Kenyans are free. But building democracy is a long process that has only just been allowed to begin, said Mr Niels Jacob Harbitz at the Human Rights House Foundation (HRH), who spoke at the ceremony. He emphasized the importance of supporting civil society.(21-JUNE-04)