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Human Rights House Network 10 years!
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.” (30-JUNE-04)
Background
Preliminary conference program
Sarajevo: From torture chambers to Human Rights House
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)
Sophie Price to Kenyan Activist
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)
We are moving!
The Norwegian Human Rights House will move to new facilities on 7 June 2004. In addition to the present organisations at the Human Rights House, we will share offices with Amnesty International, Nansen Dialogue Project, The Norwegian Council for the Rights of Kurdish People, and The Norwegian Burma Committee. The intention is to strengthen human rights work both on a local, national and international level. New contact details: Tordenskioldsgate 6b, 0160 Oslo, Norway. Tel: (+47) 22 47 92 00, Fax: (+47) 22 47 92 01. (28-MAY-04)
New Human Rights House in Oslo
The Norwegian Human Rights House will move to new facilities on 7 June 2004. The present organisations at the Human Rights House will share offices with Amnesty International, Nansen Dialogue Project, The Norwegian Council for the Rights of Kurdish People, and The Norwegian Burma Committee. The intention is to strengthen human rights work both on a local, national and international level. New contact details: Tordenskioldsgate 6b, 0160 Oslo, Norway. Tel: (+47) 22 47 92 00, Fax: (+47) 22 47 92 01. (28-MAY-04)
International PENs world congress in Tromsø
From September 6th through the 12th 2004 Norwegian PEN will host International PENs world congress in Tromsø. The safeguarding and further development of literature written in minority languages is one of the main themes at this congress which will take place in Tromsø in the northern part of Norway, the other theme being writers in exile.(24-MAY-04)
Conference: Activists under Attack
An international conference titled “Activists under Attack. Defending the Right to be a Human Rights Defender” is to be arranged in Oslo, Norway, on 13-14 October 2004. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the Human Rights House Network will host the conference.(24-MAY-04)
Statement Against the Torture in Iraq
The combination of gross humiliation and violence that we have been witnessing these last weeks – the torture in the prisons of Iraq, military actions against civilians in Iraq and the demolishing of lives and homes in Gaza, represent severe and destructive attacks on human rights and human dignity, says Ms Nora Sveaass at the International Society for Health and Human RIghts (21-MAY-04).
The judgment in the “Wacko case” should go to appeal
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee believes that the verdict of Heggen and Frøland Municipal Court in case 03-00699 M of 25 March 2004 should be brought up for appeal. The verdict acquitted a policeman charged with “negligently causing the death of another person” on the grounds that he acted in self-defence. The trial appeared to be particularly flawed by the manner in which the chairman of the court led the proceedings.(1-APRIL-04)