NEW Publication of the handbook for lawyers defending Roma and Travellers

The Council of Europe's Roma and Travellers Division has published a new handbook for lawyers defending Roma and Travellers communities "Ensuring access to rights for Roma and Travellers - The role of the European Court of Human Rights".

This handbook is based on the experience gained during the training sessions for lawyers organised over the last 13 years by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Roma Rights Center and its practical approach makes it a useful tool for both newcomers to the Convention and for experienced practitioners alike.

The publication is available at the following link:

Ensuring access to rights for Roma and Travellers. The role of the European court of Human Rights.

World Refugee Day 2009

Real People, Real Needs

This year, with the world economic crisis threatening to slash aid budgets and amid enormous global uncertainty, we need to ensure refugees are not forgotten. That's why the theme for this year's World Refugee Day on June 20 is "Real People, Real Needs."

Of the millions of people forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution and natural disasters, every one has a story to tell; they are real people, just like you and me, and they have real needs.

This World Refugee Day we must remember the millions of forcibly displaced and stateless people; they are under our care b ecause they are struggling with their day-to-day lives. One thing connects them all: basic needs that must be met so they have a chance to rebuild their lives.

All of us can activily help them to achieve a better world, it is our responsability. And, remember, the first step in the fitht against violence and intolerance is... be aware of it!

World Abortion Laws 2008 Factsheet

Currently, over 60% of the world's people live in countries where induced abortion is permitted either for a wide range of reasons or without restriction as to reason. In contrast, about 26% of all people reside in countries where abortion is generally prohibited.

The factsheet enclosed in the link below illustrates the varying degrees to which countries worldwide permit access to abortion. Countries in Category I have the most restrictive laws. Those in each subsequent category recognize the grounds specified in the preceding category as well as additional grounds.

If you want to know more about your own country classification, click at the enclosed link, and remember, the first step for enhance human rights is be aware of their violations!

Enclosed file: World Abortion Laws 2008 Factsheet

source: Center for Reproductive Rights

50th Aniversary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)

The IACHR was created in August 12-18, 1959, by during the Fifth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, of the Organisation of the American States (OAS) held August 12-18, 1959, in Santiago, Chile.

The Commission oversees OAS Member States’ compliance with the rights recognized in the inter-American instruments on human rights. Through the OAS and the Summits of the Americas, the States have affirmed their support for the inter-American human rights system, recognizing that it is indispensable for strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the Americas.

The Inter-American Commission has played a vital role in shaping public policies, laws, and constitutional reforms. Its recommendations have led States to eliminate discriminatory laws and strengthen protections of basic rights. Commission reports have also contributed to OAS decisions to take collective action to protect democratic freedoms in Member States.

Special website for the 50th anniversary of the European Court of Human Rights

The fiftieth anniversary of the European Court of Human Rights is being celebrated throughout 2009 with a series of initiatives, including the launch of a special event-oriented website that will be enhanced and up-dated in the course of the year. The website is being launched today because it was exactly 50 years ago, on 20 April 1959, that the Court was inaugurated, on the tenth anniversary of the Council of Europe.

22 April as International Mother Earth Day

On 22 April 2009, the U.N. General Assembly adopted by consensus (without vote) a resolution designating April 22 each year as International Mother Earth Day (A/RES/63/278). This move was sponsored by Bolivia and 50 countries. The Earth day Observance was started in 1970 in the United States and many other countries as way to bring awareness to the environmental problems facing the planet.

In adopting the resolution, the General Assembly acknowledged that "the Earth and its ecosystems are our home, and convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth"; and invited all member states, the U.N. system, regional bodies and non-government organizations to "observe and raise awareness of International Mother Earth Day, as appropriate".