Human Rights Open Window (HROW)

HRBA Portal - UN Practitioner's Portal on HRBA Programming

2010-12-02T11:46:00.003+01:00

Dear all, today I came into across to the HRBA Portal which is a portal for practitioners that pools together both knowledge and experience, making accessible to UN practitioners a variety of tailored Human Rights Based Approach resources.

The portal will focus on providing strategic and practical tools on integrating HRBA into programming and is designed to complement existing resources on broader human rights issues. It offers access to:

§ Database of Resources: virtual access to reports, handbooks, guides and case-studies on mainstreaming HRBA into development programming, searchable by topic area, region or programming cycle;

§ HuriTALK Corner: experiences, lessons learned and examples of good practice shared by UN members through the Human Rights Policy Network. Search consolidated replies and e-discussions by topic area, or browse the insights series.

§ Learning Materials: training and learning materials on integrating HRBA into development programming including the UN Common Learning Package on HRBA.

If you want to learn more about this website and its on-line resources and possibilities, please, click upon the following link:

http://hrbaportal.org/

Best regard and good readings!

HROW

60 years of the European Convention - New website

2010-10-16T09:38:00.003+02:00

The Council of Europe has launched a new website dedicated to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The website offers not only regularly updated content but also a very good synthesis of the most important Landmark Judgements delivered by the Court since its creation in 1959.

This very useful tool will remain available and operational, in French and in English, after the end of 2010 - the anniversary year.

For more information click in the following link:

ECHR Anniversary site

HROW

New OHCHR's report on DRC human rights violations

2010-10-07T16:30:00.003+02:00

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has published the "DRC: Mapping human rights violations 1993-2003" Report which contains the descriptions of 617 alleged violent incidents occcurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) between March 1993 and June 2003.

In the own words of the UNHCHR, Ms. Pillay, "[t]his report is the result of interviews with several hundred interlocutors, both Congolese and foreign, who witnessed atrocities in the country: it substantiates their accounts and reflects their aspiration for justice", adding that the report "is intended as a first step towards the sometimes painful but nonetheless essential process of truth-telling after violent conflict."

If you want to know more about it, you will find the entire report at the following link:

DRC: Mapping human rights violations 1993-2003"

HROW

International Day of Peace - new website

2010-09-24T09:04:00.004+02:00

On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of Peace, the World Association of School as an Instrument of Peace announced the launching of it's new website.

Click here to go to the website

This user friendly website features :
- A important ducumentary fund
- An constantly up-to-date reseach engine
- A complete access to our strip cartoons collection
- Access to « what's new » in real time throught an RSS reader
- An attractive surfing
- Well fitted illustrations
- A better designed website

This web site is intended to produce and diffuse learning materials with the scope of promoting increasing knowledge of and defending human rights in the fields of formal and non-formal education. I am sure that all of you will find interesting tools for your daily and committed work.

If you want to know more about what the International Day of Peace is I would like to recommend you to visit the web site http://internationaldayofpeace.org/

HROW

Image: "Le visage de la paix (1950)" Pablo PICASSO.

The ECtHR's key case-law issues

2010-07-31T18:08:00.003+02:00

For all of those of you that are dealing with the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), I recommend you to visit the web site of the Court and review the very useful Key case-law issues prepared by the secretariat with the aim to provide information to persons intending to make an application to the Court.

I hope you will find it very profitable. You will find the web side at the following link:

Key case-law issues

HROW

UNDP Latin-America & Caribbean Countries 2010 Report

2010-07-23T09:21:00.005+02:00

United Nations Developing Programme has launched its new 2010 Regional Report concerning Latin-American and Caribbean Countries.

This report mainly focus on the intergenerational transmission of inequality among Latin-American and Caribbean societies, emphasizing the fact that this region is the most unequal region in the world in term of the distribution of the incomes, and offering recommendation in order to break down those mechanisms that perpetuate and reinforce the reproduction of inequalities among the members of the society.

If you want to read more about this topic, or download the report, please click at the following link:

Informe Regional sobre desarrrollo Humano para América Latina y el Caribe 2010: Actuar sobre el futuro: romper la transmisiçon intergeneracional de la desigualdad.

Good readings!

HROW.

United Nations Rule of Law Website

2010-03-26T09:50:00.004+01:00

United Nations Rule of Law Unit launched a new web site entire dedicated to this key aspect national and international law and governance. In fact Rule of Law is one of the truly pillars of the United Nations, together with Democracy, Human Rights and Security.

A key aspect of this new website is its accessibility and utility for all practitioners around the world. Until now it has been difficult for them to have access to UN best practices, lessons learned and the various tools developed by the UN on rule of law, elements that now are available in this new website. In addition, practitioners will find extensive list of and links to partner organizations in order to build a strong global rule of community.

If you want to visit this new website, just click on the title above. Good reading!

Access to safe and legal abortion in Europe - PACE Report

2009-11-12T11:04:00.005+01:00

HROW would like to draw you attention to a Council of Europe Report, called "Access to safe and legal abortion in Europe", elaborated by the Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men of the Council of Europe Parliamentarian Assembly (PACE).

In this report, the PACE recall that "Abortion is legal in the vast majority of the Council of Europe member states. The Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men considers that a ban on abortions does not result in fewer abortions, but mainly leads to clandestine abortions, which are more traumatic and more dangerous. By the same token, the Committee notes that in many of the states where abortion is legal, numerous conditions are imposed which restrict the effective access to safe abortion."

For these reasons, the PACE invited the member states of Council of Europe to:

decriminalise abortion, if they have not already done so;
guarantee women's effective exercise of their right to abortion and lift restrictions which hinder, de jure or de facto, access to safe abortion;
adopt appropriate sexual and reproductive health strategies, including access of women and men to contraception at a reasonable cost and of a suitable nature for them as well as compulsory relationships and sex education for young people.

This is a 2008 Report (8 April 2008), nevertheless, the background situation in Europe, that is analysed here, it is still the current situation in most of the member states countries. Therefore, this report can be consider as an up-date report.

You will find this report in the following link:

Access to safe and legal abortion in Europe

The 2008 UNADIS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic

2009-11-08T17:46:00.004+01:00

UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) has published its new "Report on the global AIDS epidemic". The Report draws upon and publishes the best available data from countries and provides an overview and commentary on the epidemic and the international response.

The 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic emerges at the halfway mark between the 2001

Declaration of Commitment and the 2015 target of the Millennium Development Goals to reverse the epidemic by 2015.

The report documents considerable progress in many countries in addressing their national epidemics. Nevertheless, progress remains uneven and the epidemic’s future is still uncertain, underscoring the need for intensified action to move towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

If you would like to know more about the current situation in the faith against this epidemic, you will find the 2008 Report at the following link:

2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic

CEDAW and the Human Rights Based Approach to Programming: A UNIFEM Guide

2009-11-08T15:26:00.001+01:00

For all of you that are currently working with human rights-based approach (HRBA) I would recommend you to read the publication made by UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fond for Women) called: CEDAW and the Human Rights Based Approach to Programming: A UNIFEM Guide.

This publication is a practical guide to the human rights-based approach to programming for UNIFEM staff as well as partners, with a particular focus on the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Starting with an overview of why it is important to understand gender equality as a human rights issue, the guide explains the "UN Common Understanding of the human-rights-based approach" and how this is reflected in UNIFEM's Multi-Year Funding Framework (MYFF).

It discusses the concrete implications for programming of applying the HRBA and highlights requirements of human rights-based programming in the context of Results-Based Management, a central concept in the work of UN development agencies.

This guide is available at the following link:

CEDAW and the Human Rights Based Approach to Programming: A UNIFEM Guide.

New Guide to Electronic Resources for IHRL

2009-11-06T10:21:00.002+01:00

The American Society of International Law (ASIL) launched a new guide to electronic resources for International Human Rights Law (IHRL).

This guide provides a useful overview of electronic sources available for international human rights, regardless of the format. It includes general tips for doing research as well as for locating necessary documents and materials. It provides pointers on where to start: Bibliographic Databases and Online Catalogs, Research Guides and Bibliographies and Periodical Indexes.

The scope encompasses both primary sources on human rights instruments and jurisprudence, and secondary sources (including documents from non-governmental organizations and country reports) and concludes with links to other relevant websites.

The emphasis is on English-language materials, but the availability of resources in other languages is noted.

If you want to know more, visit the ASIL web site at the following link and enjoy it!

ASIL Guide to Electronic Resources for International Law

Public Schools and Crocifix... a wrong partnership!

2009-11-03T12:56:00.004+01:00

HROW congratulates the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for its decision on Wednesday 3th November 2009 in the Case of Lautsi v. Italy (Case n. 30814/06), in which the Strasbourg Court declared that the presence of the crucifix in the public schools' rooms is in violation of Art. 2 of Protocol 1 to the Convention (the right of parents to ensure education in conformity with their religious convictions), together with Art 9 of the Convention (the children's right of freedom of religion).

The Court not only based its decision on the need of religion neutrality of the State, in a democratic state, in connection with the education in public schools, but as well in the fact that the presence of this religious symbol is not in line with the pluralistic education, that is essential for the preservation of a democratic society.

This is a great step in a construction of a more inclusive and respectful Europe, where everybody, regardless its own conviction or belief, can be part of the common and pluralistic society.

You will find the judgement at the following link:

AFFAIRE LAUTSI c. ITALIE (Requête n^o 30814/06)

2009-07-01T08:18:00.004+02:00

HROW strongly condemned the coup d'état in the Republic of Honduras and call for the restoration of the democratically-elected President and constitutional Government.

At the same time, HROW welcomes the resolutions of the UN General Assembly and the OAS Permanent Council in which both bodies called for the restoration of the democratic order in the Republic of Honduras and for the ceased of the constitutional discontinuity.

If you want to know more, you will find both Resolutions at the following links:

OAS Permanent Council. June 28, 2009.

UN General Assembly. June 30, 2009.

NEW Publication of the handbook for lawyers defending Roma and Travellers

2009-06-16T09:40:00.005+02:00

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

2009-06-16T08:46:00.005+02:00

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

2009-06-13T20:00:00.005+02:00

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)

2009-06-13T12:07:00.007+02:00

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

2009-06-13T11:40:00.005+02:00

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

2009-06-02T15:42:00.008+02:00

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".

International Day against Homophobia

2009-05-16T12:20:00.017+02:00

Communities worldwide celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia each 17 May. The Day is an opportunity to highlight once again the urgent need for joint efforts to reduce and end discrimination, violence and criminalization based on sexual orientation.

If you want to know more about which the international human rights standards are in connection with sexual orientation and gender identity, give a look to the enclosed link, in which you will find a document elaborated by the International Commission of Jurist (ICJ) in 2006. The ICJ is a prestigious global network of judges, lawyers and human rights defenders united by international law and rule of law principles that advance human rights.

Enjoy the reading and remember, the first step in the fight against discrimination is be aware of it!

Documents:
http://data.unaids.org/pub/Manual/2006/070517_icj_un_references_en.pdf

LGTBI rights in the World

2009-05-12T19:39:00.007+02:00

Is a time to see who is who in the world wide protection of the right of the LGTBI people. If you want to know more, give a look to the world map published by ILGA in its 30th. anniversary.
And remember, the first step on the struggle against discrimination is the awareness of it!

Children are targets of Nigerian witch hunt

2009-03-19T09:22:00.005+01:00

Evangelical pastors are helping to create a terrible new campaign of violence against young Nigerians. Children and babies branded as evil are being abused, abandoned and even murdered while the preachers make money out of the fear of their parents and their communities.
If you want to know more about this terrible ongoing situation, click over the title of this post or watch the video that you will find in the enclosure link.
Regards,
HROW staff.

10th December 2008 - Human Rights Day

2008-12-05T12:25:00.005+01:00

On 10 December we, the entire humanity, will celebrate the Human Rights Day, on remembrance of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But... bear in mind that the enjoyment of human rights is not secured in all part of the globe. Thus, we must remain alert for denounce human rights violation (gross and smalls) and -at least- for not give our consent to it. Believe it...Yes, we can!

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2008-11-25T17:35:00.005+01:00

Dear All,
On 10 December 2008 we will celebrate the Human Rights Day, and in this especial occasion we will celebrate also The 60th anniversary of the The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
For this reason I invite all of you to follow the United Nation's initiative “Dignity and justice for all of us”, at least through the better acknowledgement and understanding of the Declaration itself.
I kindly recommend you to visit the web site of the United Nation High Commissioner on Human Rights (click over the title of this post) and read some of the suitable material that you will find on it.
Good reading!

Welcome to Human Rights Open Window (HROW)

2008-11-25T15:07:00.001+01:00

Dear all,
Welcome to this new idea, Human Rights Open Window. This window has the aim to provide and overview of Human Rights Issues around the world, for better understanding, promotion and protection of all human rights, without any kind of discrimination. Enhancing respect for culture diversity and strengthen the construction of a better pluralist democratic societies, in respectfulness of the dignity of all human beings will be our overarching goal.
Come and walk with us, along this long path, helping us to make real this marvellous commitment!