2011-03-17
Slovenia promises to use its own experience to continue EU enlargement in the Balkans as this will bolster ‘reconciliation and prosperity’.
Delegations from Serbia and Kosovo met in Brussels last week for talks for the first time since the proclamation of Kosovo's independence in 2008.
Kosovo considers its national status is settled, whereas Serbia refuses to recognise its former province as a country. To get round this, Brussels hopes to foster dialogue on practical issues such as free movement of persons and goods, and the rule of law.
The encounter may not be enough to reassure those who advocate EU membership for Balkan nations. Existing members fear an influx of immigrants from the south, especially after the "Arab spring".
The Slovenian prime minister, Borut Pahor, said that "as a result of the crisis, enlargement is no longer such a high priority and now ranks too low on the European agenda. People in Brussels take fright when you mention the Balkans. It all seems so complicated that they instinctively suggest it should be dealt with later."
Slovenia has a population of only 2 million, but is an important bridge between Europe and Balkan applicants for membership. It is the only country in the western Balkans to have joined the EU (in 2004) and offers to act as a go-between. Last year Slovenia organised a meeting of six Balkan countries to kick-start European integration.
"The region is at a crossroads," said Pahor. "If we decide we can make do with peace, with no need to settle other multilateral issues, we will miss a unique opportunity to achieve reconciliation and prosperity. In the near future we may have to deal with an unpredictable situation," he warned, referring to powerful social unrest in Albania and Serbia since January.
One option considered by Europe is to reach a compromise on the status of northern Kosovo, around the town of Mitrovice, which is still divided, with Serbs on one side of the river Ibar and ethnic Albanians on the other.
Slovenia is keen to have its say on Turkey's bid to join the EU, which it endorses despite the misgivings of several countries, including France.
"It would be a mistake to force Europe to speed up the accession process for Turkey but we must continue what we have started," Pahor said. "Turkey needs to be convinced that the EU is prepared to accept enlargement at some point. In the long term it would be in Europe's interest for Turkey to join."
2011-03-17
A committee with members from the political arena, civil society and academia will discuss reforms of democratic institutions in Somaliland, particularly focusing on the rules concerning political parties.
President Ahmed Silanyo on Monday [March 14, 2011] issued a press release in which he said he was open to new suggestions and debate on the issue of multi-party system.
Even though, Somaliland is multi-party country with viable democratic institutions, many groups have been calling for more parties than the current three. They believe more political parties would increase the diversity of viable voices in the political dialogue in the country.
The previous government led by President Dahir Riyale limited the number of political parties to the current three – United Peoples Democratic party (UDUB), Justice and Development party (UCID) and the ruling Peace, Unity and Development party (Kulmiye).
During the election campaign, President Silanyo promised to pledge state support for those wishing to form new parties while inviting blacklisted parties to join his Kulmiye party. One such party to compromise with Silanyo and Kulmiye party was the unregistered Qaran party (The Nation) led by the current Interior Minister Dr. Mohamed Abdi Gabose and Finance Minister eng. Mohamed Hashi Elmi.
The statement from the office of the President said that President Ahmed Silanyo was not ready to neither scrap the ban nor pour cold water on the issue but will weight on mainstream views. He said he has set up a committee of twenty members to study and explore the best options for political reforms for the country.
In bid to satisfy everyone’s appetite and engage with the public, the President listed individuals from all walks of life in the committee — they include representatives from the existing three parties, NGOs, MPs, tribal elders, religious groups, students and academia, human rights organizations, minority groups, women advocate groups, businesses and government advisers. The President added he was fulfilling his campaign promise to the public.
While many have welcomed the move, others expressed concerns saying the rise in political parties might open a Pandora’s box which will allow each tribe to create their own political party thus dividing the cohesiveness that has made Somaliland democracy a model in this region. They also argue three parties are more than enough for a nation with relatively small population like Somaliland.
Those who are for simply argue that under a true democracy, there should not be any restrictions.
In 2002, during the formation of Somaliland’s multi-party system, more than ten parties had registered. The legislation stated a party must receive at least 20 percent of the popular vote from four of Somaliland’s six regions in order to advance to the next stage.
Six parties met this criterion and went into a battle to further minimize the number of parties in the country. A constitution was agreed on that only three parties with the most votes will be approved. The electoral commission announced the current three parties received the most votes. The other three parties had to merge with one of the three.
Somaliland withdrew from a never rectified union with its neighbor Somalia in 1991 after a bloody war against Dictator Mohamed Siad Bare. It is often described as a peaceful, multi-party system democratic state but remains unrecognized.
Somaliland combines traditional and western institutions to form its own hybrid system. Many have recognized its unique system which is the backbone of its stability and its abilities to resolve internal disputes.
Last week, a Kenyan delegation consisting of 20 lawmakers visited the country for few days to study and document the local Parliamentary system called Gurti, customary law system known as Xeer and other indigenous alternative dispute resolution mechanism. They revealed they will try to apply it in their own country especially in hot-spot areas such as the so called rift-valley.
2011-03-17
Education and information about the meaning of the proposed regional autonomy must be given to all citizens if autonomy is to be implemented successfully, a senior official says.
“Everyone is a stakeholder in the realization of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.”
Dr. Maximo Garming, director of Extension Services of the Kalinga Apayao State College said as he underscored the need “to educate and provide enough information for the people to understand the proposed regional autonomy.”
There is a need to consult every sector including students to understand and get their position as input to the drafting of an acceptable organic act that defines the kind of autonomous region that people want in the Cordilleras, he said.
“Respect their views,” and encourage the active and committed participation of local government officials and advocates in the information and education campaign, he added.
Autonomy, he said, will provide the region the advantage to develop and be at par with the progressive regions in the country.
This, he said, could be realized if the region will be given the opportunity to develop its resources; and with the transitional fund from the national government, all provinces in the region will be given the chance to physically improve their localities in terms of road networks, government establishments, and develop its human resources towards autonomy.
The third basic principle of autonomy as basis of the drafting the proposed annual subsidy of P10 billion per year for the first five years and P5 billion per year for the next five years from the national government distributed to the provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays in accordance to the organic act.
The Cordillera region, he said, is given the rare opportunity with the ratification of the Philippine Constitution through Section 1, Article X, which provided for the creation of a Cordillera Autonomous Region.
“We should take advantage of the legal basis and give the opportunity to develop ourselves, preserve our cultural heritage and advance our development to attain a progressive region,” Garming expressed.
“Let us not deprive our children of this positive change and instead look at these changes in a broader prospective,” he said.
Towards this endeavor, the provincial government is conducting sectorial forums this month for the information and education campaign and drafting of the autonomous organic act in preparation for the third plebiscite.
2010-12-17
Remarks by the President at the White House Tribal Nations Conference
Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Everybody please be seated. Thank you.
Thank you, Fawn, for that wonderful introduction. Thanks to all of you. It is wonderful to be with you here today.
I see a lot of friends, a lot of familiar faces in the house. I want to thank all the tribal leaders who have traveled here for this conference. And I also want to recognize all the wonderful members of Congress who are here, as well as members of my Cabinet, including Secretary Salazar, who is doing terrific work here at Interior on behalf of the First Americans and on behalf of all Americans. So thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)
Yesterday, I had the chance to meet with several tribal leaders at the White House, continuing a conversation that began long before I was President. And while I’m glad to have the opportunity to speak with you this morning, I’m also very eager to see the results of today’s meeting. I want to hear more from you about how we can strengthen the relationship between our governments, whether in education or health care, or in fighting crime or in creating jobs.
And that’s why we’re here today. That’s a promise I’ve made to you. I remember, more than two years ago, in Montana, I visited the Crow Nation -- one of the many times I met with tribal leaders on the campaign trail. You may know that on that trip, I became an adopted Crow Indian. My Crow name is “One Who Helps People Throughout the Land.” (Applause.) And my wife, when I told her about this, she said, “You should be named ‘One Who Isn’t Picking Up His Shoes and His Socks’.” (Laughter.)
Now -- but I like the first name better. And I want you to know that I’m working very hard to live up to that name.
What I said then was that as President I would make sure that you had a voice in the White House. (Applause.) I said that so long as I held this office, never again would Native Americans be forgotten or ignored. (Applause.) And over the past two years, my administration, working hand in hand with many of you, has strived to keep that promise. And you’ve had strong partners in Kim Teehee, my senior advisor for Native American issues, and Jodi Gillette, in our Intergovernmental Affairs office. You can give them a big round of applause. They do outstanding work. (Applause.)
Last year, we held the largest gathering of tribal leaders in our history. And at that conference -- you remember, most of you were there -- I ordered every Cabinet agency to promote more consultation with the tribal nations. Because I don’t believe that the solutions to any of our problems can be dictated solely from Washington. Real change depends on all of us doing our part.
So over the past year my administration has worked hard to strengthen the relationship between our nations. And together, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to help meet the challenges facing Native American communities.
Our strategy begins with the number one concern for all Americans right now -- and that’s improving the economy and creating jobs. We’ve heard time and again from tribal leaders that one of the keys to unlocking economic growth on reservations is investments in roads and high-speed rail and high-speed Internet and the infrastructure that will better connect your communities to the broader economy. That’s essential for drawing capital and creating jobs on tribal lands. So to help spur the economy, we’ve boosted investment in roads throughout the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Reservation Road Program, and we’ve offered new loans to reach reservations with broadband.
And as part of our plan to revive the economy, we’ve also put billions of dollars into pressing needs like renovating schools. We’re devoting resources to job training -- especially for young people in Indian Country who too often have felt like they don’t have a chance to succeed. And we’re working with you to increase the size of tribal homelands in order to help you develop your economies.
I also want to note that I support legislation to make clear -- in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision -- that the Secretary of Interior can take land into trust for all federally recognized tribes. (Applause.) That’s something that I discussed yesterday with tribal leaders.
We’re also breaking down bureaucratic barriers that have prevented tribal nations from developing clean energy like wind and solar power. It’s essential not just to your prosperity, but to the prosperity of our whole country. And I’ve proposed increasing lending to tribal businesses by supporting community financial institutions so they can finance more loans. It is essential in order to help businesses expand and hire in areas where it can be hard to find credit.
Another important part of our strategy is health care. We know that Native Americans die of illnesses like diabetes, pneumonia, flu -- even tuberculosis -- at far higher rates than the rest of the population. Make no mistake: These disparities represent an ongoing tragedy. They’re cutting lives short, causing untold pain and hardship for Native American families. And closing these gaps is not just a question of policy, it’s a question of our values -- it’s a test of who we are as a nation.
Now, last year, at this conference, tribal leaders talked about the need to improve the health care available to Native Americans, and to make quality insurance affordable to all Americans. And just a few months later, I signed health reform legislation into law, which permanently authorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act -- permanently. (Applause.) It’s going to make it possible for Indian tribes and tribal organizations to purchase health care for their employees, while making affordable coverage available to everybody, including those who use the Indian Health Service -- that’s most American Indians and native -- Alaska Natives. So it’s going to make a huge difference.
Of course, there are few steps we can take that will make more of a difference for the future of your communities than improving education on tribal lands. We’ve got to improve the education we provide to our children. That’s the cornerstone on which all of our progress will be built. We know that Native Americans are far more likely to drop out of high school and far less likely to go to college. That not only damages the prospects for tribal economies; it’s a heartbreaking waste of human potential. We cannot afford to squander the promise of our young people. Your communities can’t afford it, and our country can’t afford it. And we are going to start doing something about it. (Applause.)
We’re rebuilding schools on tribal lands while helping to ensure that tribes play a bigger role in determining what their children learn. We’re working to empower parents with more and better options for schools for their kids -- as well as with support programs that actually work with Indian parents to give them a real voice in improving education in your communities.
We’re also working to improve the programs available to students at tribal colleges. Students who study at tribal colleges are much less likely to leave college without a degree and the vast majority end up in careers serving their tribal nation. And these schools are not only helping to educate Native Americans; they’re also helping to preserve rich but often endangered languages and traditions. I’d also like to point out last year I signed historic reforms that are increasing student aid and making college loans more affordable. That’s especially important to Native Americans struggling to pay for a college degree. (Applause.)
Now, all these efforts -- improving health care, education, the economy -- ultimately these efforts will not succeed unless all of our communities are safe places to grow up and attend school and open businesses and where people are not living under the constant threat of violence and crime. And that threat remains real, as crime rates in Indian Country are anywhere from twice to 20 times the national average. That’s a sobering statistics -- represents a cloud over the future of your communities.
So the Justice Department, under the leadership of Eric Holder, is working with you to reform the way justice is done on Indian reservations. And I was proud to sign the Tribal Law and Order Act into law, which is going to help tribes combat drug and alcohol abuse, to have more access to criminal databases, and to gain greater authority to prosecute and punish criminals in Indian Country. That’s important. (Applause.)
We’ve also resolved a number of longstanding disputes about the ways that our government has treated -- or in some cases mistreated -- folks in Indian Country, even in recent years. We’ve settled cases where there were allegations of discrimination against Native American farmers and ranchers by the Department of Agriculture. And after a 14-year battle over the accounting of tribal resources in the Cobell case, we reached a bipartisan agreement, which was part of a law I signed just a week ago. We’re very proud of that and I want to thank all the legislators who helped make that happen. (Applause.)
This will put more land in the hands of tribes to manage or otherwise benefit their members. This law also includes money to settle lawsuits over water rights for seven tribes in Arizona, Montana and New Mexico -- and it creates a scholarship fund so more Native Americans can afford to go to college.
These cases serve as a reminder of the importance of not glossing over the past or ignoring the past, even as we work together to forge a brighter future. That’s why, last year, I signed a resolution, passed by both parties in Congress, finally recognizing the sad and painful chapters in our shared history -- a history too often marred by broken promises and grave injustices against the First Americans. It’s a resolution I fully supported -- recognizing that no statement can undo the damage that was done; what it can do is help reaffirm the principles that should guide our future. It’s only by heeding the lessons of our history that we can move forward.
And as you know, in April, we announced that we were reviewing our position on the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. And today I can announce that the United States is lending its support to this declaration. (Applause.)
The aspirations it affirms -- including the respect for the institutions and rich cultures of Native peoples -- are one we must always seek to fulfill. And we’re releasing a more detailed statement about U.S. support for the declaration and our ongoing work in Indian Country. But I want to be clear: What matters far more than words -- what matters far more than any resolution or declaration -– are actions to match those words. And that’s what this conference is about. (Applause.) That’s what this conference is about. That’s the standard I expect my administration to be held to.
So we’re making progress. We’re moving forward. And what I hope is that we are seeing a turning point in the relationship between our nations. The truth is, for a long time, Native Americans were implicitly told that they had a choice to make. By virtue of the longstanding failure to tackle wrenching problems in Indian Country, it seemed as though you had to either abandon your heritage or accept a lesser lot in life; that there was no way to be a successful part of America and a proud Native American.
But we know this is a false choice. To accept it is to believe that we can’t and won’t do better. And I don’t accept that. I know there is not a single person in this room who accepts that either. We know that, ultimately, this is not just a matter of legislation, not just a matter of policy. It’s a matter of whether we’re going to live up to our basic values. It’s a matter of upholding an ideal that has always defined who we are as Americans. E pluribus unum. Out of many, one.
That’s why we’re here. That’s what we’re called to do. And I’m confident that if we keep up our efforts, that if we continue to work together, that we will live up to the simple motto and we will achieve a brighter future for the First Americans and for all Americans.
So thank you very much. God bless you. Thank you. (Applause.)
END
2010-12-13
Militants are systematically targeting and killing teachers in Pakistan's south-western province of Balochistan, says Human Rights Watch.
At least 22 teachers were killed in the province between January 2008 and October 2010, says a report by the organisation. The study documents dozens of attacks in Balochistan. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11981649
Commemoration Ken Saro-Wiwa - 15 years on2010-10-22
On November 10 1995, renowned Ogoni environmental activist Mr. Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged without fair trial by the Nigerian Military Government. His death and the deaths of 8 other Ogoni leaders that day drew to a close his personal campaign to cease the devastation of the land, water and sky of the Niger Delta, but sparked international outrage and greater scrutiny of corporate greed in light of political marginalisation of minorities. Nigeria was suspended from the UK Commonwealth, but as years have passed, memories have faded and impetus waned.
Saro-Wiwa was a prolific writer who used literature to challenge the status quo. He was a founding Member and President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), an organisation whose very name epitomises the vulnerability of the population. MOSOP was admitted to UNPO in 1993 and soon after Saro-Wiwa became Vice Chair of UNPO, a position he held until his death. It was through UNPO that he first came to Europe to describe the devastation in the Delta. As a result of his eloquence and passion, the plight of the Ogoni people hit Time Magazine and CNN.
UNPO has continued to campaign for greater involvement of the Ogoni people in the decision making processes that affect their long-term livelihoods. Equally, Ogonis have taken leading roles in the running of UNPO; current MOSOP President, Mr. Ledum Mitee completed two terms as UNPO President in May 2010.
We continue to advocate nonviolent strategies to diffuse the tension in the region and promote peace and prosperity. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Saro-Wiwa’s death and this summer UNPO came together with 7 other Dutch and international NGOs to create the Clean the Niger Delta Coalition. The Coalition seeks to honour Saro-Wiwa’s memory by holding a major international commemorative event on November 10 2010. Brief details follow below but more information can be found on the specially designed website: www.CleanTheNigerDelta.org.
We ask you as supporters of UNPO to visit our site, learn a little about the backstory, and support us in our venture. If you live in the Netherlands we ask you to join us on November 10, and to spread the word throughout your networks. We also ask that you join us on facebook to spread the word further.
2010-10-07
September has been a very exciting and active month for UNPO. In an effort to expand the influence of UNPO, Project Coordinator Maggie Murphy spent the first two weeks of September in Washington , D.C. to meet with Member representatives based in the United States , US governmental offices and other NGOs and relevant and interested organisations. This visit had the dual purpose of expanding the network of UNPO while also exploring the possibility of opening a new UNPO office in Washington , D.C. The visit proved a great success, gaining new sources of information and new potential partners for future collaboration.
It is with continuing sadness that UNPO reports on the suffering of those affected by the devastating August floods in Pakistan . Pledges of international support have been disappointingly low given the scale of the destruction, and the aid which has come in does not seem to be reaching those most in need. The governments of Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan have all made direct appeals for international aid, based on fears that the central government was diverting the majority of assistance away from their regions. The unfolding disaster threatens to worsen in the coming months, with millions of people still lacking access to food and clean water. The United Nations Development Program has warned that deaths from starvation and disease could occur at devastating levels in the coming months if aid does not reach these populations.
Hunger strikes, begun last month by a group of Mapuche political prisoners, protested the use of Pinochet-era anti-terrorist laws to prosecute the indigenous Mapuche people for political activities and protests. The strikes continue to attract international attention and action on behalf of the Mapuche people. Within Chile , the strikes attracted the support of four members of the Chilean Parliament who have declared their intention to act in solidarity with the strikers. In a positive development, President Sebastian Pinera announced on Chilean National Day (18 September) that his government would enter into talks with the Mapuche to address their grievances. UNPO continues to pursue a European Parliament resolution and urges the Chilean government to engage in these talks in good faith, and hopes that the parties can reach a swift and mutually satisfying agreement.
Two major developments related to Burma have also attracted significant attention this month. First was the welcome decision of a growing number of states to support a United Nations inquiry into war crimes committed by the military junta. Second is the upcoming election, which is the first to be held in two decades. While the decision to hold elections has been portrayed as a positive development, most experts have noted the lack of freedom or fairness given the tight control of the junta over political activity. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon asserted that the elections could not be seen as credible without the release of political prisoners in the country, including National League for Democracy party leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The importance of the representation provided by UNPO is highlighted by these elections, which exhibit the clear absence of any rights to self-determination for all Burmese people.
The 11th meeting of the UNPO Presidency was held in Geneva from 25 – 27 September., bringing with it exciting new developments for the organisation. Presidency members gathered to discuss membership decisions, plan for the upcoming 20th anniversary year of UNPO, and provide political guidance to the work of the Secretariat. In order to take full advantage of their presence in Geneva during the 15th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, UNPO alongside the Transnational Radical Party organized and hosted a very successful side-event at the UN HRC on the topic of Digital Democracy. Panellists included representatives of the World Uyghur Congress, West Balochistan , No Peace Without Justice, the Internet Society and Reporters without Borders. This event served the dual purpose of disseminating information on the issues facing UNPO Members and showcasing the work and purpose of UNPO to a wider audience of organisations, officials and activists.
2010-09-09
In co-operation with Geneva for Human Rights-Global Training Organization, it is our pleasure to send you the information concerning our forthcoming Geneva Course, which is organized for the 15th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC). It will take place from 11 September to 1 October 2010.
This Course will be preceded by an Expert Seminar on International Humanitarian Law (9-10 September).
UNPO Members are very much encouraged to participate, especially in light of the fact that Geneva for Human Rights has reduced the registration fees for UNPO Members from 1’200.- Swiss francs (CHF) to 200.- CHF.
Please see the attached for more details. You are also welcome to Adrien-Claude Zoller, President of Geneva for Human Rights for more information (aczoller@gdh-ghr.org or info@gdh-ghr.org)
2010-09-09
Indigenous Peoples throughout the world continue to be deprived from our rights. Ergo, our Rights on Self-Determination, Land, Livelyhood, Education, Natural resources, Culture, etc are still being violated. We all persist to adhere to and reaffirm the UNDRIP as a legal basis to exercise our Rights as Indigenous Peoples
The traditional councils in West Papua and Maluku therefore initiate the call for a world wide appeal from Indigenous Peoples for the recognition and implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Take action: World wide appeal and world wide drum ceremony.
September 13th 2010 is the right time to call on States and Government leaders for the speedy enactment of the Declaration. By drafting the own country situation each nation/indigenous population sends a memorandum/appeal for recognition, endorsement and implementation of the Declaration to the appropriate Government.
Simultaneously this world wide appeal on September 13th 2010 will be celebrated by a drum ceremony of Indigenous Peoples.
We ask for your participation.in this global event . From your ancestral ground or where ever you may be, please join this World Wide Drum Ceremony.
The beating of the drums, and/or the playing of traditional instruments mark the sound of the Appeal of Indigenous Peoples.
Let’s act collectively to make this Appeal and Drum ceremony strong and succesfull.
Let the sound of Indigenous Peoples be heard worldwide from the north to the east to the south and to the west, all day long from sunrise to sunset on September 13 2010.
2010-09-08
A Nem Képviselt Nemzetek Szervezete (UNPO) 1991-ben Hágában alakult szervezetnek több mint 60 tagja van, többek között a Romániai Magyar Demokrata Szövetség is.
Noha a Szervezet tagjai sokban különböznek, egy dolog mindegyikükben közös: nincsen arányos képviseletük mindegyik nemzetközi fórumon. Ezért fontosnak tartották, hogy egy olyan szervezetbe tömörüljenek, amely révén jobban tudják hallatni hangjukat a nemzetközi döntéshozatalban.
További részletek a www.unpo.org honlapon.