International Migrants Day, 18 December

dPress release
18 December 2008

The 9th International Migrants Day coincides with the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Many UDHR provisions vividly relate to some of the threats – racism, xenophobia, labour and sexual exploitation, arbitrary detention and other injustices- and hopes – freedom of movement, right to work, to education, to live in dignity - experienced by millions of women, men and children and demonstrate that migrants rights are human rights. This year also marks the 5th year of the entry into force of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The decades-long gap in the adoption of a treaty and other human rights tools for the protection of migrant workers is about to have particularly dire consequences. For scores of migrants, the world financial crisis will expose their existing vulnerability to stronger hardship and exploitation. It will also result in diminished remittances to those left behind in their home countries. Ironically, while migrants have often been the invisible architects of many striving economies and least benefited from financial investment and related wealth generating products, they will be amongst the worst hit. It is thus essential that civil society actively monitors respect for the Convention, engages with the UN Committee on Migrant Workers and renews the call for universal ratification. But, the fact that major countries of destination did not ratify this convention does not mean that they should not / and cannot be held accountable. Other international instruments do apply to migrant workers and it is up to migrants’ organisations, civil society and the international community to make use of them. (See December 18’s newest publication, “the Samizdat”.) More than ever, International Migration Day (IMD) is an occasion for international solidarity and for making migrants voices heard. December 18 gives a platform to these testimonies via Radio 1812, a global event that brings together a wide range of radio stations that broadcast special programmes on the occasion of IMD. This unique radio marathon enables migrants’ voices to be heard, not only on community-based radio stations but also on large public broadcasts and via our dedicated website. More than 100 radio stations from over 35 countries will participate in this year’s event. December 18 believes that it is wrong to deal with migration as a security issue only. Many governments want to stay out of the limelight and orchestrate policy discussions, for instance within the Global Forum on Migration and Development conveyed outside of the United Nations thereby excluding civil society from the process. Civil society, including NGOs and migrant organisations often are the sole actors delivering assistance and advice to migrants in countries of origin, transit and arrival. Their unique experience would greatly enrich analyses and solutions oriented discussions respectful of a human rights framework. However, the UDHR and other human rights norms and standards evolved since then and have slowly been integrated in some international, regional and national government responses to migration, including, albeit timidly, in some migration management initiatives. More than ever, civil society, migrant and human rights organisations will need to remind governments of their commitments and highlight the relevance of the Preamble of the UDHR which declares that: “[…] recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, […] disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people, […] it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law, […] it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations.” December continues to work for the respect of the human dignity and the fundamental human rights of all migrant workers and their families.-->
Learn more about International Migrants Day.

Link,http://www.hrea.org/index.php?base_id=2&language_id=1&headline_id=8409, consultado a 18 de Dezembro de 2008.

World Humanitarian Day : 19th August

"We should never forget all the victims, not only in Baghdad and Algiers, who have given their lives for the United Nations," Annie Vieira de Mello, Aug 19, 2008, Reuters.

The General Assembly designates 19th August as World Humanitarian Day / Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation

General AssemblyGA/10798 / 11 December 2008


OCHA News Centre
12 December 2008

The General Assembly decided today to designate 19 August as World Humanitarian Day. The resolution adopted by consensus and sponsored by Sweden reaffirms the United Nations’ unique role in humanitarian emergencies. It calls for increased public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in this regard. It also pays tribute to all humanitarian and United Nations and associated personnel who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty.
Adopting another resolution by consensus, the General Assembly expressed deep concern that, over the past decade, threats and attacks against the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel have escalated dramatically and that perpetrators of acts of violence seemingly operate with impunity. In the resolution sponsored by France on behalf of the European Union, the General Assembly also emphasized the need to pay particular attention to the safety and security of locally recruited humanitarian personnel, who are particularly vulnerable to attacks and who account for the majority of casualties and cases of harassment.
Read the General Assembly coverage

Link,http://ochaonline.un.org/News/tabid/1080/Default.aspx, consultado a 15 de Dezembro de 2008.

The People’s Movement for Human Rights Educación (PDHRE) | Movimiento de los Pueblos para la Educación en Derechos Humanos

español
in English

A Brief Introduction To Our Thinking
More than any other moral language available at this time in history, the language of human rights is able to expose "the immorality and ...barbarism of the modern face of power... We cannot take rights seriously without taking suffering seriously..." (- Upendra Baxi, Human Rights and Inhuman Wrongs) Poverty, warfare, environmental degradation, the deleterious effects of globalization, discrimination, disease, illiteracy, and labor exploitation are just some of the threats bearing down on our right to be human — to live in security and dignity.Yet, every one of the horrors and threats confronting humanity today could be fought on the grounds of its being in violation of the human rights declared in the Universal Declaration of 1948. The rights set down in this and other international covenants, declarations, and conventions create a space from which a multitude of struggles to improve the welfare of individuals and communities around the world can spring.We therefore seek to provide a framework for serious global debate among groups working for social and economic justice, and their constituencies, who may not yet have identified their experiences and goals with the rights stated in international human rights documents and the enunciations of the major UN-sponsored world conferences. We also seek to engage human rights-identified organizations in the just and balanced promotion of economic, social, and cultural rights along with civil and political rights. (...).

Link,http://www.pdhre.org/about.html

, consultado a 13 de Dezembro de 2008.

Manual "Understanding Human Rights"

The manual "Understanding Human Rights" has been translated to many languages, which we would like to present here. Please note that all translations published before 2007 were based on the first and original edition of the English version, published in May 2003. (...).

Link,http://www.etc-graz.at/typo3/index.php?id=16, consultado a 12 de Dezembro de 2008.

60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

International Human Rights Day

10 December 2008

"This year's International Human Rights Day is of special significance as it marks the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which represented the first step in establishing a comprehensive international framework for the protection of human rights. Today the Universal Declaration is one of the fundamental texts establishing respect for human rights as a guiding principle in international relations. The year 2008 also witnesses the 15th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action proclaimed by the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights as well as the 10th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

President José Manuel Barroso declared: “I am always struck by the truly revolutionary nature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which courageously stated in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War that “inherent dignity” and “the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” were the foundations of freedom, justice and peace. Sixty years on and against the background of the continuing critical human rights situation in many countries, the Declaration remains as pertinent as ever.”

Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said: “Sixty years after the proclamation of the Universal Declaration it is widely accepted as part of customary international law – testimony to the genuinely universal nature of the rights it enshrines. But much more still needs to be done to make every citizen – women and men –aware of the impact of this declaration, so that its full potential as an empowerment tool for human rights defenders and promoters of human security around the globe will be enforced.Today’s celebrations belong to all men and women who dedicate their lives to defending and upholding human rights worldwide I strongly affirm that the European Union continues to be on their side and is fully determined to contribute to promoting and protecting human rights as an integral part of its external policies”.

Vice-President Jacques Barrot added: “Behind the European project there is a joint endeavour to the strengthening of pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men in our societies. The EU is not complacent with its own human rights record. The protection of human rights requires a constant effort to extend and update our legislative and policy initiatives in areas such as the fight against racism, xenophobia and all types of discrimination. This is our contribution to implementing every day the Declaration. ”

Background:
Human rights lie at the heart of the EU’s external relations and development policy, as it is underlined by the engagement of the EU in a worldwide campaign against the death penalty, by the key role played by the EU in the fight against torture as well as by the promotion of universality of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Within the framework of the EU’s human rights policy in third countries, the Commission is committed to advancing the situation of human rights worldwide through various tools, such as participation in EU human rights dialogues and consultations as well as in political dialogues with the authorities of third countries at different levels. Moreover, Commission Delegations regularly report on the human rights situation in third countries. Finally, through the European Instrument on Democracy and Human Rights - EIDHR , the Commission funds NGOs worldwide working to promote human rights, in areas such as the fight against the death penalty, torture, the support to human rights defenders and to grassroots organisations.
The European Commission fully supports the campaign launched by the UN Secretary-General in the framework of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration under the theme “Dignity and Justice for All of Us”. In this context, in cooperation with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Regional Information Office for Western Europe, the Commission supported the production of 22 short movies on human rights directed by well known film-makers from different regions of the world. The screening of these films is part of the European Union’s official ceremonies organised by the French Presidency taking place in Paris on 10 December, but also of a number of cultural and raising awareness events promoted locally by Delegations of the European Commission in third countries. As a further initiative to commemorate the 60th anniversary, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the United Nations organised in Brussels on 7-8 October 2008 the international conference“60th Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Defenders take the Floor”. "

Fonte: The EU's Human rights & Democratisation Policy:
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/human_rights/intro/index.htm

Link,http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/08/1912&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en , consultado a 9 de Dezembro de 2008.

7th CADTM INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ’DEBT AND HUMAN RIGHTS

DEBT AND HUMAN RIGHTS60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) 22th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development (1986)
On 4th and 5th December 2008 - Belgian Senate (21 rue de Louvain)- Brussels
Español Français

Thursday 4 December
9.30 – 12.30 : Introduction, Olga Zrihen (Senator) and Eric Toussaint (CADTM Belgium)
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Declaration on the Right to Development, Assassment and perspectives, Julie Duchatel (CETIM-Geneva) and Benoît Van Der Meerschen (Ligue belge des droits de l’Homme and IFHR) With and interruption between 10.45 and 11.15
12.30- 13.15 : Lunch
13.15 – 14.45 : two panels The rights of human beings and of nature vs environmental debt , Fernando Lopez (CADTM Ecuador) and Victor Nzuzi (NAD/CADTM Kinshasa)The States’ right and duty to develop development policies: restore public control on natural resources, Luc Mukendi (CADTM Lubumbashi), Rock Nianga (CADTM/APASH Brazzaville) and Ibrahim Yacouba (RNDD Niger)
14.45- 15.15 : Interruption
15.15 – 16.45 : 2 panels
Privatisation and adjustment, a violation of the right to food and to clean water, a representative of Via Campesina and Olivier De Schutter (UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food)
Women’s rights and WLM vs Washington Consensus, Denise Comanne (CADTM Belgium), Maria-Rosa Anchundia (Red de Mujeres Transformando la Economía - REMTE - and former member of the commission auditing Ecuador’s debt –CAIC)
16.45- 17.00: Conclusion of the first day

Friday 5 December
9.30-9.45 : Introduction to the second day
9.45-11.00 : 2 panels
The rights to free circulation and establishment vs the EU migration policies, France Arets (CRACPE), Selma Benkelifa (solicitor for Progress Law)
Indivisibility of human rights – presentation of a new way of filing a lawsuit, Florence Kroff (solicitor with FIAN Belgium) and Monique Weyl (solicitor with AIJD, Paris)
11.00- 11.30 :Interruption
11.00- 12.45 :International financial Institutions and human rights, debate between Eric Toussaint (CADTM Belgium) and a representative of the World Bank or of the IMF
12.45- 13.30 : Lunch
13.30- 15.30: What legal instruments can be used to enforce human rights ?
The States’ rights and obligations to their populations, Hugo Ruiz Diaz (lawyer, Paraguay), Ramiro Chimuris (solicitor, Uruguay)
Peoples’ actions, Emilie Atchaka ( CADD Bénin)
Historic trial of corporations for their support to the apartheid regime in South Africa, Charles Abrahams (solicitor, South Africa)
The need to file a suit against the WB, Yann Queinnec, (lawyer with Sherpa, Paris))
15H30 à 16H00 : Interruption
16h00-16h30 : Synthesis and conclusion of the seminar, Claude Quemar (CADTM France)
Fonte: http://www.cadtm.org
Link,http://www.cadtm.org/spip.php?article3816 , consultado a 25 de Novembro de 2008.

Contact and registration (before 26 November, limited number of seats) :Cécile Lamarque cecile@cadtm.org +32 484995381Audrey Dye dye.audrey@hotmail.com + 32 487 414083 Free of cost for people from countries of the South; 8€/day for participants from the North; half price for small income). Meals, refreshments and translation included. Payable by bank credit transfert to Account no. 001-2318343-22 (or from France by cheque payable to the CADTM)

Journée Internationale des droits de l’enfant

English

20 novembre 2008 -- C'est la journée internationale de l'enfant. En 1954, l'Assemblée Générale des Nations Unies a passé la résolution 836 (IX) recommandant que tous les pays instaurent une journée nationale de l’enfant, journée visant à une meilleure compréhension entre les enfants et à des activités de promotion du bien-être des enfants du monde. Le 20 novembre est la date anniversaire de la signature par l’Assemblée Générale de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Enfant, en 1959, et de la Convention Internationale des Droits de l'Enfant, en 1989.
L’année 2008 marque le 19ème anniversaire de la journée internationale de l’enfant. La Convention Internationale des Droits de l’Enfant (CIDE) est l’accord sur les droits humains le plus largement ratifié à travers le monde. A ce jour, 193 états ont ratifié la CIDE. Seulement deux pays dans le monde (la Somalie et les Etats-Unis) n’ont pas encore donné à la CIDE de poids légal, bien qu’ils l’aient tous deux signé.
Malgré ce consensus mondial sur l’importance de nos enfants, sur plus ou moins 11 millions de décès infantiles chaque année, 70% ont des causes qui pourraient être évitées : diarrhées, malaria, infection néo-natales, pneumonie, accouchement prématuré, ou manque d’oxygène à la naissance. Ces décès ont principalement lieu dans les pays en développement. Un enfant éthiopien a 30 fois plus de chance de mourir avant ses 5 ans qu’un enfant né en Europe de l’Ouest. L’Asie centrale du sud a le plus grand nombre de mort de nouveau-nés, alors que l’Afrique sub-saharienne a le plus fort taux.
L’épidémie de SIDA fait un grand nombre de victimes parmi les enfants, particulièrement en Afrique sub-saharienne. Les prévisions du nombre d’enfants orphelins et fragilisés par le SIDA atteignent 25 millions d’ici la fin de la décennie, 18 millions d’entre eux en Afrique. Ceci, cumulé avec les faibles avancées du combat contre la malaria, signifie que la survie des enfants est toujours aussi menacée.
Sources: Bibliothèque de l’ONU Dag Hammarskjöld, UNICEF

Sélection de matériel d’apprentissage
Guide explicatif sur les Droits Humains des Enfants et des Jeunes (HREA)
Conversation sur le travail des enfants et le droit à l’éducation avec le rapporteur spécial de l’ONU sur le Droit à l’Education (15 juin 2005)
Le Droit des Enfants Ici et Maintenant (Amnesty International-USA)
Champs d’espoir: Activités Educatives sur le Travail des Enfants. Livret de l’enseignant
"Comment protéger les Droits de l’Homme?”Plan de cours: les Droits de l’enfant dans le système de protection des droits humain de l’ONU (Fondation Helsinki pour les droits de l’Homme, Pologne)
Plan de cours sur les enfants refugiés (HCRONU)
Eduquer les enfants pour leur donner des racines, des droits et des responsabilités: Fêter la convention internationale des droits de l’enfant de l’ONU (USA)
Enseigner pour les Droits Humains: maternelle et primaire
Enseigner pour les Droits Humains: collège
Traités internationaux sur les droits des enfants:
- Convention Internationale des Droits de l’Enfant
- Version simplifiée de la Convention Internationale des Droits de l’Enfant
- Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Enfant
- Charte africaine des droits et du bien-être de l'enfant
- Convention (n° 138) de l’Organisation internationale du travail (OIT) sur l’Age Minimum pour accéder au travail
- Convention (No. 182) de l’OIT sur l’interdiction et l’action immédiate pour l’élimination des pires formes de travail des enfants
- Protocole Optionnel à la Convention des Droits de l’Enfant sur l’engagement des enfants dans les conflits armés
- Protocole Optionnel à la Convention des Droits de l’Enfant sur le commerce des enfants, la prostitution et la pornographie infantiles
Liens utiles
Le Fonds des Nations Unies pour l'enfance (UNICEF)
l’Organisation internationale du travail (OIT) sur le travail des enfants
Le Réseau d'information des droits de l'enfant (CRIN) -Travail des enfants
Fonte, Human Rights Education Associates (HREA)
Link,http://www.hrea.org/index.php?doc_id=923, consultado a 20 de Novembro de 2008.

Education vital in efforts to defeat intolerance, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says

16 November 2008

Education is one of the most useful ways to overcome intolerance because it highlights similarities between people and helps to spread a healthy respect for differences, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
In a message marking the International Day for Tolerance, which is observed today, Mr. Ban said the promotion of tolerance was especially valuable in the contemporary era of globalization, interdependence and increased mobility.
“While diversity is an invaluable asset, it can also be a source of tension,” he said. “Tolerance can diffuse potential conflicts. It can help prevent theories of racial or cultural superiority from emerging, and help societies to gradually overcome long-held prejudices and negative stereotypes.”
Mr. Ban stressed that tolerance should not be mistaken for either concession or condescension, and should also not be confused with indifference.
“Genuine tolerance is about openness, curiosity and communication. It goes hand in hand with knowledge and understanding. Education is one of the best ways to prevent intolerance, by revealing similarities between people and spreading a healthy respect for differences.”
This week the General Assembly held a high-level meeting featuring Mr. Ban and numerous international leaders to discuss Saudi Arabia''s “Culture of Peace” initiative, exploring ways to increase tolerance between peoples of different faiths and cultures.
Fonte, UN News Centre
Link,http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=28959&Cr=tolerance&Cr1= , consultado a 18 de Novembro de 2008.

UNITED NATIONS DAY 2008

24 October 2008

"The United Nations must deliver results for a safer, healthier, more prosperous world. On this UN Day, I call on all partners and leaders to do their part and keep the promise." Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General

Click here to watch the video of the Secretary-General's message

The anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter on 24 October 1945 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. It has traditionally been marked throughout the world by meetings, discussions and exhibits on the achievements and goals of the Organization. In 1971, the General Assembly recommended that Member States observe it as a public holiday (resolution 2782 (XXV). (Reference Paper 45).

Link,http://www.un.org/events/unday/2008/, consultado a 17 de Novembro de 2008.

Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World | the book written by Samantha Power

" Curator
author TeresaDeSouza

Just to say that Samantha Power herself recognizes that her book on Sergio Vieira de Mello has many holes and untruth. (...). I hope ( we all hope ) the film will not be done. It would be a Blasphemy against the Truth. Self promotion ... Terry George has to know that ! Teresa Loureiro de Souza*, Berlin" - Posted on August 7, 2008 by - TeresaDeSouza
*Teresa de Souza, Curator and Researcher / Documentalist to the Diplomatic Service, Berlin. E-Mail : Teresa.de.Souza@hotmail.de
Link,http://www.goodmagazine.com/user/TeresaDeSouza, consultado a 7 de setembro de 2008.

Sergio Vieira de Mello | 19th of August 2008 | Day of Remembrance

Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation

" (...). Day of Remembrance
On the 19th of August 2008 it will be 5 years since Sergio Vieira de Mello lost his life in Baghdad in the attack against the UN, together with 21 of his colleagues. This day remains one of the most tragic days in the history of the UN.
The Foundation has associated itself with the ceremonies organized by the UN to commemorate this sad anniversary. On this occasion the Foundation wishes to honour not only the 22 victims of the Baghdad attack, but also all other humanitarians who have given their lives in defence of the principles of the UN Charter.
To ensure that humanitarians who have died in the course of duty are not forgotten, the Foundation would like the UN, through its General Assembly, to adopt an official annual day of commemoration. It has therefore been in contact with the representatives of several governments, submitting a draft resolution to them, entitled: “19 August: World Humanitarian Day”. All the contacted Governments have received the initiative positively and we hope that this draft resolution will be voted on favourably during the Fall Session of the General Assembly.
May commemorating them keep their spirit of peace alive.

Journée du souvenir
Le 19 août 2008, cela fera 5 ans que Sergio Vieira de Mello a perdu la vie à Bagdad dans l’attentat contre les Nations Unies, au côté de 21 de ses collègues. Cette journée restera un des moments les plus tragiques de l’histoire des Nations Unies.
La Fondation s’est associée aux cérémonies organisées par l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour commémorer ce triste anniversaire. A cette occasion, la Fondation rendra hommage non seulement aux 22 victimes de l’attentat de Bagdad, mais aussi à tous les humanitaires qui ont perdu la vie pour défendre les principes de la Charte des Nations Unies.
Afin que tous ces humanistes ne soient pas oubliés, la Fondation souhaite que les Nations Unies, avec l’accord de l’Assemblée générale, leur reconnaisse une journée officielle de commémoration. Elle a donc pris contact avec plusieurs représentants de gouvernements pour leur soumettre un projet de résolution visant à instaurer le 19 août : la journée mondiale des humanitaires. Les gouvernements ont accueilli très favorablement cette initiative. Nous espérons que cette résolution sera adoptée lors de la session d’automne de l’Assemblée générale.
Souvenez-vous de ces Hommes de Paix. "
Link,http://www.sergiovdmfoundation.org/en/remembrance.html, consultado a 19 de Agosto de 2008.
(Os Links desta página são da responsabilidade da CIVITAS MAXIMA).

60º. aniversário da Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos

Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos

Adira à campanha

Em 2008 celebra-se o 60º. aniversário da Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos.

Associe-se à campanha da ONU para comemorar este aniversário ao longo de todo o ano. (...). Trabalhe em parceria connosco e inicie no seu país um dos projectos já anunciados no sítio http://www.knowyourrights2008.org/. (...).
8 Link,http://html.knowyourrights2008.org/pt/, consultado a 27 de Julho de 2008.

Sergio Vieira de Mello United Nations Library at Nairobi

United Nations (UN) Libraries

"The Sergio Vieira de Mello United Nations Library at Nairobi is a joint initiative of the United Nations agencies based in Nairobi, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) .
The Sergio Vieira de Mello United Nations Library at Nairobi was officially opened on 30 June 2004 by Mr Klaus Toepfer, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of UNEP and Director General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). He was accompanied by Mrs Anna Tibaijuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-HABITAT, Mr. Paul Andre de la Porte, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya and, on behalf of the Government of Brazil, Mrs Vera Pedrosa, Ambassador, Under-Secretary-General for Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Library, which was previously known as the UNEP Library and Documentation Centre, has been named in recognition of Sergio Vieira de Mello and all the other staff members who have lost their lives in the service of the United Nations.
In Dec 2004 the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/Res/59/126 A-B para 104 which says "notes with appreciation the operation of a common library in Nairobi within existing resources, in line with the approach set out in paragraph 37 of the Secretary-General's report on the modernization and integrated management of United Nations Libraries and in-depth review of library activities, and urges all United Nations offices in Nairobi to participate in and support this venture."(...)

Link,http://www.unlibrary-nairobi.org/default.asp, consultado a 27 de Julho de 2008.

Link,http://www.un.org/unlibraries/unlibe/index.html,consultado a 27 de Julho de 2008.

Direitos Humanos | Órgãos das Nações Unidas de Controlo da Aplicação dos Tratados em Matéria de Direitos Humanos : O Comité dos Direitos do Homem

English Español Français
Gabinete de Documentação e Direito Comparado (GDDC)
página principal > direitos humanos: comité dos direitos do homem

O Comité dos Direitos do Homem é o órgão criado em virtude dos art.º 28.º do Pacto Internacional sobre os Direitos Civis e Políticos com o objectivo de controlar a aplicação, pelos Estados Partes, das disposições deste instrumento (bem como do seu segundo Protocolo Adicional com vista à Abolição da Pena de Morte). Nos termos do art.º 40.º do Pacto (e o at.º 3.º o segundo Protocolo), os Estados Partes apresentam relatórios ao Comité onde enunciam as medidas adoptadas para tornar efectivas as disposições destes tratados. Os relatórios são analisados pelo Comité e discutidos entre este e representantes do Estado Parte em causa, após o que o Comité emite as suas observações finais sobre cada relatório: salientando os aspectos positivos bem como os problemas detectados, para os quais recomenda as soluções que lhe pareçam adequadas.
Os Estados Partes no (primeiro) Protocolo Facultativo referente ao Pacto Internacional sobre os Direitos Civis e Políticos reconhecem ao Comité competência examinar comunicações de particulares sujeitos à sua jurisdição que aleguem terem sido vítimas de violação dos direitos previstos no Pacto. O Comité dispõe ainda de competência para apreciar comunicações interestaduais (art.º 41.º do Pacto) e para formular comentários gerais relativos a determinados artigos ou disposições do mesmo instrumento.
1. O Comité dos Direitos do Homem Por Catarina Albuquerque
2. Pacto Internacional sobre os Direitos Civis e Políticos
3. Protocolo Facultativo referente ao Pacto Internacional sobre os Direitos Civis e Políticos
4. Segundo Protocolo Adicional ao Pacto Internacional sobre os Direitos Civis e Políticos com vista à Abolição da Pena de Morte
5. Regras de Procedimento do Comité (texto em inglês, francês e espanhol disponível no website do Alto Comissariado das Nações Unidas para os Direitos Humanos)
6. Directrizes sobre a forma e o conteúdo dos relatórios a apresentar pelos Estados Partes (texto em inglês, francês e espanhol disponível no website do Alto Comissariado das Nações Unidas para os Direitos Humanos)
7. Comentários gerais do Comité
8. Jurisprudência do Comité (quanto a comunicações individuais apresentadas ao abrigo do Protocolo Facultativo referente ao Pacto Internacional sobre os Direitos Civis e Políticos)
9. Relatórios das sessões do Comité
10. Relatórios apresentados por Portugal ao Comité dos Direitos do Homem, actas das sessões em que foram analisados e observações finais do Comité

Link,http://www.gddc.pt/direitos-humanos/onu-proteccao-dh/orgaos-onu-dir-homem-novo.html, consultado a 17 de Abril de 2008.

Ban Ki-moon | My priorities as Secretary-General - A Stronger United Nations for a Better World

Official portrait of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon outlines his vision of a stronger UN for a better world

(...)“I am determined to make progress on the pressing issues of our time, step by step, by building on achievements along the way, working with Member States and civil society.” (...).
Link,http://www.un.org/sg/priority.shtml, consultado a 6 de Abril de 2008.

Council of Europe 2008 North-South Prize goes to Kofi Annan and Simone Veil

Photo: From left to right: Claude Frey, Terry Davis, Simone Veil, Kofi Annan, Nane Annan and Lluis Maria de Puig

Lisbon, 02.04.2008 – Kofi Annan, the former UN Secretary General and Simone Veil, the first President of the directly elected European Parliament, have received the 13th Council of Europe North-South Prize during a solemn ceremony held in Lisbon on 1 April.
The North-South Prize of the Council of Europe has been awarded every year since 1995 by the North South Centre of the Council of Europe to two candidates who have demonstrated strong and visible commitment, outstanding achievement and clear hope for the future concerning protection of human rights.
“The award which Simone Veil and Kofi Annan received today is a recognition of their contribution to dialogue between people from different countries and different parts of the world, a dialogue based on respect for human rights and a commitment to democracy, good governance and the rule of law,” said Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis, addressing this year’s prize winners.
“They have worked all their lives for a world in which North and South will become a matter of geography - not a matter of fate,” he said.
Extending his warmest congratulations to this year’s prize-winners Claude Frey, the Chairman of the North-South Centre’s Executive Council, underlined that “the names of Mr. Annan and Ms. Veil served as synonyms for the struggle for human rights and that their lives became the symbols of courage and of a hope for fight for the cause of human rights.”
Speaking at the event, the President of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Lluis Maria de Puig said: “It is a moment for all of us to recognise your efforts and to say once again that we need you and we need people like you to build more fair and human societies. Your actions are the source of inspiration, which gives us strength to believe in a better future for a mankind.”
In her acceptance speech Simone Veil said “there were many challenges that must to be faced and tackled” and “that the award will be a further inspiration and motivation for them to work on solving the problems the world is facing."
“This award recognises the interdependent world we all share and live in today. It promotes the values of solidarity, reconciliation and mutual respect over exclusion and mistrust and I therefore applaud your efforts to hold the North and South together. After all we are in the same boat,” said Kofi Annan accepting the prize.
Echoing other speakers at the ceremony and joining them in congratulating this year’s prize winners, the Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva said: "Through their tireless work this year’s laureates have contributed in an outstanding way to the promotion of our shared principles on democracy, human rights and the rule of law. By upholding the highest moral standards, Mr Annan and Ms. Veil epitomise the essence of the Council of Europe North-South Prize ".
The award ceremony, which has been held this year for the thirteenth time, was attended by over 150 members of the diplomatic community, members of Portuguese Parliament and the representatives of the Council of Europe institutions and international organisations.

Information about this year’s winners of the North-South Centre Prize

Kofi Annan of Ghana, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, has been a constant advocate for human rights, the rule of law and the universal values of equality, tolerance and human dignity, as well as for the Millennium Development Goals and Africa. He sought to bring the UN closer to the global public by forging ties with civil society, the private sector and other partners. One of Kofi Annan's main priorities as Secretary-General was a comprehensive programme of reform aimed at revitalising the United Nations and making the international system more effective. Kofi Annan and the UN were jointly awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize for Peace.

Simone Veil of France is a leading European politician and human rights activist who survived the Nazi concentration camps. Throughout her career as a magistrate and a politician, she fought to fight against all forms of discrimination. She served as French Minister for Health (1974-79), securing the passage of a liberalised abortion and contraception law in 1974. Veil was elected to the European Parliament in 1979, 1984, and 1989 and served as its first popularly elected president. She was member of the the Constitutional Council of France. She is a founding member of the Foundation for the Memory of the Shoah (“Fondation pour la mémoire da la Shoah”) and served as its President until 2007.

All winners of the Prize since 1995
File “Council of Europe North-South Prize”
Speech by Kofi AnnanSpeech by Terry Davis
Speech by Lluís Maria de Puig [FR]
Video
File: ''Council of Europe North-South Prize''
Link,http://www.coe.int/DEFAULTEN.ASP?,consultado a 3 de Abril de 2008.

UN Special. CHERS AMIS DE SERGIO. ANNE WILLEM BIJLEVELD, PRÉSIDENT DU COMITÉ DE DIRECTION. LAURENT VIEIRA DE MELLO, PRÉSIDENT DU CONSEIL DE FONDATION

UN Special
UN Special N° 671 Mars · March • 2008 ONU

(FR) Avec les bureaux de l’ONU à Alger pris récemment pour cible, nous avons revécu la terrible attaque du 19 août 2003 contre le siège des Nations Unies à Bagdad, au cours de laquelle notre cher ami, Sergio Vieira de Mello et vingt et un de ses collègues ont perdu la vie. Cette tragédie, il y a de cela quatre ans et demi, a marqué le début de la spirale de violence en Irak, rapportée encore quotidiennement par les médias. Les événements à Alger nous ont montré que l’attaque du Canal Hotel n’était malheureusement pas un acte isolé.

Si Sergio était encore parmi nous aujourd’hui, il aurait été passionnément impliqué dans la résolution d’une telle situation, en combattant tout particulièrement l’intolérance à l’origine de ces attaques. Il l’aurait fait dans son style diplomatique habituel, à savoir en consultant chaque partie impliquée afin d’identifier les intérêts de chacun et, dans le dialogue, établir un plan d’action concret. Il avait une vision de l’action humanitaire basée sur une grande confiance en l’humanité mais aussi une approche pratique des contraintes de la coexistence quotidienne. C’était une vision idéaliste et pragmatique à la fois. C’est dans le but de pérenniser la vision de Sergio et pour encourager des initiatives semblables que nous nous permettons de vous écrire, comme Ami de Sergio.

Après maintes consultations et réflexions sur la façon de continuer au mieux le travail de Sergio, quelques-uns de ses amis et sa famille ont créé, à Genève, la Fondation qui porte son nom.

La Fondation Sergio Vieira de Mello, au statut international régi par la loi suisse, s’est donnée pour but de continuer la mission de Sergio à travers :
• La remise d’un prix annuel « Sergio Vieira de Mello » récompensant des personnes, institutions ou communautés qui, par leur travail exceptionnel, oeuvrent pour la réconciliation entre personnes ou parties divisées par un conflit.
• Une conférence annuelle en partenariat avec l’Institut des Hautes Etudes Internationales et du Développement (HEID),donnée aux alentours du 15 mars, date d’anniversaire de Sergio.
• Une bourse au nom de Sergio attribuée à quelques jeunes dont les familles furent victimes d’une crise humanitaire consécutive à un conflit armé.
• L’appui aux acteurs humanitaires, quelque soit leur employeur ou leur lieu d’action, pour leur sécurité et l’indépendance de leur travail.
• L’encouragement des initiatives et efforts en faveur de la réconciliation et de la coexistence pacifique entre personnes ou communautés séparées par un conflit.

M. Kofi Annan, ancien Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, a accepté d’être le Président d’Honneur de la Fondation et, en plus d’une généreuse contribution pour aider au lancement de nos activités, M. Annan donnera la première conférence à la mémoire de Sergio, le 17 mars 2008 à 18h30 au Centre International de Conférences de Genève, 17 Rue de Varembé. Ce sera le premier événement public de la Fondation et vous y êtes, bien entendu, cordialement invité.

Si vous souhaitez encourager le travail de la Fondation, qui, de par sa nature non lucrative, est amenée à faire appel à des personnes ou associations pour son financement, vous pouvez apporter votre soutien, sous forme de donation annuelle en tant qu’«Ami de Sergio» au sein de la Fondation.Votre contribution sera très appréciée et utilisée par la Fondation pour promouvoir les valeurs que Sergio a passé sa vie à défendre.
Les coordonnées bancaires de la Fondation sont les suivantes :
Fondation Sergio Vieira de Mello
UBS/ONU Genève
Compte No: 0279-282012.01M
IBAN : CH500027927928201201M
BIC : UBSWCHZH80A

Nous avons essayé dans la mesure du possible d’inclure tous les amis de Sergio dans notre liste de distribution, mais il se peut malgré tout que des personnes n’aient pu être contactées. Si vous connaissez des personnes intéressées à rejoindre les « Amis de Sergio», n’hésitez pas à les encourager à prendre contact avec la Fondation.
Pour plus d’information, nous vous encourageons à consulter notre site web www.sergiovdmfoundation.org
. Vous avez aussi la possibilité de souscrire à la newsletter pour rester informé des activités de la Fondation.

(EN) DEAR FRIENDS OF SERGIO
ANNE WILLEM BIJLEVELD, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
LAURENT VIEIRA DE MELLO, PRESIDENT OF THE FOUNDING COMMITTEE
With the recent targeting of the UN premises in Algiers, we relived the terrible attack of 19 August 2003 against United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad in which our close friend, Sergio Vieira de Mello, together with twenty-one of his colleagues, were killed. That tragic event, four and half years ago, marked the beginning of the spiral into the daily violence in Iraq that we continue to see played out daily in the media. The events in Algiers have shown that the Canal bombing was unfortunately not an isolated event.

Sergio, if alive today, would have been passionately committed to working with others to resolve such situations, especially by addressing the intolerance that lies at the root of these attacks. He would have done it in his usual diplomatic way by marshalling all interested parties to pursue common interests identified through dialogue and reflected in a workable plan of action. His was a vision of humanitarian action based on the highest expectations of mankind, but grounded in an appreciation of what day-to-day coexistence required. It was a vision of idealism and pragmatism. It is to keep this vision of Sergio alive and to support much needed ongoing similar initiatives by others that we are writing to you, as one of Sergio’s friends.

After much consultation and reflection on how best to continue the work of Sergio, a few of his friends and his family have created a Foundation in his name in Geneva.

The Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation has been established as an international entity under Swiss law to continue Sergio’s mission and fulfil his vision through :
•An Annual Prize in Sergio’s name awarded to individuals, institutions or communities in recognition of their outstanding and unique work for peaceful reconciliation between peoples and parties in conflict.
•An Annual Memorial Lecture in partnership with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (HEID) on or around 15 March (Sergio’s birthday).
•A Fellowship in Sergio’s name to be awarded to a selected number of outstanding young people whose families were victims of humanitarian crisis resulting from armed conflict.
•Advocating for the security and independence of humanitarian actors, wherever they may be operating andwhomever they may work for.
•Supporting initiatives and efforts to promote peaceful reconciliation and co-existence between peoples and communities divided by conflict.

Former UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, has agreed to be the Patron of the Foundation and apart from a generous contribution to start our activities, he has agreed to deliver the first Sergio Vieira de Mello Memorial Lecture on 17 March 2008 at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), 15 Rue de Varembé at 18 h30. It will be the Foundation’s first public event to which you are cordially invited.

If you wish to support the work of the Foundation established to honour and preserve the memory of Sergio, which by virtue of its non-for-profit nature will be looking to individuals and associations to support its work, we would be grateful if you could consider a contribution to our work, on a yearly basis donation and therefore become “Friend of Sergio” within the Foundation.
Your contribution will be greatly appreciated and be used by the Foundation in activities geared towards propagating the values which Sergio spent his life defending.
The Foundation’s account details are as follows :
Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation
UBS/ONU Geneva Branch
Account No. : 0279-282012.01M
IBAN : CH500027927928201201M
BIC : UBSWCHZH80A

We have tried to the best of our knowledge to include all of Sergio’s friends on our mailing list. There may, however, be persons who have not been contacted. If you know someone who would be interested to be part of the “Friends of Sergio”, do not hesitate to encourage him/her to contact us. If you wish to have more information about the Foundation, we would encourage you to consult our website www.sergiovdmfoundation.org. You can also subscribe to our electronic newsletter, to be kept informed of the Foundation’s activities.
Link,http://www.unspecial.org/UNS671/t22.html, consultado a 24 de Março de 2008.

First Memorial Lecture of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation

The first Annual Memorial Lecture of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation given by Mr. Kofi Annan, took place yesterday, Monday March 17, 2008, at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, in the presence of about 1'000 persons.
Fonte,http://graduateinstitute.ch/corporate/cache/bypass/page21.html?evenementId=11209, consultado a 18 de Março de 2008.

Former UN United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan delivers his message during the first Memorial Lecture of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, March 17, 2008. Sergio Vieira de Mello was killed in the Canal Hotel Bombing in Iraq along with 21 other members of his staff on Aug 19, 2003.

Annie Vieira de Mello, widow of Sergio Vieira de Mello, listens to Former UN United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, not in the picture, during the first Memorial Lecture of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation, at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, March 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Keystone/Salvatore Di Nolfi).
Fonte,http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Iraq-Sergio-Vieira-de-Mello-United-Nations-Secretary-General-Geneva2C-Switzerland-Vieira-de-Mello/ss/events/iraq/082701iraqplane/im:/080317/481/ed1ae9511cc940c08970fb9bab564de4/ ,consultado a 18 de Março de 2008.

Former UN United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan delivers his message during the first Memorial Lecture of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, March 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Salvatore Di Nolfi / AP).
Fonte,http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23678062/displaymode/1176/, consultado a 17 de Março de 2008.

Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation to honour peacemakers | Annie Vieira de Mello interview

Vieira de Mello Foundation to honour peacemakers

14 Mar 2008

Source: Reuters
By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA, March 14 (Reuters) -Shortly after a massive bomb killed the U.N. envoy in Iraq Sergio Vieira de Mello in August 2003, his grieving widow and sons knew they wanted to perpetuate his life's work on behalf of victims of armed conflict.
In an interview, Annie Vieira de Mello spoke of the strong idealism of the dashing Brazilian who worked in hotspots from Cambodia to Kosovo and Timor-Leste during his 30-year career with the United Nations.
Her husband -- tipped by some as a possible future U.N. Secretary-General -- was among 22 people killed when a truck loaded with explosives hit the Canal Hotel, the U.N. compound in Baghdad following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
She and their sons Laurent and Adrien were spending a summer day along Lake Geneva when word came of what is still the most deadly attack on the world body set up in 1945.
"As soon as the children and I received so many tributes and saw the outpouring of sympathy after the event, we thought he still had a role to play," Annie Vieira de Mello told Reuters at the U.N.'s European headquarters in Geneva, a hub for both humanitarian aid and human rights.
"It was the obvious thing to do, because when you are in mourning and pain, you want to try to hang onto those you've lost," the elegant French woman said quietly over tea.
With friends and family, she set up a Swiss-based foundation to promote dialogue for peace in the name of her husband (http://www.sergiovdmfoundation.org/).
Its patron, former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, will give the first annual Sergio Vieira de Mello memorial lecture in Geneva on Monday, two days after what would have been the 60th birthday of the slain U.N. envoy.
The foundation will award fellowships to young people whose families are caught up in war, as well as an annual prize in recognition of work to broker peace between parties to conflict.

"It could be a doctor or professor who takes political risks to encourage dialogue," said Annie Vieira de Mello, who is mobilising funds from U.N. agencies, governments, and private individuals for the awards.
"We hope my husband's name can bring international recognition and support that might protect this person and encourage him or her to continue," she said.
Sergio was known for his efforts to promote understanding in difficult conditions. He held talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat while serving in the U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon in the early 1980s, and successfully sought a decade later to help resolve the fate of Vietnamese boat people.
"He was a man of action, of negotiations, who liked meeting people and trying to understand conflicts," his widow said. "He liked to bring people together to find a solution, which is why the foundation is based on the idea of dialogue between communities in conflict." (Editing by Laura MacInnis and Paul Casciato)
Link, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1418740.htm, consultado a 17 de Março de 2008.

(Português)

Fundação Sergio Vieira de Mello homenageará mediadores de conflito

GENEBRA, Suíça - Pouco depois do atentado a bomba que matou em 2003 o então enviado da Organização das Nações Unidas ao Iraque, Sergio Vieira de Mello, a viúva e seus filhos decidiram que iriam continuar com o trabalho dele em nome das vítimas de conflitos armados.
Em uma entrevista, Annie Vieira de Mello falou sobre o grande idealismo deste brasileiro notável, que trabalhou em pontos de conflito de várias regiões do globo, do Camboja ao Timor Leste, durante sua carreira de 30 anos na ONU.
Seu marido, apontado por alguns como o possível futuro Secretário-Geral da ONU, estava entre as 22 pessoas mortas quando um caminhão carregado com explosivos atingiu o Canal Hotel, o complexo da ONU em Bagdá. O ataque ocorreu pouco depois da invasão do Iraque liderada pelos EUA.
Annie e seus filhos, Laurent e Adrien, estavam à beira do lago Genebra, em dia de verão, quando ouviram a notícia sobre o ataque, até hoje o mais violento contra o órgão internacional desde sua criação, em 1945.
"Depois que as crianças e eu recebemos tantas homenagens e vimos as demonstrações de empatia, acreditamos que ele ainda tinha um papel a desempenhar", afirmou Annie à Reuters, na sede européia dos órgãos de ajuda humanitária da ONU, em Genebra, cidade que concentra várias entidades do tipo.
"Para nós, isso era o mais óbvio a fazer porque, quando alguém está de luto e sofrendo, essa pessoa deseja apegar-se àquilo que perdeu", afirmou Annie, uma elegante francesa.
Com amigos e familiares, ela criou uma Fundação com sede na Suíça para promover o diálogo em busca da paz. A Fundação leva o nome do marido (www.sergiovdmfoundation.org).
O seu patrono, o ex-secretário-geral da ONU Kofi Annan, fará a aula inaugural memorial chamada Sergio Vieira de Mello, em Genebra, na segunda-feira, dois dias depois daquele que seria o aniversário de 60 anos do brasileiro.
A Fundação concederá bolsas para jovens cujas famílias são vítimas da guerra, bem como um prémio anual em reconhecimento ao trabalho dos que se empenham para mediar conflitos.
"Esse seria, por exemplo, um médico ou um professor que se expõe a perigos a fim de encorajar o diálogo", afirmou Annie, que está requisitando dinheiro de agências da ONU, de governos de vários países e de pessoas físicas para pagar pelos prémios.
"Esperamos que o nome do meu marido possa dar reconhecimento e apoio a essa pessoa, incentivando-a a prosseguir em sua luta", afirmou.
O brasileiro ficou conhecido por seus esforços para promover a compreensão em situações complicadas. Entre outras atividades, manteve negociações com o líder palestino Yasser Arafat quando trabalhou para as Forças Interinas da ONU no Líbano, no começo dos anos 1980.
"Ele era um homem de acção, de negociações, que gostava de conhecer pessoas e tentar entender os conflitos", disse Annie.
"Ele gostava de juntar as pessoas para encontrar uma solução, por isso a fundação é baseada na ideia de diálogo entre comunidades em conflito."