Paris Calais - Calais Paris

an excellent documentary of Elisabeth COSIMI and Vincent RIOUX : «Paris Calais - Calais Paris»

many thanks to France terre d'asile that shared it with us

18 December - International Migrants Day

 a song and a video dedicated for those who don't know that it 's THEIR day...

December 18th

A year ago today, tens of thousands demanded the release of Israel's youngest prisoners of conscience, the Shministim.

These 12th graders courageously chose prison time over serving in the occupying Israeli army, and became heroes to us and the entire world.

Last Chanukah, just one day after Tamar Katz was released from solitary confinement, the young Shministim gathered to celebrate and to decide how to thank the 20,000 (and counting) Jewish Voice for Peace members who wrote letters, attended rallies, and wrote articles on their behalf.

This is the message they carefully wrote together. One year later, as Shministit Or Ben-David sits in prison in Israel, and as Jews around the world prepare to celebrate the last night of Chanukah, it seems appropriate to share it with you again. We can't imagine a more important message during this festival of lights.

Dear friends and supporters,

During Chanukah the festive of lights, we, the Shministim, would like to take a moment to thank you for all you've done for us and for our struggle.

While we sit down with our families and light the first candle of the holiday, symbolizing the rebellion against an occupying army, some of us are still behind bars, denied the freedom to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones, denied the right to freedom of thought and political consciousness.

During this dark period of consecutive jail terms, military trials and attempts to break our beliefs, you were our light.

Each and every one of you who helped with the campaign, who sent a supporting letter, who sent the link of the website to a friend. You've let our struggle be heard around the world, the letters, the postcards and posters, the demonstrations, all of those actions fulfilled our wildest dreams.

We would like to thank you once again and wish you all a happy and free holiday.

in solidarity,
The Shministim

The struggle for freedom continues.

Palestinian human rights activists like Abdallah Abu Rahmah and Mohammad Othman now sit in Israeli prisons with you as their most important global advocates. 

P.S. A new class of Shministim are now courageously saying no to the occupation. They need your support.

CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF ARTICLE 217 OF THE DRAFT REVISION OF THE RWANDA PENAL CODE ACT WHICH CRIMINALIZES HOMOSEXUALITY

A 48-hour marathon by the Parliament of Rwanda to criminalize homosexuality is under way

Horizon Community Association (HOCA), an LGBTI organization in Rwanda, in collaboration with the Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL) and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) calls on all human rights defenders, organizations, governments, civil society, globally, to immediately take action against a proposed article in the draft Penal Code Act in Rwanda which would criminalize homosexuality.

Background

In November 2009, a draft revision on the Penal Code Act of Rwanda was tabled in the Parliament of Rwanda. Article 217 of the draft act would introduce new, oppressive legislation—the criminalization of consensual same-sex acts and relationships as well as criminalizing the work of LGBT human rights defenders. Homosexuality has never been a crime in Rwanda.

The lower house of the Rwandan Parliament will hold its final debate on this draft code Wednesday December 16, 2009. A vote on this draft code will occur before the end of this week.

Article 217 reads:

Any person who practices, encourages or sensitizes people of the same sex, to sexual relation or any sexual practice, shall be liable for a term of imprisonment ranging from five (5) to ten (10) years and fine ranging from Two Hundred thousand Rwanda Francs (200.000 RwF) to one million (1,000,000)Rwanda francs.

This article is a violation of basic human rights and is contradictory to the Rwandan Constitution as well as various regional and international human rights treaties and conventions. This proposed law stands in direct conflict with the rights to human dignity, personal freedom (Article 12), Equality (Article 16), Expression (Article 18), and Privacy (Article 22) ensured by the Rwandan Constitution, and in particular, Article 22(1), which states that "the private lives of individuals shall not be infringed upon in any way." Likewise, this proposed article is counter to the guarantees of nondiscrimination and equality before the law in Articles 2, 3, and 28 of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. Furthermore, laws criminalizing and detentions of people because of consensual sex between persons of the same sex are arbitrary and violate Articles 2 and 26 on the rights to equality before the law, freedom from discrimination, and privacy of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Rwanda is a party (Toonen v. Australia, 1994).

If the new Penal Code includes this provision, it will also hinder the implementation of the Rwanda National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS by the National Commission of Fight against AIDS (CNLS), which is currently considering the inclusion of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in the plan. A law of this nature would be a major setback to the Rwandan Government's commitment to national unity, tolerance, inclusiveness, dialogue, social cohesion and security among Rwandan citizens and residents.

HOCA, CAL and IGLHRC are calling on you to;

1. Send letters to the following officials demanding immediate withdrawal of 217 from the draft revision of the Penal Code Act;

1. H.E Paul Kagame

President of the Republic of Rwanda

Phone: +250 818 2105/590 62105/818 2000/59062000

Fax: +250 572 431

2. Rt. Hon. Bernard Makuza

Prime Minister of Rwanda

Phone: +250 585 444/5, +250 584 648

Fax: +250 583 714

Email: primature@gov.rw

3. Tharcisse Karugarama

Minister of Justice

Phone: +250 586398/586561/585844

Fax: +250 586509

Email: mjust@minjust.gov.rw

4. Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuliryayo

Minister of Health

Phone: +250 77458/77910

Fax: +250 76853/77458

Email: gsante@rwandatel.com

5. Joseph Habineza

Minister of Sports and Culture

Phone: +250 5835315

Fax: 583518

Email: minispoc@gov.rw

6. Minister of Gender and Family Promotion

Phone: +250 577626/577203/576455

Fax: +250 577543

Email: migeprofe@gov.rw

7. Solina Nyirahabimana

Minister in the Office of the President

Email: gfrank@presidency.gov.rw

2. Call on the Government of Rwanda to recognize, protect, respect and promote the human rights of all citizens and residents of Rwanda, including LGBTI people;

3. Protest against Article 217 for LGBT at the Rwandan Embassies in your country;

4. Lobby your Government (especially the Presidency and Foreign Ministries) to put pressure on the Government of Rwanda through diplomatic and other means possible; and to

5. Engage the press in your call for the promotion of human rights for all people in Rwanda.

Thank you.

For Press Contacts;

1. Naome Ruzindana

Director, HOCA

Phone: +250 788 790353

2. Fikile Vilakazi

Director, Coalition of African Lesbians

Phone: +27 11 918 2182

Mobile: +27 83 947 5052

3. Victor Mukasa

Research and Policy Associate

Horn, East and Central Africa

IGLHRC

Phone: +27 21 469 3701

Mobile: +27 79 275 4207

Email: vmukasa@iglhrc.org

--
Victor Mukasa

Research and Policy Associate for East, Central and Horn of Africa
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
3rd floor, Constantiaberg H'se
66 plein street, Cape Town, 8001
vmukasa@iglhrc.org
+27 21 469 3701, direct
+27 79 275 4207, mobile
+256 753 116 034, Uganda
+1 718 701 4476, calling from USA
+27 21 462 3024, fax
Skype: victoriglhrc

Url: www.iglhrc.org

Rwandan Parliament to Vote on Criminalizing Homosexuality this Week
On December 16, 2009, the lower house of the Rwandan Parliament will hold its final debate on a draft revision of the penal code that will, for the first time, make homosexuality a crime in Rwanda. A vote on this draft code will occur before the end of the week. The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) has learned that the proposed Article 217 of the draft Penal Code Act will criminalize "[a]ny person who practices, encourages or sensitizes people of the same sex, to sexual relation or any sexual practice." Rwanda's Chamber of Deputies will vote on the draft code December 16, 2009. If the Chamber of Deputies approves, the draft code will go before the Rwandan Senate most likely in early 2010.

Article 217 violates Rwandans' basic human rights and is contradictory to the Rwandan Constitution as well as various regional and international conventions. IGLHRC, the Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL), and Rwanda's Horizon Community Association (HOCA) will shortly issue a call to action to demand that the Rwandan Parliament withdraw this article. We urge the international community to act against this proposed law and support the equality, dignity, and privacy of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Rwanda.

This draft provision targeting LGBT people closely follows the introduction of a similar measure in neighboring Uganda, where the nation's parliament is currently debating an Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The proposed Ugandan law would prohibit all LGBT activism and organizing, would further criminalize consensual same-sex conduct between adults, which is already illegal in Uganda, and in some cases apply the death penalty.

Exarhia, cultural shock...

 a short film documentary, on occasion of last December's  assassination of 15 years old Alexis Grigoropoulos, by a police officer in Exarhia area in Athens and the riots that followed...

(subtitled)

The Positive Ladies Soccer Club

Médecins Sans Frontières presents a documentary about an HIV positive ladies soccer team in Zimbabwe. Directed by Joanna Stavropoulou. 

A group of HIV ladies in one of the poorest township’s of Zimbabwe, Epworth, decide to form a football team. Women in Zimbabwe don’t usually play football and HIV positive women are stigmatized so much that they are afraid to disclose their status even to close family members. This group of women has to overcome all this and find strength within themselves against great odds.

The film is about their football team, the ARV Swallows and focuses on the lives of four players. We hear their stories; follow them in their daily lives, in their visits to the clinic, to church, to practice and to the football games.

The idea of an all-female team is laughed at by the local population. Men especially are very scornful at the idea of women playing football. And the first training sessions seem to prove that the men are right – the Swallows are hopeless and the coach walks off the training grounds in despair.

Team captain, Annafields is determined that ARV Swallows will be a success. She gives the team a pep talk which motivates the ladies and they start to training intensely even at their homes by themselves, with other team mates or even with their children. We follow their training regime and how they fit exercise and practice around all their other daily responsibilities.

But attending regular football practice is not easy for Meria. Her HIV positive husband is suffering from tuberculosis and needs daily injections over a period of two months at the local clinic. The only way for him to get to the clinic is for Meria to push him there in a wheelbarrow. Then she has to wheel him back from the clinic, find enough firewood so she can cook a meal for her family and take care of the children. After that, finding the energy to go to soccer practice is a real struggle, but her teammates won’t let her give up and, through their help, finds the strength to continue.

Defender Nyarai describes her HIV diagnosis as the saddest time in her life. Her neighbors advised her that it would be better if she took poison and killed herself. Being part of the team has provided her with support and given her a place to talk about her problems and seek comfort and advice.

"Even though we have the HIV virus, we are not AIDS victims 

 Annafields Phiri, team captain "

The women confront their situation with tenacity, determination and above all, joy. Despite their difficulties they sing, dance and cheer.
All the Swallows have overcome difficulties in their lives and a lack of football skills is just one of them. China became so ill that she had a near death experience. She was revived by her son and sought treatment after being tested positive for HIV. She now makes a living selling firewood she collects with her son. On days when there is not enough money for food, they light a fire so that the neighbors think they are cooking, yet they go to bed on empty stomachs. China has a strong character and upon discovering her husband is promiscuous she chases him away. Her position as the team striker has given her a sense of pride.
HIV positive women are so stigmatized in Zimbabwe that many are afraid to tell close family members about their status. Many HIV patients suffer from depression and discrimination. When Annafields discovered that she had HIV her landlady laughed at her, yelling at her “Annafields, come see others like you, they are dying.” Ironically, the landlady herself becomes HIV infected and Annafields helps her to see that this disease does not have to be a death sentence.

"I have to score a goal, I have to score a goal,thinks Annafields during the final as the game hangs in the balance 1-1. Our team has to win. We will show the whole world. They will never look down on us again!"

For Annafields winning the tournament will prove this to the whole world.

check out the Club's website

Human Rights Council adopts resolution on migration and children

1 October 2009

 

In a resolution on Human rights of migrants: migration and the human rights of the child (A/HRC/12/L.16), adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon States to promote and protect effectively the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, especially those of children, regardless of their status, in conformity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international instruments to which they are party, and therefore: calls upon States to establish or strengthen policies and programmes aimed at addressing the situation of children in the context of migration that have a human rights-based approach and are based on general principles, such as the best interests of the child, non-discrimination, participation and survival and development; also calls upon States of origin to take appropriate measures to promote and protect effectively the rights of children who are left behind in their country of origin by migrating family members; further calls upon States to protect the human rights of children in the context of migration, and therefore: calls upon States parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the supplementing protocols thereto, namely, the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, to implement them fully, and calls upon States that have not yet ratified or acceded to them to consider doing so as a matter of priority; requests all States to take concrete measures to prevent the violation of the human rights of migrant children while in transit, and to train public officials to detect and treat them respectfully, in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner and in accordance with their international obligations; calls upon States to ensure that migrant children, especially those who are unaccompanied and those who are victims of violence, exploitation, persecution and conflict, receive special protection and assistance, in accordance with their international obligations; calls upon States of destination to protect effectively the human rights of children in the context of migration, without discrimination of any kind; and also requests the Office of the High Commissioner to prepare a study on challenges and best practices in the implementation of the international framework for the protection of the rights of the child in the context of migration, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including States, regional organizations, civil society organizations and national human rights institutions, and requests that the study be available on the website of the Office prior to the fifteenth session of the Council, and to disseminate it to all relevant international forums.

European Court of Human Rights

Press release issued by the Registrar

                                        Chamber judgment concerning Greece                26.11.2009

Tabesh v. Greece (no. 8256/07)*

The applicant, Rafk Tabesh, is an Afghan national who was born in 1986. His current place of abode is unknown. Relying on Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment), he complained about the conditions of his detention pending deportation. Relying in particular on Article 5 (right to liberty and security), he further complained that his placement in detention had been unlawful, the reasoning of the administrative and judicial decisions having been insufficient in this connection, and that when he had been arrested he had been informed of the reasons for his arrest in a language that he had not understood.

Violation of Article 3 (treatment)

Violation of Article 5 §§ 1 and 4

Just satisfaction: EUR 8,000 (non-pecuniary damage) and EUR 3,500 (costs and expenses)

Candlelight vigil to remember Ian Tomlinson

Royal Exchange by Threadneedle Street, London, EC3V 3LL
Tuesday 1st December
6pm - 7.15pm

The United Campaign against Police Violence would like to encourage all our supporters to come along to this vigil for Ian Tomlinson on Tuesday. It has been called by the Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign.

It is important that we keep Ian’s memory alive and continue the fight for justice, I hope as many people can come as possible.

Speakers include:
Ian’s family
Samantha Rigg David - Sean Rigg Justice & Change Campaign
Deborah Coles - INQUEST
John McDonnell MP

The Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign said:

"Ian died in tragic circumstances, an 'innocent passerby' trying to get home, after a police assault at the G20 protests on April 1st 2009.Eight months on, our family are preparing for our first Christmas without him and still waiting for justice.

"We have been grateful for public support this year and would like an opportunity to hold this public memorial gathering to remember Ian, with our friends and supporters around us.We ask that those who attend please wear black as a mark of respect and remember that this is peaceful event.

"PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING so we can estimate numbers and please send messages of support - a number of these will be read out at the vigil.

"RSVP to iantomlinsonfamilycampaign@gmail.com"

Radical antifascist was shot in Russia - The wheel of violence goes round and round

UNITED E-NEWS 24/11/2009

 

On the 17th of November 2009 Ivan Khutorskoy, aka Vanya-Kostolom, a 26-year-old radical antifascist, was shot at the threshold of his flat in Moscow. Ivan's contacts and home address had many times been posted on right-wing extremists web-sites and he had also been attacked by the Neo-Nazis four times prior the murder. Ivan was actively involved in organizing security of antifascist music concerts.

The next day dozens of antifascists with fire sticks and empty bottles counterattacked the office of pro-Kremlin organization 'Young Russia', the leader of which - the member of State Duma Maxim Mishchenko - openly collaborates with the right-wing extremist group 'Russian image' ('Russkiy Obraz'). This action was also devoted to the murder of S. Markelov and A. Baburova who had been shot dead in January 2009. One of the suspects, who is now being detained, happens to be the former 'Russian Image' activist.

The attackers are still to be identified. On the one hand, experts from analytical center SOVA state that Ivan Khutorskoy's murder is highly likely to be political, whereas the left-wing activists, anarchists and radical antifascists bluntly call Neo-nazis to be the perpetrators. On the other hand, leaders of ultra nationalistic groups like the Slavic Union ('Slavyanskiy Soyuz') or Movement against Illegal Migration ('Dvizhenie protiv Nelegal'noy Migrazii') claim to have not been involved in the murder, but shift responsibility to the special services, that allegedly instigate a war between antifascists and right-wing radicals.

Nevertheless, this is already widely-spread in the media that this is the 7th murder of antifascists in Moscow. The other victims of Neo-Nazis were: A. Ryukhin (musician), S. Markelov (lawyer), A. Baburova (journalist), A. Krylov (antifascist), F. Filatov (antifascist skinhead), I. Dzhaparidze (antifascist football supporter).

The general context depicts that the absence of systematic actions against xenophobia in Russia, leads to mistrust to the state on behalf of the youth, who step into violent actions against Neo-Nazis. If previously these were fights, now these are gun killings. At the moment both radical movements - antifascists and right-wing extremists are marginalized due to the high rate of violence involved, that cannot by accepted by the majority of the population. And without clear antifascist stance of other sectors of society (authorities first of all, but also academicians, artists, musicians, etc), this wheel goes round and round.

For more info please contact: Youth Human Rights Movement
ynri@yhrm.org

 

....................................................................................................................................................

UNITED is the pan-European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees, supported by over 560 organisations in 46 European countries.
UNITED for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees
Postbus 413, NL-1000 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
phone +31-20-6834778, fax +31-20-6834582,
info@unitedagainstracism.org, www.unitedagainstracism.org

Support Ezra Nawi

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21, at 8.30, the final sentencing of Ezra Nawi will be given at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court (Peace Court).

The judge, Eilata Ziskind, found Ezra guilty of assaulting two border police officers and participating in a riot, during a house demolition in the West Bank, in the village of Um el-Hir in February, 2007.

Ezra was convicted based solely on the the border police officers' testimonies, while the video footage from the event clearly showed that Ezra did not use violence in his protest against the injustices of the occupation.

The sentencing was supposed to be given a month ago, but was postponed since the judge tried to examine the possibility of reducing the punishment to community service. Ezra refused to comply with this attempt, as he continues to claim his innocence, and refuses to concede to an Israeli legal system which is blind to the principles of justice and truth.

Let us all meet in front of the courthouse tomorrow morning, in a silent vigil, to support our friend and his struggle for justice and equality.

Yours,
The Committee Supporting Ezra Nawi

Forced evictions in Nigeria

Short film about forced eviction in the Ngofaka-polo Waterfront community Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Njemanze and Abonnema Wharf are within the project site of a commercial entertainment project called "Silverbird Showtime". UN-HABITAT estimates that "the Silverbird Showtime project" alone will lead to land clearance affecting between 100,000 and 150,000 people.

EU leadership on child poverty now more important than ever

EUROCHILD press release

One in every five children lives in poverty in the EU according to latest figures; in Romania it's one in three[1]. These figures are based on pre-crisis data from 2007 and the situation is worsening: according to Eurochild members, demand for children's services is increasing, whilst budget cuts in some countries are having a disproportionately negative impact on children[2].

The time is now

Government representatives, NGOs, regional authorities, cities, trade unions and employers are meeting from 15 to 16 October in Stockholm for the 8th European Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion[3] to reinforce the EU's commitment to social inclusion in times of recession. It is a crucial time: 2010 will be the European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion and it will be the year the EU has to adopt a new vision for 2020. Meanwhile there is a deepening social crisis the effects of which will be felt long after future economic recovery.

Don’t compromise the necessary investments in children

Short term savings mean long term costs, both in terms of reduced tax earnings and costs linked to preventable social problems like criminality, substance abuse, domestic violence, obesity etc. Prevention is always better than cure, but it requires bold efforts to reduce structural inequalities: to provide affordable, accessible and high quality services for all – in particular early years care and education and to introduce progressive family policies including well-paid parental leaves and flexible working hours[4].

The EU should strengthen its leadership

Successive European Council conclusions have already identified child poverty and child well-being as a top priority for member states, and important recommendations were agreed by all member states in 2008[5]. But according to Eurochild members, there is still a huge gap between aspiration and reality and the current crisis risks undermining any past commitments[6].

That is why in this Round Table on poverty and social exclusion, Eurochild is calling on member states to reinforce EU action[7] by moving towards an EU recommendation which would include the following key action:

Ø clear poverty reduction targets,

Ø an annual scoreboard on child poverty and child social inclusion,

Ø better monitoring and reporting on member States progress,

Ø more stakeholder participation,

Ø stronger mutual learning, and

Ø a clear link between the fight against child poverty and fulfilment of children rights.

Learning from one another

There are some good initiatives from which we can draw lessons. In his speech to the Round Table workshop, Brian Gibbons Welsh Assembly Member and Minister for Social Justice and Local Government refers to legislative proposals that place a duty on all devolved public bodies in Wales and local government to fight child poverty[8]. But as he stressed, there are no quick fixes. “What has taken decades and generations to put in place, will not be easily eradicated”, he said.

As stated by Jana Hainsworth, Eurochild Secretary General, “levels of child poverty in Europe today are completely unacceptable. They are a denial of children’s rights and a waste of human potential. We cannot wait for action. Investment now will save money in the future. It will also create a fairer society for all where every child can fulfil their true potential.”

[1] Eurostat, At-risk-of-poverty rate (by age group), Eurostat website

2 Overview of members analysis see www.eurochild.org. According to a UK survey of 2,000 primary school, pre-school, nursery and health professionals in regular contact with children and young people, one in 10 have seen an increase in cases of suspected child neglect over the past year. 15% felt the recession was partly responsible; Action for Children - website. In Ireland almost one quarter of proposed budget cuts (€1.28 billion) will directly impact on children and those in disadvantaged families including changes to the child benefit system, charges to access health services, cuts in education and the youth justice system; Children’s Rights Alliance - website

3 8th European Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion, 15-16 October, Stockholm

4 For a detailed analysis of the economic case for investment in prevention and universal services for children: Action for Children - website; A recent OECD report also confirmed that investing in young children is critical: OECD report (2009), Doing Better for Children

5 Social Protection Committee report: Child Poverty and Well-Being in the EU Current status and way forward, 2008

6 Ending child poverty in the EU, Eurochild Synthesis Report, February 2009

7 Eurochild Position Paper: Eurochild calls for action on Child Poverty and Well-Being, October 2009

8 Welsh Government website: Children and Young People

9 Eurochild is a network of organisations and individuals working in and across Europe to promote children’s rights and improve the quality of life of children and young people. Eurochild’s work is underpinned by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Please find here the links to today’s press release, our call for action and our report on the impact of economic and financial crisis on children & young people.

MTV EXIT Cribs

Promo produced for MTV EXIT campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee visits Greece

Strasbourg, 05.10.2009 - A delegation of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) carried out a visit to Greece from 17 to 29 September 2009. It was the Committee’s fifth periodic visit to Greece.

The visit provided the opportunity to assess progress made since the previous periodic visit in September 2005 and the ad hoc visits of February 2007 and September 2008. In the course of the visit, the CPT’s delegation examined the treatment and conditions of detention of persons held in a number of prisons and in aliens detention centers, including in the eastern Aegean and the Evros region.

The delegation also visited police and border guard establishments with a view to examining the conditions of detention and the safeguards in place, both in relation to persons suspected of a criminal offense and those held under Aliens legislation.

In the course of the visit, the delegation met the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, Athanasios ANDREOULAKOS, Head of Penitentiary Policy, Christina PETROU, and the Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Cessation, Ioannis TENTES, as well as senior officials from the Greek Police Force and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Interior and Justice. The delegation also met the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman, representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Greek National Commission for Human Rights, and several members of non-governmental organizations.

The visit was carried out by the following members of the CPT:
- Mario FELICE, Head of delegation (Maltese),
- Anna GAVRILOVA-ANCHEVA (Bulgarian)
- Emilio GINES SANTIDRIÁN (Spanish)
- Marija DEFINIS-GOJANOVIC (Croatian)
- Stefan WEINBERG-KRAKOWSKI (Swedish)

They were supported by Hugh CHETWYND, Head of Unit, and Marco LEIDEKKER of the CPT's Secretariat, and assisted by two experts, Martin LOMAS, Team leader at Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales, United Kingdom, and Alan MITCHELL, Former Head of the Scottish Prison Health Care Service, United Kingdom.

The delegation visited the following establishments:

Establishments under the authority of the Ministry of Interior

Achaea Prefecture
Patras Police Stations (1st, 2nd , 4th and 5th precincts)
Patras Transfer Centre

Athens Prefecture
Omonia Police Station
Petrou Rali Alien holding facility
Holding Areas at Athens Airport
Moschatou Police Station
Piraeus Alien holding facility

Alexandroupolis Prefecture
Alexandroupolis Police Station
Feres Border Guard Station
Soufli Police and Border Guard Station

Chios Prefecture
Chios Town Police Station

Kavala Prefecture
Kavala Police Station
Neo Karvali Border Guard Station

Lesbos Prefecture
Mytilini Police Headquarters
Pagani Special holding facility for illegal immigrants

Orestiada Prefecture
Filakio Special holding facility for illegal immigrants
Neo Himonio Border Guard Station
Orestiada Police Station

Phocis Prefecture
Amfissa Police Transfer Centre

Rodophi Prefecture
Venna Special Holding facility for illegal immigrants

Serres Prefecture
Serres Police Station
Siderokastro Police Station

Thessaloniki Prefecture
Thessaloniki Airport Holding facilities
Dodecanesis Street Police Station
Kordello Border Guard Station
Monasterou Police Station

Xanthi Prefecture
Xanthi Police and Border guard Station

Ministry of Merchant Marine

Chios Port detention facility
Mytilini Port detention facility
Patras Port detention facility

Establishments under the authority of the Ministry of Justice

Amfissa Prison
Chios Judicial Prison
Korydallos Men’s Prison (for a targeted follow up visit)
Korydallos Women’s Remand Prison (for a targeted follow up visit)
Malandrino Prison
Patras Prison
Thessaloniki Prison
Thiva Women’s Prison

Council of Europe Press release

you can find here the Council of Europe anti-torture Committee recent (30.06.2009) report on Greece after their visit in September 2008.

CIA health professionals’ role in torture worse than previously known

Physicians for Human Rights Press release
August 31, 2009

Cambridge, MA — The extent to which American physicians and psychologists violated human rights and betrayed the ethical standards of their professions by designing, implementing, and legitimizing a worldwide torture program is greater than previously known, according to a report by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).

A team of PHR doctors authored the new white paper, Aiding Torture: Health Professionals' Ethics and Human Rights Violations Demonstrated in the May 2004 Inspector General's Report. The report details how the CIA relied on medical expertise to rationalize and carry out abusive and unlawful interrogations. It also refers to aggregate collection of data on detainees' reaction to interrogation methods. PHR is concerned that this data collection and analysis may amount to human experimentation and calls for more investigation on this point. If confirmed, the development of a research protocol to assess and refine the use of the waterboard or other techniques would likely constitute a new, previously unknown category of ethical violations committed by CIA physicians and psychologists.

"Medical doctors and psychologists colluded with the CIA to keep observational records about waterboarding, which approaches unethical and unlawful human experimentation," says PHR Medical Advisor and lead report author Scott Allen, MD. For example, "Interrogators would place a cloth over a detainee's face to block breathing and induce feelings of fear, helplessness, and a loss of control. A doctor would stand by to monitor and calibrate this physically and psychologically harmful act, which amounts to torture. It is profoundly unsettling to learn of the central role of health professionals in laying a foundation for US government lawyers to rationalize the CIA's illegal torture program."

The Inspector General's report documents some practices — previously unknown or unconfirmed — that were used to bring about excruciating pain, terror, humiliation, and shame for months on end.

These practices included:

- Mock executions;
- Brandishing guns and power drills;
- Threats to sexually assault family members and murder children;
- "Walling" — repeatedly slamming an unresponsive detainee's head against a cell wall; and
- Confinement in a box.

"These unlawful, unethical, and ineffective interrogation tactics cause significant bodily and mental harm," said co-author and PHR Senior Medical Advisor Vincent Iacopino, MD, PhD. "The CIA Inspector General's report confirms that torture escalates in severity and torturers frequently go beyond approved techniques."

"The required presence of health professionals did not make interrogation methods safer, but sanitized their use, escalated abuse, and placed doctors and psychologists in the untenable position of calibrating harm rather than serving as protectors and healers. The fact that psychologists went beyond monitoring, and actually designed and implemented these abuses – while simultaneously serving as 'safety monitors' – reveals the ethical bankruptcy of the entire program," stated co-author Steven Reisner, PhD, PHR's Psychological Ethics Advisor.

"That health professionals who swear to oaths of healing so abused the sacred trust society places in us by instigating, legitimizing and participating in torture, is an abomination," states co-author Allen Keller, MD, Director of the Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture. "Health professionals who aided torture must be held accountable by professional associations, by state licensing boards, and by society. Accountability is essential to maintain trust in our professions and to end torture, which scars bodies and minds, leaving survivors to endure debilitating injuries, humiliating memories and haunting nightmares."

PHR has called for full investigation and remedies, including accountability for war crimes, and reparation, such as compensation, medical care and psycho-social services. PHR also calls for health professionals who have violated ethical standards or the law to be held accountable through criminal prosecution, loss of license and loss of professional society membership where appropriate.

Since 2005, PHR has documented the systematic use of psychological and physical torture by US personnel against detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Bagram airbase, and elsewhere in its groundbreaking reports, Break Them Down, Leave No Marks, and Broken Laws, Broken Lives.

Economic turmoil has exacerbated violence against women

9 September 2009 – The scourge of violence against women has worsened as a result of the global financial downturn over the past year, Deputy UN Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro said today as she urged some of the world’s richest countries to lead the way in turning the many international pledges to support women and girls into concrete results.
In a keynote address in Rome to a ministerial-level conference on violence against women, being held under the auspices of the Italian presidency of the Group of Eight (G8), Ms. Migiro said there is evidence that women and girls are exposed to a greater risk of violence during times of hardship.
“We have seen rising levels of despair and frustration in families and communities around the world, exacerbating violence against women,” she said.
“In a recent survey of more than 630 domestic violence shelters in the United States, 75 per cent reported an increase in women seeking help for abuse since September 2008, coinciding with a major downturn in the US economy. We must remain especially vigilant through these tough times.”
Ms. Migiro detailed to the conference some of the steps taken by the UN to end violence against women and girls, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s UNiTE campaign, which calls on world leaders to launch national campaigns aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls in all parts of the world.
She noted that the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, which is nearing the thirtieth anniversary of its adoption, and several landmark Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security indicated that the international community has taken “significant” steps towards protecting women from violence.
However, “we still have a long road to walk before the full meaning of these international agreements is fully transformed from words on paper to reality on the ground.”
Ms. Migiro urged participants at today’s conference to put into practice two earlier recommendations calling on G8 members to enhance the rights of women.
The first calls on G8 members to back programmes that promote women’s rights and make information about sexual and reproductive health widely accessible, while the second calls for support for peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations worldwide so as to emphasize security, the protection of civilians and action against sexual and gender-based violence.
“Ending violence against women will not be easy. It will require sustained dedication and collaboration,” she said.



UN News Centre

Council of Europe’s Anti-Racism Commission publishes new reports on the Czech Republic, Greece and Switzerland

Strasbourg, 15.09.2009 – The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) released today three new reports examining racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and intolerance in the Czech Republic, Greece and Switzerland. The Chair of ECRI, Eva Smith Asmussen, said the reports note positive developments in all three of these Council of Europe member states, but also detail continuing grounds for concern.

In the Czech Republic, a new criminal code was adopted in 2008, containing more extensive provisions against racism. In recent years the Ombudsman has carried out detailed investigations into cases of possible discrimination against the Roma. Steps have been taken to adjust the education system so as better to meet the needs of socially disadvantaged children.

At the same time, however, there has been a disturbing intensification in the activities of extreme right-wing groups. Most victims of racially motivated offences are reported to be Roma. Little progress has been made towards improving the situation of the Roma, who face segregation in schools and housing and discrimination in employment. The issue of forced sterilisations of Roma women has not been adequately addressed yet.

In Greece, the legislative framework on non-discrimination has been consolidated with the adoption of the 2005 Equal Treatment Act and the 2008 amendment of the Criminal Code making the racist motivation of an offence an aggravating circumstance. In an encouraging development, there have been successful prosecution in recent years against antisemitic and anti-Roma publications.
However, on the whole, the legislation prohibiting incitement to racial hatred is still seldom applied and so far, few racial discrimination complaints have been filed due to insufficient legal assistance and information on available remedies. Roma continue to face problems in the fields of employment, housing and justice and the existing Integrated Action Plan should be better implemented. Issues relating to the freedom of association of persons belonging to some ethnic groups have not yet been solved. Significant improvements are called for in the treatment of refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants.

In Switzerland, measures have been taken to foster the integration of immigrants in areas such as employment, housing and health. The federal bodies in charge of racism and migration have continued to raise awareness on racism and racial discrimination. Steps have been taken to combat right-wing extremism.

However, there has been a dangerous growth of racist political discourse against non-citizens, Muslims, Black people and other minorities. Legislation is insufficiently developed to deal with direct racial discrimination, which targets in particular Muslims and persons from the Balkans, Turkey and Africa. Travellers and Yenish communities with an itinerant life style are still faced with a shortage of stopping sites and prejudice leading to instances of discrimination. Legislation governing asylum seekers has been tightened and hostility towards them has increased.

The reports are part of ECRI´s 4th monitoring round, which focuses on the implementation of its previous recommendations and the evaluation of policies and new developments since its last report. In two years time ECRI will carry out a follow up assesment..

The reports, including government observations, are available at: www.coe.int/ecri

ECRI is an independent human rights body of the Council of Europe which monitors problems of racism and intolerance, prepares reports and issues recommendations to member states.

a protest letter from british academic members regarding the recent attack on refugee camp in Patras Greece

We are concerned about the British media silence regarding the recent attack on a refugee camp in Patras Greece as a reflection of the idea of Fortress Europe.

As trade unionists and academics who research issues of human rights and social inequality we strongly condemn the recent use of violence against migrants in Patras, Greece.

Greece has been repeatedly condemned by international organisations over maltreatment of migrants and asylum seekers. In recent weeks we have witnessed further demonisation and victimisation of migrants and asylum seekers. Punitive police operations are presented as the answer and the authorities fuel the media with xenophobic rhetoric and images. As a result there is a dramatic increase in cases of brutality against migrants. The authorities not only seem to tolerate attacks of fascist groups on individuals and families, but also orchestrated a brutal and unlawful operation against the refugee camp in Patras.

Thousands of migrants have been living in this makeshift camp for over the last eight years without any support and protection from the Greek state. The Greek authorities made it impossible for most of them even to apply for asylum, by not providing access to the necessary services. During this period the migrants were systematically harassed by the police and coast guard and were labeled as “clandestines”. Nevertheless, nothing could prepare the local community of Parts and the groups of citizens who voluntarily support the migrants, for what was about to happen last week.

In the early hours of Sunday 12/7/2009 and without any previous warning, hundreds of fully armed riot police engaged in an inhuman and appalling operation. As the UNHCR, International Human Rights Organsations and local support groups highlight, major streets were blocked and access to the area was banned. The state authorities, arrested hundreds of migrants, demolished and burned down the makeshift accommodation, including personal belongings, travel documents and the camp mosque. The migrants who had travel documents were temporarily directed to a local hotel. The rest of them were arrested and there seems to be no further information concerning their whereabouts. It is highly likely that a number of unaccompanied minors were among the group, as the decision on who was minor solely lied upon the “judgment” of riot police during this inhuman operation. We also express our concern about the possibility of forcible repatriation of the migrants to Afghanistan.

For the lucky ones who escaped arrest things are not any better. Without any facilities to offer protection and support, hundreds of migrants live dispersed and terrorized in the city centre without being able to meet their very basic human needs.

We demand answers to the following questions:

• The operation lacked any legal, ethical and moral basis. Who decided it?
• Why did the operation take place without any previous warning and most importantly without ensuring that access to other reception facilities would be available?
• How many migrants were arrested and where exactly are they being detained?
• How did they ensure that unaccompanied minors were not maltreated and abused?
• Why migrants were not offered an opportunity to apply for asylum?
• Are there plans to forcibly repatriate them without any prior access to the asylum process?
• Will Greece keep tolerating the racist and xenophobic attacks against migrants and their families?

In the absence of an official answer we reserve our right to visit the area and make use of any means at our disposal to ensure that the authorities and individuals involved will be held accountable of their actions.

Prof. Alex Callinicos, Kings College London

Dr. Karen Evans, University of Liverpool

Dr. Iain Ferguson, University of Stirling

Prof. Emer. Chris Jones, University of Liverpool

Dr. Vasilios Ioakimidis, Liverpool Hope University

Dr. Michael Lavalette, Liverpool Hope University

Mr. Peter Marsden Blackpool Local Government Unison (personal capacity)

Mrs. Julia Orry, Blackpool Branch Secretary (personal capacity).

Mrs. Laura Penkenth, University of Manchester

Iran: Hundreds of detainees at risk of torture

Amnesty International Press release
13 July 2009

Following the mass arrests of demonstrators and opposition activists in Iran over recent weeks in connection with the disputed presidential election, Amnesty International has compiled a list of the names or identities of 368 people arrested since 12 June. Some of those detained have since been released, but may face prosecution in the future. The organization has also obtained photographs of lists of cases under judicial review which indicate the scale of arrests, in Tehran, in recent weeks.

While it is not possible to individually confirm each name received, Amnesty International is publishing them to draw attention to the suffering of thousands of families in Iran, whose family members may have been arrested arbitrarily or who ignore the whereabouts of arrested family members who have virtually been subjected to enforced disappearances. The Iranian authorities have a responsibility to immediately disclose the identity of anyone in their custody and to inform their families of their whereabouts. Amnesty International is concerned that many of those still detained are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment, possibly to extract ‘forced confessions’ which could be used against them in courts.

In response to the ongoing arrests and clampdown, and in order to try and gather further information regarding arrests in recent weeks, Amnesty International has called on all those with concerns or information about arrests and excessive use of force, including killings, to email the organization at iran.alerts@gmail.com, or iranalert@amnesty.org. In particular, any information about the individuals included in the list, or about others whose names are not mentioned would be helpful. Amnesty International hopes to update the list as more information becomes available and will deal with information confidentially.

The pictures of the lists posted on the wall of offices of the judiciary at the crossroads of Shariati and Moalem Streets in Tehran show the names of those whose cases are under judicial review. They also reveal how the authorities facilitate abuse after arrests by concealing, in black pen, the identity of the detaining authorities of the scores of people arrested. A hand-written note on the side of each sheet, each labeled ‘new’ informs family members that they should return in 15 days’ time to inquire about the fate of their family members, thereby consigning detainees to a limbo for prolonged period of time.

International law and standards – and Iranian law – require the Iranian authorities to bring detainees promptly before a judge, in order to review the basis of their arrest, but this right is routinely flouted by the authorities which rely on a note to an article in the Code of Criminal Procedures which allows a judge to extend pre-charge detention indefinitely in cases relating to ‘national security’. Amnesty International considers 15 days to be far too long a period for families to wait for news about their families, particularly in light of the long history of torture in detention in Iran. Many of those arrested have been detained for their political views, or for their peaceful participation in demonstrations. Anyone detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression, assembly or association should be released immediately and unconditionally. Others suspected of recognizably criminal offences should be released, on bail if necessary, unless they are charged and brought to trial promptly and fairly.

France: UNHCR draws road map to help asylum seekers in Calais

CALAIS, France, July 17 (UNHCR) – Locals call it, "The Jungle" – a squalid warren of shanties made out of cardboard, plywood and bits of plastic that has mushroomed among the sand dunes and brambles outside Calais. Hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers, including children, live there or in derelict buildings closer to the center of this port city in northern France.

They come from far away: Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia and even Vietnam. Some have been on the move for months, crossing mountain ranges and deserts. They are reluctant to talk to outsiders.

The last hurdle in their dream of a new life in the United Kingdom is the 34-kilometer stretch of sea that separates Calais from the white cliffs of Dover, clearly visible from here on a clear day.

Their motives for making such an arduous journey and for roughing it in Calais vary. Some have relatives in the UK. Others have heard that it is easy to get a good job there. Some want to study. Yet others have been forced to flee their countries because of political, religious or ethnic persecution, and may be entitled to refugee status if they are given the opportunity to apply for asylum.

"There is no general situation, each individual case is different," explained UNHCR's Marie-Ange Lescure. Since early June, the UN refugee agency and its local partner, France Terre d'Asile, have been present in Calais, informing and counseling hundreds of people about asylum systems and procedures to apply for asylum in France and the UK.

Last week, the two organizations presented the French authorities with a road map aimed at helping to resolve some of the problems posed by the complex situation in Calais and other towns in northern France, and to assist those who may have a legitimate fear of persecution in their countries of origin.

The road map gives details of UNHCR's mission and activities in Calais and makes a series of proposals on how to deal with cases falling under the Dublin II regulation, under which asylum claims are normally handled by the country where the applicant first entered the EU. It also makes concrete suggestions on how to install mechanisms to protect children and minors.

Meanwhile, finding accurate information and impartial advice for each individual case is not easy. Migrants and potential asylum-seekers can easily lose their way in a tangle of rumours, wilful misinformation and bureaucratic regulations which can be as bewildering and intimidating as a real jungle.

For those who may have a need for international protection, the local authorities have taken important steps to facilitate the procedure to apply for asylum. Since last April, the municipal authorities have made it possible for asylum claims to be lodged in Calais. Before, prospective asylum seekers had to go to Lille, 100 kilometers away.

Since then, more than 120 people have come forward to the special counter set up at the sub-prefecture in Calais. But, despite the cooperation from the local authorities, potential asylum-seekers still face considerable administrative and bureaucratic obstacles.

For example, the Dublin II rules about where asylum claims should be processed affects many of the people living rough in Calais. Most entered Europe through Greece, a country where asylum-seekers continue to face serious difficulties in accessing an effective asylum procedure.

To avoid being sent back to Greece or elsewhere, some migrants and asylum-seekers have gone to the extreme of burning their fingertips with red-hot nails or sulphuric acid so that they cannot be identified .

People smugglers, who make money by helping migrants and asylum-seekers reach their destination, often feed false information to their clients. Some asylum-seekers have said that they have been threatened by smugglers after making an application and have had to leave the "jungle."

"The jungles are controlled by smugglers," said a local humanitarian aid volunteer, who has been working in Calais for years. "They control access to the trucks and trains. A week ago a young man was stabbed in the hip for trying to climb onto a truck without paying the smuggler his fee."

Another issue of particular concern to UNHCR is the situation of children, some as young as three, who have arrived here with a parent or relative or, in some cases, on their own. They are extremely vulnerable and need special protection.

"Children are usually accompanied by a smuggler who claims to be an older brother or uncle. They use the children as bargaining chips to get more money from their families," said Jean-François Roger from France Terre d'Asile.

UNHCR hopes that by working closely with the British, French and EU authorities as well as other relevant organizations and civil society, a solution can be found for at least some of those currently living in unsanitary and dangerous conditions in Calais.

By William Spindler in Calais, France UNHCR News Stories

Children of Minorities Have Rights

Children of Minorities Have Rights from Seth Brau on Vimeo.

Christina: PLEASE ACT NOW!

Christina Kyrimopoulou entered prison when she was 14. her sins were huge: she was dependent from substances, had an active mental disorder and is of Roma origins.
her career in prison was marked by a number of desperate cries for help: continuous attempts of committing suicide marked her body - her soul was already marked!
thus grew Christina in prison…
European Network of Women and the Initiative for the Rights of Detainees supported Christina as soon as her lawyer Chrisa Petsimeri called for help in the media (http://www.tvxs.gr/v8664) working along with the commissary of minors in which Christina 's case has been assigned.
in June 2009 Christina Kyrimopoulou aged 20 was ready to be released.
the last court hearing of her case, was very positive: the judge for minors decided to give her a chance.
and while a team of organizations and persons were struggling to prepared the ground for her smooth rehabilitation (no peace of cake), we had to deal with a big surprise: a phantom(!) sentence in 4 months imprisonment for theft in 2004 - when she was a minor - from an adults court. she was judged and sentenced while absent as an adult, while she was already imprisoned, but no one let her know of the trial, so that she would attend it!
so, someone remembered the sentence when she was ready to be released!
that Saturday Christina made yet an other attempt to commit suicide: she cut her veins for the hundredth time!
also she resisted when the warders tried to help.
on Friday 3/7/2009 unfortunately we were informed that the Prison Council denied her the right for parole and additionally imposed on her a disciplinary sentence (possibly for 6 months) for the suicide attempt.

on Tuesday 7/7/2009 unfortunately the Prison Council decided also to transfer her in another prison far away from the only support system she ever knew.

those who have the minimum legal knowledge, they know that there is no greek law that imposes any sentence on prisoners with suicidal tendencies.
the Prison Council, thought, claimed that Christina threatened the warders. what she actually did was to warn them to keep away, since she was bleeding. she is an hepatitis carrier you see!

THEY CONSIDERED THAT A THREAT!

and for this reason they punish her!

she eventually apologized, crying, she begged them to allow her to remain there.
unfortunately her pleas were in vain.

we unite our voice with those that protest for this decision and we call you to countersign the protest of the Initiative for the Rights of detainees found here: http://www.keli.gr (in greek)
please copy and paste the text (there will be an english text available soon) and send it to christina_kyrimopoulou@yahoo.gr including your name, occupation and your country

at the same time academic member Aphrodite Koukoutsaki is collecting signatures from academic members and researchers here: christinakyrimopoulou@gmail.com


dear friend please ACT NOW for this young woman:

• speak to your friends and your family about her


• post this information on your blog, facebook, or twitter profile or any other social networking service


• sign the protest of the Initiative on the Rights of Detainees at http://www.keli.gr including your name, occupation and your country


• sign the protest of academic members and researchers on Aphrodite Koukoutsaki blog if you are an academic member or researcher including your name, university and your country


• if you represent a human rights NGO contact us at giraffeforhumanrights@gmail.com


you can also be informed from the followings (in greek):
http://crimevssocialcontrol.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post_1914.html
http://crimevssocialcontrol.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post_03.html
http://crimevssocialcontrol.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-post_3475.html
http://giraffeforhumanrigts.blogspot.com/
http://soupbonesoup.blogspot.com/
http://www.keli.gr
http://www.enet.gr/?i=news.el.ellada&id=60826