All posts by CPNN Coordinator

About CPNN Coordinator

Dr David Adams is the coordinator of the Culture of Peace News Network. He retired in 2001 from UNESCO where he was the Director of the Unit for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, proclaimed for the Year 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly.

Past Virtual Events, November 27-30

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Here are events from November 27 that were previously listed on the CPNN page for upcoming virtual events. Unless otherwise noted the events are in English.

November 27 [in Spanish]

“V National and International Congress of the Federación Nacional De Colegios De Mediadores A.C”.
“Tópicos de Mediación, Conciliación y Justicia Restaurativa: Navegando hacia una Cultura de Paz”.
— El taller de 12: 00-13: 00 hrs (hora en la Ciudad de México) hablará sobre “Las Prácticas Restaurativas en América Latina”
— Para participar, complete el formulario en https://forms.gle/voQJ5z2oiu3AsLzM8
— También puede ver el evento en vivo en la página de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Federaci%C3%B3n-Nacional-De-Colegios-De-Mediadores-AC-160451864363494/

Nov 28, 2020

Stop the War Coalition : Prospects for War & Peace After the US Elections
— What does the election of Joe Biden mean for UK foreign policy? On one hand the president-elect has called for an end to US support for the Saudi-led war on Yemen, yet on the other he appears committed to escalating tensions with China. All of which will have major ramifications for British foreign policy. Boris Johnson’s unveiling of a huge military spending increase seems designed to please the new US president and demonstrate that the UK remains a devoted ally.
— As Donald Trump’s tenure comes to an end are we expecting huge shifts in foreign policy or more of the same?
— Join us for this fringe session of the North West Connected conference to discuss all of this and how the anti-war movement can organise against it with:
– Richard Burgon MP
– Lindsey German
– Sarah Cundy (Manchester Momentum Vice Chair)
– Jenny Clegg (Greater Manchester Stop the War)
– Rashida Islam (Greater Manchester Stop the War)
Time : 01:00 PM in London
— Register here

Sunday, Nov. 29, 2:00 – 4:00 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Peace Magazine and Project Save the World Invite You to Our Next Monthly Global Town Hall
— On the last Sunday of every month, we hold an open meeting for activists worldwide who are addressing issues of militarism (especially nuclear weapons), global warming, famine, pandemics, radioactive contamination, and cyber risks. We talk for two hours with our video cameras on (not just audio, please), edit the recording, and put it on YouTube, Facebook, and our website: https://tosavetheworld.ca Then we publicize it widely. Everyone is welcome. There is no agenda, but this time I hope we will have a good discussion about the many risks to democracy today, especially as we see in elections.
— Register here

Mon 30 Nov – 18:30 London time

Foreign Policy After the US Election w/ Jeremy Corbyn –
Join Jeremy Corbyn on Monday to discuss the significance of the US election results on UK foreign policy.
— The election of Joe Biden has been met with a sense of relief but with a team of right-wing Democrats behind him, along with a largely republican senate, the prospects for a progressive US foreign policy look bleak. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson’s unveiling of a huge military spending increase is designed to please the new US president and demonstrate that the UK remains a devoted ally.
— As Donald Trump’s tenure comes to an end, are we expecting huge shifts in foreign policy or more of the same? Join us to discuss the future of the so-called ‘special relationship’ with the former Labour Leader and Stop the War Chair.
— Click Here to Register

Lundi 30 novembre à 18h30 (French time – in French)

A l’occasion de la Journée internationale de solidarité avec le peuple palestinien, l’AFPS, la CGT, EELV, GDS, l’intergroupe parlementaire de la FI, le MJCF, la LDH, Le Mouvement de la Paix, le MRAP, le PCF, la plateforme des ONG françaises pour la Palestine, R&S, UAVJ, l’UNEF et l’UEC organisent un webmeeting en direct sur Zoom le lundi 30 novembre 2020 de 18h30 à 20h30.
— Avec :
Majed BAMYA, représentant de la Palestine à l’ONU,
Aïda TOUMA-SLIMAN, députée de la Joint List à la Knesset,
Sahar FRANCIS, directrice d’Addameer Prisoner Support & Human Rights Association,
Zakaria ODEH, coordonnateur de la Coalition civique pour les droits des Palestinien.ne.s à Jérusalem,
Wajeh ABU ZAREFAH, professeur de Science Politique et analyste politique pour Alshabaka, The palestinian policy network (Gaza),
ainsi que des représentant-e-s de la campagne de Résistance non-violente, des réfugiés palestiniens, et de Btselem (centre israélien d’information pour les droits de l’homme dans les territoires occupés).
— Rejoindre la conférence avec Zoom ici.

Dec 1, 2020 18:30 PM in London

Students say No to War on Yemen
The war in Yemen has entered its sixth, devastating year. Over 100,000 people have died and millions are the brink of famine. The British Government is complicit in this war; over £5 billion worth of arms have been sold to the Saudi coalition since the start of the war and RAF personnel have maintained Saudi planes and directed the bombings. Stop the War Coalition, alongside organisations around the world, has called a global day of action against the war on Yemen on 25th January 2021. Students have played a major role in fighting against British involvement in the war, organising protests across the country over the summer, and will have a vital role in building the day of action. Join us to discuss how we can take action on the 25th January and end the war on Yemen.
— Speakers (tbc):
Lucy Nichols, Stop the War
Malak Mayet, Campaign Against the Arms Trade
Adhiyan Jeevathol, London Students for Yemen
Lamar Campbell, Young Labour International Representative
Hasan Patel, Young Labour Under 18’s Representative
Register here

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, global

Following peace deal, talks on Libya’s political future begin

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

An article from UN News

Talks to draw up a blueprint for a new political era in Libya began in Tunisia on Monday [November 9], following a peace deal struck by Libya’s warring sides last month [See CPNN October 17]


(Click on image to enlarge)

“You have gathered today to continue forging a new era of peace and stability for Libya. You have the opportunity to end a tragic conflict and create a future of dignity and hope”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a video message to participants of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum.

“Now it is your turn to shape the future of your country. Your commitment to this process will help restore Libyan sovereignty and the democratic legitimacy of Libyan institutions. As you engage in dialogue to resolve your differences, your determination will be tested.

Future ‘is now in your hands’

“However, compromise is the only approach that will pave the road to national unity”, he said. “The future of Libya is now in your hands.”

Tunisian President Qais Said, opening the meeting, said the talks would lead to a new legitimacy for Libya.

The country has been beset by chaos and conflict since the downfall of long-time Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, culminating in a civil war and the siege of the Libyan capital Tripoli which began in April last year.

(article continued in right column)

Question for this article:

What is being done for peace in Libya?

(article continued from left column)

The head of the UN mission in Libya, Stephanie Williams, told the meeting that it was a time of rare optimism, a glimmer of hope after many years of crisis.

New national vote

“The overriding aim of the National Political Programme is to renew political legitimacy by holding national elections, within an agreed timeframe”, she said.

Acting UN Special Representative Williams presided over a breakthrough peace agreement between five senior commanders from either side, at a meeting in Geneva last month. She arrived at the political talks in Tunis fresh from another successful round of military negotiations in the Libyan city of Ghadames, she said.

“Every day cooperation is increasing, and the transformation of the 5+5 into the ‘group of 10’ is more than just a slogan; it is a reality”, Ms. Williams said.

“The new government will launch national reconciliation, combat corruption, and restore public services. Its progress will be monitored; its work will be reviewed on a regular basis by mechanisms that can hold it to account.”

Executive body

In a statement released late on Sunday, Ms. Williams said that over the past two days she had been taking note of the participants’ suggestions about what the political talks should aim to achieve, including the creation of an executive authority capable of organizing elections and implementing the political, economic and military reforms necessary to bring some normalcy back to Libyans’ lives.

The participants had stressed the importance of designing a thorough roadmap for the political process and to develop a national charter based on the principles of accountability, justice and human rights and a firm commitment to a civilian state.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Mideast, United Nations,

1st Assembly on Women, Faith, and Diplomacy

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the Parliament of Religions

From 10-13 November 2020,  thousands of representatives from the world’s religions gathered virtually with government, civil society, and multilateral institution leaders for the 1st Assembly on Women, Faith, and Diplomacy hosted by Religions for Peace  and Ring for Peace.

(continued in right column)

Question related to this article:
 
How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

(continued from left column).

On Tuesday, November 10th the Assembly opened with special remarks from Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor, Federal Republic of Germany; H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Prof. Azza Karam, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace; and His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France. What followed were a series of inspiring plenaries, prayers and meditations, virtual coffee breaks, and interactive breakout sessions. Explore the full program here!

This historic Assembly featured global leaders as part of plenaries on Redefining Leadership, Advancing Gender Equality – Women in Diplomacy, Combatting Hate Speech as Cornerstone of Conflict Prevention, Values-Inspired Education,  and Keeping Faith by Nurturing a Sustainable Environment: The role of Religious Leaders to protect the Earth. The last plenary featured the participation of Parliament Chair, Audrey Kitagawa, and Climate Action Task Force Member, Maru-Evelyn Tucker. Watch the full program here.

global, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Iceland moved from oil to geothermal in only 12 years

.. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..

An article from Electric Energy Online

When the oil crisis struck in the early 1970s, the world market price for crude oil rose by 70%. At the same time, heat from oil served over 50% of the population in Iceland.  The oil crises caused Iceland to change its energy policy, reducing oil use and increasing domestic energy resources, such as hydropower and geothermal.


Iceland’s giant geothermal plants

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Question for this article:

Are we making progress in renewable energy?

(Continued from left column)

This policy meant exploring new geothermal resources and building new heating utilities across the country. Due to the urgency and constructive cooperation, it took only 12 years to decrease oil for heating from 50% 1973 to 5% 1985. This involved transforming household heating systems from oil to geothermal heat, based on constructive cooperation between the state, cities, municipalities and private partners.

This proves that big transformation can happen within countries in short period of time based on cooperation. That is a lesson that can be useful to everyone to fight the climate crises today.

Europe, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

FAO : Strong support for innovation and digital technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean

. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .

An article from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

The 36th Session of FAO’s Regional Conference for  Latin America and the Caribbean  ended today with FAO Members in the region agreeing to join efforts to fight COVID-19 and promote sustainable agri-food systems through innovation, digital technologies, partnerships and enhanced data, particularly to strengthen food value chains and support smallholders farmers and the most vulnerable communities.


FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and Edward Centeno Gadea, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Nicaragua and Conference Chair

During the three-day virtual meeting (19 – 21 October) hosted by the Government of Nicaragua, all 33 Members, as well as representatives from civil society and the private sector, highlighted the importance of developing and applying innovative approaches to overcome the challenges facing food and agriculture in the region, particularly in relation to scaling up the use of digital tools.

“We need innovation, science and digital technologies to reach the Sustainable Development Goals,” said FAO’s Director-General, QU Dongyu, during the event, stressing that innovation and digital technologies “are the only way out for us to go forward.”

Several Latin American and Caribbean countries stressed that policies and programmes to promote digital solutions should mainly target small and medium-sized family farmers and poor and vulnerable rural communities, bridging the gaps in the rural population and leveraging their potential for inclusive and sustainable development. The International Platform for Digital Food and Agriculture, whose development has been led by FAO, was mentioned as an important tool for the exchange of experience and coordination among countries.

The Director-General noted that digital technology also contributed to make the Regional Conference a tremendous success in terms of attendance. The level of participation was unprecedented. The event was attended by one Prime Minister, three Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 50 ministers and 40 vice-ministers, and 346 other government officials, as well as 103 Observers from a wide diversity of sectors and organizations. Furthermore, close to 30,000people are estimated to have followed the Conference through digital platforms.

“The Digital FAO is more transparent, more open to dialogue, more inclusive, and, above all, more responsive to the needs and priorities of its Members,” Qu said.

Enhanced partnerships and data

The Regional Conference affirmed that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is fundamental to strengthen partnerships, multilateralism and international solidarity. In this sense, countries welcomed FAO’s comprehensive COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme and requested support from the UN agency for the design, implementation and assessment of public policies and programmes. These, they noted, should focus  on job creation, social and productive inclusion, healthy food for the whole population, school feeding, access to water for production and consumption and increasing productivity.

“The FAO COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programme is now in motion. We must work together to minimize the impact that the pandemic will have on our food systems, livelihoods and health,” the Director-General said.

(The article is continued on the right side of this page)

(Click here for a Spanish version of this article.)

Question for this article:

What is the relation between movements for food sovereignty and the global movement for a culture of peace?

(This article is continued from the left side of the page)

The importance of data collection and analysis for the development of a new generation of public policies and programmes was also highlighted by countries, as well as agreements and alliances between the public, private, scientific, academic and civil society sectors, to promote governance of food systems that enable healthy diets and sustainable food systems.

In this context, countries supported the Hand-in-Hand Initiative to promote effective cooperation mechanisms between recipient and donor countries, as well as to mobilize resources from financial institutions and the private sector, particularly to reduce the development gaps that affect lagging rural territories in the region. The initiative is equipped with state-of-the-art tools – the Hand in Hand Geospatial Platform and the Data Lab for Statistical Innovation – to support countries and other stakeholders with data collection and analysis for decision-making and impact assessment.

Transforming food systems towards better nutrition in the region 

The Regional Conference held a special event organised by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) to discuss ways to transform food systems and ensure healthy diets for all, entitled “Driving Transformation Toward Sustainable Food Systems and Healthy Diets.”

The region of Latin America and the Caribbean is undergoing a rapid nutritional transition. Since 2014, hunger has grown again by 13 million people, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to lead to an increase in the incidence of hunger. Today, almost 48 million people suffer from hunger in the region. At the same time, obesity levels are also on the rise affecting around 25 percent of the population.

“We need to join all our efforts and work together, now more than ever before”, said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu opening the special event. “Because, we are not on track to eradicating hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. And because the COVID-19 pandemic comes at a time when food insecurity was already increasing in the region”.

He noted that the pandemic and the related containment measures are especially damaging for Small Island Developing States, which heavily depend on food imports, and called on the countries in the region to step up efforts to make their food systems more efficient, healthy and sustainable, stressing that agri-food systems transformation should be country-owned and country-led.

For his part, the CFS Chairperson and Permanent Representative of Thailand to the Rome-based Agencies, Thanawat Tiensin, noted that the CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Food Systems and Nutrition are currently under negotiation by all CFS members and are expected to be adopted at the next CFS Plenary session in February 2021. He urged all stakeholders including governments, parliamentarians, private sector and civil society to improve cross-sectoral policy coordination and join efforts to turn policies into action.

During the event, the FAO Director-General and the CFS Chairperson were joined by Senator Jorge Pizarro of Chile, President of the Parliament of Latin America and the Caribbean (PARLATINO); Marisa Macari, El Poder del Consumidor, Mexico, Representative of the CFS Civil Society Mechanism; and Maria Nelly Rivas, Cargill, Representative of the CFS Private Sector Mechanism, as well as regional policy-makers and experts. 

The CFS was established in 1974, hosted by FAO, as an intergovernmental body to serve as a forum in the United Nations System for review and follow-up of policies concerning world food security. It is considered the most inclusive platform in the UN System.

In his closing remarks to the Regional Conference, the Chairperson and Minister for Agriculture and Livestock of Nicaragua, Edward Centeno Gadea, highlighted the importance of FAO’s work to support rural families, particularly the most vulnerable ones, and affirmed that “fighting against poverty is an act of peace.”

More information about the Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean can be found here.

Latin America, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Amnesty International launches free human rights education app to educate next generation of activists

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article from Amnesty International

Amnesty International has launched Amnesty Academy, a free human rights education app to educate the next generation of human rights defenders on a range of topics including freedom of expression, security digital rights and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Users around the world will have access to lessons lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours, available in over 20 languages, including Urdu, Bengali, Hungarian, Korean, Russian, Thai, Czech and Turkish . All courses can be downloaded on the app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, allowing them to be taken offline.

“This app was designed to enable everyone, everywhere, to learn about human rights and to encourage this learning. Sharing knowledge is essential to help us defend our rights and those of others and to fight for justice and equality all over the world, ”said Julie Verhaar, Acting Secretary General of Amnesty International.

(Article continued in right column.)

(Click here for the French version of this article or click here for the Spanish version.)

Question related to this article:

How can more people be trained to know and claim their human rights?

(Article continued from left column.)

One of the hallmarks of Amnesty’s Academy is that it takes a flexible approach to teaching, allowing users to take lessons at their own pace, and thus start them when it suits them best. Users completing some of the longer courses will receive an official certificate signed by the Secretary General of Amnesty International.

The courses available on the Amnesty Academy have been developed and adapted over the past three years for the Amnesty International human rights education website. They have been optimized for mobile use, to make human rights more accessible than ever.

“Human rights education is the foundation of Amnesty’s work. Our overall goal is to ensure that people all over the world know and can claim their human rights. The Amnesty’s Academy app brings us closer to this goal by providing a simple and accessible platform for millions of people to benefit from quality human rights education, ”said Krittika Vishwanath, Director of the human rights education at Amnesty International.

Amnesty’s Academy will be regularly updated to incorporate versions in many more languages ​​and new courses in the months and years to come.

IOS link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amnesty-academy/id1534113236

Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amnesty.academyLien iOS : https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amnesty-academy/id1534113236

global, HUMAN RIGHTS

Morocco: Combating the radicalization of young people via the Internet

TOLERANCE AND SOLIDARITY .

An article by LesEco (translation by CPNN)

La Rabita Mohammedia des Oulémas has just launched a project to fight against the radicalization of young people online. Objective: fight against hate speech and make young people aware of the dangers that the Internet and social networks can present. Funded by the Government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program, the implementation agreement for this project was signed by Takashi Shinozuka, Japanese Ambassador to Morocco, Edward Christow, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco, and Ahmed Abbadi, secretary general of the Rabita Mohammedia des Ulemas.

According to Ahmed Abbadi, this project aims to protect adolescents and young people from the scourges of violent extremism, whether on the ground or in their digital dimension. It also aims to immunize them against hate speech by supporting them to become influential on the Internet in order to prevent and inspire their interlocutors. He added that the project was long-term in order to help young people acquire the tools and skills necessary to fight extremism of all kinds. The success of this project depends mainly on the preparation of attractive and catchy content for young people, says Ahmed Abbadi. La Rabita has launched several interactive Internet games with the aim of promoting the culture of peace and moderation, as well as the rejection of violence and extremism.

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(Click here for the original French version of this article.)

Question for this article

Islamic extremism, how should it be opposed?

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According to the same source, the Rabita is preparing a virtual influencer guide to help young people acquire the skills to become effective influencers on the Internet. The same source specifies that Japan and the UNDP, much more than donors, will also be partners in this project.

In this regard, the Japanese Ambassador to Morocco declared: “We believe that this project is also a response to a concern for the immunization of Moroccan society against the cybernetic threats which threaten the youth.” He added that the religious radicalism leading to violence is a universal problem. Takashi Shinozuka also indicates that this funding supports Morocco in its fight against the risks of online radicalization of young people, in particular by preventing and informing about the dangers that social networks can represent.

For his part, Edward Christow affirmed that this project was the fruit of several months of joint work between the Rabita Mohammedia of the Ulemas, the Embassy of Japan and the UNDP, adding that the three partners will continue their collaboration for the implementation of this project. He also said that this project, which aims to support the production and publication of video footage on social media, will depend on Rabita’s experience in this area. It will ensure an online presence through the social networks of the Rabita and the UNDP. In this context, a group of Rabita experts will be able to meet Japanese experts working in the field of conflict prevention and peace promotion, and organize an international workshop in Morocco on best practices in this field.

Funding for this project amounts to 454,545 USD, or more than 4 million MDH. It revolves around 4 main objectives, including carrying out a diagnosis of the risks associated with online radicalization content targeting young people, and supporting national stakeholders in the use of information and communication technologies and media to prevent violent extremism and hate speech. It is also about sensitizing young Moroccans through social networks on the importance of promoting an alternative discourse, the spirit of cooperation and the sharing of experiences in the prevention of violent extremism online. Spanning a period of one year, this project will have a major impact on young people and on Moroccan society as a whole, concludes Edward Christow.

Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Toluca, Mexico, establishes more than 150 Peace Centers

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

An article from Diario Portal (translation by CPNN)

The municipal government of Toluca continues with firm steps towards its goal of building a more just society and with a culture of peace, in which the general well-being is promoted and violence is prevented. An example of this are the more than 150 Centers of Peace that it has established up to now.

Formed under the Municipal Plan for the Promotion of Peace, Development and the Environment at the initiative of Mayor Juan Rodolfo Sánchez Gómez, this project was implemented with trained people, called Agents of Peace and Development, who can meet the needs of each space promoting peace

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(Click here for the Spanish original of this article)

Questions for this article:

How can culture of peace be developed at the municipal level?

Is there progress towards a culture of peace in Mexico?

(continued from left column)

During the contingency due to COVID-19, municipal personnel have worked hard, with the necessary sanitary measures, and constituted 113 Peace Centers, 35 of them in schools including the “Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez” Elementary School in the evening shift, the Executive University of State of Mexico, the Paulo Freire School and the “David Paul Ausubel SC” Educational Institute, to name a few.

Likewise, eight children’s creches have joined including Carmen Rodríguez, Julieta Lechuga de Pichardo and Carmen Maza de Del Mazo; 12 delegations such as San Cristóbal Huichochitlán, Sánchez, Santa Cruz Atzcatpotzaltongo, San Felipe Tlalmimilolpan and La Maquinita; three churches such as the parish “San Pablo Apóstol” in San Pablo Autopan and the Capilla del Salvador in San Cristóbal Huichochitlán; 11 health centers, six clinics, six companies such as Manufactureras Qualy, three markets and the 26 libraries of Toluca.

These institutions are in addition to the Peace Centers established before the pandemic, 40 in total: 26 schools, five delegations, two churches and seven companies.

As part of the program, specialized municipal staff in the respective institution elaborate a diagnosis and the factors they wish to influence, to later establish a specific program designed to meet the needs of the population in each environment, in order to increase the factors to protect peace and to reduce risk factors.

DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, Latin America

Amnesty International : US State Department’s attack on the BDS movement violates freedom of expression and endangers human rights protection

… . HUMAN RIGHTS … .

An article from Amnesty International

Responding to the United States Department of State announcement designating the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement as antisemitic and planning to identify organizations supporting BDS with a view to reviewing and halting their funding, Bob Goodfellow, the Interim Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, issued the below statement:

“The Department of State’s targeting of groups advocating for using peaceful means, such as boycotts, to end human rights violations against Palestinians as antisemitic violates freedom of expression and is a gift to those who seek to silence, harass, intimidate and oppress those standing up for human rights around the world. This is simply the latest attack from a US government determined to undermine the universality of human rights and the global fight against racism and discrimination, including antisemitism.

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Question related to this article:

Presenting the Palestinian side of the Middle East, Is it important for a culture of peace?

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“Advocating for boycotts, divestment and sanctions is a form of non-violent advocacy and of free expression that must be protected. Advocates of boycotts should be allowed to express their views freely and take forward their campaigns without harassment, threats of prosecution or criminalization, or other measures that violate the right to freedom of expression. Instead of attacking and restricting BDS activities the US should end such measures and instead ensure that BDS advocates are free to express their views and take forward their campaigns without harassment or threats of prosecution.”

“The US administration is following Israeli government’s approach in using false and politically motivated accusations of antisemitism to harm peaceful activists, including human rights defenders, and shield from accountability those responsible for illegal actions that harm people in Israel, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and here at home. The process comes across as particularly hypocritical and deceitful coming from an administration that has emboldened neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other groups who advocate violence and discrimination, shown a callous disregard for international law, and favored Israeli policies that result in institutionalized discrimination and systematic human rights violations against millions of Palestinians.

“This process also hurts Jewish people by equating Israel with Judaism and likening criticism of Israeli government policies and practices to antisemitism. It undermines our work in the Middle East and other regions to protect the rights of religious and other minorities.

“We will continue to support our Israeli and Palestinian colleagues, including BDS activists, who like human rights defenders around the world, speak up when justice, freedom, truth, and dignity are denied.”

HUMAN RIGHTS, North America, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

France: Thousands protest against bill to curb filming of police

. . HUMAN RIGHTS . .

An article from DW Akademie

Several thousand people marched in French cities on Saturday to protest a draft law that would make it a crime to circulate an image of a police officer’s face with the intention that they be harmed, in a move condemned as an afront to press freedom.


The largest gathering was at the Trocadero Square near the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Journalist groups, as well as the Yellow Vest and Extinction Rebellion movements, and demonstrators waving flags of the communist and green parties attended the protests.

Thousands of protesters chanted “Freedom, freedom” and “Everyone wants to film the police.” Some also held signs that read: “We’ll put down our phones when you put down your weapons.”

Similar demonstrations took place in Marseille, Lille, Montpellier, Rennes, Saint-Etienne and Nice.

Supporters of the law say police officers and their families need protection from harassment, both online and in-person when off duty. Opponents say the law would infringe journalists’ freedom to report, and make it harder to hold police accountable for abuses such as excessive use of force.

Offenders would face a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a €45,000 ($53,000) fine.

(article continued in right column)

Click here for an article on this subject in French)

Questions related to this article:

How effective are mass protest marches?

(article continued from left column)

‘A green light for the worst elements’

Edwy Plenel, chief editor of the investigative news website Mediapart, said the proposed legislation was a “green light for the worst elements in the police.”

“Those in power are increasingly trying to prevent citizens, journalists and whistleblowers from revealing the failures of the state. When this happens, democracy fades away,” said Plenel.

“We are not here to defend a privilege of our profession, press freedom and journalists’ freedom. We are here to defend fundamental rights, the rights of all people,” he added.

The Office of the UN High commissioner for Human Rights, and France’s human rights ombudsman, have also voiced concerns that the draft law could undermine fundamental rights.

In response to widespread criticism, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday that the measure would be amended to specify that it “won’t impede the freedom of information” and that it will focus only on images broadcast with “clear” intent to harm a police officer.

However, critics say the amendment does not go far enough. Emmanuel Poupard, secretary-general of the National Journalists Union (SNJ), said that he thinks the new amendment still “doesn’t change anything.”

The law “has only one goal: to boost the sense of impunity of law enforcement officers and make invisible police brutality,” said Poupard.

Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on the bill on Tuesday.

In July, three French police officers were charged with manslaughter over the death of a delivery man, Cedric Chouviat, that bystanders caught on video. Chouviat’s death had similarities with the killing of George Floyd in the United States, which sparked mass protests around the world, including in France.

Europe, HUMAN RIGHTS