|
|
|
|
| Latest Updates |
The ECLN is not responsible for the content of external links |
|
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 08 June 2009 |
| > |
The slow road to justice: Sison case returns to Court in ongoing challenge to EU terrorist blacklist |
| > |
Lawyers for Mr. Jose Maria Sison, a Philippine exile resident in the Netherlands, are returning to the EU Courts of Justice to once again seek his removal from the European Union’s ‘terrorist blacklist‘. Specifically, Sison is challenging the accuracy and legitimacy of the ‘statement of reasons’ upon which the Council now bases its decision to freeze his assets and include him in the ‘terrorist list’. Ben Hayes, legal advisor to the ECCHR comments: "While public attention is rightly focused on Guantanamo Bay and the extraction of evidence through extraordinary rendition and torture, the issue of terrorist blacklisting by the international community raises the same set of deeply disturbing questions about the conduct of the so-called ‘war on terror‘. The need for a radical overhaul of the entire blacklisting regime has long been self-evident." |
| > |
ECCHR
|
| > |
The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 22 May 2009 |
| > |
Surveillance states. Government spying, civil liberties and the ‘special relationship’ |
| > |
The American Civil Liberties Union, PEN American Center and Statewatch invite you to join experts from the US and UK at Garden Court Chambers for a discussion of mass surveillance, its implications, and challenges to government policy and practice. Background: The UK and the USA have adopted mass surveillance in response to the threat of terrorism. Both governments have asserted
sweeping powers to collect and analyse telephone calls and e-mails, web browsing records, financial records, travel records, credit reports and even library records, and both are establishing a new generation of ‘e-borders’ and biometric ID systems.
While many of these new surveillance programmes have been adopted in the name of countering terrorism, they are by no means limited to suspected terrorists. The peaceful political and religious activities of residents in both countries are now subject to intense surveillance and police interference, which have fundamental implications for the freedoms and democracy that they claim to protect. The panel includes JAMEEL JAFFER, director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)’s National Security Project, PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE, fellow at the Century Foundation, a progressive policy think tank, BEN HAYES, associate director of Statewatch and LARRY SIEMS, director of PEN American Center’s Freedom to Write programme. |
| > |
GARDEN COURT CHAMBERS, 57- 60 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LS, SUNDAY 31 MAY 2009, 5:00-6:30 P.M.
|
| > |
Flyer (PDF),
Statewatch,
ACLU,
PEN American Center
|
| > |
American Civil Liberties Union, PEN American Center and Statewatch |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 18 May 2009 |
| > |
Book launch: Irregular migrants: the urgent need for a new approach |
| > |
This MRN publication draws together research findings to present concise, evidenced information about pathways to irregularity, the impacts of UK enforcement policy and the available evidence on regularisation programmes. The launch is an opportunity to debate the economic and social implications of a new policy approach – in particular within the context of the recession when it is likely that larger numbers of people in the UK will fall into irregular status. As well as contributions from the platform speakers there will be opportunities for members of the audience to contribute their views and experiences of the way in which the measure is working. To register, e-mail info@migrantsrights.org.uk |
| > |
The Parliamentary Offices, Grimond Room in Portcullis House, Bridge Street , London SW1A 2LW 2 June, 11am to 1pm
|
| > |
More information (PDF),
MRN website
|
| > |
Migrants' Rights Network |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 16 May 2009 |
| > |
Sign the online petition: "Humanitarian aid is never a crime. Solidarity with Elias Bierdel and Captain Stefan Schmidt" |
| > |
In June 2004, the German Vessel "Cap Anamur" rescued 37 persons from
distress at sea. Captain Stefan Schmidt
and Elias Bierdel, on trial in Italy, are now facing possible imprisonment, exorbitant fines or further arduous years
awaiting trial on appeal.
PRO ASYL and the German Ecumenical Committee on Church Asylum have initiated a campaign of solidarity with the defendants, asking for signatures to a public appeal "Humanitarian aid is never a crime". They say that "We are appalled by the attempt to outlaw the courageous action of Elias
Bierdel and Stefan Schmidt and by the attempt to destroy their
livelihoods. We demand to drop all charges against them and to fully
restore their reputation."
|
| > |
Sign the online petition,
Background Information (German)
|
| > |
Pro Asyl |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 10 May 2009 |
| > |
"Blocking the internet does not prevent abuse, German parliament should reject Bill (6.5.09)" |
| > |
On 6 May, the Lower House of German Parliament discussed the so-called Law to Combat Child Pornography, which foresees the closure of parts of the internet based on filter lists. The German civil liberties platform Freedom Not Fear (Aktion Freiheit statt Angst e.V.) has published a press release calling on the parliament to reject the Bill, stating that internet blocks are useless in the fight against abuse of children but that they constitute a serious infringement of the civil rights of German citizens and should not be given a legal basis. Other civil liberties groups have warned that this especially so when considering that police and security powers, once installed with the argument to fight one crime, are typically extended to other issues, in particular with the aim to fight and control political dissent. The German platform further point out that internet blocking merely represents a fight against the symptoms of a social problem; child abuse and even the spread of child pornography material will thereby not be stopped. Further, the lists on the basis of which blocks will be instituted have never been checked by a judge, undermining democratic control of the state. Freedom Not Fear calls for "a sensible prevention, an open public discourse and the courage to tackle child abuse with adequate and not technocratic means". A petition against internet blocking, supported by the platform and launched on 22 March, collected over 30,000 signatures within two weeks. |
| > |
Draft Law on the Fight Against Child Pornography in Communication Networks (PDF),
Freedom Not Fear press release (6.5.09),
Freedom Not Fear Statement on Internetfilters/blocking in the fight against child pornography (12.2.09)
|
| > |
Freedom Not Fear (Aktion Freiheit statt Angst e.V.) |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - publications/research - added 09 May 2009 |
| > |
Grundrechte-Report 2009 (Constitutional Rights Report 2009) |
| > |
Book launch: Shortly before the 60th anniversary of the German constitution, the violation of basic rights has received much public attention: The German Railway, Telekom, Lidl – one big business after the other has had to admit illegally intercepting the private sphere of employees and others. The state has given the example with online raids and demands to change the constitution to allow for ever more intrusive interceptions and weakening of individuals' rights vis a vis the state. This annual constitutional rights report deals with these and other issues, as nine civil liberties and human rights organisations report and reflect on the rights situation in Germany. At the book's launch, authors and publishers will answer questions, and a demonstrator and conscientious objector will talk about their experiences of criminalisation, which are exemplary for the increasing erosion of civil liberties in Germany and beyond. For interviews or more information, contact Sven Lüders (0049-152-01 83 16 27) Heiko Habbe, habbe@schanzenhof.de (0049-171-141 98 92) oder Marei Pelzer, mp@proasyl.de (0049-179-78 36 516). To order the book: Humanistische Union, Greifswalderstr. 10,10405 Berlin, info@humanistische-union.de, www.grundrechte-report.de, Tel: 0049-30-20 45 02 56 |
| > |
Schlosshotel, Bahnhofplatz 2, Karlsruhe, Germany, 18 May 2009, 11am
|
| > |
Constitutional Rights Report website
|
| > |
Humanistische Union • Gustav Heinemann-Initiative • Komitee für Grundrechte und Demokratie • Bundesarbeitskreis Kritischer Juragruppen • PRO ASYL • Republikanischer Anwältinnen- und Anwälteverein • Vereinigung demokratischer Juristinnen und Juristen • Internationale Liga für Menschenrechte • Neue Richtervereinigung |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - publications/research - added 09 May 2009 |
| > |
Spies, Lies & the War on Terror |
| > |
Book Launch: The’War on Terror’ has seen intelligence agencies become major political players. 'Rendition', untrammelled surveillance, torture and detention without trial are now the norm. “ Spies, Lies and the War on Terror” traces the transformation of intelligence from a law enforcement tool to a means of avoiding both national and international law. The authors argue that the new culture of victimhood in the US and its allies has crushed domestic liberties and formed a global network of extra-legal licence. State and corporate interests are increasingly fused in the new business of privatising fear. |
| > |
Garden Court Chambers 57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, 14 May, 6.30pm
|
| > |
Order through Zed Books,
More information (official Blog)
|
| > |
Paul Todd, Patrick Fitzgerald & Jonathan Bloch (CAMPACC, Bar Human Rights Committee and Zed Books) |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 25 April 2009 |
| > |
Blackout Europe - Defending the Open Internet |
| > |
The privatization of the Internet could be decided in the next few weeks. On 5 May, the European Parliament will vote on a package of measures which will affect the national laws of all EU countries. A civil campaign by organizations of the European Community was launched on 24 April "in order to prevent the privatization of the Internet and to defend the democratic right to access to information and digital tools. The European Parliament is about to give up our rights to an open access to the Internet to protect the interests of Entertainment and Communications multinationals." |
| > |
Blackout Europe - campaign website
|
| > |
Opennet coalition |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 25 April 2009 |
| > |
Solidarity with the "25 de Caxias" |
| > |
A campaign is calling for solidarity for a group of Portuguese immigrants on trial for an alleged
prison mutiny in Lisbon 13 years ago. The declaration is published on the Portuguese ACED association and reads: "Thirteen years after the events, the Portuguese state is trying to
invert history through its juridical system, denying the "trial" which it
was submitted to during the years of 1994 until 1996, and trying to
convict 25 people, using them as scapegoats of the situation created by
society in general and the state in particular.
During those years, intense agitations were lived inside Portuguese
prisons, product of legitimate and wide movement of protest against the
miserable and undignifying conditions of the prisons, the humiliating and
inhuman treatment given by the prison guards, and the general corruption
of the penitentiary institution."
ACED is inviting people to send two emails (to the Court and to the Prosecutor)
showing their indignation: ENVIE A SUA PRÓPRIA VERSÃO DE INDIGNAÇÃO (utilizando estes textos ou outros) PARA O TRIBUNAL e PARA A PROCURADORIA GERAL DA REPÚBLICA oeiras.tc@tribunais.org.pt fax:21 4411745
mailpgr@pgr.pt Fax: 21 397 52 55 |
| > |
ACED,
Declaration in English
|
| > |
Associação Contra a Exclusão pelo Desenvolvimento (ACED) |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 24 April 2009 |
| > |
Militarism: Political Economy, Security, Theory |
| > |
This international conference is aimed at scholars, researchers or students of Political Economy, Security and Strategic Studies, Development Studies, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, with a special interest in militarism and militarisation, practitioners or activists and citizens concerned over questions of war and peace. Panels include: Theorising Militarism In The 21st Century, State, Security And The Military-Industrial Complex, Militarism In Arab-Israeli Relations, Approaches To Militarism, Peace And Development, Contemporary Forms Of Militarism In The Middle East, Capitalism And The Political Economy Of Militarism, The Militarisation Of The European Union? Gendered Militarisms, Militarisation And The “War On Terror”, Security, Citizenship and Resistance, Connecting Academics, Practitioners and Activists. |
| > |
University Of Sussex, United Kingdom 14-15 May 2009
|
| > |
More information and registration
|
| > |
Centre for Global Economy, University of Sussex |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 24 April 2009 |
| > |
The Baluch - Invisible Victims of the ‘War on Terror’ |
| > |
Baluchistan human rights activists, Hyrbyair Marri and Faiz Baluch, were acquitted of terrorism charges by a London court on 11 February 2009. The 15-month case served to highlight the close cooperation between the UK and Pakistan governments in the so-called “war on terror”. Defending Baluch, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC said he was a “casualty of geopolitics” and the US led war on terror.
The Baluchi people, long enduring fierce repression, have been campaigning for democracy, human rights and self-determination. During the trial of the two activists, even the prosecution accepted the Baluchi people were an oppressed minority, and that they have been victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Pakistani military, police and intelligence services. There has been indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, extra-judicial killings, disappearances, torture, detention without trial and collective punishments such as the destruction of villages, crops and livestock.
These countless violations of international law largely go unnoticed by political leaders in the democracies of the West because they are keen to maintain their close strategic alliance with Pakistan. It is time that these policies were changed and that the Baluch were granted the legitimate rights enjoyed by the peoples of the world.
Speakers include: Gareth Peirce, human rights lawyer, Hyrbyair Marri, Faiz Baluch, Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner. |
| > |
Committee Room 4a, House of Lords, London 5 May 2009, 7pm,
|
| > |
Campaign Against Criminalising Communities
|
| > |
CAMPACC, public meeting, House of Lords |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
Perspektiven-Symposium |
| > |
Alliance meeting of German civil liberties and activist groups to discuss possibilities for cooperation, current developments in the areas of security and surveillance and preliminary preparations for the demonstration "Freedom not Fear", to be held on 12 September 2009. The Platform Freedom not Fear was set up to coordinate activities and publicity to end mass surveillance, uncontrolled data retention and the extension of the security sector. |
| > |
Friedenszentrum Martin Niemöller Haus, Pacelliallee 61, 14195 Berlin, Germany 27 June 2009, 9am - 6pm
|
| > |
More information (in German),
Aktionsbündnis Freiheit statt Angst
|
| > |
Aktionsbündnis Freiheit statt Angst |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
Public lecture: “Scrutinising legislation for human rights compatibility” |
| > |
Organised with the Statute Law Society. Venue: IALS. Free – all welcome. If you wish to attend please RSVP to IALS.Events@sas.ac.uk |
| > |
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, 17 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DR, United Kingdom 8 June 2009, 6pm
|
| > |
More information and registration,
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
|
| > |
Murray Hunt, Legal Adviser to the Joint Committee on Human Rights |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
Public lecture: “Prosecuting Terrorism” |
| > |
IALS Public Lecture. Free – all welcome. Venue: IALS. If you wish to attend please RSVP to IALS.Events@sas.ac.uk |
| > |
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, 17 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DR, United Kingdom 19 May 2009, 6pm
|
| > |
More information and registration,
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
|
| > |
Professor Cliver Walker, School of Law, University of Leeds |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - meetings/conferences - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
Public lecture: "How a lobbying group can affect legislation" |
| > |
Organised with the Statute Law Society. Venue: IALS. Free – all welcome. If you wish to attend please RSVP to IALS.Events@sas.ac.uk |
| > |
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, 17 Russell Square, London WC1B 5DR, United Kingdom 11 May 2009, 6pm
|
| > |
More information and registration,
Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
|
| > |
Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - publications/research - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
Beyond human rights - Europe's refugee and migration politics - Annual Report of the Committee for Fundamental Rights (Jahrbuch 2009: Jenseits der Menschenrechte – die europäische Flüchtlings- und Migrationspolitik) |
| > |
This year's annual report of the German civil liberties group 'Grundrechtekomitee' focuses on the deadly consequences of Europe's migration policies. It asks who is responsible for the deaths and imprisonments in external camps and criticises the utilitarian EU approach to migration control that favours the highly-skilled and denies human rights. The authors identify those responsible for the policies, trace resistance and solidarity movements and reflect on its ideological basis, including cultural racism and xenophobia. Available (in German) from Komitee für Grundrechte und Demokratie, Aquinostr. 7-11, 50670 Köln, Tel.: +49(0)221-972 69 30, Fax: +49(0) 221-972 69 31. |
| > |
2009
|
| > |
Grundrechtekomitee
|
| > |
Komitee für Grundrechte und Demokratie |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
The European Union must change its immigration and asylum policy |
| > |
The EU's migration policy has led to tens of thousands of deaths of migrants, the latest tragedy being the death of almost 400 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea on 30 March 2009. The European Association for the Defense of Human Rights (AEDH) has published a strong statement, calling on MEPs, the European Commission and the Council to implement a new policy starting now. The statement urges: "Europe must immediately change its political orientation regarding asylum and immigration; otherwise it will keep plunging into this “fatal trap set at Europe’s borders”, as the General Secretary of the Council of Europe Terry Davis said. Not only is it a fatal trap for the migrants but it could also be fatal to Europe itself." |
| > |
Statement (English),
Statement (French)
|
| > |
AEDH, European Association for the defense of Human Rights |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - publications/research - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
The situation of exiles on the English Channel and North Sea coast |
| > |
This is a report of a CFDA mission of inquiry carried out between May and July 2008. Between May and July 2008, the French Coalition for Asylum Rights (CFDA) (Coordination française pour le droit d’asile), composed of about twenty French associations, carried out a mission of inquiry in north-western France on the situation of the “exiles” found in the area. After three months of visits and meetings with the exiles, the militants who aid them, government representatives and agents of various organisations involved in port security, the CFDA has come to the conclusion, amongst others, that The exiles are much more numerous that the government is willing to admit; exiles currently come from countries in deep crisis where violence rages; the Dublin Regulation prevents the exiles from obtaining legal residency and condemns them live in uncertainty and poverty. |
| > |
September 2008
|
| > |
English summary (Migreurop),
Full report (French) on the Cimade website
|
| > |
French Coalition for Asylum Rights (CFDA - Coordination française pour le droit d’asile) |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 20 April 2009 |
| > |
European Elections 2009: Time for a welcoming Europe |
| > |
In light of the upcoming European elections, ECRE has put forward a Manifesto with key recommendations to the new European Parliament, which will have a bigger say and will get to decide on the future of the European asylum policy on equal footing with European governments. ECRE urges citizens of the European Union to vote for candidates who will raise their voice to make Europe a safe and welcoming place for people who have fled war, persecution, torture or even death, to "make sure that our representatives live up to the challenge and guarantee that states' interests are properly balanced with individual fundamental rights." |
| > |
ECRE Manifesto
|
| > |
European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) |
| |
| > |
ECLN notice - campaigns/open letters - added 06 April 2009 |
| > |
Rights Groups Submit Allegations to UN Special Rapporteurs Against NATO Supreme Commander General John Craddock For Force-Feeding in Guantánamo 2004-2006 |
| > |
The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), together with other rights groups submitted a formal communication to UN Special Rapporteurs (on Torture, on the right to Physical and Mental Health, and on the Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism) to protest against the nomination of U.S. Army General Bantz John Craddock as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe. In his former capacity as U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Commander from November 2004 until October 2006, Craddock oversaw the Guantanamo detention center "where torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, and other abuses occurred." The organisations' submission informs that "General Craddock approved and had command responsibility over the unlawful and unethical force-feeding of detainees on hunger strike. [...] CCR, FIDH, and ECCHR find it deeply problematic that NATO has at the head of its military command a man responsible for world-decried human rights violations that took place under his watch before he took the NATO post. It is illustrative of NATO’s failure to break from unlawful practices and policies implemented in the name of the U.S.-led “War on Terror.” " |
| > |
Press release (English) on the FIDH website (3 April 2009),
UN Special Rapporteurs (PDF)
|
| > |
CCR, FIDH, ECCHR et al. |
| |
|
|
|
