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Gaza Massacre
Israel mobilized its Air forces represented in its aircrafts, its land
forces represented in its artillery and tanks, as well as its marine
forces represented in its warships to launch a raid. Such raid, which is
by all means a massacre of peaceful civilians in the Sudanese area in
North Gaza, killed 15 innocent civilians and injured another three.
This barbaric brutal attack characterized by all cowardice and meanness
entirely discloses all Israeli intentions and its real tendency to reach
a true solution for the Palestinian issue.
Israel appropriates the Palestinian territories, seeking to confirm at
each and every moment that it is up to it solely to decide about the
Palestinians conditions. To Israel, the Palestinians have no rights at
all but the right to be murdered.
America stands as a main supporter to Israel and its crime claiming that
it is Israel’s right to defend itself, where it is a threat to Israel’s
national security to have some Palestinian women and children spending
some time along the seashore.
The Afro- Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (AAPSO) condemns this
hideous crime. Meanwhile, AAPSO appeals to the Arab League, the
Organization of Islamic Conference, UNICEF, the Security Council, the UN
General Assembly as well as NGOs at the local, regional, continental and
international levels, to imperatively and decisively address such
flagrant violations to international legitimacy and such unlimited
presumption on all resolutions regarding the right of the Palestinian
people.
Giving free rein to Israel will only result into more and more
violations without reaching a solution for the Palestinian issue.
We are calling for punishing Israel and the imperative need to establish
the international legitimacy and resolve the main tragedy that of the
Palestinians rendered displaced.
*****
Bureau of the Non- Aligned Movement
Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain, Secretary General of the Afro – Asian
Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (AAPSO), participated as an observer in
the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non- Aligned
Movement (NAM), held at Putrajaya, Malaysia, from 29 to 30 May 2006.
Mr. Nouri contributed in this meeting by a statement on the Non- Aligned
Movement and the importance of that meeting which paves the way to
convene the 14th conference of heads of states and governments of the
Non- Aligned Movement states, scheduled to be held in September 2006 in
Havana, Cuba.
It is worthy mentioning that AAPSO enjoys the observer status in NAM.
*****
Press Release
World Peace Forum
Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (AAPSO) has participated at
the World Peace Forum in Vancouver, Canada from 23-28 June 2006 with the
two member delegation led by secretary-general of AAPSO Nouri Abdul
Razzak Hussain and joined secretary of International section Hamsa Abd
El- Hamid.
The World Peace Forum was an international gathering of individuals,
groups and civic governments from cities and communities to envision a
living culture of peace and sustainability in our life time.
Thousands of participants gathered mainly from Canada and the United
States. In addition representatives from Latin America, Europe, Asian,
African and Middle Eastern countries joined them in this massive peace
gathering in Vancouver, Canada from 23-28 June 2006 to express their
united desire for Peace and against War. It was an opportunity to
strengthen the peace movement by mobilizing all segments of citizens to
develop effective models to reduce violence and encourage peaceful means
to end conflicts and maintain sustainability in our communities.
The participants deliberated during the five days of the forum under one
main theme that is “Cities and Communities: Working together to End War,
and Build a Peaceful, Just and Sustainable World: A Journey to Peace”.
The workshops and seminars dealt with diverse subjects related to the
economy, social justice, peace, environment and culture of peace.
AAPSO delegation had participated in a number of events about preventing
big power conflict in Asia, the future of the US power in the Middle
East, the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, the Iranian nuclear issue,
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and others. In addition, the delegation
exchanged ideas with other peace and non-governmental organizations in
finding ways and means to deal with the new challenges that face the
peace movement especially for the South countries.
The participants of the World Peace Forum comprising the organizations
such as the Global Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, the
conference of mayors and city councilors world over, and others joined
in unity to call for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq and
Afghanistan and removal of foreign military bases. They reiterated their
appeal for a negotiated settlement of Israeli- Palestinian conflicts,
reduction of military spending and to uphold the principles of human
rights. They stressed the necessity to strengthen the role of United
Nations and to declare a decade for disarmament.
*****
The Civil Society Forum,
29 – 30 June 2006
The Conference of Non- governmental Organization in Consultative
relationship with the United Nations organizes the Civil Society Forum
under the theme: “Creating an environment on the local and international
levels conducive to generating full and productive employment and decent
work for all, and the impact on sustainable development”. The forum will
be held from 29 to 30 June, in Geneva. The Forum will discuss various
points of which are globalization and its impact on decent work,
employment of women and youth, employment in urban and rural areas, and
the new forms of employment.
Dr. Mohamed Raouf Hamed – Professor of pharmacology – will represent
AAPSO in the Forum. He will participate by a paper titled “Towards a
more potential for systemic empowerment”
*****
14th NAM Meeting
Mr.Nouri Abdul Razzak,
Secretary General of AAPSO
Dear Secretary General and Friend,
I have the pleasure to enclose the official letter from H.E. Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Cuba Mr. Felipe Pérez Roque, officially inviting you
to attend the NAM Meeting which will take place in Havana from 11 to 16
September 2006. The summit itself will be from 15 to 16 September as
expressed by the Minister in his letter.
Looking forward to your presence in the Summit, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Angel Dalmau Fernandes,
Ambassador
*****
Republic of Cuba
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Havana, 18 May 2006
H.E. Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain
Secretary General of Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization
Esteemed comrades:
On 15-16 September 2006, the XIV Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned
Movement will be held in Havana, Cuba, as agreed upon by the XIII Summit
of the Movement, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2003.
The Cuban people and government feel profoundly honored by the privilege
granted to our country to host the Summit and lead the Non-Aligned
Movement in this period of so much complexity in international
relations, requiring the joint efforts and the solidarity of everyone,
the full and observer NAM members, in attaining an international
relations system where there is respect for the principles of
International Law and the Charter of the United Nations and in which the
rights of the peoples to peace and development can be realized.
The XIV NAM Summit will bring about a unique opportunity to work
together towards the promotion and accomplishment of those objectives.
Therefore, I am honored to invite your organization, in its capacity as
Observer of the Movement, to attend this august event.
I hereby avail myself of this opportunity, Excellency, to renew the
assurances of my highest and most distinguished consideration.
Felipe Pérez Roque
*****
Greetings
Your Excellency Mr. Kim Jong IL
General Secretary of the Worker’s Party of Korea
Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the D.P.R. of Korea
Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army
I would like to express my warmest greetings and our firm solidarity to
your Excellency Mr. Kim Jong IL and Korean People through you on the
occasion of 6th anniversary of announcement of “North-South Joint
Declaration”.
Since “North-South Joint Declaration” was announced in Pyongyang on 15
June 2000, Korean People have many progresses in the Country’s
Reunification cause.
I take this chance to wish you good health and happiness with the great
success in your noble work to reunify the Korea based on the principle
of Independence. Peace and Great National Unity.
Best regards,
Nouri Abdul Razzak,
Secretary General of AAPSO
*****
Greetings
Your Excellency Mr. Kim Jong IL
General Secretary of the Worker’s Party of Korea
Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the D.P.R. of Korea
Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army
Your Excellency:
I would like to express my warmest greetings and best wishes to your
Excellency Mr. Kim Jong IL General Secretary of the Worker’s Party of
Korea, Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the D.P.R. of
Korea and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army on the 42nd
anniversary of the starting day to your noble work in the Central
Committee of the Worker’s Party of Korea.
I take this opportunity to wish you a great success in the work to
reunify the Korea and to build the prosperous country as well as to
develop and strengthen the Party.
Best regards,
Nouri Abdul Razzak,
Secretary General of AAPSO
*****
Condolences
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Indonesia – Jakarta
Your Excellency,
Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organization was shocked by the death of
thousands of people and the enormous damage to house and property as a
result of the recent earth quake in Jogjakarta.
It was barely two years ago that Indonesia was hit by the devastating
tsunami which killed hundreds of thousand people. Coming after such a
tragedy, the destruction by the earth quake has added a further agony to
the people of Indonesia.
The Permanent Secretariat of AAPSO sends it deepest condolences to your
Excellency and the government and people of Indonesia.
Nouri Abdul Razzak, Secretary General
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb, President
*****
Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Cairo, Egypt
Mr. E.A. Vidyasekera,
Secretary, AAPSO
Dear Sir,
Egypt-Sri Lanka Business Council
I am pleased to inform you that the Annual General Meeting of the
Egypt-Sri Lanka Business Council is scheduled to be held on Thursday
15th June, 2006 at 7.00 P.m. at the Embassy of Sri Lanka.
Meeting will be followed by a Reception hosted by H.E. the Ambassador of
Sri Lanka, at his residence at the same premises.
I would appreciate it very much if you could kindly confirm your
attendance before 11th June, 2006.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
S.H. Shirani Ariyarathne,
Commercial Secretary
*****
A letter to the Arab Solidarity Committees
We take pride in notifying that finally and according to the proposition
of the host committee an agreement has been reached to hold the Arab
Solidarity Committees’ meeting from 30 to 31 August 2006.
Noting that, the Jordanian Committee for Peace and Solidarity has
determined in a previous letter its willingness to host two members of
each committee participating in the meeting.
Kindly send the names to the host committee and to us and we will inform
you with any further details.
Attached is the letter of the Jordanian Committee for Peace and
Solidarity on the appointed time of the meeting.
Best Regards,
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb,
AAPSO President
*****
Mr. Mousa Al Maaeta
Secretary of the Jordanian Committee for Peace and Solidarity
We received your letter on the proposed date for holding the Arab
Solidarity Committees’ meeting. On our part, we agree on this timing.
Moreover, we have sent your letter attached to a letter from us to the
heads of the committees informing them of our approval and emphasizing
the necessity for them to contact you and us.
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb,
AAPSO President
*****
Afro- Asian Writers Association
Dr. Fakhry Labib,
Referring to your letter on sending a letter of approval of the Board of
Directors of Egypt Writers’ Association to host the International
Conference of Afro- Asian Writers’ Association, as well as to set a date
for a meeting with the working group of the Preparatory Committee of the
Conference.
It gives us great honour to inform you that:
First: The Board of Directors in its 25th session dated 18/5/2006 has
approved to host the Afro- Asian Writers’ Association Conference to be
held by the beginning of the year 2007.
Second: A date for a meeting with the working group of the Preparatory
Committee has been set to be held on Sunday 25/6/2006, at 11.00 a.m. at
the Writers’ Association headquarters – 11 (A), Hasan Sabry Street-
Zamalek.
Best Regards,
Muhammad ElSayed Eid,
Deputy Chairman
*****
Baghdad- Iraq
Respectable, Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak,
Secretary General
We tried to have an invitation from the Council for Peace in Canada to
attend the World Peace Forum in Vancouver. It seems that we lost our
way, as we haven’t received any reply from them. We should have carried
out the communication after discussing matters with you, noting that it
is impossible to get the visa from Iraq. It necessitates to go to Amman,
yet this is no longer possible.
As for the letter of support regarding the Council’s heritage, we will
inform you later of what is required to be sent after finalizing the
legal procedures.
The Council’s website is the same as mentioned in you letter, yet for
confirmation it is as follows: <www.marafea.org>.
We would like to inform you that the first issue of the ”Peace and
Solidarity Magazine” has been issued and sent to you. We hope the coming
issue would be much better, as we wish to receive your contributions to
publish.
Kindly, inform us of what has been decided regarding the expected
meeting in Amman and whether preparations are carried out or not.
Kindly, accept the best regards from all the brothers in the Iraqi Peace
and Solidarity Council.
Dr. Ahmad Ali Ebraheem,
Secretary General
The Iraqi Peace and Solidarity Council
*****
The Egyptian Leftist Alliances in National Movement 1945 – 1958
The Arab and African Research Center
The Committee for the Documentation of the history of the Egyptian
Communist Movement till 1965
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb
Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak
The Arab and African Research Center, in collaboration with “The
Committee for the Documentation of the history of the Egyptian Communist
Movement till 1965”, plan to hold a two- days seminar on “The Egyptian
Leftist Alliances in the National Movement 1945 - 1958”. The seminar
will be held on 10-11 June 2006, starting from 6.00 p.m. till 10.00 p.m.
at the center’s headquarter.
The seminar neither targets studying the national movement in Egypt
following the end of World War II and till the declaration of the
Egyptian Communist Party (8 June Party) in 1958, passing by the
Revolution in 1952, nor it aims at studying the Communist movement in
Egypt during the same period. Both movements were the focus of many
other studies under different titles.
The seminar focuses on identifying the real dimensions of the alliances
between Egyptian Leftist factions and some other political forces in the
framework of the National Movement in Egypt, politically and socially.
Such alliances that were increasingly active during February 1946, yet
were inactive for a small period after the Free Soldiers took over power
in 1952. The alliances were noticeably reactivated since the unification
of the Communist movement in Egypt in 1958, and remained in action until
the declaration of the dissolution of the Egyptian Communist Party in
1965.
It would give us great pleasure if you can participate in the seminar
with your enriching experience. We would also appreciate it if you can
invite whoever you believe would be interested in this important issue.
Director,
Helmi Sharawi
*****
Institute for National Planning
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb
Dr. Fakhry Labib
On the occasion of the end of the Institute National Planning Program
series “Tuesday Seminar” 2005/ 2006 that focused on a strategic issue
worthy of all attention that is : a vision of the future between the
horizons of aspirations, capacity building opportunities and increasing
potentials.
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the final course of the
seminar this year to discuss the significant proposals and
recommendations of the previous six courses on issues put forth for
discussion from the report on human resources development 2005. Dr, Alaa
Soliman Al Hakim- director of the institute and Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Hai-
Seminar coordinator will moderate the seminar.
The seminar will be held at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday 27/6/2006, at Dr.
Ebraheem Helmi Abdel Rahman room, 7th floor at the center.
We highly appreciate your participation to enrich the discussion. We are
expecting your views and proposals in that significant scientific and
intellectual meeting.
Seminar coordinator,
Dr. Mahmoud abdel Hai
*****
The Arab Program of Human Rights Activists
Invitation
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb,
The Arab Program of Human Rights Activists in Egypt is honored to hold
and organize the proceedings of the second convoy of the political
reform and democracy in the Arab world. The proceedings are under the
theme “Issues and problems facing political reform and Democracy in the
Arab Gulf states”.
The program is honored to invite you to participate in such proceedings
hoping that your enlightening contribution would help in identifying the
reasons and obstacles that hinder the reform process, democracy and
disseminating human rights culture in the Arab world.
Kindly, note that we trust that your participation and ability to probe
the depth of political reform and democracy concepts through explanation
and analysis would be an intellectual basis consistent with our
aspirations. Your participation would be enriching to the Arab
aspiration of a better political, social and economic life. Especially
in the light of the flaccidity such concepts has suffered from to become
common on all levels. For here are the governments speaking boastfully
of their desire of political reform and democracy. The United States of
America and the West have their theses that they try to impose. Finally,
we see the human rights organizations, parties, political powers,
unions, liberal and religious trends even the extremists spare no effort
calling for political reform and democracy. The question is: what kind
of democracy we target and what type of political reform we need in the
light of the status quo.
The Arab program, as well as all the participants, is honored to invite
you to participate with your effective contribution in the proceedings
of the workshop, we trust that your contribution would enrich the
discussion. The workshop will be held in Flamenco Hotel- 2 El Geziera al
Wosta Street, beside Om Kolthom – Zamalek- Cairo, on 13-14 July 2006
from 9.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m.
Executive Director,
Ahmad Badawi
*****
Invitation
Palestine Solidarity Committee
“NO.. To the Starvation of the Palestinian people”
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb,
AAPSO’s President
Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak,
Secretary General
The Palestine Solidarity Committee is pleased to invite you to
participate and contribute in the Solidarity Day with Palestinians on
Friday 7/7/2006, 7.00 p.m. at Al Tagamoa Party headquarters- Zaitoun (1
Ebraheem Street from Selim Alawal Street- behind Kasr Eltahra - Hadaek
El Zaitoun). No doubt that your attendance will add to the importance
and proceedings of solidarity with the Palestinians.
Palestine Solidarity Committee
*****
Glory to the Resistance Till Achieving Victory
We, gathered in the Political artistic celebration hosted by the
Palestine Solidarity committee in ElZaitoun, strongly reject and condemn
the non stopping Zionist criminality started since many decades ago
targeting the annihilation of Palestinians by imposing starvation,
disease, assassinations, destroying the infra- structure, destroying
houses, uprooting plants and destroying land, as well as killing
children and civilians. We declare as well our denouncement of all those
who support or collude with the Zionist enemy that would not have
perpetrated its crimes without the unlimited support of the American
administration, military or politically. In addition to the pressure it
exercise over its Arab allies including some Palestinians in the
occupied territories who form a separating wall pressuring to subjugate
the Palestinians to kneel down.
The Palestinian issue is experiencing nowadays the most dangerous
turning point it ever witnessed. The blockade blows the lives of
Palestinians away, and the massacres threaten their own existence.
Meanwhile, political support is dispersed. It seems that Arab peoples
are drowning in their internal miseries. The matter which threatens of
danger as the Palestinian people stands alone deprived from the basic
protection that is of the Arab peoples.
We address the Arab peoples’ forces to rise up and defend the
Palestinian people. The issue of the Zionist monster which settled in
the Palestinian land will not stop at the Palestinian boarders only.
That monster dreams of devouring all of the Arab countries from the Nile
River to Euphrates to subjugate the Arab world. The Zionist danger will
overrun resting on the excuse of defending itself backed by the
unlimited American support and the Arab languish and collusion.
We, from this gathering, call upon all national political parties to
rise up and hold a conference on the Arab level on supporting the
Palestinian people that would be a new beginning to discuss practical
actions on the national level. We also call upon all civil society
organizations to prove their merits regarding this crucial issue.
We call upon all the world’s conscious powers supporting the Palestinian
right to launch a continuous struggle till the Zionist forces are
evacuated from the Palestinian territories and the Palestinian State
with Jerusalem as its capital is declared.
We demand the United Nations and its Security Council to immediately
implement their resolutions on the Palestinian right. We call upon these
two international bodies to defend their legitimacy and observe justice
in addressing those who do not adhere to it and severely punish them.
We call upon the whole world to face the Zionist monster, for if it has
the ability, it will be a devastating threat to world peace and
stability in the Middle East region.
Long Live the Palestinian struggle
Glory to the Palestinian martyrs
Glory to the Resistance till achieving victory.
*****
The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce
Ms. Hamsa Abdel Hamid,
Afro- Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization
Member of the Preparatory Committee for the Afro- Asian Summit - Egypt
2007-
In following up the recommendations of the Afro- Asian Summit held in
the Indonesian Capital, Jakarta, from 19 to 23 April 2005, of which the
main recommendation is choosing Egypt to be the venue for convening the
Afro- Asian Summit 2007, and out of the keen desire for continuous
coordination between the Federation and your venerable organization, we
are honored to invite you to the next meeting of the Preparatory
Committee for the Afro- Asian Summit - Egypt 2007. The meeting will be
held on Tuesday June 13, 2006 at 2.00 pm, at the Federation’s
headquarter – El Falaki Square, No # 4, Bab El Louk.
Meeting Agenda:
1- Adoption of the Agenda
* Presenting the minutes of the previous session dated June13, 2005.
* Reviewing the complete formation of the Preparatory Committee.
* Presenting and discussing proposals of committee members received till
date.
2- Proposed Action Plan of the Preparatory Committee (2006 - 2007)
* A “PPS” presentation for the proposed funding and marketing Plan
* A proposal of forming sub- committees assigned to draft the Executive
action plan.
3- Determining the action program of the preparatory committee and sub-
committees till the date of next meeting
4- Determining the schedule of the preparatory and sub- committees
meetings.
5- Any other Business
Kindly accept my deep respect.
Chairman of Federation,
Khaled Abou Esmail.
*****
Center of Political studies and Research
Dr. Fakhry Labib
An invitation to follow up the course of events on the political level.
In the framework of the “Program of the Egyptian Study”, the center has
been holding a series of meetings since September 2005 for a group of
prominent experts to whet intellects on the future of political reform
and the transformation to democracy in Egypt.
In continuation of that series of activities, the center is pleased to
invite you to attend a seminar titled: “The new social rejection
movements and the judiciary independence movement”. The seminar is to be
held on Monday June 5, 2006 at room (5), the faculty building.
We are sure that your kind attendance would actively enrich the seminar.
Deputy Director,
Dr. Seif Eldeen Abdel Fattah
Director,
Dr. Nadia Mahmoud Mostafa
*****
Arab Lawyers’ Union,
Secretariat General
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb,
AAPSO President
Arab Lawyers Condemn Gaza Massacre and Call Upon Both The International
Community and The Arab World to Shoulder Their Responsibility and Call
The Palestinian Forces for Unity and Understanding
The Arab Lawyers express their anger and indignation at the terrible
massacre perpetrated by the Zionist gangs against the Palestinian people
in Gaza. It claimed the lives of 11 Palestinians, including three
children, along with many of the wounded, destruction and devastation
that is still continuing in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This comes
within the framework of a State-sponsored terrorism plan.
This massacre comes in the wake of the despicable massacre that took
place on the beach, which claimed the lives of eight martyrs of
civilians and children last Friday.
This is an escalation that will continue to increase more and more,
through which the Zionist entity would be able to renege on any
commitments even the least ones, create a climate of high demands to
disarm Hamas, bury the resistance and tightly blockade the Palestinian
people who chose Hamas for their leadership at this stage in the history
of the Palestinian struggle.
The Arab Lawyers Union emphasizes the following:
1- The major responsibility of these brutal attacks rests with the
international community and its institutions.
2- The Arab governments bear a large part of this responsibility since
they did not take a supporting Arab position regarding the Palestinian
people struggle and their democratic choice.
3- The International Committee of the Red Cross, which devotes its
activity to the application of the four Geneva Conventions, 1949, still
holds the position of the viewer towards the issue of providing
international protection to the Palestinian people in the occupied
territories.
*****
Arab Lawyers Union,
Secretariat General
Dr. Mourad Ghaleb,
AAPSO President
After the suicide of three Guantanamo prisoners
Arab Lawyers Union calls for the immediate close of Guantanamo
Another crime.. Another silence… the crimes of war, annihilation and
illegitimacy continue. The American administration practices a policy of
aggression that rests on oppression and violence turning the
recreational resorts to blood showers, torturing concentration camps and
oppression of freedoms.
The suicide of the three Arabs in the dreadful Guantanamo Bay was not a
protest against mistreatment, but a clear expression of that unlimited
policy and its terrible machinery. What happened in the Guantanamo cells
is a crime against humanity. It puts international society now before
its responsibility regarding the implementation of UN charter and
resolutions of its different organizations, especially the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the four Geneva conventions.
The Arab Lawyers Union’s Secretariat General strongly condemns the odd
American practices and what occurs inside detention places especially in
Guantanamo. The Union emphasizes on:
First: Demanding the International public opinion, legal and juristic
organizations as well as human rights organizations to practice
pressures for the immediate close of that dreadful camp and the release
of all detainees.
Second: Demanding the international community and the United Nations to
immediately conduct a professional just investigation on the surrounding
conditions of the collective suicide of the three detainees and the
reasons behind it, as well as publishing the full results of that
investigation.
*****
Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council has concluded its first session, which began on
19 June, and ended at 30 June 2006. During the two week session, the new
body addressed a range of issues, exchanging views with representatives
of some special procedures, the Sub-Commission and treaty bodies,
holding substantive debates on the implementation of General Assembly
resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006; the situation of human rights in the
occupied Arab territories, including Palestine, support for the Abuja
Agreement; avoiding incitement to hatred and violence for reasons of
religion or race; the human rights of migrants; and the role of human
rights defenders in promoting and protecting human rights.
After its deliberations, the Council decided to adopt the International
Convention for the protection of all persons from Enforced
Disappearance, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples. The Council also welcomed the entry into force on 22
June 2006 of the optional protocol to the Convention against torture and
other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, which was
adopted on 18 December 2002 by the General Assembly.
With regards to the situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab
territories, the Council adopted a resolution in which it decided to
undertake substantive consideration of the human rights violations and
implication of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and other occupied
Arab territories at its next session and to incorporate this issue in
its following sessions.
The next session of the Council will be held from 18 September to 6
October.
*****
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Paralyze Lives of Civilians in the Gaza
Strip
PCHR views with gravity the collective punishment currently being
imposed by IOF on the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. This
punishment is being inflicted through the complete land and sea closure
of the Gaza Strip, including the closure of Rafah International Crossing
Point on the border with Egypt, prevention of fishermen from going out
to sea and constant aerial surveillance.
In addition, PCHR is apprehensive over the consequences of the current
situation, following the military operation near Kerem Shalom checkpoint
on Sunday 25 June 2006, and the possibility of a wide scale ground
offensive in the Gaza Strip. The operation resulted in the death of two
Palestinians from the group that conducted the operation and two IOF
soldiers. Another IOF soldier was taken prisoner during the operation.
PCHR calls upon the international community to exert pressure on IOF to
respect International Humanitarian law, especially the Fourth Geneva
Convention, and to immediately end the closure and isolation that is
worsening an already dire situation in the Gaza Strip. The continuation
of the closure will have catastrophic effects on the living conditions
of civilians and accentuate the existing problems of poverty and
unemployment. PCHR calls upon the international community to pressure
IOF to reopen El-Muntar Crossing, Sofa Crossing, Beith Hanoun Crossing
and Rafah International Crossing Point, in order to allow Palestinians
enjoy their rights to freedom of movement and to import and export
goods. The lifting of the closure will put an end to the daily suffering
of nearly 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, whose civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights are currently being
violated.
*****
Second World Forum on Human Rights
Dear Mr. Jean-Marc Ayrault
Member of the French Parliament,
Mayor of Nantes, President of Nantes Métropole
Thank you very much for your invitation to participate at the Second
World Forum on human rights from 10 to 13 July 2006 in Nantes, France.
We consider this forum very important as it will provide us to engage in
a dialogue with the diverse sections of the people.
AAPSO’s Permanent Secretariat had a discussion about sending a
delegation for this forum; unfortunately owing to our prior engagement
in a different activities during the same period prevent us from doing
so.
Therefore, we have decided to send this message through you to all the
participants wishing them all success in their work.
Regards,
Nouri Abdul Razzak,
Secretary General of AAPSO
*****
NGO WorkingGroup on HRE of the Special
Committee of NGOs on Human Rights of CONGO
Announcement:
At the meeting on 15 April of the Special Committee of NGOs on Human
Rights, it was approved and decided to set up a Working Group on NGOs on
Human Rights Education within the NGO Committee.
Since last year, the preparation and consultation have been taking place
for NGO networking/coordination on human rights education in Geneva
particularly in relation to the UN institutions, and the presentation on
the process was made at the NGO Committee first on 23 January, and then
at the latest meeting on 15 April.
APPEAL:
Any NGOs interested in human rights education and wish to participate,
observe, or work together for effective NGO networking and coordination
particularly with regard to the Human Rights Council and possibly other
relevant UN institutions including the human rights treaty bodies,
please join this Working Group.
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UNCTAD
Trade and Development Board
Twenty-third special session,
Mid-term Review related to UNCTAD XI, Second part
Part II of the twenty-third special session of the Trade and Development
Board will open on Monday, 12 June 2006, at the palais des Nations,
Geneva.
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UNCTAD
Ad Hoc Expert Meeting on Logistics Services
The Ad Hoc Expert meeting on Logistics Services will be held on
Thursday, 13 July 2006, at the palais des nations, Geneva.
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UNCTAD
Joint UNCTAD/UNITAR event on Free and Open-source Software (FOSS)
Within the larger framework of a three-day UNITAR Web Seminar Symposium
on ICT Policy issues for Development, UNCTAD and UNITAR will hold an
event on free and Open-source Software (FOSS) on 29 August 2006 in New
York, at United nations Headquarters.
***** |
