Items related to "Human Security Gateway: Albania". Fri, 16 May 2008 0:30:26 +0000 Fri, 16 May 2008 0:30:26 +0000 robert_hartfiel@sfu.ca (Robert Hartfiel) Wed, 14 May 2008 13:30:27 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=24359 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=24359 Ce rapport contient des résumés sur les régions suivants: Etats-Unis d’Amérique et Canada, et Europe occidentale et centrale. SOURCE: Nations Unies // Programme Commun Des Nations Unies Sur le VIH/SIDA Nations Unies // Programme Commun Des Nations Unies Sur le VIH/SIDA Thu, 01 May 2008 12:53:06 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=24057 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=24057 Historically Albanians have practised a traditional, tolerant form of Sunni and Bektashi Islam. Now a third more radical interpretation of Islam is gradually being introduced by young Albanians who have studied abroad in Islamic countries. This has the potential to undermine the current delicate balance of inter-faith and inter-religious co-existence in Albania’s multi-faith society. Albania's strong tradition of religious tolerance is widely recognised. However, it should be remembered that historically this was not always the case, when foreign influences endeavoured to intensify regional and sectarian differences. Today, Albania is still vulnerable from such influences. Given the known radical Islamic activity in some of Albania's near neighbours, there should be closer monitoring of religious activity in Albania's more remote border communities. SOURCE: Conflict Studies Research Centre // Defence Academy Conflict Studies Research Centre // Defence Academy Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:30:26 -0800 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=22550 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=22550 The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) is one of the world’s leading institutions in the areas of security sector reform (SSR) and security sector governance (SSG). DCAF provides in-country advisory support and practical assistance programmes, develops and promotes appropriate democratic norms at the international and national levels, advocates good practices and makes policy recommendations to ensure effective democratic governance of the security sector. DCAF's partners include governments, parliaments, civil society, international organisations and the range of security sector actors such as police, judiciary, intelligence agencies, border security services and the military. SOURCE: Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:35:42 -0800 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=21335 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=21335 The countries of the Western Balkans face high levels of violence, crime and human insecurity as a legacy of recent conflicts, political turbulence and economic crises. The war in the former Yugoslavia increased the proliferation and easy availability of small arms and light weapons, both legally and illegally possessed, contributing to a rise in violent behaviour not only in the public space, but also within the family. Other factors linked to the post-conflict situation and transition have also contributed to an increase in domestic violence, including economic and personal insecurity, unemployment, crime and intolerance. SOURCE: South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:13:52 -0800 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=21165 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=21165 The right to adequate housing is a right guaranteed in international law; a place to call home is also one of the most urgent physical and emotional human needs, particularly for those who have been deprived of the stability, warmth and practical support of family life generally associated with a home. Orphans in Albania are one such group; in many cases, as they reach adulthood and face a future without secure housing or employment, their particular vulnerability is put to severe test. SOURCE: Amnesty International Amnesty International Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:07:37 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16778 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16778 As NATO has moved from being a primarily military alliance to seeking more political roles, it has become pertinent to consider its impact on democratisation. At first glance, it might seem incongruent even to deliberate on the democracy promotion relevance of an essentially military organisation. But, NATO's successive enlargements have often hinged on the fulfilment of democratic preconditions in aspirant members, while technical assistance provided under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) and other programmes has increasingly focused on the reform of civil-military relations. Assessment is consequently warranted of whether NATO has come to play any positive role in encouraging democratisation across different regions, or whether its impact on political liberalisation has been either marginal or even negative. This paper argues that support for democracy has increasingly infused NATO policies, but that the organisation's role in democracy promotion is circumscribed by strategic considerations; most often an indirect side effect of other aims; and most relevant to the niche area of defence reform. SOURCE: Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:48:29 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=20884 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=20884 These are the conference proceedings for the International Conference on Conflict Management and Conflict Prevention: Lessons Learned and Best Practices from the Western Balkans which was held in Stockholm 8-9 October 2003. The conference was organised by the Folke Bernadotte Academy in co-operation with the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Italian EU Presidency. The specific purpose was to identify lessons from three phases in the management of the conflicts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Macedoniaxe2x80x94(1) the pre-agreement, shuttle-diplomacy phase, (2) the initial peace-implementation phase and (3) the present, mature implementation phase. The main focus was on those models, lessons and practices that could be universally applicable. The conference brought together key individuals with experience from negotiating and implementing the agreements that ended these violent conflicts, as well as government representatives from the region and renowned academics. The conference was attended by representatives of EU and OSCE member states, international organisations, research institutions and non-governmental organisations active in the region. These conference proceedings make the presentations and insights available to a larger audience. SOURCE: Folke Bernadotte Academy Folke Bernadotte Academy Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:47:45 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=20067 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=20067 Security Sector Reform (SSR) is a specific peace-building instrument which is part of a much wider process of transformation and stabilisation. It is crucial for the authorities in post-conflict societies to reform their military (and paramilitary), police, intelligence and border control forces, customs and judiciary to bring about lasting change. Without substantial reforms in these areas, it is almost impossible to achieve sustainable peace, democracy and development. While this is true for many war-torn communities and states, it is particularly important for the countries of the Western Balkans, plagued as they are by the legacy of wars, strained inter-ethnic relations, unresolved status issues, thriving criminal activities, corrupt bureaucracies and high unemployment rates. SOURCE: European Policy Centre European Policy Centre Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:47:44 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=19915 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=19915 This report provides an overview of activities focused on the prevention of trafficking in human beings in South Eastern Europe (SEE), and is designed to supplement the information and analysis in two earlier joint UNICEF, UNOHCHR and OSCE/ODIHR reports on trafficking in SEE published in 2002 and 2003. The research was carried out in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Bulgaria, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYR Macedonia), Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, and the UN Administered Province of Kosovo between January 2004 and March 2004. The report aims to fills gaps in the previous reports by addressing the issue of prevention of trafficking in human beings, including awareness raising and re-integration processes. SOURCE: United Nations // United Nations Children's Fund // United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights // Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe // Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights United Nations // United Nations Children's Fund // United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights // Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe // Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:47:12 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=19160 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=19160 Albania has embarked on major initiatives to reveal the crimes committed by collaborators with the secret police in the communist era. Moves to open up the secret files on their activities and expose those who once allegedly spied on their fellow citizens follow precedents set by other states in the region, including Montenegro, Poland and Bulgaria. The aim is to find out who was involved in the spying activities that led to the jailing of 27,000 Albanians for political offences, the killing of 6,000 and the deportation of 12,500 families to concentration camps. SOURCE: Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:47:03 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=18980 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=18980 In the 1990s, wars and political instability provided an opportunity for Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to infiltrate the Balkans. However, U.S. and European peacekeeping troops, aid, and the prospect of Euro-Atlantic integration have helped to bring more stability to the region in recent years. Moreover, the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States underscored for the countries of the region the dangers of global terrorism, and resulted in increased U.S. attention and aid to fight the terrorist threat. In part as a result, many experts currently do not view the Balkans as a key region harboring or funding terrorists, in contrast to the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Western Europe. However, experts note that the region may play a secondary role in terrorist plans, as a transit point for terrorists, as well as for rest and recuperation. Moreover, they agree that the region's continuing problems continue to leave it vulnerable to terrorist groups in the future. SOURCE: Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:50 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=18531 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=18531 Adolescents and children are among the most vulnerable groups during humanitarian crises. Yet, when they are involved in programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, they can play a key role in community development and peace-building. This publication highlights innovative programmes and practices in nine case studies from conflict areas around the globe, highlighting adolescent participation in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; and AIDS awareness, among other issues. SOURCE: United Nations Children's Fund United Nations Children's Fund Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:21 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17713 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17713 The EU's fundamental aim for the Western Balkans region (South East Europe) is to create a situation where military conflict is unthinkable - expanding to the region the area of peace, stability, prosperity and freedom established over the last 50 years by the EU and its Member States. SOURCE: EurActiv EurActiv Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:21 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17720 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17720 Country profile of Albania SOURCE: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of the United Kingdom Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:21 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17829 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17829 South Eastern Europe xe2x80x94 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 1 , Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, and the UN administered province of Kosovo xe2x80x94 is emerging from more than a decade of war and economic, social and political transformation 2. The transition in the region ushered in both nationalism and war and the opening of borders with the West. It was also accompanied by a sudden rise in unemployment, poverty, corruption, and inflation. Organised crime networks xe2x80x94 trafficking in humans, drugs and tobacco xe2x80x94 gained hold, as social protection and health systems collapsed when they were most needed. The challenges of political and economic transition were magnified by the outbreak of conflict in former Yugoslavia. The wars brought violence and destruction on a scale not seen in Europe since the Second World War. The human cost was enormous xe2x80x95 deaths, injuries, and the consequences of physical and psychological trauma. In many places, infrastructure, houses, schools and transport links were destroyed, leading to mass population movements and emigration. These developments had a major and lasting impact on the health of the people who live in these countries. Many of the health consequences have been documented, but often in official working documents that are not publicly accessible. This information review compiles the findings of work undertaken since 1998 in this region and is an attempt to draw attention to challenges to health as well as the potential for reform in South Eastern Europe. The goal in assembling this material was to cover the main issues related to health to the fullest extent possible. This review should be used with the searchable bibliography cataloguing the references cited here. While this project will inevitably become outdated as more material becomes available, it does provide the most detailed review of what is known about health in this region at the beginning of 2003. SOURCE: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:06 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17464 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17464 The election is widely considered as a test for Albanian democratic structures. The EU had warned the country to steer clear of the problems that plagued previous ballots, such as unexplained delays in the publication of final results. SOURCE: Angus Reid Consultants Angus Reid Consultants Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:04 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17123 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17123 This report examines how cultural beliefs and practices influence gun ownership and use in SEE, and how these might affect SALW control interventions. It was initially researched by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD), Bulgaria during Autumn 2005 and Spring 2006. It was compiled and drafted by Mr. Philip Gounev, Research Fellow, Centre for the Study of Democracy and Mr. Marko Hajdinjak, Researcher, International Centre for Minority Studies and Intercultural Relations, Bulgaria. An anthropological approach was taken to better understand the reasons for civilian gun ownership and use, and the ways in which society represents these behaviours, in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia and Montenegro (including the UN Administered Territory of Kosovo). A wide variety of research tools were used including household surveys (HHS) conducted by SEESAC and UNDP, focus group transcripts, secondary literature searches, statistical data, anthropological field studies, the Internet, print and electronic media. SOURCE: United Nations Development Programme // South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons United Nations Development Programme // South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:04 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17152 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=17152 The uncontrolled proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) still continues to pose serious constraints on the development of South Eastern Europe. In order to address the problems of SALW, the last few years have seen the development of regional and international initiatives, such as the OSCE Small Arms Document, UN Programme of Action, and a particularly relevant and region-specific SALW initiative - Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe's Regional Implementation Plan (RIP) Combating the Proliferation of SALW. Recognising and building on previous commitments in a wide range of areas, the RIP was agreed in November 2001 by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, and Serbia and Montenegro, and it was revised in 2006. The aim of the SEE SALW Monitor is to provide an overview of how SEE countries have progressed towards fulfilling their commitments. The Stability Pact's RIP, as the most inclusive and regionally relevant document representing governments' commitments in the area of SALW control is used as a benchmark for this process. This report does not represent a technical verification system or a formal inspection report - its role is to collect and present relevant information to facilitate monitoring, discussion and assessment of progress towards the implementation of the RIP. SOURCE: United Nations // United Nations Development Programme // South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons United Nations // United Nations Development Programme // South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:46:02 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16899 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16899 Among the most important elements of President Bush's first National Security Strategy (NSS) is its focus on failed states. Despite this emphasis, the Strategy does not offer any vision, policies, or new resources to counter this type of threat. A new U.S. strategy should combine improved intelligence collection with more aggressive efforts at conflict resolution and post-conflict "nation-building" in global crisis zones. The United States should devise innovative ways to assist failed and failing states through targeted development and counter terrorism assistance as well as improved trade access to the U.S. market. SOURCE: Brookings Institution Brookings Institution Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:45:55 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16629 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16629 The human rights situation deteriorated in numerous former Soviet republics. Independent human rights monitoring groups, including several affiliates of the IHF, came under attack. The Russian Federation, Belarus, and the Central Asian regimes promulgated new legislation or changed their practices to allow these states arbitrarily to restrict the activities of nongovernmental organizations. The leaders of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee faced fabricated criminal charges, and in January 2006, state-controlled Russian media falsely implicated the Moscow Helsinki Group in espionage. SOURCE: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:45:47 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16480 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16480 Over ten years after the signature of the Dayton Peace Agreement which ended the wars in Bosnia and Croatia, steady progress has been made in finding durable solutions for the hundreds of thousands of persons displaced by the wars in the former Yugoslavia. By September 2004, returns to and within Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the one million landmark figure. The number of persons in need of durabl#e solutions (refugees and internally displaced) in the former Yugoslavia, which peaked at over two million during the Bosnian crisis in 1992-95 and the Kosovo crisis in 1999, decreased to less than one million by the end of 2003 and to approximately 560,000 by mid-2006. Yet, behind these encouraging trends, the picture is more nuanced. Most of the refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who found durable solutions were those displaced by the wars in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia in the first half of the 1990s. But the majority of the IDPs and refugees who fled the Kosovo province of Serbia and Montenegro after the ousting of the Yugoslav army and the return of the ethnic Albanian majority in mid 1999 are still in their places of displacement and the situation of the minorities remaining in Kosovo is still precarious, as the analysis below shows. From an institutional point of view, there is still some "unfinished business"1 in the Western Balkans: in June 2006 Montenegro declared independence and was admitted to the UN, spelling the end of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose confederation that replaced the remnants of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The final status of the Kosovo province of Serbia is also being discussed, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244. As result of this situation, UNHCR's operations in the Western Balkans are centred on two themes: "Post-Dayton" refugees and IDPs (from the wars in Croatia and Bosnia) and refugees and IDPs from Kosovo. A third theme, beyond the scope of this paper, is the development of asylum legislation and procedures in accordance with international standards, in line with UNHCR's traditional mandate. SOURCE: United Nations // United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees United Nations // United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:45:38 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16246 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=16246 This report outlines some key findings and recommendations from an assessment of the efforts to prevent child trafficking in South Eastern Europe. Its main purpose is to increase understanding of the work on the prevention of child trafficking, by looking at the effectiveness of different approaches and their impacts. The assessment covered Albania, Republic of Moldova, Romania and the UN administered province of Kosovo. The Report is based on a review of relevant research and agency reports as well as interviews with organizations implementing prevention initiatives and with trafficked children from the region. SOURCE: United Nations // United Nations Children's Fund // Terre Des Hommes United Nations // United Nations Children's Fund // Terre Des Hommes Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:44 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14350 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14350 The states of the Western Balkans region1 differ from other transitional democracies in Central Europe in important ways, which affect the conditions and challenges for security sector reform (SSR).2 In their transition from state socialism and authoritarian rule, the Western Balkan societies also bear the lingering material and psychological effects of recent armed conflict and ethnic cleansing. Their security sectors tend to be fragmented, underdeveloped (although some sectors, typically the armed forces, are overdeveloped for peacetime conditions), over-politicised and structured along ethnic or religious lines. Non-state armed formations, including paramilitary organisations formed along party or ethnic lines, private military companies, criminal groups and guerrilla movements may exist alongside state security structures weakened by corruption. The problems of refugee return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons, and return of property remain unresolved in key areas. Individuals and communities continue to be scarred by the psychological traumas inflicted by war and extreme nationalism. Nationalistic (ethnic and religious) divisions persist, and the resurgence of nationalist parties in recent elections throughout the region, followed by the open violence in Kosovo in March 2004, provides daunting evidence of the fragility of both democracy and peace in these societies. SOURCE: Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:34 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14019 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14019 In an effort to make European troops more employable in out-of-area operations, the United States has urged NATO to set goals of having each member nation able to deploy 40 percent of its forces abroad with at least 8 percent of each nation's military actually deployed at any given time. The motivation behind this idea would be to help sustain the ongoing shift from reliance on territorial defenses during the Cold War to expeditionary forces in the post-September 11 era. Even so, this objective may be exceedingly difficult for new NATO members to achieve, given the competing budgetary and political pressures to which they are subjected. SOURCE: Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies // Nanyang Technological University Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies // Nanyang Technological University Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:07 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13185 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13185 Tirana is increasing pressure on the international community to act fast and impose independence on Kosovo, if it seeks to improve long-term relations between Albanians and Serbs in the Balkans. Albania's prime minister, Sali Berisha, says independence for the majority-Albanian region offers the only route to normal relations between the two estranged nations. "Albania is convinced that full respect for the freedom and rights of the Kosovo Serbs and this country's independence are a precondition for peace and stability in the region," he told the Council of Europe's #Parliamentary Assembly on October 3. SOURCE: Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:00 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=12963 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=12963 The South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) was launched on 08 May 2002 in Belgrade. SEESAC is a component of the Regional Implementation Plan on Combating the Proliferations of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) formulated and adopted by the Stability Pact in November 2001(Revised in 2006), with the aims of stopping the flow and availability of SALW in the region, consolidating achievements so far and supporting the socio-economic conditions for peace and development in South Eastern and Eastern Europe. The uncontrolled proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a serious problem in South Eastern and Eastern Europe. SALW proliferation has fuelled crime and insecurity, exacerbating conflict in the region and undermining post conflict peace-building. Problems related to SALW are likely to pose a serious constraint to economic and social development in South Eastern and Eastern Europe. Established in co-operation with the UNDP and housed in their offices in Belgrade, SEESAC worked to support the Stability Pact Regional Implementation Plan for an initial period of three years; the impact of the project has led to a further four-year extension until December 2008. Political and strategic guidance and indigenous support for SEESAC is provided by a Regional Steering Group (RSG), which is composed of representatives of the governments of the states concerned, the Stability Pact, UNDP and observers from institutions such as the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and civil society. The RSG meets twice yearly and has approved the 2006 SEESAC Strategy and a revision of the SEESAC mandate. SEESAC capability is now available to all stakeholders within the CIS and Caucasus region. SEESAC is now also available to provide technical advice and project development assistance for the disposal of heavy weapons (within available resources). SEESAC operates under the guidance of The Regional Steering Group for Small Arms and Light Weapons and the UN Resident Co-ordinator in Belgrade. SEESAC liaises directly with governments and civil society, providing technical input, information exchange, co-ordination and overview of current and future efforts and fund-raising assistance for specific SALW projects. SEESAC's small team is in constant communication with all the governments involved and with the relevant international organisations, non-governmental organisations and bi-lateral donors. SEESAC's regional activities include sensitising governments and civil society on small arms issues, formulating national strategies for SALW control and incorporating small arms issues into UNDP development planning. SOURCE: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:00 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13019 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13019 This text aims to present and analyse defence reform processes in the European subregion of the Western Balkans. For this reason, it will also take a look at the countries concerned, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Croatia, Macedonia and the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (S-M). This will be done by recognizing trends in the defence reform process and, consequently, in generalizing their characteristics. As a follow up, recommendations for the way ahead will be produced and laid down, having in mind first, the specifics of the subregion and its countries, and second, the substance of the text and the method of reaching conclusions. We can presume that this would provide us with a better understanding of the similarities and differences of the countries concerned, and enable us to draw useful general conclusions. SOURCE: Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:59 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=12762 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=12762 Turning the page: small arms and light weapons in Albania, is a report of the findings of research conducted on small arms and light weapons and security issues in Albania from April to September 2005 by the London-based non-governmental organisation Saferworld. The report is a contribution towards the development of a co-ordinated policy response to the outstanding SALW problems facing the Republic of Albania following the crisis of 1997 during which hundreds of thousands of weapons were looted from government stockpiles. It charts the achievements of the Albanian Government and international and civil society organisations in combating SALW to date and identifies the challenges that still lie ahead. The report's main findings were reviewed during a series of meetings with a wide range of officials from the Albanian Government and international organisations and also at an inter-ministerial roundtable in October 2005. The final report reflects comments received during these consultations. A separate briefing paper containing the research team's recommendations for enhancing SALW control in Albania exists as an accompanying document to this report and was submitted for use by the Government of Albania. SOURCE: Saferworld Saferworld Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:40 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11967 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11967 Large quantities of weapons and ammunition from the Balkans and eastern Europe are flowing into Africa's conflict-ridden Great Lakes region, despite evidence of their use in gross human rights violations, according to this report. The shipments have continued to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) despite a peace process initiated in 2002 and a United Nations arms embargo. In a detailed study, Amnesty International reveals the role played by arms dealers, brokers and transporters from many countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Israel, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, the UK a#nd USA. The study traces the supply of weapons and ammunition to the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda and their subsequent distribution to armed groups and militia in the eastern DRC that have been involved in atrocities amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. SOURCE: Amnesty International Amnesty International Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:35 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11586 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11586 Albania's Democratic Party-led coalition and the opposition Socialists have reached a deal, opening the way to holding local elections and ending a standoff that had attracted growing concern in Europe. Under the agreement reached on January 12 between Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the Socialist leader and Mayor of Tirana, Edi Rama, local polls will go ahead next month. "The sides have understood the message that local elections are a good opportunity to prove Albania is making steps ahead in the development of democracy," said President Alfred Moisiu. SOURCE: Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:20 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11105 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11105 Southern Serbia's Albanian-majority Presevo Valley is a still incomplete Balkan success story. Since international and Serbian government diplomacy resolved an ethnic Albanian insurgency in 2001, donors and Belgrade have invested significant resources to undo a legacy of human rights violations and improve the economy. Tensions are much decreased, major human rights violations have ended, the army and police are more sensitive to Albanian concerns and there is progress, though hesitant, in other areas, such as a multi-ethnic police force, gradual integration of the judiciary, and Albanian language textbooks. Ethnic Albanians appear increasingly intent on developing their own political identity inside Serbia and finding a way to cohabit with Serbs, something that should be encouraged and supported. Nevertheless, the Kosovo status process threatens to disrupt the Presevo Valley's calm. SOURCE: International Crisis Group International Crisis Group Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:17 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10701 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10701 The European Union (EU) has long been a provider of diplomatic and technical support for the enhancement of international controls governing arms transfers. In June 1998, the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (EU Code) was developed and agreed among member states. The EU Code includes a list of eight criteria designed to guide decisions on whether to grant or refuse export licence applications, as well as a number of operative provisions designed to aid its implementation, including e.g. a system for circulating reports among member states concerning both licences granted and applications denied. Subsequently, the EU has developed a number of other instruments and strategies. These include: the Joint Action on the EU's Contribution to Combating the Destabilising Accumulation and Spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons (1998); the EU Common Position on Arms Brokering (2004); the EU Council's Strategy To Combat Illicit Accumulation and Traffi cking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their Ammunition (2005); and the European Commission (EC) Western Balkans SALW Control Support Plan (2005). Since 1998, the EU Code has since come to be seen as a progressive and effective transfer control regime, leading to its voluntary uptake by many EU accession and neighbouring states. While these commitments are a valued expression of states' desire to align themselves with regional and international norms on arms transfer controls, the context facing many EU neighbourhood states, particularly the post-confl ict countries of South Eastern Europe (SEE), is one that poses signifi cant challenges. Whether for reasons associated with past confl icts, or because of the diffi culties of state-building and political transition, SEE states have struggled in the past to control the availability and transfer of arms from their territories. As a consequence, the regulation of offi cial arms transfers from the region is an ongoing concern. SOURCE: United Nations // United Nations Development Programme // South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons United Nations // United Nations Development Programme // South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:11 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10473 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10473 In late 1996 and early 1997, several failed get-rich-quick schemes robbed hundreds of thousands of Albanians of their life savings. When protestors demonstrated in the streets demanding restitution, riot police attacked them. The lack of an acceptable government solution to this problem exacerbated the situation, and the riots spread across the country. These riots, and the state of anarchy which they caused, are known as the Albanian civil war of 1997. At the end of the conflict, more than 360 people had been killed and power had transferred from the Democratic Party to the Socialist Party. SOURCE: Globalsecurity.org Globalsecurity.org Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:01 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10043 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10043 In March 2003, a U.S.-led multinational force began operations in Iraq. At that time, 48 nations, identified as a "coalition of the willing," offered political, military, and financial support for U.S. efforts in Iraq, with 38 nations other than the United States providing troops. In addition, international donors met in Madrid in October 2003 to pledge funding for the reconstru#ction of Iraq's infrastructure, which had deteriorated after multiple wars and decades of neglect under the previous regime. This testimony discusses (1) the troop commitments other countries have made to operations in Iraq, (2) the funding the United States has provided to support other countries' participation in the multinational force, and (3) the financial support international donors have provided to Iraq reconstruction efforts. SOURCE: Government Accountability Office Government Accountability Office Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:51 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9634 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9634 IHF's annual report on human rights violations in the OSCE. Countries profiled include: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Georgia. SOURCE: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:50 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9465 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9465 The HUMSEC Project is a Sixth Framework Programme Coordination Action, whose purpose is to contribute to a better understanding of the link between transnational terrorist groups and criminal organisations in the Western Balkans and their role in the peace-building process in the region. Main purpose of HUMSEC is to establish a network of scientists working in the project field and to enhance the dialogue between scientists from the European Union and the Western Balkan region. With the only exception of Macedonia, all Western Balkan countries are represented in the consortium. Particular attention has been paid in the composition of the consortium on the variety and equal distribution of scientific disciplines (the consortium consists of universities and research institutes of criminal law, international law and criminology as well as human rights centres) to allow a truly interdisciplinary scientific dialog. SOURCE: European Commission European Commission Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:41 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9242 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9242 This report presents an overview of the situation of landmine victim assistance in the 24 States Parties to the Ottawa Convention identified as having hundreds or thousands of landmine survivors - Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Croatia, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Perxc3xba, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uganda and Yemen.4 Country-by-country information on six key issues is presented: landmine casualties and data collection; emergency and continuing medical care; physical rehabilitation; psychological support and social reintegration; economic reintegration; and, status and implementation of disability legislation. Information is also provided on general issues affecting the provision of mine victim assistance. The report is intended to raise awareness of the rights and needs of mine survivors and other persons with disabilities in the 24 countries. Furthermore, the report is intended to provide the Standing Committee on Victim Assistance and Socio-Economic Reintegration with an overview of the known situation of landmine victim assistance in 2004, and thereby provide the baseline on which to measure progress on the implementation of the Nairobi Action Plan over the next five years to 2009. SOURCE: Standing Tall Australia // Handicap International // International Campagin to Ban Landmines Standing Tall Australia // Handicap International // International Campagin to Ban Landmines Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:41 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9243 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9243 Standing Tall Australia, Mines Action Canada and the ICBL Working Group on Victim Assistance partnered to produce the Portfolio of 101 Great Ideas for the Socio-Economic Reintegration of Mine Survivors with the realistic hope that it would give wider exposure to the issue of socio-economic reintegration and to existing programs, and raise awareness on the many unique and different ideas currently available which would in turn encourage the implementation of new programs to empower mine survivors and other persons with disabilities. The Portfolio includes a one or two page presentation of each "great idea" including the history, successes, capacities and challenges in meeting the economic reintegration needs of mine survivors and other persons with disabilities in particular mine-affected communities. The majority of programs included in the Portfolio currently assist mine survivors but a few programs assisting other vulnerable groups have also been included as the ideas could easily be adapted to benefit persons with disabilities. SOURCE: Standing Tall Australia // Mines Action Canada // International Campaign to Ban Landmines Standing Tall Australia // Mines Action Canada // International Campaign to Ban Landmines Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:41 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9248 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9248 Following the issuance of a preliminary statement of findings and conclusions on 4th July, the OSCE/ODIHR EOM has continued its observation of the next steps of the electoral process, with a particular focus on the counting process, as well as on the handling of complaints and appeals. SOURCE: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:41 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9253 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9253 In preparation for the Finnish presidency of the European Union, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs hosted the meeting of the Study Group on Europe's Security Capabilities to discuss the ways in which European Union policies and institutions can embrace human security concerns and some specific initiatives that Finland could promote during its presidency. A half day session of the workshop held on 17 May 2006 in Helsinki was devoted to the assessment of the current developments in the Western Balkans. By applying the human security approach the main aim was to identify the key security issues that the region faces at the current juncture, assess the effectiveness of European Union's Enlargement and Common Foreign and Security Policy and put forward proposals for a more coherent and effective approach to Western Balkans' transition to stable democracy. Two background briefs addressing the main questions were prepared for the meeting and form an integral part of this report. The report also includes remarks by invited discussants and a summary of discussion. SOURCE: London School of Economics // Centre for the Study of Global Governance London School of Economics // Centre for the Study of Global Governance Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:40 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9101 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=9101 SOURCE: HIV InSite Database of Country and Regional Indicators // Center for HIV Information // University of California San Francisco HIV InSite Database of Country and Regional Indicators // Center for HIV Information // University of California San Francisco Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:25 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=8366 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=8366 The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation supports women in regions affected by war and armed conflicts. This support is needed not only during the heat of battle but also in the difficult work of building peace. The Foundation is active in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus and is involved on site to support women's organisations working to strengthen women's psychological and physical health, enhance their self-esteem and ability to participate as a force in the building of a democratic society. Kvinna till Kvinna Foundations is convinced that sustainable peace can only be built by people living in the areas concerned. This is why the foundation always cooperates with local women's organisations that work without consideration of ethnic, national or religious boundaries. They generate projects themselves on the basis of the needs in their society. The role of Kvinna till Kvinna is to provide financial support, assistance and advice in the development of these organisations. In Sweden, the Foundation talks about the effects of war and the important role of women in the work of constructing new, democratic societies. In 2002, the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation was awarded The Right Livelihood Award. SOURCE: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:13 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=8002 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=8002 In response to the breakdown of law and order throughout Albania at the beginning of 1997, the OSCE decided on 27 March 1997 to establish an OSCE "Presence" in Albania. SOURCE: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:42:09 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=7881 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=7881 This paper is the fruit of a preliminary inquiry into the presence of Albanian refugee women in Southern Italy. The research is based on participant-observation and interviews with Albanian couples the adjacent regions of Apulia and Basilicata. While it is impossible to offer a precise quantification of the Albanian presence, we recall that in 1991 over 40,000 refugees landed in Italy - some remaining more or less legally, others deported - and even today, clandestine landings continue on an almost daily basis. The two research sites were directly involved in the "crisis" of 1991, and while the refugees were "distributed" throughout Italy, the two regions presently host Albanians numbering in the thousands. SOURCE: Anthropology of East Europe Review Anthropology of East Europe Review Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:44 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5934 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5934 The Albanian population is dispersed among three different states: Albania, Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. SOURCE: Le Monde Diplomatique Le Monde Diplomatique Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:42 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5716 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5716 Human Rights Watch has examined a portion of the evidence presented to the court during the Milosevic trial. We believe this evidence should have an effect on how future generations understand the region's history and how the conflicts came to pass: because no truth commission has been established to look into the events in the region, the Milosevic trial may be one of the few venues in which a great deal of evidence was consolidated about the conflicts. The fact that Milosevic had the opportunity to test the prosecutor's evidence in cross-examination enhances its value as a historical record. The evidence will also be useful in other trials at the ICTY. SOURCE: Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:39 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5459 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5459 The situation of ethnic Greeks living in Albania seems to be well under control. At present, the group has very low risks of rebellion. Over the recent years, the group has experienced an increase in minority rights, in line with the general democratic changes that have taken place in Albania since 1990. The Greeks' major complaints under the government of the Democratic Party, their cultural discrimination and lack of access to the electoral process, do not constitute a real concern for this group as of mid-1999. The cultural rights of the ethnic Greeks have been officially protected since 1997 when the Albanian Socialist government committed itself to a policy of providing opportunities for the ethnic Greeks "to be educated in their native language and to move freely wherever it is good for them" (Fatos Nano). In addition, ethnic Greeks living in Albania have benefited economically, due to the special relationship they enjoy with Greece. In short, the unopposed ethnic Greeks' participation in Albanian politics indicates that the group is unlikely to experience disadvantages from policies of deliberate group discrimination. Nevertheless, many serious risks remain. Chief among them is the general instability and hardship created by Albania's rocky democratic and economic transition, which add fuel to Albanian and Greek nationalist rhetoric. Also to be considered are the activities of neighboring Greece, which has advanced political, diplomatic, financial and military support to the Albanian Socialists, the traditional ally of the Greek minority. The Greek government's support of the Albanian Socialists has impacted the internal balance of political forces in Albania. In addition, elements within the Greek Orthodox Church seem very willing to support irredentist operations in southern Albania, and# the past and present governments have been willing to use nationalism as political capital for diversionary and electoral benefits. The combination of a desperate group with an organized and powerful supporter can lead to greater volatility. With continued instability in Albania, and with the continued encouragement of ethnic Greek irredentism from elements within Greece, the possibility of overt and formal acts of Albanian discrimination against ethnic Greeks is a real one. Incentives exist for those in power in both countries to use the issue as political capital, and a short term escalation of conflict may occur before the resolution of underlying problems such as the refugee influx, and Greek interference in Albanian internal affairs. SOURCE: Minorities at Risk Project // Center for International Development and Conflict Management // University of Maryland Minorities at Risk Project // Center for International Development and Conflict Management // University of Maryland Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:38 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5412 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5412 In response to the breakdown of law and order throughout Albania at the beginning of 1997, the Permanent Council decided to establish an OSCE 'Presence' in Albania on 27 March 1997 (by PC Decision no. 160). SOURCE: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:34 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=4981 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=4981 The Ethnopolitical Map of Europe is intended to cover those regions in Europe, including the Balkans, the Baltic Sea area and the Caucasus, which are currently facing or have recently experienced ethnopolitical tension or conflict. The clickable map is guiding the users to official documents which reflect international involvement in the reduction of ethnopolitical tension and resolution of interethnic conflicts in different countries and regions of Europe. Further, the map provides information on population statistics, current national legislation and relevant literature on the ethnopolitical situation in those countries. SOURCE: European Centre for Minority Issues European Centre for Minority Issues Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:34 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5001 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5001 This report covers the defense reform and conversion process in post-war Yugoslavia. SOURCE: Bonn International Center for Conversion Bonn International Center for Conversion