Items related to "Human Security Gateway: Bulgaria". Sat, 17 May 2008 0:30:27 +0000 Sat, 17 May 2008 0:30:27 +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, 20 Mar 2008 15:38:30 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=23074 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=23074 Agacés d’être perçus comme une menace, les États de la rive sud de la Méditerranée risquent d’opposer une fin de non-recevoir à la présidence française de l’Union européenne si celle-ci s’aventurait un peu trop ostensiblement sur ce terrain. Mais c’est bien de cela dont il s’agit, en partie, derrière ce vaste chantier. Perverti et trop souvent invoqué de manière irréfléchie, le concept de sécurité reste néanmoins un objectif dont découle la réalisation concomitante des autres aspects du projet de la présidence française. L’idée de la sécurité n’existe pas sans les usages dont elle fait l’objet. Si la définition minimaliste de la sécurité est « l’absence de menaces, ou de craintes de menaces, sur les valeurs centrales », reste à déterminer ce à quoi l’on se réfère : aux États membres, à l’Union méditerranéenne en tant que telle, aux individus qui composent les différentes populations ? Par ailleurs, à quelles menaces s’agit-il de faire face : les menaces militaires et/ou non militaires (économiques, environnementales, pertes d’identité…) ? Bien qu’elles puissent apparaître comme le fruit d’une construction intellectuelle sans fondement concret, ces questions sont au coeur du projet d’Union de la Méditerranée comme elles ont été le fondement des multiples initiatives de part et d’autre de la « mare nostrum ». L’absence d’entente entre les parties prenantes sur l’étendue que doit couvrir ce volet risque de faire de l’Union méditerranéenne, au mieux une construction institutionnelle parmi d’autres, au pire un échec de plus dans cette région du monde, avec les conséquences humaines que l’on devine. SOURCE: Centre d'études des politiques étrangères et de sécurité Centre d'études des politiques étrangères et de sécurité Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:04:16 -0800 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=22770 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=22770 La présente évaluation de la politique des vingt-sept pays membres de l’Union européenne en faveur des droits de l’Homme répond au développement récent des « investissements éthiques », constitués pour une grand part d’actions d’entreprises privées, mais également d’obligations d’Etat. C’est cette partie « obligataire » dont il s’agit ici d’éclairer les fondements dans une perspective « éthique », dans l’optique de favoriser les investissements dans les Etats menant une politique plus active de promotion des droits de l’homme. Cette étude s’inscrit dans la continuité des études élaborées en 2001, 2003 et 2005. SOURCE: Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l’Homme Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l’Homme Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:48:29 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=20831 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=20831 The security issues affecting this region in 2005 are in fact a distinct combination of classic tensions between conventional military systems, in some cases vestiges of the cold war, and of new dangers introduced by strategic terrorism or linked to the political tensions generated by the current processes of democratization. As an indirect consequence clashes of interest have arisen in the region among the various actors (Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the US, NATO, the EU .....), none of whom has really developed a tailored strategy for the area or made a genuine commitment. And yet there has been a great deal of regional interaction, especially with regard to forgotten conflicts or weak areas - scars left by recent history and invested with special significance by the "flower revolutions". How can a constructive response be found to the Trandsniestria 4 question? How do the tense situations in Abkhazia and Karabakh influence interplay between actors and jeopardize prospects of regional security? How useful is the Montreux Convention today? SOURCE: NATO Defense College NATO Defense College 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 03:46:21 -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 03:45:55 -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 03:45:06 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=15208 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=15208 The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed shortly after the end of the Second World War to counter the threat of Soviet invasion of Western Europe. The treaty setting up the alliance was signed in 1949 by 10 Western European nations as well as Canada and the United States. NATO's mandate is to provide a common defence for the European and Atlantic areas, and to address common issues faced by the member countries. SOURCE: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:56 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14788 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14788 U.S. interests in the Black Sea areaxe2x80x94energy transit, security, counter-terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and peoplexe2x80x94have taken on particular significance since 9/11. The Black Sea basin is a strategic region bordering the Greater Middle East and a key transit route for Caspian oil. Confronted with developments in the region, the U.S. needs a comprehensive regional policy to protect American interests and security. SOURCE: Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:51 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14523 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14523 Four years after the controversial Bulgarian Religion Law and nearly two years after prosecutor's office and police officers forcibly expelled followers of the "Alternative" Orthodox Synod, Forum 18 News Service's survey analysis of religious freedom in Bulgaria shows that the situation remains troubled. The July 2004 Alternative Orthodox expulsions had no legal foundation and are being challenged through the European Court of Human Rights. The Alternative Orthodox - and other religious minorities including Protestants and Jehovah's Witnesses - are concerned by religious freedom abuses such as the expulsions, which flow from the privileged position in law and practice of the Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarchate. Religious minorities also complain of restrictions on their activity in parts of Bulgaria. Amongst concerns Forum 18 has found is a widespread belief by local municipal officials that religious communities have to "register" with them to conduct religious activity. SOURCE: Forum 18 Forum 18 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:43 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14260 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=14260 The mission of the International Mission on the Balkans is to develop a vision for the integration of the countries of Southeastern Europe into the European Union and other international structures highlighting the progress made to date, supported by recommendations for action to the governments of the region and to the international community. The Commission completed its work in May 2006. SOURCE: 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 03:44:29 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13920 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13920 Following the handover of sovereignty and a crackdown on criminals by the newly appointed interim government in Baghdad, hostage-taking of foreign nationals by those seeking to disrupt security and reconstruction efforts in Iraq has become an increasingly common tactic, and this week may have yielded its first success. According to some analysts and officials, the Philippines announcement that it would withdraw its small military force in order to spare the life of a Filipino hostage held by terrorists with links to Al Qaeda could further encourage the use of such tactics -- thereby dealing a not insignificant blow to the coalition seeking to stabilize the war-torn nation. SOURCE: Foreign Policy Association Foreign Policy Association Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:44:29 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13942 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=13942 The Roma population is spread out evenly across the territory of Bulgaria, without any region of higher density. They tend to live on the outskirts of villages or in slums located in the cities, occupying a marginal position both physically and culturally. There is no risk of rebellion for the Roma in Bulgaria. They do not have a history of protest and currently are poorly organized, with membership in cultural, political and other associations very low. In addition, they lack a strong sense of community, and are divided from within. There is competition among the various groups belonging to this minority and they have a hard time to speak with one voice. The likelihood that Roma would engage in protests against authorities is not high either. Some of the factors that may encourage protests are nevertheless present. The Roma suffer severe restrictions in the economic and social areas; even though politically they are represented at most levels, they are present in low numbers and in inferior positions in the state apparatus, the army and the police. There have been some instances of violent action taken by civilians belonging to the Bulgarian ethnic group against the minority of Roma. However, there is little support from kindred groups elsewhere, democracy is making steady progress in Bulgaria and, more importantly, the group lacks organization and cohesion so the possibility of engaging in protests is reduced. 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 03:44:00 -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 03:43:57 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=12455 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=12455 In post-modern times violence - particularly violence between large groups - is to do mostly with identity, status and recognition. In times when such matters are seen as settled and self-evident, they do not produce violence. In times when moorings are adrift - they do. There are things that can be done to counter, minimize or de-fuse violence. Some measure of success in this seems to be possible under two basic scenarios. One: when deciding to do something about violence, it may be useful to keep oneself as far away as possible from conceptual thinking (in order not to paint oneself into a corner by not seeing the full possibilities because of pre-existing conceptual limitations); and just try out all sorts of things that look as if they may work. And / or, two: have the right - the useful - conceptual basis, on which to construct a system of activities. SOURCE: Center for Social Practice Center for Social Practice Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:38 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11734 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11734 SOURCE: European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:35 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11617 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11617 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 03:43:20 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11182 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=11182 Taming the Arsenal - Small Arms and Light Weapons in Bulgaria, is a report on the findings of research conducted on questions relating to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in Bulgaria from July to November 2004 by the Sofia-based Center for the Study of Democracy, and London-based Saferworld. It sets out the findings of a comprehensive assessment of the 1) distribution of SALW in Bulgaria; 2) the impacts of SALW on individuals, communities and the state; 3) public perceptions of SALW and security; and 4) the capacity of the state to control the proliferation and misuse of SALW. SOURCE: South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons // United Nations // United Nations Development Programme // Saferworld // Center for the Study of Democracy South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons // United Nations // United Nations Development Programme // Saferworld // Center for the Study of Democracy Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:18 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10759 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10759 The countries of Southeastern Europe--Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova-- have had problems transitioning from centrally-planned economies to a market-based economies. Both Bulgaria and Romania were significantly affected by the economic embargo placed on Yugoslavia in the 1990s, suffering billions of dollars in GDP losses due to disrupted trade, transport, and investment. While Moldova was less affected economically by the wars in the former Yugoslavia, its own civil war began soon after its independence, paralyzing the country's already stagnant economy. Armed conflict has subsided, but Russian settlers and Moldovans on the left bank of the Dnistr River still maintain the secessionist Transdnistrian Republic, created when the fighting reached a stalemate. SOURCE: Energy Information Administration Energy Information Administration Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:10 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10291 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10291 The emergence of a Wider Black Sea Region as an emerging hub of European security is a major development in the first decade of the twenty-first century. This process is currently unfolding, and has substantial implications for European security in a wider definition of the term - touching upon traditional, military aspects of security, but equally affect increasingly important areas of energy security and so-called xe2x80x98soft security' challenges. The emergence of this region is taking place as a result of multiple developments - the eastward expansion of the European Union being primary among these, in combination with important developments in the political and economic spheres in the countries surrounding the Black Sea. This study proposes to analyze this process and its implications for Europe and for European policy toward the region. SOURCE: Central Asia-Caucasus Institute // Silk Road Studies Program Central Asia-Caucasus Institute // Silk Road Studies Program Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:06 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10128 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10128 ELIAMEP is an independent, non-profit and policy-oriented research and training institute. ELIAMEP neither expresses, nor represents, any specific political party view. It is only devoted to the right of free and well-documented discourse. ELIAMEP can trace its origins to informal meetings in the mid-1980s among academics, diplomats, military officials and journalists. That group's goal was to introduce an independent and scholarly approach to policy options regarding European integration, transatlantic relations as well as the Mediterranean, South-eastern Europe, the Black Sea and other regions of particular interest to Greece. In April 1988 these meetings were institutionalized and became the Hellenic Foundation for Defence and Foreign Policy (Greek acronym, ELIAMEP). Since its official establishment, ELIAMEP has experienced significant growth and has attracted the attention of scholars, government officials and corporate entities in Greece and abroad. As developments in the wider region moved rapidly, the focus of the institute was enlarged to include more policy-relevant research projects assisting post-communist democracies in the creation of a civil society, providing training and networking services and acting as a contact point to public and private sector bodies on politico-economic and security matters, as well as on European affairs. This was reflected in the 1993 amendment of ELIAMEP's statutes to include a change of name (without abandoning its original acronym), which would illustrate the Foundation's wider scope of concerns and activities: Hellenic Found#ation for European and Foreign Policy. The message is clear: in the context of the EU and shared sovereignties, a distinction needs to be drawn between European policy and traditional foreign policy. Over the years, ELIAMEP expanded its activities with a view to having a greater impact on the public through the dissemination of information and of policy proposals, the organisation of training and conflict management seminars and international conferences, the publication of books, journals and monographs. ELIAMEP is frequently visited by journalists from various parts of the world requesting the Foundation's help for information, analysis and interviews. It is now generally recognised as one of the leading think-tanks in the region. SOURCE: Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:43:06 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10185 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=10185 The report surveys recent developments regarding religious freedom and tolerance in ten OSCE countries which are of particular concern to the International Helsinki Federation. Following an overview of international standards protecting freedom of thought, conscience and religion, it examines the state of religious freedom in Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Greece, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. SOURCE: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights 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 03:42:21 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=8233 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=8233 This report, published by four international thinktanks, is based on research conducted in 9 European countries and the USA by BICC as lead agency (Bonn International Center for Conversion) in Germany, Saferworld in the United Kingdom, the Small Arms Survey in Switzerland, and BASIC, which is based in the UK and the USA. Governments own small arms and light weapons for military and police use. Many of these items become redundant at some stage, and the question arises how to dispose of them. Selling the items to the highest bidder is financially attractive, but can have embarrassing political consequences. Dumping the ordnance at sea is cheap and easy, but pollutes the oceans and contravenes international agreements. Storing the items indefinitely seems an easy way out, but if it is done safely and securely, it is expensive. The UN and the OSCE recommend the destruction of surplus small arms, as it is final and prevents proliferation, but there may be costs and legal problems to consider. SOURCE: Bonn International Center for Conversion // British American Security Information Council // Saferworld // Small Arms Survey Bonn International Center for Conversion // British American Security Information Council // Saferworld // Small Arms Survey Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:37 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5268 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5268 SOURCE: Protection Project // School of Advanced International Studies // Johns Hopkins University Protection Project // School of Advanced International Studies // Johns Hopkins University Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:35 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5112 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=5112 Bulgaria's arms transfer control system has been developing dynamically over the past decade in light of Bulgaria's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 2004 and to the European Union (EU) in 2007. Past allegations of unregulated arms deliveries to embargoed destinations have gradually subsided and Bulgaria has taken steps to align its conventional weapons and dual-use export control systems with EU standards. Nevertheless, the previous lack of public transparency and the entrenched and narrow approach to export licence decision-making in some ministries, particularly in relation to Bulgaria's foreign policy obligations, raise serious concerns about Bulgaria's commitment to international best practice. This report analyses and assesses Bulgaria's legislation, regulation and capacity on areas such as brokering, production, end-use; licensing of transfers, transparency and reporting, alongside adherence to international commitments on arms exports. It outlines a number of key recommendations for the Government and the international community to improve arms transfer controls. SOURCE: Saferworld Saferworld 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 03:41:27 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=4202 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=4202 Eradicating poverty and overcoming social exclusion are global challenges, and are not solely issues for developing countries. Poverty pockets and excluded and/or marginalized groups exist in the new member states of the European Union (EU) as well. Irrespective of the level of overall national development, whole communities in these countries are deprived of opportunities for equal participation in development. Countries in Southeast Europe now preparing to join the EU face similar problems. The impacts of transition vary widely among different socio-economic groups in these countries, and some vulnerable communities are in danger of being left behind. Roma, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees, as well as segments of majority communities, often face levels of exclusion and poverty equal to those found in developing countries. SOURCE: United Nations // United Nations Development Programme United Nations // United Nations Development Programme Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:26 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=4123 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=4123 The mission of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Afghanistan is seen as a test of the alliance's political will and military capabilities. The allies are seeking to create a "new" NATO, able to go beyond the European theater and combat new threats such as terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Afghanistan is NATO's first "out-of-area" mission beyond Europe. The purpose of the mission is the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan. The mission is a difficult one because it must take place while combat operations against Taliban insurgents continue. U.N. Security Council resolutions govern NATO's responsibilities. The NATOled International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) faces formidable obstacles: shoring up a weak government in Kabul; using military capabilities in a distant country with rugged terrain; and rebuilding a country devastated by war and troubled by a resilient narcotics trade. NATO's mission statement lays out the essential elements of the task of stabilizing and rebuilding the country: train the Afghan army, police, and judiciary; support the government in counter-narcotics efforts; develop a market infrastructure; and suppress the Taliban. SOURCE: Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:17 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=3361 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=3361 This report examines the uncontrolled arms exports that have fuelled massive human rights abuses in Sudan, including the killing, rape, torture and displacement of more than a million civilians since the Darfur conflict began in February 2003. The report shows how Sudanese government forces and their militia allies have used such arms for grave human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. SOURCE: Amnesty International Amnesty International Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:11 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2765 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2765 Most Turks live in two main areas where they represent the majority of the inhabitants, one in the northeast of the country (Silistra - Varna), the other in the southeastern corner (Haskovo - Kurdzali). There is no risk of rebellion for the Turkish minority in Bulgaria. In the past they did not engage is such activities, preferring to address their issues via democratic competition. Since this avenue proved to be successful, the presence of factors such as geographic concentration and high group organization and cohesion does not suggest that rebellion would occur. The Bulgarian regime has been stable in the entire post-communist period and there has been no repression against the group. The Bulgarian regime improved consistently throughout the past decade, showing signs of democratic consolidation and improvement for the situation of the Turks. Many measures aimed at responding to the demands of the group have been implemented. A factor in this transformation for the better has been the support Turkey, Bulgaria's neighbor to the South and a NATO member, has given to post-communist governments in regards to the situation of ethnic Turks living in Bulgaria. There was no spillover from the Balkan conflicts into Bulgaria. The potential for protests is also very low. The government does not engage into acts of repression against the Turks, whose cultural and political rights are respected. The support that Turkey offers to the ethnic Turks living in Bulgaria encourages politically negotiated solutions. The regime in Sofia has taken serious steps towards becoming a full democracy. 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 03:41:09 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2558 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2558 The United States has progressively woven a clandestine "spider's web" of disappearances, secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers - spun with the collaboration or tolerance of Council of Europe member states, the Legal Affairs Committee of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) said today. In a draft resolution adopted at a meeting in Paris, based on a report by Dick Marty (Switzerland, ALDE), the committee said hundreds of persons had become entrapped in this web - in some cases when they were merely suspected of sympathising with a presumed terrorist organisation. The parliamentarians said this knowing collusion of member states took several different forms, including secretly detaining a person on European territory, capturing a person and handing them over to the US or permitting unlawful "renditions" through their airspace or across their territory. "It# has now been demonstrated incontestably, by numerous well-documented and convergent facts, that secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers involving European countries have taken place, such as to require in-depth inquiries and urgent responses by the executive and legislative branches of all the countries concerned," the committee said. The committee called on Council of Europe member states to review bilateral agreements signed with the United States, particularly those on the status of US forces stationed in Europe, to ensure they conformed fully to international human rights norms. The report is due for debate by the plenary Assembly - which brings together 630 parliamentarians from the 46 Council of Europe member states - in Strasbourg on 27 June 2006. SOURCE: Council of Europe Council of Europe Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:09 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2559 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2559 The United States of America finds that neither the classic instruments of criminal law and procedure, nor the framework of the laws of war (including respect for the Geneva Conventions) has been apt to address the terrorist threat. As a result it has introduced new legal concepts, such as "enemy combatant" and "rendition", which were previously unheard of in international law and stand contrary to the basic legal principles that prevail on our continent. Thus, across the world, the United States has progressively woven a clandestine "spider's web" of disappearances, secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers, often encompassing countries notorious for their use of torture. Hundreds of persons have become entrapped in this web, in some cases merely suspected of sympathising with a presumed terrorist organisation. SOURCE: Council of Europe Council of Europe Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:09 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2578 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2578 The Roma comprise Europe's largest ethnic minority and endure widespread discrimination that sullies the democratic credentials of the European Union, some of its member states, and a number of countries aspiring to become member states. Eliminating the deep and varied forms of discrimination that the Roma face will require long-term commitments across Europe, from the EU's administrative bodies in Brussels to national governments to local councils and school boards to NGOs and their offices in the field. The Open Society Institute has worked for 12 years to help Romani communities in Europe build a better future for themselves. This report summarizes the experience OSI and its partners have garnered in working with the Roma, describes a number of lessons learned, and makes recommendations to help improve the effectiveness of efforts to promote the inclusion of Roma in society. SOURCE: Open Society Institute Open Society Institute Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:41:08 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2460 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=2460 The IHF observes that national legislation in many OSCE countries still falls short of international standards. Laws fail to expressly prohibit torture, or they define torture inadequately or not at all. In others countries, the law does not provide a solid basis for accountability and redress. The report documents problems related to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment it ten OSCE participating states: Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Russia, Turkey, United States, and Uzbekistan. SOURCE: International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:40:58 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=1495 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=1495 Political map outlining ethnic concentrations in South Eastern Europe. SOURCE: ReliefWeb // United Nations // United Nations Environment Program ReliefWeb // United Nations // United Nations Environment Program Wed, 24 Oct 2007 03:40:56 -0700 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=1279 http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/showRecord.php?RecordId=1279 Mothertongue Name: Vnatresno-Makedonska Revolucionerna Organizacija (VMRO); The Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Macedonia for the Macedonians (VMRO-MNM), is a racist/nationalist political party and terrorist group operating in Macedonia. SOURCE: National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism