The Protection Project has established and continues to develop a comprehensive worldwide network of NGO partners, in collaboration and partnership with which The Protection Project conducts both its domestic and international activities.
The mission of the network is to promote human rights internationally and to ensure for the sustainability of the implementation and enforcement of human rights values, principles and practices around the world. Each of the NGOs listed below has either signed a cooperative agreement with The Protection Project or has endorsed The Protection Project's mission and activities in the form of letters of support. Working together many others named below, The Protection Project has already conducted a variety of training, research and capacity-building activities. These activities have included and will continue to include the design, implementation and analysis of various projects encompassing academic and field research, training, and exchange programs such as The Protection Project's International Human Rights Fellowship Program. These activities are carried out with a focus on issues of trafficking in persons and child labor; human rights education; women's empowerment; state compliance with internationally recognized human rights; and capacity building for civil society organizations around the world.
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO SAFETY WOMEN HOUSE
Shelter for woman and children victims of domestic violence The non-governmental organization "Safety Woman House" (hereinafter "SWH") was registered in June 1999. It was formed as a result of statistics data of the Center for social work, police stations and numerous calls on the SOS telephone, which showed that the number of women and children who suffer from violence of some kind is staggering. Thrown out from their homes, most frequently with kids, victims wandered the city, slept in parks, building entrances or Moraca's caves. They did not encounter the understanding of family or society, often not wanting to involve their families in personal problems. The victims shelter was opened on August 3, 1999, thanks to the understanding of USAID, which approved the pilot project within one year. Thus far, SWH has cared for 589 women and children. Currently, there are five women and eight children housed at SWH. ASTRA Women's groups in FRY began dealing with the problem of sex trafficking in 1998. After the recognition of the problem of trafficking in women in FRY a group of committed individuals, women activists, was formed and started dealing with the issue. One result of the low profile campaign organized for the past two years is the translation of the movie "Bought and Sold" filmed by Global Survivors Network. The movie was copied and distributed to women's groups throughout FRY by Women's Movement - Women's Network and shown on television and in high schools. The campaign was very successful in Vojvodina, according to the number of people interested in showing the film in different institutions.
CROATIA THE WOMEN'S ROOM
The mission of this organization is the promotion of women's human rights with the special emphasis on survivors of sexual violence and decreasing sexual violence against women. After extensive experience in working with women's issues regarding women's rights, political participation, education, and all forms of violence against women, we have realized that there is a great need for a specific focus on the topic of sexual violence against women. Therefore, we decided to found a new organization dealing in particular with the issue of sexual violence and sexuality of women.
BULGARIA THE BULGARIAN GENDER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation is an independent non-governmental organization that promotes social equality and women's human rights in Bulgaria through research, education, and advocacy programs. Three women - Genoveva Tisheva, Irina Moulechkova and Jivka Marinova, committed to work in the field of women's rights and gender equality have founded it in June 1998 in Sofia. The group consists of lawyers, university professors, and women's rights activists. Since the end of 2001 the BGRF has a youth program dealing with the issues of young people and specifically of young women. Since 2002 BGRF has two branches: BGRF-Plovdiv and BGRF-Silistra. IRAQ The Cultural Forum of Iraqi Women in Baghdad
Established in 2003 and based in Baghdad, the Cultural Forum is a politically unaffiliated, non-sectarian association engaged actively in women's human rights promotion and the rebuilding of the collective personality of Iraqi women regardless of ethnicity or religion. Iraqi Al-Amal Association in Arbil
First established in 1992, Iraqi al-Amal has recently begun to extend its projects and human rights work from Arbil and other Northern cities and regions of Iraq (Iraqi Kurdistan) to other parts of the country. In May 2003 it opened a headquarters in Baghdad. Al-Amal is looking to extend its work to other local Iraqi NGOs, and TPP support's the burgeoning extension of this important work, which aims to cut across ethnic and religious divisions in Iraq. Al-Amal has offered workshops on civil society, advocacy, democracy and human rights. Psychological Research Center in Baghdad
The Psychological Research Center, affiliated with the University of Baghdad, is an academic research center. While the center was established in 1987 as an independent scientific institute, it has recently begun to lead a strong movement toward understanding human rights, interfaith education, conflict transformation and peace building strategies. TPP partner's with this center, because of its scientific approach, its background in human psychology, and support's its movement to create a human rights related project. Psychology is an important and relevant discipline especially for determining the best methodologies for teaching human rights in a conflict setting, for understanding human motivations and for finding ways to solve conflicts. In addition, psychologists can contribute a great deal to advocacy on behalf of victims of human rights abuse, such as by testifying on their behalf in court (especially in case of severe abuse such as torture) and by promoting the need to respect human rights on the basis of the severe psychological consequences human rights violations cause. The New Horizon Center For Women (NHCFW)
NHCFW, affiliated with the University of Baghdad, and headed by Professor Naba S. Hamid, is concerned with issues of female students specifically in the field of education. NHCFW embodies an ambitious vision for the future of Iraq, and sets as one of its major objectives the building of a new character of female students through meetings and workshops concerned with human rights, women's rights, adopting values of education, cooperation, tolerance, and connecting the university with the community. This organization was established in 2004. TPP is encouraged by the ambition of this organization and by its comprehensive vision of how to bring about the desired change. TPP partner's with this center to support this new project as it gets off the ground and in particular to foster the goal of creating links between different sectors of society, such as the university and community settings. The Center for Home, Health, and Safety in Baghdad
Established in 2001 in Baghdad, the Center is an NGO which sets as its objectives to teach, study and help Iraqi people understand their rights and duties as an integral part of a developing civil society.
The Rehabilitation, Education, and Community Health Center in Sulaimaniya (REACH)
Founded in 1995 in Sulaimaniya, REACH is an NGO with a vision of a sustainable future for all. The mission of the organization is to promote the abilities of vulnerable groups and to help them stand up for their rights and a sustainable life regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or gender. The organization firmly believes that women have an equal role in society and that all people have an equal right to make their needs and concerns known.
The Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA)
An Ethiopian organization established in 1973 and which is working to strengthen the capacity of NGOs to help disadvantaged communities and to raise the standard of living in Ethiopia. CRDA has 215 organizations in its membership. CRDA organizes and executes short-term training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences that are designed to build a capacity of NGOs in Ethiopia. The Rwandan Bar Association and Association pour la Défense des Droits de la Femme et de l'Enfant "HAGURUKA", both organizations are specialized in conducting different training programs to educate and sensitize government policy makers to on the issue Human rights. The Burundian Women Associations "CAFOB"
Is one of the largest women associations in Burundi. CAFOB involves in a wide range of activities, such as Human Rights development and peace building. L'Association Mauritanienne des Femmes Juristes (AMAFEJ) in Mauritania, is a women's association, its mission is to provide women with pro-bono legal assistance. EGYPT The Egyptian Woman and Development Association (EWADA)
EWADA works to promote human rights values with an emphasis on women's rights education. They conduct an array of community outreach projects, workshops, seminars and conferences that encompass contemporary human rights and social concerns in Egypt and the Middle East. MOROCCO Association Pour la Protection De la Famille Marocaine
The Association Pour la Protection De la Famille Marocaine conducts various activities to raise awareness in society regarding children's rights and fights child illiteracy. JORDAN The National Centre for Human Rights
aims to promote democratic values and hte principles of human rights in Jordan basedupon Islam, the Jordanian Constitution and international covenants. YEMEN The Democratic School
Focuses on spreading democracy and human rights in Yemen, incorporating human rights values in curricula of schools, educating parents on the rights of children and the importance of creating a new generation that respects human rights.
BENIN SOS Villages Enfants du Benin
Location: Abomey-Calavi (Atlantique/Littoral).
Brief Description: SOS Villages Enfants du Benin focuses on helping families and children in difficulty to become main actors in their own lives. In accordance with that objective, SOS Villages Enfants du Benin works on family planning and education of orphans and abandoned children. SOS Villages Enfants du Benin has opened a school, raised awareness on child's rights, and provided help for children infected with HIV/AIDs. They raise public awareness through broadcasting public service announcements on television and radio and in newspapers. SOS Villages Enfants du Benin has strong ties with the press, including a press attaché in charge of reporting on SOS Villages Enfants du Benin activities. This organization is active in Abomey-Calavi (Atlantique/Littoral) and Natitingou (Atacora/Donga). They are currently extending their activity to Dassa-Zoume. SOS Villages Enfants du Benin was granted diplomatic status in Benin as a result of their achievements. ONG Femme et Vie
Location: Headquartered in Seme-Podji, Department of Ouémé. Also office located in Cotonou.
Brief Description: The NGO Femme et Vie works in the fields of education, environment, finance and health in the departments of Atlantique, Collines, Littoral, Ouémé, Plateau, Mono and Zou (5 of the 6 departments TPP's project is targeting.) Their work focuses on educating women on women and children's rights. They also work to combat all forms of violence and discriminatoin against women and children. In performing their mission, the ONG Femme et Vie broadcasts public service announcements on television and radio and in the written press. They also organize educational seminars covering a variety of issues, including the rights of women and children. The ONG Femme et Vie was granted the status of observer at the African Commission of Human Rights. WILDAF/FEDDAF/BENIN
Location: Cotonou.
Brief Description: The WILDAF/FEDDAF/BENIN is a network of NGOs and individuals working in the 12 departments of Benin seeking to promote women's rights. Pursuant to that objective, the WILDAF/FEDDAF/BENIN coordinates cooperation among local and international network member NGOs. They organize seminars to promote education of women in legal matters and to promote the implementation of legal programs throughout Benin. In addition to these actions, WILDAF/FEDDAF/BENIN conducts annual public awareness campaigns on women's rights in Benin and in the world. The WILDAF/FEDDAF/BENIN also broadcasts public service announcements on television and radio and in the written press. ETHIOPIA The Christian Relief and Development Association (CRDA)
An Ethiopian organization established in 1973 and which is working to strengthen the capacity of NGOs to help disadvantaged communities and to raise the standard of living in Ethiopia. CRDA has 215 organizations in its membership. CRDA organizes and executes short-term training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences that are designed to build a capacity of NGOs in Ethiopia. RWANDA Association pour la Défense des Droits de la Femme et de l'Enfant "HAGURUKA"
Is specialized in conducting different training programs to educate and sensitize government policy makers to on the issue Human rights. CAMBODIA Cambodian Defenders Project (CDP)
"The largest group of legal aid lawyers in Cambodia - working to assist the poor and vulnerable and to develop the legal system." Address:
#12, Street #282, Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang 1,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Tel: (855-23) 720-032 / (855) 12 901-199
Fax: (855-23) 720-031
http://www.cdpcambodia.org/ CDP was created in 1994 as a project of the International Human Rights Law Group, following free elections, and the promulgation of the Cambodian Constitution in 1993. The legal system of Cambodia was ruined by the Khmer Rouge regime, with the majority of Cambodian lawyers brutally repressed and murdered by the regime. The Socialist regime which followed resulted in little positive change in the country's legal system and Cambodian lawyers 15 years after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime were still in dire need of training and support. CDP was incepted to provide free legal defense to those that needed it most - the poor and vulnerable, and to contribute to the development of a viable legal system in Cambodia. CDP set out to train public defenders in both law theory as well as courtroom practice. Over the years, CDP has developed into an independent organization, and has become fully localized, with offices in various cities of Cambodia, with resident lawyers in each one. Since January 1995, CDP has handled more than 5600 criminal cases, and over 1000 civil cases, achieving exceptional success in both types of cases. CDP has expanded its legal and human rights activities, and it disseminates widely legal knowledge and information to the community and to professional colleagues. CDP runs several projects raising legal awareness among community members, as well as government officials. CDP advocates for improving legislation, and leading it in a direction of protecting those that are particularly disadvantaged. CDP cooperates with the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia and various NGOs, groups, and coalitions in Cambodia that advocate with the government to improve the law and focus on human rights. CDP is a member of the Human Rights Action Committee, composed of 17 Cambodian NGOs, representing a large proportion of Cambodian civil society.
Cambodian Women's Development Association (CWDA)
"The philosophy and practice of CWDA is the recognition and enhancement of the capacities and contributions of women to the process of national development."
Address:
#19 Street 242, Sangkat Beuong Pralit
Kahn Makara
CCC Box 100
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: (855-23) 210-449
Fax: (855-23) 210-487
http://www.bigpond.com.kh/users/cwda/ CWDA was born out of the dissolved Phnom Penh Municipality Women's Association in 1993, and is an indigenous, non-governmental organization concerned with the advancement of women's social and economic opportunities and rights. It aims to empower women through education, self-development, advocacy, and to provide them with access to necessary resources to achieve these ends. CWDA addresses the issue of trafficking in women through providing rehabilitation, reintegration, and vocational training to trafficking victims, as well as by providing education about prevention of trafficking and counseling services. CWDA has 24 main staff, 12 researchers working in the field, and 300 volunteers. CWDA has worked in cooperation with other Cambodian NGOs, as well as with international organizations such as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and with the local communities in Cambodia.
The Cambodian Center for the Protection of Children's Rights (CCPCR)
"Its core activities are to protect children's rights and to prevent sexual abuse, trafficking, and sexual exploitation of all children, irrespective of nationality, social origin, language, or sex, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)."
Address:
#8, St. 311, Boeung Kak II, Toul Kork
PO Box 2487, Phnom Penh 3, Cambodia
Tel: (855-23) 363-316
Email: ccpcr@forum.org.kh CCPCR was established as a local, non-governmental organization in 1994, with its main goal to implement the provisions of the CRC. It has been operating officially since 1995 under an agreement with the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia and with the financial and technical support of the United Nations Cambodia Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. CCPCR has successfully implemented projects addressing the mandate of the Agenda for Action of the World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (Stockholm, 1996) and others, with support from various international agencies, such as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for East Asia and the Pacific. CCPCR has offices in various provinces in Cambodia, including two centers for vocational training. CCPCR has a full time staff of over 40 people, and staff are given the opportunities to participate in international activities, such as attending seminars, conferences, and courses on human rights. CCPCR works comprehensively, providing services in the areas of prevention, investigation and rescue, recovery, and reintegration of victims. In the area of investigation and rescue, CCPCR investigators search sex establishments for minor girls in prostitution, investigate incidents reported by members of the community, and provide legal protection to the children against the offenders. In the year 2000, CCPCR rescued 217 at-risk children and victims of rape, trafficking, violence, and illicit detention, and prosecuted 13 offenders out of 30. CCPCR engages in awareness raising and advocacy, and organizes training workshops with participants at all levels of the communities, including village chiefs, representatives of the government, and teachers. CCPCR prepares participants of its training programs to reach out to their communities and to themselves become disseminators of information. CZECH REPUBLIC Organization for Aid to Refugees (OPU), Prague, Czech Republic.
Location. To make the most of a one-year program, and to engage as many participants as possible, TPP has chosen the Czech Republic for its central geographic position in Europe, and its proximity to countries which experience heavy migration flows (Germany and Austria). Its new status as an EU member state and its position as a country of both origin and destination for migrant workers was also a factor. Expertise and Commitment to Program Goals. The UN Special Rapporteur for Migrant Workers has observed that many NGOs which previously focused on asylum are beginning to take an interest in issues related to migration. OPU is one such organization. TPP has chosen this organization for its commitment to furthering the human rights of individuals new to the Czech Republic, knowledge of and respect for international human rights law, its extensive expertise and experience in reaching out to vulnerable populations and providing them with effective help. Further, OPU is an advocate for a fair and transparent system of asylum, and are committed to the same ideals in regard to the rights of migrant workers. ITALY Archivio dell'Immigrazione, Rome Italy
Location. TPP has chosen Italy as a relatively new country of destination for foreign migrant workers and the corresponding acuteness of the problem of intolerance due to the recent nature of the phenomenon. Italy also has a long-standing experience with outward migration, as well as internal migration between the South and the North, which gives it a unique perspective on the phenomenon of migrant labor. Finally, Italy was chosen for its geographical position and proximity to other countries of destination for migrant workers, including France and Austria. Expertise and Commitment to Program Goals. TPP has chosen Archivio dell'Immigrazione as a partner organization for its commitment to promoting a social reality which is often stereotyped in the media. As a documentation center, Archivio dell'Immigrazione is a reference point for those researching the issue of multiculturalism in Italy. As an advocacy organization, Archivio dell'Immigrazione engages in public awareness activities promoting tolerance, with a focus on immigration, racism, human rights and development. Through a program called "Migra," implemented with 10 other partner organizations, Archivio dell'Immigrazione aims to show society, through the media, a more positive image of migrants and immigrants. Archivio dell'Immigrazione has vast experience working with journalists in promoting a healthy shaping of public opinion which is founded on ideals of tolerance, as well as with university students and researchers. Archivio dell'Immigrazione publishes a number of newspapers and newsletters on racism, such as "Notonlyblack". KYRGYZ REPUBLIC Institute for Regional Studies
P.O. Box 1880, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 720000
Tel./Fax #: 996 (3312) 28 17 71 or 996 (3312) 280635;
E-mail address: ifrs@elcat.kg Contact person's name and title: Dr. Atyrkul Alisheva. Established by women in 1994, the Institute for Regional Studies (IFRS) worked basically on two issues: gender studies and training; peace and civic education. Its work on projects and programs inevitably brought this NGo to gender issues. IFRS focus on civic education program of women, as they comprise a majority of its address group, i.e. schoolteachers; sociological surveys on interethnic relations revealed a considerable difference in opinions of men and women TAJIKISTAN Research Center "SHARQ"
Involved in many Human rights activities including, but not limited to,
- "Women status in Tajikistan", supported by UNDP in 1998 ;
- "Governance, Youth Values and Life Styles in Central Asian countries (Tajikistan case)", supported by UNESCO in frame of Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme of Social and Human Sciences sector, in 2001;
- "Situation of the Tajik Labour Migration", supported by IOM in 2002-03. PAKISTAN ROZAN, Islamabad, Pakistan
http://www.rozan.org ROZAN is an NGO working on issues of emotional health, gender and violence against women and children, as well as youth empowerment. The ROZAN TEAM consists of psychologists, psychiatrists, community workers, management experts, researchers, teachers and doctors.
TPP has chosen ROZAN for its activist efforts and expertise in the areas of women's and children's rights and the availability of teachers who can partner with TPP in the proposed program as expert trainers and facilitators who have excellent knowledge of the local human rights context in Pakistan, and who have led workshops and training of trainers seminars organized by ROZAN. Among its public awareness and rights promotion programs, ROZAN has established a Gender Training and Resource Centre, focusing on promoting the rights of men, women and children. ROZAN also runs a help line "for adolescents on youth issues, emotional problems and physical concerns".
AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Youth Center
http://www.ayc.8m.net/ The Afghanistan Youth Center is committed to bringing youth together from various ethnic backgrounds and involving them in social and cultural activities and to disseminate a culture of peace among local youth. TPP has chosen to work with the Afghanistan Youth Center as it has the expertise. AYC has four other branches in main cities of Afghanistan such as Kandahar, Jalalabad, Herat, Mazar-s-e-sharif as soon as possible.
The Center is engaged in the following activities Youth Magazine:
Youth magazine focuses on youth and their problems in all regards. It will act as a reliable and updated source to keep Afghan youth informed about the latest developments and discoveries in science and technologies. Training Courses:
AYC conducts training courses in different field such as English and Computer and also Fine Arts.
These courses will provide enough capability and proficiency to those who want to find job and take over their economical problems. The Internet Café:
The Internet Café will be the place where youth can get in touch with the rest of the world through the Internet services. In the second phase when the other branches are established in other provinces, use of the Internet will be the easiest way to bring Afghan youth together from different tribes and areas. Youth Co-ordination Department:
This department acts as a co-ordination center that covers students' associations and also sport and entertaining clubs country wide.
Radio Killid, Kabul, Afghanistan
TPP has established a partnership with Radio Killid Kabul, the largest radio station in Afghanistan. Radio Killid was Afghanistan's first private, independent radio station, initially supported by USAID and various NGOs, which now reaches over 2.5 million listeners in Kabul and surrounding areas. As the radio station is committed to the promotion of human rights, it has agreed to provide airtime to Afghani youth who are part of the Human Rights Clubs to make public service announcements and broadcast talk shows on the subjects of human rights, especially as related to youth, democracy and tolerance building.
COSTA RICA
INTER-AMERICAN SERVICES OF HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS SCOPE OF WORK
Inter-American Services of Human Rights Lawyers was founded in San Jose, Costa Rica on November 10, 1998, with the goal of providing a specialized forum where complaints of human rights violations could be filed and taken before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), based in Washington D.C. The organization then expanded by entering into a partnership with the Inter-American Center for the Study, Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, and has broadened the scope of its work towards promoting and protecting human rights in the region, and preventing human rights violations. In furtherance of these goals, the Inter-American Services of Human Rights Lawyers has specified the following objectives:
- To carry out projects that will benefit the quality of life for the most vulnerable groups of society.
- To carry out research about the state of human rights in the Americas
- To contribute to the discussion on how to improve the pan-american legal system towards the protection of Human Rights.
- To capacitate attorneys in using applicable international institutions and procedures in addressing complaints against human rights violations.
- To offer consulting services for other NGOs to help them build institutional capacity towards addressing human rights issues.
- To aid and assist new initiatives and proposals aimed at improving the state of human rights in the Americas, and the institutions that seek to protect these rights.
- To create a Central American support network among NGO's for the purpose of sharing information and resources in order to make the organizations more viable in their goal of protecting and promoting human rights.
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