June 2009 Issue of International Journal of Civil Society Law Newsletter
The International Center for Civil Society Law has just published its June 2009 Newsletter. It is available on-line at http://www.iccsl.org/pubs/09-06_IJCSL-N.pdf Here is a listing of the topics addressed in the newsletter:
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Arab World—International Idea Publishes Report On State Of Local Democracy In Four Progressive Countries
Brazil—FOI Legislation Submitted To Congress
Caucasus–May 2009workshop In Georgia Compares FOI Laws And Practices Across Region
Ghana—Action Urged On FOI Law
Guatemala—FOI Law Goes Into Effect
Latin America—Paper Published On Role Of Media In Passing FOI Laws
Sri Lanka—USAID Program Promotes Citizen Participation
Venezuela—Reform Of Popular Councils Law Begun
FISCAL MATTERS
U.K.—Is There A Potential Threat To Charity Tax Breaks?
U.S.—Finance Committee Proposes Changes In Tax Exempt Status Criteria For Hospitals
Freedom Of Association And Peaceful Assembly
Egypt—EOHR Again Subjected To Harassment
Uganda—Petition Distributed Claiming 2006 Ngo Act And 2008 Regulations Are Unconstitutional
U.S.—Conservative University Stops Students From Organizing Club Affiliated With Democratic Party
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
China—Human Rights Lawyers Being Censored Because Of Their Work
Global— World Press Freedom Day Celebrated
Egypt—Freedom Of Expression Still Outlawed
Kenya—Government Responds To Journalists’ Requests To Eliminate Controversial Provision Of Media Bill
The Philippines—House Addresses Right Of Reply Bill
Thailand—New Regulations For Control Of On-Air Content Raise Alarms
Tunisia—Government Takes Steps To Reduce Press Freedom
Turkey–Filiz Kalayci Arrested For “Aiding An Illegal Organization”
Venezuela—HRW Calls For End To Harassment Of Private Media
FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND BELIEF
Azerbaijan—Controversial Religion Law Amendments Continue Course Toward Adoption
France—Scientology Sued For Fraud
Kyrgyzstan—New Commission To Assess Controversial Provisions In Religion Law
Russia—New Expert Council On Religion Includes Activists Opposed To Minority Religions
U.K.—Sikh Police Officers Seek Development Of Bulletproof Turban
U.S.–Christian Attorneys Urge Senate To Vote Against “Hate Crimes” Bill
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
England And Wales—Charity Commission Publishes Guidance Update On Elections
Ethiopia–World Bank Extends $540million Loan And Says Country Should Ease Regulations On NGOs
Kyrgyzstan–Compact-Like Agreement Signed By Government And NGOs
Lao PDR–International NGOs Welcome New Law Allowing Local NGOs To Register And Operate As Independent Entities
Tanzania—Mainland And Isles CSOS Seeking Common Legislation
MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
China— New Public Service Program Announced By The Government
China – Amnesty International Report Details Intimidation Of Quake Victim Families By Chinese Authorities
Egypt—Appeals Court Overturns Conviction Of Saad Eddin Ibrahim
Israel–Proposed Legislation Raises Issue Of Loyalty
Malawi—Peaceful Election Campaign Program Being Developed
North Korea–Defectors Say Human Rights Situation Worsening
Russia—New Commission Formed To Attack “Falsifiers Of History”
U.S.–Social Networking Tools Stimulate Government Operational Efficiency And Transparency, Government Insights Research Finds
RESOURCES
Canada–Revenue Agency Issues Anti-Terrorist Checklist For Charities
U.S.—New Right-To-Know Network Website Launched
DAB