MINELRES: Minority Rights Group International - Call for Cases 2003

[MINELRES moderator]

Original sender: Cynthia Morel <cynthia.morel@mrgmail.org>


Minority Rights Group International - Call for Cases 2003 

November 1, 2003

Deadline: December 1, 2003


CALL FOR CASES

MINORITY RIGHTS GROUP INTERNATIONAL

Minority Rights Group International (MRG) is now entering into its
second year of providing legal support to cases before the international
human rights courts or treaty-monitoring bodies. This is aimed to help
broaden the interpretation of the law regarding the rights of minorities
and indigenous peoples at the regional and universal levels.

Accordingly, MRG is issuing a new call for cases to its partners and to
other NGOs working on relevant issues in an effort to identify cases
which have the potential of setting the strongest legal precedent for
the protection of minority rights. This may include complaints presently
being heard by domestic courts.

In forwarding cases to MRG, you are invited to give input on matters
relating to the litigation strategies or legal mechanisms that, in your
opinion, would be most likely to render a successful outcome. You are
also invited to communicate your level of interest in becoming actively
involved in the litigation process, and in what capacity. Documents
accompanying this letter will detail the additional information which
will be critical in helping us identify the most appropriate test cases.
The first document of interest is the MRG Information Form for
International Complaints. Accompanying this is a guideline which will
help you complete the form. A final document briefly summarises the
procedural requirements and the practical issues which will form the
basis of selection for the test cases. This is strictly for your
information, and not to be completed along with the Complaints Form.

In order to ensure the widest possible dissemination of information, MRG
strongly encourages your organisation to forward our call for cases to
others. Of particular value would be the contact of NGOs in your country
or region with whom you have collaborated in the past, and who may be in
a position to make an important contribution to this project. Please
visit the website for French and Spanish versions.

Selected cases as well as questions or comments concerning this
initiative may be directed to Cynthia Morel, MRG's Legal Cases Officer
who manages this project. Ms Morel can be reached by email at
cynthia.morel@mrgmail.org <mailto:cynthia.morel@mrgmail.org>.
Alternatively, information should be sent by post to 379 Brixton Road,
London, SW9 7DE, UK. 

Once cases have been selected, we will discuss the possible courses of
action that are available with you. MRG strongly encourages creative
legal solutions and looks forward to receiving your input at your
earliest convenience.

With sincere thanks and best wishes, 

Cynthia Morel 
Legal Cases Officer 


Legal Cases Officer 
Minority Rights Group International 
379 Brixton Road 
London, UK 
SW9 7DE 
Tel: +44(0)20 7978 9498 x 303 
Fax: +44(0)20 7738 6265 

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>From MINELRES moderator: .doc files containing Complaint Form,
Guidelines, Selection Criteria for Test Cases, and FAQ (578, 122, 30, 27
Kb) can be received from the original sender or from MINELRES by
request.
Boris 
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