MINELRES: E-newsletter: New Tactics in Human Rights

[MINELRES moderator]

Original sender: Center for Victims of Torture <sql@cvt.org>


Dear Friend,

2003 was a busy year for the New Tactics in Human Rights Project! You
can learn more at http://www.newtactics.org and, as always, we hope to
hear from you!

PARTICIPANTS LEARN TACTICS, BUILD NETWORK AT WEST GROUP WORKSHOP

Twelve participants from Western Europe, the United States and Canada
trained each other on tactics they use in their work at the third
regional training workshop, held Nov. 16-23 in Venice, Italy. From
lawsuits and creative demonstrations to text-messaging, tactics varied
widely, but each participant went home with eleven new tactics in their
repertoire and a new network of allies in human rights.

Learn more here:
http://www.newtactics.org/main.php/TraininginPractice/WestGroupWorkshop

120 TACTICS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

>From all regions of the world and from all areas of human rights work,
the tactics in our searchable tactics database will inspire you to see a
broad range of new possibilities. Would you be able to adapt one for use
in your work?

Search the database and discuss the tactics that interest you here:
http://database.newtactics.org/NewTactics/Default.aspx

NEW TACTICS WORKBOOK TO BE PUBLISHED THIS SPRING

With 100 tactical examples and an extensive collection of resources, the
New Tactics Workbook will be a valuable tool for anyone whose goal is to
advance human rights. Printed copies will be available from the New
Tactics project. Much of the content will also be available online.

Read about it here:
http://www.newtactics.org/main.php/ToolsforAction/NewTacticsWorkbook

WHO SHOULD SET THE STANDARDS FOR DNA TESTING?

DNA testing has freed many innocent people who had been wrongly accused
and incarcerated. The Innocence Project, established in law schools
throughout the United States has played a large role in this. But the
field of DNA testing is still new and standards are still being
established in many countries. Who should set these standards? What role
can or should DNA testing play in our legal system? Is there something
similar to the Innocence Project in your country?

Discuss this tactic in our forum here:
http://database.newtactics.org/newtactics/FeaturedCase.aspx

TACTICS IN THE NEWS

TACTIC: Involving local governments in opposition to federal legislation
that endangers human rights. On January 21, the Los Angeles, Calif.,
city council passed a resolution opposing the USA Patriot Act and
supporting civil liberties. LA is one of 239 cities, towns and counties
that have passed resolutions like this in the past year as part of an
effort organized by the Bill of Rights Defense Committee.

Read more about this tactic and discuss it in our online forum here:
http://www.newtactics.org/main.php/Newsroom

Have you seen a news story about someone using an innovative tactic?
Tell us about it! newtactics@cvt.org

SHARE A TACTIC

Are you involved in innovative work that advances human rights? Do you
know someone who is? Tell us about it. (Use our online form here:
http://www.newtactics.org/main.php/JointheDiscussion/ShareaTactic.)
Remember, anyone working to promote the fundamental dignity of human
beings is doing human rights work, whether they work in business,
government, environmental groups, labor organizations, women�s groups,
or any number of arenas.

THE NEW TACTICS IN HUMAN RIGHTS PROJECT

The purpose of the New Tactics in Human Rights Project is to gather and
disseminate innovative approaches to persistent human rights problems,
while building global networks of human rights practitioners.

New Tactics in Human Rights is a project of the Center for Victims of
Torture, www.cvt.org.

Spread the word! Pass this message along to your colleagues. If a friend
or colleague forwarded this message to you and you wish to continue to
receive information about the New Tactics Project, please send an e-mail
to newtactics@cvt.org. If you do not wish to receive any more messages,
please send an e-mail to the same address.