May 28

Third African Ministerial Conference On The Environment (Amcen)

Africa Environment United Nations Development Programme Trackbacks (0)

The United Nations Environment Programme headquarters in Nairobi (UNEP) is hosting The Third African Ministerial Conference on the Environmen (AMCEN). This is a forum where African ministers of the environment discuss mainly matters of relevance to the environment of the continent. The three day event concludes on 27 May 2009. UN Pulse permalink

May 28

Middle East Water Collection

Middle East Water Trackbacks (0)

Middle East Water Collection

from Librarians' Internet Index: New This Week

This collection "provides access to roughly 9000 items on political, socio-economic, demographic, and legal issues of water in the Middle East. Materials include data, books, journal and newspaper articles, and documents published in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. ... Materials in the public domain are available in full text." Searchable, or browse by region, basin (such as Tigris), and subjects such as groundwater and hydrology. From Oregon State University Libraries. Annotation copyright LII.ORG

http://digitalcollections.library.oregonstate.edu/cdm4/client/mewaters/

May 28

Tamil Tigers And Sri Lanka

Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism War Conflict and conflict resolution Sri Lanka Trackbacks (0)

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (aka Tamil Tigers) (Sri Lanka, Separatists)

from Librarians' Internet Index: New This Week

Background about the "Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers, ... a separatist group in Sri Lanka. For the past thirty years, the LTTE have been agitating for a homeland for ethnic Tamils, who feel persecuted by Sri Lanka's ethnic majority, the Sinhalese." Discusses LTTE terrorist attacks (such as suicide bombing), status of recent peace efforts, and LTTE ties to other terrorist groups. From the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Annotation copyright LII.ORG

http://www.cfr.org/publication/9242/

From Intute.ac.uk:

South Asia terrorism portal
The South Asia terrorism portal(SATP) is a project of the Institute for Conflict Management, India. It aims to provide access to data, commentary and analysis on current sectarian violence, wars and terrorism in South Asia. The principal countries covered are: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. The site offers weekly updates on security and terrorisnm in South Asia. The latter assess the level of terrorist threats and highlight the main groups responsible. Also accessible are a selection of full-text government reports, statements and legislation from South Asian nations and some international anti terrorist conventions. A further section offers bibliographies of articles and books for further reading.
http://www.satp.org/

State of permanent crisis: constitutional government, fundamental rights and states of emergency in Sri Lanka
This site provides free acces to the full text of a book by Asanga Welikala which was published in 2008 by Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Colombo. ISBN 978‐955‐1655‐50‐1. The 265 page book discusses the history and impact of the use of States of Emergency powers in Sri Lanka. This includes discussion of the nature and use of anti-terrorism measures and their impact upon civil liberties and human rights in Sri Lanka since the 1950s. Background is provided on concepts relating to powers of emergency in a legal and constitutional context.
http://www.southasia.fnst.org/files/389/Manuscript_-_States_of_Emergency__3

Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA)
The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) was founded in 1996. It is based in Sri Lanka and seeks to strengthen civil society and engage in conflict resolution in the region. Its main areas of expertise are: Legal and Constitutional reform , Media monitoring, Conflict and Peace building, election monitoring. Its website provides detailed information on the aims of the organisation and its work. It includes free access to recent press releases, plus articles, speeches, data from public opinion poll surveys and full-text research papers. These include materials relating to the Sri Lanka civil war, Tamil Tigers and election monitoring reports from Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), the Free Media Movement (FMM) and the Coalition Against Political Violence. Most materials are from 2004 to date.
http://www.cpalanka.org

Sri Lanka : Human Security Gateway resources
The Human Security gateway is a joint project of the Human Security report project and School for International Studies at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. It aims to provide researchers with a searchable database of links to key websites, full-text reports, journal articles, news items and fact sheets relating to human security worldwide. Human security is defined as the protection of individuals from wars, civil wars and violence. It website enables users to search or browse by country or topic. Topics covered include: peace keeping operations, children and armed conflict, international humanitarian law, gender and security and refugees. Each resource has an added description of content. The section on Sri Lanka includes papers relating to the civil war, peace negotiations with the Tamil Tigers and human rights situation.
http://www.humansecuritygateway.com/browse.php?By=REGION&Selection=155

TamilNet
TamilNet is a news service which reports on issues relating to the Tamil people of Sri lanka. It includes extensive coverage of the Sri Lankan civil war, ethnic conflict and peace negotiations from a Tamil perspective. Other key areas include: economic, political and social development in Sri Lanka.The site includes recent and archived news stories (dating from 1997 onwards), maps of Sri Lanka, photographs and political cartoons.
http://www.tamilnet.com

Peace Secretariat of the Tamil Tigers of Tamil Eelam
This is a body of the Tamil Tigers which supports the political aims of the Tamil Tigers and seeks to support the ceasefire in the civil war in Sri Lanka. The website provides information on the aims, organisations and activities of the body. It includes press releases and speeches from Tamil leaders. Also included are news stories and background on the civil war from a Tamil perspective. Most are archived from 2003 onwards.
http://www.ltteps.org/

Peace in Sri Lanka
This is the official website of the Secretariat for Co-ordinating the Peace Process (Sri Lanka). It was established in 2002 in order to implement the ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tigers. It provides access to background information on the conflict from a Sri Lankan government perspective. This includes a time line of events, maps and access to the full-text of any peace agreements made. Also available are recent press releases and news stories relating to the peace process.
http://www.peaceinsrilanka.org/Default.asp

May 28

Anarchist Voices

Anarchism Trackbacks (0)

Anarchist voices
The Anarchist voices website was created to provide peaceful anarchist groups with a space where they can load photos and film clips relating to their interests, research and other activities. It includes free access to videos of interviews, events and discussion with anarchists and anarchist groups from the Uk and USA. These offer a unique insight into their beliefs and activities, including coverage of practical anarchist projects ranging from alternative community developments, such as housing co-ops and examples of social anarchism. The site also offers free access to the full text of some recent issues of Total Liberty Evolutionary Anarchist magazine and links to anarchist discussion forums. From Intute.ac.uk
http://anarchistvoices.wetpaint.com/

May 28

North Korea

Korea (North and South) Trackbacks (0)

Projecting Pyongyang: the future of North Korea's Kim Jong Il regime This site provides free access to the full text of a pamphlet by Dr. Andrew Scobell which was published by the U.S. Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute in 2008. ISBN 1-58487-348-5. The 56 page report sets out a series of possible scenarios for the future government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, considering their implications for international security.
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/

North Korea's military threat: Pyongyang's conventional forces, weapons of mass destruction, and ballistic missiles
This site provides free access to the full text of a report by Dr. Andrew Scobell, Captain USN John M Sanford which was published by the U.S. Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute in 2007. ISBN 1-58487-286-1. The 160 page book asesses the military capabilities of North Korean conventional and non-conventional armed forces, including coverage of nuclear weapons, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missiles. It also considers North Korean military policy and intentions and its implications for international security and US foreign policy in the region.
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pubs/display.cfm?pubID=771

From Intute.ac.uk

May 27

The Reach And Limitations Of Iranian Power In The Middle East

Iran Middle East Trackbacks (0)

Dangerous but not omnipotent : exploring the reach and limitations of Iranian power in the Middle East This site provides free access to the full text of the book by Frederic Wehrey et al which was published by RAND in 2009. ISBN 978-0-8330-4554-6. The 233 page book critically assesses the military and security threat posed by Iran and its implications for American foreign policy. Chapters cover: Iranian defence policy and strategy; Arab nations perceptions of the Iranian threat; Iranian power linkages in the Middle East and future US policy towards the region. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2009/RAND_MG781.pdf

May 23

How Sudanese Refugees In Uganda Deal With Displacement

Displaced persons and Refugees Trackbacks (0)

Answering Exile: how Sudanese refugees deal with displacement

This PDF-document describes an AHRC-funded project exploring the ways in which Sudanese refugees in Uganda continue and adapt their cultural practices and rituals in the face of their forced dislocation from their ancestral territories. The study, which will encompass a representative cross section of the exiled population will involve activities such as observation, oral history, interviews, discussion as well as a photographic and filmed record. The project aims to address the gap in forced migration studies which have tended to concentrate on “legal, technical and political questions” at the expense of the cultural experience of the displaced. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.diasporas.ac.uk/assets/Kaiser%20sg.pdf

May 21

Party Policy In Modern Democracies

Policy Political parties Trackbacks (0)

Party policy in modern democracies
This website provides free access to the materials relating to the book Party Policy in Modern Democracies edited by Kenneth Benoit and Michael Laver which was published by Routledge in 2006. ISBN 978-0-415-36832-2. The 306 page text critically analyses party policy in 47 modern democracies. Section 2 offers discussion of how to measure and compare policy positions of political parties. Section 3 contains detailed data on party competition and policy positions in the 47 nations. It includes tables and graphs comparing policy positions of left-right and between nations of Western Europe and the former communist Eastern Europe. It also considers isues relating to EU integration and party policy positions. The website contains the full text of the author draft of the book, as well as a collection of associated data sets which may be downloaded. Copyright information is displayed on the website. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.tcd.ie/Political_Science/ppmd/

May 20

Burma/Myanmar

Burma/Myanmar Trackbacks (0)

Myanmar: Human Security Gateway resources
The Human Security Gateway is a joint project of the Human Security Centre (HSC) Group and Simon Fraser University It aims to provide researchers with a searchable database of links to key websites, full-text reports, journal articles, news items and fact sheets relating to human security worldwide. Human security is defined as the protection of individuals from wars, civil wars and violence. It website enables users to search or browse by country or topic. Topics covered include: peace keeping operations, children and armed conflict, international humanitarian law, gender and security and refugees. Each resource has an added description of content. The section on Myanmar / Burma includes coverage of human rights abuses, political repression, the fate of human rights campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi and issues relating to refugees and ethnic groups in the region. materials available from the early 1990s onwards. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.humansecuritygateway.info/search.php?advanced=yes&regions[]=163

Case study of human security in Burma: a checkerboard of insecurity
This site provides free access to the full text of a paper written by Dominic Bowen, Information and Security Manager with Australian Aid International which was published in 2008. The 11 page paper provides a brief introduction to the history of state insecurity in Burma / Myanmar and the security challenges it faces in the 21st Century.
http://www.aai.org.au/operations/thailand/2008/31-march/burma-case-study-bowen.p

Ashin Mettacara
This blog is maintained by a young Burmese Buddhist monk Ashin Mettacara. Its aim is to reveal to the world human rights abuses taking place in Burma. In 2008 it was awarded best Asian blog by the weblog awards. The site provides excellent coverage of news stories and comment from within Burma/ Myanmar. Topics covered include the state of democracy, human rights, the fate of Aung San Suu Kyi and discussion of repression by the government. It includes photographs, comment and some video clips.
http://www.ashinmettacara.org/

May 20

Twentieth Century Communism, A Blog

Communism Trackbacks (0)

Twentieth Century communism
This political blog is maintained by the staff of Twentieth Century Communism: a journal of international history (formerly known as formerly the Communist History Network Newsletter 1996-2008) ISSN 1758-6437. It is intended to supplement the journal by offering regular updates on new book launches, conferences, websites and research about Communist parties and communist political thought. The main focus of interest is on the period 1919-1991. Topics covered include: the Russian revolution, communist parties in Eastern Europe, China and elsewhere in the world. Links are provided to the website of the main journal. From Intute.ac.uk
http://c20c.wordpress.com/

May 19

Expulsion Of Aliens. 5th UN Report

United Nations Aliens Trackbacks (0)

The fifth report on the expulsions of aliens, by Mr. Maurice Kamio, Special Rapporteur, has been issued for the consideration of the International Law Commission (A/CN.4/611). The introduction summarizes some of the discussion on the fourth report on the expulsion of aliens and states that "the present report will pursue this study by considering, on the one hand, the limits relating to the obligation to respect the human rights of persons being expelled and, on the other, some practices that are prohibited by international law on expulsion."

UN Pulse permalink

May 19

SOUTH AFRICA’S RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CRISIS

Economic conditions and policy South Africa Trackbacks (0)

FRAMEWORK FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CRISIS.

NEDLAC document February 2009

nedlac-documentSAGovtResponseEconomicCrisis.pdf

May 19

Vietnam War 25 Years After: Online Learning Resources

War United States of America Vietnam Trackbacks (0)

Vietnam War 25 years after : a retrospective presented by the College of Charleston reflecting upon the ideas, images, & legacies of the era
Vietnam War 25 Years After is a collection of online learning resources relating to the Vietnam War and its representation in American culture. The resources are organised by discipline or subject area and accessed by following links from the site's main page under headings including: history; sociology; literature; films; and photography. Many of the pages accessed by following these links include short but incisive essays written by College of Charleston academics from the relevant departments (for example, the Photography resources page includes an essay by Professor Frank Cossa of the college's Department of Art History). The resources were originally compiled and made available as part of a project for students at the College of Charleston, North Carolina, in 1999-2000, which was also supported by a programme of discussions, film screenings, exhibitions and lectures. While the short essays written by college staff will be of use to undergraduates studying US involvement in Vietnam, this resource also provides a very useful model for teachers interested in developing interdisciplinary and cross-faculty teaching materials online. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.cofc.edu/VietnamRetro/

May 19

Malawi Elections, 2009, Websites From Intute.Ac.Uk

Elections Malawi Trackbacks (0)

Election observation Mission to Malawi parliamentary and presidential elections 2009
This is the website of the official EU election observation mission to the 2009 parliamentary and presidential elections held in Malawi in 2009. It provides free access to information about the aims of the mission, its methods and findings. This includes full text press releases, reports and photographs from the mission. These include assessments of the state of democracy in Malawi and the conduct of the elections.
http://www.eueommalawi.org/default.html

Malawi elections : EISA archive
This site provides access to a collection of materials about elections in Malawi which have been prepared by the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA). These include election results from 1961 onwards, papers and election observation reports from EISA missions covering parliamentary and presidential elections from approximately 2004 onwards. The latter include assessments of the electoral system and state of democracy in Malawi.
http://www.eisa.org.za/WEP/malelectarchive.htm

Malawi elections 2009: BBC World Service
This site offers access to BBC World Service coverage of the 2009 parliamentary and presidential elections in Malawi. It includes analyses from BBC journalists and other African commentators, pictures from the campaigns, plus some audio and film clips containing coverage and discussion of the elections which were prepared by the BBC. Technical and copyright information is displayed on the website.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2009/05/090514_malawi_election_pics.sht

May 19

Deliberative Democracy In Practice: Germany And Britain

Democracy United Kingdom Germany Trackbacks (0)

Deliberative democracy in practice: the perspectives of practitioners in Germany and Britain
This site provides free access to a conference paper by Emmeline Cooper which was delivered at the 2009 Political Studies Association conference, Manchester, April 2009. The 22 page paper compares and contrasts the practice of deliberative democracy in two European countries, focusing on examples of projects in Britain and Germany. It suggests that while there is some common ground, country differences do exist. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.psa.ac.uk/journals/pdf/5/2009/Cooper.pdf

May 19

XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE: 21st MAY AN ANNIVERSARY PRAYER VIGIL

Xenophobia Trackbacks (0)

WESTERN CAPE RELIGIOUS LEADERS FORUM

Dear friends,

21^st MAY AN ANNIVERSARY PRAYER VIGIL

It is almost one year since the outbreak of the wave of xenophobic violence which shook the Western Cape. Xenophobia is not new to South Africa nor will it disappear anytime soon. We must once again come out against xenophobia and call for an inclusive society based on equality, freedom, justice and rights for all.

Attached is information about the Prayer Vigil to commemorate the anniversary of the outbreak of xenophobic violence in the Western Cape.

We hope that the many people who came out to support our relief operation will also come and show solidarity on this occasion. We are asking everyone to gather at 5:30 and will start shortly there after. Attached is the relevant poster and flier which may be distributed widely.

There will be a gathering in front of parliament where speakers will speak about the events of last year and where government, civil society and the religious sector will have the opportunity to recommit to an inclusive society based on the values of equality, justice, freedom and rights for all irrespective of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion. A statement from our Executive Chair, the Archbishop of Cape Town will be read.

Thereafter we will walk to the annex of the National Art Gallery where a prayer vigil, a time of contemplation and remembrance, will be held. Leaders from our various faith communities will guide us in prayer and meditation.

We must remember that in the Western Cape alone, 22 000 foreign nationals were displaced, thousands violently attacked and an unknown number killed. In the wake of the attacks scores of volunteers mobilized to provide a humanitarian response. We must remember that there are still around 400 people living in intolerable conditions at Blue Waters Camp without the provision of basic services.

The topic of xenophobia has since faded from political focus, but the problems associated with such discrimination have not. We need to recommit to working towards the alleviation of social ills that are truly at the root of the anger demonstrated by this violence.

The event will be coordinated by a number of civil society groups and individuals who responded to the crisis by providing shelter to displaced victims, distributing humanitarian aid, operating shelters and community halls, advocating for adequate services, providing psycho-social support, providing health care and in general donated their time and money in countless ways. In addition the event is hosted by a wide range of refugee and foreign national organisations.

Date: 21 May 2009

Time & venue: 17h30: Gathering outside of Parliament

20h00: Move to the Annexe Gallery, SA National Gallery (500m away, off Hatfield Street)

00h01: Proceedings will close

Please note posters and fliers can be collected from our Zonnebloem office or delivered on Friday a.m.

After The 2009 National Elections...? ILRIG

South Africa Trackbacks (0)

After the 2009 National Elections

What should we do to take the struggle forward?

· Mzonke Poni: Abahlali BaseMjondolo (W.Cape)

· Conference for the Democratic Left

· Leonard Gentle: ILRIG

Community House

Thursday 28 May 2009

6.00-8.30pm

ILRIG: International Labour Research and Information Centre
www.ilrigsa.org.za

Thanks to Fareeda Jadwat for this information

May 17

The Asian Barometer

Asia Trackbacks (0)

Asian Barometer
The Asian Barometer is a research project led by staff and researchers at the National Taiwan University. It is conducting public opinion research into citizen's attitudes towards politics, power, reform, and democracy in Asia. Research covers 13 Asian nations: Japan, Mongolia, North Korea; South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia; India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The website provides information on the aims, methodology and activities of the survey. It includes access to a growing number of detailed working papers which discuss the findings. However, access to many of the datasets is currently restricted to subscribers only. Topics covered include political participation, voting trends and patterns, levels of confidence and trust in political and economic institutions; perceptions of the state of democracy in specific Asian nations and states of governance and development in the region. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.asianbarometer.org/

May 15

Occupying Iraq... Full-Text Of Book By Dobbins Et Al

IRAQ Trackbacks (0)

Occupying Iraq: a history of the Coalition Provisional Authority
This site provides free access to the full text of a book by James Dobbins, Seth G. Jones, Benjamin Runkle, Siddharth Mohandas which was published by RAND in May 2009. ISBN: 9780833046659. The 410 page book focuses on the role of coalition forces and the focuses on the activities of the Coalition Provisional Authority led by L. Paul Bremer in attempting to impose rule and democratic governance in Iraq during the post Gulf war period 2003-4. Areas covered include: American foreign policy and involvement in Iraq; capturing Saddam Hussein; Iraqi detainees and the human rights abuses controversy at the Abu Ghraib prison, countering the insurgency and the economic and democratic rebuilding of the region. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG847/

May 12

Economic Commission For Africa Report 2008

Africa Economic conditions and policy Trackbacks (0)

The Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA ) 2008 report is now available. This report (Fulltext Pdf ), highlights the recent economic trends and prospects in Africa. UN Pulse permalink

May 12

President Jacob Zuma's Inaugural Address

South Africa Presidents Trackbacks (0)

Address by Honourable Mr Jacob Zuma on the occasion of his inauguration as fourth democratically elected President of South Africa, Union Buildings

http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2009/09050912051001.htm

Thanks to Laureen Rushby of the Government Publications Dept of UCT Libraries.

May 12

Kantian Political Thought Standing Group

Political Science Trackbacks (0)

Kantian Political Thought Standing Group
The Kantian Political Thought Standing Group is a specialist sub group of the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR). It is used as a forum for communication, research and discussion on themes relating to Kantian moral and political philosophy. Its website provides information on the aims of the group, its membership and recent activities. It includes free access to some online articles and papers by members as well as news updates on recent and forthcoming conferences. Topics covered include Kant and political thought and metaphysics and kantian philosophy. The site also supports an excellent directory of links to other Kantian websites and online resources. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.keele.ac.uk/research/lpj/ecprkantgroup/

May 12

Reconciliation Resource Network (RRN)

Reconciliation Trackbacks (0)

Reconciliation Resource Network
Website of the Reconciliation Resource Network (RRN) a project of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) an intergovernmental organisation that supports and promotes democracy worldwide. The RRN is made up of reconciliation practitioners, analysts and policy makers and its aim is to serve as an online forum for sharing information, best practices and resources. The site provides information about and links to partner organisations and individual members. A database providing information on reconciliation projects can be searched by country or topic including reconciliation, conflict, mediation, peace, dialogue, democracy and women. There is a description and organisational information for each project. The site also has a number of discussion forums some of which are open to members only. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.idea.int/rrn/index.cfm

May 11

Inauguration Of President Jacob Zuma, A Slide Show

South Africa Presidents Trackbacks (0)

http://www.news24.com/News24/Elections/Multimedia/0,,2-2478-2480_2513844,00.html

From: News24

May 11

SA's New Cabinet

South Africa Government Trackbacks (0)

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa - Kgalema Petros Motlanthe.

1. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Tina Joemat-Pettersson.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dr Pieter Mulder.

2. Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana.

Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile.

3. Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.

Deputy Minister of Basic Education Enver Surty.

4. Minister of Communications Siphiwe Nyanda.

Deputy Minister of Communications Dina Pule.

5. Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sicelo Shiceka.

Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Yunus Carrim.

6. Minister of Correctional Services Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Hlengiwe Mkhize.

7. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu.

Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla.

8. Minister of Economic Development Ebrahim Patel.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde.

9. Minister of Energy Dipuo Peters.

10. Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan.

Deputy Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene.

11. Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

Deputy Minister of Health Dr Molefi Sefularo.

12. Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Blade Nzimande.

13. Minister of Home Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba.

14. Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale.

Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Zou Kota.

15. Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation (1) Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim.

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation (2) Sue van der Merwe.

16. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Jeff Radebe.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel.

17. Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana.

18. Minister of Mining Susan Shabangu.

19. Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa.

Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula.

20. Minister of Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan.

Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Enoch Godongwana.

21. Minister for the Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi.

Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration Roy Padayachie.

22. Minister of Public Works Geoff Doidge.

Deputy Minister of Public Works Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu.

23. Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti.

Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Dr Joe Phaahla.

24. Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom.

25. Minister of Social Development Edna Molewa.

Deputy Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini.

26. Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhenkesi Stofile.

Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation Gert Oosthuizen.

27. Minister of State Security Siyabonga Cwele.

28. Minister in The Presidency (1) National Planning Commission Trevor Manuel.

29. Minister in The Presidency (2) Performance Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Administration in the Presidency Collins Chabane.

30. Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Thozile Xasa.

31. Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (1) Thandi Tobias.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (2) Maria Ntuli.

32. Minister of Transport Sbusiso Joel Ndebele.

Deputy Minister of Transport Jeremy Cronin.

33. Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Buyelwa Sonjica.

Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Rejoice Mabhudafhasi.

34. Minister of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya.

From News24

May 11

AfricaMap

Africa Maps Trackbacks (0)

AfricaMap
"AfricaMap is based on the Harvard University Geospatial Infrastructure (HUG) platform, and was developed by the Center for Geographic Analysis to make spatial data on Africa easier for researchers to discover and explore. " In addition to a range of map layers (economic, environmental, ethno and linguistic, historic, politics and population) there are a range of boundary data and topographic features. This Google maps-based facility also allows the toggling between physical/street/satallite views. Maps can also be downloaded and shared. From Intute.ac.uk
http://cga-3.hmdc.harvard.edu/africamap/

May 09

PAMBAZUKA NEWS 431: LINKS AND RESOURCES

Africa Trackbacks (0)

The authoritative electronic weekly newsletter and platform for social
justice in Africa

Pambazuka News (English edition): ISSN 1753-6839

CONTENTS: 1. Zimbabwe update, 2. Women & gender, 3. Human rights, 4.
Refugees & forced migration, 5. Social movements, 6. Elections & governance,
7. China-Africa Watch, 8. Corruption, 9. Development, 10. Health & HIV/AIDS,
11. LGBTI, 12. Environment, 13. Land & land rights, 14. Media & freedom of
expression, 15. News from the diaspora, 16. Conflict & emergencies, 17.
Internet & technology, 18. eNewsletters & mailing lists, 19. Fundraising &
useful resources, 20. Courses, seminars, & workshops, 21. Jobs

May 08

This Is South Africa : The Dept Of Home Affairs...

South Africa Trackbacks (0)

Home Affairs wins award

The Department of Home Affairs has won the Public Service Delivery to Citizens Award for four of its projects to improve online service delivery.

The prize forms part of the Technology in Government in Africa Awards, that are awarded every two years under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission in Africa.

The winners were announced in Addis Ababa at the end of April. It was announced by Home Affairs today.

The department said the projects for which it won are its automated fingerprint identification system, its operations management project that seeks to streamline the production of identity documents, its client service centre and its track and trace system....More
From: http://www.saelections.co.za/articles/4203/home-affairs-wins-award

US slams 'corrupt' SA home affairs department

Poor administration and corruption at the Department of Home Affairs has resulted in thousands of fraudulent passports, identity documents and work permits being issued, according to a recently-released United States government report. More

From: Mail and Guardian

May 08

India, And Indian Elections 2009

Elections India Political Science Trackbacks (0)

India 2009: Al Jazeera
This site was created by new service Al Jazeera (the English language version of the Arabic news service) to provide coverage of the 2009 Indian elections. In addition to news stories and analysis from Al-Jazeera, it contains a number of interesting web 2.0 features. These include blog postings (taken from Global Voices online); YouTube videos from the Indian community; blog and twitter postings from users; interactive maps of voting areas and electoral fraud (as reported by election monitoring organisations) photographs and reports from local media. Technical and copyright information is posted on the website.
http://labs.aljazeera.net/console/

Blogadda India elections 2009
Blogadda is a service which allows Indian bloggers and other producers of social media to register and highlight their services. This section of the website aggregates postings from election related blogs (including some maintained by political parties, news services and individuals); photo sharing sites (including Flickr); YouTube, Twitter postings and examples of online election cartoons. It is a a good place for examining the range and type of usage of the internet and web 2.0 services during the 2009 Indian election campaigns. Though users should note that its coverage is not comprehensive.
http://indianelections.blogadda.com/

Indipepal: politics
Indipepal is a web 2.0 company . Its website provides access to news in English for the Indian community. This section provides information on Indian politics. It includes coverage of elections, political parties and political events in India. Typical coverage of elections includes new headlines, blogs, political interviews, political cartoons plus some background information on the Indian electoral system.
http://indipepal.com/politics

Indian Political Science Association
This is the official website of the Indian Political Science Association, the largest professional organisation of teachers and scholars of politics in india. Its provides free access to information on the aims, history, membership and activities of the organisation. This includes recent newsletters and conference summaries. Key specialisms include research on Indian politics, public administration in India, Indian government; Gandhi and politics.
http://ipsa.co.in/

From Intute.ac.uk

May 08

International Centre For The Study Of Radicalisation And Political Violence

Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism Violence Radical politics Trackbacks (0)

International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence

ICSR is partnership which brings together a number of leading Arab and western universities: King's College London; the University of Pennsylvania; the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (Israel); and the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy. It aims to challenge the growth of radicalisation and political violence by conducting research into the dynamics of radicalism and devising strategies on how it might be countered. Topics covered include: the current security environment, the connection between radical Islam and political violence / terrorism; global jihad and countering online radicalism. The website provides information on the aims, membership and activities of the centre. It includes free access to online news letters, working papers and reports published since 2008. From Intute.ac.uk

http://www.icsr.info/

May 08

MiniAtlas Of Human Security, 2008. World Bank And Human Security Report Project.

Security Conflict and conflict resolution Trackbacks (0)

miniAtlas of Human Security
The miniAtlas of Human Security is a publication of the World Bank and Human Security Report Project. It was published in 2008. ISBN 978-0-8213-7221-0. The online version provides free access to a wealth of data on international security and conflicts since 1945. It includes statistics, graphs and maps on the total number of national and international conflicts, time spent in conflict, child soldiers, war crimes and human rights abuses committed during war, plus information on the number of battle deaths and deaths from political related violence. Also provided is some basic data on UN peacekeeping missions. Information on methodlogy and data sources is provided. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.miniatlasofhumansecurity.org/en/access.html

May 08

REFLECTIONS ON SOUTH AFRICA’S 2009 ELECTION

Elections South Africa Trackbacks (0)

BY Sanusha Naidu

Following Jacob Zuma and the African National Congress's (ANC) victory in
the 2009 South African election, Sanusha Naidu considers the role of the
Congress of the People (COPE) and the country's other parties in chipping
away at the ANC's dominance within much of the country. While the ANC's
victory proved conclusive, the emergence of parties like COPE and the
Democratic Alliance (DA) reveals a political landscape very much in flux, a
situation strongly reflective of the South African electorate's underlying
desire for effective political representation and a better life, Naidu
concludes.More

From Pambazuka News 2009-05-07, Issue 431

http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/56123

May 08

Dinokeng Scenarios: Three Futures For South Africa (May 2009)

South Africa Trackbacks (0)

This report, from Dinokeng Scenarios, questions what South Africa will look like in 2020, how South African citizens will fare, and how South Africa will stand in the world.

DOWNLOAD LINKS:

Dinokeng Scenarios: 3 Futures for South Africa (3.23mb)
Dinokeng Scenarios Fact Sheet (1mb)

From http://www.polity.org.za/

May 08

What The Newly Elected Executive Needs To Do To Make Universal Adult Suffrage A Reality (May 2009)

South Africa Voters Trackbacks (0)

In this article, the Centre for Constitutional Rights considers the duty of the newly elected executive to ensure universal adult suffrage as guaranteed in South Africa's Constitution.

Download link http://www.polity.org.za/attachment.php?aa_id=21273

May 07

Challenges To Democracy In The 21st Century

Democracy Globalisation Trackbacks (0)

Challenges to democracy in the 21st Century
Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century is a research programme launched in 2005 by the The National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) Switzerland. Areas of concern include: the impact of globalization upon democracy, the effect of supra-national structures such as the European Union and the increasing 'mediatisation' of politics (growing interdependence between the media and politics eg use of spin doctors and political consultants). The website provides background information on the aims and activities of the programme. It includes free access to online working papers generated from the programme. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.nccr-democracy.uzh.ch/nccr/about

May 07

Poverty And Public Policy... A Quarterly Academic Open Access Journal

Poverty Policy Social welfare Trackbacks (0)

Poverty and public policy: a global journal of social security, income, aid and welfare
Poverty and public policy is a quarterly academic open access journal launched in 2009 with the support of the Policy Studies Organisation. ISSN 1944-2858. It aims to publish research articles, public policy reviews, book reviews, datasets and features covering a wide range of subjects relating to poverty, income distribution, and welfare (social security programmes) worldwide. These include social security benefits, social exclusion, welfare state policies and programmes) Users may access all materials from vol.1, 2009 via the website. It is also possible to sign up for RSS feeds to receive updates on the latest content added. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.bepress.com/pso_poverty/

May 06

Bottom Billion Blog

Poverty Development Blogs Trackbacks (0)

Bottom billion blog

The Bottom Billion Blog provides support, updates, news and analysis to accompany the book The Bottom Billion : Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can be Done About It by Paul Collier of the University of Oxford. Other contributors to the blog include Jim Cust and Jean-Louis Warnholz. It covers topics ranging across economics, business and technology and showcases emerging African opportunities, specifically the economics of developing countries and in particular the role of infrastructure, technology and innovation to drive growth and sustainable development, business and investment opportunities in Africa and other emerging markets The site includes an archive of past postings, available chronologically or by keyword in a tag cloud. There is a section for case studies such as the Internet in Africa and the perception of Africa. There are also links to other relevant blogs and the chance to subscribe to updates via email. From Intute.ac.uk http://bottombillion.com/

338.90091724 COLL [Short Loans]

BA 362.5 COLL

Collier, Paul.

The bottom billion : why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it / Paul Collier. Oxford; New York : Oxford University Press, 2007.

May 06

US 2009 Campaign: The Internet's Role. Pew Internet And American Life Project

Elections United States of America Internet Trackbacks (0)

Internet's role in campaign 2008

This site provides free access to a report by the Pew Internet and American Life project which was published in April 2009. The 92 page report presents the results of a survey of the American electorate. Its findings contain information on the use of the Internet by American voters during the 2008 presidential election campaigns.Topics covered include the extent and nature of use of the Internet, the increasing usage of the Internet as a source of political news (and its relative strength and significance in relation to traditional printed news sources) and trends in the usage of web 2.0 social media resources (such as Twitter and social networking sites) during the election. The survey provides insight into the use of the Internet amongst specific age, age and socio-economic groups in the USA. It also provides some historical comparison with earlier elections. Information on the methodology used is also provided. From Intute.ac.uk

http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/6--The-Internets-Role-in-Campaign-2008.a

May 04

SA Election Analysis 2009. IDASA

Elections South Africa Trackbacks (0)

Shifting Political Landscape
[2009 April 30]

After months of anticipation, widespread speculation and tireless campaigning by political parties, the 2009 South African elections have come and gone. As expected, the African National Congress (ANC) has once again been delivered an emphatic mandate to govern, winning 65.9% of the national vote and a majority in eight of the nine provinces.

However, despite the appearance that the political landscape has remained largely the same, the ANC’s support base has indeed shifted. For the first time since 1994, the ruling party’s support has declined nationally, and in most provinces.

The political context in which the 2009 elections were held was defined by several key issues. Download the full article and discussion in the brief below .

Election Response 2009.pdf

May 03

UN. Guide On Ratification Of The Migrants Rights Convention

Displaced persons and Refugees Trackbacks (0)

UN Office for High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) announced the launch of a new guide to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. According to the Guide on ratification of the migrants rights convention (full-text, 500 KB), "today, some 200 million people live outside their countries of birth or nationality" and that about "90 million migrants – persons living outside their country of origin for three months or more - are economically active, engaged in the world of work". Outside the countries of their nationalities, the international migrants, both men and women, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The guide promotes and encourages ratification of the Convention and two ILO Conventions on migration and employment and incorporation of these standards into national legislation. The Guide was prepared by the Steering Committee for the Campaign for Ratification of the Migrants Rights Convention. Implementation of Convention is monitored by the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.

UN Pulse Permanent Link: Guide on ratification of the migrants rights convention

May 03

Food First/Institute For Food And Development Policy [Pdf]

Food, food supply and food security Trackbacks (0)

"The purpose of the Institute for Food and Development Policy - Food First - is to eliminate the injustices that cause hunger." This is the Food First's mission statement, and to find out exactly what Food First is doing to surmount the problem of hunger, visitors should take a look at "Programs" found on the menu on the left side of the page. They have a three-pronged approach composed of the following programs: "Building Local Agri-Foods Systems", "Democratizing Developments: Land, Resources and Markets", and "Forging Food Sovereignty with Farmers". The issues that Food First is tackling with their three-pronged approach are also on the left side of the page under the heading "Issues", and include "Challenging Industrial Agriculture and the Green Revolution", "Globalization, Trade and International Financial Institutions", and "Social Movements". Each of the issues is explained by articles from various sources, as well as reports, documentaries, and radio interviews. Visitors shouldn't miss checking out the "Publications" section, a link to which can be found at the top of the page. "Books", "Development Reports", "Fact Sheets", and "Policy Briefs" are just some of the types of publications that can be perused. [KMG]

From The Scout Report

http://www.foodfirst.org/

May 03

Journal Of Current Southeast Asian Affairs

Journals South East Asia Trackbacks (0)

Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs
The Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs is a quarterly academic journal published by the GIGA Institute of Asian Studies (IAS) in Hamburg. It covers recent developments politics, economics, social issues, the environment, law and international relations in the region of South east Asia. This is defined to include the countries of Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam; as well as regional agencies such as ASEAN. Each issue contains articles, research reviews and book reviews. It is possible to access materials from vol. 28, 2009 on open access via the website. Users may also sign up for RSS feed updates. From Intute.ac.uk
http://hup.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/jsaa

May 03

Islamic Republic Of Iran After 30 Years. Podcast

Iran Trackbacks (0)

Islamic Republic of Iran after 30 years

This site provides free access to an archived podcast of a public lecture by Professor Fred Halliday which took place at the London School of Economics (LSE) on 23rd February 2009. The event provided a retrospective viewpoint on the fall of the Shah of Iran and the advent of Ayatollah Khomeini to power in 1979, as well as a discussion on the nature and impact of the Iranian revolution upon the political history of the Middle East. The podcast is available in MP3 format (lasting approximately 86 minutes. technical and copyright information is displayed on the website. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/LSEPublicLecturesAndEvents/events/2008/20081203

May 03

Global Integrity Report

Governance Corruption Trackbacks (0)

Global integrity report
The Global integrity an independent US based non profit organisation which collects and publishes information on governance and corruption levels. It compiles regular reports containing comparative data on levels of integrity in many nations worldwide. The integrity indicators are based on over 20 categories which measure levels of anti-corruption in political, legal and economic institutions in the nations concerned using field work from local representatives. They include measures of the state of civil society, the rule of law, government accountability. The website provides free acess to data from approximately the 1990s onwards, plus information on methodology and discussion of data collection techniques. From Intute.ac.uk
http://report.globalintegrity.org/

May 03

Sri Lanka: States Of Emergency And Civil Rights

Human Rights Sri Lanka Trackbacks (0)

State of permanent crisis: constitutional government, fundamental rights and states of emergency in Sri Lanka
This site provides free acces to the full text of a book by Asanga Welikala which was published in 2008 by Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) Colombo. ISBN 978‐955‐1655‐50‐1. The 265 page book discusses the history and impact of the use of States of Emergency powers in Sri Lanka. This includes discussion of the nature and use of anti-terrorism measures and their impact upon civil liberties and human rights in Sri Lanka since the 1950s. Background is provided on concepts relating to powers of emergency in a legal and constitutional context. From Intute.ac.uk
http://www.southasia.fnst.org/files/389/Manuscript_-_States_of_Emergency__30.10.

Home Affairs wins award

US slams 'corrupt' SA home affairs department

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