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POLICY FORUM 2006: Beyond Elections: Defending Human Rights in the Age of Democratization » POLICY FORUM 2005: Human Rights Defenders on the Frontlines of Freedom: Advancing Security and Rule of Law » 2003 Policy Forum: Protecting Human Rights in the Context of the Global War on Terror » (PDF-2.0MB)  UN Human Rights Council: Democracy Caucus Must Lead Action on Human Rights and Democracy (09/12/06) |
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The Carter Center, Atlanta, The 2006 Human Rights Defenders Policy Forum brought human rights defenders from 20 countries around the world to the Carter Center in Atlanta on May 23 and 24, 2006, to discuss the central role of human rights activists in transitions to democracy. “Beyond Elections: Defending Human Rights in the Age of Democratization” was co-chaired by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour. Joining the discussion was Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Human Rights Defenders Hina Jilani, as well as representatives from numerous U.S. and European human rights organizations. In light of global attention to democracy-building and the current focus on elections, it is more important than ever to draw attention to the even more complicated task of establishing the independent institutions and democratic values that are the foundations of democracies. The 2006 Policy Forum examined the critical role played by human rights defenders both in building the essential foundations for a democracy and in ensuring its stability and ultimate success. The discussion also focused on how the international community can best support human rights advocates during difficult periods of transition, particularly by making use of existing human rights mechanisms within the United Nations, and within regional bodies like the Organization for American States. Participants examined case studies of countries at various stages of democratic development and respect for human rights. The policy recommendations that emerged from these discussions were then presented to policymakers in Washington, D.C. on May 25 and 26 during visits by several of the participants with members of Congress, the Executive Branch, and NGOs.Read Common Trends and Recommendations |
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Beyond Elections: Defending Human Rights in the Age of Democratization