|
Naumann Foundation and Partners release a book: |
 |
 |
 |
|
Monday, 16 February 2009 00:00 |
“guiding principles for the right of association in the Arab world” |
| “This valuable book, did not only fill a vacant space in the Arab library in this specific field, but the book was also distinguished for its objectivity and balance approach in disusing the different topics related to freedom of association. The book provided solutions built on legal foundations and international standards – solutions which take into consideration the social reality and the political conditions of the Arab World. It has aimed at reaching consensus and agreements among the different stakeholders. | I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to this elite group of experts and specialists who participated in the production of this book and who chose to share with us their experiences, ideas and opinions. |
| In a reception that was held in the syndicate of journalists in Cairo, on 16 February 2009, the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights launched the new book “guiding principles for the right of association in the Arab world,” containing the results of two years of national and regional consultation supported by the European Union. | 
| Hafiz Abu Sa’ada chairman of the board, EOHR introduced the book, and his Excellency the ambassador Mr. Salem Qawateen commented on it. Dr. Ronald Meinardus, the regional director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, attended the book launch and stressed the importance of Freedom as an essential element for political reform Hafiz Abu Sa’ada, stressed the importance | of dialogue with governments, but also said that it is equally important to mention facts and to demand governments to protect the right of people to vote and their freedom to associate, to demonstrate and to practice all other rights. |
| In another event held at the journalists union on the same day, with the presence of more than 40 people, the book was launched in Beirut. The EU project manager Ubab Murad attended the event and stressed in her welcoming speech that change is still possible pointing at the recommendation released by the Arab Economic Social Developmental Summit held on Kuwait 20 Jan. 2009, which states the importance of |  | developing legislations to enhance relations between governments and the civil society. Mrs. Murad said that this recommendation is one of the results of the numerous efforts made in this field, and that this program has had its role in this development through the active collaboration with the League of Arab States. She added that “change could become a reality as long as there is a constructive and effective dialogue with governments.” |
| Nicola Nassif, a journalist for al-Akhbar daily, said that the book is an important reference for Arab legislators and civil society in the Arab world, praising national and regional consultation process which has led to the production of the book. |  | For his part, Dr. Issam Sulaiman, the regional consultant of the project, who supervised the producing this book, stated that this book does fill a space in the Arab library . He added that “freedoms in the Arab world are being violated since years under many pretexts: emergency laws, the war on terrorism, etc.. “. “It is time for government to realized that terrorism can only be fought by granting more freedoms and understanding reasons behind terrorism,” he added. | It is worthwhile mentioning that the organizers have planned to launch this book in early January 2009 on same day in four countries but the war in Gaza led to a delay in holding the different events. |
| | Book's download page 
|
|
Activities