Tibetans calls for independence from Chinese control through peaceful protests have resulted in violent riots, followed by a military crackdown, and media suppression.

Calm seems to have been restored as people in Timor-Leste are venturing outside their homes as stores and schools have reopened. Renegade soldiers descended from the mountains and surrendered their firearms after their leader was killed in an encounter.

Yet another empty promise.

This is how civil society organisations (CSOs) describe the recent pronouncement of the Burmese junta on holding a referendum on the draft constitution in May this year and an election in 2010.


(continued from the article published in we! issue 1, February 2008)

The past week saw the impressive performance of Barack Obama who won majority of the votes in 11 consecutive primaries and caucuses. Obama is leading with 54 percent of votes over Hillary Clinton who obtained 48 percent. The two strong contenders of the Democratic party is headed to what is believed as a neck and neck race in two big states, Ohio and Texas.

Social movements all over the world once more united in the observance of the World Social Forum (WSF), which culminated on 26, January 2008. This convergence was designed to strengthen the link between grassroots and national experience, on the one hand and regional and international advocacies and campaigns, on the other hand. Individuals, organisations, and networks organised fora, seminars, rallies and other actions in their respective countries.

Several campaigns and calls to action are circulating online to petition the Kenyan government to ensure the safety of several human rights activists. These human rights defenders have received death threats by email, SMS and telephone calls because they had spoken publicly about the outcome of the December 2007 elections that led to rioting and mass violence.