On 27 November, Reporters Without Borders will launch a website called WeFightCensorship (WeFC) on which it will post content that has been censored or banned or has given rise to reprisals against its creator. This original website’s aim is to make censorship obsolete. It is an unprecedented initiative that will enable Reporters Without Borders to complement all of its other activities in defence of freedom of information, which include advocacy, lobbying and assistance.

Content submitted by journalists or netizens who have been the victims of censorship – articles, videos, sound files, photos and so on ¬– will be considered for publication on the WeFightCensorship site. The content selected by the WeFC editorial committee will be accompanied by a description of the context and creator. It may also be accompanied by copies of documents relating to the proceedings under which it was banned or other documents that might help the public to understand its importance. There will be French and English-language versions of the site. Documents from all over the world will be published in their original language (including Chinese, Persian and Vietnamese) and in translation. The site is designed to be easily duplicated and mirror versions will be created in order to thwart attempts to filter or block it. Internet users will be asked to circulate the censored content in order to give it as much visibility as possible.

“Reporters Without Borders is providing a deterrent designed to encourage governments and others to respect freedom of information, the freedom that allows us to verify that all the other freedoms are being respected,” Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “This website aims to exploit the so-called ‘Streisand effect,’ under which the more you try to censor content online, the more the Internet community tends to circulate it. We want to show that jailing an article’s author, seizing copies of a newspaper or blocking access to a website with a certain video can prove very counter-productive and can result in the content going around the world.”

By accessing a secured “digital safe,” Internet users will be able to submit content for publication anonymously. The website will also offer a “digital survival kit” with information about Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encryption software such as TrueCrypt, online anonymization techniques such as Tor and other tools that news providers can use to protect their sources and, in authoritarian countries, their own safety.

Private access to a beta version of the site has already been available since 13 November to those that register. To support the launch, the Publicis Bruxelles advertising agency devised a campaign ad free of charge that shows several heads of State, including Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Bashar al-Assad in their birthday suits with the legend “Totalitarian regimes will no longer be able to hide anything from us.” It will appear in the print media and online.

Reporters Without Borders is an NGO with consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO and the International Organization of the Francophonie. It has its international secretariat in Paris, 10 international bureaux (in Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, New York, Rome, Stockholm, Tunis, Vienna and Washington) and more than 150 correspondents across all five continents.

The WeFC project is supported by the European Union’s European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and the Paris City Hall.

On 27 November, Reporters Without Borders will launch a website called WeFightCensorship (WeFC) on which it will post content that has been censored or banned or has given rise to reprisals against its creator. This original website’s aim is to make censorship obsolete. It is an unprecedented initiative that will enable Reporters Without Borders to complement all of its other activities in defence of freedom of information, which include advocacy, lobbying and assistance.

Content submitted by journalists or netizens who have been the victims of censorship – articles, videos, sound files, photos and so on ­– will be considered for publication on the WeFightCensorship site. The content selected by the WeFC editorial committee will be accompanied by a description of the context and creator. It may also be accompanied by copies of documents relating to the proceedings under which it was banned or other documents that might help the public to understand its importance. There will be French and English-language versions of the site. Documents from all over the world will be published in their original language (including Chinese, Persian and Vietnamese) and in translation. The site is designed to be easily duplicated and mirror versions will be created in order to thwart attempts to filter or block it. Internet users will be asked to circulate the censored content in order to give it as much visibility as possible.

“Reporters Without Borders is providing a deterrent designed to encourage governments and others to respect freedom of information, the freedom that allows us to verify that all the other freedoms are being respected,” Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Christophe Deloire said. “This website aims to exploit the so-called ‘Streisand effect,’ under which the more you try to censor content online, the more the Internet community tends to circulate it. We want to show that jailing an article’s author, seizing copies of a newspaper or blocking access to a website with a certain video can prove very counter-productive and can result in the content going around the world.”

By accessing a secured “digital safe,” Internet users will be able to submit content for publication anonymously. The website will also offer a “digital survival kit” with information about Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encryption software such as TrueCrypt, online anonymization techniques such as Tor and other tools that news providers can use to protect their sources and, in authoritarian countries, their own safety.

Private access to a beta version of the site has already been available since 13 November to those that register. To support the launch, the Publicis Bruxelles advertising agency devised a campaign ad free of charge that shows several heads of State, including Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Bashar al-Assad in their birthday suits with the legend “Totalitarian regimes will no longer be able to hide anything from us.” It will appear in the print media and online.

Reporters Without Borders is an NGO with consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO and the International Organization of the Francophonie. It has its international secretariat in Paris, 10 international bureaux (in Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Madrid, New York, Rome, Stockholm, Tunis, Vienna and Washington) and more than 150 correspondents across all five continents.

The WeFC project is supported by the European Union’s European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and the Paris City Hall.

europe@rsf.org

Press Release

Catherine Ashton travels to Central Asia

Brussels, – Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, travels to Central Asia this week. She will start the visit in Kyrgyzstan, where she will chair the EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting in Bishkek on Tuesday, 27 November, before continuing to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan over the following three days.

Speaking ahead of her trip, Catherine Ashton said: «The EU is playing an increasingly important role in Central Asia, through its presence on the ground and through engagement with its partners in the region. The EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting will allow us to discuss key issues of mutual interest including security and regional cooperation, energy, environment and water as well as other priority areas of the EU-Central Asia Strategy such as education, rule of law, human rights and initiatives on civil society. By supporting reform and transformation we hope to encourage trade and investment. Five years after the adoption of the EU’s Central Asia Strategy, the meeting should also allow us to assess and to deepen our cooperation.»

The EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting on 27 November is the first to be held in the Kyrgyz Republic. It will be attended by the Foreign Ministers or Deputy Foreign Ministers of all five countries of the region (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). It is the ninth Ministerial since the Central Asia Strategy was adopted by the European Council in 2007, and follows the June 2012 Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on Central Asia and the Progress Report on implementation of the Strategy.

In Bishkek on Tuesday the High Representative will also meet bilaterally with President Almazbek Atambaev and Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev.

In Tashkent on Wednesday, 28 November, the High Representative will meet with President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.

In Dushanbe on Thursday, 29 November, the High Representative will meet President of Tajikistan Emomalii Rahmon and Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi.

She will conclude the visit in Astana where she will meet Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbaev and Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov. In Astana she will also deliver a speech on relations between the EU and Central Asia.

Throughout the trip HRVP Ashton will also meet representatives of civil society.

Background info

The EU and Central Asia: http://eeas.europa.eu/central_asia/index_en.htm

Contacts

Maja Kocijancic +32 498 984 425 / +32 2 298 65 70 — Maja.Kocijancic@ec.europa.eu

Eamonn Prendergast +32 2 299 88 51 / +32 460 75 32 93 — Eamonn.Prendergast@ec.europa.eu

http://eeas.europa.eu/central_asia/index_en.htm

DUSHANBE — A number of Internet providers in Tajikistan have blocked access to the Facebook social network.

The chairman of Tajikistan’s Association of Internet Providers, Asomuddin Atoev, told RFE/RL on November 26 that access to the website was stopped following a request by the country’s Communications Service.

The service’s spokesman, Beg Zuhurov, said Facebook was blocked for what he called «technical reasons,» but he did not give further details.

Atoev said that despite the full or partial block on Facebook there were many ways to connect to the social network.

Atoev said that the action by the Tajik authorities was illegal and hurt Tajikistan’s image internationally.

Earlier in March, Tajik authorities blocked Facebook and several online news sites, but later unblocked them.

http://www.rferl.org/content/tajikistan-blocks-facebook-again/24781425.html

ALMATY, Kazakhstan — The Kazakh authorities have suspended the activities of an unregistered opposition party and an opposition newspaper.

The deputy chairman of the Algha (Forward) party, Mikhail Sizov, told RFE/RL on November 26 that he had received the decision from an Almaty court on November 24.

The party’s activities are reportedly suspended indefinitely while investigations are under way.

The deputy chief editor of the opposition «Vzglyad» (Viewpoint) newspaper, Olesya Shchelkova, told journalists on November 26 that her publication was also suspended by court order.

Last week, the Almaty prosecutor’s office asked a court to designate Algha, the People’s Front movement, and several opposition media outlets as extremist.

The move follows the conviction last month of Algha leader Vladimir Kozlov for his role in a deadly protest in the western oil town of Zhanaozen last year.

http://www.rferl.org/content/kazakhstan-opposition-party-newspaper-suspended/24781534.html

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:

STUDY OF THE U.S. INSTITUTES (SUSI) — FOR SECONDARY EDUCATORS
Program overview:

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign secondary educators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, and institutions.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit website page to obtain general information about the Institutes. The address is: http://exchanges.state.gov/susi. The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators will take place over the course of six weeks beginning in or after June 2013. Two Institutes for Secondary Educators will be offered, one with a focus on classroom teachers and the other with a focus on administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, and ministry of education officials, among others. Each Institute includes a four week
academic residency component and a two week integrated study tour.

STUDY OF THE U.S. INSTITUTES (SUSI) — FOR STUDENT LEADERS ON WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
Program overview:

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders are intensive academic programs whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The Institutes will consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures. The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities. The Institutes will include an academic residency component of approximately four weeks and a domestic study tour of approximately one week. During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom. The Institute will focus on two major areas: (1) Developing
participants’ leadership skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and managerial abilities; and, (2) Placing these abilities in the context of the history and participation of women in U.S. politics, economics, culture, and society. The Institute will examine the historical domestic progress towards women’s equality in the United States, the current domestic successes and challenges to women in a variety of fields, and current challenges in global women’s issues. The four-week academic residency will be complemented by an educational study tour that will take participants to other locations in the United States where they will meet with local, state, private, and nonprofit organizations working in the field. The program will conclude in Washington, D.C. with a closing conference including women from the other three Institutes on Women’s Leadership. The joint conference is tentatively scheduled for July 24, 2013.

STUDY OF THE U.S. INSTITUTES (SUSI) — FOR SCHOLARS
Program overview:
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, and institutions. The ultimate goal of these Institutes is to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad. Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and institutions throughout the United States over the course of six weeks beginning in or after June 2013. Each Institute includes a four week academic residency component and a two week integrated study tour. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit our website page to obtain general information about the Institutes. The website address is:
http://exchanges.state.gov/susi. Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars will be held in the following themes in U.S. Studies: American Politics and Political Thought, Contemporary American Literature, Journalism and Media, Religious Pluralism in the United States, U.S. Culture and Society, and U.S. Foreign Policy.

Questions about the application process, as well as completed applications, should be submitted NO LATER THAN 20 December, 2012 at 17:00 to:

Mahmud Naimov, U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, 109A Ismoili Somoni Avenue
Tel: +992-37-229-2312; Fax: +992-37-229-2050
NaimovMK@state.gov

Soro Marodalieva
Outreach Coordinator
Public Affairs
U.S. Embassy
109-A Ismoili Somoni Ave.
Dushanbe, 734019, Tajikistan
Tel: 229-23-58, cell: 98-580-70-32
email: MarodalievaSZ@state.gov
web: http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy on Facebook.com

http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/

A Program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State, and implemented by IREX

Program announcement:

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) provides international teachers with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the United States. TEA consists of a six-week non-degree, non-credit customized academic program including seminars on new teaching methodologies, curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional technology. Participants will also participate in a practicum in a U.S. secondary school near the host university to work closely with U.S. teachers and teach and present to U.S. students. Cultural enrichment, mentoring, and support will be provided throughout the program. The international participants will travel to the United States in two cohorts of approximately 80 teachers each in spring or fall 2014.

Upon returning home, TEA program alumni are eligible to apply for small grants for essential teaching materials, follow-on training for other teachers, collaborative projects between schools in their home country and the United States, and other activities that build on their U.S. experience.

The TEA fellowship is fully funded and provides:

• J-1 visa support;
• A pre-departure orientation held in participant’s home country;
• Round-trip airfare to and within the U.S
• A Welcome Orientation in Washington, D.C.;
• Academic program fees;
• Housing (generally shared with other program fellows) and meals;
• Accident and sickness medical insurance coverage;
• Transportation to the teaching practicum school (if necessary);
• A daily allowance for meals and incidentals during the academic program;
• A book/professional development allowance;
• A baggage/shipping allowance (domestic and international)
• A Closing Workshop in Washington, D.C.; and
• The opportunity to apply for alumni small grants.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Current secondary-level, full-time teachers with five or more years of classroom experience in disciplines including:
• English or English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
• Social Studies
• Math
• Sciences
• Citizens of and residents in Tajikistan
• Proficient in written and spoken English with a paper-based TOEFL score of 450 or higher
• Continue teaching after completion of the program; and
• Have submitted a complete application.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2013

To Apply: Applications for the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program can be obtained and submitted by contacting:

Shafoat Kabilova, U.S. Embassy, Public Affairs Section,
109 A Somoni Avenue, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Tel: (992 37) 229 2314, 229 2000;
Email: KobilovaS@state.gov
Web: http//dushanbe.usembassy.gov

Soro Marodalieva
Outreach Coordinator
Public Affairs
U.S. Embassy
109-A Ismoili Somoni Ave.
Dushanbe, 734019, Tajikistan
Tel: 229-23-58, cell: 98-580-70-32
email: MarodalievaSZ@state.gov
web: http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/
U.S. Embassy on Facebook.com

http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/

The Empower Access Program (EAP) is a regionally-focused professional exchange program for individuals and organizations working directly with people with disabilities.

EAP is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. For Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, EAP is administered by American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS.

A total of up to 15 fellows from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan will travel to the U.S. to undertake a month-long fellowship at a U.S. host organization that will allow participants to explore in-depth issues including: NGO management and capacity building, inclusive practices in the arts, adaptive technology, sports management, inclusive education, inclusive policies and legislation, wellness initiatives, and advocacy. In addition, EAP will enable up to 15 Americans to participate in a reciprocal visit to their Fellows’ host countries.

Program Goals:
· Support the ability of individuals and organizations to serve as leading disability advocates;
· Promote policies and programs benefiting people with disabilities;
· Promote a robust civil society by enabling individuals and organizations working with people with disabilities to share best practices and facilitate cross-sector cooperating through two-way professional exchanges;
· Ensure that people with sensory impairments, physical disabilities, cross-disabilities, and their families and communities benefit from the transformational power of international exchanges;
· Build or expand sustainable networks of individuals and organizations serving people with disabilities;
· Establish a common language to develop practical solutions for shared problems and concerns.

To be eligible for EAP, applicants must:
· Be a citizen and current resident of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan or Tajikistan (applicants must be resident in their country of citizenship);
· Have relevant experience in and demonstrated commitment to serving disability populations;
· Have demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills;
· Have a desire and ability to develop and implement a short reciprocal project for a U.S. participant;
· Be proficient in English. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, we will give you an institutional TOEFL exam, unless you have a valid TOEFL score over 500 (paper test) or over 60 (iBT test) or its equivalent (for example, valid IELTS band 6 or higher)

To apply: The application deadline is Monday, December 10, 2012. Applications are available on-line at http://lfp.americancouncils.org/?q=content/apply-empower-now. If you would like a paper application, please contact at empoweraccess@americancouncils-tj.org or by phone at 221-21-03,221-17-95

http://dushanbe.usembassy.gov/

Do you dream of landing a journalism fellowship or taking a media training course that will improve your skills or boost your career?

If so, you’ll want to join IJNet on Monday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. EST for a free live chat with International Center for Journalists Vice President for Programs Patrick Butler. He has read thousands of fellowship applications—and can tell you how to stand out from the pack.

From application tips to how to handle the interview, Butler is ready to answer all of your questions about getting the fellowships and training you need.

Patrick Butler worked as a reporter for more than a decade and earned a fellowship of his own in 1999. He spent five months in Nicaragua on a Knight International Journalism Fellowship.

We hope you’ll join us Monday! Click here to join the chat: http://ijnet.org/chats

http://ijnet.org/

Journalists interested in immigration and integration issues can apply for a fellowship.

With the support of the Ford Foundation, the French-American Foundation is launching the Immigration Journalism Fellowship.

This program aims to provide media professionals with the financial means to produce objective and challenging material on one of the most heated and controversial contemporary issues. Fellows will be awarded up to US$10,000 for their work, to be completed over a four-to-six month period.

The fellowship is open to journalists of any nationality with a minimum of three years of professional journalism experience and outstanding achievements in the field. The foundation will pay special attention to innovative and groundbreaking material. All types of stories will be considered—local, global, cultural and economic—as long as they comply with journalism ethics of fairness and responsibility.

The deadline is November 30.

For more information, click here: http://equality.frenchamerican.org/page/fellowships

http://equality.frenchamerican.org/page/fellowships