June 28, 1997
The Arab Organization for Human Rights:
Working for the Rights of Arabs
Human rights organizations are important factors in exposing human rights violations and thus helping in their elimination. This is also true in the Arab world. In this article, we will highlight an example of these organizations: the Arab Organization for Human Rights and its member organization the Egypt Organization for Human Rights. The purpose of this article is to bring to the reader the presence of these organizations so they may investigate them further on their own and volunteer with them.
The Arab Organization for Human Rights:
Aims: To call for respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens and residents of the Arab world; to defend any individual whose human rights are subjected to violations which are contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ; to endeavor, regardless of political considerations, to obtain release of detained or imprisoned persons, and to seek to relieve and assist persons whose freedom is restricted in any way or who are subject to coercion of any kind because of their beliefs and political convictions, or for reasons of race, sex, color or language; to protest in cases where a fair trial is not guaranteed; to provide legal assistance where necessary and possible; to call for improvements in conditions of prisoners of conscience; to work for amnesty of persons sentenced for political reasons.
Activities: Carries out field missions in an effort to release political prisoners, in some cases as an observer and in others as a member of the defense panel. Receives complaints from individuals, groups and organizations and contacts the concerned authorities. In addition to the offering of legal assistance in several cases, the Organization provides financial assistance to families of victims. In coordination with the Arab Lawyers' Union, it launched a campaign for Freedom for Prisoners of Conscience in the Arab World and hosts conferences and seminars. It is also instrumental in setting up Arab Institute for Human Rights.
The Egypt Organization for Human Rights (EOHR):
The Egypt Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) is the oldest and premier non-governmental organization working for human rights in Egypt. EOHR is guided by the principles established in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all other international human rights conventions. It acts against both governmental and non-governmental human rights violations.
EOHR was founded in 1985 by a group of eighty Egyptian human rights pioneers committed to advancing respect for international human rights in their country. It is now a membership organization open to all Egyptians who believe in the principles of human rights as established by Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments. EOHR currently has over 2,300 members. Approximately fifty percent of EOHR membership is comprised of lawyers, journalists and other prominent figures in the field of human rights in Egypt. EOHR has fourteen regional branches located throughout Egypt.
For more information, check the links highlighted above.
Rafeh Hulays, Editor Arabic Forum
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Arab Net
One of the best starting point to find links to hundreds of Arab related pages. This comprehensive site maintains a site about every Arab country as well as about different subjects relevant to Arabs. It hosts several online magazines and newspapers that are very topical and humanitarian organizations.
ArabNet is owned by ArabNet Technology (ANT), part of the Saudi Research and Marketing Group, publisher of the leading newspapers and magazines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including Asharq Al-Awsat.
Arabia On Line
One of the best and fastest growing Arabic sites over the Internet. It has a selection of news and resources that are very relevant to Arabs both in the Arab World and in Diaspora. Non-Arabs will find very informative. Whether you are interested in Arab politics, business, computing, art and culture, religion, education, tourism, entertainment, sport, health, shopping, you will find something to your liking. Caf� Arabia is a discussion forums where people can discuss any topic they like. Sites for different Arab countries are being developed and are coming online fast.
The Levant and the Middle East
A very good source of information on events in the region and especially Lebanon. It contains links and references, both online and in print, in a neat and clear design that is easy to follow. It also has an excellent collection of picture, especially about Lebanon and Syria.
The Arab Society of Princeton
This is the Web site of the Arab Society of Princeton. This site has a good selection of the different Arab Societies in North America that are online.
Lebanon.Com
A very good source of information about Lebanon. Perhaps the best site dedicated to Lebanon
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Arabic Forum
