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IFEX Communiqué Vol 20, No 14

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Côte d'Ivoire

As violence escalates, media caught in crossfire

The media is one of the casualties in Côte d'Ivoire's bloody political standoff, as journalists face attacks and threats from both sides and the fate of the state broadcaster remains up in the air, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). As a result of the chaos in Abidjan, no newspaper has been distributed since 31 March, reports RSF.

International

New UN resolution turns away from religious defamation concept

The United Nations' top human rights body has abandoned its condemnation of religious "defamation" and instead passed a resolution supporting an individual's right to freedom of belief - a move long awaited by IFEX members.

Yemen

Thirty IFEX members appeal to Saleh to stop free expression abuses

Thirty IFEX members have come together to condemn the attacks on journalists and free expression in Yemen, where one journalist has been killed and dozens of others have been attacked since political unrest broke out in January.

Ecuador

IFEX members urge President to withdraw US$80 million lawsuit against paper

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa is asking for US$80 million in damages from the newspaper "El Universo" and three years in prison for its executives for printing a "slanderous" article, report IFEX interim member Andean Foundation for Media Observation & Study (FUNDAMEDIOS) and IFEX members. The members are urging Correa to withdraw the lawsuit.

Middle East and North Africa

CIHRS digs up roots of unrest in Arab world in new report

As change continues to sweep across the Middle East, with citizens seeking democracy and guarantees for their basic human rights, you've got to ask: what got them here? The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) seeks the answer to this question in "Roots of Unrest", its third annual report of the Arab world.

Awards and other opportunities / International

Apply now for the John Humphrey Freedom Award

The Canadian organisation Rights & Democracy invites nominations for the 2011 John Humphrey Freedom Award, which honours an organisation or person who has made an outstanding contribution to promoting human rights and democratic development. The deadline for nominations is 30 April 2011.