Current

report by Elena Dyankova.
On May 7, in the hall of the Information Center of the European Union in Sofia a Round Table was held on the topic: "Requirements for the respect of human rights in the development policies" The event is a part of the opening of the film festival for human rights "One World", which was founded 10 years ago by the Czech president Vazlav Havel. The festival is held for the first time in Bulgaria from 7th to 11th May.

With presentations for human rights in the development policies in the Round Table took part the Ambassador of the Czech Republic – H.E. Mr. Martin Klepetko, the Ambassador of Norway – H.E. Mrs. Tove Skarstein, Mr. Hans Scow – Vice Ambassador of Denmark, Mr. Ville Anderson – Vice Ambassador of Finland, NGO representatives from Slovakia, representative of the Embassy of Great Britain, representative of the UN for the development of Bulgaria. Apostolic Reformed Church was represented on the Round Table by the "Justice 21" civil initiative.

The presentations as well as the discussion itself were connected with the implementation of the approach for respect of human rights in the development programs and in the foreign policy of the old and new European democracies. "The countries which invest, need to be interested not only in the economical development of the countries they are helping, but also require that they respect the human rights" said the Ambassador of Norway. "Every person should be perceived not only as an object of needs but also with the rights they can claim and first of all the right to decision making. We want to integrate the respect of human rights in our policy and instead of implementing a need-based approach, we pay attention to the rights. You may have certain rights, but if you do not exercise them, they remain fictitious" noted the Vice Ambassador of Finland Mr. Ville Anderson in his presentation.

As a representative of the new democracies in Europe the Ambassador of the Czech Republic pointed out that "we need to learn from the lessons of the past and not to deny them. We should also be very careful what is going on in the world in the sphere of human rights – for example in Belarus, Cuba, Afghanistan and to value what we have, because violence can spread out very fast."

Mr. Hans Scow, Vice Ambassador of the Embassy of Denmark in Bulgaria noted that his country gives 0,8 % of its gross national product for development relief funds, which amounts to 3,6 billion leva. Ten percent of them are dedicated to projects in the sphere of human rights.

In the course of the discussion for cooperation between non- governmental organizations (NGO) and the governments initiated by "Justice 21" Mrs. Tove Skarstein said that "in Norway they have built the so called "Northern model", according to which the social society is a prerequisite for the democratic society. It is absolutely possible for the NGO to receive support from the government and at the same time remain independent. In Norway for example 25% of the development relief funds pass through NGO. We pay special attention to education, so that our children could be equipped for the world outside the country. The media has a great role to play – the international issues need to find a central place in the news."

"In Finland the cooperation between NGO and the government is very open and transparent" declared the Vice Ambassador of the country. A special department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was created, which works directly with the NGO, the main principle being the principle of trust and reliability. In our country the resources for NGO amount to 20% of the total sum given for human rights projects."

The Round Table opened the discussion for the contribution of Bulgaria to the respect of human rights by taking a stand on the questions concerning the non-democratic regimes and encouragement of the development relief funds.

Contact person:
Elena Dyankova
Coordinator "Justice 21" Civil Initiative
???. +359-899-902 837
edyankova@prelom.bg