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The outcome of the political transition in Eastern Europe depends not only on the politics pursued but on the understanding of politics in the countries involved. A key aspect of such understanding is the notion of "citizenship", an ancient term of striking contemporary relevance not only in Eastern Europe but in the West as well. What are the dynamics of citizenship in Europe's new democracies and how do emerging solutions to the questions of citizenship there respond to the concerns that the issue of citizenship has raised and continues to raise elsewhere? This volume focuses on Poland, Hungary and the former Czechoslovakia, countries that have already grappled with issues of post-communism citizenship, but the questions addressed in the work apply equally to other countries such as the former Soviet Union and the former Yugoslavia. They are questions of personal "identity" and "obligation"; what are the legal and moral claims that an individual and a state can make upon each other on citizenship grounds? They are also questions of social "attitude" - how do individuals see themselves "qua" citizens? What characteristics do they impute to their fellow citizens?What ties are established among individuals by virtue of a common citizenship? Many facets of these questions are considered; on theoretical grounds, in terms of political culture and public opinion, and in the light of emerging legal provisions. As this book shows, the future of citizenship is inseparable from the future of politics, for citizens of all countries. ... Read more

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In 2006 Finland celebrated the centenary of universal and equal suffrage. The reform in 1906 was radical: women gained the right to vote and to stand as candidates in parliamentary elections. The new rights were immediately used and 19 women were elected to the Parliament. Finland was the third country, after New Zealand and Australia, in which women were admitted to full political citizenship. Norwegian women were also granted political rights before WWI. This publication studies suffrage, citizenship and parliamentary reforms in various socio-political contexts. It brings together new research from a wide range of scholars and disciplines. In addition to pioneers, attention is given to Austria, Britain, Canada, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Poland, Romania, Russia and Slovenia, among others. By highlighting national differences, the collection strives to disperse the universalising trend of research. The chapters suggest that the age of suffrage narratives based on a view of universal emancipation is over; more significant are deconstructive approaches and analyses embedded in local factors. From an international perspective, the realisation of female suffrage was a long and multi-faceted process taking different forms. The issue of women's civil rights is certainly not a matter of the past. Internationally, suffrage, gender and citizenship are highly topical issues, as indicated in this collection. ... Read more

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Citizenship and identity provide the focus for this collection of original essays from a group of theoretically innovative historians and social scientists. The volume explores the competing and sometimes conflicting roles of citizenship and identity, be it racial, class, ethnic or other, in popular politics. The concept of citizenship is also examined. All essays are historically and comparatively grounded. Covering a wide variety of countries, topics covered include: citizenship rights and party-union relations in Western Europe; politics, industrialization, and citizenship; contested citizenship and the dynamics of racial identity; and social movements and nationhood and citizenship in early Meiji 1868-1900. ... Read more

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There may be 20 million refugees around the world today. They have left their own countries to escape oppression, hardship and violence, many seeking a new existence in countries they perceive as upholding humanitarian rights. For most of these their search for freedom ends in camps in countries of first asylum. There they wait - often for years - for offers of permanent resettlement in the North. This book explores how two countries, Britain and Canada, traditionally noted for their humanitarian treatment of refugees have responded to the refugee crisis of the 1980s and '90s, how they have recast their admission criteria, developed reception policies and constructed resettlement programmes. It also discusses the covert and overt links between refugee policy and racism and traces these links back into history, and it describes how policy and the nature of forced migration shape the long-term prospects of the "fortunate" few refugees accepted for resettlement in the West. ... Read more

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The authors of the essays in this collection, all internationally recognised refugee scholars and practitioners, look at the controversial "hot" topic of refugee rights. They consider whether, 50 years after its agreement, the Refugees' Convention can provide an adequate framework for protection. In particular, the authors address: the effect of globalization upon the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees; the efficacy of the Convention as an instrument of international law; the role of the UNHCR; whether NGOs are effective instruments for change; and nationality and citizenship issues. They also consider alternatives and options for solutions to the global refugee problem. ... Read more

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When national courts judge international crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, they can draw on both national and international criminal law. The relationship between these two bodies of law is not always clear. Can national courts base prosecutions of international crimes directly on international criminal law? In a world where national laws often proscribe international crimes in an incomplete or deficient manner, this question has considerable practical relevance for the enforcement of international criminal law. Yet, it has received little attention in doctrine while practice shows widely divergent approaches of national courts to the feasibility of direct application. The author examines the concept of the direct application of international criminal law in national courts. He provides a rich description of the relevant practice in many different States ranging from Argentina to Senegal. Easily accessible, this book is a valuable tool for academics and practitioners alike. ... Read more

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The complementarity of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is one of the fundamental principles of the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court. The principle of complementarity is the parameter which defines the relationship between States and the ICC. It provides that cases are admissible before the ICC if a State remains wholly inactive or is 'unwilling' or 'unable' to investigate and prosecute genuine cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Amsterdam Center for International Law and the Department of Legal Philosophy at the Law Faculty of the Free University of Amsterdam held an international expert roundtable on the 'Complementarity Principle of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court' on 25 and 26 June 2004. This book contains contributions on complementarity, which were presented and discussed during that meeting. They analyse the principle from theoretical, practical and conceptual perspectives. ... Read more

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Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which starts memorably with Article 1: we are all born free and equal, "Freedom" is an enthralling anthology of short stories by some of the world's top writers. Most of the stories have been written especially for this anthology by a renowned array of internationally acclaimed writers, including Paulo Coelho, Yann Martel, AL Kennedy, Ali Smith, Amit Chaudhuri, Ariel Dorfman, Helen Dunmore, Marina Lewycka, Walter Mosley, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, James Meek, Kate Atkinson, David Mitchell, Hector Aguilar Camin, Ishmael Beah, Boris Akunin, Alice Pung and Banana Yoshimoto. Each acclaimed contributor has chosen one of the thirty UDHR rights as the basic inspiration for his or her story, and the result is an anthology that contains a complete mix of thoughtful, serious, funny and thrilling stories that provide some completely unexpected takes on the issue of human rights. Published in association with Amnesty International, "Freedom" is an eclectic collection that will prompt readers to engage imaginatively with what human rights mean for all of us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Vivid storytelling and characters
"Warriors of the Sky" appears in this compilation of short stories by famous writers, among them Juan Goytisolo and Paulo Coehlo.Each story represents one of the Articles of the Declaration of Human Rights.
"Warriors of the Sky," by Mahmoud Saeed, pertains to the right to assembly.The story weaves a tight tale of deceit and villainy on a personal scale, reflected onto the backdrop of the struggle on a larger scale within Islam to define its own essence.
With a few deft strokes of description Saeed places the reader in the midst of Iraq's landscape: "the vast, endless palm forests on both sides of the Euphrates;" the impending action: "there were other puffs of dust cloud on the horizon, which meant more cars were coming;" the house:"the breakfast table was set alongside the garden side of the kitchen;" the beautiful wife and children: "She got off her chair and held hands with the children and started to dance to Muhammad's beautiful voice reciting a dabka:...." and the villain: "He was stuck with an ugly mug, bulging eyes, a balding head and a body to go with all that."
Upon finishing the story, the reader feels as if she has read a novel and not a short story, given the visual, cultural and emotional impact these few pages have on the imagination.

The Bleeding Edge: Expressing Tradition Today
I just finished reading the story "Warriors of the Sky," by Mahmoud Saeed.It is very powerful.His storytelling is very intriguing.The ending, especially, provoked a strong emotional reaction.This story would be memorable for any reader, but I think it is even more dramatic and meaningful for Muslims, or anyone familiar with the culture of the Middle East and the current tensions and differences of opinion within the Islamic world.
His story highlights the effects of these political and religious differences on people and family units through his portrayal of characters who are men, women and children drawn inevitably and ominously into conflict.His story challenges readers, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to ponder the question, What kind of future will we have, and who is entitled to participate in its creation?
I plan to re-read and reflect further on "Warriors of the Sky."I am anxious to comment on some of the more controversial aspects of the story, such as the portrayal of gender roles and sexual relationships.I appreciate the thought and the literary technique that helped build this portrait.Sometimes these issues can only be approached through story.

Freedom- A book of intriguing short stories by celebrated authors.
I have followed the career of Author Mahmoud Saeed, a venerated Iraqi novelist, who is famously known for his book Saddam City written from his experience as a prisoner of consciousness. When I discovered he would be included among the authors chosen to write short stories for Amnesty International's Freedom I was wrought with anticipation to read his contribution and I was not disappointed. This compilation of celebrated authors includes many wonderful and intriguing works that not only inspire but entertain. I highly recommend this book; it is perfect read for a cold winter day! ... Read more

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This meticulously researched book explores the relationship between self-determination and minority rights in international law. Highly detailed in its treatment of the subject, this volume looks at recent events, such as the atrocities in the former Yugoslavia, and provides the reader with significant clarification of the legal issues involved. ... Read more

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Great book on self-determination and minority rights.
Australian legal scholar Musgrave explores the relationship between self-determination and minority rights in international law, clarifying the issues involved, especially since the establishment of the United Nations and the development of international norms of human rights. He includes a treatment of the dissolution of Yugoslavia within a historical context, and discusses the origins of national consciousness, developments up to World War II, international instruments and judicial decisions, the practice of states, the protection of minorities, the definition of the term people, secession, irredentism, and historical title ... Read more

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This book is about Human Rights written, illustrated, andedited by Young People from all over the World. This ground-breakingtitle is a compliation of the Words of Children who express theirHopes and Fears About how we treat each other.This is a practicalguidebook, including details of Organizations to join and ten tips forHuman Rights action from Amnesty International. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great for use in classroom--any age!
I originally purchased this book as background material for myself when I was teaching The Chosen at a high school in Arizona.It became instrumental in 2001 when, during the first few weeks of teaching at a new school in Missouri, Sept. 11th occurred.Using the book, I had my students research one of the articles of the Human Rights Declaration, and explain how a person, industry, country, or organization, is helping to secure this right for people around the world.It put a positive spin on a world-shattering event.The high school students LOVED the class book we created, and Human Rights became a sort-of theme for our classes the remainder of the year.Now, at a new school in Kansas, with students who are extremely sheltered from everything that is going on in the world, I am once again planning to use the book as a springboard for a similar class book project.Though I did this with high schoolers, age-appropriate projects could be done with students at any level.

Each article in the book is accompanied by international student drawings and details about human rights violations experienced personally by children around the world.It is very easy for American students to connect with their peers around the world by reading the examples set forth in the book.It makes what is happening in the world more understandable than just hearing a newscaster talk about it on tv.

I would love to see a new, post 9/11 edition.

Great Introduction to Human Rights
Stand Up for Your Rights is a great intoduction to humanrights.Children will appreciate the detailed and well chosen artwork and the short passages contributed by children from around the world.The passages come in the form of poems, letters, interviews, and narratives.These passages are short and easily accesible to both children and adults.While the book does attempt to give a balanced view of human rights, some ethnocentric and unbalanced reporting did come through.In several cases the authors failed to explain the reasons behind human right violations.In this respect, Stand Up for Your Rights is a good resource manual for teachers and parents to go over with children, who can supplement the book with discussion or other resources.At the end of the book is a listing of organizations and ways for children to get involved with human right causes.In all, this is a gook book about human rights and I believe children will appreaciate it as well.

Great Learning Tool for Children and Adults
Stand up for Your Rights is a fascinating and informative book.Written by youth from around the world, this book puts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into terms that everyone can understand.Photographs,drawings by children, first-person narratives and explanatory paragraphsmake this a very readable and eye-catching book.As an ESOL teacher withyoung students from around the world, I find this book to be unparalleledin offering a view of life that doesn't always make it into the daily newsor the movies.I highly recommend this book for anyone of any age whowants to learn more about our world and its people. ... Read more

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This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subtitle: As Illustrated in the Action of the Trustee-Directors and Director-Trustees of the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad Co; Original Published by: P. F. McBreen, printer in 1886 in 40 pages; Subjects: Minorities/ Civil rights; Minorities/ Legal status, laws, etc; Human rights; Minorities; Human rights; Political Science / Political Freedom ... Read more