Program News Item

Freedom House's New Generation of Advocates program, which targets and supports emerging human rights and democracy activists from the broader Middle East region, brought four fellows to the U.S. recently. The fellows include three lawyers from Tunisia who focus on diverse issues such as political prisoners and freedom of expression, and one journalist from Algeria who highlights the need for an independent judiciary in her work.

The fellows arrived in Washington on October 6 and spent two weeks in the region taking part in orientation meetings and trainings on civic activism. Meanwhile, three other fellows arrived in Freedom House's Budapest office and participated in trainings there.

While in Washington, the four North African fellows met with members of the administration and Congressional staff, as well as with members of Freedom House's International Solidarity Committee, a group of former diplomats, members of Congress and journalists who are helping to protect and publicize the work of these advocates.

The fellows have now been placed in fellowships with NGOs in San Diego, Portland (OR), Philadelphia and Montreal, as well as in Bosnia, Macedonia and Croatia. Most of them are focusing on civic activism and advocacy.

After their fellowships are over, the fellows based in the US will come back to Washington for a few days before returning to their homes. Freedom House will maintain contact with the fellows after the exchanges are over, however, and will help them stay in contact with each other through a specialized website that will allow them to share experiences and information.