Administration of Justice Practices
      - Judiciary
      - Legislature
Public Prosecution
      - Role, Status and Independence of Public Prosecution
      - Automation / Computerization of their Working Systems
Human Rights
      - Accused, Offender, Prisoner
      - Children, Juveniles
      - Women
      - Minorities, Refugees, Non-Citizens
      - Humanitarian Law
      - Prevention of Discrimination
      - Political, Civil, Economic, Social, Cultural Rights
Fighting Crimes
      - Investigation of Crimes
      - Prevention of Crimes
Types of Crimes
      - Fighting Corruption
      - Transparency Standards, Instruments
      - Organized Crime
      - Fighting Money Laundering
      - Financial Transparency
      - Terrorism
      - Cyber Crimes / Computer Crimes
      - Intellectual Property Crimes
      - Crimes against Women
      - Juvenile Delinquency
      - Crimes against the Environment
      - Trafficking in Persons
      - Trafficking in Drugs
      - Trafficking in Arms, Weapons
      - Crimes against Humanity (Genocide, Torture…)
Rule of Law and Governance
      - Democratic Governance
      - Development
      - Peace, Security
      - Protection of Human Rights
      - Role of Public Prosecution and Specialized Institutions
      - Importance of Parliaments
      - Local Governance
Reform
      - Legal, Judicial Reform
      - Legislation, Constitutional Reforms
      - Political, Economic, Educational Reform
Gender
      - Issues Related to Gender
      - Women and Parliament
Victims
Witnesses
Civil Society

Civil Society

Civic Participation Terminology: A Guide to Frequently Used Terms and Phrases [ English ]
Author(s): . 2009
This Glossary was developed by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) as part of the Citizen Lebanon: Civic Education and Advocacy Program. Building on decades of experience working with citizens and civil society organizations, NDI has developed numerous tools and approaches to enhance the quality and consistency of citizen input in political processes. Citizen Lebanon works to increase citizens’ understanding of democratic principles, facilitate their identification and conceptualization of issues that most affect them, and then support direct interaction between citizens and public officials to address these issues.

Family Law No. 19 for the year 2009 (part one) [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2009

Freedom of Association in the Euro-Mediterranean region [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2009
This publication of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network provides an overview of the freedom of association in 11 countries of the Middle East and an assessment of the different legal framework and inherent political barriers.

Egypt - Human Development Report 2008 [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2008
The purpose of this report "Egypt’s Social Contract: The Role of Civil Society " has been to distill the knowledge built up nationally and internationally on core issues impacting Egypt’s human development, with topics ranging from decentralization and poverty to a new and more inclusive social contract between state and citizens.

People Matter Civic Engagement in Public Governance [ English ]
Author(s): . 2008
The 2008 World Public Sector Report, People Matter: Civic Engagement in Public Governance centres on civic engagement in public governance and begins by contrasting ‘corporate governance’ and ‘public governance’. Corporate governance aims at maximizing monetary profit, whereas public governance aims at maximizing public welfare. In contrast to corporate governance, the Report argues that the institutions and processes of public governance should aim systematically at enhancing public welfare fully and equitably.

Working with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights A Handbook for NGOs [ English ]
Author(s): . 2008
This Handbook aims to facilitate the participation of Non-Governmental Groups (NGOs) in the United Nations human rights system and to guide their interaction with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).The publication informs these essential partners about key information on human rights mechanisms, entry points for NGOs, contact details and links to additional information to help NGOs identify areas of cooperation and partnership with OHCHR.

Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society [ English ][ Arabic ][ French ]
Author(s): . 2008
This Handbook aims at facilitating the work of human rights defenders, non-governmental organizations and all other civil society stakeholders in carrying out their human rights work. The Handbook explains how civil society can engage with various United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms.

Working with the United Nations Human Rights Programme: A Handbook for Civil Society [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2008
This handbook discusses the contribution that civil society has made towards the development of international human rights standards, their advocacy and the functioning of the human rights mechanisms.

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Algeria [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Bahrain [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Egypt [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Jordan [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Lebanon [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Morocco [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

National Assessment of Citizens, Civil Society and Public Sector Reform in Palestine [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2007

Nationality Code, 2007 [ French ]
Author(s): . 2007

Report on the Freedom of Expression [ French ]
Author(s): . 2007
Since August 2005, a legal and institutional framework designed to promote freedom of expression was created but there are numerous challenges to be addressed in Mauritania. This article outlines the efforts deployed to support the process of freedom underway in Mauritania.

Checklist for CSO Laws [ English ]
Author(s): . 2006
This basic checklist of provisions is a tool for the assessment of current CSO legislation to ensure that it meets generally accepted international practices

Civil Society and Gender Assessment and Program Design (Jordan) [ English ]
Author(s): . 2006
This assessment provides a detailed gender program within the mission that adopts a Gender and Development approach, integrates gender mainstreaming and gender budget performance in mission programs, develops the mission’s gender equity analytic and policy frameworks, and works closely with government agencies, notably the Ministry of Planning’s gender division and other donor agencies to promote gender mainstreaming.

Expanding Cooperation for More Effective International Assistance [ English ]
Author(s): . 2006
The report of the Iraq Civil Society Conference II that focused on expanding cooperation between international organizations, Iraqi civil society organizations (CSOs) and the Government of Iraq to more effectively strengthen Iraq’s CSOs and their role in addressing key issues facing the country. The conference was held on 20 and 21 November in Amman, Jordan.

Incorporating Gender into your NGO [ Arabic ]
Author(s): Nicolien Wassenaar. 2006

Internet Filtering in Yemen in 2004-2005: A Country Study [ English ]
Author(s): . 2006
This study conducted by the OpenNet Initiative (ONI) analyzes the filtering systems of both Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Yemen. It suggests that while these systems do indeed sensor material on topics related to sex, sexuality and gambling, they do not block political content and the blocking of religious content is limited, focusing only on a small number of anti-Islam sites.

Israel/Lebanon: Deliberate Destruction or "Collateral Damage"? Israeli attacks on civilian Infrastructure [ English ][ Arabic ][ French ]
Author(s): Jan Egeland. 2006
This article “Israel/Lebanon: Deliberate destruction or “collateral damage”?” is written by Jan Egeland, a UN under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs on August 10th, 2006.

Restructuring Broadcasting in Arab Countries [ English ]
Author(s): . 2006
This report highlights the main issues and overall trends of the restructuring process of radio broadcasting and its consequences, focusing on five countries in the Middle East: Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan.

The Public Sector in Palestine: Duties and Powers of the Palestinian National Authority Institutions [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2006
This publication produced by Aman-Palestine introduces the legal framework governing public sector institutions in Palestine by reviewing the legislations by virtue of which these institutions operate, be it the ones implemented by the concerned institutions or the administrative legislations organizing their activity. The study identifies the weaknesses and strengths in the legal situation of public sector institutions in Palestine, as well as the problems faced by these institutions and the obstacles preventing them from discharging their .duties in an efficient way, and suggests practical measures aimed at improving the efficiency of these institutions.

West Bank and Gaza: Political Party Assessment [ English ]
Author(s): . 2006
This political party assessment was conducted during the beginning of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections. It provides technical assistance programs and assignments and suggests that they should be assigned to implementers that are working on the ground and are engaged with the PLC.

A Guide to Civil Society Organizations Working on Democratic Governance [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
The Guide offers a snapshot of more than 300 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on democratic governance at the global and regional levels. The guide provides information on CSOs across UNDP’s seven priority democratic governance areas or services line. These are: policy support to democratic governance, parliamentary support, electoral systems and processes, justice and human rights, e.governance and access to information, decentralization, public administration reform and anti-corruption.

A Regional Strategy for Promoting a Free Media and Freedom of Expression in the Middle East and North Africa [ English ]
Author(s): Keith Henderson. 2005
This paper aims is to encourage open debate and reform action in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on the need to create the legal and political enabling environment necessary to promote good governance, the Rule of Law and citizen participation.

Algeria: Strengthening Political Parties & Civil Society Organizations [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This report shows how the Public confidence in the Algerian state and political class are at an all time low. While the security situation has considerably improved in recent years, many Algerians’ quality of life has not increased commensurately.

An Action Plan for Iraq: The Perspective of Iraqi Civil Society [ English ]
Author(s): Rouzbeh Pirouz and Zoé Nautré. 2005
An Interpretative Report by Rouzbeh Pirouz and Zoe Nautre. The report of a three day retreat held by the Civility Programme at the Foreign Policy Centre in October 2004. The retreat intended to elucidate the views of selected Iraqi civil society representatives on the re-establishment of security, rule of law and institutional reform. The report contains 24 recommendations for action on promoting awareness of democratic reform and political processes, assistance to and development of Iraqi media, effective provision of services, greater European Union involvement and increased security and justice in Iraqi towns and cities.

Arab Civil Societies and Public Governance Reforms, An Analytical Framework and Overview [ English ]
Author(s): Salim Nasr. 2005
The objective of this report is to examine the state of civil societies and the ongoing modernizing initiatives in a number of Arab countries.

Arab Media: Tools of the Government; Tools for the People? [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2005
This paper was written as part of a workshop series held by the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) in 2004 as part of its Muslim World Initiative. It aims to analyze the role of Arab media in shaping the information environment that encourages popular hostility in the region towards the West.

Civil Society and Economic Reform in Morocco [ English ]
Author(s): Dr. Dris Ben Ali. 2005

Civil Society in United Nations Conferences: A Literature Review [ English ]
Author(s): Constanza Tabbush. 2005
In this paper, Constanza Tabbush reviews the current literature on the role of civil society at UN conferences, provides a first attempt to discuss the key concepts involved, assesses the scope of the literature on civil society engagement, and identifies some of the gaps that might usefully be addressed by further analysis.

Civil Society Judges the Iraq War [ English ]
Author(s): Richard Falk. 2005
By Richard Fall. The author argues that the World Tribunal on Iraq (WTI) is telling the world what it should know about the moral, political, and legal character of the Iraq War, and in a manner designed to motivate citizens and governments to take action to end the foreign occupation of Iraq.

Civil Society Participation in the Law Making Process in Egypt [ English ]
Author(s): Noha Al-Mikawy & Ramy Mohsen. 2005
Law-making for economic reform is a process whose effectiveness depends on the law makers’ ability to study the impact of laws and regulations on the market, anticipate blockages whether among the public or in bureaucracies and act accordingly. This points towards a need for good information provision and knowledge creation systems.

Egypt: Margin of Repression, State Limits on Nongovernmental Organization Activism [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This report discusses the impact of the law governing associations, Law 84/2002, which came into effect in June 2003. The report concludes that the most serious barrier to meaningful freedom of association in Egypt is the extra-legal role of the security services.

Embracing the Promise of Peace: Citizen Views on Sudan's Future after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) [ English ]
Author(s): Traci D.Cook. 2005
This report explores the opinions of the people in northern Sudan as they react to and absorb the many changes Sudan is currently undergoing.

Internet Filtering in Bahrain in 2004-2005 [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This study suggests that overall, while Bahrain does implement Internet filtering through its primary Internet Service Provider (ISP), Batelco, the level of blocking is extremely low, indicating that this effort is likely symbolic in nature and does not present a serious challenge for its citizens in finding Internet content. However, the regulatory and technical infrastructure in Bahrain is such that more extensive filtering could be swiftly introduced, should the government choose to do so.

Internet Filtering in the United Arab Emirates in 2004-2005: A Country Study [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This study states that although the United Arab Emirate’s (UAE) sole Internet Service Provider (ISP), blocks material that it considers objectionable for religious and cultural reasons, it does not block material related to political dissent. It concludes that the state's broad content controls unintentionally block information unrelated to UAE's stated goals.

Internet Filtering in Tunisia in 2005: A Country Study [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This study overviews internet filtering in Tunisia in light of the United Nations World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) that was held there. It observes four main types of material in particular that users are denied access to: political opposition to the ruling government, sites on human rights in Tunisia, tools that enable users to circumvent the filtering controls, and pages containing pornography or other sexually explicit content. This issue caused serious criticism from human rights and media organizations that were preparing to express their disdain at the WSIS.

Jordan: Draft Bill Would Muzzle Civil Society [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
Human Rights Watch expressed concern with several provisions of Jordan’s new draft association law that was presented to the parliament on March 6, 2005. The draft law requires professional associations to obtain pre-written approval from the Interior Ministry to hold a public gathering or meeting and to limit the topics discussed at any of their professional meetings, councils and committee meetings exclusively to "professional matters."

Law of Associations, 2005 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2005
Decree No. 21, 1989 from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Management and Implementation of CDR Project [ English ][ Arabic ][ French ]
Author(s): . 2005
This report details the progress of the Lebanese Council for Development and Reconstruction in the management and implementation of its reconstruction projects.

Money in Politics: A Study of Party Financing Practices in 22 Countries [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This study, prepared by NDI, compares the information gathered from 22 countries on party financing practices, highlighting themes common to most countries, yet indicating differences based on a country or region. It also profiles each of the countries individually, providing current information about the nature of political parties; a description of electoral system; a discussion of relevant party financing laws; a summary of research findings; and recom­mendations for reform.

Nationality Law, 2005 [ Arabic ][ French ]
Author(s): . 2005

Nationality Law, no. 38 (2005) [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2005

NGO Laws in Selected Arab States [ English ]
Author(s): . 2005
This article briefly introduces the contours of civil society organizations and the laws that affect them in the Middle East. It profiles ten major Middle Eastern countries whose laws span the gamut from extremely repressive to excessively liberal

Ordinance No. 05-02, 27 February 2005 modifying and completing the law No. 84-11 of 9 June 1984 [ French ]
Author(s): . 2005

The Changing Role of the Public Sector in the Jordanian Economy [ English ]
Author(s): Dr. Taher Kanaan. 2005
Institutional reform is needed throughout the entire polity and society. It can be achieved through an irrevocable commitment to civil and democratic society and to the appropriate institutions - a commitment that should be positive and active. This active commitment strives to create the institutions that protect and consolidate the democratic process.

A Handbook on NGO Governance [ English ]
Author(s): . 2004
This handbook represents a set of guidelines that could promote a shared understanding of good governance while showing how to turn abstract theory into workable practice. It is based on eight basic principles that are considered essential to NGO governance around the world.

Building Better Democracies: Why Political Parties Matter [ English ]
Author(s): Peter Burnell. 2004
A discussion of political parties in emerging democracies by Peter Burnell.

Civil Society and Civil Economy: the Next Decade of Corporate Governance [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2004
by Stephen Davis, The author argues that the formulation of civil society and civil economy necessitates strong institutions - similar to those involved in creating a strong civil society- accountable to their investors that work to build institutions that promote the fusion of accountability and commerce and promote corporate governance.

Civil Society Budget Monitoring for National Accountability [ English ]
Author(s): Kate Dyer and Chris Pain. 2004
This report of the workshop on Budget Monitoring for National Accountability held in Lilongwi, Malawi between the 17-19 of February 2004. The workshop reviewed best practices in budget tracking work, including gender sensitivity, and linkages into lobbying and advocacy activities.

Donor Activities and Civil Society Potential in Iraq [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): Sloan Mann, Ylber Bajraktari, Patricia Karam. 2004
This report provides a snapshot of donor activities in Iraq as of early May 2004. It is unclear to what extent the security environment has affected the planned reconstruction activities in Iraq.

Family Code, 2004 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2004

Guidelines for Laws Affecting Civic Organizations [ English ]
Author(s): . 2004
These guidelines reflect knowledge about the kinds of laws and administrative systems that are conducive to the creation and proper regulation of the civic sector. Along with accompanying discussion, they explain the nature of various problems and the possible alternative methods for dealing with them.

Internet Filtering in Saudi Arabia in 2004 [ English ]
Author(s): . 2004
This study is based on three years of testing that the OpenNet Initiative conducted on Saudi Arabia’s internet filtering systems. This testing concluded that whilst these systems are highly sophisticated and block a wide range of sites, the policies, procedures, and philosophy for Saudi Arabia's filtering system are relatively transparent and documented on the Web site of its Internet Services Unit (ISU).

Liberated and Occupied Iraq: New Beginnings and Challenges for Press Freedom [ English ]
Author(s): . 2004
This report evaluates the freedoms and restraints offered to the various media outlets in Iraq, which boomed after the fall of Saddam Hussein. The U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) has formally issued decrees setting up a new national media network and establishing regulatory bodies for the media, banning several publications and even shutting down several others.

Middle Eastern Democracy: Is Civil Society the Answer? [ English ]
Author(s): Amy Hawthorne. 2004
For civil society to contribute to democratic political change, a critical mass of civil society organizations must develop three main attributes: autonomy from regimes, a pro-democracy agenda, and the ability to build coalitions. The author, Hawthorne, recommends several ways in which Middle East civil society aid can be improved, while cautioning that modest expectations should be the watchword of such assistance.

Nationality Code, 2004 [ French ]
Author(s): . 2004

On Collaborative Governance [ English ]
Author(s): John D. Donahue. 2004
A paper that explores options for collaborative governance and research pedagogy defined as a "new level of social/political engagement between and among several sectors of society that constitutes a more effective way to address many of modern societies' needs beyond anything that the several sectors have therefore been able to achieve on their own."

Political Party Capacity Building Programme: Manual [ English ]
Author(s): . 2004
This manual published by NDI aims at providing information on why parties exist, their importance, and how they function in Namibia.

State of the Arab Media 2004: Freeing the Arab Media from State Control [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2004
The Arab Press Freedom Watch (APFW) annual report provides detailed analysis and assessments of the state of media and freedom in each of the Arab countries and a general overview of the region as a whole.

Business and Civil Society in Global Governance: Defining New Roles and Responsibilities [ English ]
Author(s): Wolfgang Reinicke. 2003
The author argues that focusing on the role of companies and NGOs in global governance is timely and important as it forces us to re-think the roles of the public sector, business and NGOs.

Civil Society at a Time of Global Uncertainty [ English ]
Author(s): Kumi Naidoo. 2003
The author argues that democracy, freedom and nation building by free citizens appear to be under threat by the actions of some of older democracies and calls for restoring civil society’s space.

Democratic Accountability: The Third Sector and All [ English ]
Author(s): Robert E. Goodin. 2003
The paper argues community oriented organizations “are motivationally and organizationally distinct” and thus as a “Third Sector” they are capable of doing many things that neither the state nor the market sector can do as well.

Law on the Syrian Council for Family Affairs, 2003 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2003

Practical Guidance Note on Civic Education [ English ]
Author(s): . 2003
This Practical Guidance Note has four parts. It aims to heighten awareness and knowledge of Civic Education within the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country offices (COs), assist COs by providing practical information and guidance for Civic Education programming and signpost additional resources and further reading.

State of the Arab Media 2003: The Fight for Democracy [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2003
The Arab Press Freedom Watch (APFW) annual report provides detailed analysis and assessments of the state of media and freedom in each of the Arab countries and a general overview of the region as a whole.

Study of Media Laws, Legislation and Policies for the Middle East and Maghreb [ English ]
Author(s): . 2003
Country report of the Study of Media Laws and Policies in the Middle East and Maghreb.

Study of Media Laws, Legislation and Policies in Algeria [ English ]
Author(s): . 2003
Country report of the Study of Media Laws and Policies in the Middle East and Maghreb.

Study of Media Laws, Legislation and Policies in Bahrain [ English ]
Author(s): . 2003
Country report of the Study of Media Laws and Policies in the Middle East and Maghreb.

The UNDP Role in Public Administration Reforms in the Arab Region [ English ]
Author(s): . 2003
This paper provides an overview of UNDP’s role in supporting public administration reforms in selected countries in the region and features five case studies with recognized results in this practice area. The paper also highlights good practices and lessons learned.

What Role can Civil Society and Parliament Play in Strengthening the External Auditing Function? [ English ]
Author(s): . 2003
This paper, published by International Budget Project (IBP), advocates that civil society, parliament and the auditor-general cooperate, where possible, as an informal budget oversight coalition. It provides also best practices and examples of increasing cooperation between the auditor-general and legislatures and civil organizations.

Agreement on Establishing the Arab Women’s Organization [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2002
Text of the agreement concerning the establishment of the Arab Women’s Organization promulgated by the Arab League.

Association and Non- Governmental Organizations Law, 2002 [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2002
Association and Non-Governmental Organization Law No. 84 for the year 2002.

Authoritarianism and Civil Society in Tunisia [ English ]
Author(s): Christopher Alexander. 2002
Ben 'Ali, the new president of Tunisia promised, after he took power in November 7, 1987’s coup, to establish rule of law, to respect human rights, and to implement the kind of democratic political reforms that Habib Bourguiba had steadfastly refused. The author argues that ten years later, it is noticeable that the country has moved far from a democratic transition.

Corruption Fighters’ Tool Kit – Civil Society Experiences and Emerging Strategies [ English ]
Author(s): . 2002
This Kit presents a number of innovative anti-corruption tools developed and implemented by civil society, and makes the tools available to interested parties.

General Report of the Debate [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2002
National Debate over administrative reform under the slogan of "Moroccan Administration and the Challenges of 2010".

NGOs and Global Policy-Making, 2002 [ English ]
Author(s): . 2002
An analysis by James A. Paul that provides historical background highlighting NGOs' growing contemporary importance, diversity, impact on policy.

NGOs, Governance and Development in the Arab World [ English ][ French ]
Author(s): . 2002
From the MOST Clearinghouse. This is an overview of the difficulties that associations and NGOs in the Arab world are facing to be recognized as true actors of development by Sarah Ben Néfissa. UNESCO- Discussion Paper No. 46, 2002

People's Court and Hostility against the Right of Political Organization in Libya [ English ]
Author(s): Haytham Manna. 2002
This paper explores the hostility in Libya against the Right of Political Organization.

Press Freedoms in Jordan [ English ]
Author(s): Sa'eda Kilani. 2002
This is the second report the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) adopts on press freedoms in Jordan. It attempts to evaluate the status of the press and freedom of expression in the Kingdom of Jordan since 1998 and until 2001.

State of the Arab Media 2002: Dealing with the Aftermath of September 11 [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2002
The Arab Press Freedom Watch (APFW) annual report provides detailed analysis and assessments of the state of media and freedom in each of the Arab countries and a general overview of the region as a whole.

Trade Unions Law No. 33, 2002 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2002

Civic Participation in National Governance [ English ]
Author(s): Maria Gonzalez de Asis and Jairo Acuna-Alfaro. 2001
This governance module has been designed to provide civil society organizations and individuals, and public officials’ representatives with a set of tools and techniques enacted to promote good governance at the national level. This is the first draft for discussion.

CIVICUS Assessing the Health of Civil Society [ English ]
Author(s): . 2001
By Richard Holloway. The Handbook is a self-assessment tool based on CIVICUS' vision and conception of civil society's role as a legitimate public actor. The handbook is composed of indicators to assess or self-assess civil society at the country level and evaluate the health of civil society and its impact in the construction of a healthy public life.

Civil Society and the OECD [ English ]
Author(s): . 2001
The policy brief outlines OECD's views on engaging civil society partnership in good governance and tips for strengthening government-civil society relationship.

Civil Society, Media and Accountability in the Arab Region [ English ]
Author(s): Naomi Sakr. 2001
This study shows how civil society players can hold those in power to account. In comparing the achievements of civil society groups in promoting women's political participation, the study identified two contexts (Palestinian and Moroccan) where perseverance in a multi-party system, with laws being drafted or reformed, brought some positive results.

Development Divide in a Digital Age: An Issues paper [ English ]
Author(s): Cynthia Hewitt de Alcantara. 2001
This paper considers the role that information and communications technologies (ICTs) can realistically be expected to play in improving the level of living and quality of life of people in different parts of the world.

Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Association and Unfair Trials in Tunisia [ English ]
Author(s): Andrea Hopkins. 2001
This report aims to document the specific events relating to the trials of Dr. Moncef Marzouki, Attorney Nejib Hosni and the Tunisian League for Human Rights and also to raise awareness of the wider issues of the rule of law and freedom of expression in Tunisia.

Human Rights and Social Development: Towards Democratization and Social Justice [ English ]
Author(s): Yash Ghai. 2001
This paper reviews the progress made toward the objectives of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and Programme of Action by using a human rights strategy. This strategy assumes that the norms and machinery of human rights would inform decisions on development policies.

Morocco's Future: Arab, African, or European? [ English ]
Author(s): Bradford Dillman. 2001
By Bradford Dillman. The author maintains that Morocco's future identity, as a crossroad between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, will depend on how politicians and citizens respond to global pressures for democratization, economic reform, and human resource development. By balancing and absorbing the cultural, political, and economic influences from surrounding regions, Morocco may remain one of the most peaceful, stable, and pluralistic countries in the Arab and African world.

State of the Arab Media 2001 [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2001
The Arab Press Freedom Watch (APFW) annual report provides detailed analysis and assessments of the state of media and freedom in each of the Arab countries and a general overview of the region as a whole.

Associations and NGOs Law, 2000 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2000
Law No.1, 2000 as published in the Official Gazette, Year 7, No. 32, January 16, 2000.

Beyond Multilateralism: Global Public Policy Networks [ English ]
Author(s): . 2000
By Jan Martin Witte, Wolfgang H. Reinicke and Thorsten Benner. A publication of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation: International Politics and Society series. The paper argues "that global public policy networks are one promising answer to the growing organizational vacuum at the global level. In these trisectoral networks, states, international organizations, civil society actors and the private sector are collaborating to achieve what none of the single actors is able to achieve on its own."

Civil Society Organizations and Service Provision [ English ]
Author(s): Andrew Clayton Peter Oakley Jon Taylor. 2000
This study identifies and analyses the operational lessons concerning civil society organizations (CSOs) and service provision that have emerged to date. The analysis is based on a range of criteria: targeting the poor, quality of services provided, efficiency and sustainability. The study also examines a number of broader issues that can influence the performance of CSOs in service provision: the nature of the contracts that CSOs have with governments to provide services; government legislation affecting CSOs ability to provide services to the poor; and how CSOs can use their work in service provision to influence policy.

Critiquing NGOs- Assessing the Last Decade [ English ]
Author(s): . 2000
The MERIP Report #214, Spring 2000 - Reviews a decade of NGOs' work in the Middle East.

Law No. 1, 2000 on the Reorganization of Certain Terms and Procedures of Litigation in Personal Status Matters [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 2000

Many Roads to Justice: the law-related work of the Ford Foundation grantees around the world [ English ]
Author(s): . 2000
This volume comprises papers produced under the Ford Foundation's Global Law Programs Learning Initiative (GLPLI). The volume offers experience and insights of the activities of a number of grantees and provides access to a variety of case studies and learning lessons of law-related programs pertaining to governance and civil society.

Public Sector Restructuring: The Institutional and Social Effects of Fiscal, Managerial and Capacity- Building Reforms [ English ]
Author(s): Yusuf Bangura. 2000
This paper provides an overview of the major issues, trends and problems in public sector reform. It examines four global issues that are driving public sector reforms: financial globalization, fiscal deficits, the adjustment programmes of multilateral agencies, and democratization.

Role of Civil Society Institutions in Resisting Normalization with Israel [ English ]
Author(s): . 2000
A case study of the Jordanian civil society institutions, political parties, professional associations, societies, and the press, as they faced the issue of normalization and openness with Israel at the political, social and economic levels.

Think Again: Civil Society (1999-2000) [ English ]
Author(s): Thomas Carothers. 2000
The paper explains the development of the concept of civil society throughout history and what effects it had on the State.

Freedom of Association and Human Rights Organization in Egypt [ English ][ French ]
Author(s): . 1999
This report summarizes the main results of the two latest missions to Cairo undertaken by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) regarding the Draft Law on Private Association and Institutions.

Non-Governmental Organizations Law, 1999 [ English ]
Author(s): . 1999
Text of the Law No. 153, 1999 Regarding Promulgating the Law on Non-Governmental Organizations, which the Egyptian Constitutional Court Decision of June 1, 2001 deemed as unconstitutional.

Putting Education to Work in Egypt [ English ]
Author(s): Nancy Birdsall and Lesley O'Connell. 1999
This paper explores the reasons behind Egypt's anomalously low return to its education investments, and suggests what steps would help ensure that over the next decade and beyond, education in Egypt delivers, because it is an instrument not only of sensible social policy but of productivity-based increases in economic growth and of a more equitable sharing of that productive growth.

Civil Society, Democracy and the Middle East [ English ]
Author(s): Ali R. Abootalebi. 1998
This paper argues that democracy's onset is more a function of the distribution of socioeconomic and political resources among organized groups--including the state--than of such groups' mere existence. It also offers some explanatory variables to help measure prospects for the democratization of countries in the Middle East.

World Bank and Civil Society - the Bank's Relations with NGOs [ English ]
Author(s): . 1998
This page documents the issues, directions and cooperation between the World Bank and the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). FY Progress Report, Paper No. 28, August 11, 1998.

Consultations with Moroccan Political Parties and Civic Organizations: Trip Report [ English ]
Author(s): . 1997
This Report covers the series of consultations conducted by NDI, with political leaders and representatives from Moroccan NGOs. The consultations aimed at providing political actors with information on election monitoring and assessing opportunities for future democratic institution building

Handbook on Good Practices for Laws Relating to NGOs- Relationship of NGOs to Society [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1997
Arabic translation of Chapter A available at the website of the NGO Center for Excellence. The World Bank's Handbook on Good Practices for Laws Relating to NGOs, 1997.

Pollwatching: A Handbook for Political Parties in Yemen [ English ]
Author(s): . 1997
This handbook, prepared by NDI, explains the concept importance and mechanism of pollwatching. It highlights the importance of the role political parties play in poll watching, and outlines a strategy that political parties can use on election day.

UNDP Policy on Collaboration with Civil Society: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Human Development [ English ][ French ]
Author(s): . 1997
The United Nations Development Programme - Civil Society Organizations and Participation Program (UNDP-CSOPP) Policy and procedures documents about UNDP's collaboration with civil society organizations in the framework of sustainable development.

Kuwaiti NGOs: their Role in Aid Flows to Developing Countries [ English ]
Author(s): Nural Abdulhadi. 1990
This report studies the flow of Kuwaiti private aid to developing countries. It tackles the motivational reasons that lead to the growth of Kuwaiti private aid giving, the geographical distribution of these aids, sources of donation and the government's support of these aid efforts.

Nationality Code, 1990 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1990
Nationality Code of 1990, amended in 2003 by law no.24

Family Law, 1984 [ French ]
Author(s): . 1984
Law No.84-11, June 9, 1984.

Nationality Code, 1963 [ French ]
Author(s): . 1984
This is the text of the Tunisian Nationality Code of 1963, amended in 1984.

Personal Status Law No. 51, 1984 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1984

Nationality Law, 1983 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1983

Personal Status Law, 1976 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1976

Nationality Law No. 26, 1975 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1975

Nationality Act 1957 [ English ]
Author(s): . 1974
This is the text of the Sudanese Nationality Act of 1957, it was last amended in 1974.

Nationality and Passports Law (17 / 1972) [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1972

Nationality Law, 1969 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1969
Legislative Decree No. 276, 1969.

Nationality Law 1963 and its amendments [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1963

Nationality Law and Amendment, 1963 [ English ]
Author(s): . 1963

Passport Law No. 11, 1962 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1962

Nationality Code, 1961 [ French ]
Author(s): . 1961

Nationality Law, 1959 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1959

Nationality Law, 1958 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1958

Code of Personal Status, 1956 [ French ]
Author(s): . 1956
The text of law, promulgated on August 13, 1956 and published in Tunisia's Official Journal (JOT) No. 104 December 28, 1956 with reference to the updated articles.

Nationality Law, 1954 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1954

Family Rights Law No. 92, 1951 [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1951

Associations Law [ Arabic ]
Author(s): . 1909
Associations Law of 3/8/1909 amended by resolution No. 3259 dated 29/8/1925 and by a law promulgated on 26/5/1928 and legislative decree No. 41 dated 28/9/1932.

Associations Law, 1990 [ English ][ French ]
Author(s): .
Law No. 90-31 December 4, 1990, Algerian Official Journal, No. 053 December 5, 1990.

Civil Society: Active or Passive? [ English ]
Author(s): David Pool.
This chapter examines the emergence of the Saudi state from a tribally based stateless society to a kingdom with rulers drawn from the Saud family. The twin pillars of dynastic legitimacy are Islam and oil; both have consequences for the limited character of civil society. Two political tendencies have emerged: liberal reformist and conservative Islamist. The ruling family has pursued policies balancing between them with uneven results for the evolution of civil society.

CRTDA - Majal newsletter [ Arabic ]
Author(s): .
MAJAL- electronic newsletter monitoring Non-Governmental Organizations in Lebanon. Majal is issued by the information unit of the Collective for Research and Training on Development - ACTION (CRTDA).

Directory of Development Organizations [ English ]
Author(s): .
The Directory of Development Organizations, listing 47.500 development organizations, has been prepared to facilitate international cooperation and knowledge sharing in development work, both among civil society organizations, research institutions, governments and the private sector.

Group of 77 at the United Nations [ English ]
Author(s): .
The Group of 77 is the largest intergovernmental organization of developing states in the United Nations, which provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for development.

International Politics and Society [ English ]
Author(s): .
The English language publication of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation with focus on a number of issues of social democracy, global governance, development policy, human rights, environment, gender, and others.

Law of Personal Status [ Arabic ][ French ]
Author(s): .

Laws Related to Women in Oman [ Arabic ]
Author(s): .

Mechanisms for NGO Accountability [ English ]
Author(s): Lisa Jordan.
The author discusses the costs and benefits of ensuring NGO accountability, particularly with regards to the current practice that emphasizes "upward" and "external" accountability to donors. The author recommends that the tools and processes of accountability must not only assure accountability to donors but also to NGO staff ("internal" accountability) as well as to the general public and the beneficiaries of NGO services ("downward" accountability).

Middle East NGOs Gateway Project [ English ][ Arabic ]
Author(s): .
MENGOS is an internet gateway containing information about non-governmental organizations, funding agencies, events, projects, success stories of individuals as well as organizations, and other topics relevant to non-governmental organizations across the Middle East.

Observatory Portal: Monitoring the Development of the Information Society towards Knowledge Societies  [ English ]
Author(s): .
This is the Observatory Portal for monitoring the Development of the Information Society towards Knowledge Societies. It offers a series of publication and a list of Arab states resources by type and by category. 

Regulating Not-For-Profit Organizations [ English ]
Author(s): .
The paper considers the regulatory concerns confronted by countries seeking to encourage the growth of an independent, voluntary not-for-profit sector.

Right of Association [ English ]
Author(s): .
Chapter 4 of the declaration of human rights of November 7, 1987 covers the rights of association.

The Internet in the Arab World: A New Space of Repression? [ English ]
Author(s): .
This study overviews the internet as the key tool for expression, whether it be religious, political or social, in the Arab world as well as a major threat against the controlling Arab governments. It discusses the various techniques the governments have used in efforts to censor and control this medium and the tensions this has created between the users and their rulers.

The Islamic Shari'a as a Legal Source for Civil Transactions [ Arabic ]
Author(s): .
There are at least two trends with regard to the law of civil transactions. The first trend calls for enforcing the provisions of shari'a (Islamic law) as stipulated by various sources, most notably the Quran and the Sunna (the prophet's statements). The second trend calls for enforcing modern laws regardless of the stance of Islamic law. Disagreement between the two trends is due to several different political, cultural, social, historical and religious factors, of which the religious factors are probably the most important.

The Use of Internet for Political Action by Non-State Dissident Actors in the Middle East [ English ]
Author(s): W. Sean McLaughlin.
This paper examines how non-state dissident actors in the Middle East use the Internet for political action in the face of state-imposed constraints on Internet access. The author argues that states seek to limit the effectiveness of these dissident objectives and can use various methods to oppose them, such as limiting Internet infrastructure or imposing censorship constraints. In response, dedicated dissidents can find ways to overcome these state-imposed constraints and continue with their dissident activities.

Women in Syrian Legislations [ Arabic ]
Author(s): .

Women's Rights in Lebanese Legislations [ Arabic ]
Author(s): .

Yemen - Political Parties Law, 1991- Commentary [ English ]
Author(s): .