Dear Colleague,

In its annual report on Human Rights voted in 2008, the European Parliament clearly affirmed to consider "non-violence as the most appropriate means of ensuring that fundamental human rights are enjoyed, upheld, promoted and respected" believing that "its promotion should constitute a priority objective in EU human rights and democracy policy". That vote has remained without consequences in terms of subsequent political actions or budgetary allocations.
 
This is too often the fate of solemn declarations and international treaties on Human Rights, but also the attitude of those institutions that have been created with the objective of ensuring their respect, institutions that sadly remain unused or ineffective. From the UN Council on Human Rights to the many other Commissions and Tribunals that, with very few exceptions, have had a marginal impact on the matter subject  to their jurisdictions, there is a legal arsenal out there that is forgotten.
 
From 3 to 5 September next, in Barcelona, the Nonviolent Radical Party, transnational and transparty, will hold its General Council to address that problem. Among members of the Council there are human rights activists as well as Members of Parliaments from all over the world.
 
As you may know, the Nonviolent Radical Party is also recognized by the UN Economic and Social Council as a non-governmental organization, and for that reason in 1995 it was awarded the highest level of consultative status. Membership of the Party is open to all, so as the possibility to participate in its activities regardless of geographical origin or political affiliations.
 
In the 1990s, the Nonviolent Radical Party played a crucial role in the campaigns to create the ad hoc Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and eventually for the establishment of the first International Criminal Court; in 2007, its contribution was fundamental in the adoption of a resolution by the UN General Assembly calling for a Universal Moratorium of capital executions. For the 65th UNGA, we are working towards the adoption of a world ban of Female Genital Mutilations.
 
Today, the Radical Party has set as its priority objective in the activation of those jurisdictions that deal with human rights. In addition to trigger as many jurisdictions as possible, we also intend to recuperate a minimum of effective defense of international legality, and to contribute to the democratization of the so-called "international community".
 
Thanks to the collaboration of international jurists, we have compiled a first list of supra-national jurisdictions. We believe that it is not only a juridical question, but also a political one: we intend to address all aspects related to those international bodies and the decisions that determine their norms, conventions, rules of procedure, budgets, and therefore their effective daily work.
 
It is because of the fundamental role of politics, of the various legislative assemblies, starting from the European Parliament, and of national Governments that we ask you, in your capacity as an MEP, to take part from day one in the meeting of the General Council of the Nonviolent Radical Party to contribute to this new initiative to create and reinforce international jurisdictions. This will be the main agenda tiem of the Council, which will also will have to proceed with the convocation of the 39th Congress defining its goals and venue.

 
We would therefore be thankful if you could let us know your interest in being in Barcelona with us from 3 to 5 September next.
 
Looking forward to hearing from you soon, we remain at your full disposal should you need additional information on the event and the Nonviolent Radical Party.
 
Best wishes,

Emma Bonino, Niccolò Rinaldi e Marco Cappato

r.sv.p. e-mail alessandro.litta@gmail.com – mobile +39 338 72 51 621