Human Rights Action Update May 23-29

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

TORTURE ACTIONS 

Nigeria, unbearable pain

We call your attention to the worldwide disgraceful phenomenon  of torture, which is practiced by too many countries. The actions presented by Amnesty International are all of the click, sign and send type. Please act on them.

COLOMBIA
Human rights defenders are again being threatened by paramilitary forces and groups with an economic interest in blocking land reform. In 2000, collective land rights were granted by the Colombian state to the Afro-descendant communities of the Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó River Basins. Paramilitaries acting with the support of the armed forces subsequently forced many of the inhabitants to flee the area. Much of this land was occupied by powerful economic interests which have established African Palm plantations, cattle-ranches or other economic enterprises. Powerful mining interests are also trying to develop operations in these areas.  Please protest to the Colombian authorities.

USA
The Supreme Court struck down a law that enabled the State of Florida to execute mentally impaired convicts. Cheers. Now on to abolition

Solidarity works in labor matters. We are calling off an urgent labor action at the request of the local union. The bosses were shaken up a bit.