Human Rights Update May 21-27

Miriam, human rights defender, 1942-2012

EMBASSY FINDER 

Survival International provides a useful tool for locating the embassy of any country in your country. You can also find embassies here.  

NEBRASKA USA GOOD NEWS 

The state legislature has voted 31-15 to abolish the death penalty in the state. The governor says he will veto it, but there should be enough votes to override the veto. Cheers to the lawmakers of Nebraska. Read and hear NPR about it.

CHARITY CORNER 

In the wake of the closing of the Titan and Pollyanna blogs, we are continuing the charity corner here.  This week, we are referring you to Human Rights Watch. This is an NGO that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. We quote their mission statement:
"Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice."

EU: Protecting Asylum Seekers and Refugees

They have a very high rating from charity monitors.. As an example of their activity, we present a story of their struggle against sexual abuse in the US military and the reprisals against those who dare to complain.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous tribes do not simply die out. They are killed by the actions of so-called civilized nations. Survival International provides a long list of cases in which a letter from you can and will make a difference. Please open this link and write at least one letter. This link will be a permanent feature on our blog and we would be grateful if you gave it a bit of attention each week. We suggest going down the list in the order given. The letters are pre-written for you. All you need to do is send them. It would be nice also if a donation to Survival International could be forthcoming.

This week we focus on the the Wanniyala-Aetto (‘forest people’), who live in a region of tropical forest to the east of Sri Lanka’s central mountain massif. They are thought to have lived in Sri Lanka for many millennia before the arrival of the now dominant Sinhalese and Tamils. They are commonly known by outsiders as ‘Veddah. In 1983, the Wanniyala-Aetto’s last forest refuge was designated as the Maduru Oya National Park. They were moved to government villages and banned from entering their forest without a permit. They were also banned from hunting and gathering. Survival International is trying to persuade the government to recognise the rights of the Wanniyala-Aetto to live, hunt for their own consumption and gather forest produce inside the Maduru Oya National Park. Please help as suggested in the posting. 

THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY  

Take slavery in Iraq to the International Criminal Court

We have added a new section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. We refer you to the site of Walk Free where you can find a large number of campaigns against manifestations of slavery in different countries. The number of people living in slavery is of the order of 35 million, which indicates the extent of the problem. We suggest that you look up the Fair Trade movement in your country and make an effort to avoid buying slave-produced products. This week we join the call to refer ISIS to the International Criminal Court. We note in that the past few months, an estimated 5,000 women and children in Iraq have reportedly been forced into marriage and sexual slavery by members of ISIS.2

Slavery is such a significant part of ISIS’s agenda that the group has published a pamphlet on the subject, which includes instructions such as, “It is permissible to buy, sell, or give as a gift female captives and slaves, for they are merely property, which can be disposed of."

This calls for action by the UN Security Council We refer you to a petition site that will transmit your call to all members of the Security Council. Please take this action.

MEXICO  

Demonstration against torture in Mexico

Torture is out of control in Mexico despite the adherence of the government to international conventions against torture. Please act to obtain justice for victims. 

 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Two human rights activists, Yves Makwambala and Fred Bauma remain in detention at Makala prison in Kinshasa. The two are facing charges of “treason, attempted coup and an attempt to take the life of a Head of State”. Amnesty International believes that the activists are being detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience. Please write and protest on their behalf.

VENEZUELA

Human rights defender Víctor Martínez and his family are still at risk as the protection measures granted to him are not being adequately implemented. Please write to the authorities involved and demand that they fulfill their commitments.

QATAR/FIFA/WORLD CUP SPONSORS 

The building of the facilities for the 2012 World Cup is being carried out by workers in slave-like conditions and with no regard for safety. It is expected that 62 workers may lose their lives for each game played during Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, a tournament likely to be sponsored by FIFA partner companies Coke, VISA, McDonald’s, Adidas, Kia and Hyundai. Without sponsorship, this multi-billion dollar tournament could not take place. Please click and send your demand for fairness and decency to the sponsors.

Human Rights Action Update May 14-21

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

EMBASSY FINDER 

Survival International provides a useful tool for locating the embassy of any country in your country.
http://embassy.goabroad.com/

CHARITY CORNER   

In the wake of the closing of the Titan and Pollyanna blogs, we are continuing the charity corner here.  This week, we are returning to the Nepal earthquake help scene. More tremors are happening and long term help is becoming more and more essential. We refer you to the Nepal Relief Fund of Globalgiving. This foundation has a high rating in Charity Navigator with over 97% of funds devoted to programs.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous tribes do not simply die out. They are killed by the actions of so-called civilized nations. Survival International provides a long list of cases in which a letter from you can and will make a difference. Please open this link and write at least one letter. This link will be a permanent feature on our blog and we would be grateful if you gave it a bit of attention each week. We suggest going down the list in the order given. The letters are pre-written for you. All you need to do is send them. It would be nice also if a donation to Survival International could be forthcoming.

This week we focus on the the tribal people of Siberia. Some of these peoples are nomadic reindeer herders, living in the tundra (arctic plain); others, who live in the forest tundra or taiga (coniferous forest), rely on a mixture of reindeer herding and hunting and gathering, and often live in settlements. Today their biggest problems are the environmental degradation caused by the oil, gas and logging industries in the area, and the lack of clarity about land rights. The relevant Web site provides suggestions about how you might help them, including a letter to your local Russian embassy.

THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY  

We are adding a new section to the blog in order to join the worldwide struggle against slavery. We refer you to the site of Walk Free where you can find a large number of campaigns against manifestations of slavery in different countries. The number of people living in slavery is of the order of 35 million, which indicates the extent of the problem. We suggest that you look up the Fair Trade movement in your country and make an effort to avoid buying slave-produced products.  Look for this logo.




This week we focus on the issue of forced marriage.  Every year forced marriage sentences millions of women and young children to a life in slavery. It’s a crime that’s widespread, but rarely spoken about – a crime that flourishes in the shadows of society. The UN says that forced marriage is likely to increase in the coming years unless major changes occur. Please sign the petition to enforce the UN laws against this crime.

MOROCCO 

 
When Wafae Charaf and Oussama Housne dared to speak out about being abducted and tortured, they were imprisoned for "false reporting" of torture. They must be released now.  Please join the protest on their behalf.

BRAZIL 

Last week we informed you of a  protest held on 29 April against changes in rules for social security and retirement affecting teachers which was met with unnecessary and excessive use of force by military police in Paraná state, south Brazil.  Obviously our protests have had some effect. The Public Security Secretary and many other high-level State officials have been replaced following the teachers’ protest and police repression on 29 April in Paraná State, south Brazil. The Public Defence’s Office informed Amnesty International that all those detained during the protest were released but will be subject to criminal investigation. Please continue your action  and act in support of freedom of assembly and against the use of force against peaceful protestors. Also call for an investigation into police brutality.

THAILAND MALAYSIA INDONESIA 

Thousands of refugees and migrants are at risk of death in seas around Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia after authorities have pushed back boats or refused to let them land. Please write to the authorities listed in the call for help.

Human Rights Action Update May 7-13

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

EMBASSY FINDER 

Survival International provides a useful tool for locating the embassy of any country in your country.
http://embassy.goabroad.com/

CHARITY CORNER 

In the wake of the closing of the Titan and Pollyanna blogs, we are continuing the charity corner here.  This week, in honor of Mothers' Day, we refer you to the Because I am a Girl campaign of Plan International. The campaign aims to reach 4 million girls directly – improving their lives with access to school, skills, livelihoods and protection. Please support this most worthy cause.

Score a goal for girls

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous tribes do not simply die out. They are killed by the actions of so-called civilized nations. Survival International provides a long list of cases in which a letter from you can and will make a difference. Please open this link and write at least one letter. This link will be a permanent feature on our blog and we would be grateful if you gave it a bit of attention each week. We suggest going down the list in the order given. The letters are pre-written for you. All you need to do is send them. It would be nice also if a donation to Survival International could be forthcoming.

This week we focus on the the Penan who live in Sarawak, which is part of Malaysia. Since the 1970s, the Penan have had their forest destroyed by logging and oil palm plantations. The government has told the Penan that they have no rights to their land at all until they ‘settle down’ or start farming.

A Penan man collects forest fruit. © Andy Rain/Nick Rain/Survival

The Malaysian government claims that Sarawak is being logged sustainably, but in fact its forests are being destroyed at one of the fastest rates in the world. As the forests are logged, the rivers are silted up, killing the fish. The game is being scared deeper into the few remaining forests. Please act for them.

THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY  

We are adding a new section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. We refer you to the site of Walk Free where you can find a large number of campaigns against manifestations of slavery in different countries. The number of people living in slavery is of the order of 35 million, which indicates the extent of the problem. We suggest that you look up the Fair Trade movement in your country and make an effort to avoid buying slave-produced products. This week we focus on conflict minerals in the European Union. Let us quote from a letter by an activist in Congo: "Conflict minerals -- minerals that are mined, and fueling conflict, in areas such as the Congo -- mean that a huge range of electronic products could be tainted by forced labor, sexual violence and children forced to fight by armed groups. But we have an opportunity to start to change that,,We all have the ability to make change happen."

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to encourage companies to check their supply chains to ensure that the minerals they buy from conflict-affected and high-risk areas are sourced responsibly and don’t fund violence or suffering. The vote is soon, so please act to influence the MPE's in Brussels. You need not be a citizen of an EU country to act on this matter.

BRAZIL 

A protest held on 29 April against changes in rules for social security and retirement affecting teachers was met with unnecessary and excessive use of force by military police in Paraná state, south Brazil, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. Over 200 protesters were injured and at least seven are in detention. Please raise your voice in protest against this violation of civil rights.

ECUADOR 

Environmental activist and community leader, Darwin Javier Ramírez Piedra continues to be targeted in what appears to be an attempt to silence his campaigning against the impact of mining activities on the community’s right to water. This will have a chilling effect on others wishing to exercise their right to freedom of expression and association.Please act on his behalf.

HUNGARY 

LABOR RIGHTS Hödlmayr does not respect trade union rights. 

The Austrian-founded multinational transportation company Hödlmayr International AG is making the situation of trade union officials at its Hungarian subsidiary difficult while it intimidates employees who want to join the union. Most recently they sacked the leader of the local organization, László Benkó, after he made a statement during a trial concerning the wage system.

Please join the campaign to have him reinstated and to force the company to respect the rights of its workers.

Walk Free | Time to tackle the EU trade in conflict minerals - Walk Free

Walk Free | Time to tackle the EU trade in conflict minerals - Walk Free

Human Rights Action Update April 30-May 6

Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012

EMBASSY FINDER Survival International provides a useful tool for locating the embassy of any country in your country.
http://embassy.goabroad.com/

CHARITY CORNER 

In the wake of the closing of the Titan and Pollyanna blogs, we are continuing the charity corner here.  This week we target the illicit trade in wildlife and invite you to contribute to the WildAid foundation.  The mission statement: "WildAid’s mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes. We envision a world where people no longer buy wildlife products such as shark fin, elephant ivory and rhino horn."


While most wildlife conservation groups focus on protecting animals from poaching, WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products by persuading consumers and strengthening enforcement.

CHEERS FOR THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE WHO TOOK ON SHELL OIL AND WON 

We are pleased to report the payment of compensation to the victims of Shell's decades of pollution in Nigeria. The people of the Niger valley thank all people and organizations who participated in the campaign against Shell Oil.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous tribes do not simply die out. They are killed by the actions of so-called civilized nations. Survival International provides a long list of cases in which a letter from you can and will make a difference. Please open this link and write at least one letter. This link will be a permanent feature on our blog and we would be grateful if you gave it a bit of attention each week. We suggest going down the list in the order given. The letters are pre-written for you. All you need to do is send them. It would be nice also if a donation to Survival International could be forthcoming.

This week we focus on the the Papuan people who live in the western half of the island of New Guinea which is under the rule of Indonesia and is distinct from the independent country of Papua New Guinea.  The region is home to around 312 different tribes, including some uncontacted peoples. The central mountainous region of Papua is populated by the highland peoples, who practice pig husbandry and sweet potato cultivation.

A Korowai man and child in West Papua
© Survival International

The lowland peoples live in swampy and malarial coastal regions, and live by hunting the abundant game, and gathering. They are subject to severe abuse from the Indonesian authorities. Please act to protect their human rights and their freedom to choose their way of life.

PARAGUAY 

The life of a 10-year-old girl who is pregnant after having been raped by her stepfather is in danger. Despite the high risk this pregnancy poses and her mother’s request, access to safe abortion has not been yet provided. Please raise your voice for this poor child.

CHINA 

Tibetan monk Choephel Dawa has not been heard from since he was detained by police on 28 March. It is not known where he is being held, or the charges against him, and he is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Please act on his behalf.

ROMANIA 

Eight Roma families, are at risk of forced eviction in Eforie, in south-east Romania by 30 April. The authorities must put in place key international human rights safeguards and ensure that no one is forcibly evicted. Please write to the authorities involved.

MYANMAR/BURMA 

Two union leaders, Naing Htay Lwin and Myo Min Min, were arrested in February 2015 for asking for a pay rise of $1 a day for garment workers.
 

They have been detained in the notorious Insein Prison in Rangoon. If they are convicted, they could face up to 3 years in jail.
Please open the link and act.