Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Human rights action update July 20-27
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| Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012 |
HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Erasmus (1466-1536)
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| Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to "The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam". |
EMBASSY FINDER
CHARITY CORNER
This week we call you attention to Books for Africa.
Their mission statement: A simple name for an organization with a simple mission. We collect, sort, ship, and distribute books to students of all ages in Africa. Our goal: to end the book famine in Africa.
It has a high rating with Charity Navigator and is worthy of your support.
A more detailed description is given in their name by Charity Navigator:
Founded in 1988, Books for Africa (BFA) collects, sorts, ships, and distributes books to children in Africa. Our goal is to end the book famine in Africa. Books donated by publishers, schools, libraries, individuals, and organizations are sorted and packed by volunteers who carefully choose books that are age and subject appropriate. We send good books, enough books for a whole class to use. Since 1988, Books For Africa has shipped more than 35 million books to 48 African countries. They are on once-empty library shelves, in classrooms in rural schools, and in the hands of children who have never before held a book. Each book will be read over and over again. When the books arrive, they go to those who need them most: children who are hungry to read, hungry to learn, hungry to explore the world in ways that only books make possible.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. We send you to the campaign page and urge you to choose a cause to support. View this video.THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY
We have added this section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers' supply chains cannot be overemphasized.Look for these logos:
Blast it out and make it go viral. Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places.
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| Think of your own child or grandchild |
Good News! - Angola:
Charges Against Arão Bula Tempo Dropped
The Cabinda Provincial Tribunal dismissed the criminal charges against human rights lawyer Arão Bula Tempo on 12 July.No further action is requested of the UA Network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
China:
Release Activists Detained for Exercising Rights to Freedom of Expression
Four activists have been formally arrested for "inciting subversion of state power" for commemorating the 27th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown by promoting a Chinese alcohol with a June 4 label including a picture of the "Tank Man". Please call for their release.
Russian Federation:
Review Detention of Konstantin Zadoya
A young man with no history of mental health concerns has been detained in a psychiatric hospital and forcibly treated following an argument with his father. The relevant court order was issued following a hearing that violated his right to a fair trial. Please protest for him.Dominican Republic:
Ensure Access to Abortion
The Dominican Republic Congress voted on a new reform of the Criminal Code on 19 July. This new code regresses the rights of women and girls as it now only allows abortion where the pregnancy poses a risk to the life of a pregnant woman or girl. The text will now be discussed in the Senate before being sent to the President. Please call for protection of abortion rights.INDIA
Union-busting escalates at SABMiller India following attack on rights in Australia. Please click to support the struggling workers.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Human Rights Update July 13-20
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| Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012 |
HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Erasmus (1466-1536)
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| Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to "The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam". |
EMBASSY FINDER
CHARITY CORNER
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. We send you to the campaign page and urge you to choose a cause to support. View this video.THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY
We have added this section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers' supply chains cannot be overemphasized.Look for these logos:
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| Think of your own child or grandchild |
Blast it out and make it go viral. Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places. Also please note the Urgent Action call concerning slavery in Mauritania
GOOD NEWS Good News! - Ukraine:
Ivan Bezyazykov Released From Detention
Ukrainian officer Ivan Bezyazykov was released from detention by the pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine on 5 July after spending more than 22 months in captivity and being subjected to torture and other ill-treatment. He has reunited with his wife and children in Zhytomyr, Ukraine.
No further action is requested of the UA Network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
Ukraine
Release Whereabouts of Oleksandr Dydovych
Oleksandr Dydovych was arbitrarily arrested on 17 December 2015. His wife was allowed to exchange letters with him until 16 April, while he was in the Security Service of Ukraine’s unofficial detention. His fate and whereabouts are unknown since then, and there are serious concerns about his safety. Please act on his behalf.Mauritania
Mauritania: Release Nine Anti-Slavery Activists
Nine members of the anti-slavery organization Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement in Mauritania (IRA) have been in incommunicado detention since their arrests. They were charged on 12 July with rebellion, use of violence, attack against the police and agents of justice and membership of an unrecognized organization. They are at risk of ill-treatment while in detention. Please write to the authorities and demand their release.Myanmar
Release 15 Peaceful Protestors
15 factory workers and student union members are detained in Myanmar and face a range of criminal charges for their peaceful protest to demand better working conditions. They are prisoners of conscience and must be immediately and unconditionally released. Please write for them and call for their immediate and unconditional release. Madam Aung San Suu Kyi, why are you allowing this to happen?Peru
Union organizer expelled
Orhan Akman, a German trade union organizer who has been working for UNI Americas in Peru over the last few years, has been expelled from the country. Through peaceful demonstrations alongside Peruvian workers, Akman has successfully overseen unionization and collective bargaining at companies such as Cencosud. The Peruvian government has accused Akman of “disrupting public order, tranquility and social peace” and has therefore been refused reentry to the country. Despite the authorities claiming to have evidence to corroborate these claims, no proof has been produced. We demand that Mr. Akman’s name be completely cleared and that he is entitled to freely enter and move throughout the country. Please click and join the protest.
WORLD WIDE
AFP Demand fair terms for freelance photographers
French-owned multinational media group Agence France Presse (AFP) is trying to steal workers' rights. AFP is imposing rights-grabbing new contracts on freelance photographers working in a number of countries outside of France, where photographers benefit from being covered by a collective agreement. It is discrimination. The contracts are abusive and exploitative. They seek to take away photographers' copyright in return for no additional payment. It is theft. The contract requires photographers to sign a global, irrevocable, perpetual licence to allow the company to use their photos and videos on any medium, in any language, in any form including in any future products. Despite a demand from the unions the company have failed to withdraw the contracts. They want to profit by stealing workers' rights. Don't let them. Please click and add your name.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Human Rights Action Update July 6-13
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| Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012 |
HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Erasmus (1466-1536)
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| Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to "The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam". |
EMBASSY FINDER
CHARITY CORNER
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| Health care where needed |
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. We send you to the campaign page and urge you to choose a cause to support. View this video.THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY
We have added this section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers' supply chains cannot be overemphasized.Look for these logos:
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| Think of your own child or grandchild |
Blast it out and make it go viral. Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places.
PERU
Defend 2,074 Forcibly Sterilized Women
The right to justice of thousands of women - mainly peasant, Indigenous and Quechua-speaking women who were sterilized against their will is at risk, after authorities failed to file charges against those responsible before the legal deadline passed. Please raise your voice in this call for justice.
CHINA
Release Lu Yuyu and his Girlfriend
Lawyers met with Lu Yuyu and his girlfriend Li Tingyu, two bloggers who compiled and released data on protests in China. They were criminally detained on 15 June 2016 on suspicion of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. They are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Please act for them.BANGLADESH
Release Hasnat Karim
Hasnat Karim, his wife and two children were among the surviving hostages from a recent attack in a restaurant in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on 1 July. The family was then taken into custody by the Police Detective Branch for questioning. His wife and children were released on 3 July but Hasnat Karim has not been seen since 2 July. His family has not been informed of his exact whereabouts or Please act on his behalf.
AUSTRALIA
Carlton United Breweries, maker of Australia's most popular beers, has sacked 54 union machine maintenance workers at its Melbourne brewery ahead of the impending merger between Carlton United's parent company SABMiller and AB InBev. The workers, members of the IUF-affiliated AMWU and the Electrical Trades Union ETU, were told their jobs would be contracted out but they could return to work as employees of the subcontractor - with a 65% pay cut! Please join the protest against this brutal behavior of an employer.
USA
Casino workers and members of UNITE HERE Local 54 in Atlantic City have been fighting companies and billionaires who are undercutting middle-class jobs in New Jersey. Add your name to tell Carl Icahn, owner of the Trump Taj Mahal casino, that you will stand by the 1,100 Trump Taj Mahal casino workers throughout their fight.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
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| Miriam, Human Rights defender, 1947-2012 |
HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Erasmus (1466-1536)
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| Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to "The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam". |
EMBASSY FINDER
CHARITY CORNER
This week your attention is drawn to Conservation International Their goal is "to ensure a healthy, productive planet for everyone. Because people need nature to thrive."
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| Restoring fish ponds to Hawaii |
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. We send you to the campaign page and urge you to choose a cause to support. |
| questions and answers about uncontacted tribes |
THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY
We have added this section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers' supply chains cannot be overemphasized.Look for these logos:
Blast it out and make it go viral. Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places.
GOOD NEWS! - MYANMAR: U GAMBIRA RELEASED
Prisoner of conscience U Gambira was released on 1 July after all charges against him were dropped by courts in Myanmar. No further action is requested of the UA Network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
MALDIVES
HALT THE EXECUTION OF HUSSAIN HUMAAM AHMED
On 24 June the Maldives Supreme Court upheld the conviction and death sentence against 22 year old Hussain Humaam Ahmed for the murder of MP Afrasheem Ali in 2012, despite serious concerns about fair trial proceedings in his case. If carried out, this would be the first execution in Maldives for more than 60 years. Please call upon the government of Maldives to halt this execution.DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
RELEASE PAUL KIKUKAMA NDJOKOLO
Paul Kikukama Ndjokolo has been held at Kassapa prison in Lubumbashi since 29 September 2015. He is set to stand trial before a military court and risks a prison sentence solely for having distributed a civil society press release to police officers. Amnesty International calls for his unconditional and immediate release. Please write at once on his behalf.ALGERIA
END MOHAMED TAMALT'S DETENTION
A British-Algerian man is arbitrarily detained pending the outcome of his trial for “offending” Algeria’s president and other officials on Facebook. He has been on hunger strike since his arrest on 27 June. His next trial hearing is on 11 July. Please call for his release.CHINA
RELEASE ACTIVISTS DETAINED FOR EXERCISING RIGHTS TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Five activists have been released on bail, but six remained detained for commemorations of the 27th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. They are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Please act for them.UNITED NATIONS
Stop union-busting and stop retaliation against whistleblowers at WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization. The head of this UN agency is engaging in severe union busting activities in order to fend off investigations against his own alleged corruption. Please click, read the message and put your name down for justice.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Human Rights Action Update June 22-29
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| Miriam, 1347-2012 |
HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Erasmus (1466-1536)
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| Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to "The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam". |
EMBASSY FINDER
CHARITY CORNER
This week your attention is drawn to Breaking the Silence, the organization of Israeli soldiers who expose war crimes. They were supposed to receive an award from Ben Gurion University, but the university canceled the 20,000 NIS award because of concerns that Breaking the Silence is outside of the Israeli s "national consensus" Months of aggressive campaigns from inside and outside of the Knesset against Breaking the Silence and other anti-occupation groups is clearly having an impact. Afraid that it might be the target of the next campaign, Ben Gurion University backed down.This is the work of a few people with a loud voice – including especially loud donors. We hear the 30 shekels clinking... In any case, the New Israel Fund has started a campaign to make up the award and we call for you to join it. Use this link to donate.
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. We send you to the campaign page and urge you to choose a cause to support.
THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY
We have added a new section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers' supply chains cannot be overemphasized.Look for these logos:
Blast it out and make it go viral. Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places.CHINA
Lin Zuluan, 72, a village chief in Wukan village in Guangdong province, has been detained right before a planned village assembly and protest related to illegal land grabs. He is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment and unfair trial.Please act on his behalf.
Guatemala:
Protect Impunity Watch
The offices of Impunity Watch in Guatemala were ransacked by unidentified armed men on 21 June. All persons working in the organization need immediate protection. Please call upon the government to act.USA
Papahānaumokuākea: The largest swath of protected ocean ever (!) could be created in weeks, simply with President Obama's signature.
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| Sea Turtle |
Insiders say that Obama wants to hear from the international community, knowing that protecting the ocean is a global task, and a failure not only threatens the majestic creatures in the sea, it threatens all of our survival. Add your name to show him we're all in this together -- when enough people have signed we'll deliver our voices directly to the White House and to the local leaders in Hawai'i who need our support.
KOREA
Friday 24 June marks 100 days since 41-year-old Han Kwang-ho, a union organizer at a Hyundai auto supplier in South Korea, died by suicide. Act that his death should not be in vain.
Han, an elected official for a branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union, suffered five years of intimidation, repression and attacks in retaliation for his trade union activities at YooSung Enterprise, a key supplier for Hyundai Motor Company.
Mexico:
Release Ildefonso Zamora
A federal judge in Mexico has ruled in favor of Indigenous rights defender Ildefonso Zamora who has been in prison since November 2015. The Mexico State Attorney General should now accept that the case against Ildefonso Zamora is baseless and refrain from appealing the ruling. This will be a key step towards securing Ildefonso Zamora’s release. Please call upon the judicial authorities to refrain from appealing this decision.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Human Rights Action Update June 15-22
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| Miriam, human rights defender, 1947-2012 |
HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Erasmus (1466-1536)
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| Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to "The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam". |
EMBASSY FINDER
CHARITY CORNER
This week your attention is drawn to the Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights. Their rapid response grant program is described as follows:"Our Rapid Response Grantmaking program supports activists to seize unanticipated opportunities to make change and to protect themselves when in immediate danger. Activists may apply in any language, on any day of the year, and are guaranteed a response within 72 hours. Funds can be wired within a week." The charity is rated highly by Charity Navigator.We are with their statement on Orlando:
In Support of Love
We stand with the dancers, the music makers, the friends, and the lovers, who find solace in nightclubs in Orlando. We stand with the peace makers, the open hearted, those who do not succumb to fears, but instead look for constructive pathways forward. We stand with the activists, with those who make the safety of the whole community their concern.
Read More
GOOD NEWS! -
For the moment. Strong mobilization by a wide coalition of citizen groups including trade unions has succeeded in temporarily blocking renewed EU authorization of glyphosate, the world's most widely-used herbicide and the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup. This is a most worthy struggle. Put the word on this on all your social media.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. We send you to the campaign page and urge you to choose a cause to support.
THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY
We have added a new section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers' supply chains cannot be overemphasized.Look for these logos:
Blast it out and make it go viral. Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places.KAZAKHSTAN
Drop Charges Against Activists
Following the wave of arrests of activists in May to prevent their participation in peaceful demonstrations across different cities in Kazakhstan, three remain in detention and now face criminal charges. They are prisoners of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Please act.DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)
Release Bienvenu Matumo, Marcel Heritier Kambale Kapitene, and Victor Tesongo
Bienvenu Matumo, Marcel Heritier Kambale Kapitene, members of Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA), and another activist Victor Tesongo were sentenced by the Peace Tribunal of Kinshasa/Gombe to a year in prison and fined 100,000 Congolese Franc each (approximately 100 USD). The Peace Tribunal made the decision on 20 May. Their lawyers will appeal this decision. The three youth activists had been charged with “spreading rumours” and “incitement to disobedience”. Please call for their release.
ITALY
PROTECT ROMANI FAMILIES FROM HOMELESSNESS
Around 300 Roma people living in the Masseria del Pozzo camp in Naples, in southern Italy, are at imminent risk of being moved to poor and inadequate housing. The camp has been deemed hazardous for human habitation by judicial authorities and will be closed. The municipal authorities have so far failed to offer adequate alternative housing to the Roma families Please write for them.
TURKEY
AVON, the global cosmetic company, has a warehouse located in the Gebze industrial zone, on the outskirts of Istanbul. The workers there, mostly women, are subject to abuse, exploitation and denial of union rights. Please click on the call to remedy this situation.If the site comes up with my details, erase them and fill in your own. Sometimes IUF is overeager to be user-friendly.
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