Demand Justice for Women in Afghanistan

New Action:

From Amnesty International:

Demand Justice for Alleged Stoning of Woman in Afghanistan

Dear Rob:

On April 21, a 29 year-old Afghan woman, Amina, was publicly executed, allegedly by stoning. She was accused of adultery by her husband, and was found guilty by a local religious council. This sentence and extrajudicial execution are unlawful, and the Afghan government has arrested the responsible parties.

The majority of Afghans rely on the informal justice system to settle disputes. This is especially entrenched in areas where tribal leaders (and local commanders) have established control and the government's formal structures have not been inserted. Since the central criminal justice system is unable to provide adequate safeguards against local court decisions and similarly cannot, as of yet, ensure the minimum standards of a fair trial with due process, imposition of the death penalty by such courts is an irredeemable injustice.

Please contact Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and First Lady Laura Bush and urge them to secure the provision of financial and technical assistance to the Afghan government for education and training to end discrimination against women, and ensure justice for all.

Call on First Lady Laura Bush to use her influence to secure funds for the reconstruction of the criminal justice system in Afghanistan.

ACT NOW:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=11796

Call on Secretary Condoleezza Rice to support funding for reform of Afghanistan's criminal justice system.

ACT NOW:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=11781

Thank you for your work to promote human rights worldwide.

Milo Sybrant
Online Action Center
Amnesty International USA
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org

Colombian Human Rights Defenders Should Be Supported, Not Threatened

New Action:

From Defender Alert Network:

Colombian Human Rights Defenders Should Be Supported, Not Threatened


On May 13, 2005, Colombian human rights defender Soraya Gutierrez Arguello received a package containing a decapitated doll whose body had been quartered, burnt in several areas, and covered in red nail polish to make it appear bloodied. An attached handwritten note read: "You have a lovely family. Look after them, don't sacrifice them."

Ms. Gutierrez Arguello is President of the respected Colombian human rights organization, Corporacion Colectivo de Abogados, 'Jose Alvear Restrepo,' (Jose Alvear Restrepo Lawyers Collective).

The Colombian newspaper El Tiempo ran two classified advertisements around the same time referring to the need for security guards and other new staff at the Lawyers Collective. They appeared designed to intimidate the organization. They included the organization's telephone numbers and address and were placed by unknown individuals. One referred to the precise date, time, and address of a planned meeting between the organization and victims of human rights violations.

These latest threats to Ms. Gutierrez Arguello and the Lawyers Collective follow on the heels of several recent attacks against human rights activists in Colombia. Human rights defenders have been killed or forced to flee Colombia, where intimidation and human rights violations are carried out in a climate of impunity.

Please join Human Rights First in urging the Colombian authorities to ensure the safety of those courageous enough to speak out against human rights violations, such as Ms. Gutierrez and the members of the Jose Alvear Restrepo Lawyers Collective, and guarantee their ability to carry out their work free of harassment and intimidation.

Click Here to Take Action: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/gutierrez/ii86xu62p736nd5?

Click here for more information on human rights defenders in Colombia.

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Aid Rwandan families

New Action:

From The Animal Rescue Site:

Goat Kit Gives Vital Aid to Rwandan Families

We believe we can do more for the families of the 400 women that make our Rwandan Baskets -- and you can help! Tutsi and Hutu women who survived the devastating civil war in 1994 are now working together to create handicrafts to sell and support their families...

Small and densely populated, Rwanda is poor in natural resources and industry, and was left even more vulnerable after the war. The baskets not only provide an important source of income, the program also provides an opportunity for women to create a lasting peace and a better future for their children.

When you purchase our exclusive Goats for Rwandan Families Kit you'll help a family in need for years to come! By providing a pair of healthy adult goats -- one male and one female -- you'll boost the family's source of nutrition and give them additional opportunities to make a living.

The women receive instruction and training, so they can make the most of their new goats, and you (or your gift recipient) will receive a certificate and a small Rwandan basket ornament as our way of saying thanks. Click here to give a pair of goats to a Rwandan family or to learn more.

Darfur Action Alert and Weekly News Update

New Action:

From Save Darfur Coalition:

Save Darfur Coalition
Action Alert and News Updates

ACT NOW: Send a message to urge stronger action on Darfur

The Save Darfur Coalition joins 80 prominent advocacy groups across the nation representing millions of Americans in sending a letter outlining the steps that President Bush must take to stop the genocide in Darfur. You can send the same message. The letter, which highlights the urgency of the genocide in Darfur, calls for immediate US action through the United Nations to strengthen the mandate of the African Union (AU) force on the ground and to augment their mission to protect civilians.

By clicking below, you can join this effort to contact President Bush and other elected representatives to tell them you care about the people of Darfur and call for strong action to protect them. When our leaders understand that their constituents want them to act, they will.

Send a message to President Bush and Congress by clicking here.

Legislative Update
The Darfur Genocide Accountability Act (HR 1424) will be replaced by an alternative measure sponsored by Congressman Hyde, the chair of the House International Relations Committee. This creates a challenge to the Senate counterpart, the Darfur Accountability Act (S 495), since any bill passed by the House will have to coordinate with a Senate measure.

Activism
Grassroots support to stop the Sudan genocide grows while the world action wanes
May 23, 2005 - Reuters AlertNet, American Jewish World Service
One year ago, American Jewish World Service (AJWS) launched a Sudan humanitarian aid and advocacy campaign within the Jewish community and spearheaded the interfaith Save Darfur Coalition. Since that time there has been a grassroots swelling of activity in synagogues, college campuses, and communities across America.

Save Darfur Coalition beneficiary of charity softball tournament
The International Studies program at the University of Maryland won second place at the College Park Scholars 8th Annual Charity Softball Tournament. Having adopted the Save Darfur Coalition as its charity, the International Studies Program secured and donated $500 to the coalition.

Rabbis call for day of fasting for Darfur
May 20, 2005 - The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
Rabbis from all denominations are calling upon Jews in Los Angeles to participate in a day of fasting, prayer and political activism to raise alarm about the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan, organized by Jewish World Watch.

March for Darfur starts "Week of Conscience" in Cincinnati
May 23, 2005 - The News-Record
The University of Cincinnati chapter of Students Taking Action Now: Darfur, kicked off the "Week of Conscience" with a Freedom Walk Sunday.

Do these Dogs Look Like Outlaws to You?

New Action:

From International Fund for Animal Welfare:

Dear Rob,

Hard as it is to believe, no one wants these dogs.

They are “outlaws.” Banned in their home country of China simply for their size. In the past, they were often killed in front of their owners.

And now they desperately need your help to find a home in the United States.

I am DETERMINED to rescue these dogs with your help!

Imagine being told you have ten days to get rid of your dog, simply because it’s too big.

Consider Brownie, left behind when his family moved. And Snowy, a victim of the SARS epidemic rumors against dogs. Then there's Danver, banned in Beijing just for being a Dalmatian.

Thanks to a wonderful shelter in Beijing, China that you help fund through IFAW, these dogs, and more than 290 others, were saved from this horrible fate and lovingly cared for by veterinarians and devoted shelter staff.

But the shelter is overflowing — and these dogs need a home.

That's why IFAW has airlifted 30 of these beautiful dogs to the United States this week: to give them a second chance at life.

Despite improving support from Chinese officials, dog licenses in Beijing are too expensive for most residents. Most owners whose illegal dogs are seized simply abandon them and buy new ones.

Large dogs are banned because they are considered “dangerous,” although officials don’t define how big is too big. In addition, there is an overpopulation of smaller white dogs like Shih Tzus and Pekingese who are considered undesirable for adoption because they are too common.

I know that when you look at the images of the dogs we call Brownie and Ginger, Shari and Morin, you will not let them down.

Your gift of $100 or more can help cover the cost of the airline flights for these dogs — so they can finally reach their adoptive homes.

Your gift of $50 could provide desperately needed food and medicine to care for these dogs, and the 290 dogs in the China shelter, while they wait for adoption.

IFAW has also airlifted orphaned elephants in Kenya, drowning animals from floods, and an abused chimpanzee to a safe sanctuary in Uganda. The Beijing Dog Rescue effort is just one of a number of projects to save animals that your contribution will help.

Whatever you can give makes a difference. This an opportunity to directly save a life.

These little friends are counting on us.

Sincerely,

Fred O’Regan
President and CEO

P.S. It’s shocking that Collies, Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Dalmatians, Saint Bernards, and even Irish Setters are outlawed in Beijing. These gentle, loving dogs have no chance without us. But you can make all the difference to the lives of these beautiful dogs and other animals: make a contribution to save one of these dogs today.

ONE in Your Community

New Action:

From The One Campaign:

On Tuesday we told you about an historic opportunity to join as ONE to Make Poverty History at the G8 Summit this summer. Recently,because of people like you speaking up around the world, Europe took the first big step towards making this opportunity a reality by announcing a major increase in assistance to the world's poorest people. Now it is our turn!

Together, as ONE, we can encourage President Bush to do our fair share as part of an historic deal to help Africa and the poorest nations beat global AIDS and extreme poverty.

Here's our chance. On Wednesday, June ONE, supporters across the country will join together as ONE in churches, community centers and concert halls across the country to launch our Countdown to the G8.ONE events are being held in 20 states and the District of Columbia involving more than 150 local musicians, artists and community leaders.

Click here to find ONE events near you

Even if there is not an event planned near you, you cantake action now to join this historic effort.

Join us on June ONE as we launch a month of grassroots advocacy leading up to the historic G8 Summit! ONE by ONE we can make a difference. Together as ONE we will change the world.

Thank you,

The ONE Team

P.S. For more information about the G8 and the historic opportunity to fight global poverty and AIDS through more and better aid, debt cancellation and trade justice, click here

Help us stop torture

Editor's Note: I apologize for the lack of updates. Things have been kind of crazy for the last month or so and I maintain this site as a personal side project. I hope to get back on schedule now.

New Action:

From Amnesty International:

The use of torture is an affront to human dignity that can never be justified and must be opposed in every country of the world. Those who try to justify torture contribute to undermining the rule of law. Help us stop it. Start by signing our petition letter and show the U.S. Administration, Congress, and others that those living in the United States are strongly opposed to torture and ill-treatment in all circumstances.

ACT NOW: Sign the petition
http://www.amnestyusa.org/stoptorture/petition.html

Spread the Word!
Ask your friends to sign the petition. Let them know how important it is to pledge their commitment to denounce torture:
http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/tellafriend/index.asp?pid=139