INTERNATIONAL POLITICS BAHRAIN:

TELL US WOMEN'S WORLD CUP PLAYERS TO SUPPORT THEIR FELLOW PLAYERS IN BAHRAIN:

As this is being written the US Team at The Women's World Football Cup has advanced to playing in the finals against Japan. With each advance the significance of the team showing solidarity with other footballers in Bahrain becomes more significant. Here's an appeal from the Human Rights First organization asking you to add your voice saying that the US Team should take a stand.

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Guard The Line: Stand Up for Bahraini Athletes Supporting Democracy!
By Quinn O’Keefe
Senior Associate, Human Rights Defenders

The Women’s World Cup semifinal will take place tomorrow in Germany where the U.S. women’s soccer team has already given fans reason to cheer the players’ skill, resolve and tenacity. Half a world away, the government of Bahrain has launched a brutal attack on its athletes. It has suspended over 150 athletes, coaches and referees for supporting the democracy movement and arrested several others. The Bahraini government is hoping that its crackdown will pass unnoticed. We must not allow them to succeed.

Ask the members of the U.S. women’s soccer team to use the opportunity of appearing in the World Cup semifinals to publicly take a stand in support of Bahraini pro-democracy athletes.

The good news is that many Bahraini athletes have been released. But several were tortured and humiliated while in custody including soccer player Mohammed Hubail and his brother, striker A’ala Hubail, as well as goalkeeper Ali Saeed. Mohammed was recently sentenced to two years in prison during a sham military trial. Now, he and others fear another round of detention and torture if they speak out to journalists.

The U.S. women’s national soccer team will compete on the world stage again as they play against France in the Women’s World Cup semifinals tomorrow. They’ll have every soccer fan’s attention.

Ask the members of the U.S. women’s soccer team to stand in solidarity with their fellow soccer players and denounce Bahrain’s abusive treatment of its athletes.
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THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter to the USA Women's Team at the World Cup.
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Dear U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team,

We are deeply concerned about reports that Bahraini soccer team members were tortured during the country’s brutal crackdown on pro-democracy activists. Mohammed Hubail, A’ala Hubail, and Ali Saeed were reportedly abused during their detainment, according to friends and relatives. Additionally, Mohammed Hubail has been sentenced to two years in prison simply because he was involved in a wave of peaceful protests.

You will have the world’s attention as you take the field for the semifinal game with France tomorrow. The Bahraini government is hoping its abusive treatment of its athletes will pass unnoticed. We ask you to stand in solidarity with your fellow footballers and publicly denounce Bahrain’s treatment of its soccer players. Athlete should not be unjustly targeted by oppressive regimes because of their public prominence.

Please join us in speaking out against the arbitrary arrest, detention, and torture of athletes and all others who have been detained for peacefully expressing their views.

Thank you,

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR:

RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF MEXICAN WORKERS' RIGHT TO ORGANIZE:

Over the past few years the situation of workers in Mexico has become increasingly dire as both employers and the government employ increasingly violent tactics. This week supporters of Mexican workers will be organizing solidarity rallies across Canada and the world. Here's the story from the Maquila Solidarity Network.

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Rallies planned throughout world in support of trade union rights in Mexico (14-19 February 2011)
February 10, 2011


In recent years the few genuinely independent trade unions seeking to improve the lives of Mexican workers have found themselves increasingly under fire.

The Mexican Miners' Union (Los Mineros), the Mexican Electrical Workers' Union (SME), the union representing workers in Mexico's state-owned petroleum company PEMEX, the National Union of General Tyre Workers of Mexico (SNTGTM) and the Mexican Telephone Workers' Union (STRM) have all faced violent attacks, intimidation and repression of trade union rights.

One of the biggest obstacles to freedom of association for workers in Mexico is the prevalence of "protection contracts," collective agreements negotiated between employers and "official" unions or corrupt lawyers, which serve to "protect" the employer from the emergence of truly representative and democratic trade unions and genuine negotiations to improve wages and working conditions. Protection contracts are negotiated without the knowledge and/or consent of workers and are often in place in a factory even prior to the hiring of workers. Mexican labour rights experts estimate that the vast majority of collective bargaining agreements in the country are in fact protection contracts.

From February 14-18 trade unions in Canada and around the world are joining in the International Days of Action in support the independent trade union movement in Mexico and the right of Mexican workers to be represented by the union of their free choice.

During the week rallies are being held in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver at the Mexican embassy and consulates in those cities to show solidarity with Mexican workers. Meetings are also planned between Canadian union leaders and Mexican embassy and consular officials to discuss these pressing issues.

Planned Canadian rallies:

•Toronto rally: February 14, 13:00-14:00 @ Mexican Consulate (199 Bay Street)
•Montreal rally: February 15, 11:30-13:30 @ Mexican Consulate (2055 Peel Street)
•Ottawa rally: February 15, 15:00-16:00 @ Mexican Embassy (45 O'Conner Street)
•Vancouver rally: February 17, 10:30-12:00 @ Mexican Consulate (Harbour Green Park West Cordova & Bute)
Trade unions from around the world are calling on the Mexican government to:

1.Hold employer and government officials accountable for the Pasta de Conchos mine explosion that killed 65 miners on February 19, 2006.
2.Abolish systemic violations of workers' freedom of association, including employer-dominated "protection contracts" and interference in union elections.
3.End the use of force-by the state or private parties-to repress workers' legitimate demands for democratic unions, better wages and working conditions, and good health and safety conditions.
4.End the campaign of political persecution against the Mexican Miner's Union and the Mexican Electrical Workers' Union.
More Information:

•Read more on planned international actions.
•Information on rallies planned in the U.S.
•Read more on freedom of association and labour rights in México.
•Find out more on the Global Days of Action from the International Metalworkers Federation.
•Read more on the Global Days of Action from the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions.
•Join the cause on Facebook

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS IRAN:

STOP THE EXECUTIONS IN IRAN:


The following appeal for political prisoners in Iran comes from the Support Workers' Councils In Iran group.
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We must stop IRI's vicious wave of executions. Sign the declaration
As you might know, the Islamic Republic has started a vicious wave of executions since two weeks ago against the worker activists, political prisoners and general public. We must stop it before it goes too far.

Currently available in English, Spanish, German, Farsi, Italian, and Dutch, please take a moment to sign the following declaration in defence of political prisoners and those on death roll in Iran.
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Sign at: http://www.facebook.com/l/adaa6DLG6Uaan5Dq0FjCbJYHXrg;stopstonningnow.com/united
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Defend Political Prisoners; Protest Against Executions

To subdue the angry people of Iran, who are on the verge of revolt, the Islamic regime of Iran has intensified the execution of political prisoners and is day after day announcing list of executions.

Recent successful protest in the city of Sanandaj backed by international outrage and campaign forced the Islamic regime to call off the execution of Habibolah Latifi. However the regime immediately executed two other prisoners, Ali Saremi and Ali Akbar Siyadat.

Millions are rightly outraged by these atrocities; it is important that the international campaign is coordinated and unified; We, the undersigned, therefore join this international protest and

1. Support the international campaign in support of the people of Iran to bring an end to executions and immediate release of all political prisoners. Capital punishment is an inhumane and must be ended.

2. Demand revoking of all execution orders;

3. Demand that all political prisoners, including students, worker activists, woman rights activists or anyone who has been imprisoned for their religious or non-religious views or sexuality are released immediately. Freedom of expression is a basic human right.

4. We condemn any appeasement of this regime and demand that all governments condemn these atrocities; break all diplomatic and political relations with the regime of Iran.

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Sign at: http://www.facebook.com/l/adaa6DLG6Uaan5Dq0FjCbJYHXrg;stopstonningnow.com/united
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INTERNATIONAL POLITICS CHINA:

FREE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNER LIU XIAOBO:

Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo is this year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. At the present time he is serving an 11 years sentence for the "crime" or persistently advocating democracy and freedom in China. There isa petition directed to the Chinese authorities demanding his release. Here's the story.

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Free the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo


Signature goal: 100,000
Target: Chinese Government
Sponsored by: a Chinese citizen
Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate for year 2010, was sentenced to 11 years of prison on December 25th 2009 under the name of 'inciting subversion' because of his initiation of 'Charter 08' which calls for democracy and protection of human rights in China.

The sentence is unacceptable and illegitimate, as it's completely against fundamental human rights and China's constitution.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 states that:"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

According to Chinese Constitution Article 35, the freedoms of expression and publishing are protected as well:"The citizens of China enjoy freedom of expression, publishing, assembly, association, manifestation and demonstration."

Liu Xiaobo has been fighting for democracy and human rights for more than 20 years, and has been put into prison for many times. He is a beacon for those who are striving for the political progress in China, and those who are living in the dark.

Please join the petition, voice your support, to urge the Chinese government to release Liu Xiaobo immediately.

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THE PETITION:

Please go to this link to send the following letter to the Chinese authorities. The campaign's goal is 100,000 signatures. The last time Molly looked there were about 26,000 people signed up. Help out and sign up.

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We the undersigned, urge the Chinese government to release Liu Xiaobo immediately.

Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate for year 2010, was sentenced to 11 years of prison on December 25th 2009 under the name of 'inciting subversion' because of his initiation of 'Charter 08' which calls for democracy and protection of human rights in China.

The sentence is unacceptable and illegitimate, as it's completely against fundamental human rights and China's constitution.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 states that:"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

According to Chinese Constitution Article 35, the freedoms of expression and publishing are protected as well:"The citizens of China enjoy freedom of expression, publishing, assembly, association, manifestation and demonstration."

Liu Xiaobo has been fighting for democracy and human rights for more than 20 years, and has been put into prison for many times. He is a beacon for those who are striving for the political progress in China, and those who are living in the dark.

We urge the Chinese government to respect fundamental human rights and its own constitution, and release Liu Xiaobo immediately

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR HUMAN RIGHTS:

ENDING CHILD LABOUR IN THE CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY:

Molly's favourite holiday Halloween is just around the corner, and I've begun the long process of yard decoration. There is unfortunately a really scary part of this holiday that out spooks any graveyard gremlin. I'm talking about the vampires in the international chocolate industry who prey on the blood of child workers. This Halloween the International Labor Rights Forum is presenting a selection of ways that you can help drive a stake into the heart of these blood suckers. Here's the story. >>>

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Three Ways to Stop Child Labor in the Chocolate Industry!‏

Take Action to End Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry!
It has been almost a decade since major chocolate companies committed to ending abusive child labor, forced labor and trafficking in their cocoa supply chains, but these abuses continue today. It is time to finally put an end to these egregious labor rights violations and ensure decent work for cocoa farmers. Together we CAN make a difference in the chocolate industry! Check out these new and exciting ways to take action.

1)Check out ILRF's new report on Hershey;
2)Host a Dark Side of Chocolate screening;
3)Sign up for Reverse Trick-or-Treating.
New Report on Hershey

This week, Hershey released it's first ever corporate social responsibility (CSR) report. In response, ILRF joined with Global Exchange, Green America and Oasis USA in publishing a new analysis of Hershey's CSR activities (particularly its cocoa purchasing), Time to Raise the Bar: The Real Corporate Social Responsibility Report for the Hershey Company. The report finds that Hershey lags behind its competitors in ensuring that its cocoa is produced without child labor and other abuses. You can check out the report here. After you read the report, take action by going to Hershey's CSR survey and telling Hershey that you will not be satisfied with the company's performance and transparency until it begins to source Fair Trade Certified cocoa and implement the recommendations of the "Time to Raise the Bar" report.

Host a Dark Side of Chocolate Screening

The Dark Side of Chocolate is a new documentary by U. Roberto Romano and Miki Mistrati that exposes the ongoing use of child, forced and trafficked labor in the cocoa industry in the Ivory Coast. It is a powerful film that should be seen by all chocolate consumers. Join ILRF and our campaign partners in hosting a local screening of the film. We are encouraging people across the country to show the film to their family, friends and communities throughout October 2010, especially during a national week of action starting on October 25th and culminating on Halloween.

Click here to order your copy of the Dark Side of Chocolate.

Sign up for Reverse Trick-or-Treating

Once again, ILRF is joining a broad range of organizations across the US and Canada to support Reverse Trick-or-Treating. As part of this fun action, young people go door to door in their communities handing out Fair Trade Certified chocolate and spreading awareness about labor abuses in the cocoa industry as they go trick-or-treating on Halloween. Sign up at www.ReverseTrickOrTreating.org NOW to participate! Make sure to indicate in your order form that you heard about Reverse Trick-or-Treating from the International Labor Rights Forum.
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This message was brought to you by the International Labor Rights Forum.

HUMAN RIGHTS:

NO LECTURES FROM WAR CRIMINALS:

This appeal in recently from the School of the Americas Watch. The ex-president of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe, is due to give a series of lectures at Georgetown University as a "distinguished scholar". During his tenure as President Colombia earned the distinction of being the most dangerous country in the world to be a trade unionist. Here's the story and appeal from the SOAW.

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U.S. and Colombia

Keep Colombian Ex-President Alvaro Uribe out of Georgetown and send him packing to La Picota prison in Colombia!
Take Action Here

Georgetown University has recently announced that former Colombian president Álvaro Uribe will be named a "distinguished scholar in the practice of global leadership," and will soon begin giving seminars at the university's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS). Uribe has said it is a "great honor" for him, and that his "greatest wish and happiness is to contribute in the continuous emergence of future leaders."

Uribe's 8-year tenure in Colombia was rife with corruption, human rights violations and widespread impunity. In a letter in June to the White House, Human Rights Watch expressed "serious concerns" about the Uribe administration's record on and commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.


◘◘ More than 3 million Colombians (out of a population of about 40 million) have been forced to flee their homes, giving Colombia the second-largest population of internally displaced persons in the world after Sudan.


◘◘ More than 70 members of the Colombian Congress are under criminal investigation or have been convicted for allegedly collaborating with the paramilitaries. Nearly all these congresspersons are members of President Uribe's coalition in Congress, and the Uribe administration repeatedly undermined the investigations and discredited the Supreme Court justices who started them.


◘◘ Colombia has the highest rate of killings of trade unionists in the world.


◘◘ A clandestine gravesite of 2,000 non-identified bodies was recently discovered directly beside a military base in La Macarena, in central Colombia. When the news became public, Uribe flew to the Macarena and said publicly that accusing the armed forces of human rights abuses was a tactic used by the guerrilla. These comments put the lives of those victims who spoke at the event in grave danger.


◘◘ Starting in 2008, reports came out that the Colombian military was luring poor young men from their homes with promises of employment, then killing them and presenting them as combat casualties. The practice not only served to stack battle statistics, but also financially benefited the soldiers involved, as Uribe's government had, since 2005, awarded monetary and vacation bonuses for each insurgent killed. Human rights groups cite 3,000 or more "false positives".


Students, community activists and religious leaders have already spoken out against the university's decision, and will be planning actions of protest for this fall.

Take action NOW, by signing this letter to Georgetown University President, Mr. John J. DeGioia.

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THE LETTER:

Please go to this link to send the following letter to the President of Georgetown University.

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Mr. DeGioia,

As a person concerned with human rights, I believe that it is not only unacceptable but also completely unethical for Georgetown University to give Colombia’s ex-president Álvaro Uribe the title of “distinguished scholar in the practice of global leadership.” This sends the message that Georgetown University is not committed to upholding human rights or its own professed Jesuit values. I demand that Georgetown sides with the victims of human rights abuses and not with the perpetrators. Uribe is a criminal, and therefore not suitable to teach at a prestigious university such as Georgetown.

Uribe’s eight-year tenure in Colombia was rife with corruption, human rights violations and widespread impunity. In a letter in June 2009 to the White House, the NGO Human Rights Watch expressed “serious concerns” about the Uribe administration's record on and commitment to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Uribe’s accusations against union leaders, teachers, and members of the Supreme Court, which have seriously threatened their lives and caused multiple human rights abuses. Along with his cooperation in anti-opposition attacks, he is suspected to be involved in multiple scandals in which more than 70 of his allies in the Colombian Congress were under criminal investigation for links to paramilitary groups and corruption.

Charges by human rights organizations against Uribe include, but are not limited to, collaboration with paramilitary groups in the “false positives” scandal, which entailed luring 3,000 or more poor young men to their deaths, posing them as guerillas fighters and paying bonuses to the soldiers responsible. His legacy also includes extensive illegal phone tapping, email interception, and surveillance of critics of his administration. Not only was Uribe a destabilizing force in the region, but under Uribe’s presidency, there was also a significant rise in extrajudicial killings of civilians, and specific targetting of labor leaders, attributed to the Colombian Army, well as millions displaced from Colombians and other bordering nations. In addition, under Uribe’s administration the Colombian government violated international humanitarian law by wrongly using the Red Cross emblem in a hostage situation.

We urge you to rethink your decision about hiring Uribe as a member of your staff, and instead insist that Uribe stand trial and undergo an investigation for the human rights abuses that took place under his presidency. Unless you believe that corruption, violence and scandals are valuable tools for your students, as the President of Georgetown University, it is imperative that you take a stance on the side of justice and denounce Uribe’s human rights violations by terminating his connection with your university. Uribe should not be honored by Georgetown’s academic prestige, but should instead pay for the crimes that he committed.

Sincerely,

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS GAMBIA:
FREE GAMBIAN JOURNALIST EBRIMA MANNEH:



The following call for solidarity comes from the Care2 Petition site. The "African media foundation" referred to below is undoubtedly the Media Foundation for West Africa who have been protesting his imprisonment for some time. Some time means four years as Manneh was originally disappeared in 2006. You read all about Mannah's case and also numerous other struggles for freedom in West Africa at the Media Foundation's website. Molly found the site to be quite interesting and worth recommending.
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Free Gambian Journalist Ebrima B. Manneh

The exact reason for journalist Ebrima B. Manneh's arrest is uncertain, and the Gambian government denies knowledge of his whereabouts, but it's widely believed he is detained by the government as a prisoner of conscience.

Manneh's arrest was supposedly by the Gambian government, though they deny any involvement. Reports of the arrest cite several possible reasons for his imprisonment. It's unclear which reason is correct, but all of them point to the fact that Manneh is detained for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

An African media foundation has petitioned the Gambian government to answer questions about Manneh's disappearance, but so far they have remained silent.

Don't let the Gambian government cover up Ebrima B. Manneh's whereabouts after his murky arrest for a practicing a universal right. Tell the Gambian President Dr. A.J.J. Yahya Jammeh to release Manneh immediately.
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THE LETTER:
Please go to this link to send the following letter the President of Gambia.
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letterTarget: Dr A.J.J. Yahya Jammeh, President of Gambia
Sponsored by: Care2.com
The exact reason for journalist Ebrima B. Manneh's arrest is uncertain, and the Gambian government denies knowledge of his whereabouts, but it's widely believed he is detained by the government as a prisoner of conscience.

Manneh's arrest was supposedly by the Gambian government, though they deny any involvement. Reports of the arrest cite several possible reasons for his imprisonment. It's unclear which reason is correct, but all of them point to the fact that Manneh is detained for exercising his right to freedom of expression.

An African media foundation has petitioned the Gambian government to answer questions about Manneh's disappearance, but so far they have remained silent.

Don't let the Gambian government cover up Ebrima B. Manneh's whereabouts after his murky arrest for a practicing a universal right. Tell the Gambian President Dr. A.J.J. Yahya Jammeh to release Manneh immediately.
Dear Dr. A.J.J. Yahya Jammeh,

The exact reason for journalist Ebrima B. Manneh's arrest is uncertain, but evidence suggest he is imprisoned by your government for an act exercising his right to freedom of expression.

Multiple parties, including Manneh's father, fellow journalists, the Media Foundations for West Africa, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have asked your government to answer questions about Manneh's disappearance, including his current whereabouts. The government issued a statement saying they were not involved in the arrest and didn't know Manneh's location, despite reports that he was escorted into a hospital by police. Now, after ECOWAS issued a statement saying that Manneh's right to liberty and fair trial were violated, and asking the government to release him, restore his human rights, and repay his damages, the government is silent.

The story behind Manneh's arrest may be unclear, but one thing is certain: no one should be imprisoned for exercising the universal right to freedom of expression. I urge you to release Ebrima B. Manneh immediately.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS:

CLOSING GUANTANAMO PRISON CAMP:

It's coming close to the anniversary of the election of the great white hope (pun intended) Obama in the USA, and his promise to close the Guantanamo prison camp is still unfulfilled. Not that I find this surprising. Politticians do, after all, routinely renege on their promises, and so-called leftist politicians are no different. As we speak the kangaroo court for Omar Khadr is going on down on the US imperial outpost in Cuba. Not that I feel any great sympathy for Khadr or for his scumbag family. If they were to have their way we would be enduring a regime that would make our present governance look all sweetness and light. Still, to prevent our own regime from getting worse, certain rules have to observed. One of those might be that when you invade a foreign country without a declaration of war then you cannot charge people in a home with "war crimes" when armed soldiers break into said home trying (and mostly succeeding) to kill the inhabitants and one of the inhabitants survives. This is bizarre beyond measure.

That is the simple be all and end all of the Khadr case. Whether he threw a grenade or not is irrelevant. How many of the other people in the room survived when foreign invaders attacked with intent to kill them all ? Is this a "war crime" or is an invasion without a declaration of war a "war crime" ? You be the judge.

In any case the American Human Rights First group is campaigning to have the issue of the continued existence of the American prison camp at Guantanamo be an issue in American politics. Here is their statement >>>>

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Hitting the Campaign Trail to Close Guantánamo
This week marks a new low at Guantánamo, as the United States begins the trial of Omar Khadr, who was picked up in Afghanistan at age 15 and has spent more than a quarter of his life at Guantánamo. International law prohibits the use of children under 18 in armed conflict and requires states to rehabilitate child soldiers by assisting with their physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration. The United States has failed to abide by these obligations; instead it began jury selection in Khadr's trial, undermining a fundamental norm and setting a dangerous precedent for children forced into armed conflict around the world.

This development underscores what we know from our years of observing military commissions at Guantánamo: setting up a trial system that depends on coerced confessions, redefining the laws of war, and violating fundamental human rights standards is not only wrong, it's counter-productive. And in terms of convicting those who have committed terrorist acts, military commissions are a poor substitute for our federal courts. Not only have they failed to guarantee due process, they have only managed to convict four people, while the federal courts have convicted more than 400 terrorism suspects since 9/11.

As the election season gets underway, we're sharing the facts about military commissions with congressional candidates. Next week we will be in Illinois with retired military leaders who continue to speak out against torture and Guantánamo. They will make the case to candidates from both parties that closing Guantánamo and relying on our time-tested federal courts for terrorism trials will make our nation stronger and more secure.

You can join us in Illinois next week by signing our petition which we'll deliver personally to the candidates.

Watch the retired military leaders making the case for federal courts in our video-and join them in Illinois by signing the petition!

Sincerely,

Elisa Massimino
President and CEO
Human Rights First

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THE PETITION:

Please go to this link from Human Rights First to call for the byelection candidates in Illinois to come out for closing the Guantanamo prison camp. You don't have to be an Illinois resident to sign this petition. No matter how absurd this may seem to those of us outside of the USA we should still add our voices to this even if some Americans believe that they can invade a foreign country without a declaration of war, attack a home, kill almost everyone in the home and yet still charge someone who may or may not have thrown a grenade with "war crimes". Others would call it "failed self defence" against an illegal invader. Obviously if Khadr was dead he would not have been charged. As to his "international terrorist importance" that is an absurd joke. Note that his sick family continues to stay in Canada for the money despite their silly religious beliefs. Economics trumps ideology every time.

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Dear Candidates,

I am writing to ask that you support closing Guantánamo and using our civilian courts to try terrorism suspects.

Congress should preserve the Administration’s ability to bring terrorist suspects to justice in the United States, resettle them abroad, or repatriate them as appropriate. Should you win the seat you are running for, I ask that you support efforts to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay and end military commissions.

Our federal courts have convicted 400 terrorists since 9/11. Military commissions have only convicted four, two of whom have already been released.

Please stand strong against the fear-mongering, listen to national security experts who support the decision to close Guantánamo, and use our tried and true system of federal courts to see justice served.

Guantánamo has been a stain on America’s reputation. It has undermined our values, undercut our counterterrorism efforts and squandered an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the American justice system. If you win your office, please help us fix this and bring the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks to justice.

Thank you.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS-COLOMBIA:

FREE CARMELO AGAMEZ:

The South American country of Colombia is one of the most dangerous places on Earth to be either a trade unionist or a human rights activist. While the US government is on record as tying further aid to an improvement in human rights the Colombian government continues to use bogus charges as a political weapon against its opponents. One of these opponents is Carmelo Agamez. The Human Rights First group is campaigning for his release and the end of US aid until the Colombian government cases its frame-ups. Here's the story and petition.

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Stand Up for Colombian Human Rights Activists:

Urge the State Department to Enforce Conditions in U.S. Aid to Colombia
Colombian human rights activists are routinely targeted by prosecutors using trumped-up charges to stigmatize and silence them. Read more about defenders in Colombia.

Human Rights First documented these abuses in a report last year--and we've seen progress: dozens of activists have been released and Congress passed an appropriations law that put a condition on U.S. aid requiring the Colombian government not to persecute human rights defenders.

Colombia is not holding up on its end of the bargain.

Sign our petition to the State Department asking that it enforce U.S. conditions to aid–-and protect human rights activists unjustly detained or harassed.
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THE PETITION:

Please go to this link to send the following petition to the US State Department.

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We are concerned about the Colombian government’s treatment of human rights activists--particularly the unjust detention of Carmelo Agamez--which violates the new condition on U.S. foreign aid to Colombia that requires the Colombian government to respect the rights of activists. We urge you to encourage the Colombian Prosecutor General to close the baseless prosecution of Agamez.

Agamez has spent over one year in jail in Sincelejo, based on the testimony of witnesses he helped put in jail. He has still not faced trial. He is being detained on charges of conspiring with paramilitaries--charges which are implausible given that he has spent his career exposing links between paramilitary leaders and corrupt local politicians. In 2006 he was even included in a paramilitary "death list" and received numerous death threats. Prosecutors in the case will not even say when Agamez supposedly met with paramilitaries, denying him the ability to provide an alibi and infringing on his due process rights.

Colombian officials agree that his prosecution is problematic. Last year, the Superior Tribunal of Sucre found that the prosecutor violated Agamez's rights by failing to inform him promptly of the charges against him. The Attorney General also issued a resolution in which he ordered a criminal investigation of the prosecutor, Rodolfo Martinez Mendoza, for alleged corruption in connection with his baseless prosecution of Agamez. Mendoza is currently in prison. Despite high level governmental recognition of numerous violations of his rights, to date Agamez remains in prison without any scheduled trial. His case is one of the many examples of a state policy of harassment designed to silence the voices of Colombian civil society.

Agamez's treatment by the Colombian state breaches the condition contained in section 7046(b)(1)(B)(iv) the 2010 Foreign Operations Appropriations Law, which requires the Colombian government to respect the rights of human rights defenders. According to the law, a proportion of US aid to Colombia shall be released only if:

“The Government of Colombia is respecting the rights of human rights defenders, journalists, trade unionists, political opposition and religious leaders, and indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, and the Colombian Armed Forces are implementing procedures to distinguish between civilians, including displaced persons, and combatants in their operations.”

Through its foreign assistance laws, the U.S. should encourage the Colombian government to end its judicial persecution of human rights defenders. The baseless prosecution and unjust detention of Carmelo Agamez is clear evidence that the Colombian government is not respecting the rights of defenders and demonstrates that section 7046(b)(1)(B)(iv) is being violated.

Until the government of Colombia takes concrete action to end the baseless prosecution of human rights defenders, I urge you not to certify that Colombia is meeting the human rights standards required by U.S. appropriations law. I also urge you to encourage the Colombian Prosecutor General to grant Agamez’s request to close the criminal investigation against him.

Thank you for your attention in this urgent matter.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS-COLOMBIA:

DEATH THREATS AGAINST COLOMBIAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST:

The following story and appeal for solidarity is from the School of the America's Watch, and it is for solidarity is pressuring the USA to cease its support for the murderous regime in place in Colombia.

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Death Threat against Martha Giraldo:

Martha Giraldo, a Colombian human rights activist and a featured speaker at the 2009 November vigil to close the SOA (video), was subjected to a chilling death threat earlier this week in Cali, Colombia. Two SUVs with tinted windows -- the vehicle of choice of Colombian assassins -- tried to run her car off of the road. As they pulled up beside her, they pulled out guns and pointed them at her. They never fired a shot, but the message was clear: we can kill you, and if you don't keep quiet, we will.

Martha Giraldo and her family continue to tell the truth about how the Colombian army killed her father, a campesino, and dressed him up in guerrilla clothing to make the murder look like a "combat kill." Colombian human rights organizations report that extrajudicial executions of civilians by the Colombian Armed Forces is on the rise. Please take two minutes out of your day today to call one of the Colombia specialists at the State Department, Terry Steers-Gonzalez (202-647-4173) or Susan Sanford (202-647-3142). Click here for the message Martha would like you to communicate.

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A Letter Too:

The School of the America's Watch is also asking people to send the following letter to the Obama Administration. Please go to This Link to send the following letter to 'Mr Change' and his boys and girls.

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The recent death threat against Martha Giraldo, who had spoken out about her father's murder in Colombia, illustrates once more the dire situation that people who are speaking up for justice are facing in Colombia.

I am urging you to stand with people like Martha Giraldo, to stand for justice in Colombia and to abandon the failed U.S. policy of relying on the repressive Colombian military to protect U.S. interests. I am urging you to end U.S. military bases in Latin America, to stop U.S. military aid to Colombia and to issue an executive order to shut down the School of the Americas, now known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (SOA/ WHINSEC)
cc: Ambassador Brownfield
Sincerely,

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS:

GAY MARRIAGE INTERNATIONALLY:

The subject of gay marriage has been a matter of recent legal dispute, both here in Canada and down in the USA. Despite setbacks it seems inevitable that gays are likely to win the legal right to marry in all but the most backward of jurisdictions. It will be faster in some cases and slower in others. Molly recently came across the following extremely informative article on the Care2 site. It documents the present state of affairs internationally and also has links to the situation in US states and the timeline of developments in this matter. To say the least it contains a wealth of information, as do many of the entries on the Care 2 site. Highly recommended.

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Which Countries Have Legalized Gay Marriage?:
posted by: Steve Williams

Which Countries Have Legalized Gay Marriage?
While several states allow gay marriage in the US, the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage due to the Defense of Marriage Act. However, there are several countries that do recognize gay marriage.

Here is a resource page that contains information on which countries allow same-sex couples to get married. It will be updated to reflect future changes in marriage laws as they happen. For the sake of clarity, this page will only include those countries where same-sex marriage has been recognized. It will not include civil unions and other forms of legal recognition, as they will be part of a future list.

Gay Marriage in the Netherlands

The Netherlands became the first country to officially allow same-sex marriages on April 1, 2001. The bill, which widened the definition of marriage to include same-sex partners, was passed in September, 2000. The legislation also allowed same-sex couples the right to adopt. To find out more about the history of gay marriage in the Netherlands, please click here.

Gay Marriage in Belgium

On January 30, 2003, Belgium became the second country to recognize gay marriage. The change in the law granted almost all the rights open to heterosexual married couples, however it did not include the right to adopt. Legal co-parenting for Belgium's same-sex couples came into force just over three years later in April, 2006. For more information about gay marriage in Belgium, please click here.

Gay Marriage in Spain

Despite heavy opposition from the Roman Catholic Church, the Spanish parliament passed same-sex marriage legislation on June 30, 2005. The legislation, which made Spain the third country to recognize gay marriage, also granted adoption rights for same-sex couples, however some disparities between homosexual and heterosexual marriages remained. To help remedy this, the law on assisted reproduction was amended in 2006, allowing co-parenting recognition for married lesbian partners who had used IVF treatment to have a child. For more information on gay marriage in Spain, please click here.

Gay Marriage in Canada

Although the Netherlands was the first country to legally recognize gay marriage, a joint wedding by two Canadian same-sex couples actually preceded the recognition of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands, and seemed to precipitate, at least in part, full recognition of gay marriage throughout Canada some years later. Here is a little more detail about that case:

The couples involved were Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell and Anne and Elaine Vautour. The two couples had a joint marriage ceremony officiated by Rev. Brent Hawkes at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto on January 14, 2001. Both couples were given a government record-of-marriage following their unions. However, Ontario officials refused to acknowledge the legality of the same-sex marriages that had been carried out that day.

After a lengthy legal battle, on July 12, 2002, a lower court ruled that the marriages were legal. This decision was affirmed in the Court of Appeal for Ontario on June 10, 2003. The Court of Appeal deemed that the exclusion of same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.

This decision was not appealed by Ontario's government, and as such the couples' unions were formally recognized as having been carried out on the aforementioned date of January 14, 2001, making it, in retrospect, a quiet landmark for same-sex marriage in Canada. The date of registration the two couples eventually received was June 11, 2003.

Similar legal victories were had in British Columbia and Quebec, and eventually in nine of Canada's provinces, until the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 2004 in Re Same-Sex Marriage that same-sex marriage had constitutional validity.

The Court compelled the Canadian federal government to enact legislation to recognize gay marriage. The Canadian legislature eventually then codified the revised definition of civil marriage in the Civil Marriage Act. The legislation received Royal Assent (and therein became law) on July 20, 2005. To find out more about the history of gay marriage in Canada, please click here.

Gay Marriage in South Africa

Almost one year after South Africa's highest court ruled that the country's existing definition of marriage violated its constitution's guarantee of equal rights, gay marriages in South Africa became legal on November 30, 2006, following the South African parliament having passed a bill for same-sex marriage earlier in the month.

This made South Africa the first country in Africa to officially grant same-sex marriage, and the fifth country in the world. Same-sex adoption rights had already been affirmed in 2002. To see a brief history of the recognition of gay partnerships and how this culminated in gay marriage in South Africa, please click here.

Gay Marriage in Norway

Following a gender-neutral marriage bill that was passed by the Norwegian legislature on June 11, 2008, Norway became the sixth country to officially allow same-sex marriage on January 1, 2009. The new law also allowed co-parenting same-sex adoption rights and state funded IVF treatment for married lesbian couples. To find out more about gay marriage in Norway, please click here.

Gay Marriage in Sweden

Following a gender-neutral marriage bill being passed by the Swedish legislature in April, 2009, Sweden became the seventh country to recognize gay marriage on May 1, 2009. Sweden had previously passed a law to allow same-sex couples to adopt in June, 2002.

Notably, Sweden's Lutheran Church voted to permit gay marriages to be carried out in its congregation from November 1, 2009. This decision was a result of a vote in which nearly 70 percent of the 250 synod members of the Church of Sweden voted in favor of the move.

In 2007 the Church had approved the recognition of gay partnerships within the congregation, but without the term "marriage" being attached. To find out more about gay marriage in Sweden, please click here.

*Pending* - Gay Marriage in Portugal

On January 8, 2010, Portugal's parliament voted to approve gay marriage. The bill was passed by 125 votes to 99. A provision to allow adoption by same-sex partners was struck down. At the time of writing this, the bill must now be reviewed in committee before coming back to parliament for a final vote. However, the bill is expected to pass, and President Anibal Cavaco Silva is not expected to veto the legislation, meaning that gay marriage in Portugal could be a reality as soon as April, 2010.

*Pending* - Gay Marriage in Nepal

Following a Supreme Court decision in November 2008, in which the Court found laws against homosexuality to be unconstitutional, Nepal is now on its way to having a new range of LGBT friendly laws which will also legalize same-sex marriage. This change is expected to come into force in May, 2010.

Care2 Related Content:
Which States in the US Allow Gay Marriage?

Resources:
BBC Gay Marriage/Same-Sex Partner Recognition Time-line

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS-COLOMBIA:

SUPPORT PRINCIPE GABRIEL GONZALEZ:

The following appeal is from the Human Rights First group. Molly last reported on the case of Principe Gonzalez last October when the US government was threatening to deny him a visit to come and speak in the USA. He did, in fact, get the visa, but now the Colombian government is continuing its campaign to silence him via trumped up charges of being a member of the FARC. Here's the story of what is happening now.

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Help Colombian Activist Threatened with Jail:‏
Human rights activist Gabriel Gonzalez is facing prison for bogus charges.

You can help.

Fighting to free political prisoners was Principe Gabriel Gonzalez' life's work - until he became one.

The Colombian government brought trumped-up charges against him to intimidate him and to send a message to other human rights leaders like him. Human Rights First, with your support, worked to free Gabriel from prison so he could continue his vital human rights advocacy in Colombia.

But Gabriel again faces 7 more years in prison, and he needs our help to advocate on his behalf. Stand up for him!

Human Rights First awarded Gabriel our annual Human Rights Award last October - and we brought him to Washington to testify before Congress and to meet with government officials we are now urging to act on his behalf. Help show that public support is behind him.

We have pledged to stand by Gabriel in his struggle to advance human rights in the face of threats and intimidation. Now is the time to deliver on that promise.
On behalf of Gabriel, thank you.
Sincerely,
Sharon Kelly Communications Director
P.S.: Check out his story covered in an LA Times editorial last week.

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THE LETTER:

Please go to this link to read more background information about this case and to send the following letter to United states officials asking that they intervene on behalf of Principe Gonzalez.

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I write to express my concern about the baseless prosecution of Colombian activist Gabriel Gonzalez .

I am aware that members of your department also met with Gabriel and I wanted to draw your attention to a recent Los Angeles Times editorial about his case. Gabriel has been the victim of a baseless criminal prosecution alleging his membership in the FARC guerrilla forces.

When he testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (convened by Chair McGovern) and met with your office in October 2009 he had already been detained for 15 months, acquitted and then convicted again on the same specious charges.

Now the Colombian Supreme Court has denied the admissibility of Gabriel’s final request for an extraordinary remedy. Gabriel faces the prospect of serving another 7 years of unjust detention.

I am alarmed that the Colombian Inspector-General’s office (procuraduria) has spearheaded the campaign to put Gabriel back in prison. USAID administers approximately $3 million of annual aid to this institution. I believe that the U.S. government should be levering this aid to ensure much better performance and to ensure that the Inspector General intervenes consistently to recommend the closure of specious cases rather than appealing baseless convictions.

I urge you to express your concern about Gabriel’s case to the Colombian Inspector-General’s office and the Prosecutor-General’s office (fiscalia) (as expressed in the 2007 State department human rights report) . Gabriel’s case number is 68001-3104-008-2006-00179-01 (NI 061138) (Casacion No 32,145). I understand that Gabriel will file another appeal before the Colombian courts shortly and once filed I hope that you will contact these two institutions to urge them to acquiesce to Gabriel’s legal motions and put an end to the legal proceedings.

Gabriel’s case is just the tip of the iceberg – as Human Rights First documented in its February 2009 report the use of specious criminal investigations to silence activists is widespread in Colombia. Gabriel’s case demonstrates the need for systemic reform.

I urge you to make sure that U.S. aid to the Colombia prosecutor general’s office is used to ensure that a unit in Bogotá, such as the humanitarian affairs unit, coordinates the review of all investigations against human rights defenders. (The human rights unit plays a similar role in relation to forced disappearance investigations). Such a review would close specious investigations promptly and would deter regional prosecutors from bringing trumped-up charges in the first place. U.S. assistance should be used to guarantee due process rights for human rights activists.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I will continue to monitor this case closely.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS-UGANDA:

AGAINST THE UGANDA ANTI-GAY BILL:

Over in Uganda the government, under the influence of American Christian Right missionaries has introduced a bill that prescribes not just criminal penalties for "homosexual acts" but penalties up to and including death. Sort of a "trial run" for what some might like to see in the USA. Here, from the Care2 site is the story and an appeal to write the Ugandan government against this bill.

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Uganda to Debate Anti-Homosexuality Bill:

I know that many of you have been concerned about proposed legislation in Uganda that further criminalizes homosexuality and, in certain circumstances, could mean the death penalty for the so-called crime of "aggravated homosexuality".

Well, now you can speak out.Care2 has created a petition that you can sign to protest Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill that will then be sent to Uganda's President, Yowen Museveni.

More on this below.

First, here are a few updates on the developing situation in Uganda.

Firstly, Times Online is reporting that the Ugandan parliament will begin debating the Anti-Homosexuality Bill today, Friday December 18. Times Online has also spoken to several members of the Ugandan public regarding the proposed Bill in order to gauge their reaction. In places, the article makes for uncomfortable reading:

“Homosexuality is not natural and it’s not African,” said Arthur Owori, a 43-year-old technician. “What next? Will people start going with animals?"

Robina Matanda, a 40-year-old businesswoman in Kampala, was adamant that homosexuality must be punished.“It’s very bad, it’s inhuman, it’s immoral, it’s abusive,” she said. “They should pass the Bill and it should be the death penalty.”Student Annitah Natukunda, 24, said: “I don’t support the death penalty but I would support castration."

However, not all Ugandans believed that the Bill should be passed, while one citizen contended that, rather than legislating the death penalty and longer prison sentences for homosexuals, gay people needed "help" instead.

This was echoed by a rumored amendment to the Bill that may have gained traction this week.

In our previous coverage of Uganda's "Kill the Gays" legislation (as it has been nicknamed by many in the media), it was mentioned that some members of the Ugandan parliament were considering ditching the death penalty clause in favor of forced reparative or "conversion" therapy.

Suddenly the "Kill the Gays" legislation becomes a "Cure the Gays" drive. While on the surface this may seem like an improvement, the degree to which this can be considered a victory is only very slight given the mental and physical damage that conversion therapy can cause.

While the MP that tabled the Bill, David Bahati, is adamant that the death penalty for repeated offenders should remain, Martin Ssempa, a Ugandan pastor credited as one of the main driving forces behind the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, has released a letter (.pdf, 4 pages, from Christianity Today) addressed to US pastor Rick Warren in which he attempts to counter international criticism leveled at the Bill, urges Warren to rethink his condemnation of the proposed legislation, and also says:

At a special sitting of the Uganda Joint Christian Council task force sat and reviewed the bill to make comments. We resolved to support the bill with some amendments which included the following: a. We suggested a less harsher sentence of 20 years instead of the death penalty for pedophilia or aggravated homosexuality. b. We suggested the inclusion of counseling and rehabilitation being offered to offenders and victims. The churches are willing to provide the necessary help for those who are willing to undergo counseling and rehabilitation.

You may remember that megachurch leader Rick Warren had gone to the liberty of announcing that he and his wife had severed all ties with Ssempa whom they had previously worked with as part of Warren's pastoral work.

In what he called an "extraordinary" statement that was issued earlier this month, Warren played down his connections to Uganda's religious leaders, saying that his pastoral work in Uganda was simply about spreading the teachings of Christianity.

In their ongoing (and excellent) coverage of this issue, Box Turtle Bulletin analyze Ssempa's letter further and provide evidence to show that, at least for Ssempa, Warren's trips to Uganda have served as an inspiration for the anti-gay drive.Meanwhile, international criticism of the Bill has continued. At a meeting in Strasbourg, France, on Dec. 17, EU leaders adopted a resolution opposing Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill. In the resolution, EU members went a step further than just condemning the Bill. They asked the Ugandan parliament not only to “not to approve the bill" but also "to review their laws to decriminalize homosexuality.”This is interesting, because this now becomes a challenge, not only calling for the Ugandan government to rethink their latest anti-gay bill, but to reconsider their entire vilification of homosexuals. They won't, of course, but the EU has put impetus behind its request. As previously stated, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill attempts to permit Uganda to break previous international commitments that do not correspond with the spirit of the Bill, for instance any previous treaties that promised not to make further attempts at criminalizing homosexuality. However, the EU resolution reminds Uganda of its inability to withdraw from ratified human rights treaties through the use of domestic legislation (Article 4; Joint Motion for a Resolution 0RC-B7-0258/2009). Further to this, the resolution formally warns that, should the legislation be passed by the Ugandan government, EU member states will consider cutting aid to Uganda, saying in Article 5 of the resolution:

"5. [The EU parliament is] extremely concerned that international donors, non-governmental organisations and humanitarian organisations would have to reconsider or cease their activities in certain fields should the bill pass into law."Why have EU leaders gone to such lengths? One reason could be that they fear that once Uganda adopts such massively overreaching legislation, other African countries will intensify their own institutionalized homophobia. Evidence of this already happening appeared this week when the Rwandan government announced that they too are to consider legislation that would also criminalize homosexuality. Newsweek have an interesting article on the "domino effect" that Uganda's anti-gay legislation may have in Africa. To read it, please click here. In the US, prominent political figures have also continued to condemn the Bill, while Senator John Kerry, chairman of the US Foreign Relations Committee, released a statement, saying:

“I join many voices in the United States, Uganda and around the world in condemning Uganda's draft legislation imposing new and harsher penalties against homosexuality.

Discrimination in any form is wrong, and the United States must say so unequivocally. Many Ugandans are voicing concern that such a law will create witch-hunts against homosexuals, and hinder the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over the years the United States government, including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has worked closely with Ugandans to combat HIV/AIDS and other public health issues; we value our relationship with Uganda's people. Given the pressing HIV/AIDS crisis Uganda is facing, this bill is extremely counterproductive.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke out this week when she again condemned the Bill as she spoke to students at Georgetown University and responded to their questions:
Also noteworthy this week, Pope Benedict reiterated his opposition to what he described as "unjust discrimination" against gay men and women as well as “violations of human rights against homosexual persons.” Read more about the Pope's statement here.

As always, I'll keep you updated on this issue, including information from Uganda's parliamentary debate on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill when it becomes available. Care2 Action:Stop the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Sign the Care2 petition now, and forward it to your friends.
Find Out More at Care2:
To find out more on Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill, links to our continued coverage of this story are provided below:
Rowan Williams, Leader of the Anglican Church, Publicly Denounces Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill: Rick Warren Speaks Out While Uganda Reportedly Drops Death Penalty Clause
Ugandan Gay Death Penalty Bill: Sweden Threatens to Withdraw Aid, Should the USA?
Uganda's Gay Death Penalty Bill is 'Morally Repugnant' Says United Reform Church

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THE PETITION:

Please go to THIS LINK to sign the following petition to the Ugandan government to reconsider their bill to "kill gays".

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Uganda's Anti-Gay Bill Threatens Human Rights

Target: Yowen Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda

Sponsored by: Care2.com
There is a dangerous proposal that threatens the human rights of LGBT people in Uganda.

If passed, Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill would start a witch-hunt for homosexuals in the country. Its punishments include:

* A 7 year jail sentence for consenting adults who have LGBT sex

* A life sentence for people in same-sex marriages

* Extradition and prosecution of LGBT Ugandans living abroad

* The death penalty for adults who have LGBT sex with minors or who communicate HIV via LGBT sex, regardless of condom usage

* Jail for anyone who doesn't report suspected LGBT activity within 24 hours

The bill also endangers HIV/AIDS programs, and may be exploited by those wanting to abolish these programs.

This proposed legislation is anti-ethical, anti-equality and anti-human rights. Tell Uganda's President Museveni that this bill is unacceptable, and that people should not be criminalized for sexual orientation or gender identity.