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Archives: May 2010
MEXICO: Oxaca and Zapitista updates
From the Authorities of the Autonomous Municipality of San Juan Copala
Because silence cannot be imposed through the sound of gunfire: We call for the Bety Cariño and Jyri Jaakkola Humanitarian Caravan which will occur on June 8, 2010.
The humanitarian conditions are extreme and the people cannot bear it anymore, without water, electricity, or food, the families need our support and solidarity, which is why we seek to coordinate with national and international human rights groups. We also call on the International Red Cross, Amnesty International, Peace Brigades International, and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico to join this caravan to the extent that they are able.
To the national and international media, committed to the truth, that you document and verify the reality of San Juan Copala, that you tell the world how the subjugated and exploited live in Mexico and Oaxaca, that you see firsthand the inhuman conditions that Bety Cariño and Jyri Jaakkola sought to document, losing their lives for it.
The integrity and security of all who accompany this caravan is the responsibility of the Mexican state as a whole, the rights outlined in our constitution and international treaties cannot be circumscribed by paramilitary groups or corrupt governments.
The Bety Cariño and Jyri Jaakkola Humanitarian Caravan will succeed in breaking the paramilitary siege and saving the lives of the more than 70 families who are surviving under inhuman conditions.
Continue Reading » http://elenemigocomun.net/3632
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San Juan Copala, Oaxaca.
http://contralinea.info/video/2010/copala/
Since November 28, 2009, The political center and ritual of the culture triqui is found in state of siege, subjected permanently to the indiscriminate shootings by the paramilitary groups of the Union for the welfare of the Triqui (Ubisort) Region of Priista (PRI party) affiliation, headed by Rufino Juárez, student of the current secretary of Government of Oaxaca, Evencio Nicolas Martínez. Since then, 500 people have been displaced. Thirty others 30 they have been murdered and an indeterminate number injured. All have been ambushes.
The paramilitaries attack night and day, they do not permit food or medicines to enter or leave the community (town). They cut the electrical cables, the telephone lines and broke the drinking water pipelines. These fighters assure the settlers of San Juan that there is no law nor authority superior to the weapons of the Ubisort and those of the Movement of Unification and Triqui Struggle (MULT). The sin of these indigenous refugees in their homes: to throw went to all the political parties and to establish an autonomous municipality based on its culture and tradition.
Desde el 28 de noviembre de 2009, el centro político y ceremonial de la cultura triqui se encuentra en estado de sitio, sometido permanentemente a los disparos indiscriminados de los grupos paramilitares de la Unión para el Bienestar Social de la Región Triqui (Ubisort), de filiación priista, que encabeza Rufino Juárez, el alumno del actual secretario de Gobierno de Oaxaca, Evencio Nicolás Martínez. Desde entonces, 500 personas han sido desplazadas. Otras 30 han sido asesinadas y un número indeterminado, heridas. Todas han sido emboscadas.
Los paramilitares atacan noche y día, no permiten la salida ni la entrada a la población de personas, alimentos ni medicinas. Cortaron los cables de la luz eléctrica, las líneas del teléfono y rompieron los ductos del agua potable. No hay ley ni autoridad que valga más que las armas de la Ubisort y, aseguran los pobladores de San Juan Copala, las del Movimiento de Unificación y Lucha Triqui (MULT). El pecado de estos indígenas refugiados en sus casas: echar fuera a todos los partidos políticos e instaurar un municipio autónomo basado en su cultura y tradición.
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FARMWORKERS: Demanding Justice
NFWM Joins FLOC in Demanding Justice for Farm Workers from RJ Reynolds
Supporters of human rights and justice joined the National Farm Worker Ministry and the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Friday May 7, 2010 where Reynolds Tobacco held its annual shareholders meeting.
More than 30 farm worker supporters gained access to the meeting by purchasing a share of the company’s stock. They used the question and answer period to create a dominating presence inside the meeting, giving voice to the real human rights situation for tobacco farm workers in the fields of North Carolina. At the conclusion of the meeting, Rev. Carlton Eversley, President of the Ministers’ Conference of Winston-Salem led the group out singing a civil-rights spiritual
After the shareholders meeting ended, NFWM & FLOC supporters held a rally in downtown Winston-Salem and heard reports about the meeting from a number of the people inside. Supporters then marched through the streets, past Reynold’s headquarters, to Lloyd Presbyterian Church.
As Reverend Laura Spangler of Lloyd Presbyterian Church wrote:
“At the May 7th shareholders meeting, the concerns of farm workers dominated the event. CEO, Susan Ivey professionally held the microphone upfront, but nearly 30 farm worker advocates spoke beautifully and powerfully from the center of the room. No other voice was as profound. We gathered before 7:30am to prepare and register for our speaking blitz. Once we entered the auditorium for the shareholder meeting at 9:00am, we did not leave until our resounding closing prayer and musical exit. Our presence was unmistakably strong, representing at least one third of the many executives gathered.”
To read Rev. Spangler’s entire reflection, paste this URL:
(http://www.nfwm.org/sites/default/files/secondary/northcarolina/Rev%20%20Spangler%20Reflection%20-%20Reynolds%20Shareholders%20Meeting%205-7-10.pdf)
For more photos of the day’s events, paste this URL:
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/nfwm/sets/72157623970192509/show/)
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IMMIGRATION UPDATE: REPAIR (the newest proposal) information
The debate about immigration reform, including whether it can comprehensively represent bi-partisan interests and whether it can be achieved this year, is ongoing. Despite concessions that comprehensive immigration reform might not take place in 2010, recent activities around the country, including the passage of SB 1070 in Arizona, have kept the issue on the congressional radar. On April 29, Democratic Senators Reid, Durbin, Schumer, Leahy, Feinstein and Menendez announced the Real Enforcement with Practical Answers for Immigration Reform (REPAIR) proposal. However, it is still too early to tell whether this proposal will satisfy the interests of both parties as they continue to face off on this critical issue. We want to alert you to resources on the proposed immigration reform available through the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), our partners, and other advocates.
On Immigration Advocates Network:
- The text of the final REPAIR proposal is available at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15303) (login required)
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association's summary of the REPAIR proposal is available at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15304) (login required)
- A transcript of President Obama's May 5th remarks on CIR, in which he calls for bi-partisan support for comprehensive immigration reform, is available at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15305) (login required)
The "Immigration Policy" Library contains:
- "Solutions That Work: A Policy Manual for Immigration Reform," by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, is available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15306 (login required)
- A March 2010 report from the Immigration Policy Center that analyzes immigration policies in the first year of the Obama administration, "DHS Progress Report: The Challenge of Reform," is available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15307 (login required)
- Additional policy resources on comprehensive immigration reform are available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15308 (login required)
The "News" section contains:
- A New York Times article on the REPAIR proposal, "Democrats reframe the Debate on Immigration," is available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15309
- An article from The Hill, "Obama courts GOP on immigration," is available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15310
- A CNN article that discusses a new source of support for immigration reform, "New force for broad immigration reform: conservative evangelicals," is available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15311
- A Washington Post article on the President's April 2010 comment about the likelihood for immigration reform in 2010, "Obama: 'There may not be an appetite' to tackle immigration this year," is available at www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15312
Other resources on comprehensive immigration reform in 2010:
American Immigration Lawyers Association
The American Immigration Lawyers Association website includes the statement, "AILA Welcomes Senate Proposal to Fix our Nation's Broken Immigration System," at www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=31864
National Council of La Raza
The National Council of La Raza, the nation's largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, has developed several resources on comprehensive immigration reform at www.nclr.org/content/policy/detail/1058/
National Immigration Forum
An article from the National Immigration Forum, "Democrats unveil 'conceptual proposal' for immigration reform," is available at www.immigrationforum.org/policy/update-display/democrats-unveil-conceptual-proposal-for-immigration-reform/
Reform Immigration for America
The Campaign to Reform Immigration for America, a national effort to build support for workable comprehensive immigration reform, provides information, updates and opportunities to support immigration reform efforts at reformimmigrationforamerica.org
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see:
IMMIGRATION UPDATES: Student actions and SB1070 in IFCLA archives for background
Yahaira Carrillo has been released from detention, however; she is still facing deportation. We must continue to come together as a community and pressure Senator Brownback and Senator McCaskill to co-sponsor the DREAM Act. We only have a short amount of time, but together, we can do this and it will be a huge victory for the entire immigrant community.
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Legal response to SB1070 in Arizona and action in St. Louis -- President Obama to send 1200 National Guard to the boarder
The national debate over immigration is intensifying. On Monday, May 17th, the National Immigration Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union, in conjunction with the ACLU of Arizona, MALDEF, the NAACP, the National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON), and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC), announced the filing of a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB 1070, which is scheduled to take effect in late July 2010. Specifically, the suit charges that SB 1070 interferes with federal immigration authority, violates the equal protection rights of people of color, authorizes unreasonable seizures, and infringes on free speech. The suit was filed in Federal District Court for the District of Arizona and is the fifth legal challenge filed against the law. We want to alert you to resources on this lawsuit and related issues available through the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), our partners, and other advocates.
On Immigration Advocates Network:
- A press release from NILC, the ACLU and other coalition partners regarding the federal lawsuit filed to challenge SB 1070, "NILC and Civil Rights Groups file Legal Challenge to Arizona Racial Profiling Law," is available at (http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15256) (login required).
The announcement is also available on the NILC website at (http://www.nilc.org/pubs/news-releases/nr014.htm) and the ACLU website at (http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights-racial-justice/aclu-and-civil-rights-groups-file-legal-challenge-arizona-racial-pr).
The complaint is available at (http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15257) (login required).
The ACLU website also includes the complaint and information about some of the plaintiffs challenging SB 1070 at (http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights-racial-justice/some-plaintiffs-challenging-sb-1070)
- "Uncover the Truth Behind ICE and Police Collaboration: Teach-in Toolkit," a resource developed by the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, NILC and NDLON, which is designed to share first steps that local communities can take to oppose the growth of the police-ICE partnerships that led to the civil rights crisis in Arizona, is available at (http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15258) (login required)
The "News" section contains:
- A 2002 memorandum may complicate a potential lawsuit by Attorney General Eric Holder's office against Arizona. A Washington Post article addressing this issue, "Memo from 2002 could complicate challenge of Arizona immigration law," is available at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15259)
- Two Arizona police officers have filed federal lawsuits over SB 1070. Articles about these lawsuits include "Cop had to take stand and fight SB 1070" at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15260) and "Arizona immigration law hit with its first 3 lawsuits" at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15261)
- CBS News discusses the current pending legal challenges against SB 1070, including the suit filed by NILC and ACLU, as well as the two suits filed by Arizona police officers and a group representing Latino clergy at (www.immigrationadvocates.org/news/article.313995-Arizona_Immigration_Law_Faces_New_Legal_Fight)
Other resources on SB 1070:
ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project
The ACLU website includes the campaign, "What Happens in Arizona Stops in Arizona," at http://www.aclu.org/what-happens-arizona-stops-arizona The website also includes a Q&A about SB 1070 at (www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights-racial-justice/q-arizonas-sb1070-racial-profiling-bill) and a FAQ about the Arizona racial profiling law at
(www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights-racial-justice/frequently-asked-questions-about-arizona-racial-profiling-law)
Alto Arizona!
Alto Arizona!, a campaign by the National Day Labor Organizing Network (NDLON), Puente Movement, and other organizations, provides information, resources, videos and opportunities to take action at (http://altoarizona.com/index.html)
Immigration Policy Center
The Immigration Policy Center website includes a section on the legal challenges and economic realities of Arizona's SB 1070 at (http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/legal-challenges-and-economic-realities-arizonas-sb-1070)
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http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/us/26border.html?hp
Obama to Send 1,200 Guard Troops to Mexico Border
By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD
Published: May 25, 2010
LOS ANGELES — President Obama will send up to 1,200 National Guard troops to the Southwest border and increase spending on law enforcement, yielding to demands from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers there that border security be tightened, administration officials said.
Mr. Obama is expected to make the announcement Tuesday, the officials said, after a meeting with lawmakers.
Homeland Security officials said that the troops would provide support to law enforcement officers already working along the border by helping observe and monitor traffic between official crossing points, and would help analyze trafficking patterns in hopes of intercepting illegal drug shipments. They performed similar tasks in an earlier deployment along the border from 2006 to 2008, when they also assisted with road and fence construction. The troops have not been involved directly in intercepting border crossers.
Calls to send troops to the border mounted after the shooting death of a rancher in southern Arizona on March 27; the police suspect the rancher was killed by someone involved in smuggling. Advocates of a new state law in Arizona that gives the police a greater role in immigration enforcement also emphasized what they considered a failure to secure the border as a reason to pass the law.
Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat from southern Arizona, praised the decision. Ms. Giffords is expecting a strong challenge for reelection, and was an early proponent of sending troops to the border.
“The White House is doing the right thing,” she said in a statement announcing the move. “Arizonans know that more boots on the ground means a safer and more secure border. Washington heard our message.”
In addition to the soldiers, the White House said it would request $500 million in supplemental funds to pay for more federal agents, prosecutors, investigators and technology at the border.
Homeland Security officials have said that they have significantly increased border security efforts since Mr. Obama took office. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, a former governor of Arizona, said last month that the border was “as secure now as it has ever been,” though she conceded there was room for improvement. Critics on the right derided her remarks as out of touch.
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COLOMBIA: Elections on Sunday, May 30 - vote leads to run off June 20
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=5110
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=5111
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1990306,00.html?xid=newsletter-daily
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Meanwhile: human rights abuses and assassinations continue:
week of May 17: Rogelio Martinez, 51, a leader of the families of the displaced by Colombia's violence, was shot to death in what human rights groups said is the latest attack on activists seeking the return of land allegedly stolen by rightest paramilitary groups.
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MEXICO: Calderon speaks to Congress -- we need to speak too!
Tell Your Community: Replace Mérida!
This week President Obama is hosting a state dinner for Mexican President Felipe Calderón. High on their agenda is the future of the Mérida Initiative: the Bush-era program to fund Mexico’s “war on drugs.” Thanks to Mérida, more than $1.4 billion of our taxes have already been dumped into this losing war.
Despite a nearly tenfold increase in U.S. funding for Mexico’s military and police, drug-related violence in Mexico continues to soar, claiming over 20,000 lives since 2006. We cannot afford another year of Mérida.
Help us gain an overdue change in direction by sending a quick letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Just enter your zip code below to see papers in your area.
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5436/letter/?letter_KEY=305
Once you select your paper, you will have the opportunity to adapt a sample letter we have provided. You can also click on the talking points to the right of the sample letter to easily include them in your letter. Try to keep your letter to about 200 words. Thanks for helping your community unearth the roots of Mexico's drug violence.
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letter from Sean Jones, IFCLA Volunteer
With Mexican President Felipe Calderon speaking to Congress today, it is no surprise that one point of focus will be the Mérida Initiative. The attempt by the U.S. to use military means to solve Mexico’s problems needs to end. Dumping 1.4 billion of U.S. tax dollars into a “war” that only continues to fester is an effort that is sure to bear no fruit, with Mérida failing to prevent 20,000 deaths since 2006. The technology it provides Mexico currently – namely eight Black Hawk helicopters, two surveillance planes for the Mexican Navy, and night vision goggles for Mexican police – shows no promise of ending the struggle as violence continues to ascend. Not to mention, the same armed forces the U.S. is funding have committed 3,388 human rights violations in the past three years, with rape and torture peppering the list of atrocities taking place. Supply and demand are the main factors driving the erosion of Mexican security, with Mexican youth finding solace in employment opportunities that narcotrafficking offers in the face of a lack of other secure positions, coupled with the demand of U.S. junkies who continue to push for fix after fix of their drug of choice. Mérida is a failing bandage on the festering gash in the surface of North America that is the Mexican “war” on drugs, and only adds more arms to an already explosive and out of control conflict. The search for a more successful alternative is completely and absolutely necessary.
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FARM WORKERS: Sign the pledge to support Giumarra workers
Sign the pledge to support Giumarra workers
With the table grape harvest just around the corner, farm workers at Giumarra urgently need a major public display of support. Consumers in this country are the ultimate power when it comes to requiring higher standards from companies--as we can always vote with our dollars. As a result of consumers raising their voice, grocery store shelves and coolers are now stocked more and more with sustainably, organically, and humanely produced and fairly traded items. We need you to raise your voice to help get the message to the mega-company Giumarra and their Nature's Partner label. Giumarra markets their products as Nature's Partner, but in reality they are anything but.
Data show that it only takes about 5-10% of a store's customer base to impact purchasing decisions. Please help by signing our Giumarra/Nature's Partner pledge. Without a push from consumers, these farm workers will continue to have to deal with miserable conditions--inadequate shade and water, dangerous pesticide exposure, extremely low wages, and disrespectful treatment.
When it comes to poor conditions and lack of respect for farm worker dignity, Giumarra/Nature's Partner, the nation's largest table grape grower and a major distributor of globally-sourced avocados, berries, asparagus, tree fruit, and counter-season items, is one of the worst offenders. Giumarra's record includes: two farm worker heat deaths; a lawsuit filed by the federal government alleging the disturbing sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl--who was subsequently fired for complaining about the misconduct; and another lawsuit filed on behalf of workers alleging that the company failed to pay millions of dollars in wages.
Workers report that when they try to take action to change conditions at Giumarra, the company responds with harassment and intimidation. Indeed, a CA labor judge agreed, finding the results of a previous union election held at Giumarra to be invalid on account of the company's interference.
Please sign the pledge in support of the Giumarra Vineyards farm workers who are fighting to improve their conditions by getting a union contract.
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IMMIGRATION UPDATES: Student actions and SB1070
>>>send us an email if you want to get frequent immigration updates
May 17, 2010
Illegal Immigrant Students Protest at McCain Office
By JULIA PRESTON
In an escalation of protest tactics, five immigrants dressed in caps and gowns held a sit-in on Monday at the Tucson offices of Senator John McCain, calling on him to sponsor legislation to open a path to legal status for young illegal immigrants.
Four of the protesters, including three who are in the country illegally, were arrested Monday evening on misdemeanor trespassing charges. The three were expected to face deportation proceedings.
It was the first time students have directly risked deportation in an effort to prompt Congress to take up a bill that would benefit illegal immigrant youths.
Separately on Monday, a lawsuit was filed in federal court in Phoenix by a coalition of civil rights, labor and religious groups challenging the new Arizona law that allows the police to detain suspected illegal immigrants as unconstitutional, saying it would lead to racial profiling.
Though it was the fifth suit challenging the law, it was widely believed to have the best chance of being heard by the courts given the groups’ experience and the nature of the complaint.
Brooke Buchanan, a spokeswoman for Mr. McCain, said of the protesters, “The individuals have a right to peacefully protest in the senator’s office,” and added that Mr. McCain “understands the students’ frustrations.”
But she said: “Elections have consequences, and they should focus their efforts on the president and the Democrats that control the agenda in Congress.”
Mr. McCain, a Republican, has in years past repeatedly sponsored a bill that would offer legalization for illegal immigrant students who were brought to the United States as children by their parents, known to its supporters as the Dream Act. But this year he has not. Mr. McCain is facing a primary challenge from J.D Hayworth, a talk show host who has taken a tough stand on illegal immigrants.
The students protesting in Mr. McCain’s office said they wanted to increase pressure on Congress to pass the Dream Act this year, even if lawmakers do not take up a broader overhaul of the immigration system. The student bill is currently part of a Democratic proposal for an overhaul, largely written by Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York.
“I’ve been organizing for years, and a lot of my friends have become frustrated and lost hope,” said one of the students, Lizbeth Mateo, 25. “We don’t have any more time to be waiting. I really believe this year we can make it happen.”
Ms. Mateo, who came to the United States when she was 14, said she paid full tuition to earn a degree from California State University, Northridge, the first member of her family to graduate from college. She said her plans to attend law school had failed because she lacked legal status.
Ms. Mateo was arrested, along with Mohammad Abdollahi, 24, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and Yahaira Carrillo, 25, of Kansas City, Mo. All three are illegal immigrants.
Also arrested was Raúl Alcaraz, 27, an immigrant from Mexico who is a legal resident and a counselor at a Tucson high school.
The protesters walked into Mr. McCain’s office just before noon and sat in the lobby.
Tania Unzueta, 26, who is from Los Angeles, joined the sit-in, but she said the group decided she should leave the protest in order to avoid arrest.
Mr. Abdollahi said he could not return to Iran, where he was born, because he is gay and feared persecution there.
Margo Cowan, a lawyer representing the students, said that the Tucson police said they would advise federal immigration authorities of the arrests, and that she expected the students would be put in immigration detention.
Illegal immigrant students have become increasingly public in their protests in recent months, as the prospects for an immigration overhaul faded in Washington. Four immigrant students walked from Miami to Washington, arriving in late April. So far, immigration authorities have not moved to detain student protesters.
Lawmakers are divided over whether to take up the Dream Act as separate legislation. Andy Fisher, a spokesman for Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana, a Republican who is a lead sponsor of the bill, said that the senator did not support any effort to advance a comprehensive immigration overhaul this year, but that he believed the Dream Act could be “doable” separately.
An aide to Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, a Democrat who is the act’s other lead sponsor, said he continued to see it as part of an overhaul.
Lawyers for the groups that filed the suit over the Arizona immigration law Monday took aim at a chief argument of its supporters: that it largely parallels existing federal statutes. The lawyers said the Arizona law went further because federal agents are not required to check the immigration status of people they stop or arrest, as the state law requires.
Randal C. Archibold contributed reporting.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/us/18dream.html
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Pueblo Politics: http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/pueblo-politics/
Activists arrested in immigration protest at McCain's office
Four young immigration activists, three undocumented, were arrested for trespass when they refused to leave U.S. Sen. John McCain’s Tucson office after closing.
Initially, five activists, all dressed in graduation caps and gowns, launched a sit-in around lunchtime, while about 50 supporters chanted and cheered them outside. Just before 6 p.m., Tania Unzueta, a 26-year-old who has lived in Chicago since she was 10, came out to serve as a spokesperson, saying she had the weakest immigration case.
She cried as she waited for the arrests. “I know how they’re feeling right now. They’re scared, but they know this is the right thing to do.”
The activists were part of a larger coalition of student-aged activists who are demanding that Congress revisit the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for students who meet certain requirements, including living in the United States for five consecutive years, arriving before the age of 16, and completing a high school or general equivalency diploma.
In 2007, then-presidential contender McCain was absent for a vote on the act, which failed to advance in the Senate by eight votes.
McCain’s office released a statement saying that while he understands the students’ frustrations, “elections have consequences and they should focus their efforts on the President and the Democrats that control the agenda in Congress.”
One of those arrested, 25-year-old Lizbeth Mateo, came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 14. She became the first in her family to graduate from high school and said she graduated from California State University with a bachelor’s in chicano studies. While she took the test for law school, she said, she couldn’t take any scholarships because of her status.
“I’ve been a good student. I’ve never been in trouble,” she said, adding she’s willing to take the risk that she’ll be deported. “Living life this way without hope is not enough.”
Mohammad Abdollahi, a 24-year-old from Iran who lives in Michigan, was also arrested, saying he’s willing to face deportation as well. “It’s a risk everybody in our community faces on a daily basis. And at the end of the day, we need a solution.”
The other two arrestees include 27-year-old Raúl Alcaraz, a legal permanent resident who lives in Tucson, and Yahaira Cariillo, who is originally from Mexico but lives in Kansas City.
A police van backed up to the office doors, allowing the crowd only a brief glimpse of the waving arrestees.
Flavia de la Fuente, the spokeswoman for the group and a 22-year-old political science student at UCLA, said the goal is to create a “moral crisis” that will trigger rallies, vigils, hunger strikes and other demonstrations across the nation.
While other protests are planned at congressional offices of both parties across the country, de la Fuente said Arizona was picked as a battleground both because McCain in the past was a supporter of the act, and because of the new immigration law. “I think a standard based on enforcement and racial profiling is not a standard America wants for its immigration policy,” she said. Although racial profiling is expressly prohibited in the law, she said the vagueness of the law will make profiling the natural result.
Posted in Pueblo-politics on Monday, May 17, 2010 7:09 pm
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-ralls/a-gay-immigrant-reaches-f_b_579488.html
A Gay Immigrant Reaches for a DREAM
Huffington Post (blog) - 4 hours ago
This evening in Arizona, a young, gay man is literally putting his life on the line. In today's Arizona, the fact that Mohammad Abdollahi is willing to ...
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http://michiganmessenger.com/37916/arrest-of-ann-arbor-man-leads-to-calls-for-vigils
Arrest of Ann Arbor man leads to calls for vigils
Michigan Messenger - Todd A. Heywood - 41 minutes ago
One Michigan has announced that it will host vigils in Detroit and Lansing Tuesday to continue calls for the passage of ...
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http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=12497415
Iranian included in arrests outside of McCain's Tucson office
KOLD-TV
TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - Four undocumented immigrants -- one from Iran, two from Mexico-- have been arrested outside of Sen. McCain's office downtown. ...
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http://azstarnet.com/news/blogs/pueblo-politics/article_092e5b34-6223-11df-94d1-001cc4c002e0.html
Pueblo Politics: Activists arrested in immigration protest at McCain's office
Arizona Daily Star (blog) - Rhonda Bodfield
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Four young immigration activists, three undocumented, were arrested for trespass when they refused to leave US Sen. John McCain's Tucson office after ...
http://michiganmessenger.com/37913/breaking-undocumented-youth-protesting-at-mccains-office-in-tuscon-arrested
BREAKING: Undocumented youth protesting at McCain's office in Tuscon arrested
Michigan Messenger - Todd A. Heywood -
Priscila Martinez, campaign manager for One Michigan, has confirmed that the undocumented youth protesting at Arizona Sen ...
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http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-man-partakes-in-immigration-rights-sit-in-at-sen-john-mccains-tuscon-office/
Ann Arbor man part of sit-in protest at Sen. John McCain's Tuscon office
AnnArbor.com - James Dickson -
It's the only home the 24-year old Iranian has known since he arrived in the United States at the age of 3 with his parents. Problem is, the Abdollahis ...
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Tania Unzueta, one of the undocumented student was selected from the group to become the spokesperson and she declared to local news in Tucson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUidoQgrmqA&feature=player_embedded
This group of undocumented students have created a website called The Dream is Coming which posted a press release yesterday afternoon:
Peacefully Resist Current Immigration Law, Urge Passage of DREAM Act
Tucson, Arizona. May 17th, on the anniversary of landmark civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education, Arizona law enforcement arrested four undocumented leaders of the immigrant student movement
As of 6:00 PM PST today, Mohammad, Yahaira, Lizbeth and Raul, an Arizona Resident, have been arrested and detained after their day long sit-in at Senator John McCains Office in Tucson, AZ. Tania, who was not detained, has been designated as spokesperson and will be relating the experiences/thoughts of the group during the action.
Senator John McCain offered the students a meeting in order to discuss the Dream Act, however, the students recognize that this is insufficient and that immediate action is needed to pass the DREAM Act!
These four leaders are risking deportation from the United States in the hope that this action will make a significant contribution to the fight for immigrant rights. In response to the onslaught of enforcement-based immigration law, they staged a sit-in at Senator McCain’s office, and urged congressional leadership to champion the DREAM Act and the values it represents: hard work, education, and fairness.
At least 65,000 undocumented immigrant youth graduate from high schools every year, and many of them struggle to attend institutes of higher education and the military. The DREAM Act will grant youth who traveled to the United States before the age of 16 a path to citizenship contingent on continuous presence in the country, good behavior, and the attainment of at least a two-year university degree or a two-year commitment to the armed forces.
The New York Times reports on the event by calling the students “illegal immigrants”:
Four of the protesters, including three who are in the country illegally, were arrested Monday evening on misdemeanor trespassing charges. The three were expected to face deportation proceedings.
It was the first time students have directly risked deportation in an effort to prompt Congress to take up a bill that would benefit illegal immigrant youths.
Listen to their own words
Along with Raúl Alcaraz, 27, an immigrant from Mexico and a legal resident, these are the three undocumented students arrested in Tucson:
Lizbeth Mateo, 25, of Los Angeles, California:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO6InhYEVZk&feature=player_embedded
Mohammad Abdollahi, 24, of Ann Arbor, Michigan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjKP8qXXE5M&feature=player_embedded
Yahaira Carrillo, 25, of Kansas City, Missouri:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lXqKQauflk&feature=player_embedded
Tania Unzueta
Few months ago I had the honor of meeting Tania Unzueta in Washington, DC, and during the brief time we spent together I learned about her amazing personal story. Tania grew up as an undocumented student in Chicago, and after graduating from high school she tried to legalize her status by traveling to Mexico where she was born, but her case was denied and she returned to the U.S. with a humanitarian visa.
As an activist for the DREAM Act and immigration justice, Tania Unzueta has faced many risky situations by participating in activism and social change movements in her community. Instead of hiding in silence, she took a position of leadership to fight for justice as a cofounder of the Immigrant Youth Justice League [see website], she went on to graduate from the University of Illinois Chicago and co-founded The Dream is Coming.
Tania who is a Lesbian, has a radio show in Chicago where she also talks about LGBT rights. I know that Tania is fighting not just for her own benefit, but in behalf of so many who are in the same situation of lacking a documented that confirms their citizenship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPNbMVRxf7w&feature=player_embedded
Follow them
The Dream is Coming: follow them in Twitter http://twitter.com/DreamNow and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-DREAM-is-Coming/107382555973050
Tania Unzueta is twittering about the whereabouts of the arrested students:
Headed to a vigil at the jail where our four friends are being held before getting turned over to ICE
Also the tree undocumented students arrested yesterday are in Twitter:
@YCarrillo4 @LizbethMateo @midreamact
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DREAM ACT
Four undocumented students will be challenging immigration law by staging a sit-in tomorrow at noon at Arizona Senator John McCain's office at 407 W Congress St Ste 103 Tucson, AZ 85701.
They have spent years organizing around immigrant rights and the DREAM Act, and when enforcement became acceptable in Arizona, they decided it's time to take the greatest risk of all. They will be putting themselves in danger of deportation in order to challenge immigration law that denies civil rights, freedom, equality, and humanity.
For youth, waiting for change has become unbearable. The urgency of our dreams has overcome any kind of fear we may have had before. We can't wait.
www.thedreamiscoming.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Senate Judiciary Chair Patrick Leahy recently introduced the Refugee Protection Act of 2010, S. 3113, which, among other things, would repeal the one year deadline on asylum applications, narrow the definition of "terrorist" organizations, and repeal the BIA’s requirement of social visibility for particular social groups. Here is a section by section analysis of the bill and a letter for organizations and experts to sign in support of the bill. Download RPA Sectional Analysis_Leahy-Levin
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/files/rpa-sectional-analysis_leahy-levin.doc
Download Refugee Protection Act sign on letter for experts
http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/files/refugee-protection-act-signon-letter-for-experts.doc
The letter will state that individual signatories’ institutional affiliations are listed for identification purposes only.
Senator Leahy is going to hold a hearing on this bill on Wednesday, so signatures are requested for the record by 11 AM Eastern time on Tuesday, May 18. TO SIGN ON TO THE LETTER, REPLY TO HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST, WHICH IS COLLECTING THE SIGNATURES. THE EMAIL ADDRESS FOR SIGNATURES IS sovcika@humanrightsfirst.org
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HONDURAS: 100 days of Pepe Lobo completed -- analysis & commentary
100 Days of Lobo Sosa for Honduras: An Analysis by the Civil Society Group (GSC), the Association of Non-Governmental Organisms (ASONOG), the Honduran Council of the Social Sector of the Economy (COHDESSE), the Honduran Coalition of Citizen Action (CHAAC) and the Coordinator of Private Institutions for Girls, Boys, Adolescents, Youth and their Rights (COIPRODEN)
With one hundred days of the Honduran government under Porfirio Lobo Sosa, problems for the country’s people persist. The first act sanctioned by the government was the Visión de País y Plan de Nación, which comes with a centralist flavor and has been characterized as a threat to participation of Honduran citizens and municipal autonomy, placing supra-municipal structures on top of local governments. Economically speaking, the young government and its Vision of the Country plan have failed so far to come up with a plan to alleviate the problems of the country. Lobo Sosa’s government has also failed to take into account the social factor of the Honduran people, paying no mind to a number of active social organizations. Murders of activists linked with the National Popular Resistance Front against the Coup d’état (FNRP), including seven journalists, continue to happen The young government has not taken initiative to stop the perpetuation of human rights violations, expressed in a number of extrajudicial executions of young people who are suspected of being connected to organizations against the coup but have not been subjected to specialized and professional investigation. Honduras has a way to go in their struggle to rebuild.
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Las mentiras de un régimen represivo
El Comité de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras, COFADEH, en su cuarto plantón en lo que va de este régimen continuador del golpe de Estado, a la comunidad nacional e internacional, manifiesta su condena frente a la persecución política que sufren directoras y directores departamentales despedidos por el régimen, los zarpazos asestados a la independencia de los jueces, las violaciones a los derechos laborales de trabajadores y trabajadoras, la promoción de la mentira y la continuación de las violaciones a los derechos humanos.
El Cofadeh condena los despidos abruptos por parte del pleno de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, (CSJ) contra los jueces Ramón Enrique Barrios, Luis Alonso Chévez de la Rocha , Guillermo López Lone, la magistrada Tirza del Carmen Flores y el defensor público Osman Fajardo Morel, miembros de la Asociación de Jueces por la Democracia (AJD), organización que denunció el golpe de estado del 28 de junio y que ha señalado las fallas del sistema judicial.
En el ámbito magisterial, el 28 de abril, el actual régimen a través de la Secretaría de Educación, despidió ilegalmente a 10 directores y directoras departamentales y en su lugar nombró a activistas políticos a punta de acciones vandálicas respaldadas por la policía y el ejército. Esto no se trata de simples despidos sino de un asalto al Estatuto del Docente hondureño, para desarticular la fuerza magisterial que integra al Frente Nacional de Resistencia Popular (FNRP).
Se suma a la lista de violaciones, las acciones emprendidas contra 180 trabajadores y trabajadoras de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), que fueron despedidos, violentándose el fuero sindical y sus dirigentes encausados judicialmente, ante la burla de la rectora universitaria Julieta Castellanos, quien paradójicamente integra la Comisión de la Mentira del actual régimen.
Nos preocupa que la nación camina sin rumbo y a la deriva, no hay una orientación política definida del actual régimen ni tampoco una línea clara sobre el respeto a los derechos humanos. La militarización que acecha a comunidades campesinas en el Bajo Aguán, las amenazas e intimidaciones contra miembros de la resistencia popular, el odio y el desprecio por la vida, son síntomas que en la práctica reflejan, que no existe la reconciliación que tanto se pregona.
El COFADEH demanda que se llegue al fondo de las desapariciones forzadas ocurridas en la década de los ochenta, para que conozcamos la verdad de nuestros desaparecidos y desaparecidos.
Mientras tanto acompañaremos a las organizaciones víctimas de la represión del siglo XXI y a la Comisión de Verdad Alternativa, como un mecanismo que permita identificar y llevar ante la justicia a los responsables de los crímenes de lesa humanidad, perpetrados a partir del cruento golpe de estado del 28 de junio de 2009. ¡Nada de amnistía para los autores de crímenes de lesa humanidad!
¡DE LOS HECHOS Y LOS HECHORES!
¡NI OLVIDO NI PERDON!
Tegucigalpa M.D.C. 07 de mayo de 2010
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Honduras: Bad faith down in The Gulch
By John Grant
This Can't Be Happening, May 20, 2010
http://www.thiscantbehappening.net/
In Spanish, the word honduras means depth. The example often used is meterse en honduras – to go beyond one’s depth. It comes from the adjective hondo – deep or low.
I’ve often wondered what the Spanish conquistador or priest was thinking when he decided circa 1500 to call the place The Depths– or with some liberties, The Gulch.
When I was in Honduras, I recall the capital Tegucigalpa as a series of hills and deep gulches, with the hillsides noted for poor communities of thousands of slapped-together shanties. The Tegucigalpa airport is considered one of the most dangerous in the world; it’s a bit like dropping down and circling inside a teacup before landing.
So maybe that old Spaniard was onto something. If Afghanistan is the “graveyard of empires,” maybe Honduras is the gulch where they just get mired in muck.
This seems to be the case with the would-be progressive Obama administration vis-à-vis the June 28, 2009 coup that blatantly overthrew elected President Manuel Zelaya and was immediately followed by a violent campaign of repression against progressive elements in the dirt-poor Central American nation.
In April, President Obama spoke with President Porfirio Lobo Sosa, known affectionately as “Pepe.” Lobo was elected November 29 in the repressive post-coup climate. Obama raised the issue of human rights, and Lobo assured him he would address it. Obama, then, commended Lobo on his leadership.
The lead in Honduras policy is Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton, who has a long political connection with Lanny Davis, the attorney hired by coup leaders to sell the coup in the United States. Davis was White House Counsel in the Clinton administration.
In March, Clinton made a tour of Latin America. When she got to Brazil -- the lead nation in opposition to the coup and whose Tegucigalpa embassy Zelaya was holed up in for months -- she seemed more concerned about getting Brazil to join the US hard line on Iran than she seemed concerned about Latin Americans or, in particular, Hondurans. The reason for her trip was to lobby for Latin American nations to drop their opposition and support the post-coup Lobo regime.
When she actually got to Tegucigalpa, she congratulated Lobo for “taking the important and necessary steps” that justify normalizing relations with his post-coup government. Earlier, nine US congress members had sent Clinton a letter specifically asking her to hold out re-establishing full relations with the Lobo government until she could get some assurances in the area of human rights.
She ignored that letter, publicly praised the new government and returned all US aid without any provisos or warnings, including all the military aid cut off after the illegal coup. ...
For the rest of the article, please go to: http://www.thiscantbehappening.net/node/57
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problems in education:
http://www.elheraldo.hn/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2010/05/14/Noticias/Dirigentes-temen-que-estatuto-sea-derogado-por-ser-inconstitucional
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Zelaya to Correa: Proposal for a Route to Reconciliation
In a letter dated May 9 directed to Ecuador's President, Rafael Correa, former Honduran President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales took a step forward as an agent in the ongoing process of working out a way forward for Honduras.
Zelaya occupies a critical but ambiguous position in Honduran political struggle after the inauguration of Porfirio Lobo Sosa. Many members of the opposition were and continue to be inspired by the unprecedented number of steps taken to improve conditions for all Honduras by Zelaya's administration.
Yet the Frente de Resistencia cannot afford to be identified as solely supporters of Zelaya, a depiction used to dismiss their current political aims. Nor is that an accurate characterization of its membership, which includes skeptics about all traditional Honduran politics.
It is impossible even for skeptics to ignore the symbolic value Zelaya has achieved by virtue of having been forcibly expatriated in reaction to steps he had taken to challenge the system that benefits only a small proportion of Hondurans.
Zelaya cannot be ignored; but it has been unclear how he could build on the symbolic position he holds, and in particular, do so in a way that would be productive for the entire Honduran opposition.
With this letter, Zelaya has made his move to try to mobilize his symbolic stature and political experience to push for a voice for the victims of the coup in the face of the Truth Commission, whose legitimacy he challenges centrally.
Sr. President Rafael Correa: I address you with the goal that you will know the agenda that I have proposed for national reconciliation of the Honduran people and to contribute an acceptable peaceful solution for the people to the effect that it would include the recognition of Honduras in the international community.
I present you for your information the following proposal:
PROPOSAL FOR A POLITICAL AGREEMENT FOR THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF DEMOCRACY AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION IN HONDURAS
From an obligatory exile originated by the military coup d'Etat of the past 28th of June, that today is prolonged through the judicial persecution set loose against me for political purposes, added to the violations of human rights against the people, and considering the coherent and solidary position of UNASUR in defense of the Honduran people, I present to you a proposal that would permit the return of the Honduran state to the bosom of the international community and the national reconciliation of the Honduran people.
Allow us to highlight the following facts:
The Supreme Court of Justice absolved, with a final dismissal of charges, the military command, executor of the coup d'Etat and responsible for crimes against humanity
The National Congress decree an amnesty solely applicable to the authors of the coup d'Etat, leaving with impunity the most abominable crimes and violations of human rights committed against a defenseless population.
The Attorney General and the Supreme Court of Justice, co-authors of the coup d'Etat, executing actions of judicial persecution with political purposes against President Zelaya and his ministers, remain in their positions and enjoying impunity.
No organization, nor system of the international community, not the UN, nor the OAS, nor the Sistema de Integración Centroamericana (SICA), the Rio Group, among others, has repealed its resolutions and sanctions against the coup d'Etat since the circumstances that originated this deed, that has menaced our democracies, have not been overcome.
The "Truth Commission" has been put together in a unilateral manner and without consultation on the part of the government excluding us totally from the entire process, in a misunderstanding that we victims do not have the right to a voice nor representation. This puts us in position of helplessness in the face of the impunity of the executors of the military coup d'Etat.
It is due to the preceding that, very conscious of the position of the UNASUR group and of Ecuador, that occupies the Presidency pro tem, I pose for you the possibility of a political agreement to resolve the crisis derived from the military coup d'Etat, that might contemplate at least the following elements.
1. That the National Congress of Honduras should decree an amnesty, full and sufficient for the via judicial filed by the officials who together with the dictator Micheletti acted in the coup d'Etat and that today are found directing with impunity the institutions administering justice, venting their wrath against ex-President Zelaya and high officials of his government.
This agreement would guarantee the return to the country of ex-President Zelaya and others who today are found in exile, in the full enjoyment of their civil and political rights, a petition supported by the people and the Frente de Resistencia Popular for national reconciliation.
2. That there be given guarantees for the exercise of DEMOCRATIC LIBERTY in the country, that would permit there to be debate and to decide about the necessity for the establishment of participatory democracy and the right that society in Resistance against the coup d'Etat has to state an opinion, to have recognition as a belligerent force, and to demand a new Constitution.
3. To guarantee the end of repression and respect for human rights of all the citizenry, men and women, putting an end to crime, assassination, judicial persecution and repression on the part of the dependencies of the Police and Armed Forces.
4. To remove from their positions the principal people responsible for the civil-military coup d'Etat, that are found occupying the operative organizations of justice and ministerial positions.
5. That the integration of the citizen José Manuel Zelaya Rosales in the Central American parliament should proceed, a position that corresponds to him following his constitutional investiture and by his own right.
6. That an end be put to impunity for violations of human rights and that there be presented to the International Criminal Court the authors of the crimes against humanity that are already sued for those offences and that refused to appear in court. For example: the Attorney General refuses to proceed and to present himself to the international courts although knowing that Honduras is part of the International Criminal Court, and that the suits have been accepted by the CIDH and by the same Criminal Court.
I reaffirm to the government of Ecuador and to UNASUR our disposition to promote this political accord in SICA, CARICOM, the Rio Group, and ALBA, so that in the bosom of the next Assembly of the OAS this plan would be accepted and supported and that Honduras would obtain international recognition, and we all could commit ourselves to this agenda, prior to the development expected for such a great event.
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COUNTRY UPDATES: Colombia, Nicaragua, Brazil/Argentina/Paraguay, Peru
Chiquita pays, Colombian paramilitaries and guerrillas kill
Chiquita paid Colombian armed groups millions of dollars over 15 years. An estimated 14,000 innocent civilians were killed. Chiquita's only punishment? A sweetheart deal with the Justice Department. No compensation for victims. No accountability for Chiquita officials who made the payments.
Don't allow Chiquita to get off that easy. Take action now!
http://www.ifcla.net/pm/index.php?sx=&m=weblog&p=edit&id=437
Chiquita has admitted making more than 100 payments to Colombian paramilitaries totaling at least $1.7 million between 1997 and 2004. The company has also acknowledged making payments to the Colombian guerrillas, believed to oscillate between $20,000 and $100,000 per month from 1989 to 1997.
Chiquita made half of the payments to the paramilitaries, totaling $825,000, after they were designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government in 2001.
Yet no officials from Chiquita were prosecuted after a sweetheart deal with the Justice Department required the company only pay a $25 million fine.
14,135 Estimated number of Colombians killed by guerrillas and paramilitaries while they were bankrolled by Chiquita.
Take action! Tell Chiquita CEO Fernando Aguirre that companies cannot kill for profits.
What did Chiquita money pay for? Here are just two examples of the horrors committed by the FARC and paramilitaries while on the Chiquita payroll.
Location: Alto Mulatos/Pueblo Bello, Uraba, Colombia
Date: May 4 and 5, 1996
Responsible: FARC
The FARC attack began in Altos Mulatos when seven people were tied up and summarily executed in front of their families and neighbors. The guerrillas then dropped four of the bodies in nearby homes and set fire to the houses. Later that same day, the guerrillas entered nearly Pueblo Bello, killing seven more. Aura Castro, 65, and Humberto Ramos, 70, husband and wife, were among those killed. Four other victims were reportedly locked in the homes and burned alive.
Location: La Ciénaga, Magdalena, Colombia
Date: November 22, 2000
Responsible: Paramilitaries
At least 40 people were killed in this fishing community when a group of 70 paramilitaries went on a four hour killing spree. Fishermen were killed when the paramilitaries came across them in the rivers and a dozen people were killed at the community church. Approximately 3,700 of the 4,000 residents fled in the wake of the massacre. Ten years later, only a fraction of them have returned.
More information:
* Background information from the Colombian human rights organization, Colectivo de Abogados
* The Nation article by Michael Evans of the National Security Archive
* The Justice Department's indictment against Chiquita
Watch a story by CBS's 60 Minutes on Chiquita's payments to armed groups in Colombia:
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Colombia Analysis: Interview with Ana Teresa Lozada: Colombia, Women, War,
and the Social Movement
By Chris Knestrick
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) had the opportunity to sit down with Ana Teresa Rueda Lozada to do an interview about the reality of womyn in Colombia, particularly the region of Magdalena Medio to understand how the conflict is affecting womyn. Also, CPT wanted to share the work of Colombian womyn and what they are doing to achieve justice and peace in Colombia. Ana has been part of the Popular Womyn’s Organization (OFP) for 12 years and part of the Womyn’s Social Movement against War and For Peace (MSM) since 1998. The OFP began in 1972 to defend life and human rights, encouraging womyn to transform social reality and reconstruct their own social fabric and civil society, while committing to resisting all forms of violence. Right now, Mrs. Lozada is leading MSM’s proposal in the Magdalena Medio and northeast Colombia regions.
CPT: What is the political context that you are working in? And what does this mean for Womyn?
Mrs. Lozada: The political, social and economic development of the region is very difficult and complex. First, I am going give us some historical context to ground the conversation that will enable us, woman and communities, to say how we are currently living.
Barrancabermeja and Magdalena Medio region is a region that has lived for many years in different forms of violence. The armed conflict has its roots in deep social inequalities, such as the dispute over the territory. This dispute has caused the dispossession and displacement from lands for the minerals and natural wealth that we have. This has led to the presences of illegal armed groups and the increased militarization by the state armed forces in the area. This is generating a dispute over the territory where the civilian population has been the most affected. At one point there were the guerrillas in the urban areas of the municipalities but now the paramilitaries are patrolling, in spite of the demobilization process. The demobilization is a proposal that the Colombian state called the "law of justice and peace," but it is not a law of justice, or peace. It has been a process of impunity and legalizes the process of forgiving the armed actors; in this case operating paramilitaries that have killed and destroyed the social fabric and the family with the complicity of the military.
The demobilization process that started in 2005 was a process that was done behind the backs of communities in the region. It has not been an open process for the communities and it is not known how many paramilitaries there are and where they are. Furthermore, the victims began to be charged with crimes and going from being the victims to being the perpetrators. The organizations identified paramilitaries and in some cases have generated judicial processes. Now the people who have benefited from this law are starting judicial processes against recognized social leaders in the region. Furthermore, the paramilitaries continue to operate with other names and everyday ordinary people know this. For example, in Barrancabermeja there were over 145 people selectively assassinated last year. There are no massacres but control continues to exist at the economic, political and social levels. There is extortion, threats, and pamphlets given out with names of those to be killed. There is no policy of dismantling the paramilitaries. These armed actors have helped to facilitate the entry of multinationals by removing the farmers from their land and doing the dirty work that the government would not be able do.
The People here in Barrancabermeja live in impoverishment despite all the economic activity we have here. There was the oil boom but the people who benefit were not from the city. The beneficiaries from the resources in the regions are large multinational corporations and mega projects. There are no jobs. There is rummaging for work like the selling of cell phone minutes and the making and selling of tamales.
From the national and local government there are no real solutions to the poverty experienced in the region. It is clear that when we talk about the assistance programs that have emerged from the national government, that their solutions are superficial
In the region we, the womyn, continue actively resisting, denouncing human rights abuses, and working strongly for the reconstruction of the social fabric.
CPT: The social movement talks about "the militarization of womyn's bodies." Could you explain what this means in the context of the war here in Colombia?
Mrs. Lozada: For many years womyns body have been used by armies as shields, insults, and for humiliation of their enemies, such as placing them in places to be publicly mocked and degrading her body and generating fear. Where there have been military bases it has generating problems. We notice the increase in prostitution of very young girls and forced abortions. In the situation of the additional deployment of the U.S. military bases in Colombia, it is going to be a disaster for the womyn and the people because the American soldiers will have immunity and cannot be punished for the crimes they commit in Colombia.
CPT: Why are you working in the Peace Movement?
Mrs. Lozada: It has to do basically with that I want to contribute in the transformation of this reality that we live, especially womyn, which is so difficult. Colombia is a country that has faced an armed conflict for many years - an armed conflict where many womyn and men have died, been displaced and have been disappeared. I want to build a better country, for my nephews, my children, and my friends. I dream that one day this country will be fair for everyone, where everyone has place and where all can be.
I am here, even though participating in this organizational process runs risks - it generates fear and stigmatizes and marks all those who defend human rights. This organization has helped me to recognize myself as a woman, as a political subject capable of saying what is going on and making proposals for the city, country, and communities. It helped me to understand the phrase “You are not born a woman, you learn to be one”
CPT: Could you share a story or an experience about your work?
Mrs. Lozada: More than sharing a story, I want to remember all the moments we have lived within the Organization. We have experienced all sorts of human rights violation, death threat, assassinations, displacement, the disappearance of one of our offices. Through all these moments, we shared together the fears and we knew that being organized and united we could resist.
And it is now important to continue recognizing that social organizations exist in this region of resistance. We denounce. We walked and dreamed of a different country despite the onslaught that has taken the city. The work of communities continues. They are womyn with a voice of hope and they are leading processes. Womyn have the ability to continue dreaming - striving for our sons and daughters. The people still mobilize. There are men, womyn, and organizations thinking about the city, region and country.
CPT: What is the history and mission of the Womyn’s Social Movement Against War and for Peace in the Magdalena Medio and the national?
Mrs. Lozada: The movement was born as an initiative of the OFP beginning with a very simple exercise. A letter to womyn about what they thought of the war at that time. What was found was that they were tired of war and hence there arose the proposal. Before, the womyn were called “Chained Womyn against the War.” It grew and there are currently more than 40 organizations (indigenous, rural, academic, displaced, community mothers, church, ect) with a concrete peace proposal and a common and clear agenda from the womyn in the popular sectors. Initially, the name ended "against the war" and after discussions we needed to add "for peace."
The Movement has achieved a lot through the building of this agenda. This agenda is for four years on specific issues: 1) Womyn, Land and Development, 2) Womyn, War, Peace and 3) Democracy and Womyn and Social Movements.
CPT Is the movement only for womyn?
Mrs. Lozada: The movement is a proposal by womyn and built by the communities. There is accompaniment and work with men on some activities but it is from the womyn that proposals are brought and we build them for everyone.
CPT: What is the reason for the Womyn and People Summit of the Americas against Militarization in August?
Mrs. Lozada: We are moving towards the international summit in Colombia from August 16 to 24. It is going to be done in three stages.
1. The first moment is solidarity actions of resistance. International representatives will visit the regions where the MSM has its processes. They will listen to the community’s resistance and dreams of hope.
2. The second moment will be in a municipality Puerto Salgar in the region of Magdalena Medio , where there will be meetings and discussions about womyn realities and how they live taking into account the theme and emphasis of militarization.
3. The third moment is the public political action. It's going to be a strong vigil against US Military bases which we don’t want in Colombia and will be full of symbolism. Plan Colombia has not been the best and the womyn have suffered greatly - sexually abused, sexually assaulted, battered by U.S. soldiers and everything has gone unpunished.
CPT: What could the international community do to support the movement and the Summit?
Mrs. Lozada: There are several things:
*The important thing is to generate a political accompaniment for the proposal. We believe that if we strengthen ourselves against the reality of U.S. military bases and what we live in the Americas, we can generate a strong response from womyn and people from other countries.
*Any Financial support for this type of proposal that might be available.
*Publicize and Share the information about the gathering through the various communication networks.
*Finally, International organizations, individuals, and/or social movements who want to be supportive are invited to participate.
CPT: You have something else to say before we end this interview?
Mrs. Lozada: In this country men and womyn are dreamers and we will continue to march and to build proposals towards peace, which above all includes social Justice, although it seems far away. We believe that the country's conflict must be resolved through negotiations and not with weapons. The civilian population is the most affected and has much to say about peace.
The movement is encouraging; we recognize it and many people can participate in its construction. We continue to dream of a different Colombia where we may be able live and live with dignity.
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COUNTRY UPDATE: Violence in El Salvador and other updates
Violence in El Salvador
With a homicide rate of 13 murders a day, in a country with a population of 6.2 million people, El Salvador has become one of the most violent countries in the world. Salvadorans live with the daily threat of violence hanging over their heads. Every day upon opening the newspaper, one reads about another homicide or set of homicides. Of young men and young women shot down on their way to school or on the bus, of bus drivers, street vendors, or even high profile people such as the Secretary of the Mexican Embassy and his wife (he survived, she did not).
One particular news article stood out on the Dia de los Santos Inocentes this past December, the Saints Day following Christmas which remembers the Bible story of King Herod who ordered the killing of all children under the age of two. It was a picture of children dressed up to celebrate this feast day in a small town outside of San Salvador. Underneath this picture, in an unrelated article, was a headline about how two children were killed when an unknown individual threw a bomb into a children's health clinic. The irony in the juxtaposition of the two articles was startling and a harsh reminder that the violence in El Salvador is not something you can escape.
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In a more recent act of violence closely related to one of our counterparts, three teachers were killed in a rural community in the Municipality of San Juan Opico. Opico borders San Pablo Tacachico, where SHARE and our U.S.-based sisters accompany the United Communities of Northern San Salvador and La Libertad, UCRES. Felipa Audelia Barillas Ayala, 44 years old, her sister and kindergarten teacher Marlene del Carmen Barillas, 35 years old, and computer and english teacher Tomás Antonio Gómez, 38 years old, were kidnapped and shot on Monday night in the La Copinola stream, in the community of El Ángel, in San Juan Opico, La Libertad. Students and teachers alike marched to demand en end to the violence and an investigation into these cases, and schools in the area were closed for days after these events. Fear of continued violence is palpable in the area.
This is not an isolated act of violence against teachers; rather, public school teachers throughout the country have become a main target of extorsion and death threats in recent months. Instead of a safe learning environment, children are faced with an environment of violence and fear.
How do people respond? Some emmigrate to the States, some keep closer watch over their children, those who have the means put up high security fences and hire guards for their neighborhoods, making security companies and arms sales one of the most successful businesses in El Salvador. President Funes took a highly controversial, measure last October when he sent the Armed Forces out into the five most dangerous Departments of the country to work against crime with the police. While many people in those dangerous neighborhoods tell you that crime has gone down, others will ask: is militarizing our streets and neighborhoods really the answer?
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Is it the answer and does it go to the root of the problem? Many will tell you that gang violence and delinquency is not the only type of violence that exists in El Salvador. Certainly everyone hears about the notorious Salvadoran street gangs of the MS-13 and the 18 Street Gang, and it is not deniable that the gangs are a big source of fear, intimidation and violence for many poor Salvadoran communities. But it may not be that simple.
First, one must remember the level of violence during the civil war, and the fact that much of the trauma caused by the war was left untreated, justice left unserved. Then think how the mix of untreated trauma, a sexist culture, and the great stresses of poverty can lead to a great level of domestic violence, which will continue to affect future generations of Salvadoran youth.
On top of all of this, there is the structural violence: a neo-liberal system that allows the persecution of the poor. In a place where security guards are a profitable business, the higher the level of insecurity, the more profitable the business.
This is also a country where a General Amnesty Law, signed shortly after the peace accords, has made it impossible for war criminals to be tried. Impunity continues to exist today in cases such as the murder of mining activists in Cabañas and the failure of the Attorney General to prosecute the intellectual authors. Political violence is another legacy that has been left behind from the civil war.
Taking all of this into account, it is hard to blame violence in El Salvador solely on the gangs and on delinquents.
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Looking at such a complex and intertwined web of violence, it is hard not to become disheartened and disillusioned, especially when one sees the affect it has on families of victims, children who are afraid to go to school and youth who flee to the United States to look for a way out. But in the true Salvadoran spirit of the continued fight forward, many groups and communities strive to take constructive approaches to confronting the violence.
The communities in the UCRES region, as well as those in Chalatenango and San Vicente, where SHARE works see community organization as one answer to the violence. The better organized a community, the easier it is to respond to delinquency and structural violence. Another one of our counterparts, The Organization of Salvadoran Women for Peace (ORMUSA), works to combat the growing number of femicides in the country through an educational and justice seeking campaign.
At SHARE we continue forward by supporting those community organization efforts as well as the fight for justice against impunity as in the case femicide as well as in the cases of the mining activists and Monseñor Romero. Solidarity with El Salvador is just as important as it ever was, and as we approach our 30th anniversary as an organization, we hope to continue to give our support and solidarity to those groups who work for peace and justice in the face of violence.
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Thank you for all of you who read and responded to the action alert in regards to the Marcelo Rivera Case. Due to strikes going on in the Salvadoran jails, prisoners were not being released for trials and Marcelo's April 30th trial was postponed to a later date. Community members from Cabañas still showed up at the judicial court for a press conference and plan to reassemble when the case is reset. We at SHARE will keep you updated on how the case processes.
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IMMIGRATION: Governor Brewer signed SB 1070 in Arizona
Contact: Lizette Jenness Olmos, (202) 833-6130 ext 16
Press Release
National Latino Organizations Launch Unite Arizona Campaign
Broad Coalition of National Latino Organizations Pledge to Fight SB 1070
Washington, DC
A broad coalition of the nation’s largest Latino organizations have united to fight Arizona’s anti-immigrant law SB 1070 in a new campaign called Unite Arizona (www.UniteArizona.org). The campaign will support efforts to block SB 1070 in court and coordinate a targeted boycott of Arizona until the state repeals the legislation. The organizations who have joined together to launch the campaign include the Afro-Latino Development Alliance, ASPIRA, Defend the Honor, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Federation, Inc., Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, League of United Latin American Citizens, MANAA National Latina Organization, National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives, National Association of Hispanic Publications, National Conference for Puerto Rican Women, National Hispana Leadership Institute, National Hispanic Council on Aging, National Hispanic Media Coalition, Inc., National Institute for Latino Policy, National Puerto Rican Coalition, SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc., U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute, and the William C. Velasquez Institute.
The coalition has formed a coordinating committee to discuss strategies and actions that the campaign will undertake. All options are on the table, from legal strategies to economic boycotts, said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. Every state depends on tourism, on conventions, and we believe that if they’re being disrespectful to Latinos, then definitely they don’t need our business.
Unite Arizona’s strategic boycott will focus on companies that contribute to the campaigns of the legislators who voted in support of SB 1070 with an emphasis on the corporate supporters of the legislation’s sponsors and the Governor. We are also supporting the call for national conventions, conference’s and sporting events scheduled for Arizona to relocate to other states.
SB 1070 is the most repugnant and racially offensive anti-immigrant bill to pass in decades, stated LULAC Executive Director Brent Wilkes. The bill has galvanized communities of color and our allies and will serve as a rallying point for us to come together to fight for justice, dignity and fairness like never before.
The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.
LULAC National Office, 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610 Washington DC 20036,
(202) 833-6130, (202) 833-6135 FAX
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Subject: Move the game
The new anti-immigration law in Arizona which allows police to stop anyone they "reasonably" suspect of being in the U.S. illegally, and demand their papers is an affront to basic American values.
And a recent round of calls for repeal is coming from an unusual source: Major League Baseball players, nearly 30% of whom are Latino. Players are demanding that the 2011 All-Star Game be moved from Phoenix, AZ unless the law is repealed and we've got to get their backs. MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has the final decision on whether to move the All-Star Game, but he isn't likely to listen to the players unless he hears from fans too. Our friends at MoveTheGame.org, a project of Presente.org, have launched a petition to urge Commissioner Selig to move the game can you sign today? Clicking here will add your name: http://pol.moveon.org/move_the_game/o.pl?id=3D20282-17470263-x03LKQx&t=3D5=0A
The petition says: "Do what's best for baseball: Move the 2011 All-Star Game unless Arizona changes its harmful and hateful immigration law." The Arizona law has outraged many ball players and fans alike. Among those who've spoken out against the law are All-Star Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres and World Series-winning manager Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox, and the MLB Players Association condemned the law recently. Given that Arizona stands to make upwards of $60 million from the All-Star Game, calling for a change of venue is a powerful demand both politically and economically. And there's precedent here: in 1993, the NFL pulled Super Bowl XXVII out of Tempe, Arizona because the state didn't recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We can do it again, and send a clear message to Arizona lawmakers that players and fans won't stand for this new law.
Our friends at www.MoveTheGame.org, a project of Presente.org and Fenton, will deliver the petition signatures to MLB headquarters, join with players, managers, and veterans to speak out, and make sure both Selig and the press hear the call that the game must be moved. Presente.org will also keep you updated by email about progress an= d further developments. Can you sign MoveTheGame.org's petition today? The more folks who sign, the stronger the message so click below to sign, then send this email to ten of your friends today.
http://pol.moveon.org/move_the_game/o.pl?id=3D20282-17470263-x03LKQx&t=3D6=0A
Check out www.MoveTheGame.org and www.Presente.org for more information.
Sources: "Arizona Immigration Law Threatens Civil Rights And Public Safety, Says ACLU," April 23, 2010, ACLU.org http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3D88173&id=3D20282-17470263-x03LKQx&t=3D7=0A
"Arizona Enacts Stringent Law on Immigration," The New York Times, April 23, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/24/us/politics/24immig.html
"Will All-Star Game Boycott Arizona?" ABC News, May 3, 2010 http://abcnews.go.com/m/screen?id=3D10=511724&pid=3D4380645=0A
"Could immigration furor create positive evolution?"= The Associated Press, May 3, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3D88182&id==3D20282-17470263-x03LKQx&t=3D8=0A3
"Adrian Gonzalez speaks out against Arizona immigration law," The Chicago Sun-Times, May 3, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3D88176&id=3D20282-17470263-x03LKQx&t=3D9=0A4
"Can Major League Baseball Reverse Arizona's Immigration Law?" Atlantic Politics, April 27, 2010 http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3D88169&id=3D20282-17470263-x03LKQx&t==3D10=0A
"Arizona Immigration Boycott Zeroes in on Baseball," CBS News, April 29, 2010 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20003747-503544.html==0A
"Will All-Star Game Boycott Arizona?" ABC News, May 3, 2010
http://abcnews.go.com/m/screen?id=3D10511724&pid=3D4380645=0A5
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On April 23, Gov. Jan Brewer signed into law Arizona SB1070/HB2162, directing law enforcement officials to inquire as to a person's immigration status based on "reasonable suspicion" that the person is undocumented. Advocates, organizers, and immigrants have taken to the streets in protest, noting that the law will result in racial profiling and civil rights violations. NILC, MALDEF, ACLU, and ACLU of Arizona announced plans to file a suit against the State of Arizona, claiming that the law illegally authorized racial profiling. We want to alert you to resources and activities in response to the passage of the Arizona law available through the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), our partner organizations, and other advocates.
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On Immigration Advocates Network:
The Alerts section contains:
- The text of Arizona SB 1070 at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15183 (login required)
- The text of Arizona House Bill 2162, which modifies SB1070 at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15184 (login required)
The News section contains:
- The press release, "NILC, MALDEF, ACLU, ACLU of Arizona Will Challenge Arizona Racial Profiling Law in Court," at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15185
- The Los Angeles Times articles, "Arizona Lawmakers Modify Immigration Law" at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15186, "Thousands gather for immigrant rights march in downtown L.A" at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15187, and "Both sides in Arizona's immigration debate use crime argument" at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15188
- An article by Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo, "Everyday policing will suffer under new Arizona immigration law," at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15190
- The New York Times articles, "Immigration Advocates Rally for Change" at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15191, "Will Arizona's Immigration Law Survive?" at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15192, and "First Legal Challenges to New Arizona Law" at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15194 The New York Times also published an op-ed by Kris W. Kobach, a law professor who helped draft the statute, at http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/link.cfm?15195
Other Resources on the Arizona Law:
American Immigration Council
American Immigration Council's Immigration Policy Center published a fact sheet, "Arizona's Punishment Doesn't Fit the Crime: Studies Show Decrease in Arizona Crime Rates," which shows that Arizona crime rates have fallen in recent years and that states with high immigration have the lowest crime rates at http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/arizona%E2%80%99s-punishment-doesn%E2%80%99t-fit-crime-studies-show-decrease-arizona-crime-rates
ACLU of Arizona
The ACLU of Arizona has developed a section by section analysis of SB1070 at http://acluaz.org/ACLU-AZ%20Section%20By%20Section%20Analysis%20of%20SB1070updated%204-14-10.pdf
American Immigration Lawyers Association
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website contains a press release about their decision to boycott Arizona and move their fall 2010 conference, previously scheduled for Arizona, to another state at http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=31831
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) website includes a statement, "New 'Fix,' Amounts to Nothing More Than a Cynical Manipulation of the Legislative Process," at http://maldef.org/news/releases/maldef_to_arizona_new_fix_05042010/
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http://www.fightbacknews.org/2010/4/23/eyewitness-arizona-report-frontlines
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From the United Farm Workers--Dolores Huerta
Greetings!
Today I joined Thomas A. Saenz, Mexican American Legal Defense Education Fund MALDEF)President and General Counsel, Alessandra Soler Meetze, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona; Richard Chavez, civil rights leader (brother of Cesar Chavez and Arizona native), and multi-Grammy winning artist and human rights advocate, Linda Ronstadt in a news conference on the steps Arizona's State Capital in Phoenix to denounce AB1070.
MALDEF and the ACLU of Arizona are preparing to challenge Arizona's extreme new
law, which requires law enforcement to question people about their immigration status during everyday police encounters and criminalizes immigrants for failing to carry their "papers." The unconstitutional law encourages racial profiling, endangers public safety and betrays American values.
We are joining Arizonians in their 24 hour vigil being held at the State Capital. We are committed to bringing Arizona into the 21st Century by educating legislators and the public on the contributions of immigrants to the economy through their work and the taxes. We are asking people to become involved by engaging in civic action.
Legal residents should become citizens and register to vote so they can participate in the electoral process.
Please contact your congressional representative and senators and urge them to support National Immigration Reform. We are asking those who live outside of Arizona to honor the boycott by restricting travel to Arizona.
Together we can erase this unjust law that is targeting Latinos.
¡Si Se Puede!
Dolores Huerta
President
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News From the United Farm Workers
http://action.ufw.org/ir510
Arizona is what happens when you don't address immigration reform
Contact your US Senator TODAY!
Last Friday, AZ Governor Jan Brewer signed SB 1070 into law. This new law makes
racial profiling legal. It says that police must question anyone they have
"reasonable suspicion" of being an undocumented immigrant. End result: police can now stop and harass people for no other reason than that they are brown-skinned or speak Spanish.
Instead of anti-immigrant state laws, we need to see congressional action on
immigration reform. Do your part to move immigration reform forward. Urge your
senator to publicly commit to immigration reform in 2010--including the United Farm Workers' bipartisan AgJOBS bill.
Thousands will be marching for immigration reform on May 1. Join them virtually by contacting your US Senators today and tell them to make public statements in favor of immigration reform.
The urgency of fixing our nation's broken immigration system cannot be overstated. Harsh state laws, such as the one just signed in Arizona, continue to terrorize our community, families continue to be separated, our economy suffers, and hardworking people are forced to live in the shadows of society, all because reform of our immigration system is long overdue.
The American people can wait no longer to reform our immigration policies. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi have recently committed to doing so, and President Obama promised us this change during his campaign. Now we need your help to hold the rest of the Senate accountable and make sure a bill is introduced this year.
Take action today and urge your senators to stand up for immigration reform now.
http://action.ufw.org/ir510
Farm workers, church leaders, allies at May Day UFW protest calling for immigration reform
Farm workers and their allies led by UFW President Arturo Rodriguez and Catholic
Bishop Richard Garcia will mark May Day, Saturday May 1, in Salinas with a 7 pm
UFW-organized rally channeling widespread outrage over Arizona's new anti-immigrant law into the push for comprehensive national immigration reform.
Similar UFW-led events are scheduled the same day in Santa Rosa, Oxnard and several cities in Central Valley while demonstrations are held across the nation demanding Congress and President Obama enact a comprehensive reform law.
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*UNITY STATEMENT AGAINST THE LEGISLATION OF HATE IN ARIZONA*
*Jobs With Justice, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, National Domestic Workers' Alliance, National Immigration Law Center, National Peoples' Action, New Orleans Workers' Center for Racial Justice *
"The statement issued yesterday by the National Immigration Law Center on the
Arizona law can be viewed here: http://nilc.org/pubs/news-releases/nr008.htm
In Arizona, the die is cast. On Friday, April 23, Governor Brewer signed SB 1070.
The new law forces police officers to arrest Latinos on a "reasonable suspicion" of being undocumented.
Arizona has declared open season on people of color. Children on their way to school will not know if they will see their parents when they return. Families will go to church on Sunday afraid of being detained during services. US citizens who don't look white will be detained on their way to work if they forget their birth certificates at home. This law will push hundreds of thousands of terrified Arizona families into hiding.
Civil rights leaders, constitutional rights scholars, legal experts, elected
officials, and police chiefs across the country are repudiating SB 1070. The new law sets the clock back on a generation of civil rights gains, mandates racial profiling, jeopardizes public safety, and creates a wedge between law enforcement and ethnic communities.
Now Americans are confronted with a stark choice: will we stay silent as thousands of Latino families are rounded up in Arizona under this new law? It is imperative that all Americans repudiate the most aggressively racist, nativist, anti-immigrant legislation in recent U.S. history. As Americans, we must all raise our voices in favor of this nation's principles of equality, fairness, and inclusiveness.
The targets of this hatred are not strangers. We know them. Our American lives are bound inextricably with theirs. This law, and others like it, will terrorize our nannies and our gardeners. Our nurses and our home care workers. But it will not stop there. It also will terrorize our college students, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Everyone who looks nonwhite-citizens, legal permanent residents, temporary visa holders, or undocumented-will be attacked under this law. If they disappear, we will feel it.
So we urge all Americans: talk to these members of your community about the new law in Arizona. Ask them about their own lives, their families' lives, and the dreams that will be deferred if the terror came to your state. Then march with them on May 1 to express your outrage.
In the past, we've seen through racism and hatred dressed up as "law and order." In another era, when Bull Connor set attack dogs loose on Black residents in Birmingham, he did it in the name of "law and order." But we saw through it-and stood together against it. We sided with humanity and morality. With the rule of law. And with the self-evident truth that all human beings are created equal.
We call on all Americans to make that choice once again: choose the politics of
humanity, not the politics of hate.
We congratulate President Obama on his condemnation of this heinous new law. We now call on him to take leadership and action in the face of this crisis. The Obama Administration must publicly oppose and terminate all programs setting up
collaboration between local law enforcement and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These programs increase racial profiling, undermine our Constitution, and instill fear in all communities.
We must choose morality and inclusion over hatred and exclusion. And we must make our choice loud and clear, before the racism in Arizona comes to every state in America.
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LATEST NEWS ARTICLES:
Rights groups announce challenge to new Arizona immigration law
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103351759729&s=1639&e=00115j8CLamL5Xv1zNf0O1ehASmI0LeBZy4oYUSQvPbxG9n36vCbajE2TD1JcZLBgkuijOQjRBCOFsBJ7SuyI2UtFT9a-UGrSQ2vftdywLv5G88ShRwbDcK5RI9fQWNbLOYa2n0Ikcd4BTtz0-BM9lghJdzEuXMVAm9M0u8k79UOv8Cjc4wXlwja90Uq1mCLXayWG2P7WI8jO8=]
CNN - ... law from ever taking effect," said Thomas A. Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, known as MALDEF.
First lawsuits filed to challenge Arizona illegal immigrant law
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103351759729&s=1639&e=00115j8CLamL5WsfnT4xjy0FR8OyDoMBymSwwLywKG0GyCYn_SVEpA_HB-_-BMA4XmjfZbXLsOCzVnfT9U0P0ukBpDl30pICM2nBHPN5jTW5Sz-olB-AgY2H3pGNn0eOM4CTiTiLFU04k5dTNKyBaLm60-aeqLLaxh6g3b77OjaxA4m6r9WUMen7fAbZ7YCLj28XS9wjX9PipQfLwbfuKfaTpXmU6xpUJap]
Los Angeles Times
John Kavanagh, a co-sponsor of the bill, noted that the ACLU and MALDEF had so far failed to overturn two previous Arizona laws, one requiring proof of ...
Arizona immigration fight to move to the courtroom
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103351759729&s=1639&e=00115j8CLamL5XXqW21CETw8QkL-c9bX1QCX2IwHlvRWmEJW6RUimTCM3iv_EliJjhV5lHxDof1nJFHRcvJdPtUX_SVYxKK25KMXlahrC7RGqDumvFySCA7oGfMcqiAzmVGrkkusIqcjSqMY0uB4YUwI5bMj8sb9az9gr7wSSAhYCZIdDSP0LuH3D73V6Sp7T_xQ2r9b8v4A4Ji4ynX44YTxZWP4-COnAWLhuA7dbHmOoQ=]
Los Angeles Times -
The American Civil Liberties Union, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the National Immigration Law Center are set to announce in ...
Lawsuits challenge new Arizona immigration law
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103351759729&s=1639&e=00115j8CLamL5WHVfzVzk6nAn-iYfSb5-kF2P2oISAspraBL6Ad1nEJScNKFCoLJswnKTjvdK1Xpr5S0u4YoUgL0eCB_t8YVDb5pgyI_uzcMmTp_OuKeCcEvwwgCLyD8m_fcqVx6_fXiNYJmLR7C11a7QJajC50WG3yxXGDe6_cwzF_JsO3B_qf6pjMegRw1n2FcomNuC4buYA=]
The Associate Press
MALDEF President Thomas Saenz said many Latinos fear implementation of the law but that the legal challenge provides reason for optimism. ...
2 lawsuits challenge new Arizona immigration law
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103351759729&s=1639&e=00115j8CLamL5XkfN_D3bNs4evvNJAgOOn2rRSsSrOW8__V1oqFeaK1fzjjuxowc9ALJeVwUkpUFUODWuozhGg8vWE-edww-zLcVjRiNe_5TlnqfyNFMTafvQ5BeEBAlIUvVPGg4j6B38BlfhUQPuxJ15YCf1Hx3Bg3fAGBVEohJphwrtmvYSWpoX6LKKOWSgB7LxeiVSyHNi8=]
The Associated Press -
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Laugh or cry as we may, though, Arizona is at the center of a new national conversation about immigration reform - and a whole lot of organizing is going on. Over 10,000 of you contacted Arizona's Governor to veto the bill last week. From round-the-clock vigils in Phoenix, to the protests in over 80 cities this Saturday, May 1st, Americans are coming together to say no to Arizona and to call on Washington to act swiftly and fix our broken immigration system.
Watch our hilarious new video, "Shoes," and sign the petition asking President Obama to stop the "misguided" Arizona bill and move real, federal, immigration reform, now:
http://www.AmericasVoiceOnline.org/Outrageous
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IMMIGRATION MARCH AND VIGIL DRAWS OVER 2,000 TO KIENER PLAZA
UMW coverage:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/news/articles/item/index.cfm?id=173&pv=1
quotes http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/news/articles/item/index.cfm?id=181
Here are two more UMW posts to youtube--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufJIiuBZUi8&feature=digest (UMW video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QESuN59aucE (photo slideshow)
YouTube:
Emily Miller
Marching: http://youtu.be/p5gw80_8zmo?a
Opening Remarks Minerva Carcano http://bit.ly/dqzzjR Interfaith Prayer: http://youtu.be/5KE1_zSDQu0?a Harriett & Inelda: http://youtu.be/iIX3RGtALPw?a
Rivercity examiner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JHPBrtc74w (Jamala Rogers)
UMW reporter: Street march
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GASAzkItfsU
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Go where there is no path
Jamala Rogers
St. Louis American
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 8:56 PM CDT
http://www.stlamerican.com/articles/2010/04/29/news/columnists/ljamala04.txt
May 1 is May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, and has been celebrated in countries around the world since as early as the 1890s. The auspicious day is meant to celebrate the struggles and victories of workers.
Given the currents attacks on workers’ rights and the quality of life for working class people, another meaning of May Day comes to mind. “Mayday” is the international distress signal to call for help as U.S. working families are in deep trouble.
Thousands of United Methodist Women (UMW) will be in our town this weekend for their Quadrennial Assembly. The UMW is the largest faith denomination of women, and they use that power for making change. When these women come together, it’s not to share tea and crumpets.
The May 1 Call for Immigrant, Civil and Human Rights comes at the heels of Arizona passing its state law calling for racial profiling of Mexican descendants.
Locally, UMW has engaged a number of human rights groups and faith leaders to join them in a march and rally downtown. It is a call to action to St. Louis and the country to “keep families together, bring an end to detentions and deportations, protect workers’ rights, stop racial profiling, and show support of just immigration reform.”
The UMW has a long history of commitment to racial justice in its 140 years of existence. In 1952, the group adopted its Charter for Racial Justice. One African-American woman stands at the center of that history: Mai Hutson Gray. Many inside the group credit her tenacity and vision for the important work of dismantling racism.
Mrs. Gray has been a member of the UMW for nearly 40 years, holding many positions. She was a member of the “Committee of 24” that proposed the organizational structure for United Methodist Women in 1972. She was elected a member of the Women’s Division in 1972 and from 1976 to 1980 served as the Division’s first black president. She credits her Methodist sisters for pushing her forward and for providing support for all her endeavors. Gray practiced what she preached when she told the women “you go where there is no path, and you leave a trail.”
Gray’s accomplishments and service to the United Methodist Church did not go unnoticed. An education grant to women and children in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa was established in her name. The Mai Gray Charter for Racial Justice Club is also named in her honor and reflects her activist approach to making change.
Come on down to join the march at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 1 from America’s Center to the rally at Keiner Plaza. I want to make sure that St. Louis makes a better impression than we did in 1942. That was the year the United Methodist Women made the decision to cancel their conference in St. Louis because of segregated hotels.
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Belleville Democrat is Running a Poll...PLEASE OPEN AND VOTE! www.bnd.com/2010/05/02/1239620/immigration-rally-draws-big-crowd.html
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(www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/E0A2BB422C2E9C6C8625771600839105?OpenDocument)
(stltoday.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=29241992&event=991990&CategoryID=38578)
March in St. Louis protests Arizona's immigration crackdown
A crowd estimated at 2000 people gathered at Kiener Plaza Saturday to hold a protest/vigil against the recently-passed Arizona immigration law.
BY Leah Thorsen
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/02/2010
ST. LOUIS — Immigration activists marched through downtown Saturday, joining thousands of protesters across the country.
Hundreds marched from America's Center to a rally at Kiener Plaza. They carried signs with slogans proclaiming "Jesus was a refugee" and "No human is illegal."
Although the May 1 march is an annual event, much of the fervor for this year's rallies centered on a new Arizona law cracking down on illegal immigration.
Supporters of the Arizona law, which requires authorities to question people about immigration status if there is reason to suspect they're in the country illegally, say it is necessary because of the federal government's failure to secure the border. Critics say the law encourages racial profiling and discrimination against immigrants or anyone thought to be an immigrant. The Arizona law has been highly criticized by numerous religious organizations.
The St. Louis rally was spearheaded by the United Methodist Women, which is holding a convention at America's Center this weekend.
"We must get this right for the sake of human rights," Monsignor Jack Schuler of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis said at the rally.
He was joined on the stage by leaders from other faiths, including Imam Muhamed Hasic of the Islamic Community Center in St. Louis, Rabbi Susan Talve of the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis and Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the United Methodist Church, the first Hispanic woman to be elected a bishop of the church and whose district includes Arizona. Carcaño called the law unwise and mean-spirited, and said it was contradictory to Judeo-Christian values.
"Beyond this being a political issue, this is a faith issue," she said, emphasizing that the church stands for immigrant rights.
Several people in the crowd, including St. Louis University freshman Jonathan Serpas, 19, wore shirts that said, "Do I look illegal?" on the front. Serpas wrote, "Come get me Jan Brewer," on the back of his shirt, a reference to Arizona's governor who signed the immigration legislation into law.
Serpas, who is of Salvadoran descent, said that he was in the country legally but that he knew people who were not. He frequently responded to the speakers by yelling, "Si, se puede," which is Spanish for "Yes, we can," and said he believed the law encouraged discrimination. "It's racial profiling to the max," said Serpas, who is from Houston.
Haley Kvaas, 23, a Washington University freshman from St. Cloud, Minn., also wore a shirt with the "Do I look illegal?" message. Kvaas, a blonde, blue-eyed woman of Norwegian and German ancestry, said that she knew authorities would never question her about her citizenship, but that she wore the shirt in support of those in danger of being harassed.
"That's what this law is — an excuse to profile based on race," she said. "It's awful."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
===============================================================================
(www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/may/01/thousands-rally-just-immigration-reform/)
Thousands attended a rally in support of immigration reform Saturday in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis, organizers said.
The event, organized by the United Methodist Women and the National Farm Worker Ministry, protested the new immigration reform law in Arizona and called for an end to racial profiling. Organizers said about 2,000 people attended.
The Arizona law makes it a crime to be present in the state without legal immigration status and authorizes police to question people based on suspicion of illegal immigration status. Saturday’s rally was one of dozens throughout the country.
Marchers led by Bishop Minerva Carcaño, chair of the United Methodist task force on immigration, left America’s Center at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday for the noon vigil at Kiener Plaza.
“We are blessed and glad to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in St. Louis,” said Carcaño, who came from Phoenix, Ariz. to lead the rally. “The fruit of prayers that call for peace in our communities comes from acts of justice. And we will continue to act for a justice because we want a country that’s not filled with hate. We want a country that respects everyone’s human rights.”
Jelena Aleksic, community outreach coordinator with the Language Access Metro Project, said she supports “just immigration reform.”
She said education of the public about immigration and racial profiling should be a priority.
“It should include keeping an open mind,” Aleksic said.
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(www.bnd.com/2010/05/02/1239620/immigration-rally-draws-big-crowd.html)
Sunday, May. 02, 2010
Immigration rally draws big crowd to downtown St. Louis
KSDK
Demonstrators turned out at rallies across the country on Saturday to call for federal immigration reform.
In St. Louis, the United Methodist Women organized a walk from the America's Center to Kiener Plaza. They're upset about a new Arizona immigration law.
According to the Associated Press, the law requires local Arizona law officers to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they're in the country illegally.
Critics say the law is unconstitutional and encourages racial profiling and discrimination against immigrants. "When civil and human rights are violated in our community, it hurts everyone," said Jennifer Rafanan, Director of Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates. "We are excited about the impact that these actions will have for everyone living in our community - immigrants and non-immigrants, alike."
Supporters say it's needed because the federal government has failed to secure the border. State Representative Mark Parkinson represents the 16th District. He says while he fully supports immigrants who use the proper channels to obtain citizenship, illegal immigration is a huge problem that drains our economy.
Parkinson says, "With the unemployment rate being 9.6 to 10% in Missouri I want to see those folks, first and foremost, who are American citizens fill all those jobs and then you can fill the void if you need that void filled. I think those people who have done the legal thing, the right thing, should be first in line to get those jobs."
(Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2010/05/02/1239620/immigration-rally-draws-big-crowd.html#ixzz0mmrA3KnX)
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MEXICO: Killings in Oxaca: ALERT
The following is an URGENT call for solidarity in order to highlight the increased militarization in Oaxaca and in other communities throughout the world. We recognize that the recent armed attack against the compañeros participating in the Support and Solidarity Caravan for San Juan Copala, Oaxaca (which includes two dead, one wounded, and many disappeared) have deep roots extending to histories of imperialism and white supremacy. Imperialism, because repression is historical and based on domination, subjugation, and displacement. White supermacy, because violence is systemically and institutionally perpetuated against indigenous peoples, so-called third worlds, people of color, and other marginalized groups in an effort to maintain privileges of wealth and power. We recognize this broader context, that the injustices in Oaxaca do not operate in a bubble, that repression is a global phenomena situated in very different local contexts.
Military Aid in Mexico
In Mexico, militarization has considerably increased in the past years. Since 2008, the U.S. government has used the “war against drugs and organized crime” to justify the funding of the Merida Initiative (also known as Plan Mexico by its opponents), which provides funding, training, and military equipment to the Mexican government. But in reality, the Initiative criminalizes social movements and contributes to systemic human rights violations. The Initiative was first signed by the Bush-Rice Administration and is now supported by the current Obama-Clinton Administration.
In 2010, the Merida Initiative was extended and the budget was increased by 15% by U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who states that Mexico has met the human rights conditions of the bill. Clearly, the U.S. has negated military and paramilitary violence against autonomous communities, grassroots organizations, social justice activists, and community-based media groups in resistance.
Context of Triqui Region
The indigenous Triqui Region, located in the mountainous western part of Oaxaca, is known for its immense levels of violence instigated by the state government and paramilitary groups. Beginning in the Spanish invasion and leading up to contemporary times, the Triquis have historically resisted against colonial powers and the Mexican government attempting to steal their lands, autonomy, and self-determination. Throughout recent years, infiltration from political parties and divide-and-conquer methods have deeply divided the community and organizations. Numerous organizations throughout the Triqui Region have split; in 2006, the Movement for Triqui Unification and Struggle (MULT) split and formed the Movement for Triqui Unification and Independent Struggle (MULTI). And another organization, the Social Welfare Union of the Triqui Region (UBISORT), which is identified as a paramilitary group with ties to the PRI political party, also has a presence in the Triqui Region. In 2008, two young women from a community radio station in San Juan Copala, were shot dead by gunmen for their political participation in the radio and values for autonomous processes. Their cases remain unsolved.
Attack on Support and Solidarity Caravan
On Tuesday, April 27th, a caravan headed to San Juan Copala was attacked by gunmen identified as members of UBISORT, an organization with affiliations with the PRI (Independent Revolutionary Party) political party. At least two are reported dead, Beatriz Carino, director of CACTUS, and Jyri Antero Jaakkola, an observer from Finland, several are missing, and at least one is wounded.
The caravan was organized to provide basic necessities, such as water and food, and to accompany teachers from the Section 22 teacher’s union who were denied from entering the community for over 5 months. Participants of the caravan includes: representatives from the Assembly of Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO), Center for Community Support Working Together (CACTUS), members of Independent Triqui Movement of Unity and Struggle (MULT-I), Oaxacan Voices Constructing Autonomy and Liberty (VOCAL), Mexican reporters, and international observers from Belgium, Finland, Italy, and Germany. VOCAL reports in a press release the injustices in San Juan Copala: “electricity has been turned off, the community has no access to drinking water or medical personnel…and (the community) is subjected to permanent harassment from military troops that set up roadblocks just outside the town”.
Call for Solidarity
For these reasons, we make a humble call to action to all organizations, solidarity collectives, youth groups, students, cooperatives, community-based media groups, LGBTQ communities, workers, teachers, and cultural centers to denounce the militarization and state-sponsored terrorism and violence in Oaxaca and throughout the world, to denounce the funding of the Merida Initiative signed into law by the U.S. government, and to demand a thorough investigation and punishment for those responsible for the current violations in Oaxaca.
We also ask friends and allies to keep posted as new information rolls through, to keep fighting against injustices and militarization in your local communities, and to consider sending letters to your Mexican Embassies and to authorities in Oaxaca.
CASA Chapulin Collective, Oaxaca
Colectivo Contra Impunidad, Uruguay
Friends of Brad Will, New York
Mujeres sin miedo, Mexico City
chicagotra, Chicago
elenemigocomun.net
sources:
Paramilitaries Ambush International Aid Caravan, Two Dead by Kristen Bricker
http://mywordismyweapon.blogspot.com/2010/04/oaxaca-paramilitaries-ambush.html
Death Squads in Oaxaca by John Gibler
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3740/death_squads_in_oaxaca/
Paramilitary Attack Leaves Two Dead and Three Disappeared by VOCAL
http://www.casacollective.org/story/urgent-actions/paramilitary-attack-leaves-two-dead-and-three-disappeared
UPDATES: Confirmed Killings and Disappearances near San Juan Copala, Oaxaca
http://elenemigocomun.net/3441/x/en
================================
Here's the La Jornada Report (translated into English)
En español: http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2010/04/28/index.php?
section=estados&article= 039n1est
In English:
ATTACK IN OAXACA ON FOREIGN OBSERVERS; AT LEAST 2 DEAD
* Possible Ubisort ambush; there could be 15 persons injured and several disappeared
* On Monday, the organization's leader warned that he would not let them pass
* They were trying to arrive in San Juan Copala, autonomous municipality, under siege by gunmen
* The state government distances itself
By: Octavio Vélez y Matilde Pérez, Correspondent and Reporter
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, April 27.
Armed men, apparently members of the Triqui Region's Social Welfare Union (Ubisort, its Spanish acronym), linked with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), shot at an international civil observation caravan that was headed for San Juan Copala autonomous municipality, in the Mixtec region, headquarters of the Triqui Unification and Struggle Movement-Independent (MULT-I, its initials in Spanish), with an unofficial result of 2 dead, 15 injured and an undetermined number of disappeared.
Wilfrido Almaraz Santibáñez, regional assistant district attorney of Justice in the Mixteca (region), said that one of the injured commented that two members of the caravan died, "apparently foreigners." The reporter Erika Ramirez and the photographer David Cilia, from the magazine Contralinea, who were covering the tour, were listed as disappeared by that media.
At the close of this edition, the police had not been able to approach San Juan Copala because alleged members of the Ubisort were repelling them with bullets. The agents declared that some of the caravan's vehicles were destroyed and it is presumed that those attacked fled into the "fields." The police will attempt to reach the community this Wednesday.
Francisco López Bárcenas, from the Mexican Alliance for Self-Determination of the Peoples (AMAP, its initials in Spanish), said that the whereabouts of Viris Jacola and Meni Morne, of Finland; David Casinori, of Italy; Martín Santana, of Belgium, and of the Oaxacans David Venegas, David Arellano and Rubén Valencia are also unknown.
Jorge Albino Ortiz, spokesperson for the autonomous municipality, said that San Juan Copalá is under siege by “paramilitaries” from the Ubisort and “there is no electricity. They have cut off the water, there are no classes since January, there is no doctor (and) the women are pursued when they leave in search of water or food.”
In a communiqué, the Diocesan Commission of Justice and Peace of the Archdiocese of Antequera Oaxaca (Codijup), the Regional Human Rights Center Bartolomé Carrasco Briseño (Barca-DH) and the Front of Social Organizations of the Left (Fosdi) reported that the mission, made up of human rights defenders from Finland, Italy, Belgium and Germany, as well as organizations adhered to the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (APPO), professors from Section 22 of the National Education Workers Union (SNTE) and members of the Network of Radios and Indigenous Communicators of the Mexican Southeast, were traveling in several vehicles when they were attacked around 2:50 PM near La Sabana, a village just before San Juan Copala, by armed men posted at the side of the road.
The caravan was trying to deliver food, clothing and blankets to the community of the autonomous, because in the last two weeks the Ubisort closed the only access to San Juan Copala. At the same time, the observers intended to supervise the return of the professors from Section 22 of the SNTE –who left the village four months ago due to the violence– and to document the abuses against the population.
Just this Monday, the Ubisort's leader, Rufino Juárez, declared to reporters that “under no circumstance” would they permit the caravan's entry and he would not respond as to “what might happen.”
In an interview with a local radio station, Jorge Albino, inhabitant of the autonomous municipality, confirmed the attack on the group, which he calculated was composed of 40 persons. “They were entering the autonomous municipality when they were attacked with fire arms.
The number of injured and disappeared is not known and as of now only two dead are known," he said.
In a communiqué, the state's Secretary General de Government lamented the acts but separated himself from them, because “at no time did he have formal knowledge of the caravan or of its objectives, participants, itinerary and organization.
“Unofficially it is known that the caravan was being realized at the initiative of the authorities of San Juan Copala's municipal agency without taking into account the conditions that rein in the zone, that are not conducive to this type of action, because of the social problem existing in the region.
“We have unconfirmed information that at approximately 4:00 PM, at the entrance to San Juan Copala, some of the vehicles were hit by shots, resulting in an injury to Mónica Citlalli Santiago Ortiz,” who was transported to the IMSS rural hospital # 66, in Santiago Juxtlahuaca.
The state government maintained that it has impelled dialogue between the Ubisort, the MULT-I and the Triqui Unification and Struggle Movement.
The State attorney General of Justice has opened an investigation. _____________________________________
Originally Published in Spanish by La Jornada
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2010/04/28/index.php?section=estados&article=039n1est
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COLOMBIA: ACTION ALERTS
The Central Workers’ Union of Colombia (CUT) denounces the assassination of four teachers in the last three months in the coastal Department of Cordoba.
On January 28, Professor Overto Beltran Narvaez was riddled with bullets 800 meters from the school where he taught.
On Feburary 3, Rigoberto Polo Contreras, licensed in child education, was riddled with bullets on the side of the road at 6:45 a.m. near the school where he taught.
On April 21, teacher Elkin Eduardo Gonzalez’s lifeless body was found with various bullet holes. Gonzales had been missing for two days
On April 25, Benito Diaz Alvarez was found with his throat was slit in his home.
The Colombia Support Network asks our members and subscribers to please send messages to the email addresses listed below, demanding an immediate and complete investigation into these heinous crimes, with the hopes of bringing the murderers and those who gave the orders to justice.
Please send the text below to the following people:
Dear ______,
On January 28, Professor Overto Beltran Narvaez was riddled with bullets 800 meters from the school where he taught.
On Feburary 3, Rigoberto Polo Contreras, licensed in child education, was riddled with bullets on the side of the road at 6:45 a.m. near the school where he taught.
On April 21, teacher Elkin Eduardo Gonzalez’s lifeless body was found with various bullet holes. Gonzales had been missing for two days
On April 25, Benito Diaz Alvarez was found with his throat was slit in his home.
I am writing to demand an immediate and complete investigation into these heinous crimes, with the hopes of bringing the murderers and those who gave the orders to justice.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
Your Representatives in Congress: See the Action Center at our site: www.colombiasupport.net
PLEASE ALSO WRITE TO THE FOLLOWING US OFFICIALS:
Human Rights Director US Embassy Colombia: Carolyn Cooley: CooleyCN@state.gov
Senior Colombia Desk Officer: Terry Steers-Gonzalez: steers-gonzalezt@state.gov
Human Rights Colombia Desk Officer: Susan Sanford: sanfordsm@state.gov
AND PLEASE WRITE TO THE FOLLOWING COLOMBIAN OFFICIALS:
Ambassador: Carolina Barco: emwas@colombiaemb.org
Third Secretary of Human Rights and Minorities: Claudia Cuevas: cpc@colombiaemb.org
Colombian Embassy Phone: (202)-387-8338
President of Colombia
Dr. Álvaro Uribe Vélez,
Cra 8 # 7-26, Palacio de Nariño, Bogotá D.C.
E-mail: auribe@presidencia.gov.co
Fax: 57 1 566 2071
Or check his website www.presidencia.gov.co
High Commissioner for Peace: Frank Pearl: frankpearl@presidencia.gov.co
Director of Human Rights, Ministry of the Interior: Rafael Bustamante: dhdirector@mij.gov.co
Minister of Education: Cecilia Vélez: despachoministra@mineducacion.gov.co
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April 29, 2010
On April 23, 2010 the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado
issued a statement describing several recent actions carried out by soldiers
of the Seventeenth Brigade of the Colombian Army and by paramilitary forces
against members of the Peace Community. (Follow link to English translation
of Peace Community document http://colombiasupport.blogspot.com)
The Peace Community has received threats and attacks against its members
ever since its founding on March 23, 1997. More than 170 Community members
have been killed since its inception, including Luis Eduardo Guerra, a
Community founder and leader, who was murdered with 7 other Community
residents in a joint Army-paramilitary action in February 2005.
Throughout the years since 1997, Alvaro Uribe Velez has verbally attacked
the Community. Threats to exterminate the Community have come from the Army
and paramilitaries with the apparent blessing of the Uribe Administration
during the 8 years of Uribe¹s presidency. Now as his term is about to end,
on August 7 of this year, the threats and aggression against the Community
appear to have intensified. And, as noted in the their statement, Father
Javier Giraldo, a wonderfully courageous defender of human rights and of the
Peace Community, has recently been the subject of graffiti threatening his
murder. Father Giraldo has been a tireless and principled champion of
justice and peace, and a real hero to us.
CSN has had a sister community relationship with the Peace Community ever
since its foundation in 1997. We have marveled its courageous stand for
peace and against arms. We believe in the justice of their determination to
stay on their lands and oppose the use of arms. We fear President Uribe may
be ratcheting up the pressure against the Peace Community, and against
Father Giraldo, to try to do them damage before he has to leave office in
August.
We ask you to join us in protesting this vicious campaign against the Peace
Community and against Father Giraldo. Please write to President Uribe and
tell him you support the Peace Community and expect the Colombian government
to respect its right to exist and to protect it as it exercises its lawful
commitment to peace without arms. And tell him you greatly respect and
support the work of Father Giraldo, and call for his protection from threats
of violence.
And please also write President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and your
representatives in the U.S. Congress to tell them of your concern for the
safety of Peace Community members and Father Giraldo, and ask them to use
their best efforts to have the U.S. Government press the Colombian
government to protect the Peace Community and Father Giraldo, to investigate
threats against them and to prosecute those responsible for these threats.
Your Representatives in Congress: See the Action Center at our site:
www.colombiasupport.net
Also write to the following US officials :
- Secretary of State : Hillary Clinton : secretary@state.gov
* Human Rights Director US Embassy Colombia: Carolyn Cooley:
CooleyCN@state.gov
And write to officials in the Colombian Government demanding to protect
Father Javier Giraldo and the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado
* In Colombia:
-Colombian Embassy in the US: embassyofcolombia@colombiaemb.org
Phone: (202)-387-8338
- President of Colombia
Dr. Álvaro Uribe Vélez,
Cra 8 # 7-26, Palacio de Nariño, Bogotá D.C.
E-mail: auribe@presidencia.gov.co
Fax: 57 1 566 2071
Or check his website www.presidencia.gov.co
-High Commissioner for Peace Frank Pearl: frankpearl@presidencia.gov.co
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COUNTRY UPDATES: Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Chiapas, Mexico
Paraguay: Controversy Over Troop Deployment
Military troops and extra police are being deployed in northern Paraguay after a state of emergency was declared to crack down on an armed rebel group that calls itself the Paraguayan People's Army (EPP).
As part of Operation Py'a Guapy -- "tranquility" in the Guaraní indigenous language -- 3,300 Paraguayan army, navy and air force troops, along with 300 national police officers, have been sent to the northern provinces of Concepción, San Pedro, Amambay, Presidente Hayes and Alto Paraguay.
Click here to read the full article by Natalia Ruiz Díaz.
www.soaw.org/presente/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=298&Itemid=74
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SOA Watch's partners at the Paraguayan branch of the human rights organization Servicio Paz y Justicia en América Latina (SERPAJ) are extremely concerned about the recent developments and have requested that SOA Watch activists send letters of concern to the President of Paraguay.
Click here to send a message through the webpage of the Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo. www.presidencia.gov.py/v1/?page_id=47
Sample message:
Concern for Human Rights in Paraguay
We wish to express our deep concern at the decision by the Executive Branch of Paraguay to declare a state of emergency in five departments in the north of this country. We call upon President Fernando Lugo of Paraguay and the Congress to lift these extreme measures. Such measures tend to lead only to human rights abuses by state agents, while greatly restricting political and civil rights of individuals. Visit http://www.soawlatina.org/comunicado_paraguay.pdf to read the press release by SERPAJ in Spanish
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Action from South America (Bolivia) on the climate mess.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20100510/klein?rel=emailNation
===================================
*Indigenous Peoples of North America Join President Evo Morales in Bolivia for Historic Earth Day Climate Change Conference *
"Respect Indigenous Rights & the Rights of 'Pachamama' in UN Climate negotiations"
Pictures and more at: http://pitch.pe/58935
Cochabamba, Bolivia- Indigenous Peoples from across North America and their
allies from around the world gathered at the invitation of Bolivian
President Evo Morales in Cochabamba this morning for the kick-off of an
historic conference on climate change and the "rights of Mother Earth."
Morales called this conference in the wake of failed climate talks in
Copenhagen last year. Over 15,000 delegates from 126 countries heard
President Morales speak at the soccer stadium in the village of Tiquipaya
today, and are meeting in working group sessions this week to develop
strategies and make policy proposals on issues such as forests, water,
climate debt, and finance, which President Morales pledges to bring to the
international negotiations of the COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico later this year.
The convocation this morning included a multi-cultural blessing ceremony by
Indigenous Peoples from across the Americas, and speeches by representatives
of social movements from five continents on the urgency of the climate
crisis and the need for bold action that protects both human rights and the
environment.
"Indigenous rights and knowledge are crucial to addressing climate change,
but the United States and Canada have not signed on to the UN Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP), and are pushing corporate climate
policy agendas that threaten our homelands and livelihoods," said Jihan
Gearon of the Navajo Nation (AZ), Native Energy Organizer with Indigenous
Environmental Network. "We have traveled to Bolivia because President
Morales has committed to bring our voices to the global stage at the next
round of talks in Cancun."
"President Morales has asked our recommendations on issues such as REDDs
(Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Degradation)," said Alberto
Saldamando, legal counsel for the International Indian Treaty Council. "REDD
is branded as a friendly forest conservation program, yet it is backed by
big polluters. REDD is a dangerous distraction from the root issue of fossil
fuel pollution, and could mean disaster for forest-dependent Indigenous
Peoples the world over."
"We are here from the far north to stand in solidarity with our brothers and
sisters of the South" said Faith Gemmill, Executive Director of Resisting
Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands (REDOIL), who spoke from the
stage at the invitation of President Morales. "We have a choice as human
kind - a path of life, or a path of destruction. The people who can change
the world are here!"
The Indigenous Environmental Network is in Cochabamba for the duration of
the Climate Conference (April 20-24). Onsite cell: +59 740 28531###
Indigenous Environmental Network: Indigenous Peoples empowering Indigenous
Nations and communities towards sustainable livelihoods, demanding
environmental justice and maintaining the Sacred Fire of our traditions.
www.ienearth.org
___________________________________
North American Indigenous Activists in Cochabamba
April 20, 2010
Indigenous peoples of North America join President Evo Morales in Bolivia for historic Earth Day Climate Change Conference
April 20, 2010.
News Release from Indigenous Environmental Network
Cochabamba, Bolivia — Indigenous Peoples from across North America
and their allies from around the world gathered at the invitation of
Bolivian President Evo Morales in Cochabamba this morning for the
kick-off of an historic conference on climate change and the “rights of
Mother Earth.” Morales called this conference in the wake of failed
climate talks in Copenhagen last year.
Over 15,000 delegates from 126 countries heard President Morales
speak at the soccer stadium in the village of Tiquipaya today, and are
meeting in working group sessions this week to develop strategies and
make policy proposals on issues such as forests, water, climate debt,
and finance, which President Morales pledges to bring to the
international negotiations of the COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico later this
year.
The convocation this morning included a multi-cultural blessing
ceremony by Indigenous Peoples from across the Americas, and speeches by
representatives of social movements from five continents on the urgency
of the climate crisis and the need for bold action that protects both
human rights and the environment.
“Indigenous rights and knowledge are crucial to addressing climate
change, but the United States and Canada have not signed on to the UN
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP), and are pushing
corporate climate policy agendas that threaten our homelands and
livelihoods,” said Jihan Gearon of the Navajo Nation (AZ), Native Energy
Organizer with Indigenous Environmental Network.
“We have traveled to Bolivia because President Morales has committed
to bring our voices to the global stage at the next round of talks in
Cancun.”
“President Morales has asked our recommendations on issues such as
REDDs (Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Degradation),” said
Alberto Saldamando, legal counsel for the International Indian Treaty
Council.
“REDD is branded as a friendly forest conservation program, yet it is
backed by big polluters. REDD is a dangerous distraction from the root
issue of fossil fuel pollution, and could mean disaster for
forest-dependent Indigenous Peoples the world over.”
“We are here from the far north to stand in solidarity with our
brothers and sisters of the South” said Faith Gemmill, Executive
Director of Resisting Environmental Destruction on Indigenous Lands
(REDOIL), who spoke from the stage at the invitation of President
Morales.
“We have a choice as human kind – a path of life, or a path of
destruction. The people who can change the world are here!”
The Indigenous Environmental Network is in Cochabamba for the
duration of the Climate Conference (April 20-24). Onsite cell: +59 740
28531
Indigenous
Environmental Network: Indigenous Peoples empowering
Indigenous Nations and communities towards sustainable livelihoods,
demanding environmental justice and maintaining the Sacred Fire of our
traditions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
by Bill Weinberg, World War 4 Report
[World War 4 Report editor and WBAI host Bill Weinberg was in
Cochabamba, Bolivia, for the World People's Conference on Climate
Change. These are his last two on-the-scene reports.]
Cochabamba: Evo agrees to meet with Table 18
April 21, 2010
As the World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of
Mother Earth (CMPCC) convened for a third day April 21 at Tiquipaya,
outside the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba, Aymara indigenous
leaders and their supporters continued to meet just outside the
official summit at the dissident "Table 18," on social conflicts
related to climate change. Greivances centered on ecological impacts
of mineral projects, including the Japanese-owned San Cristobal mine
in southern Potosi department and the state-owned Corocoro mine in La
Paz department. [...]
Read the full report:
http://ww4report.com/node/8551
Cochabamba summit calls for ecological tribunal
April 22, 2010
The World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of
Mother Earth (CMPCC) at the central Bolivian city of Cochabamba closed
on Earth Day, April 22, issuing several resolutions, including: that
the UN adopt a Universal Declaration on the Rights of Mother Earth;
that an International Committee be organized to hold a global
referendum on climate change on Earth Day 2011; that the
industrialized nations provide annual financing equivalent to 6% of
their GDP to confront climate change in the developing world; and that
an International Tribunal on Environmental and Climate Justice be
created, with its seat in Bolivia. The conference called for a new
global organization to press for these demands, tentatively dubbed the
World Movement for Mother Earth--or, by its Spanish acronym,
MAMA-Tierra. [...]
=====================================
AIDA
Update, April 2010
Pressure Mounts Over Health Crisis in La Oroya
http://www.aida-americas.org/sites/default/files/2010_04.html
AIDA c/o Earthjustice 426 17th Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 US
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