July 24, 2008
A new resource produced by the Interfaith Working Group on Trade and Investment, Trade as if People and Earth Matter: A Working Document on Alternatives, is now available for download and a limited number is available in print form.
A statement, Elements for Fair and Just Trade Policies, was produced to accompany the document. This statement was endorsed by twenty-four organizations including Mennonite Central Committee U.S.
An excerpt from Elements for Fair and Just Trade Policies:
International trade can be one engine of economic progress for developing countries. But the United States and developing countries alike need fair and just trade agreements that are genuinely shaped to meet the goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Trade policies and agreements must put people first! They should further genuine social and economic development for our neighbors around the world while preserving and creating good jobs here at home. They must support-not hinder – governments in adopting policies to protect public health and the natural environment. Trade policies must strike a balance between creating a predictable structure for international trade and preserving the policy space necessary for governments to foster and secure economic, social and human development for all their citizens.
Documents available for download:
- Elements for Fair and Just Trade Policies (PDF)
- Trade as if People and Earth Matter (PDF)
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Global Economic Justice, Resources, Sign-on Letters | 
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Posted by Theo Sitther
July 24, 2008
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) introduced legislation yesterday that would provide Native tribes with more legal jurisdiction over non-Natives on tribal lands. Currently, they can only fine non-Native defendants an insignificant amount and imprison them for a maximum of one year (no matter the crime).
NPR reported on the problems this lack of jurisdiction has caused (namely, the sexual assault of Native women by non-Native men) in a two-part series last year. NPR’s All Things Considered ran a report on the “Tribal Law and Order Act” yesterday:
The Justice Department estimates that 1 in 3 Native American women will be raped in her lifetime, and most victims who do report their assaults describe their attackers as non-Native. Legally, tribal authorities can do little to stop them. Chickasaw Tribal Police Chief Jason O’Neal told NPR in 2007 that “many of the criminals know Indian lands are almost a lawless community that they can do whatever they want.”
Dorgan’s bill has three primary goals. First, it would make it easier for tribal police like O’Neal to arrest non-Indians who commit federal crimes on tribal lands, including sexual assault. Second, it would increase the sentencing power of tribal courts by allowing them to put convicted tribal members behind bars for three years instead of one — and even send them to federal prison. Third, the bill would increase accountability for U.S. attorneys by requiring them to keep a record of every case on tribal lands they decline to prosecute.
1 Comment | Crime and Justice, Legislative Updates, Native American, News Stories | Permalink
Posted by Gabe Schlabach
July 18, 2008
The U.S. has announced it is sending a top official to Geneva to participate in talks with Iran. Aft
er months of refusing to participate directly in such talks, the move is a welcome one.
“If it is with a constructive approach… for sure we will have constructive talks,” Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili said. Read more at BBC News Online.
There are also reports that the U.S. is considering opening an interests section in Tehran. If that happens, it would be the first time U.S. diplomats would be stationed in Tehran since 1979. Such a move could help make people-to-people connections between Americans and Iranians easier.
Leave a Comment » | Middle East, News Stories | Tagged: middle east | Permalink
Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
July 18, 2008
Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach has a new article on the Third Way Cafe website on the Global Security Priorities Resolution in the House.
“Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) and Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) have introduced a resolution that seeks to turn weapons that could bring great harm into programs that nurture healthy lives…” Read more.
Leave a Comment » | Articles, Global Economic Justice, Militarism | Tagged: global economic justice, militarism | Permalink
Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
July 16, 2008
Gabe Schlabach has a new article in this month’s PeaceSigns e-zine, detailing one of the torture hearings that has taken place in Congress over the last few months. Despite the disturbing information coming from these hearings, he concludes:
There is a silver lining to the explicit approval and use of torture by the current Administration: the stories and images coming out of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay have raised awareness of human rights violations that were once carried out covertly. The House of Representatives has issued investigative subpoenas to John Yoo and David Addington, the Vice President’s Chief of Staff. And the debate over the treatment of detainees and the use of torture has received some coverage by the national media.
The article includes concrete suggestions for contacting Congress urging the government to take a hard line against torture.
Leave a Comment » | Articles, Civil Rights, Crime and Justice, Middle East, Militarism | Permalink
Posted by Gabe Schlabach
July 14, 2008
From BBC NEWS: The United Nations has announced it is to withdraw non-essential staff from the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur.
The move comes after a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court sought the arrest of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for genocide in Darfur.
Read more from BBC News.
Learn how you can help work for peace in Sudan with the Washington Office Waging Peace in Sudan campaign.
Leave a Comment » | Africa, News Stories, Sudan Web Campaign | Permalink
Posted by Tammy Alexander
July 14, 2008
Ingrid Betancourt reunited with her children - AP Photo
International media has once again been active with news from Colombia – dramatic hostage rescue, elated families and some wise words from a rescued hostage. Ingrid Betancourt, former presidential candidate and a hostage of the FARC rebel group since 2002 – kidnapped on the campaign trail, speaks out about pursuing peace in Colombia.
Here is an excerpt from an interview with Ms. Betancourt:
The first thing we have to do is change hearts. We have to change the vocabulary of hate. When I dreamed of being free, I told myself that I could not engage in hate or rancor.
We can’t continue using words that invite hate and revenge. The guerrillas are our enemy. But we shouldn’t insult them. We should show them how to seek a dignified exit through peaceful negotiations. If we don’t defeat them correctly, we will sow the seeds of hate for the future. They need to move toward dialogue. If they don’t want to do this, we have a right to construct our own democracy. The FARC needs to understand that their era is over. We need quick negotiations. Still, we can’t allow impunity. Those who have committed crimes must pay for their crimes.
On July 2, Betancourt and fourteen other hostages were rescued by the Colombian military in what has been termed a “brilliant” operation. We rejoice with those rescued and with the families that are now reunited. And we are thankful that no one was hurt or injured during the rescue. However, we are concerned over the nature of the operation and what that means for peace in Colombia.
Read an in-depth analysis on the situation by Rebecca Bartel, MCC Latin America Policy Analyst.
Leave a Comment » | Latin America/Caribbean, News Stories | Permalink
Posted by Theo Sitther
July 10, 2008
The Washington Post ran a story today about the decline in the Latino population in Prince William County, Virginia following the implementation of some of the harshest local anti-immigrant laws in the country. The county is experiencing tension between residents who are relieved to see the immigrants go and those who are upset at the anti-immigrant laws, living in fear for themselves or their relatives because of the laws, or facing economic hardship because of lack of immigrants.
Some excerpts:
“You can’t attribute all of what might be negative about the economy in Prince William County to the crackdown,” said economist Stephen Fuller, director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis. “But it certainly hasn’t helped. Neighborhoods that have been weakened because of migration of the Hispanic community out of the county have economic consequences that show up as decreases in retail spending, rental income and potential decreases in the valuation of some housing.”
That decrease — home prices in some areas have fallen by half — is well worth the improvement in quality of life, according to the most ardent supporters of the county’s get-tough approach.
Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a Comment » | Civil Rights, Crime and Justice, Immigration, News Stories, U.S. Economic Justice | Permalink
Posted by Gabe Schlabach
July 7, 2008
On June 24, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Expanded Debt Cancellation (S. 2166). The legislation was then reported for consideration to the full Senate.
In a statement Senator Bob Casey (PA) said, “I’m pleased that at a time when nations around the world are suffering and their citizens are dying of hunger, disease and poverty, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee recognizes the importance of helping the world’s poorest countries.”
This legislation would expand debt cancellation to impoverished countries that need it to fight poverty, promote responsible lending and require an audit of odious, illegal and onerous loans. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a 285-132 vote on April 16. Contact your Senators and urge them to support the Jubilee Act.
Leave a Comment » | Africa, Global Economic Justice, Latin America/Caribbean, Legislative Updates | Permalink
Posted by Theo Sitther
