Salem-News.com Equal-rights articles Page 26

Reverse the Concert Cancellation of the Gilad Atzmon and The Orient House Ensemble

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” ― Victor Hugo

(LONDON) - Jazz was born as an art form for social commitment through improvisation as a way to express freedom.

If a jazz artist is not able to be free in their expression, then the freedom for everyone is at risk. Silencing an artist is complicit in censorship.

Malaysia: Open Letter to the Prime Minister

Stop Arrests and Harassment on Those who Exercise Their Constitutional and Internationally-Recognized Right to Freedom of Expression

(LONDON) - Mr. Prime Minister,

We, the undersigned human rights organisations and individuals, write to you to register our grave concern over the continued crackdown on freedom of expression in Malaysia, including the latest arrests and investigations against those who criticised or commented on the Federal Court’s decision to uphold the conviction of Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy charges earlier this month.

Former CIA Officer Convicted for Unauthorized Disclosure of National Defense Information and Obstruction of Justice

CIA Whistleblower found guilty on all counts

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - A former CIA officer was convicted Monday by a federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, of illegally disclosing national defense information and obstructing justice.

“This is a just and appropriate outcome,” said Attorney General Holder. “The defendant’s unauthorized disclosures of classified information compromised operations undertaken in defense of America’s national security.

Malaysian Airlines (MAS) Employees and Trade Union Rights at Risk by New Law Being Rushed Through

Employees may have to once again form new unions and go through the process of seeking MAB’s recognition.

(LONDON) - We, the undersigned 36 organisations, groups and trade unions are appalled with the Malaysian government’s current attempt to pass a law that will seriously undermine worker and trade union rights of employees in the Malaysian Airline System Berhad (MAS), the operator of Malaysia’s national carrier.

Not only will the consequence of the new law be loss of employment of all employees of MAS and its subsidiaries, but also the end of the existing trade unions and associations representing the employees of MAS.

People of the World, Surge Forward to Climate Justice

We vow to build a new system based on the rational, collective, and democratic management and use of resources in the interest of the people and the well-being of the planet.

(LONDON) - It has been a year since Typhoon Haiyan struck central Philippines: one of the strongest and deadliest tropical cyclones ever recorded, leaving tens of thousands of people dead and missing, millions homeless and livelihoods destroyed.

In commemoration of the first year of Typhoon Haiyan and to honor all the victims of the global climate crisis, we declare this day, November 8, as International Day for Climate-Affected Communities. The sufferings of the communities hit by Typhoon Haiyan are also true in countless other places around the world. Globally, the number of reported weather-related disasters has more than tripled since the 1960s.

Brittany Maynard Dies With Dignity From Brain Cancer

Death Comes Peacefully After Taking Aid-in-Dying Medication

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Twenty-nine year-old Brittany Maynard's public story of bravely enduring brain cancer touched the hearts of millions of Americans. She died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 1 in her Portland home, surrounded by family and friends.

Brittany suffered increasingly frequent and longer seizures, severe head and neck pain, and stroke-like symptoms. As symptoms grew more severe she chose to abbreviate the dying process by taking the aid-in-dying medication she had received months ago.

Bahrain: Immediately and Unconditionally Drop All Charges Against Maryam Al Khawaja

She is a legitimate and peaceful human rights defender who has not been allowed legal counsel since her apprehension.

(LONDON) - On 30 August 2014, human rights defender Ms Maryam Al-Khawaja was detained upon arrival at Bahrain International Airport. She was travelling to visit Mr Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja in detention, who has been on hunger strike since 24 August 2014.

Maryam Al-khawaja is a prominent human rights defender in Bahrain and is Co-Director of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights. She is the sister of human rights defender Ms Zainab Al-Khawaja and daughter of Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja.

Hindus Urge Mormons to Reconsider Ordination of Women

"Exclusion of women from some religious services, just because they were female, was very unfair and ungodly."

(RENO, Nev.) - Hindus have urged The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and its President Thomas S. Monson to reconsider favorably the ordination of women.

Distinguished religious statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that it would be a “step in the positive direction” as women could disseminate God’s message as skillfully as men and deserved equal and full participation and access in religion.

Thailand: Continued intimidation of human rights defender Mr Surapan Rujichaiway

Two civil lawsuits against local villagers are being heard 19-22 August 2014.

(LONDON) - Surapan Rujichaiwat has been actively involved in opposing the opening of a gold mining project in Loei Province. He has regularly attended and given talks at environmental meetings. Surapan Rujichaiwat helped persuade many local villagers of the likely negative impact of the mining operation on their health and livelihood.

On 16 August 2014, the wife of Wang Saphung community leader Mr Surapan Rujichaiwat received a phone call during which an unidentified individual threatened him for his campaign work on behalf of the Wang Saphung community in relation to its dispute with the gold-mining company, Tung Kha Limited Company (TKLC).

Human Rights Worker`s Detention Extended for Sixth Time

Egyptian authorities are urged to end the needless detention of this peaceful man.

(LONDON) - On 5 August 2014, the Investigative Judge of the Criminal Division of South Giza court extended the detention of human rights defender Mr El Hussieny Hassan for the sixth time.

Police officers initially arrested El Hussieny Hassan on 21 February 2014 while he was monitoring demonstrations in the Haram district of Cairo. During interrogations, the human rights defender informed the police of his human rights work and presented documentation signed and stamped by the organisation.