Our feature image above shows what “development” can do when forced upon uncontacted indigenous tribes

HE WHO PERMITS OPPRESSION PERMITS CRIMES.-Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)

 

CHARITY CORNER

This week we turn our attention to a highly rated charity (Charity Navigator 4 star) that helps where needed around the world. We refer you to Helping Hand for Relief and Development. Their mission statement:”Helping Hand for Relief and Development is a global humanitarian relief and development organization responding to human sufferings in emergency and disastrous situations anywhere all over the world with special focus in countries where the massive population living below the poverty line like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kenya, Sudan and many others. We also have partners ranging from small community support groups to national alliances and international networks. HHRD works with the co-partners underlines the issues that emerge after any natural upheaval or affect poor and voiceless people. “

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Indigenous tribes do not simply die out. They are killed by the actions of so-called civilized nations. Survival International provides a long list of cases in which a letter from you can and will make a difference. Please open this link and write at least one letter. This link will be a permanent feature on our blog and we would be grateful if you gave it a bit of attention each week. We suggest going down the list in the order given. The letters are pre-written for you. All you need to do is send them. It would be nice also if a donation to Survival International could be forthcoming. They are the best conservationists--help that fact go viral.

A major calamity for indigenous people is forced development. Forcing “development” or “progress” on tribal people does not make them happier or healthier. In fact, the effects are disastrous. The most important factor by far for tribal peoples’ well-being is whether their land rights are respected.

Tell the UN to recognize that progress can kill

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Find a campaign to work for. Light must be made to shine in the darkest of places. We invite you to join Freedom United and to participate in the abolitionist movement against modern slavery. Join in the struggle against cotton slavery in Uzbekistan.

 

 

URGENT ACTION CASES

THAILAND

Urgent Action: Authorities Block March, Charge Participants

16 individuals were arrested during a march to deliver a petition to the Thai Prime Minister to request the shelving of plans for a coal-fired power plant and may face criminal charges. The arrests occurred after security forces blocked the path of the protesters, leading to a clash between the two groups and minor injuries.

 

TAKE ACTION

BRAZIL

Urgent Action: Seven Killed During Joint Security Operation

Seven men were killed during a joint security operation of the Civil Police and the Army in São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro State. The case is not being investigated, and could remain unpunished after a law transferring the competence to try crimes committed by military personnel to military courts was approved.

TAKE ACTION

EGYPT

Urgent Action Update: Detained Couple’s Health Critically Deteriorating

Ola al-Qaradawy and her husband Hossam Khalaf have been arrested on unfound charges and held in poor prison conditions. Although Hossam Khalaf has been transferred to a collective cell, Ola al-Qaradawy has been in solitary confinement since her arrest. Their health is critically deteriorating and Hossam Khalaf has been denied access to healthcare.

TAKE ACTION

IRAN

Urgent Action! Four months without wages! Haft Tapeh sugar workers launch strikes and demonstrations

On December 2, workers at the giant Haft Tapeh sugar cane plantation and mill complex in Shush launched a new round of strikes and demonstrations after more than four months without wages or benefits. The workers and their families are hungry, and they need your support.

The Haft Tapeh workers have always had to fight for their wages and pensions and their rights. In 2008, workers formed an independent union – affiliated to the IUF – following a 42-day strike to demand long-standing wage arrears. In June this year, the workers again held work stoppages and demonstrations to demand payment of wage arrears of up to four months. In response to our international campaign, the wage arrears were partially settled; temporary workers are still owed two months’ wages for 2016. But workers have not been paid since July 11. Please join their protest.