Our featured image shows our beloved Miriam, a great friend and human rights defender

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

Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to “The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam”.

CHARITY CORNER

This week we again call your attention to the coronavirus that is ravaging the world. If you wish to help, the writer and activist Trang Chu Minh, who writes for Cause-Artist, has compiled a list of NGO’s that are helping and need support under the title Meet the Organizations Leading the Charge Against the Coronavirus Epidemic in Asia. We suggest you open this file and choose your beneficiary.

WINGS FOR SPECIAL KIDS.

We are adding a call to support Krembo Wings, an Israeli non-profit organization which brings children with and without disabilities together for weekly social activities in its branches across Israel. Krembo Wings serves children and youth of all backgrounds and reflects the diverse make-up of Israeli society. Krembo Wings motto is Together Creating a Meaningful Place for Everyone. The society provides a warm and friendly environment for children and adults who have special needs. This call will be a permanent feature of this blog. Please donate to this worthy cause,

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.

We are pleased to note that the governments of both Australia and Canada are taking active steps and allocating resources to protect their vulnerable aboriginal communities. We hope that other countries with indigenous population will take the needed steps to protect scattered rural communities

A major calamity for indigenous people forced contact with outsiders such as missionaries. Please raise your voice against use of a helicopter to reach remote and uncontacted tribes. The New Tribe Mission (NTM) will destroy these communities.

You can download this book

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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 raise your voice against the exploitation of prisoners as forced laborers.

URGENT ACTION CASES

Peru, protect people fleeing Venezuela

“I’m staying right here until they let me through.”

On the border crossing between Peru and Ecuador, Jessica, a Venezuelan woman in her 60s, explains how she has no choice but to seek international protection in Peru. Over 800,000 other Venezuelans have already sought refuge in Peru, a country that has received the highest number of asylum requests from Venezuelans, although only granting 1,000. Peru has the laws and the opportunity to protect thousands of people like Jessica who need a country that doesn’t turn its back on them.

In Venezuela, people suffer violations of their most basic rights on a daily basis. These are massive violations of human rights to life, health and freedom that affect society as a whole. Approximately 4.8 million people have had to leave the country escaping this reality, seeking international protection.

Peru must demonstrate its leadership in the region by protecting those who need solidarity and security. Instead of turning away people in need, they must once again receive and welcome Venezuelan people.

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NIGERIA

Urgent Action Update: Journalist at Risk of Arrest

Samuel Ogundipe, a journalist with Premium Times, an investigative newspaper in Nigeria, is currently in hiding. He is being hounded by officials of Nigeria’s Department of State Security (DSS) for revealing a leaked memo exposing an alleged fight for control within the President’s inner circle. On 1 March, unidentified persons lurked around his home in a suspicious manner.

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RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Urgent Action: Journalist Faces Prison for Radio Comment

Journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva is facing criminal charges of “justification of terrorism”, punishable by seven years in prison, for her comment on a local radio station in Pskov, north-western Russia, made on 8 November 2018. She criticized the government and expressed her views on why youth are radicalized. The charges against Svetlana Prokopyeva stem solely from her exercise of her right to freedom of expression and should be dropped.

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TURKEY

Urgent Action: Prisoners’ Release Law Must Not Discriminate

Amid growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 in Turkey’s overcrowded and unsanitary prisons, the health and lives of prisoners and staff are at increased risk. The Turkish government is preparing a draft law that will reportedly lead to the release of up to 100,000 prisoners but would exclude those who have been imprisoned unfairly under anti-terror laws simply for exercising their rights, including journalists, human rights defenders, and people in pre-trial detention.

TAKE ACTION

WORLD WIDE FOOD WORKERS IUF

Guidelines for safe work practices for workers in food, hotel and farming businesses have been published. Please put these guidelines out on your social media so that workers in these industries can be protected in the workplace.

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Our featured image shows our beloved Miriam (1947-2012), a great friend and human rights defender

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

CHARITY CORNER

This week we again call your attention to the coronavirus that is ravaging Asia and soon the rest of the world. If you wish to help, the writer and activist Trang Chu Minh, who writes for Cause-Artist, has compiled a list of NGO’s that are helping and need support under the title Meet the Organizations Leading the Charge Against the Coronavirus Epidemic in Asia. We suggest you open this file and choose your beneficiary.s foundation is most worthy of your support.

WINGS FOR SPECIAL KIDS.

We are adding a call to support Krembo Wings, an Israeli non-profit organization which brings children with and without disabilities together for weekly social activities in its branches across Israel. Krembo Wings serves children and youth of all backgrounds and reflects the diverse make-up of Israeli society. Krembo Wings motto is Together Creating a Meaningful Place for Everyone. The society provides a warm and friendly environment for children and adults who have special needs. This call will be a permanent feature of this blog. Please donate to this worthy cause,

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.

A major calamity for indigenous people is eviction from their lands in the name of conservation. We know that tribal people are the best conservators of their environment. Please raise your voice for them.

In view of the coronavirus pandemic, we bring you a message from the head of survival international.

You can download this book

Look for these logos:

Look for these logos:

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 raise your voice against the marketing of the products of slavery. We also link you to a message from the director of Survival International.

URGENT ACTION CASES

CHINA

Urgent Action: Fears for Female Activist Held Incommunicado

Li Qiaochu, an active defender of the rights of women and workers, was taken away by police in Beijing on 16 February 2020. Detained in an unknown location, her arrest is suspected to be related to her activism against gender violence and the fact that her partner, Xu Zhiyong, attended an informal gathering of lawyers and activists in Xiamen in December 2019. Without access to her family and a lawyer of her choice, there are grave concerns that Li Qiaochu is at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.

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NIGER

Urgent Action: Journalist Detained for Social Media Post

Journalist Mamane Kaka Touda is currently being detained at Niamey Civil Prison, Niamey, Niger, having published a post on social media regarding a suspected case of COVID-19 infection in the Emergency Department of the Niamey Reference Hospital on 5 March. He was arrested at home on the same day and charged with “disseminating data tending to disturb public order”.

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TUNISIA

Urgent Action: Lawyer on Trial at a Military Court

Human rights lawyer Najet Laabidi faces trial before a military court on charges of “insulting a public official while performing their duty”. She risks up to two years in prison. The trial is a result of a complaint filed by a military judge who was presiding over the trial of former regime officials being prosecuted for torture. As the defense lawyer for victims of torture in this case, Laabidi flagged a number of violations during her pleading and questioned the impartiality of the military judge. The military judge subsequently filed complaints against Laabidi in 2015. She appeared in front of the military court and is awaiting a verdict on 12 March 2020.

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BURUNDI

Urgent Action Update: Journalists Sentenced to Imprisonment

On 30 January, the Bubanza Tribunal in northern Burundi sentenced journalists Agnès Ndirubusa, Christine Kamikazi, Egide Harerimana and Térence Mpozenzi to two years and six months in prison. The initial charge of “conspiring to undermine state security” was changed during the sentencing to a charge of “impossible attempt to undermine state security”. The tribunal acquitted their driver, Adolphe Masambarakiza. The four have appealed their sentence. Amnesty International believes the four are being persecuted simply for doing their legitimate work as journalists.

TAKE ACTION

Our featured image shows our beloved Miriam (1947-2012) a great friend and human rights defender

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

CHARITY CORNER

This week we again call your attention to the coronavirus that is ravaging Asia and soon the rest of the world. If you wish to help, the writer and activist Trang Chu Minh, who writes for Cause-Artist, has compiled a list of NGO’s that are helping and need support under the title Meet the Organizations Leading the Charge Against the Coronavirus Epidemic in Asia. We suggest you open this file and choose your beneficiary.

WINGS FOR SPECIAL KIDS.

We are adding a call to support Krembo Wings, an Israeli non-profit organization which brings children with and without disabilities together for weekly social activities in its branches across Israel. Krembo Wings serves children and youth of all backgrounds and reflects the diverse make-up of Israeli society. Krembo Wings motto is Together Creating a Meaningful Place for Everyone. The society provides a warm and friendly environment for children and adults who have special needs. This call will be a permanent feature of this blog. Please donate to this worthy cause,

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.

A major calamity for indigenous people is their representation as violent savages, even the so-called noble savages. Please click and see the responses of many established anthropologists to the libel.

You can download this book

Look for these logos:

Look for these logos:

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 raise your voice against the laws that make it impossible for survivors of slavery to work in the UK

URGENT ACTION CASES

IRAQ

Urgent Action: Assistant Judge Convicted in Unfair Trial

On 24 November 2019, the Kurdish security forces, also known as Asayish, arrested Hatsyar Wshyar, assistant judge in Sulaymaniyah court, and held him in solitary confinement for seven days, during which he was reportedly tortured. On 2 December 2019, following an unfair trial, he was sentenced to one year in prison for “misuse of electronics” over social media posts. Currently serving his sentence in Sulaymaniyah prison, he has been on hunger strike since 2 February 2020. He awaits trial on 8 March 2020 for a second lawsuit under the same charges. Authorities must release Hatsyar Wshyar immediately and unconditionally, drop all charges, and ensure a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation into the torture allegations.

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TURKEY

Urgent Action Update: Trial Against Students and Academic Continues

The next hearing in the trial against 18 students and one academic from Middle East Technical University (METU) will take place on 12 March in Ankara. They are facing criminal charges that carry prison terms for allegedly joining an LGBTI Pride Parade on the University’s campus on 10 May 2019. The charges against all of them must be dropped as no one should be prosecuted for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

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RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Urgent Action Update: Detained Rights Defender Denied Medical Care

Server Mustafayev, a human rights defender from Crimea currently standing trial before a Russian military court, is being denied adequate medical care. He is suffering from high fever and a viral respiratory infection, similarly to two of his co-defendants. Despite their condition, they were forced to attend lengthy court hearings, without water or food.

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SEVERAL COUNTRIES

Coca-Cola workers in Haiti, Indonesia, Ireland, and the USA still need your support

Coca-Cola continues to violate the fundamental rights of workers in Haiti, Indonesia, Ireland and the USA. Please click here and support their struggle

Our feature image shows our beloved Miriam (1947-2012) a great… friend and human rights defender

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

CHARITY CORNER

This week we call your attention to the coronavirus that is ravaging Asia and soon the rest of the world. If you wish to help the writer and activist Trang Chu Minh, who writes for Cause-Artist, has compiled a list of NGO’s that are helping and need support under the title Meet the Organizations Leading the Charge Against the Coronavirus Epidemic in Asia. We suggest you open this file and choose your beneficiary.

WINGS FOR SPECIAL KIDS.

We are adding a call to support Krembo Wings, an Israeli non-profit organization which brings children with and without disabilities together for weekly social activities in its branches across Israel. Krembo Wings serves children and youth of all backgrounds and reflects the diverse make-up of Israeli society. Krembo Wings motto is Together Creating a Meaningful Place for Everyone. The society provides a warm and friendly environment for children and adults who have special needs. This call will be a permanent feature of this blog. Please donate to this worthy cause,

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.

A major calamity for indigenous people is eviction from their lands in the name of conservation. We know that tribal people are the best conservators of their environment. Please raise your voice for them.

Act now to help Congo Basin tribes

Urge WWF to stop backing a new park in Congo.
It’s time to decolonize conservation.

You can download this book

Look for these logos:

Look for these logos:

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 raise your voice against the abuse of Congo Basin people by so-called conservation groups from outside.

Act now to help Congo Basin tribes

Urge WWF to stop backing a new park in Congo.
It’s time to decolonize conservation.

URGENT ACTION CASES

NIGERIA

Urgent Action Update: Journalist Released on Bail

Journalist Agba Jalingo has been released on bail from Calabar Prison, Cross River state, southern Nigeria. However, Agba Jalingo and human rights defenders Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Adebayo Bakare continue to face trumped-up charges of treason because they demanded government accountability. They face a life sentence if they are found guilty of these charges. All charges against the journalist and human rights defenders must be immediately and unconditionally dropped.

TAKE ACTION

CUBA

Urgent Action Update: Cuban Opposition Leader at Risk of Unfair Trial

José Daniel Ferrer García, Cuban opposition leader and former Amnesty International prisoner of conscience, has been in detention since October 1, 2019. According to his family, his trial is scheduled for February 26, 2020, however, his family was only informed of this on February 20, 2020. His family also reports that two defense witnesses were allegedly harassed by security agents, days before the trial. Amnesty International has documented for decades government control over the judiciary. Mass mobilization is needed to ensure that the Cuban authorities allow independent monitoring of his trial to ensure that it is fair.

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CHINA

Urgent Action Update: Bookseller Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Bookseller Gui Minhai was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and deprivation of political rights for five years on the charge of “illegally providing intelligence to foreign entities” on 24 February 2020. Without access to his family, a lawyer of his choice and consular officials, there are grave concerns that Gui Minhai is at risk of torture and other ill-treatment, as well as grave concerns for his health.

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INDONESIA:

4 years after instant closure, workers still fighting for their rights at Great Giant Pineapple. Please support the workers in their struggle for justice.

Our featured image shows our beloved Miriam (1947-2012) a great friend and human rights defender

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

Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to “The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam”.

CHARITY CORNER

This week we call your attention to Doctors without Borders who stand ready to supply support wherever needed against the coronavirus. In countries with weak health services, they are available to strengthen the struggle against the virus. We call for donations to them to get them moving as they did against SARS in 2003 which was caused by a similar coronavirus.

WINGS FOR SPECIAL KIDS.

We are adding a call to support Krembo Wings, an Israeli non-profit organization which brings children with and without disabilities together for weekly social activities in its branches across Israel. Krembo Wings serves children and youth of all backgrounds and reflects the diverse make-up of Israeli society. Krembo Wings motto is Together Creating a Meaningful Place for Everyone. The society provides a warm and friendly environment for children and adults who have special needs. This call will be a permanent feature of this blog. Please donate to this worthy cause,

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.

A major calamity for indigenous people is forced contact with outsiders. Please raise your voice for them and their right to live as they choose.

You can download this book

Look for these logos:

Look for these logos:

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 raise your voice against child marriage

URGENT ACTION CASES

CHINA

Coronavirus: Stop censorship in China

Censorship, harassment and punishment for speaking out are hindering the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. Take action now to demand an end to censorship in China.

EGYPT

Speak out for women’s rights defender Azza Soliman

Every day, Azza Soliman risks her own safety and freedom to defend survivors of abuse in Egypt.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Urgent Action Victory! Human Rights Defender Released

On 14 February 2020, Joaquín Elo Ayeto was released from Black Beach Prison in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where he had been imprisoned for almost a year following his arbitrary arrest on 25 February 2019. He was released without any explanation or any papers confirming his situation.

NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.

On 14 February 2020 Joaquín Elo Ayeto, was released from Black Beach Prison in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, where he had been imprisoned for almost a year. Without any explanation or information, Joaquín was taken out of the prison and left on the street without a phone or any money.

The release took place following a meeting on the same day of the Secretary General of the Convergence for Social Democracy Party, and other members of the opposition party of which Joaquín is a member, with Teodoro Obiang, President of Equatorial Guinea. In that meeting the President gave the order to release Joaquín.

Joaquín Elo Ayeto was arrested at his home on 25 February 2019, accused of having information on a plot to kill the president. Joaquín was tried for defamation and threats against the President on 21 November 2019. His sentence was never read.

Despite his imprisonment Joaquín Elo Ayeto is determined to carry on with his human right work: “Now that I am free I’m going to carry on doing the work that I used to do before. I can see that the country is in a much worst situation than a year ago when I was detained. The economic crisis is worst, the government continues without giving information to its citizens…”

Following his release, Joaquín Elo Ayeto shared the following message with Amnesty International: “I have been told of the work that you have done for me and I want to thank the titanic effort by Amnesty International that has resulted in my release. I want to thank all the work that has been done to achieve my release”. 2019. His daughter only learned about his conviction in recent months through word of mouth. Missing since May 2017, he has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. No evidence against him has been made public.

MALAYSIA

Urgent Action: Indigenous Land Rights at Risk

More than 930 hectares of ancestral land customarily claimed land by the largely Temuan Indigenous community in western Malaysia is at risk of having its status as a ‘forest reserve’ removed, resulting in some 1,000 Indigenous people being dispossessed of their land for development projects. The Selangor Forestry Department’s failure to consult the relevant Indigenous communities demonstrates a blatant disregard for the principle of free, prior and informed consent, as well as their willingness to put corporate development ahead of the welfare of citizens.

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MOROCCO

Urgent Action: Grocer Imprisoned for Speech

Omar Ben Boudouh, known as Moul El Hanout (the grocery store owner), has been hospitalized since 14 February 2020 after spending 45 days on hunger strike. On 5 December 2019, police arrested Ben Boudouh and accused him of “offending” public officials and institutions and “incitement to hatred”. Ben Boudouh had previously posted a live video on his Facebook page where he peacefully expresses critical opinions about the king of Morocco saying that he allowed for impunity to prevail. On 7 January 2020, a court sentenced Ben Boudouh to three years in prison and he subsequently began a hunger strike. His lawyers appealed the sentence on 12 February 2020 and are awaiting a final verdict to be pronounced on 26 February 2020.

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ECUADOR

Urgent Action: Ombudsman’s Life at Risk After Death Threats

The life and personal integrity of Ombudsman Freddy Carrión and his family are at risk. He recently received repeated death threats, including a bomb threat at his family’s home on 13 February. Even though he publicly denounced this situation, the Ecuadorian government has failed to protect him and his family. The Ombudsman stated that this is a retaliation for his human rights work during the crisis in October 2019. We call the Attorney General to grant immediate protection to him and his family and to investigate these threats in an immediate, impartial and independent manner.

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KAZAKHSTAN:

Trade unionist Erlan Baltabay imprisoned – again!

In July this year, Erlan Baltabay, a leader of the Independent Oil and Energy Workers’ Union in Kazakhstan, was sentenced to seven years in prison on politically motivated charges. A huge international union mobilization followed, including a LabourStart campaign signed by thousands calling for his release. He was released from prison in August after being pardoned by the President and was able to return home to his family.

He has now been imprisoned again. Please act on his behalf.

Our featured image shows our beloved Miriam (1947-2012), a great friend and human rights defender.

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

Desiderius Erasmus in 1523 as depicted by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Greek and Latin words on the book translate to “The Herculean Labors of Erasmus of Rotterdam”.

 

CHARITY CORNER

This week we call your attention to the Cambodian Children’s Fund that transforms the country’s most impoverished kids into tomorrow’s leaders, by delivering education, family support and community development programs into the heart of Cambodia’s most impoverished communities.

The heart of the Fund is its founder and president, Scott Neeson. His story of going from a senior position in the US film industry to founding a charity is worth reading. The charity has a very high rating with Charity Navigator.

WINGS FOR SPECIAL KIDS.

We are adding a call to support Krembo Wings, an Israeli non-profit organization which brings children with and without disabilities together for weekly social activities in its branches across Israel. Krembo Wings serves children and youth of all backgrounds and reflects the diverse make-up of Israeli society. Krembo Wings motto is Together Creating a Meaningful Place for Everyone. The society provides a warm and friendly environment for children and adults who have special needs. This call will be a permanent feature of this blog. Please donate to this worthy cause,

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.

This week we call your attention to the Tiger Reserve people of India.

The lives of hundreds of thousands of tribal people in Indian tiger reserves are being destroyed in the name of conservation. The Indian government is illegally evicting them from the land where they have always lived and that they have always protected. Take a stand for tribal people who are being driven from their land despite laws that are designed to protect them.

THE STRUGGLE AGAINST SLAVERY

We have added this section to the blog in order to join the struggle against slavery worldwide. This week we refer you to the the ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labor which is all about modern slavery. We call your attention to the anti slavery campaign. There you can sign up for action updates.The importance of checking your sellers’ supply chains cannot be overemphasized.

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URGENT ACTION CASES

BANGLADESH

Urgent Action: Singer Arrested for “Hurting Religious Sentiment”

Bangladeshi folk singer Shariat Boyati has been arrested under the draconian Digital Security Act for stating that music is not forbidden in the Qur’an. He faces up to five years’ imprisonment on vague charges of hurting religious sentiment. Arrested for solely exercising his right to freedom of expression, Shariat Boyati must be immediately and unconditionally released.

TAKE ACTION

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Urgent Action: LGBTI and Women’s Rights Activist Under Arrest

Russian activist and artist, Yulia Tsvetkova, is facing prosecution and harassment for defending women’s and LGBTI rights. She has been under house arrest since 22 November, under absurd charges of “production and dissemination of pornography” for her drawings of the female body. She is facing up to six years in prison if convicted. Yulia Tsvetkova is a prisoner of conscience and must be immediately and unconditionally released.

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TAJIKISTAN

Urgent Action: Journalist Jailed and at Risk of Torture

Independent journalist, Daler Sharipov, was arrested on 28 January and is held in pre-trial detention in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe on trumped up charges of “inciting religious discord”. Daler Sharipov is being denied access to his lawyer and is at risk of torture. He is a prisoner of conscience, detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression, and must be released immediately and unconditionally.

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CHINA

Urgent Action: Uyghur Academic Jailed for “Inciting Extremism”

Prominent Uyghur historian and publisher Iminjan Seydin was convicted of “inciting extremism” after a secret and grossly unfair trial in February 2019. His daughter only learned about his conviction in recent months through word of mouth. Missing since May 2017, he has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. No evidence against him has been made public.

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