Weekly Justice Highlights

Child Labor:  Millions of Indian children are slaving away in brutal conditions right now to pump out holiday presents and decorations for families around the world. But in days, we can help stop their suffering.  Sign the petition calling on Parliament to ban child labour and ensure that children are in school. (International Action available) 

Confronting Unjust Systems: Sign a petition to President Obama urging him to appoint a new Securities and Exchange Commission chair who is both willing and able to enforce the law and hold Wall Street accountable.  

Spirit of St. Vincent: Urge U.S. Representatives to sign the discharge petition (of Rep. Tim Walz) for an up-or-down vote to prevent an increase in taxes for 98 percent and end the extra breaks for the top 2% (H.R. 15 The Middle Class Tax Cut Act).  The Senate already voted to continue the lower rates for 98 percent of the population last summer and to let the tax cuts expire for the top 2%.

Nuclear Weapons: Individuals are invited to tell President Obama and Congress to actively and visibly support the Helsinki Conference for a Middle East zone free nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction.  (Organizational and individual signatures welcome)

Promoting Human Rights: Urge the Police Commissioner of South Africa to thoroughly investigate Noxolo’s death and bring her killer(s) to justice for a crime that is over a year old.  Noxolo was raped, beaten and stabbed because of her sexual orientation.  (International Action is available)

Urge the African division of Pepsi to release a statement opposing the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill and communicate this directly to Ugandan Members of Parliament.   (International Action is available)

Louisville:  On January 8 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, a screening of Sun Come Up will be shown.  Sun Come Up provokes discussion about climate change, displacement, and the rights of vulnerable communities around the globe. See the film's trailer here.

Israel and Palestine, an animated introduction to share with others is located here.

Enjoy the oceans as you may have never seen in 5 minutes by clicking here.

Know anyone taking a cruise this holiday season or in the upcoming year?  Friends of the Earth have just released a report card grading cruise lines and ships on their environmental impact. 

In preparation for January 11^th, Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the US Catholic Conference of Bishops Anti-Trafficking Program has launched some new efforts that include an anti-trafficking e-newsletter and a national weekend of prayer (January 11-13) with more information here.