Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women: Urge Internationaldonors to Somalia and HassanSheikh Mohamoud, President of Somalia to adopt a zero tolerance policy for human rights abuses committed by Somalia's security forces, and to ensure women are protected.  (International action available)

Care of Earth and Promoting Peace: On February 18, thousands gathered in Washington, DC to oppose the Keystone XL.  There is still time to urge President Obama (1.202.456.1111; charges apply) to say NO to the Keystone XL before he makes his decision.  In addition, urge him to support a robust Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that targets merchants that sell weapons to human rights abusers, only regulates trade between countries not within them, and will not affect the U.S. constitution’s second amendment.

Immigration: Urge Speaker of the House John Boehner to publicly condemn Rep. Rohrabacher for threatening deportation of an undocumented student and her family.

Empowering Women: Sign a petition calling for ratification of the Women’s Rights Treaty that will be shared in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, call on U.S. Representatives to take up and pass the Senate’s Violence Against Women Act as soon as possible.

Promoting Peace: Father Alberto isn't your typical Catholic priest. Because of his human rights work, he's beloved among Colombia's war victims. He currently has a bodyguard and recently, a gunman tried to kill him, or at least send a deadly message.  Urge Ambassador P. Michael McKinley to demand action from the Colombian government.  

Challenging Unjust Corporations: Three mining giants, Drummond Coal, Goldman Sachs andCerrejon, are urged to abide by international and Colombian laws.  Recently, the U.S. coal giant Drummond dumped 2,000 tons of coal into the Caribbean Sea and must be held accountable for reckless and irreparable abuse of the coastline.  

Care of Earth: Urge President Obama and the Department of Energy to evaluate all the impacts of fracking on our communities to export liquefied natural gas to overseas buyers.  

On March 1, new federal cuts will begin to take effect in the U.S. If nothing is done, many hundreds of thousands of people will be hurt by across-the-board cuts to education, job training, home heating assistance, public health, and social services, to name only a few areas.  Fact sheets on sequestration for your state are located here.  Individuals may contact legislators here.

Care of Earth: U.S. Catholics are invited to sign a letter to President Obama urging strong leadership to fight climate change.  

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide inspired a game that brings players first to a small village in India to meet Radhika and provides a range of stories and gives players the opportunity to unlock real-world giving opportunities that mirror actions in the game. More information is available here.    

Louisville residents:  Individuals are urged to attend a rally before the next Metro Council meeting on February 28 on the steps of City Hall.  The rally begins at 5:15 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 6 p.m.  Organizers are asking those in attendance to bring a 2-liter bottle of soda as a visual of what this task increase will cost the average citizen, $1.26/month.   Can’t come? Then contact your Metro Council representatives at 574.1100 and give them the message: "Now that the County Attorney has found a way to designate the 1% premium tax increase to the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, we are counting on you to support this as the dedicated revenue source the Fund!"

Louisville: On March 4 at 5:30 p.m. Vandana Shiva (philospher, environmental activist, author and eco-feminist based in Delhi, India) will speak at the U of L, Swain Student Activities Center Mulitpurpose Room.  Her topic will be "Violent Economic 'Reforms' and the Growing Violence Against Women" and is free to the public with a reception to follow.