Saddam Executed. And now what?

I am saddened and ashamed of being an American today. It cannot be right to have executed Saddam. His trial was a travesty. He may have been a monster. I don't doubt it. But what about the rest of us? How many people have died since the invasion of Iraq? And when will it end?

posted by: jbasoon at 02:28 | link | comments |
death penalty

To a Better Year in 2007

2006 was not a stellar year for human rights. But I firmly believe that by promoting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and educating all youth on this document we can make a huge difference.

I am very exciting about the work Youth for Human Rights Int is doing, and I love the PSAs they have produced.

It seems to me that all we have to do is get people in front of the TV screen, watching these videos and we can make a real start in the right direction.

And this planet really needs some "right direction" badly!

posted by: jbasoon at 07:13 | link | comments |
education, human rights

David Miscavige at the Scientlogy New Years Event

Okay, it's a bit off topic, but I was so impressed about David Miscavige and the New Years event last night at the Shrine Auditorium in LA that I had to say something about it.

When it really gets down to it, what is going to make it possible for people to enjoy the human rights they deserve?

It's going to take people being sane. It's going to take a culture composed of moral, caring people who are is such excellent communication with one another that they recognize the importance of each other. And when this becomes so widespread that it transcends borders and cultures we will have peace and tolerance.

Being at the event where David Miscavige is the speaker is so revitalizing, because Mr. Miscavige makes it so tangible. You can see that with Scientolgy technology we can actually bring about this ideal culture we all want.

And the best thing about it is that not only do you not have to sacrifice any individuality to have this, you actually become more yourself!

posted by: jbasoon at 04:59 | link | comments |

Christmas Message

Peace on earth - Good Will toward Men.

That's the message of Christmas, and my message to all my friends and visitors today.

Merry Christmas!

posted by: jbasoon at 21:33 | link | comments |

Religious bigotry is an affront to people of all faiths.  If you oppose one faith you are wearing away at the rights of all of us. 

Here is a very interesting site on the subject -- Religious Freedom Watch.

posted by: jbasoon at 02:13 | link | comments |
scientology, religious freedom

According to the news just out, the number of complaints to the Human Rights Commission doubled this past year.

One aspect is simply the errosion of human rights in post 9/11 society.   Commission chief executive Paddy Sloan is quoted as saying."The absence of a devolved administration; the continued and disturbing erosion of civil liberties through increasingly restrictive counter-terrorism measures; the lack of progress in securing enhanced powers for the Commission; and the ongoing challenge of re-energising the debate on a Bill of Rights have required commissioners to become familiar very quickly with a broad range of complex issues."

One other factor observed is that a wider variety of suites.  It seems more people are demanding their rights, and are seeking recourse through the Commissions -- a healthy sign.

There is no question that the state of human rights today is appalling -- a far cry from what those who drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights would have expected nearly 60 years later.  But if the trend toward demanding rights continues, perhaps "we the people" can actually force real human rights into being.

posted by: jbasoon at 00:23 | link | comments |

NEW DELHI : Father Cedric Prakash, known for his work in the field of human rights, was conferred the Minorities Rights Award for 2006 here on Monday.

Presenting the award on the occasion of Minorities Rights Day, former chairperson of National Human Rights Commission A.S. Anand asked whether there was a reason to celebrate Minorities Rights Day when human rights were being trampled upon.

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948 by the U.N. But the declaration was not presented to the world as treaty for ratification, which becomes binding on nations. It was only a vision or an aspiration," he said.

Mr. Justice Anand said the problem was people were silent when they ought to have spoken. "We have been complacent when we ought to act," he said.>> continued

posted by: jbasoon at 06:00 | link | comments |

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

I saw this add in the Asian Tribune, and was reminded of the tragic waste of a truly competent and humanitarian woman, whose work could be making such a difference in the world, today.

Free immediately Daw Aung San Suu Kyi & other 1400 Burmese political prisoners.

As of today Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained for a total of 11 years and 54 days

Aung San Suu Kyi is now serving her third term of house arrest. She was arrested on 30 May, 2003 after the regime's militia attacked her convoy and killed up to 100 of her supporters.

posted by: jbasoon at 00:34 | link | comments |

Human Rights Act in Canada May Not Be what it Seems

A proposed change to the Canadian Human Rights Act would give aboriginal people the right to challenge federal legislation. At first glance, the proposal seems like an idea long past its time but some native leaders feel it is equivalent to prying the lid off Pandora’s box. Lawrence Paul, chief of this first nation community, was appalled with the idea proposed by Federal Indian Affairs Minister Jim Prentice in Parliament on Wednesday. "This reeks and stinks of assimilation. There was no consultation with first nations leaders on this proposal," said Mr. Paul. "This federal government is taking advice on native issues aimed at how to assimilate our people. They’re trying to back us into a corner and you know what happens when you back people into a corner," he added. Aboriginal people in Canada cannot launch complaints about the Indian Act under the Canadian Human Rights Act, because of a specific section in the law that exempts the Indian Act. At issue is Section 67, which says: "Nothing in this Act affects any provision of the Indian Act or any provision made under or pursuant to that Act." On Wednesday, Mr. Prentice called Section 67 "a block which prevents Canadian First Nations citizens from having the same rights and protections that you and I have." Mr. Paul said the Harper government ultimately wants to get rid of the Indian Act. "For 190 years we have been dependent on the Indian Act and the only way to break dependency is through education and economic development and that’s where we need the help," said Mr. Paul. "I told Mr. Prentice you can’t throw our people to the wolves; you can’t put us out into the white world with no money and no help." Mr. Paul said in a community like Millbrook, human rights complaints could bankrupt the band.>> continued

posted by: jbasoon at 02:05 | link | comments |

Kenya: LSK Bid to End Human Trafficking

The Law Society of Kenya has initiated a programme that will help in the implementation and legislation of laws on human trafficking.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting at a Nairobi hotel, Mr Robert Mochache, an advocate for anti-trafficking, said poverty was the major challenge to human trafficking.

He said Kenya has been rated the main source, transit and destination for human trafficking and sex tourism.>> continued

posted by: jbasoon at 03:56 | link | comments |