News
A high-level UN body today approved formal jurisprudence that elaborates the rights and practical recommendations for the protection of migrant domestic workers worldwide. In a vote this afternoon, the UN Committee on Migrant Workers adopted the guidance in the form of a “General Comment” that interprets the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, one of the nine core international human rights treaties.
Domestic work accounts for as much as 10% of total employment in some countries, yet almost every country of the world excludes domestic work from its national labour laws and protections. Working in private homes, the workers are almost entirely unseen and unprotected. Estimates suggest that well over half of all domestic workers in many countries are migrant. As noted in the General Comment, “migrant domestic workers are at heightened risk of certain forms of exploitation and abuse.” Women, who are the vast majority of domestic workers worldwide, and child domestic workers are exceptionally vulnerable.
“Our members around the world, and particularly in Asia and the Gulf countries, have long been concerned about the suffering of these workers,” explains Johan Ketelers, Secretary General of the International Catholic Migration Commission, which together with Caritas Internationalis was one of the principal non-governmental organizations that worked on development of the new guidance. Over the years, ICMC itself and with partners has operated safe houses and shelters in Asia, the Middle East and Europe to provide rescue, protection and assistance to maids and other domestic workers fleeing abusive conditions, from being locked in the house and forced to work twenty-hour days, seven days a week without break to battery and sexual violence at the hands of their employers.
This is the first time that such a high-level international body has taken up their plight as a group directly. This is also the first time that the Committee on Migrant Workers has adopted formal guidance under the 1990 Convention. “The fact that this guidance deepens application of one of the core international human rights treaties is extremely important, and we welcome it,” notes Mr. Ketelers, “The new guidance is also relevant to the adoption by the International Labour Organization of a separate international rights convention pertaining to all domestic workers, which is expected in June 2011.”
The 1990 Convention has been ratified by 44 countries, many of which are the origin of millions of domestic workers worldwide, including Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Honduras, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia are among the other countries from which large numbers of migrant domestic workers originate that have moved towards ratification by signing the Convention.
To ensure that the guidance was evidence-based and would be effective for the protection of rights, ICMC and Caritas worked with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International NGO Platform on the Migrant Workers Convention to gather for the Committee research and experience from around the world. A synthesis of that input and reference to information submitted from 75 countries in the separate ILO process is available at http://www.icmc.net.
“We were struck at how commonly the rights of migrant domestic workers are violated, cross-cutting borders, cultures and all regions,” explains Mr. Abdelhamid El Jamri, Chair of the UN Committee on Migrant Workers. “The new guidance addresses abuse that is worldwide, rights that are universal, and practical recommendations that have global application. There is no cultural exception to the obligation to respect basic human rights.”
Independent UN Experts urges Governments to focus on Victims of Trafficking
The UN's Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, told gathering of anti-trafficking experts in Bratislava this week that countries at every stage of the trafficking process must find effective avenues of redress for victims.
"This is a fundamental human right and should be guaranteed to all victims of human rights violations including trafficking."
Experts, gathered from a variety of sectors, discussed how better help can be given to trafficked people, with the discussions intended to form the basis of Ms. Ezeilo's report to the UN <"http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/">Human Rights Council in June 2011 on the rights of trafficked persons.
Discussions focused on the existing normative framework and the content and scope of the right to find effective remedies.
"Trafficked persons must be able to access competent and independent authorities and receive reparations for the harms they have suffered, including compensation," said Ms Ezeilo.
"Access to information, legal assistance including free legal aid, and regularization of their residence status while seeking remedies are necessary pre-conditions for trafficked persons to exercise their right to an effective remedy. "States' responses in this field should also be tailored to fulfil the human rights of specific groups of trafficked persons such as children."
The Special Rapporteur, who assumed her position in 2008, works in an independent and unpaid capacity, presenting an annual report on the subject of human trafficking to the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Obama’s Very Good Week - NYTimes.com
One Opinionater says President Barack Obama has had a good week. He has returned to his place of political ideology of network liberal strike which places him in one political point in the universe but with the kowledge that he has to make compromises and work with others to achieve his goals.
Good analysis.
Obama’s Very Good Week - NYTimes.com
Good analysis.
Obama’s Very Good Week - NYTimes.com
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
In Obama Tax Plan, Boost for Job Creation - David Leonhardt - NYTimes.com
Stick with Obama's plan you guys, he has the American people at heart. Yes, it's not a perfect deal but so is the world. Nothing is perfect and to live, thrive and survive we must make compromises. The American people have spoken in the last election and they have dictated that they want the Republican to have a stronger voice and Obama must respect that because it's the people that put him in the White House. He cannot become a dictator and make all the choices without the public input. If things go awry, the people will have to take some of the blame. Those who oppose Obama's are short sighted and arrogant and have not learned the lesson of the past election. I urge them to humble themselves and listen to the American people and stick by a leader who is wiser than most of the rest put together.
In Obama Tax Plan, Boost for Job Creation - David Leonhardt - NYTimes.com
In Obama Tax Plan, Boost for Job Creation - David Leonhardt - NYTimes.com
Girl, Get Me Started! » Aretha Franklin’s Health Woes Continue
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul is having some health problems. At 68 things begin to go wrong but for heaven's sake Aretha you have to get your weight under control. We do want our Queen to be around for a long time. True God is in control of our destiny but we're in control of what we eat. This is not done with meanness but with true compassion and love for you because you are my all time favourite Queen, there is no other like you sweetheart.
Girl, Get Me Started! » Aretha Franklin’s Health Woes Continue
Girl, Get Me Started! » Aretha Franklin’s Health Woes Continue
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Obama Caves on Tax Cuts for Wealthy, Capitulating to 'Bush-McCain Philosophy' | | AlterNet
Obama Caves on Tax Cuts for Wealthy, Capitulating to 'Bush-McCain Philosophy' AlterNet
I believe that Mr. Obama did not recapitulate. He is listening to the American people. They created the government they want and they wanted President Obama to work with the Republicans and that’s what he is doing and that’s the wish of the people. It is totally against what the President would have wanted did he have the majority in the house but why should he hold up a bill dilly-dallying when poor people are starving and need the respite of a tax break.
A government can only do so much. A wise government knows when to compromise. There are always hard choices to be made. Mr. Obama, as far as I read him, is not in government to boost his self-image or to accumulate accolades or money; he is there for the people. He strikes me as a person for whom doing the right thing, the honest think is at the core of his politics. For a man like him, giving in to the Republican’s need to fatten the pockets of their rich friends, relatives and business partners, is worth the price of ensuring that the average American does not suffer.
At the end of the day, the American people would have themselves to blame if the economy takes even longer to bounce back because they have deliberately tied the hands of the man who has the vision and the ability to pull America out of the abyss that the former Republican government has left it in. How quickly we forget. The short memory span of the aging population and even shorter one of the twitter generation is dubious political leaders’ dream. They know that whatever they have done will quickly be forgotten as fresh lies are piled on.
Those who will criticize Obama for his decision to go along with the Republicans are as short-sighted as the general population and are ego-driven. Their kind of leaderships is one-upmanship and let’s sees who will win. It’s all about what men are about, arm wrestling for personal power, forgetting what is at stake. This is where Obama shines. He is not all about himself. He does not need tax breaks. He had a good life outside of the White House. He is the voice in the wilderness crying out for the American people, the ordinary folks, folks like his mother who had to worry about her medical bills, insurance and all that while fighting for her life. Do you see where this man’s motivation is coming from? I rest my case.
I believe that Mr. Obama did not recapitulate. He is listening to the American people. They created the government they want and they wanted President Obama to work with the Republicans and that’s what he is doing and that’s the wish of the people. It is totally against what the President would have wanted did he have the majority in the house but why should he hold up a bill dilly-dallying when poor people are starving and need the respite of a tax break.
A government can only do so much. A wise government knows when to compromise. There are always hard choices to be made. Mr. Obama, as far as I read him, is not in government to boost his self-image or to accumulate accolades or money; he is there for the people. He strikes me as a person for whom doing the right thing, the honest think is at the core of his politics. For a man like him, giving in to the Republican’s need to fatten the pockets of their rich friends, relatives and business partners, is worth the price of ensuring that the average American does not suffer.
At the end of the day, the American people would have themselves to blame if the economy takes even longer to bounce back because they have deliberately tied the hands of the man who has the vision and the ability to pull America out of the abyss that the former Republican government has left it in. How quickly we forget. The short memory span of the aging population and even shorter one of the twitter generation is dubious political leaders’ dream. They know that whatever they have done will quickly be forgotten as fresh lies are piled on.
Those who will criticize Obama for his decision to go along with the Republicans are as short-sighted as the general population and are ego-driven. Their kind of leaderships is one-upmanship and let’s sees who will win. It’s all about what men are about, arm wrestling for personal power, forgetting what is at stake. This is where Obama shines. He is not all about himself. He does not need tax breaks. He had a good life outside of the White House. He is the voice in the wilderness crying out for the American people, the ordinary folks, folks like his mother who had to worry about her medical bills, insurance and all that while fighting for her life. Do you see where this man’s motivation is coming from? I rest my case.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
‘Whiter Shades of Pale’ by Christian Lander - NYTimes.com
More stuff that white people like from a white man himself. Seems to know himself pretty well.
‘Whiter Shades of Pale’ by Christian Lander - NYTimes.com
‘Whiter Shades of Pale’ by Christian Lander - NYTimes.com
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
James T. Kloppenberg Discusses His ‘Reading Obama’ - NYTimes.com
Barack Obama, the Philosopher President - a rare breed. Read this article and be inspired by the man
James T. Kloppenberg Discusses His ‘Reading Obama’ - NYTimes.com
James T. Kloppenberg Discusses His ‘Reading Obama’ - NYTimes.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
LEAF addresses Gendered social context of the Crime of Infanticide
For Immediate Release:
LEAF Intervenes in R. v. L.B at Ontario Court of Appeal
to address the gendered social context of the crime of infanticide
September 22, 2010, Toronto – On September 23 and 24, 2010 the Ontario Court of Appeal will be asked to consider the offence of infanticide in the Criminal Code. LEAF is intervening in the appeal to offer the Court a perspective on the ongoing relevance and importance of infanticide as a homicide offence that is separate and distinct from murder.
“In the past few years, we have seen what appears to be an emerging trend of the Crown charging women who have killed their newly born children with murder as opposed to infanticide. The result is that these women face life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole” says LEAF Legal Director, Joanna Birenbaum. “This is a significant concern to LEAF since the offence of infanticide, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, is intended to account for the complex and gendered social, economic, psychological and medical context in which the offence occurs.”
“The women who commit infanticide in Canada tend to be young, poor, socially isolated and without adequate social and economic supports to cope with childbirth or caring for a child. They have often experienced sexual or other abuse and have often denied the pregnancy to others and even to themselves. Many accused women have given birth alone, and commit the offence in a state of panic, intense pain, shock, disassociation, exhaustion and alienation” explains Birenbaum. “The offence of infanticide is treated differently in law than murder because of the many overlapping social, cultural, psychological and medical factors which may affect the state of mind of accused women following childbirth. It is a very serious crime, but it is a crime which recognizes the reduced culpability of women whose minds are “disturbed” due to the interaction of these complex factors related to childbirth.”
Infanticide is one of only two gender-specific crimes in the Code. It applies only to women who have recently given birth. The offence recognizes the reproductive functions and caregiving roles of women and the unique stressors accompanying those roles.
LEAF’s factum argues that where the elements of infanticide are present, the infanticide offence should be available to women regardless of whether the Crown charges murder. This approach is consistent with the clear intention of Parliament to include the offence of infanticide in the Criminal Code.
Marie Henein will be representing LEAF at the hearing.
-30-
Contact:Joanna Birenbaum Marie Henein
LEAF Legal Director and Co-Counsel Counsel
647-500-3005 (cell) 416-400-9991(cell)
416-595-7170 ext. 223 (office) 416-368-5000 (office)
j.birenbaum@leaf.ca mhenein@henein.com
LEAF Intervenes in R. v. L.B at Ontario Court of Appeal
to address the gendered social context of the crime of infanticide
September 22, 2010, Toronto – On September 23 and 24, 2010 the Ontario Court of Appeal will be asked to consider the offence of infanticide in the Criminal Code. LEAF is intervening in the appeal to offer the Court a perspective on the ongoing relevance and importance of infanticide as a homicide offence that is separate and distinct from murder.
“In the past few years, we have seen what appears to be an emerging trend of the Crown charging women who have killed their newly born children with murder as opposed to infanticide. The result is that these women face life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole” says LEAF Legal Director, Joanna Birenbaum. “This is a significant concern to LEAF since the offence of infanticide, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, is intended to account for the complex and gendered social, economic, psychological and medical context in which the offence occurs.”
“The women who commit infanticide in Canada tend to be young, poor, socially isolated and without adequate social and economic supports to cope with childbirth or caring for a child. They have often experienced sexual or other abuse and have often denied the pregnancy to others and even to themselves. Many accused women have given birth alone, and commit the offence in a state of panic, intense pain, shock, disassociation, exhaustion and alienation” explains Birenbaum. “The offence of infanticide is treated differently in law than murder because of the many overlapping social, cultural, psychological and medical factors which may affect the state of mind of accused women following childbirth. It is a very serious crime, but it is a crime which recognizes the reduced culpability of women whose minds are “disturbed” due to the interaction of these complex factors related to childbirth.”
Infanticide is one of only two gender-specific crimes in the Code. It applies only to women who have recently given birth. The offence recognizes the reproductive functions and caregiving roles of women and the unique stressors accompanying those roles.
LEAF’s factum argues that where the elements of infanticide are present, the infanticide offence should be available to women regardless of whether the Crown charges murder. This approach is consistent with the clear intention of Parliament to include the offence of infanticide in the Criminal Code.
Marie Henein will be representing LEAF at the hearing.
-30-
Contact:Joanna Birenbaum Marie Henein
LEAF Legal Director and Co-Counsel Counsel
647-500-3005 (cell) 416-400-9991(cell)
416-595-7170 ext. 223 (office) 416-368-5000 (office)
j.birenbaum@leaf.ca mhenein@henein.com
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Facing Social Pressures, Families Disguise Girls as Boys in Afghanistan - NYTimes.com
In Afghanistan, if you do not have a boy, then make one, dress em like a boy and walla you have a son who will inherit your share of the earth.
Facing Social Pressures, Families Disguise Girls as Boys in Afghanistan - NYTimes.com
Facing Social Pressures, Families Disguise Girls as Boys in Afghanistan - NYTimes.com
Monday, September 20, 2010
Understanding the Witch-Hunt Against Obama | | AlterNet
Is American going to let the media decide Obama's fate? Or will they think for themselves for a change? Look at Obama's record. He has pulled America out of the quagmire left my Mr. George Bush and the republicans - do they want to return to more of what got them into the mess Mr. Obama is trying to clean up, if they do, this time there will be no coming back up. China or India will supersede the Lord of the Land. I urge people to not abandon ship at mid sea, stick with the President. He has a good plan to get America working but be patience. This is not your McDonald's fast food situation and you know all about fast food, it's not good for health. stay the course people.
Understanding the Witch-Hunt Against Obama AlterNet
Understanding the Witch-Hunt Against Obama AlterNet
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
YouTube - President Obama's Oval Office Address on BP Oil Spill & Energy
Check out President Obama's speech from the Oval Office
YouTube - President Obama's Oval Office Address on BP Oil Spill & Energy
YouTube - President Obama's Oval Office Address on BP Oil Spill & Energy
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Hardest Working Prez the United States of America has ever had
Perhaps it is because he is the first Black President, he works so hard. He knows that upon his shoulders rest the burden of role model for Blacks all over the world and how he does in the White House will be reflected on all Blacks for generations to come. He wants to do well and he is. He wants to be honest and he is. It is the one think I like and admire about this man. He honestly believe in what he is doing and to be that is the measure of the man. He wants to honour his promise to the American people. Like those who develop their bucket lists, Obama has his list of promises and I can see him ticking each one as it is accomplished. He is firm and is not distracted by those who choose to attend Tea parties and rallies while enjoying the benefit of income assistance through programs he has introduced. He is not distracted by those who are waiting to put their foot out to trip him as he runs to serve the American people. Nothing will trip him, he will just jump right over your feet and keep on trucking for that's who he is.
I received this in my email and I thought I should share it with you and you can share it if you are so inclined
I Folks, If you have not noticed....few Presidents have ever worked this hard for our country, having to deal with such hatred and ill-will. Many wonder, does he ever sleep? Only God can sustain such energy, knowledge and person. Will you please join in this prayer?
We also pray that when his enemies come upon him they will stumble and fall; and that your love will fill his heart to the end that 'Your will' be done through him.
We pray mightily for his protection. As we plead the Blood of your son, Jesus, over him and his family. We reverently ask you to dispatch legions of angels to protect them from all hurt, harm, danger as he serves as the President of the United States of America .
We thank you and praise you for answering our sincere prayers, in Jesus' precious name,
AMEN
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating if you are so inclined.
May God bless and keep you...
I received this in my email and I thought I should share it with you and you can share it if you are so inclined
I Folks, If you have not noticed....few Presidents have ever worked this hard for our country, having to deal with such hatred and ill-will. Many wonder, does he ever sleep? Only God can sustain such energy, knowledge and person. Will you please join in this prayer?
Lord,
We pray for optimum health, mental clarity and political prosperity for President Barack H. Obama. We pray that what he lacks in political 'experience' you make up for with supernatural wisdom and power. We also pray that when his enemies come upon him they will stumble and fall; and that your love will fill his heart to the end that 'Your will' be done through him.
We pray mightily for his protection. As we plead the Blood of your son, Jesus, over him and his family. We reverently ask you to dispatch legions of angels to protect them from all hurt, harm, danger as he serves as the President of the United States of America .
We thank you and praise you for answering our sincere prayers, in Jesus' precious name,
AMEN
All you are asked to do is keep this circulating if you are so inclined.
May God bless and keep you...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Why It Matters That Obama Marked "Black" On His Census Form | | AlterNet
President Obama created a bit of a stir in early April when he completed his Census form. In response to the question about racial identity the president indicated he was "Black, African American or Negro." Despite having been born of a white mother and raised in part by white grandparents, Obama chose to identify himself solely as black even though the Census allows people to check multiple answers for racial identity
Why It Matters That Obama Marked "Black" On His Census Form AlterNet
Why It Matters That Obama Marked "Black" On His Census Form AlterNet
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Op-Ed Columnist - Bibi’s Tense Time-Out - NYTimes.com
What is happening to Israeli-American relationship? Why is Israel doing what it is doing? Where is peace in all this. The columnist below is instructive.
Please do not create more work for the overworked Democrats (busy cleaning up GWB mess) - the President is working as hard as he can - more than any other President, give him some slack and show some respect to the process please. I think the Israelis should apologize to Mr. Joe Biden.
Please click on link below and read:
Op-Ed Columnist - Bibi’s Tense Time-Out - NYTimes.com
Please do not create more work for the overworked Democrats (busy cleaning up GWB mess) - the President is working as hard as he can - more than any other President, give him some slack and show some respect to the process please. I think the Israelis should apologize to Mr. Joe Biden.
Please click on link below and read:
Op-Ed Columnist - Bibi’s Tense Time-Out - NYTimes.com
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