Justicia for Migrant Workers

I recently completed a reflection paper for one of my courses, in which I focused on issues affecting migrant workers, particularly agricultural workers. In my research I came across this organization based in Toronto, Justicia for Migrant Workers. I wanted to bring it to the attention of anyone who might have an interest in issues of this nature. I found their website very helpful in my research.

Global Zero declaration for a world free of nuclear weapons

I have just signed a petition supporting the Global Zero declaration for a world free of nuclear weapons.

The risk of military or terrorist nuclear attacks is escalating daily.

But, at the same time, one of the best chances to rid the world of nuclear weapons is happening. A group of influential figures called Global Zero is beginning to persuade the nuclear powers that the only answer to this global security crisis is the elimination of all nuclear weapons.

Please read the email below and sign up by clicking here



Thanks!

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Dear friends,

Whether in the Korean peninsula, in unstable Pakistan, or in the volatile Middle East, the risk of military or terrorist nuclear attacks is escalating daily. Yet one of the most real chances to rid the world of nuclear weapons is happening and will be won or lost far from the headlines.

Next week in Moscow, Presidents Medvedev and Obama could make history by agreeing to reduce their nuclear arsenals and set the world´s course towards a nuclear-free world. A group of highly influential figures (1) called Global Zero has presented a four-step plan to achieve that goal and, though it seems incredible, they are successfully persuading the nuclear powers that the world is more secure without nukes.

What's needed now is a massive surge of people power urging the US and Russia to take bold these steps to achieve global zero. Click below to sign the petition and help deliver a deafening call to action. Global Zero leaders will hand it over to Presidents Obama and Medvedev:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/time_to_global_zero

For decades the disarmament movement has sought to rid the planet of nuclear weapons. During the Cold War, the efforts of citizens across the world played a key role in curbing the nuclear arms race, helping prevent nuclear war. But all too often their goal has been regarded as utopian and improbable.

Now, an alliance of the sound advice of security experts and the democratic force of citizens worldwide has a realistic possibility of achieving this goal.

Last April, Obama and Medvedev said they were committed to a world free of nuclear weapons. But it will require a massive concerted effort to press them to turn rhetoric into action.

In the face of a deepening crisis, the summit next week is a tremendous opportunity for human progress. Let's pile on the pressure to seize it.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/time_to_global_zero

With hope,

Luis, Alice, Ricken, Pascal, Paula, Graziela, Paul, Brett, Milena, Ben, Margaret, Raluca, Alice W, Raj and the whole Avaaz team.

(1) Global Zero includes former heads of state, such as Jimmy Carter and Mikhail Gorbachev, former foreign and defence ministers, national security advisors, and former top military commanders. More information at: http://www.globalzero.org/en/about-campaign

Sources:

IAEA Chief Warns Of Possible New Wave Of Nuclear Proliferation
http://www.avaaz.org/nuclear_proliferation

Global Zero offers plan to eliminate nukes by 2030, AP, 29 June 2009:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gSWX9EdJu8HH4xpD5AdAlSCkR_ewD994J2Q00

Putin Talks of Giving Up Nukes, The Moscow Times, 11 june 2009: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1010/42/378483.htm

Alert level raised on North Korea, BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8071175.stm

Scrapping nuclear arms is now realpolitik. Six security experts urge America and Russia to act today
http://www.avaaz.org/the_times_nukes

Full Global Zero Action Plan available at:
http://www.globalzero.org/en/global-zero-press-release-june-29

Free Euna Lee and Laura Ling

I received this petition from Care2's ThePetitionSite the other day and would like to bring it to your attention. Here's the letter they sent me:

Do you know about Euna Lee and Laura Ling? The two journalists were investigating human rights abuses of North Korean women when they were arrested by North Korean authorities. The two were recently sentenced to 12 years hard labor for "illegal entry" and "hostile acts."

Their sentence is much harsher than expected, which is why we believe that the regime in Pyongyang is using them as pawns in a dangerous game of escalating tensions with the international community.

Getting Pyongyang to listen is a challenge, but China is the major provider of energy/ food and may be able to use its influence to help free the journalists.


Please urge President Hu Jintao to act on behelf of Euna Lee and Laura Ling.

Thanks for taking action!

Samer
ThePetitionSite