Holocaust Memorial Berlin

Undoing Human Wrongs

Set-up on Saturday, June 2, 2007, this site has been established to address human rights issues. I have always been disturbed, concerned, and saddened by humanity's preoccupation with fearing difference. Ethnic conflict, criminalizing sexuality, exclusionary processes, political and religious frameworks guaranteeing division; these are ever-present topics taking place in all parts of the world. On the other hand I have always been inspired by communities and states that have moved forward in a quest to guarantee universal rights for all, creating laws which include rather than exclude certain groups. I have also been inspired by individuals who challenge others to think about prejudice, racism- discrimination at all levels. My challenge to friends, family, and the bloggers reading this is to become aware of new places with human rights abuses, learn about inspirational people, send stories, and make people aware. You can send messages out through your own sites, in emails to friends, or to the comments section of my blog. If you have links, videos, literature, etc, that you would like added send me a note (email in my full profile below). Terry

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Indonesia: A Step in the Right Direction

There are many people in prisons around the world who are there because do not agree with, or do not believe (in) the governments that are in place to "serve the people". In many countries, people take for granted their rights and privileges to criticize governments; they do it because they can, but more importantly, because that criticism is a powerful process which has the potential to shape more "just" and egalitarian societies.

"On July 17, 2007 Indonesia’s Constitutional Court declared unconstitutional articles 154 and 155 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code, commonly known as the “hate sowing” (Haatzai Artikelen) offenses. Articles 154 and 155 criminalized “public expression of feelings of hostility, hatred or contempt toward the government” and prohibited “the expression of such feelings or views through the public media.” The articles specified prison terms of up to seven years for violations. Left over from the Dutch colonial administration, these offenses were often used by the government to restrict peaceful criticism of the government. Political opponents, critics, students, and human rights defenders have been targeted and silenced under the laws". http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/07/19/indone16428.htm

1 comment:

Superchilled said...

Happy Birthday Mister - yes it's a bit late - but I expect you were probably rather busy for the actual day anyway! ;-)
Hope you're having an awesome time in Vancouver.
I might be asking you two boys to do a guest blog at some point in future for a new magazine style blog we're doing... will keep you posted.
Enjoy!