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

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Far Western Reaches of China

Last year's violent ethnic protests in the city of Urumqi resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and injuries in the thousands. The Chinese government has dealt with this situation the way it always deals with ethnic issues within its borders: through suppression, censorship, (mis-)trial, and the eventual execution of a few scapegoats:

"On October 12, the Urumqi Intermediate People's Court tried seven men and sentenced six to death and one to life imprisonment. On October 14, another 14 men were tried and sentenced. Six received the death penalty, three of them with a two-year reprieve, while others were sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. All the trials took place without prior public notification and were conducted in less than a day." http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/10/15/china-xinjiang-trials-deny-justice

I do not condone violence or violent protest, but I do empathize with situations which bring anger, frustration, and helplessness to a head. China, please don't blame the people, don't put them to death, don't set examples...find a process which allows for non-violent protest, freedom of speech, and legal processes which ensure fair and just treatment of those convicted.

Dead Can Dance - The Host Of Seraphim

October 17 is End Poverty Day...one of my favourite clips that reminds me of what's still happening around the world is from the movie "Baraka".

On this rainy Friday morning, I only need to go out my front door and see people sleeping in doorways and at bus shelters to remind me that poverty is at the local level as well.

Happy thoughts for the start of the weekend.