(2019-06-23). "Never Again" Means Act Now. indybay.org As the national conversation escalates around what to appropriately call the detention centers at the southern border, the humanitarian crisis continues. | Here are tangible actions the local Santa Cruz community can take to protest America's immigration policies and support relief efforts at the border.
(2019-06-23). Are Immigration Detention Centers Concentration Camps? therealnews.com 
Aviva Chomsky discusses the reality of refugees coming to the U.S in light of the controversial statement of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that refugees are kept in concentration camps…
(2019-06-23). Venezuelan Community Builds Solidarity Pharmacy to Counter Sanctions. therealnews.com 
The economic sanctions have severely affected Venezuela's ability to import life-saving medicines. Some communities, however, are responding by creating their own solidarity pharmacies. Michael Fox reports…
(2019-06-23). Emergency Rally – No U.S. War on Iran! End the Sanctions Now! indybay.org 24th and Mission St. BART Plaza…
(2019-06-22). Maduro Highlights Visit by Michelle Bachelet to Venezuela. telesurenglish.net Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Friday celebrated the conclusion an official state visit to the South American nation by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) Michelle Bachelet, after an almost two-hour meeting at the Presidential Palace of Miraflores. | RELATED | UN Human Rights Commissioner Meets Venezuelan Ministers | "We have taken a first step towards a smoother, more cooperative relationship on the human rights of the Venezuelan people," said the head of…
(2019-06-22). In Venezuela, Bachelet calls on Government to release prisoners, appeals for 'bold steps towards compromise'. un.org Speaking at the end of the first-ever official mission to Venezuela by a UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet called on the Government to release all those detained for peacefully protesting and announced that a team from her office would remain in Caracas to monitor the human rights situation.
(2019-06-22). "Never Again" Means Act Now. indybay.org As the national conversation escalates around what to appropriately call the detention centers at the southern border, the humanitarian crisis continues. | Here are tangible actions the local Santa Cruz community can take to protest America's immigration policies and support relief efforts at the border.
(2019-06-22). Communist Party USA celebrates its 100th birthday at Chicago convention. peoplesworld.org 
CHICAGO—More than 300 delegates and guests opened the Communist Party USA's 100th anniversary convention in Chicago on Friday, emphasizing their backing of the Green New Deal, full legalization of all immigrants, protecting voting rights, and other issues. That agenda developed through speeches and in the discussion of resolutions put before the convention. But no one …
(2019-06-22). Activists Step Up Trainings in Wake of Deportation Threats. truthdig.com 
CHICAGO—Ceci Garcia believes that if her husband had a better understanding of his rights, he would have avoided deportation to Mexico after telling a suburban Chicago police officer during a 2012 traffic stop that he was living in the U.S. illegally. | "He failed to remain silent," said the U.S. citizen mother of five. "He proceeded and told the truth." | The Chicago woman now spends her time teaching others how to avoid her husband's fate, part of a growing national effort since President Donald Trump took office that has taken on new urgency in recent days. As he kicked off his 2020 campaign, Trump had p…
(2019-06-22). Adoptee Rights Bill Passes After Decades Long Struggle. blackstarnews.com 
Assemblyman Weprin helped spearhead passage of Clean Bill of Adoptee Rights bill which now heads to Governor Cuomo's desk… | The Clean Bill of Adoptee Rights, A5494/S3419, passed the Assembly after a decade's long push by advocates and lawmakers. | It now heads to Governor Andrew Cuomo for a signature. | The legislation sponsored by Assemblyman David I. Weprin in the Assembly, and Senator Velmanette Montgomery in the Senate, establishes the right of adoptees to receive a certified copy of their birth certificate upon reaching the age of 18. Weprin has sponsored the bill since 2011, during his earliest days…
(2019-06-22). Sanctions that cause hunger and kill-join us in a Food Sovereignty Delegation to Caracas. indybay.org What's going on right now in Venezuela? Come see for yourself how Venezuelans are coping with US economic sanctions designed to cause a social implosion. According to the Independent of England, in Venezuela people hunt the animals of the zoo to eat them. According to the mainstream media, Venezuelans also eat rottten meat and garbage. these reports, give a distorted picture of what is happening in Venezuela . The media also omits serious analysis of the role of the government—community partnership "CLAP" food distribution program that reaches millions of Venezuelans. There is no doubt as indicated in a rec…
(2019-06-22). Back from Iran War Brink: Trump Wants to Walk Back Iran Crisis that He Created with Severe US Sanctions. globalresearch.ca The warmongers on Trump's national security team apparently convinced him to set in motion an aerial strike against Iran Thursday in retaliation for the downing of a US drone over waters claimed by Iran. | Then at the last minute, Michael …
(2019-06-22). Report highlights mistreatment of refugee children in US internment camps. wsws.org A team of lawyers interviewed 60 young detainees being held outside El Paso, Texas, who reported neglect as well as the provision of inadequate food, water and sanitation.
(2019-06-22). 'Not One More Dollar': Even as Trump Postpones Raids, Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley, and Tlaib Vow to Oppose All Funding for 'Hateful Border Agenda'. commondreams.org "The Trump Administration would rather criminalize immigrants, separate families, and detain refugees than practice empathy and compassion," the group of four lawmakers said. "Recent reports of a massive deportation operation, targeting thousands of immigrant families in major cities across the country are further evidence that this President will stop at nothing in order to carry out his hateful agenda." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-06-22). Et tu, Ilhan? Twitter goes bananas as Omar explains why detention centers are 'concentration camps'. rt.com 
Rep. Ilhan Omar has argued that US immigrant detention centers fit the definition of concentration camps, eliciting both applause and eye-rolling on social media as debate over immigration continues to polarize the country.
(2019-06-21). Human Rights Lawyer Condemns Canada's Support For Honduras's Repressive Regime (2/2). therealnews.com 
Prisilla Alvarado, a lawyer acting for imprisoned human rights defender Edwin Espinal, condemns Canadian support for the regime of Juan Orlando Hernandez…
(2019-06-21). Human Rights Lawyer Condemns Canada's Support For Honduras's Repressive Regime (2/2). therealnews.com Prisilla Alvarado, a lawyer acting for imprisoned human rights defender Edwin Aspinal, condemns Canadian support for the regime of Juan Orlando Hernandez…
(2019-06-21). A Brief History of US Concentration Camps. counterpunch.org Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has ignited a firestorm of criticism, from both the left and the right as well as the mainstream media, for calling US immigrant detention centers "concentration camps." To her credit, Ocasio-Cortez has refused to back down, citing academic experts and blasting the Trump administration for forcibly holding undocumented migrants "where they are brutalized with dehumanizing conditions and dying." She also cited history. "The US ran concentration camps before, when we rounded up Japanese people during World War II," she tweeted. "It is such a shameful history that we largely igno…
(2019-06-21). How the Media Misrepresents the Debate Over the Green New Deal. truthout.org A recent Politico article about the Green New Deal resolution put forward in February by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) features many grumblings from blue-collar union members about the potential economic disruption and the loss of jobs — even though the resolution calls for union rights and a federal jobs guarantee for workers. The article opens with Robbie Hunter, the president of the State Building and Construction T…
(2019-06-21). Crackdown on Christians in Eritrea spurs UN expert to press Government 'to live up to its international commitments'. un.org Cracking down on Catholic Church activities, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Orthodox and Christian congregation members in Eritrea, prompted a call from a UN independent rights expert on Friday for the Government to respect citizens' freedom of religion and to "release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs".
(2019-06-21). Defend the CFMMEU — but Setka should resign. greenleft.org.au 
The Socialist Alliance National Executive released this statement on June 17. | *** | The Socialist Alliance will always fight for and defend the rights of workers and their unions, including the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU). This union has faced relentless attacks from the capitalist class and the Coalition — including through the introduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission — because it is a militant union. | The Australian Labor Party has done little to undo the anti-union laws that successive governments have introduced, dating back to t…
(2019-06-21). 'Not On Our Watch': Rights Groups Rally to Help Immigrant Communities Ahead of Reported Weekend Raids by ICE. commondreams.org Ahead of planned pre-dawn immigration raids the Trump administration is set to begin on Sunday morning, rights groups on Friday circulated information for immigrants to prepare families and communities for what was to come, and ensure their rights in the event of government raid were known. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-06-21). Crackdown on Christians in Eritrea spurs UN expert to press Government 'to live up to its international commitments'. un.org Cracking down on Catholic Church activities, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of Orthodox and other Christian congregation members in Eritrea, prompted a call from a UN independent rights expert on Friday for the Government to respect citizens' freedom of religion and to "release those who have been imprisoned for their religious beliefs".
(2019-06-21). Pro-choice groups fear for abortion rights. peoplesworld.org 
SAN FRANCISCO—-Millions of low-income women nationwide face a GOP Trump administration gag rule on their abortion rights following a federal appeals court ruling on June 20 — maybe. That's because while a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld, at least for now, Trump's gag rule, the panel's decision isn't permanent. …
(2019-06-21). Fed up with the system, young voters engage for 2020. nationofchange.org 
Despite this being an off-election year, voting rights organizations are quickly mobilizing to expand voting access, ensure voting rights and educate citizens on their age-old civic responsibility. Now, in what may provide a shakeup to the 2020 elections, a recent poll confirmed that a majority of young Americans want to "reform of replace" the current voting system …
(2019-06-21). Trump's Sanctions are Sadistic and Spiteful. counterpunch.org The history of sanctions is grim, and it is generally acknowledged that they penalize ordinary people to an unjustifiable degree. It is difficult to forget the excruciating pronouncement by Madeleine Albright, President Clinton's Secretary of State, when she was ambassador to the UN and commented on their effects in Iraq in the 1990s, in the More
(2019-06-21). Sanctions that cause hunger and kill-join us in a Food Sovereignty Delegation to Caracas. indybay.org What's going on right now in Venezuela? Come see for yourself how Venezuelans are coping with US economic sanctions designed to cause a social implosion. According to the Independent of England, in Venezuela people hunt the animals of the zoo to eat them. According to the mainstream media, Venezuelans also eat rottten meat and garbage. these reports, give a distorted picture of what is happening in Venezuela . The media also omits serious analysis of the role of the government—community partnership "CLAP" food distribution program that reaches millions of Venezuelans. There is no doubt as indicated in a rec…
(2019-06-21). US: Trump Sanctions More Chinese Tech Companies for 'Security'. telesurenglish.net The United States Commerce Department says it's adding several Chinese high tech companies to its national security "entity list" that bars them from buying U.S. parts without government approval. | RELATED: | Facebook Removes Its Apps From Huawei Phones | The department said Friday it will include Sugon, the Wuxi Jiangnan Institute of Computing Technology, Higon, Chengdu Haiguang Integrated Circuit and Chengdu Haiguang Microelectronics Technology along with the DBAs of these five companies to i…
(2019-06-21). 'Lies, Slander': Cuba Rejects US Trafficking Blacklist. telesurenglish.net Cuba denounced a decision by the United States to blacklist the island nation for allegedly contributing to human trafficking as based on "lies and slander." | RELATED: | Cuban Doctors Restore Sight to Brazilian Community in Bolivia | The U.S. State Department's annual report on human trafficking released Thursday added Cuba and Saudi Arabia to the list of countries allegedly "not doing enugh" to prevent human trafficking and warned sanctions could follow. To add insult to injur…
(2019-06-21). My Grandmother's 20-Year Fight for Prison Phone Justice. truthout.org Imagine having to choose between purchasing groceries or making a phone call to speak with your incarcerated loved one this week. That's the dilemma facing thousands of families across the country bearing the burden of high-cost prison phone calls. | In states like Arkansas, according to the Prison Policy Initiative, it can still cost up to $24 for a 15-minute phone call with someone detained at a jail — a plight po…
(2019-06-21). Headlines for June 21, 2019. democracynow.org Report: Trump Ordered Military Strikes on Iran But Then Pulled Back, Democrats: Congressional Approval Is Needed Before Attacking Iran, Senate Votes to Block Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia & UAE over Yemen War, U.K. Court Rules British Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia Were Unlawful on Humanitarian Grounds, Federal Court Rules in Favor of Trump Administration Title X Abortion "Gag Rule", Detained Migrant Children Denied Adequate Food, Water & Sanitation in Texas, Trump Administration Says Detained Children Not Entitled to Soap, Toothbrushes & Beds, Protest Planned over U.S. Plan to House Children at Site of Former WWII I…
(2019-06-21). Key Witness in Navy SEAL Case Stuns Court by Taking Blame. truthdig.com 
SAN DIEGO — When prosecutors called a special forces medic to testify, they expected him to bolster their case against a decorated Navy SEAL accused of stabbing an Islamic State fighter in his care. | Corey Scott delivered in part, saying Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher unexpectedly plunged a knife into the adolescent detainee in 2017 after treating his wounds in Iraq. | But the government was floored by what came next: Scott took the blame for the killing, saying he suffocated the boy in an act of…
(2019-06-21). As Trump Tweets Hateful Threats, States are Protecting Immigrant Rights. commondreams.org The wave of pro-immigrant legislation in the states — and the recent passage in the House of Representatives of the American Dream and Promise Act — represents a powerful cross-current to the Trump administration's increasingly anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy. (Photo: via ACLU) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-06-20). UN Human Rights Commissioner Meets Venezuelan Ministers. telesurenglish.net U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet met with senior members of Venezuela's Bolivarian government as part of her official visit that began Wednesday, following an invitation from President Nicolas Maduro. | RELATED: | US Plans in Venezuela Have Failed: Cuban President | On Wednesday evening Bachelet held a meeting with Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza, who explained how the government hopes to draw Bachelet's attention to the crippling effects of Unit…
(2019-06-20). Maduro Praises Bachelet's Visit to Strengthen Human Rights System. plenglish.com 20 de junio de 2019, 15: 17Caracas, Jun 20 (Prensa Latina) The visit to Venezuela by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, will contribute to improving the national system, President Nicolas Maduro said.
(2019-06-20). In the U.S. They Are Never Called Human Rights Violations. globalresearch.ca Trump's 2020 budget proposal reflects another significant increase in military spending along with corresponding cuts in spending by Federal agencies tasked with the responsibility for providing critical services and income support policies for working class and poor people. Trump's call …
(2019-06-20). UK Broke the Law by Shipping Weapons to Saudi Arabia. telesurenglish.net The United Kingdom broke international law by allowing arms exports to Saudi Arabia that might have been used in Yemen's war, a court ruled on Thursday, after activists argued the weapons were likely operated in violation of human rights legislation. | RELATED: | Saudi Crown Prince Liable for Murder of Khashoggi: UN Expert | While the court's decision does not mean Britain must immediately halt arms exports to Saudi Arabia, it does mean that there is a stay on the granting of new…
(2019-06-20). Bachelet Holds Meetings with Venezuelan Governmental Representatives. plenglish.com Caracas, Jun 20 (Prensa Latina) The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has held meetings with Venezuelan governmental representatives on Thursday as part of her work agenda in Venezuela.
(2019-06-20). Ilhan Omar re-tweets video of CNN contributor claiming US could be on the road to 'death camps'. rt.com 
Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar appears to be supporting fellow representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, after AOC sparked uproar for comparing detention centers at the US border to Nazi concentration camps.
(2019-06-20). Israeli Holocaust museum schools AOC on concentration camps after comparison to migrant facilities. rt.com 
The Israeli Holocaust memorial center Yad Vashem lit up US Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez online for comparing US migrant detention centers to fascistic concentration camps, even offering to help educate her. |
(2019-06-20). Khashoggi murder 'an international crime', says UN-appointed rights investigator: Special in-depth UN News interview. un.org In an interview with UN News, Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard recounted her nearly week-long mission to Turkey searching for the truth surrounding the death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October.
(2019-06-20). Global poll ranks countries 'using their influence for bad', and the US sits close to the top. thecanary.co In a poll of people from 24 countries, the US has ranked near Saudi Arabia, Israel, Russia, and Iran in terms of using its global influence for bad purposes. | The poll: | The Ipsos Mori study for King's College London surveyed 17,000 people online in 24 countries. | People saw Iran as the most likely to use its influence for bad, at 31%. Russia and Saudi Arabia followed close behind on 25% each, while Israel r…
(2019-06-20). Cuban Foreign Minister Highlights Commitment to Workers' Rights. plenglish.com Havana, June 20 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez confirmed on Thursday the island's commitment to protecting workers' rights, social justice and decent jobs for all.
(2019-06-20). General Strike in Peru Against Neoliberal Labor 'Reform'. telesurenglish.net Peru's largest labor unions have launched a general strike across the country to protest a neoliberal labor law passed last December as part of a month-long campaign and work stoppages against the 'reforms' that will reduce workers' rights in the South American country. | RELATED: | Peru: Alan Garcia's Once-Revolutionary Party Hopes To Make A Comeback | On Thursday, workers from the General Confederation of Workers in Peru (CGTP) whose members hail from the construction,…
(2019-06-20). Trump Prepares to Open New 'Captured Children' Facility in Texas as Hundreds of Rights Groups Call for Decriminalizing Migration. commondreams.org Federal policies on immigration continue trending in a more punitive direction | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files……
(2019-06-20). Journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder 'an international crime', says UN-appointed rights investigator. un.org In an interview with UN News, Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard recounted her nearly week-long mission to Turkey searching for the truth surrounding the death of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October.
(2019-06-20). Annexation: How Israel Already Controls More Than Half of the West Bank. mintpressnews.com 
Almost two-thirds of the Palestinian territory, including most of its most fertile and resource-rich land, is under full Israeli control and about 400,000 Jewish settlers living there enjoy the full rights and privileges of Israeli citizens.
(2019-06-20). Mobilization in Colombia against the US Blockade on Cuba. plenglish.com Bogota, June 20 (Prensa Latina) Colombian political and social personalities and organizations called for demonstrations in different cities across the country to reject the escalation of US sanctions, which intensify the prolonged and criminal blockade against Cuba.
(2019-06-20). Sanctions Are "Genocidal", and They Are America's "Favorite Weapon" globalresearch.ca After withdrawing from the nuclear deal with Iran last year and resuming sanctions last November, the White House in April announced that its goal was to "drive Iranian exports to zero." To make this drive happen, the White House stopped …
(2019-06-20). Chinese President Makes Historical Visit to North Korea. telesurenglish.net Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in North Korea on Thursday as Beijing looks to bolster its neighbor, hit by U.N. sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs, a week before Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump meet amid a bitter trade dispute. | RELATED: | China Reiterates Support for North Korea's 'Correct Direction' | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, greeted Xi at the airport, Chinese state TV said. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, and officials who playe…