#Human Rights Committee (HRC)

[antisextrade]

Human Rights or Hidden Agendas: Exposing Well-Known NGOs and Prostitution Legalization - Donor Beware

Many of us might regularly or occasionally donate money to NGOs, and you are probably aware that there are many NGOs that support pimps and sex buyers rather than people in prostitution, advocating for the legalization of prostitution.

However, some might not be aware that very famous NGOs like Amnesty International (AI), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Open Society Foundations (OSF), Human Rights Campaign (HRC), International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC), and even the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW), International Women's Rights Action Watch Asia Pacific (IWRAW Asia Pacific), as well as some UN bodies and agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) are among them.

This makes the pro-prostitution movement feel justified in claiming theirs is a ‘human rights’ approach to prostitution. For those who wish to genuinely support individuals in prostitution and porn, it's advisable to reconsider donating to these organizations. Instead, direct your support to NGOs that take a firm stance against prostitution and pornography.

Here is a compelling (but shortened) paragraph delving into NGOs advocating for the legalization of prostitution and the origins of this movement as discussed in Julie Bindel's book, 'The Pimping of Prostitution':

'On 8 March 2015, the journalist and eminent anti-trafficking activist Ruchira Gupta was on her way to the Apollo Theatre in New York, to give the keynote address as the Woman of Distinction Awardee at the non-governmental organisation Commission on Status of Women (CSW). Gupta was traveling with Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women.

[...]

Women and government representatives from all over the world attend this event, and Gupta was thrilled to have been given this award because it was an acknowledgement from her peer group of the work she had been doing to end sex-trafficking.

Just before arriving at the Apollo, Gupta received an email from a committee member of the New York CSW telling her not to mention the word ‘prostitution’ in her speech. ‘I was aghast since my entire work was with prostituted women and my award was for that work’, Gupta said at the time.

Gupta emailed the committee member and asked how she could give a speech in which she did not represent the views of the members of her organisation? ‘[The woman who emailed me] replied that she had been asked by the Chief of Civil Society at UN Women to stop me from speaking about prostitution’, says Gupta. ‘This was bizarre. Why should an NGO body try to censor me and stop me from speaking about a subject for which they had given me an award?’

The reason soon became apparent to Gupta. The NGO had received money from an organisation that supports and profits from the sex trade. The Chief of Civil Society at UN Women had been circulating a letter, via her official UN Women email address, to all NGOs asking for prostitution to be legalised as ‘sex-work’, and pimping and brothel-keeping to be legalised as ‘employers’ of poor women.

Gupta recalls:

‘I went ahead and gave the speech I had prepared about how prostitution was an outcome of inequality and not a choice ’, says Gupta. ‘I said that the punishment of pimps, Johns and brothel-keepers was what prostituted women and their daughters in India desperately wanted. All they had was the law to protect them. [...] I pleaded for UN Women to punish those who buy and sell her and to invest in reducing her vulnerabilities. I reminded them the UN Declaration of Human Rights stood for protection of the weak and not the powerful.

At the end of her speech, Gupta received a rousing reception from the delegates, comprising feminist NGOs from every corner of the globe. But not everyone was happy with her. ‘Unfortunately, I saw the Chief of Civil Society whisper and walk away with the head of UN Women before I spoke’, says Gupta.'

Perhaps, it is not surprising that those NGOs, prioritizing money over human rights, now strongly advocate for complete decriminalization. This inclination may be influenced by the fact that organizations like UNAIDS and the WHO have their headquarters in Geneva, where a fully legalized prostitution system is in place. During her research on Switzerland's legalized prostitution system, Julie Bindel learned from a woman working in a Geneva-based human rights organization that her colleagues are active users of prostitution:

Friday night is known as ‘ho’ night. The men in my team literally brag about going to prostitutes. One of the roles in the team is to raise awareness about trafficking and irregular migration, but these guys go out and abuse them without any thought.

Engaging in sex buying while formulating policies on prostitution constitutes a clear conflict of interest. My understanding is that the purchase of sex by UN staff is already prohibited according to the UN Staff Regulations and Rules, as clarified in the Secretary-General's bulletin ST/SGB/2003/13.

Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or exploitative behaviour, is prohibited.

However, it seems that the these rules and regulations are not enforced, especially within certain UN bodies and subsidiaries located in Geneva, leading to a tendency for biased policy decisions. Naturally, individuals who purchase sex would favor an approach that legitimizes prostitution, as opposed to the Nordic Model, which criminalizes both sex buying and all forms of pimping.

By the way most of the major funding organizations supporting women's organizations, such as the Open Society Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mama Cash, and various UN bodies, have been influenced by lobbyists from the sex industry. As a result, these funding bodies typically do not allocate funds to organizations operating in this field unless they endorse complete decriminalization. Consequently, women's organizations not in favor of full decriminalization often face a lack of financial support, especially those in the global South who may lack resources for a website, making them relatively unknown on the international stage. These organizations heavily rely on donations from private citizens. So before you donate to an NGO, check where they stand on prostitution and porn.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate:

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations are putting Democratic leaders on notice: there is no room for retreat when it comes to defending equality. In a letter sent Monday, a coalition of major advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, PFLAG, and Advocates for Transgender Equality, urged the Democratic National Committee to hold firm on support for LGBTQ+ rights. The call to action comes as some prominent Democrats have begun softening their stance on transgender rights in response to Republican attacks. “With increasing frequency and intensity, the LGBTQ+ community is being targeted substantively as well as rhetorically, in campaigns, state legislatures, Congress, and from every corner of the Trump administration,” the letter states. “Elected Democratic officials have pushed back, voted no, exercised their veto authority, and stood up as champions for LGBTQ+ people, and particularly for the transgender community. We recognize and appreciate those efforts. But the party’s leaders simply must do more.” The warning follows recent controversial remarks from Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, both longtime LGBTQ+ allies who appeared to align with right-wing rhetoric on trans inclusion in sports. Newsom sparked outrage last week when, on the debut episode of his podcast, This is Gavin Newsom, he agreed with far-right commentator Charlie Kirk that trans women competing in sports is “deeply unfair.”

[...] “Since the election, a small but vocal number of Democratic officials seem to have wavered on their conviction that LGBTQ+ people deserve the equal protection of the laws,” the letter states. “Some have suggested a strategy of appeasement: that compromising with a little bit of discrimination against a particularly misunderstood and powerless segment of our community could satisfy anti-equality opponents.” The letter makes clear that Democrats cannot afford to give an inch, especially as Trump has begun enacting sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

Various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including GLAAD, PFLAG, and HRC, signed a letter warning the DNC to hold firm on defending trans rights and not cave in to anti-trans animus on certain policies (esp. trans women in women’s sports and gender-affirming care for trans youths).

See Also:

LGBTQ Nation: Major LGBTQ+ rights groups call on Democrats to “do more” to fight Republican hate

[babynerdwizard]

Gaza Marine dengan 1 Triliun Ft Kubik Gas Alam | a Political Economy

Selain motif Netanyahu yang mulai kehilangan kepercayaan dari publiknya (dan dengan segala propaganda etnis, fasis, rasis dan historis).

At its heart us Benyamin Netanyahu, the dominant figure in israel politics for over two decades who may now be the wrong man, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The prime minister is widely perceived to have lost the confidence of Israeli public adn is struggling to run a war cabinet effectively. He is also an implausible candidate to deliver any from of two - state solution in a "day after" plan.

There is this immoral political economy behind the occupation.

The unrealized potential of Palestinian oil and gas reserves.

Wherever on earth oil and gas discovered, there you find 'them' are complicit.

Ahli geologi dan ekonom sumber daya alam telah mengkonfirmasi bahwa wilayah Palestina yang diduduki terletak di atas sumber kekayaan minyak dan gas alam yang sangat besar, di Area C Tepi barat (West Bank) dan Pantai Mediterania di Jalur Gaza (Gaza Strip).

Namun, warga Palestina terhalang hambatan besar untuk mengeksploitasi dan mengambil manfaat aset-aset tersebut oleh pendudukan Israel yang telah menguasai sebagian besar sumber saya alam Palestina dan perkembangannya sejak 1967. (World Bank, 2017, Economic Monitoring Report to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, September 18)

Also mentioned in the UNCTAD report: The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, established in January 2009 pursuant to resolution S-9/1 of the Human Rights Council, concluded in ots report to the General Assembly that Israel's continuing occupation had "emerged as the fundamental factor underlying violations of international (law and) undermining prospects for development and peace". (United Nations, Human Rights Council, 2009, Human Rights in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, A/HRC/12/48, Geneva, 25 September)

Buat yang terus-menerus bicara 'hanya' tentang peristiwa tanggal 7 Oktober 2023 dan dengan penuh ketidaktahuan menyalahkan, please wake up! We all know who started this over 75 years ago.

Cadangan gas alam di Marine 1 dan Marine 2 dilepas pantai Gaza sebesar 1.4 triliun kaki kubik senilai total lebih dari $5.392 miliar (penghitungan berdasarkan rerata harga gas alam 2012 - 2017).

Penemuan baru di Cekungan Levant (Levant Basin), 122 triliun kaki kubik gas alam senilai $453 miliar dan 1.7 miliar barel minyak senilai $71 miliar. Wilayah ini dalam sengketa Siprus, Mesir, Suriah, Lebanon, Palestina dan Israel.

Sejak dimulainya pendudukan, warga Palestina telah kehilangan kendali atas tanah dan sumber daya alam, khususnya pasokan sumber daya alam air. Israel telah mengambil alih kekuasaan lebih dari 60% total lahan di Tepi Barat dan 40% Jalur Gaza, terutama untuk pemukiman baru dan wilayah militer. (World Bank, 2009, Assessment of restrictions on Palestinian water sector development, Report No. 47657-GZ).

Pembangunan pemukiman Israel selama ini dianggap ilegal oleh seluruh dunia kecuali satu.

[tndda]

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE FREE TRAINING WEBINAR

This free webinar is being sponsored by Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). Everyone has rights! And when it comes to the human services field, Human Rights Committees (HRC) play an integral role. These committees promote and protect the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities who are receiving services. So what are the roles and responsibilities of an HRC? Who should all be the members of it? How can you avoid common pitfalls in both establishing and maintaining the committee? In this presentation, you’ll receive answers to all these questions and many more! We share strategies you can use for creating your committee, ensuring it’s asking the right questions, and avoiding ‘danger signs’ that regularly occur in the disability services system. We’ll also share some eye-opening data about the relationship between fair treatment and overall quality of life. You’ll leave this presentation with specific action steps you can put in place “right” away!

* CQL will be using Zoom's built-in live transcription (closed captioning) features during the webinar. If you need any additional reasonable accommodations, you can share those in the registration link below. Any requests need to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of the webinar.

The training will be held on Jun 6, 2024, 1:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada).

Registration link for the training: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lAUjrK8eSi6F7zZqn_FPBA

[coprelawland]

The Implications of Soft Law for International Human Rights 

By Summer Lee, University of Colorado Boulder Class of 2023

September 12, 2023

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the United Nations Human Rights Council are two of the most important mechanisms used to implement and advocate for international human rights. Both intergovernmental bodies are responsible for (1) addressing human rights concerns and interests among different countries and (2) determining whether or not the actions of different countries are in compliance or non-compliance with international human rights treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [1, 2]. In contrast to legally binding international agreements (e.g., the Biological Weapons Convention and the Geneva Protocol), interpretations regarding international human rights treaties are based on soft law in the form of guidelines, norms, or recommendations established by either the United Nations HRC, Human Rights Council, or another UN human rights legal mechanism [3, 4]. The general assumption is that countries and other stakeholders involved will use these guidelines and recommendations to help guide their decisions regarding human rights [5]. However, recent studies show that this may not always be the case. 

 Legal scholars have questioned how the notion of soft law embedded within these guidelines and recommendations will incentivize countries to comply with international human rights law. Vera Shikhelman, an Emile Noel Research Fellow at the New York University School of Law, notes that since international human rights is based on soft law, countries do not have a strong legal obligation to make decisions that would fully comply with the new recommendations, norms, and guidelines put forth by legal intergovernmental bodies. Furthermore, Shikhelman observes that countries are less likely to comply when their representatives are not convinced by the legitimacy of the legal mechanisms and institutions put in place to discuss human rights [4]. Since many legal mechanisms and decisions put in place to address international human rights law are non-legally binding, countries also have the option to opt out of discussions over complaints. The issue of institutional legitimacy also appears in the following human rights treaties: Article 28 of the CAT, Article 10 of the Optional Protocol to CEWDAW, Article 8 of the Optional Protocol to CRPD, etc. According to these treaties, countries can choose to opt out from addressing complaints from other shareholders by formally declaring that they do not recognize the legal intergovernmental bodies involved to be legitimate or competent [8]. 

Studies conducted by John Yoo and Eric Posner also indicate that the global average compliance rate with the International Court of Justice’s decisions regarding human rights is only 61.9 percent because there are not enough incentives for countries to comply with the recommendations and guidelines made by legal intergovernmental bodies [4, 6]. Due to these factors, “partial compliance is the most common form of compliance” among countries [4].  

Jurisdiction over international human rights law is further complicated by countries’ that have already violated currently existing human rights norms. In order to compensate for non-compliance with the current norms and guidelines set by international human rights law, a country may appeal to legal intergovernmental bodies and other shareholders involved to change the current legal norms regarding human rights. But since countries are not legally obligated to comply, there is no guarantee that they will implement the adjusted norms and guidelines they initially agreed to. Although the use of economic sanctions and restrictions on foreign aid can be used to persuade countries to comply with the new rules and norms, Jacob Cogan from the University of Cincinnati College of Law argues that without a strong legal framework and appropriate institutions set in place, countries can still choose to act in non-compliance with international human rights law regardless of economic or political restrictions [7]. 

With soft law underlying the international legal mechanisms and treaties used to address human rights concerns, interpretations and compliance with international human rights law is gradually changing based on the interactions between countries, legal intergovernmental bodies, and other shareholders.  

______________________________________________________________

Summer Lee is pursuing a B.A. in International Affairs at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is planning to graduate in the Fall of 2023.

______________________________________________________________

[1] UN Human Rights Council. International Justice Resource Center. (2018, January 24). https://ijrcenter.org/un-human-rights-council/. 

[2] Human Rights Committee. (2023). Introduction to the Committee: Human Rights Committee. United Nations Human Rights: Office of the High Commissioners. https://www.ohchr.org/en /treaty-bodies/ccpr/introduction-committee.

[3] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2018, February 15). International Agreements. Science, Safety and Security: Law & Policy. https://www.phe.gov/s3/law/ Pages/International.aspx#:~:text=Thus%2C%20the%20Geneva%20Protocol%20and,and%20consent%E2%80%9D%20of%20the%20Senate. 

[4] Shikhelman, V. (2019). Implementing Decisions of International Human Rights Institutions – Evidence from the United Nations Human Rights Committee. European Journal of International Law, 30(3), 753–777. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejil/chz047. 

[5] The European Center for Non-for-Profit Law Stichting (ENCL). (n.d.). Soft Law, Hard Consequences. Counter-Terrorism & Human RIghts: .https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default /files/Documents/Issues/Terrorism/SR/UNSRCTbrieferSoftLaw.pdf. 

[6] Posner, E. A., & Yoo, J. C. (2005). Judicial Independence in International Tribunals. California Law Review, 93(1), 1–74. https://doi.org/https://www.jstor.org/stable/3481389 

[7] Cogan, J. K. (2006). Noncompliance and the International Rule of Law . University of Cincinnati College of Law Scholarship and Publications. https://scholarship.law.uc.edu/cgi/vi ewcontent.cgi?article=1346&context=fac_pubs.  

[8] United Nations. (2023). Complaints About Human Rights Violations. United Nations Human Rights: Office of the High Commissioner. https://www.ohchr.org/en/treaty-bodies /complaints-about-human-rights-violations#interstate. 

[northcarolinaprelawland-blog]

Counting Casualties: The Nexus Between International Humanitarian Law and Protecting Human Rights

By Roksanna Keyvan, Wake Forest University Class of 2026

July 18, 2023

In a milestone report, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recognized casualty recording as a cornerstone principle between human rights and international law. The OHCHR, emphasizing the need for member states to uphold legal obligations regarding comprehensive and individualized casualty recording, advocates for greater international recognition and protection of these rights. Elevating the stakes for political cooperation among member states, this policy development would eliminate legal ambiguities among existing precedents, establishing a standardized international legal obligation that would require every party involved in armed conflicts, whether international or non-international, to accurately record all civilian and military casualties.

 Ample jurisprudence from international and regional human rights bodies, including the United Human Rights Committee (HRC), the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IAC), has recognized and established fundamental rights pertaining to the identification and acknowledgement of those dead in armed conflict or situations of widespread human rights violations. These rights impose associated humanitarian duties and obligations, such as mandates for thorough investigations by states, that are backed by international law, as evidenced by Rio Negro Massacres v. Guatemala and the Minnesota Protocol.

Discrepancies in individual interpretations of these provisions in international law have correlated to negligence among member states. Examples such as Cyprus v. Turkey, where Turkish authorities neglected to search for or bury the dead and wounded, and Sri Lanka, where the government failed to undertake efforts to locate deceased civilians or combatants, highlight deficiencies in current interpretations of policy frameworks. While some of these duties are explicitly articulated in international law, others are implicitly derived from corresponding human rights, resulting in limited awareness of legal requirements and insufficient fulfillment of humanitarian responsibilities. By documenting figures of violence, casualty recording holds states accountable for their actions, obligating them to their non-derogable duties.

In 2020, the United Nations Human Rights Council introduced landmark resolutions that formally acknowledged the significance of casualty recording on the international stage. The resolution on Human Rights in Myanmar, for instance, strengthened the legitimacy of casualty recording by recognizing it as a vital component of victims’ and survivors’ right to an effective remedy.  The Prevention of Genocide resolution went further to affirm its legal relevance as a safeguard for universally recognized human rights and responsibilities enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1999 Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. These resolutions prove casualty recording to be an essential legal asset through which human right principles, such as the right to life, truth, justice, and accountability, can be effectively upheld.

Casualty records are more than mere numbers; they bear witness to lives ravaged by conflict and violence. In Croatia, these records compelled the international community to take action through a concerted effort, leading to the signing of the Sarajevo Armistice. Similarly, in South Sudan, casualty figures exposed cases of extrajudicial execution, triggering humanitarian investigations into alleged violations. In Syria, the absence of casualty records had profound implications for inheritance and custody rights, severely constraining freedom of movement for women and children. Globally, casualty records have been instrumental in curbing weapon-use, resulting in concrete reductions in hostile activities. By shedding light on gross human rights violations, particularly those rooted in gender and violence, these figures provide victims with a voice and establish a solid legal foundation for pursuing justice.

The OHCHR upholds that international cooperation to develop standardized approaches to casualty recording promises to enhance the work of policy-makers, human rights advocates, and humanitarian actors worldwide. By embracing comprehensive casualty recording methodology, international policy can make significant headway in protecting the rights of children in armed conflict, advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and fulfilling Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals, a global objective centered on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

The OHCHR has presented member states with a transformative opportunity to redefine international standards and strategies to better mitigate harm, ensure accountability, uphold international humanitarian law, and safeguard the rights of afflicted victims. This renewed prerogative positions casualty recording at the intersection of international humanitarian law and human rights, signifying a significant step towards revolutionizing the basis of informed policy-making and standardizing international legal approaches to casualties and conflicts.

[rapeculturerealities]

As House Panel Prepares to Consider Bill to Ban Trans Kids From School Sports, Human Rights Campaign Asks: Why Aren’t They Focused on Real Issues in Schools? - Human Rights Campaign

On Wednesday, March 8, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce will hold a markup of the discriminatory and harmful H.R. 734, legislation that would prevent transgender youth from taking part in school sports activities on teams that match their gender identity. At their very first markup of the new Congress, the House Committee on Education and Workforce is clearly signaling that preventing transgender and non-binary youth from playing sports with their friends is their number one education priority, despite nationwide teacher shortages, gun violence in schools, and slumping test scores, to name a few educational issues.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — criticized the majority on the committee for prioritizing this discriminatory legislation that benefits no one and only harms children, while ignoring more pressing matters.

“As our nation’s children are facing an epidemic of gun violence in our schools, a shortage of quality teachers, and unacceptably high levels of suicide and suicide ideation, House Republicans are pursuing their political agenda over helping our kids who are in crisis. These extremist, anti-equality politicians seem to have a limitless appetite for attacking trans kids, and this federal legislation to prevent kids from taking part in school sports activities is an escalation of these dishonest, transparently political attacks,” said David Stacy, Human Rights Campaign Government Affairs Director. “Transgender kids, like all kids, deserve a chance to take part in the important development opportunities that come along with playing school sports. It’s a chance to learn sportsmanship, self-discipline, teamwork, and more. This legislation would make it impossible for youth to be their authentic selves, to build a sense of belonging with their peers and just enjoy being part of a team.”

[hellomynameisbisexual]

APA Resources

Answers to Your Questions For a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality

This pamphlet is designed to provide accurate information for those who want to better understand sexual orientation and the impact of prejudice and discrimination on those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The brochure is also available in Russian and Spanish. Guidelines for psychological practice with sexual minority persons (PDF, 1.5MB)

These guidelines provide practitioners with a frame of reference for the treatment of lesbian, gay and bisexual clients, and basic information and further references in the areas of assessment, intervention, identity, relationships, and the education and training of psychologists.

Guidelines (February 2021) Div. 44 Committee on Bisexual Issues

The Div. 44 Committee on Bisexual Issues leads the Division's efforts to highlight and support the study of bisexual issues in psychology. The committee provides opportunities for psychologists to network and to participate in convention programs and other professional development opportunities focused on bisexual concerns. News Beyond the Binary

From the Div. 44 Committee on Bisexual Issues. A compilation of a sampling of recent scholarship and popular media coverage pertaining to bisexuality and psychology. VisiBility

From the Div. 44 Committee on Bisexual Issues. A three-minute YouTube video highlighting the importance of visibility and inclusion of bisexual people. Bisexual older adult women: A review of the literature

An overview on previous studies related to bisexual, older adult women to provide recommendations for future research on this group.

Adult Development & Aging News , April 2018

Organizations with a Specific Focus on Bisexuality

The American Institute of Bisexuality

The American Institute of Bisexuality encourages, supports, and assists research and education about bisexuality, through programs likely to make a material difference and enhance public knowledge, awareness, and understanding about bisexuality. BiNet USA

As America’s oldest advocacy organization for bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer-identified, and unlabeled people, BiNet USA facilitates the development of a cohesive network of independent bisexual and bi-friendly communities; promotes bisexual and bi-inclusive visibility; and collects and distributes educational information regarding sexual orientation and gender identity with an emphasis on bisexual, pansexual, fluid and queer (bi+) communities. Bisexual.org

The project is meant to introduce bisexual community to the world and give voice to the bisexual community, share accurate information, answer questions, and provide educational resources. It is a valuable resource for investigation of bisexuality, whether to better understand your own sexuality, to better understand a loved one or simply for learning. Bisexual Resource Center (BRC)

The organization envisions a world where love is celebrated, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. Because bisexuals today are still misunderstood, marginalized, and discriminated against, the BRC is committed to providing support to the bisexual community and raising public awareness about bisexuality and bisexual people. Bi Visibility Day

Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, has been marked each year since 1999 to highlight biphobia and to help people find the bisexual community.

Organizations that Include a Focus on Bisexuality

GLAAD Accelerating Bi+ Acceptance

Through media advocacy, GLAAD lifts up the stories of bisexual and allied communities to build understanding and accelerate acceptance. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – Explore: Bisexual

HRC is working with other advocates to increase bi-visibility and address the unique needs of the bisexual community.

Related Resources

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Aging

An extensive list of APA and other resources to support the aging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health

Resources reflect recent and ongoing work both in government agencies and the non-profit health care community to address LGBT health issues. PI blog post: What Can We Do to Improve Bisexuals’ Mental Health?

By Tania Israel, PhD

[trans-advice]

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP

NATIONAL Biden tracker, Task Force, trans journalist, Cuomo, West Virginia

by Windy City Times staff

2021-03-14

GLAAD announced the launch of its Biden Equality Accountability Tracker—a real-time record of the Biden administration's executive orders, announcements, legislative support and speeches that impact LGBTQ people and rights, a press release noted. GLAAD has tracked at least 24 pro-equality moves in the first 50 days, as well as noted LGBTQ Cabinet and staff appointments in the first days of the administration. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis introduced the tracker in her op-ed in Reuters, and in the statement. See https:// Article Link Here .

The National LGBTQ Task Force announced the addition of two new staff members and the consolidation of two departments as part of the organization's growth and restructure under the leadership of recently named Executive Director Kierra Johnson, a press release noted. Former Creating Change Conference Director Andy Garcia will now head a combined department of conference, policy and advocacy staff as director of the Advocacy and Action Department. Also, Ashawnda Fleming joins the Task Force Development Department and Leadership Team as the new chief development officer and Desiree Luckey has been appointed senior policy counsel, focusing on the organization's democracy work.

Trans sports journalist Christina Kahrl—a longtime ESPN senior editor and co-founder of both the Baseball Prospectus think tank and the Baseball Writers' Association of America—announced on Twitter that she will be the next sports editor of the legendary San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, Outsports noted. She will become the first out transgender editor of a major, metropolitan mainstream media outlet in the country when she takes the reins of sports coverage of the largest newspaper in Northern California. The Chronicle is the state's second major newspaper after the Los Angeles Times. In a message to Outsports, Kahrl said she recognizes the importance of her platform.

Many of New York's LGBTQ lawmakers are echoing growing calls for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign in response to numerous disturbing allegations of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment, Gay City News reported. U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, became the highest-ranking LGBTQ elected official in the state to call on Cuomo to step down when he issued a statement on March 12—the same day that new allegations surfaced. Congressmen Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres have also asked for the governor to step down.

Researchers at UCLA partnered with a researcher at West Virginia University (WVU) to publish a report addressing discrimination against the LGBT community in West Virginia, WDTV.com reported. Some of the key findings were that LGBT people in West Virginia experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. For example, data show 39% of LGBT adults in West Virginia reported having a household income below $24,000, compared to 26% of non-LGBT adults.

A Houston bakery is facing two separate lawsuits from former employees alleging they were fired due to anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, out.com noted. Gilbert Johnson and Katherine Phillips told OutSmart the Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe fired them because Johnson is gay and Phillips is a lesbian. Johnson further alleged he was fired in part for hiring a transgender employee. "We take seriously any allegations like those outlined in these complaints but stand firm that these allegations are simply not true," Dessert Gallery said in a statement. "We believe the proper place to disclose the facts of this case is in the courtroom and look forward to that opportunity."

A bill to strengthen the sexually transmitted disease public-health infrastructure of California is better than a similar effort that had initially been introduced last year, a principal co-author of the legislation told the Bay Area Reporter. Gay state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) co-authored Senate Bill 306 with Sen. Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), who introduced it Feb. 4. According to a news release from Wiener's office, the legislation will "permit the Family [Planning Access Care Treatment] program to offer covered benefits to income-eligible patients, even if contraception is not discussed during the patient encounter; update California's [Expedited Partner Therapy] statute to include provider liability protections used in other states; permit HIV counselors to administer rapid STD tests; update state law to require congenital syphilis testing during the third trimester of pregnancy; [and] require coverage of home STD tests by public and private insurers."

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke candidly in a People Magazine interview about her struggles with low-grade depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of 2020, encouraging people to speak more openly about their mental health, CNN.com noted. Obama told People magazine that she "needed to acknowledge what I was going through, because a lot of times we feel like we have to cover that part of ourselves up, that we always have to rise above and look as if we're not paddling hard underneath the water." She added, "We had the continued killing of Black men at the hands of police. Just seeing the video of George Floyd, experiencing that eight minutes. That's a lot to take on, not to mention being in the middle of a quarantine."

Thousands of Texans are slated to lose their healthcare provider after Travis County Civil District Court Judge Lora Livingston allowed the state to remove Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, CNN.com reported. Texas has long sought to ban Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions in Texas, from Medicaid. Medicaid funding does not cover abortions except in cases of rape or incest or when the woman's life is at risk, due to the Hyde Amendment, dating back to 1976. In 2019, Planned Parenthood provided health care to more than 8,000 Medicaid recipients in Texas.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 124, a religious refusal bill that could grant a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people across a wide range of goods and services in the state, a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) statement noted. HRC President Alphonso David said, "While she may see discrimination as a path to the national far right spotlight, she should understand the damage she is doing to the state of South Dakota and LGBTQ people who are simply looking to live their lives free of fear and exclusion." Noem also signed legislation that would bar transgender girls and women from participating in female sports leagues.

Over objections from Democrats, Georgia House Republicans passed a sweeping elections bill that would enact more restrictions on absentee voting and cut back on weekend early voting hours favored by larger counties, among other changes, NPR reported. The bill's sponsor—GOP Rep. Barry Fleming, who chairs the House Special Committee on Election Integrity—said the 66-page measure "is designed to begin to bring back the confidence of our voters back into our election system" after Republicans lost confidence in the GOP-backed voting system following Democrats' victories in the November presidential contest and both of Georgia's U.S. Senate races.

The National AIDS Memorial announced Isabel Fatima (Ima) Diawara, of Los Angeles, as the first recipient of the Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award, a press release noted. The newly created and inspiring program, funded through a multi-year grant from ViiV Healthcare, offers support to artist-activists who are working and committed to making a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Mary Bowman Arts in Activism Award honors the life of Mary Bowman—a poet, advocate, author, singer and young person living with AIDS who passed away in early 2019 at age 30.

A statue of late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was erected in her hometown of Brooklyn on March 12—three days before her 88th birthday, USA Today noted. The unveiling also comes in the middle of Women's History Month as another way to honor Ginsburg's legacy and her fight for women's rights. The statue is part of a larger series called Statues for Equality, which has worked to increase the representation of women in public sculptures around New York City and beyond.

LGBTQ-rights advocates are uniting to support Noel Koenke, a former employee at St. Joseph's University who's appealing the dismissal of her LGBT-related anti-bias case against the university before it could reach a jury, Philadelphia Gay News reported. Koenke worked as an assistant director of music and worship at the university; however, pressure to stay in the closet eventually caused her to attempt suicide and resulted in the dissolution of her marriage�and she resigned in November 2017. Koenke filed suit in October 2019, claiming the university violated Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funds.

New York-based fashion designer Alexander Wang responded, again, to a growing number of sexual assault and harassment allegations, out.com reported. Wang had previously called the initial allegations "baseless," and said they were "fabricated"—but now, his tenor has changed starkly. On Instagram, he posted, "It was not easy for [the alleged victims] to share their stories, and I regret acting in a way that caused them pain. While we disagree with some of the details of these personal interactions, I will set a better example and use my visibility and influence to encourage others to recognize harmful behaviors. Life is about learning and growth, and now that I know better, I will do better." Attorney Lisa Bloom—who reportedly is representing 11 of those who have allegations against Wang—responded on Twitter, "We have met with Alexander Wang and his team. My clients had the opportunity to speak their truth to him and expressed their pain and hurt. We acknowledge Mr. Wang's apology and we are moving forward. We have no further comment on this matter."

Fox personality Geraldo Rivera posted a tweet announcing that he was pondering running for the seat that will be left vacant by retiring Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, who will not be seeking re-election in 2022, Yahoo! noted. Rivera—who regularly butts heads with Sean Hannity and Fox News contributor Dan Bongino for his moderate stances on things like immigration—said he would have run as a moderate Republican. But his political ambitions didn't last long as he posted another tweet less than 24 hours after the first one, saying that the run is not going to happen.

Lawyers for former U.S. Rep. Katie Hill and her ex-husband, Kenneth Heslep, told a Los Angeles judge that they remain hopeful of settling her allegations of harassment and years of abuse—but they still asked that the groundwork be laid for a possible trial of whether Hill's stay-away order should be extended, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff ordered both sides to prepare lists of witnesses and exhibits they would use during the trial and submit them a week in advance of April 8, when a trial-setting hearing is scheduled. The judge said he was extending the temporary restraining order Judge Anne Richardson granted Hill on Dec. 8 until April 30. Heslep has denied allegations of abusing Hill, who resigned her seat in 2019 after nude photos of her were published and news emerged that she had a three-way relationship with her husband and a female campaign staffer.

On March 8, the Cambridge (Massachusetts) City Council passed a historic domestic partnership ordinance aimed at recognizing and protecting polyamorous and other multi-partner families and relationships, according to an item from the Polyamory Legal Advocacy Coalition (PLAC). The ordinance was developed with detailed input from the PLAC, and is the first of what advocates hope will be a wave of legal recognition for polyamorous families and relationships in 2021. Last year, Somerville (also in Massachusetts) became the first U.S. city to allow domestic partnerships of three or more partners.

In California, the second annual "Pride Ride" returns to Homewood Mountain Resort March 25-28, The Bay Area Reporter noted. Along with skiing and riding, there will be a variety of mini-events on and off the mountain, including a dual slalom drag race, ski parade down Rainbow Ridge, virtual scavenger hunt and more. See https:// Article Link Here .

[rightsinexile]

The recent decision on climate displacement by the UN Human Rights Committee

This piece was written by Miriam Cullen, an Assistant Professor of Climate and Migration Law at Copenhagen University. She sits on the Advisory Committee to the Platform on  Disaster Displacement and heads the Nordic Network on Climate Related Displacement and Mobility. It was published by Asylum Insight in February 2020.

On 7 January 2020, the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) delivered its decision concerning a communication from Ioane Teitiota, a national of Kiribati, which alleged that the New Zealand Government had violated his right to life by returning him to Kiribati in September 2015. The case is significant because it was the first before the HRC to allege a violation of the right to life based on the threat posed by climate change and sea level rise; and because it confirmed the availability of complementary protection for people displaced across international borders for reasons associated with climate change. But these findings are also not a legal revolution. Moreover, what is missing from the debate thus far is the potential perspective from the states impacted. This article explains why the findings might be more politically than legally significant and the potential sensitivities for small island states. [Read more here.]

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazilian Council of Human Rights approves registration of deficiency of domestic violence victim by police

The Brazilian Committee on Human Rights and Participatory Legislation (HRC) approved a bill on Thursday morning (April 11, 2019) that mandates the registration of information on the disability situation of the victim of domestic violence in the police report.

The project, by Rosangela Gomes (from Brazilian Republican Party), includes in the Maria da Penha Law (law that tackles domestic violence) the obligation to register in the police report information about the preexisting condition of a person with a disability in a woman victim of violence, or if the violence caused or worsened the condition.

Senator Styvenson Valentim (from Can party) has read Senator Rose de Freitas's (also from Can) report on the proposal. In the document, the rapporteur highlighted data from the NGO These Women that show that 68% of reports of violence against people with disabilities are against women, a figure that jumps to 82% when it comes to sexual violence. The NGO also argues that many disabled women find barriers to communicating violence, and even when they are understood, they often have their testimony disqualified, especially if they have intellectual disabilities.

The rapporteur defended the initiative on the grounds that it was as simple as it was efficient.

The project is now under review of the Plenary.

Source, translated and summarized by the blogger.

[is6621]

The Story of the #lovewins Campaign- By Natalie White

In the afternoon of June 26th 2015, there were 2.6 million tweets, posted that day with the hashtag #LoveWins. At the peak of the day, there were an average of 35,000 tweets sent out with the hashtag every minute. It was earlier that morning that the US Supreme Court decided in a 5-4 ruling for the legalization of same sex marriage, and people took to twitter and social media to show their support.

Who were the creators of the hashtag?

The Human Rights Campaign created the slogan before the Supreme Court ruling, and had selected #LoveWins as the hashtag and message they would promote if the court were to rule in favor of LGBTQ+ marriages. 

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980 as a political action committee for gay and lesbian political candidates. They originally set out to provide financial support for these candidates that fought for gay civil rights legislation. Over time the group expanded beyond political lobbying, creating campaigns and projects that made change across the globe. Examples of these include the #LoveConquersHate project in 2014 during the Sochi olympics to support Russian LGBTQ+ athletes, the #AskTheGays project in 2016 in response to the Orlando club shooting (the hashtag was inspired by one Trump’s thoughtless comments), and their “Project One America” campaign where they traveled across the country in 2015 to educate groups about equality and civil rights.

Throughout the Supreme Court case, the HRC sought to create a campaign that would inspire people to create and share original content that supported love around the world. Their goal was to spark conversation both online and offline, to make LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported by their community, and to foster positive connections between love, acceptance, equality, and the case ruling within the greater society.

What made it go “viral”?

After the decision, HRC posted content across multiple platforms to get the message started. Their instagram page featured over 30 photos, and included live content from outside of the White House and the Supreme Court.

They put up 40 posts on Facebook and published 40 Tweets, all including the hashtag #LoveWins. The content they shared was “innovative and interactive, highlighting not only the win for LGBTQ+ people, but celebrating love for everyone, everywhere”.

The #LoveWins message skyrocketed across social media, receiving overwhelming support from celebrities, political figures, athletes, influencers, and ordinary individuals. It was spoken about on news outlets, and was the top trending hashtag across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Obama tweeted early in the morning using the hashtag, and his post was retweeted 390,376 times.

Celebrities shortly followed his lead, with Justin Timberlake, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, Katy Perry and countless others posting tweets with the hashtag, and of course queer icons like Ellen and Miley Cyrus cheering on the decision because of course, #lovewins.

An important aspect of what helped make the hashtag become widespread, was the fact that it called on individuals to share and create their own content with the message. Whether it was a personal celebration, or a social obligation, it provided a way to show your friends that you are open and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

What about brands?

Brands recognized what was going on on social media, and not only tweeted about marriage equality, but some even made custom products to celebrate. The most notable companies are Smirnoff, and Ben and Jerry’s. Smirnoff rolled out to stores a line of vodka bottles that were colored chromatic rainbow, and boasted an image of a newly wed couple on the front. For each bottle that was manufactured and sold, Smirnoff donated one dollar to LGBTQ+ causes. These bottles saw tremendous success in sales, earned recognition in top magazines, and Smirnoff even won an award for its role as a consumer brand in social justice.

Ben and Jerry’s has been supporting the LGBTQ+ community for a long time, starting in 1989 when they were the first major employer in Vermont to offer health insurance benefits to same sex partners of Ben and Jerry’s employees. They have supported in countless ways since then, so it is no surprise that they were ready to celebrate when the ruling was decided in 2015. In honor of the new marriages, they supportively and pridefully renamed their key flavor- Cookie dough- to “I Dough, I Dough”.

A few important takeaways

The far reach of the #lovewins campaign has been incredibly influential in building a sense of support to those that have historically faced hate, disgust, and discrimination. It sparked conversations and publicly praised openness and acceptance. While it created positive change in many minds, when discussing and responding to “viral” campaigns such as this, we must remember to be sensitive. It is interesting to analyze how the hashtag grew to be shared so many times, but we should be careful in calling it viral, as it could trivialize the historic struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. A parallel can be drawn to the black lives matter movement. When we discuss either struggle, even as it exists on a social platform basis, it is important to talk about it from a mindset that recognizes that what may be a single hashtag or post for one, is a daily battle for another. Brands in particular must be cautious when endorsing or posting about social struggles, because there is a fine line between a company being socially “woke”, and trying to profit off of the latest “viral” post- even if it relates to discrimination. The brands mentioned, such as Smirnoff and Ben and Jerry’s, understood that concept and took strides in their product to show they fully supported the cause. Both individuals and brands that engaged in the #lovewins campaign did a terrific job of fostering openness and acceptance in society.

[medford-diversity-blog]

One to One

Interview with Divyani Karki, member of the Medford Human Rights Commission May 2019

Divyani graduated from Medford High School in May 2018 and has been a member of the HRC for two years.  She will enter the U.S. Marine Corps on July 22, 2019.

Medford Diversity Office: So where are you originally from, and how did you come to live in Medford?

DK: My parents are both from Nepal. I was born in Nepal and split my childhood between India and Nepal.  A little over three years ago my dad decided it would be a good idea for us to move to the US. Since my aunt and uncle already lived in Medford, we agreed to come here.  Planning to move was very fast and smooth, and we were here within three months of making the decision.  

MDO: What was it like for you to have your entire life uprooted so suddenly and to move to such a different place?

DK: At first it was hard. It took me about a month to start making friends at Medford High School. Although I started as a Senior and was pretty good in English already, I quickly found that I didn’t understand the cultural references at all and felt very insecure.  I knew if I stayed as a Senior, I would have to overcome all that and learn about and apply to colleges in the US, which I knew nothing about, and it seemed overwhelming.  

So I asked to go into the Junior class instead, in the Learning Academy, where students who have immigrated from other countries and may have limited understanding of English or the American culture can catch up.  I found this very helpful, even though my English was pretty advanced when I began. For one thing, the way subjects are taught here took some getting used to.

MDO: And how did you come to join the Human Rights Commission?

DK: In my Junior year I joined the Arabic Club, which was run by Mrs. McIntyre. She was on the HCR, and at the time they were looking for students to join. She asked me, and I had to write an essay about my reasons for wanting to be a part of this.  A big reason is that my life at the time was just about home and school, and wanted to explore more of Medford than that.  I saw it as an opportunity to be involved with more people.  I was so excited to be chosen and so proud to be a Commissioner!

MDO: What about being on the HCR makes you proud?

DK: I’m honored to hold the title of Commissioner, even though I was so young when I joined. I have been able to listen and learn from so many really great people. The Commission has also partnered with other organizations to run a lot of very successful events that have invited new people and made them feel welcome. We’ve helped put on events for Martin Luther King day, several Iftars (Muslim fast-breaking feasts during Ramadan), and Medford Diversity Day. It also would be great for the HCR to help develop some kind of a more formal “welcoming committee” for Medford, to institutionalize these successes.

MDO: So you’re joining the Marines? Congratulations! What is behind that decision?

DK: Yes, and I’m very excited! I’ll be training in South Carolina. I have several relatives who are in the Indian military, and when I was little I loved their uniforms and was very impressed by the huge convoys of trucks they travel around in.  I always thought being in the military would be something I would really love.

At Medford High School, recruiters from all the US military branches came to career day, and I talked to people from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. I thought I would join one of them, but my parents thought I should wait a while, as I was still very young. Then early this year a recruiter from the Medford office of the Marines called me. I went to visit him and decided the Marines was a good choice, so I came home and asked my parents, and they agreed. I applied and was accepted within a week!

MDO: Well, best of luck to you, Divyani, and come back to Medford often to visit!

You can visit the Medford Human Rights Commission any of these ways:

Web: http://www.medfordma.org/departments/diversity

Facebook: @DiversityMedfordMa Instagram: medforddiversity Phone: 781-393-2501 Fax: 781-393-2105  TDD/TTY: 781-393-2516 In person: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 8-4 PM; Wednesday 8-7 PM; Friday 8-12 PM

[casharuki]

Creativity - 1/2 + 2/2

CERVMUN

At the end of February/March, I decided to attend my second MUN conference after the positive experience and again as a real-life preparation for our CAS Project - RaszMUN 2023. This time it was CERVMUN - organized by students from Cervantes High School in Warsaw. again, made the tough decision to take part in this young, empowering initiative that MUNs are. I was assigned as a delegate of North Korea to the HRC (Human Rights Council) committee, where we discussed the topic of “Addressing the legality of using enhanced interrogation techniques on example of the United States at Guantanamo Bay detainees.” As a delegate who is against the United States and Western Powers, I had a tough job defending the policy of my country and cooperating with Allie members on the reasonable, best solution for resolving this issue. At first, I felt really awkward as representing such a radical and difficult country like DPRK was certainly a challenge. However, after a couple of sessions, I started to feel more and more confident and spoke a lot throughout the committee sessions. Overall, I had a great time at the conference, even though the Resolution came out as unsuccessful regarding my country’s policy, I certainly increased my confidence and skill in public speaking, and debating and formed new friendships. Again, I learned insight into how MUNs are organized, which will definitely help with organizing RaszMUN, and finally got fixated so much that I already applied for the next MUN conferences. As MUN conferences last 3-4 days, once more I count it as whole creativity strand for this month.

[tndda]

Training Update

In preparation for the planned revision of the Provider Manual which is currently in review at TennCare, DIDD’s training division has been busy creating training on several topics incorporated into the content of the manual revision – some of which will become required training when the new Provider manual is released.  Many providers are wanting to get ahead of these new requirements and start using this new training now. We are pleased to announce that we have created Human Rights Committee training for ISC’s and Providers, as well as for Human Rights Committee members. This training is loaded onto the DIDD internet site, as well as into the Relias web based learning management system. These can be found by searching for Relias modules by typing “HRC.”  

We have created and loaded revised training on the CMS Final Rule onto Relias (as this will be required training once the revised provider manual is approved and released) which can be found by searching for the course called “HCBS Final Rule Requirements Training” by typing “Final Rule” or “HCBS” in the module search box.  In an effort to improve QA compliance with documentation overall, we have created a course called “Guidelines for Effective Documentation” which has been presented as a live event in the regions as well as loaded into Relias to be reviewed as a web course.  We are also currently working on training or revisions for a variety of topics including the waiver changes relative to employment services.  The global administrators also continue to provide ongoing Relias administrator training to agencies experiencing turnover of trainers by both conducting telephone or in person training either at your agency or at the regional office, so please continue to reach out to the Relias Helpdesk as needed.

Relias is working with the Arc to offer a webinar series entitled “Thriving in a Changing IDD Landscape” this series will provide you with information on ways to improve how your organization operates from top to bottom. The themes of the webinars will cover the following topics divided by quarter - Q1: Investing in Your Organization, Q2: Investing in your QIDPs (Qualified ID Professionals), Q3: Investing in your DSPs, Q4: Investing in your Services.  The first webinar in the series is How to Create a Positive Company Culture. Relias describes this webinar as “training your employees starts with creating a company that recognized its employees’ contributions, emits positive energy and lives its values.”  

If you would like to join the free webinar on Tuesday, Jan 29 at 2 PM EST (1 PM CST) click here to register.

[inmycity]

Human Rights Commission briefs Parliament on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery interventions

Human Rights Commission briefs Parliament on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery interventions

The bodies of some of those who died in the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape and North West in April have not been recovered while unclaimed bodies lie in mortuaries. This is according to the Human Rights Commission (HRC), which made an appearance before the Ad hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery on Monday. Presenting its findings on the…