Human Rights School

Speaking of disability

By William Camacaro (Program Coordinator) One of the most offensive expressions used to talk about people with disabilities is the term “handicapped.” Author David Mikkelson describes the origin of the word: “In 1504, after a brutal war in England, King Henry VII had an idea. King Henry knew that the war had left his country…

It’s all connected: racism, poverty, environmental assault

We invite you to examine environmental racism and racialized assaults on the most fundamental elements of all life: air, water, and land. By Camille Landry (Program Coordinator) Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement…

Our environment: enough for everyone’s need…but not everyone’s greed

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Yet, when it comes to the effects of climate change, there has been nothing but chronic injustice and the corrosion of human rights.” (Mary Robinson) By Camille Landry (Program Coordinator) The most fundamental human right is the right to live. This includes the…

NicaNotes: Women in Nicaragua: Power and Protagonism: A virtual course with an optional in-person visit to the country

COURSE LAUNCH THIS SATURDAY, MAY 21! Have you ever missed a study delegation you would love to attend because of time, money, or family obligations? Our hybrid delegation was developed just for you! Have you ever wondered how the women from a poor, developing country—Nicaragua—have managed to be world leaders in terms of educational achievement,…

Under Biden, the border wall is more powerful than ever

Officials continue to promote a border-wall system that’s increasingly profitable – and more than ever like something out of a science-fiction movie By Todd Miller (independent journalist) Republished from The Nation First it was the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) vehicles speeding along on the road in front of our campsite. Then it was the…

The criminalization of pregnancy: a miscarriage of justice

By Camille Landry (Program Coordinator) The United States of America is a nation – the first nation-state – that was founded on principles of genocide, racism, hatred and misogyny. Despite limited actions to recognize the basic human rights of Black, Brown, Indigenous, female and LGBTQI people, this nation persists in denying fundamental human rights to…

Labor organizing in the U.S. in 2022: confronting the anti-union, anti-worker corporate agenda

By Maya Hernández (Program Coordinator) This past year, profit-over-people ideology and anti-union efforts were particularly prevalent in sectors that demanded the most labor. Millions of dollars went into campaigns to stop union organizing at the same time that several anti-worker policies passed into effect, painting a grim future for workers across the United States. The…

Delegation Announcement: Women in Nicaragua: Power & Protagonism

ALLIANCE FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE & CASA BENJAMIN LINDER DELEGATION: WOMEN IN NICARAGUA: POWER & PROTAGONISM Where: Managua, Carazo, Matagalpa & Estelí, Nicaragua When: 6 – 15 August 2022 (Arrive in-country no later than 6th Aug, leave 15th Aug) Cost: $75 per person/per day all-inclusive 9-day brigade. Total cost: $675 per person* To apply: Write to…

Disability rights are human rights – and they affect ALL of us

By James Patrick Jordan (Program Coordinator) Talking about disability Language matters, and in the case of people with disabilities, it matters a lot. Ableism, exclusion, and misconceptions are held up by a foundation of words that are still abundant in U.S. society. The very concept of “ability” is a continuum that varies from person to…

Nobody’s child: victims of the U.S. child welfare system

How racism, classism and injustice intersect with poverty and lack of an adequate social safety net to violate children’s and families’ rights By Camille Landry (Program Coordinator) The U.S. child welfare system is broken. It violates human rights of the children it claims to serve. It intersects with racism, classism, patriarchy, the criminal justice system,…