Action Alert August 2010
Human Trafficking: Linking to Resources and Best Practices
As an SCN Family who continues to educate ourselves and others on the issue of human trafficking, it is imperative to network and collaborate with others. While this occurs most often when confronted with a situation of human trafficking, it is essential as individuals who have made a corporate stand on human trafficking to know where good resources exist. While there are many as indicated in this list, a few are highlighted below.
A website entitled, Free the Slaves located at www.freetheslaves.netcontains many practical resources including an interactive slavery map, useful downloads, success stories, films, videos and book suggestions. While international in its scope of stories and information, most advocacy is focused on the United States.
A second website, United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking is located at http://www.ungift.org/ This site is mostly informative with its highlights of conventions and protocols, publications, and best practices.
The last website is the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime located atwww.unodc.org Along the left margin are the words, “Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.” Clicking on these words will relocate you to a web page emphasizing the work the United Nations has done to prevent human trafficking including toolkits, manuals and the Blue Heart Campaign website.
With regard to audio-visual materials in the form of DVD’s, there are three located in the SCN Media Center on Nazareth campus. These include:
- Lives for Sale—A documentary on immigration and human trafficking and why immigrants are willing to risk everything for the American Dream
- Losing Maria – A story of a young woman who has been trafficked, geared toward high school students with preview recommended. Includes facilitator guide
- The Jammed – A story of trafficking of adults made in Australia. (A copy of this is also available in the Eastern Province)
Reflection/Action: “... We commit to educate ourselves and others about the inherent violence involved in the buying, selling, and transporting of human beings ..." (SCN Corpate Stand Opposing Human Trafficking)
How have I made efforts to educate myself and others with regard to human trafficking? What steps do I plan to take if confronted with a potential situation of human trafficking? What other resources, especially those at the local level, do you have/know of that you would be willing to share with others through the Office of Global Ministries?
U.S. Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act
In late June, The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 (H.R. 5575 / S.2925) was introduced in the House. This bipartisan bill is currently in need of co-sponsors. According to Catholic Charities this legislation “would create up to 6 grants of $2 million to $2.5 million with the goal to prevent the sex trafficking of minors, treat child victims of human trafficking and prosecute offenders. The grants could be used for a variety of activities with at least 50 percent going to services and shelter for victims.”
Action: In keeping with our corporate stand against human trafficking that advocates for policies and programs that prevent human trafficking, members of the SCN Family are invited to contact U.S. Senators and Representatives (202.224.3121) urging them to co-sponsor and support this legislation.
International Day of the World's Indigenous People August 9
In September 2007, the United Nations adopted a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At the time, four countries voted against the declaration and eleven countries abstained. Those countries opposing included Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Since 2007, Australia and New Zealand have reversed their decision and now support the declaration. In March 2010, Canada made the announcement that it will endorse the declaration. The United States stated in April 2010 that it will review its position. On this day, it is appropriate to pause and reflect upon those indigenous in our own countries, states, and locales.
- What gifts are present within the indigenous and what resources do they possess that will carry them into the future?
- In what ways have the indigenous in my country/state been oppressed, exploited and discriminated against?
- What recent actions have I taken to promote solidarity with the indigenous people?
Energy Legislation Update
Last year the U.S. House passed a comprehensive climate-energy bill. As the Senate nears the August recess, it is highly unlikely that such a bill will be produced in the Senate. Gone are renewable energy and carbon cap-and-trade provisions. It appears that the bill supports some aspects of the oil spill and land conservation. According to Kevin Book, an energy analyst with ClearView Energy Partners, the bill apparently includes:- “An oil spill liability cap for oil companies up to $10 billion from $75 million currently
- A $5 billion home energy efficiency incentives package to encourage retrofits called HomeStar
- Natural gas vehicle incentives of about $4.1 billion
- Expanded land and water conservation”
Action Alert July 2010
Migration of Creation and the Call to Responsible Stewardship
As a global community, many of us have continued to hear and read about the on-going events related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and ongoing oil being released into the Gulf of Mexico extending into other parts of the United States and beyond. This is certainly not the first tragic event related to the extraction of resources, nor will it be the last. While this unfortunate series of events began with the loss of human life, it is now including the loss of wildlife and the migration of God’s creation to more nurturing areas of life whenever possible. One might say this is typical the world over where extraction occurs.
- Live simply and resist consumerism as much as possible to reduce dependence on “oil products.”
- Look for environmentally sensitive specifications on goods and services we purchase.
- Examine environmental policies and advocate for policies that protect all creation.
- Support those directly affected in any way through prayer and monetary support.
- Eliminate, whenever possible, products that are only good for one-time use.
- Nurture the adaptation of alternative energy and fuels.
- Hold governments and corporations accountable in caring for Earth.
- Conduct a periodic environmental audit both personally and as a group.
- Challenge groups to deepen their ecological commitment to more sustainable living.
Reflection/Action: “The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole." Charity in Truth by Pope Benedict XVI, paragraph 48
Reflecting on the above practicalities, what recent sacrifice have I made to reduce my use of oil and the petrochemicals that are derived from oil remembering that no effort is too small and all efforts are important to future generations and the human family?
Purchasing a product that contains a fair trade logo (pictures of some of these) means that:
- Forced and exploitative child labor is prohibited (thus avoiding further exploitation of trafficked children)
- Guaranteed set prices that provide a living wage for those who have produced them (thus empowering women and others to dignified work)
- Sustainable farming is promoted (thus promoting care of Earth)
Action: Look for these labels (personally and corporately) and shop with local merchants whom you can ask about where their products come from.
Responsible Estate Tax in the United States
- Exempt the first $3.5 million of wealth in an estate from federal taxation ($7 million for couples)
- Institute a progressive graduated rate structure so that the super wealthy pay more
- Include a billionaire’s surtax of 10 percent
- Closes all of the Estate and Gift Tax Loopholes requested in FY 2011 budget by Obama
- Protects family farmers by allowing them to lower value of farmland by up to #3 million for estate tax purposes
- Benefits farmers and landowners by providing estate tax relief for conservation easements
Action Alert June 2010
United Nations Blue Heart Campaign Against Human Trafficking
- raise awareness on the issue of human trafficking
- encourage individuals to become involved and inspire action to help stop this crime
- and allows individuals to demonstrate solidarity with victims by displaying the Blue Heart.
Reflection/Action: Consider what actions you have taken lately to stand in solidarity with the many victims who are trafficked daily.
- How do I share my reasons for opposing trafficking and knowledge I acquire with others?
- What prayers have I come across related to human trafficking? How have I shared them with others in the SCN Family? A couple of prayers are located here.
- The Office of Global Ministries is in the process of printing static window clings of the logo for use in windows including those of vehicles. In what ways can I display the Blue Heart logo for greatest communication of the message?
Millennium Development Goals Review
- a broad space for civil society participation at all levels
- a process addressing inequality, discrimination and lack of progress on gender equality
- execution of a gender and social inclusion audit
- an effective and inclusive monitoring and accountability component
- concrete measures for addressing corruption
- binding timetables in meeting the Official Development Assistance (ODA) targets
- new forms for financing development
- an integrated approach to development
- urgent steps to achieve MDG8
- productive employment must be a key component
- sufficient funds for climate change mitigation and adaptation
- a recognition of the centrality of emissions reduction to combat climate change
On June 26, we commemorate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This day was first proclaimed by the United Nations to demonstrate solidarity with all those individuals impacted by torture.
- What view does my country have with respect to torture? Who are the victims considered to be “tortured” by my country?
- Does torture or harsh interrogation techniques make citizens safer?
- What action could I take to urge elected leaders to guarantee that the International Committee of the Red Cross has access to detainees held by my country?
Action Alert May 2010
How Alert Am I to Human Trafficking?
The past four action alerts have held various reflections on migration. These include Jesus as a migrant and Scriptural migration; economics and migration, women migrants, and environmental migrants. Migrants are often vulnerable and thus no matter the form or cause of migration, human trafficking is a concern. This unease for those made vulnerable is heightened by our baptismal call. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have a corporate stand on human trafficking committing themselves to prayer, education and advocacy.
Reflection/Action
- When have I last read prayerfully the SCN corporate stand on human trafficking?
- Have I been a faithful reader to the Stop Trafficking newsletter co-sponsored by the SCN’s? If not, why not?
- If my ministry relates to human trafficking, how have I brought awareness to others through personal sharing and/or best practices?
- What actions have I taken to educate self and others on recruitment, transportation and exploitation of victims so as to be alert to the circumstances that promote being trafficked?
- What policies and programs have I promoted to prevent human trafficking?
World Fair Trade Day is May 8
This day provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon where it is that we spend our money and time on goods and the benefit this money and time has on making a difference in our global world. Common exports from developing countries to developed countries include handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit and flowers. Supporting purchases that are fair trade is supporting the environment, women's rights, local artisans and farmers, cultural dignity, and peace building. On occasion, be prepared to pay a little extra for a product that you know has good ethical credentials. Consider the following actions in support of World Fair Trade Day.
- Support home/cottage industries (artisans), farmer’s markets and cooperatives.
- Purchase food products sourced locally; even consider producing a portion of what you consume.
- Ask stores, supermarkets and other outlets to stock local products.
- Be conscious of the cost to the environment in the production & distribution (carbon footprint) of the goods you purchase or consume.
- Avoid products produced by slave labor and by companies and countries with bad track records on human rights.
- Extend the challenge to others with whom you work or are engaged with.
International Violence Against Women Act
According to Women Thrive Worldwide, "Approximately 1 out of every 3 women globally has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Violence against women includes abuse by spouses or partners in the home, rape as a weapon during wartime, dowry related deaths and forced prostitution. The distress and injuries caused affects families, communities and wider societies, preventing women from taking full advantage of economic and educational opportunities and threatening security by increasing social tensions. Violence against women is a global health crisis, an egregious human rights violation, and a moral outrage that knows no geographic or cultural barriers. It is also a major cause of poverty: it keeps women from working, going to school and earning the income they need to life themselves and their families out of poverty.
The International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA, H.R. 4594, S. 2982), is the most comprehensive piece of legislation addressing violence against women and girls worldwide. Working through the international assistance that the U.S. already provides, women caught in conflict, support non-governmental organizations that are combating violence on the ground, and put the U.S. unequivocally on the record with countries around the world saying that ending violence against women and girls is a national priority. This bill addresses violence against women and girls through all relevant U.S. foreign policy efforts, including its international assistance programs."
Action: Send this letter to U.S. Representatives and this letter to U.S. Senators OR if writing a handwritten letter, look for the addresses at the end of this email.
- Ministering on the Margins (i.e. human trafficking, migration, immigration),
- Walking Gently on Earth (i.e. food security, food sovereignty, climate change, water, genetically modified organisms, and sustainable development), and
- Being Prophetic and Living Radically (i.e. empowerment of women to assume rightful place in church and society)
