The US recently swapped prisoners with Russia, an American basketball star for a Russian international arms dealer. A former Marine was included in the deal, but Russia denied his release thus giving the impression he was included simply to give them negotiation leverage. Urge the US government to secure his release as promised and no longer use American lives as political puppets.
Workers at Apple’s Foxconn plant in China are finally free after being confined to factory grounds to slow the spread of COVID-19. They alleged several human rights abuses during their lockdown. Thank Tim Cook of Apple for discontinuing these seemingly oppressive policies and enabling employee freedom of movement.
Same-sex marriage may be at risk in the US as civil rights repeatedly come under attack. The time is now to protect the LGBTQIA+ community. Urge President Biden to acknowledge same-sex marriage as a right nationwide.
From harassing those supplying COVID-19 vaccinations to reportedly threatening doctors providing care to transgender youths, healthcare workers are targets of verbal and physical attacks. Those who cannot separate politics from medicine’s objective to improve mental and physical health are creating a scary environment for doctors and nurses. Compel the Federation of State Medical Boards to work with lawmakers and protect healthcare workers from the abuse.
Plastics are everywhere, including countless places they should not be. Land, the oceans, and our drinking water contain traces of a material we have allowed to become an all-pervasive pollutant, and efforts to seriously address plastic waste are not happening fast enough. Urge a nearer-term deadline to prevent further damage.
Qatar has come under fire for allegations including use of migrant labor to build up infrastructure before the 2022 World Cup. Practices involving these workers potentially border on human rights violations. Thank FIFA, leader of the world cup, for perpetuating awareness of human rights and working to end slave labor in event host countries and beyond.
Civil war and drought have made life difficult for the people of Ethiopia. Obstacles such as the violent conflicts have hindered humanitarian aid in the past, but dedicated helpers are now on the way to help prevent tens of thousands of deaths. Thank those who have made this pledge to help.
Economic woes have only increased in Venezuela since the US imposed sanctions in response to their allegedly corrupt leader and his questionable win in the presidential election. Fortunately, a recent announcement has indicated a possible mending of the two countries’ relationship. Applaud the US’s gesture and the hope it rekindles.