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.
Amazon recently decided to keep an antisemitic documentary on its video streaming platform. Naturally, there was some backlash from those who may feel the film is a personal attack on their identity. Urge the CEO of Amazon Web Services to create a more transparent system for how the company chooses content to protect all paying consumers.
An Apple factory in China has experienced protests and riots in response to alleged human rights violations. Push Apple to acknowledge the rights of factory workers by ending slave-like conditions.
There is a battle in Georgia on the fate of abortion rights. While the choice to undergo the procedure repeatedly has been found to be legally legitimate, other lawmakers supporting a ban appear to care more about the fight than the right. Urge Georgia’s governor to acknowledge the initial court ruling to respect abortion rights and stop playing with women’s healthcare.
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.
Gun violence and mass shootings are at an all-time high. One possible solution, already implemented in some states, is to allow a judge to decide if a particular violent crime warrants a perpetrator to lose gun ownership rights. Demand resources be given nationwide to help states successfully execute this on a federal level.
President Joe Biden’s efforts to produce more goods domestically have spurred conflict regarding trading relationships between western countries. However, growth in the US means increased trade opportunity for the world and it should be encouraged. Urge international leaders to give the US a chance to show the benefits of its economic growth.
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.
A West Virginia woman could have died from pregnancy complications after she had to drive hours to receive a legal abortion despite it being an emergency. Unfortunately, doctors are wary to risk their careers performing an abortion since what makes an emergency is not clearly defined. Urge West Virginia’s Governor to stop letting women suffer and allow doctors to make the determination if an abortion is necessary for the health of patients.
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.
The death of a migrant detainee in the United Kingdom’s Manston detention center sparked an investigation into the facility’s health conditions. Infectious diseases were reportedly spreading like crazy in overcrowded conditions made worse from seemingly lacking medical care for those in custody. Urge the prime minister to stop apparently neglecting migrant detainees and make their health a priority.
Gas pipelines are causing irreversible damage to the environment. Leaks end up in groundwater, streams, and the atmosphere, and little has been done to address these ongoing problems. Urge the EPA to modernize our pipelines and prevent dangerous chemicals from entering the environment.
Excess consumerism is now a leading cause of climate change, in which the buying habits of first world countries produce carbon emissions exponentially greater than those of other regions. This excessive waste cheats consumers and harms the planet. Urge the Federal Trade Commission to require manufacturers to make electronics that last and reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
A doctor employed by the US government reportedly used excessive force and performed unauthorized procedures on a detained migrant woman. Further investigation uncovered similar accusations by other women as well as a history of malpractice lawsuits against the doctor in question. Demand this alleged torture of detained migrant women be stopped.
Mass shootings at colleges and universities started barely 100 years ago and have only been gaining in number. The current plan to address mental health on campuses relies too much on students seeking their own help and does not provide sufficient proactive support. Demand a plan to help schools support student mental health now instead of waiting until the next shooting.
Voting is at risk in Kentucky. The state is looking into a universal ban on abortion despite voters deciding against an anti-abortion ballot. Protect the rights and voices of all voters and urge the Kentucky Supreme Court to respect election results over arbitrary agendas.
The rise of greenhouse gasses has led to some regions receiving financial compensation for their efforts to reduce this environmental poison. Africa is a major player working with polluters but is not paid as equally as others. Demand fair compensation for African nations who are helping to save the planet.
The meat and dairy industry’s huge contribution to the global climate crisis is once again being overlooked by policymakers. Call for action to reduce carbon emissions from animal agriculture.
3M produces toxic chemicals that reportedly leech into nature and eventually our drinking water. This powerful company has seemingly admitted the adverse effects its products can have on people but has done little to address it. Demand 3M work to reverse potential harm done and prevent anyone else from getting sick.
Transgender people in Singapore are at risk of being forced to undertake reassignment surgery before they are ready. Many are already losing their safety and legal rights if the gender as which they present does not match their identification. Demand an end to the torture of transgender individuals.
Many pregnant minors crossing the U.S. border come seeking escape from sexual abuse in their countries of origin. Immediate access to abortions is often necessary to preserve these young lives. Take action to give a second chance to immigrant children who are victims of sexual violence.
