Congressman Chris Smith (NJ4) addressed the Foreign Affairs today on the subject of the annual State Department human rights reports. He paid special attention to the cases of China , Sudan/Darfur, and Vietnam . His comments also provided insight into the important role that Congress can play in promoting human rights through U.S. foreign policy. Congressman Smith reminds us, for example, “most of the major human rights efforts undertaken by the United States Government in recent decades . . . . were Congressional initiatives undertaken in the face of skepticism – and sometimes outright opposition – by the Executive branch.”
Read Excerpts from Congressman Christopher H. Smith’s Opening Statement.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Rep. Holt Signs Letter on Troubling Developments in Eritrea
Congressman Rush Holt (NJ12) has agreed to sign a letter to Secretary of State Rice regarding the reported death in prison of Eritrean journalist Fessahaye Yohannes.
As you may know, Yohannes has been one of Amnesty’s special focus cases for several years. His reported death is made even worse by the fact that many of his colleagues remain in prison. Amnesty hopes that the pressure generated by this letter will help gain their safe release. We therefore greatly appreciate Congressman Holt’s decision and call upon the rest of New Jersey’s House delegation to contact Representative Mark Udall’s office in order to sign on.
As you may know, Yohannes has been one of Amnesty’s special focus cases for several years. His reported death is made even worse by the fact that many of his colleagues remain in prison. Amnesty hopes that the pressure generated by this letter will help gain their safe release. We therefore greatly appreciate Congressman Holt’s decision and call upon the rest of New Jersey’s House delegation to contact Representative Mark Udall’s office in order to sign on.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Rothman Supports Restoring Our Constitutional Rights!
Congressman Steve Rothman has become the first New Jersey member of the House of Representatives to cosponsor two critical pieces of legislation to undo the damage caused by the Military Commissions Act. They are the Habeas Corpus Restoration Act (HR 1416) and the Restoring the Constitution Act (HR 1415).
Both Senators Menendez and Lautenberg have signed on to the Senate version of the Restoring the Constitution Act (S 576). Please see AIUSA Issue Brief 13 below for more information on this issue!
Both Senators Menendez and Lautenberg have signed on to the Senate version of the Restoring the Constitution Act (S 576). Please see AIUSA Issue Brief 13 below for more information on this issue!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Both NJ Senators Support the Restoring the Constitution Act!
Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg have both signed on as cosponsors of S 576, the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007. Amnesty International is very grateful for their support of this important legislation that would undo much of the damage done to our Constitution by the Military Commissions Act last fall. Please see the text of Amnesty’s Issue Brief 13 (February 2007) below for more information.
It would be great, of course, if the rest of New Jersey’s congressional delegation would cosponsor the corresponding legislation in the House of Representatives, HR 1415!
ISSUE BRIEF 13: SUPPORT THE RESTORING THE CONSTITUTION ACT
Amnesty International urges Congress to pass the “Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007” with strong bipartisan support. The “Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007” introduced by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) would repeal some of the highly problematic aspects of the Military Commission Act of 2006 (MCA) that weaken constitutional and international legal protections.
The need to reverse the most problematic provisions of the MCA, signed into law by President Bush on October 17, 2006, is imperative in light of the recent decision of the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In a 2 to 1 decision, the court stated that due to the MCA, federal courts no longer have jurisdiction over the hundreds of pending habeas cases for detainees in Guantanamo, many in their sixth year of detention. The most troubling aspects of the Military Commission Act of 2006 infringe on the human rights and constitutional protections of US citizens and non-citizens alike and contravene basic protections provided in the U.S. Constitution and various international treaties. Immediate steps should be taken to reverse provisions of the MCA which do not comply with US obligations under US and international law.
Senators should cosponsor and pass the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007, which would begin to reinstate basic constitutional and international human rights weakened by the Military Commission Act of 2006. Specifically, the Restoring the Constitution Act would:
· Restore the writ of habeas corpus for individuals held in US custody;
· Prevent the use of evidence in court gained through the unreliable and immoral practices of coercion and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment;
· Narrow the definition of unlawful enemy combatant to individuals who directly participate in hostilities against the United States, including individuals who participated in attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001;
· Broaden the scope of violations prosecutable under War Crimes Act;
· Provide for expedited judicial review of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to determine the constitutionally of the process.
Amnesty International firmly believes that any person who is involved in committing war crimes or terrorist acts must be held accountable, as accountability is a cornerstone of human rights enforcement. However, it is imperative that any trials meet basic due process and fair trial standards, and that the human rights of everyone in detention are respected. While it is the responsibility of the United States to protect the country and its citizens from attacks, the tactics it uses must be consistent with human rights and humanitarian law.
It would be great, of course, if the rest of New Jersey’s congressional delegation would cosponsor the corresponding legislation in the House of Representatives, HR 1415!
ISSUE BRIEF 13: SUPPORT THE RESTORING THE CONSTITUTION ACT
Amnesty International urges Congress to pass the “Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007” with strong bipartisan support. The “Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007” introduced by Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) would repeal some of the highly problematic aspects of the Military Commission Act of 2006 (MCA) that weaken constitutional and international legal protections.
The need to reverse the most problematic provisions of the MCA, signed into law by President Bush on October 17, 2006, is imperative in light of the recent decision of the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. In a 2 to 1 decision, the court stated that due to the MCA, federal courts no longer have jurisdiction over the hundreds of pending habeas cases for detainees in Guantanamo, many in their sixth year of detention. The most troubling aspects of the Military Commission Act of 2006 infringe on the human rights and constitutional protections of US citizens and non-citizens alike and contravene basic protections provided in the U.S. Constitution and various international treaties. Immediate steps should be taken to reverse provisions of the MCA which do not comply with US obligations under US and international law.
Senators should cosponsor and pass the Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007, which would begin to reinstate basic constitutional and international human rights weakened by the Military Commission Act of 2006. Specifically, the Restoring the Constitution Act would:
· Restore the writ of habeas corpus for individuals held in US custody;
· Prevent the use of evidence in court gained through the unreliable and immoral practices of coercion and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment;
· Narrow the definition of unlawful enemy combatant to individuals who directly participate in hostilities against the United States, including individuals who participated in attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001;
· Broaden the scope of violations prosecutable under War Crimes Act;
· Provide for expedited judicial review of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 to determine the constitutionally of the process.
Amnesty International firmly believes that any person who is involved in committing war crimes or terrorist acts must be held accountable, as accountability is a cornerstone of human rights enforcement. However, it is imperative that any trials meet basic due process and fair trial standards, and that the human rights of everyone in detention are respected. While it is the responsibility of the United States to protect the country and its citizens from attacks, the tactics it uses must be consistent with human rights and humanitarian law.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Darfur Rally in Morristown--Look for AI Student Area Coordinator
This Sunday (March 18th) at 2pm, the North Jersey Coalition for Darfur is holding a rally at the Church of the Redeemer at 36 South Street in Morristown.
Student Area Coordinator (SAC) Leon Ratz will be speaking to let everyone know about Amnesty’s upcoming Darfur actions, including the April 9th week of lobbying!
Morristown is in Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen’s district (NJ-11). We would love to have his signature on the upcoming letter urging China to help persuade the Sudanese government to end the violence and allow UN troops in to protect civilians. Unfortunately, Frelinghuysen failed to sign the letter last fall urging the Arab League to put pressure on Sudan to accept UN peacekeepers. Hopefully, this rally will show him how strongly his constituents care about the people of Darfur!
Student Area Coordinator (SAC) Leon Ratz will be speaking to let everyone know about Amnesty’s upcoming Darfur actions, including the April 9th week of lobbying!
Morristown is in Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen’s district (NJ-11). We would love to have his signature on the upcoming letter urging China to help persuade the Sudanese government to end the violence and allow UN troops in to protect civilians. Unfortunately, Frelinghuysen failed to sign the letter last fall urging the Arab League to put pressure on Sudan to accept UN peacekeepers. Hopefully, this rally will show him how strongly his constituents care about the people of Darfur!
Darfur Vigil Outside China Mission in NYC 3/30
Vigil to Protect Civilians in Darfur
Friday, March 30th 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Across from the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations
1st Avenue(between 35th and 36th sts.) New York, NY 10016
Wear United Nations blue to show your support and express the need for a UN Peacekeeping force in Darfur.
Use these slogans if making your own signs:
-Invest in peacekeepers
-China: Actions speak louder than words in Darfur
-Protect Civilians in Darfur
-Send peacekeepers, not weapons
Why Target China?
China is the leading foreign investor in Sudan, with an annual trade value of roughly $1 billion. In the past several years, China has developed a number of oil fields, built a 900 plus mile pipeline, as well as a refinery and a port. Sudan represents China's largest overseas investment, worth at least $3 billion, and Sudan is the third largest supplier of oil to China. China's trade in oil with Sudan has close connections with arms dealing. Many of the helicopter gunships used by Khartoum were purchased from China using expected revenues from oil extracted in South Sudan. Amnesty International has documented the effect of China's arms exports to Sudan, noting that Chinese equipment has been used by the Government of Sudan and Janjawid in operations in Darfur.
In addition to the enormous effects of China's arms deals with Sudan, China, as the key trading partner of Sudan, is in a unique position to affect the atrocities in Darfur. UN Security Council Resolution 1706, which called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers to replace the isolated and ineffective African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) was not supported by China which, along with fellow permanent member Russia and rotating member Qatar, abstained from the vote. The result was a mixed message to Khartoum about the international community's commitment to finding a viable security arrangement for the people of Darfur and eastern Chad.
It is incumbent upon China, as much or more than any other international actor, to do all it can to address the tragedy in Darfur and Chad. As a key supplier of arms and funds to the Khartoum government, China is especially responsible for the continued violence in Darfur at the hands of the Government of Sudan and the Janjawid. Furthermore, by virtue of its close relationship with the Government of Sudan, China is one of only a few actors that can exert pressure to end the targeting of civilians in Darfur, and fulfill commitments Khartoum has made to disarm the Janjawid and adhere to its responsibility to protect civilians in Sudan.
Contact: mkennis@aiusa.org
Friday, March 30th 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Across from the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations
1st Avenue(between 35th and 36th sts.) New York, NY 10016
Wear United Nations blue to show your support and express the need for a UN Peacekeeping force in Darfur.
Use these slogans if making your own signs:
-Invest in peacekeepers
-China: Actions speak louder than words in Darfur
-Protect Civilians in Darfur
-Send peacekeepers, not weapons
Why Target China?
China is the leading foreign investor in Sudan, with an annual trade value of roughly $1 billion. In the past several years, China has developed a number of oil fields, built a 900 plus mile pipeline, as well as a refinery and a port. Sudan represents China's largest overseas investment, worth at least $3 billion, and Sudan is the third largest supplier of oil to China. China's trade in oil with Sudan has close connections with arms dealing. Many of the helicopter gunships used by Khartoum were purchased from China using expected revenues from oil extracted in South Sudan. Amnesty International has documented the effect of China's arms exports to Sudan, noting that Chinese equipment has been used by the Government of Sudan and Janjawid in operations in Darfur.
In addition to the enormous effects of China's arms deals with Sudan, China, as the key trading partner of Sudan, is in a unique position to affect the atrocities in Darfur. UN Security Council Resolution 1706, which called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers to replace the isolated and ineffective African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) was not supported by China which, along with fellow permanent member Russia and rotating member Qatar, abstained from the vote. The result was a mixed message to Khartoum about the international community's commitment to finding a viable security arrangement for the people of Darfur and eastern Chad.
It is incumbent upon China, as much or more than any other international actor, to do all it can to address the tragedy in Darfur and Chad. As a key supplier of arms and funds to the Khartoum government, China is especially responsible for the continued violence in Darfur at the hands of the Government of Sudan and the Janjawid. Furthermore, by virtue of its close relationship with the Government of Sudan, China is one of only a few actors that can exert pressure to end the targeting of civilians in Darfur, and fulfill commitments Khartoum has made to disarm the Janjawid and adhere to its responsibility to protect civilians in Sudan.
Contact: mkennis@aiusa.org
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Update on Darfur Lobbying
As you know, Amnesty is organizing a week of lobbying (April 9-13th) on Darfur. If you have not done so, please go to http://grassroots.amnestyusa.org and search for a delegation in your congressional district!
Last fall, activists across the country got 174 members of the House of Representatives and all 100 Senators to sign a letter urging the Arab league to press Sudan to accept UN peacekeepers in Darfur. With your help, we can do even better on a new letter calling on China to play a constructive role by persuading Al Bashir’s government to stop the violence and allow the peacekeepers protect the civilians of Darfur!
Last fall, activists across the country got 174 members of the House of Representatives and all 100 Senators to sign a letter urging the Arab league to press Sudan to accept UN peacekeepers in Darfur. With your help, we can do even better on a new letter calling on China to play a constructive role by persuading Al Bashir’s government to stop the violence and allow the peacekeepers protect the civilians of Darfur!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Thanks to 4 NJ Congressmen on Opposition to “Extraordinary Renditions”
Congressman Markey of Massachusetts has reintroduced the Torture Outsourcing Prevention Act as HR 1352 IH. This legislation would introduce important safeguards to ensure that the Bush Administration’s policy of “extraordinary rendition” does not send people to countries where they are likely to be tortured.
As you may recall, Amnesty put a lot of effort into supporting this bill in the 109th Congress (as HR 952). We are therefore very grateful to all 47 congressmen who have already signed on as cosponsors. In New Jersey, our appreciation goes out to Rush Holt [NJ-12], Donald Payne [NJ-10], Steve Rothman [NJ-9], and Albio Sires [NJ-13].
As you may recall, Amnesty put a lot of effort into supporting this bill in the 109th Congress (as HR 952). We are therefore very grateful to all 47 congressmen who have already signed on as cosponsors. In New Jersey, our appreciation goes out to Rush Holt [NJ-12], Donald Payne [NJ-10], Steve Rothman [NJ-9], and Albio Sires [NJ-13].
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Greetings from DC!
I am in Washington this weekend for the annual Legislative Coordinator training. This is my third time, and there are more people here than I have seen before.
Monday morning, we are all heading over to Capitol Hill to do some lobbying! I have meetings scheduled with seven House offices, including those of Congressmen Smith, Sires, LoBiondo, Payne, Ferguson, Pascrell, and Rothman. I plan to focus on violence against women in Guatemala (H Res 100), the restoration of Habeas Corpus (HR 267), and the soon-to-be-reintroduced "Torture Outsourcing Prevention Act."
Monday morning, we are all heading over to Capitol Hill to do some lobbying! I have meetings scheduled with seven House offices, including those of Congressmen Smith, Sires, LoBiondo, Payne, Ferguson, Pascrell, and Rothman. I plan to focus on violence against women in Guatemala (H Res 100), the restoration of Habeas Corpus (HR 267), and the soon-to-be-reintroduced "Torture Outsourcing Prevention Act."
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