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With the advent of a tool capable of reaching the worldwide masses in the way the internet can, it would seem almost criminal not to put it to a productive humanitarian use.
One of the greatest selling points of the net is its ability to bring the world closer together via instant communication. Shouldn't this ability to instantly communicate and be made aware of global conditions carry along with it, the demand that we pay closer attention to the condition of our fellow man? Looking over the net it is no real challenge to find people and organizations devoted to the preservation and promotion of human rights. The challenge is for us as individuals to become involved.
This month we present a list of places to visit and a brief description (in
their own words) as to what they are all about. Undoubtedly there are glaring omissions in the list that follows, these are but a sample of what the net has to offer. From these sites you will find links which will lead you to other sites of the same nature and good intent.
Amnesty International
"Amnesty International is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international standards. In particular, Amnesty International campaigns to free all prisoners of conscience; ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; abolish the death penalty, torture and other cruel treatment of prisoners; end political killings and "disappearances" and oppose human rights abuses by opposition groups. Amnesty International has around a million members and supporters in 162 countries and territories. Activities range from public demonstrations to letter-writing, from human rights education to fund raising concerts, from individual appeals on a particular case to global campaigns on a particular issue."
Free Arts for Abused Children
"Free Arts for Abused Children is a registered non-profit national organization that integrates the healing and therapeutic power of the arts into the lives of children and youth who have been abused or families who re designated as "at risk." Free Arts for Abused Children recruits, trains, and places volunteers to work hands-on with victims of abuse. Dance, drama, writing, music, painting and other avenues of creativity encourage children to channel emotions, release anger, and develop positive methods of communication. Artistic expression builds confidence and self-esteem. The philosophy behind all Free Arts for Abused Children programs is simply that, "Art Heals."
Teens Against Gang Violence
"Teens Against Gang Violence, or T.A.G.V., is a volunteer, community based, teen peer leadership program. T.A.G.V. is not anti-gang, but is against gang violence. Making a distinction between gangs that are non violent and those that participate in violence, T.A.G.V. provides violence/gun/drug prevention education to teens, parents, schools and community groups through presentations and workshops."
Save The Children
"A long history of helping children in need. Operating with the efficiency of a successful business, we remain faithfully committed to directing the lion's share of our resources to serving children and families in need."
Starlight Children's Foundation
"Since 1983, when it was founded by actress Emma Samms and motion picture
producer Peter Samuelson, Starlight Children's Foundation has enhanced the lives of countless children and their families."
Human Rights Watch
"Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge
governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all."
United Nations
"The name "United Nations" was devised by United States President Franklin
D. Roosevelt and was first used in the "Declaration by United Nations" of 1
January 1942."
Canadian Human Rights Commission
"Established in 1978, the Canadian Human Rights Commission has three main
objectives: to promote knowledge of human rights in Canada and to encourage people to
follow principles of equality; to provide effective and timely means for resolving individual complaints; and to help reduce barriers to equality in employment and access to services."
Feed The Children
"We provide clothing, medical assistance and educational opportunities to underprivileged children in 75 nations around the world. Through schools, orphanages and church-related feeding programs, Feed The Children touched the lives of 33,000 children overseas. We send shipments to Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union Republic where direct distribution is made to recipients. Additionally, we provide financial assistance to orphanages, schools and other charitable groups in these regions."
Clarity Press, Inc.
"Clarity Press, Inc. publishes books on the human dimension of current issues, with particular focus on human rights and social justice. Clarity seeks to respond to the need for access to ideas, information and trends which impact the efforts of the world's peoples to progress toward a better, happier, more equitable life. It publishes works which shed new light on
pressing human rights issues, and promote new directions in keeping with international human rights norms."
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