Defending Human Rights

David Moore — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 21:11:39 +0000

The struggle for social change and justice brings activists into direct confrontation with the forces of power, which often have a vested interest in maintaining inequality through control over resources.

Grassroots works with local, regional, national and international organizations who monitor and document human rights abuses and defend economic, social, cultural and environmental rights including the rights to food, water and land. For example, we support Brazil’s Social Justice Network legal team in prosecuting the assassins of Sister Dorothy Stang, a tireless land rights activist who accompanied indigenous people and peasants in the Amazon.

Grassroots International Condemns the Bombing in Gaza

Carol Schachet — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

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Grassroots Grantee Gaza Community Mental Health Program Damaged in Attacks

Salena Tramel — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:27:41 +0000

Grassroots International's long time grantee, the Gaza Community Mental Health Program (GCMHP) has been hit by extensive shelling in the now weeklong military campaign against Gaza. GCMHP provides mental health services, with special emphasis on vulnerable groups such as children, women and victims of trauma and human rights violations. They are also the lead organization of the International Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza, which Grassroots International has supported in coordination with alies such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Global Exchange.

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Press Release

The Israeli shelling caused massive damage in GCMHP Headquarter in Gaza

First day of the new year in Gaza

Carol Schachet — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:17:48 +0000

It's interesting how, at the most terrifying and horrific of times, we still manage to make light of the events, and even enjoy a dark sense of humor. Here are two recent personal examples from Gaza.

My 10-year-old cousin was eating a sandwich, when one of my younger brothers, 12, looked at him and, quoted a line from one of his favorite video games. In his dead-on imitation of the character's voice, he said to his younger cousin, "Enjoy it, it could be your last!" I looked at him for a second and began laughing almost hysterically at his imitation and the absurdity of the situation.

Remembering Gaza

Salena Tramel — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:00:57 +0000

In an article I co-authored a few weeks ago, I wrote that Gaza continually redefines what it means to hit rock bottom. Since that time, the bottom seems to have dropped out as Gazans face an even worse reality.

Statement by Prof. Richard Falk

Carol Schachet — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:39:17 +0000

The Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip represent severe and massive violations of international humanitarian law as defined in the Geneva Conventions, both in regard to the obligations of an Occupying Power and in the requirements of the laws of war.

Those violations include:

Sharing a Glimpse of the Life of Civilians in Gaza under Israeli Fire

Carol Schachet — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:43:32 +0000

Long-time Grassroots International ally, the Democracy and Workers' Rights Center has been monitoring the Israeli military operation against the Gaza Strip, which began on December 27, 2008. Based in Ramallah, DWRC has maintained daily contact with its Gazan colleagues and their families, hoping that they will all remain safe and unharmed. Below is their reflection and a call to action.

A Psychological Siege

Carol Schachet — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:26:57 +0000

Israel's siege on Gaza, now in its 19th month, has wreaked havoc on all aspects of life and significant attention has been paid in particular to the economic consequences of border closures and the blockade. However, an overlooked epidemic threatens the social and familial ties that bond the 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza. Living under a constant state of crisis in which their livelihoods have been denied, the people of Gaza's once exemplary resilience and determination are giving way to an unfathomable sea of depression and psychological illnesses.

Time for a New “New Deal” on Human Rights

Salena Tramel — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:57:35 +0000

Sixty years after the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we at Grassroots International recognize that more often than not the reality has failed the vision put forth in that document. Our commitment to defending land, water, and food as the most basic of human rights is reflected throughout the 30-article treaty. Globally, people in all corners of the world currently experience a quadruple crisis that includes food, finance, energy, and the environment. From Latin America to the Middle East, our partners and allies are facing serious threats to their lives and livelihoods. Policies and actions of governments and corporations represent the grave violations of the core principles of the treat

Rep. Kucinich Urges Diplomatic Push to End Gaza Siege

Maria Aguiar — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:46:02 +0000

We salute Representative Dennis Kucinich for his compassionate and courageous letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asking her to use her influence to press the Israeli government to honor international law and end the blockade against Gaza. (Click the link below to read his letter.)