Salem-News.com Human-right articles Page 27

Religious Conversion Law Threatens Religious Freedom in Burma/Myanmar

The new law is based on proposals by a Buddhist organization called the Association for the Protection of Race and Religion.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Over 81 organizations from civil society worldwide today call on the Government of Burma/Myanmar to scrap proposed legislation that would unlawfully restrict the right to freely choose a religion. If adopted, this law would violate fundamental human rights and could lead to further violence against Muslims and other religious minorities in the country.

The draft “Religious Conversion Law”, published in state-run media on 27 May 2014, sets out a process for applying for official permission to convert from one religion to another.

Worker and Trade Union Rights Must Be Prioritized for the Well Being of the Worker and their Families

Joint Statement– June 2 2014

(SALEM, Ore.) - We, the undersigned 47 civil society organizations, trade unions and concerned groups, make the following demands to better protect worker and trade union rights in Malaysia. It is sad when a government places the interest of businesses, investors and employers over the rights and welfare of workers and their families.

1. STABLE REGULAR EMPLOYMENT UNTIL RETIREMENT AGE–ABOLISH PRECARIOUS SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Federal Judge Strikes Down Oregon Ban on Marriage for Same-Sex Couples

“After years of working in every way possible way to bring the freedom to marry to Oregon, today is a historic day,” said Vanessa Usui.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - “Today Oregon joins the increasing number of states in embracing the freedom to marry for all,” said Rose Saxe, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project.

“This decision brings us one step closer to ensuring that all loving and committed couples will be able to take care of each other and their loved ones with the protections and dignity that only come through marriage.”

Oregon`s Senators: Where are you?

Like Rand Paul or not, he is the only member of Congress who is demanding a legal explanation for the killing of US citizens.

(JAMESTOWN, RI) - Out of 565 members of Congress who have sworn an oath to defend the Constitution, only Rand Paul and Chuck Grassley are willing to challenge the President in his quest to kill US citizens without a trial, charges, or due process. Pretty scary, but then again perhaps the lack of courage or their unwillingness to defend the Constitution is one of the many reasons why the US Congress has an approval rating of 11%.

So far, President Obama has killed 4 US citizens that we know of, and he meets every Tuesday with a secret group to decide who should be on the kill list.

Marriage Equality Lawsuit: Judge to issue a decision for Oregon Monday

Some counties prepared to start issuing licenses right away

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The federal judge in Oregon’s marriage equality lawsuit said he plans to issue an opinion at noon on Monday.

If Judge Michael McShane strikes down Oregon’s law excluding same-sex couples from marriage, all loving and committed couples in Oregon could be granted the freedom to marry. "We don't know which way the judge will rule, but we are hopeful that Oregon is on the verge of making history—and that by next week..."

Cambodia: Ongoing Threats Against Human Rights Defender Mr Ou Virak

Human Rights Ambassador for Salem-News.com, William Nicholas Gomes shared concern about the Ongoing threats against human rights defender Mr Ou Virak.

(Washington, D.C) - Over the past three weeks, human rights defender Mr. Ou Virak has been receiving a number of death threats as well as threats of violence against his family.

Ou Virak is the President of Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), a non-aligned human rights organisation which works to promote and protect human rights of all people.

Malaysia: Put an End to Judicial Harassment Against Ms. Lena Hendry

NO TO PRE-CENSORSHIP OR PRIOR APPROVAL FOR USAGE OF FILM/VIDEOS

(KUALA LUMPUR) - Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) that Ms. Lena Hendry, Programme Coordinator of the human rights NGO Pusat KOMAS, has been charged under the Film Censorship Act for organising a private screening of the documentary film called

“No Fire Zone, the Killing Fields of Sri Lanka” on allegations of war crimes committed in Sri Lanka during the civil war in 2009.

Philippines: Immediately and Unconditionally Drop All Charges Against Human Rights Defender Joel Q. Yagao

Yagao has worked on agriculture related issues with farm associations for five years.

(LONDON) - On 8 September 2013, human rights defender Mr Joel Q. Yagao was arrested by six members of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police on baseless charges of double murder and multiple murder. He is currently being detained at Gingoog City Jail.

Joel Q. Yagao is a lay co-worker attached to the human rights organisation Rural Missionaries of the Philippines – Northern Mindanao sub-region (RMP-NMR), where he is responsible for agrarian campaigns in partnership with farmers' organisations and other community-based organisations aiming to increase the standard of living of local communities and defend land rights.

Hindus Urge Immediate Restoration of Cutoff Water Supply for Roma in Hungary

Roma in Hungary form about ten percent of total Hungary populace, which makes it largest Roma minority as percentage of total population in the world.

(RENO) - Hindus have urged for immediate restoration of water supply for Roma (Gypsy) residents of Ozd in northern Hungary, which was reportedly cut-off or reduced by the town council.

Reports suggest that several thousand Roma were affected by it.