Taking action for Haiti

Aerial of Haitian devastation (click to enlarge) ABOVE: Devastation on the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti © AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Our hearts go out to all those who have been directly or indirectly affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12. The Obama administration has officially granted temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitians in the U.S. - a move that could positively impact up to 100,000 Haitians!

TPS grants a 12 to 18 month grace period to undocumented Haitians living in the U.S., allowing them to live here securely and work safely.

We only hope that President Obama takes his actions one step further by rescinding discriminatory interdiction-at-sea policies. Currently, the U.S. forces Haitians fleeing their country by boat to return to their own shores, without any meaningful review of whether they are eligible for international protection. International law obligates the U.S. not to forcibly return any individual to a situation where he or she is at risk of serious human rights violations.

» Thank President Obama for granting TPS and ask him to rescind discriminatory interdiction-at-sea policies

Giving life, risking death in Burkina Faso

A woman waiting in severe pain for her cesarean.© Anna Kari

Hamidou did not know that his wife should have delivered her baby at the health clinic in Burkina Faso. By the time they realized something was terribly wrong, it was already too late.

Every year, more than 2,000 women die in Burkina Faso from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Our researchers have recently documented over 50 cases about women who lacked access to basic maternal care.

Our new report Giving Life, Risking Death exposes the need for better information and services for family planning as well as the removal of financial barriers.

» Ensure that the women of Burkina Faso receive access to proper health care!
» Read the report Giving Life, Risking Death (PDF)

Howard Zinn - a gift to the movement

Activists at the 2009 AGM. © AI

We mourn the passing of historian, author and activist Howard Zinn, who recently passed away at the age of 87. His lifelong dedication to reframing history to include the voices and struggles of the poor, the oppressed and the forgotten inspired untold numbers of students, activists and citizens around the world in the struggle for social justice.

His seminal 1980 work, A People's History of the United States, drew on voices seldom heard in the historical record: African Americans, women, Native Americans and laborers.

Mr. Zinn was scheduled to speak at our "All Rights for All People" conference in April. In light of his passing, we will dedicate space in commemoration of his work and legacy.

» Learn more about Howard Zinn
» Honor his memory during our "All Rights for All People" conference