These Beijing-backed groups present glowing accounts of China’s human rights record, often contradicting credible reports of repression, creating a challenging environment for legitimate NGOs advocating for persecuted populations.
The investigation, based on interviews and public records, highlights a concerted effort by Beijing to influence U.N. proceedings at the Palais Wilson and Palais des Nations, the headquarters of the U.N.’s top human rights bodies.
Since 2018, the number of Chinese organizations with U.N. credentials has nearly doubled, with many gaining accreditation after a 2018 U.N. report raised alarms about the detention of over a million Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The surge aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s push to expand China’s global influence, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2020 stating it “vigorously supported and guided domestic NGOs to ‘go global.’”
These groups, often referred to as government-organized NGOs (GONGOs), participate heavily in Human Rights Council sessions. In 2024 alone, 33 Chinese NGOs made nearly 300 appearances, delivering statements that consistently praise China’s policies without criticism, according to data from the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR).
Their delegates often disrupt or drown out testimony from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which document abuses such as the internment of Uyghurs, forced separation of Tibetan children, and crackdowns on Hong Kong democracy activists.
“The U.N. is one of the only forums where we can raise our cause,” said Zumretay Arkin, vice president of the World Uyghur Congress, in an interview. “It’s become one of the places where these governments carry out their repression.” Arkin described a hostile environment in Geneva, where NGO officials report being monitored and threatened, with some activists avoiding U.N. premises due to fears of retribution against their families in China or Hong Kong, especially after the 2020 National Security Law criminalized “colluding with foreign forces.”
The investigation points to a broader strategy by Beijing to counter scrutiny of its human rights record.
Chinese GONGOs often align with the Like-Minded Group, a coalition of primarily authoritarian states that resist country-specific human rights resolutions. This group, including nations like Russia and Cuba, fills speakers’ lists with supportive statements during China’s Universal Periodic Reviews, diluting critical voices. In 2019, during China’s review, six of the ten NGOs allowed to speak were GONGOs, according to ISHR.
The case of Cao Shunli, a Chinese human rights defender detained in 2013 while traveling to Geneva and later dying in custody, underscores the risks for critics. In March 2024, over 30 organizations called for accountability for her death, a demand echoed by nine European human rights ambassadors. Despite such calls, Beijing denies intimidation, with embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu asserting China’s “people-centered approach” has expanded education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, contributing “constructively to global human rights governance.”
The U.N. Human Rights Office acknowledges the challenge but says distinguishing between “authentic” and “non-authentic” NGOs is unworkable and risks abuse. Kenneth Roth, former Human Rights Watch director, told ICIJ that China’s efforts to deter condemnation, particularly of Uyghur detentions, threaten the global human rights system.
“Beijing has proposed to rewrite international human rights law,” he said, noting restrictions on independent experts’ access to China and efforts to block exiled critics in Geneva.
The proliferation of Beijing-linked NGOs has drawn concern from diplomats and activists.
In 2023, Reuters reported China lobbied non-Western countries to praise its human rights record ahead of its Universal Periodic Review, a tactic critics say exploits economic ties through initiatives like the Belt and Road. While some developing nations align with Beijing, others, including progressive Latin American governments, face pressure to address China’s influence in multilateral forums.
As the U.N. Human Rights Council continues its work, the growing presence of Beijing-backed NGOs raises questions about the integrity of global human rights advocacy. For now, Geneva remains a battleground where legitimate NGOs struggle to amplify the voices of the persecuted against a tide of state-backed narratives.
Sources: The Washington Post, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, International Service for Human Rights, Reuters, Human Rights Watch.
The Rise of Meadowscaping: Transforming Lawns Into Wildflower Havens
New York, N.Y. — Across neighborhoods once dominated by perfectly manicured lawns, a colorful revolution is taking root. Homeowners are embracing “meadowscaping”—replacing traditional grass with vibrant wildflowers and native plants—to support biodiversity, save water, and reduce maintenance. This growing movement isn’t just eco-friendly; it’s reshaping urban landscapes into thriving ecosystems.
“Lawns are ecological deserts,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a botanist.
Why Meadowscaping?
The classic green lawn has long been a status symbol, but its environmental cost is steep. Maintaining turf grass requires frequent mowing, chemical fertilizers, and excessive watering. In contrast, wildflower meadows attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, require minimal upkeep, and naturally resist pests.
“Lawns are ecological deserts,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a botanist. “Meadows, on the other hand, provide food and shelter for wildlife while sequestering carbon.”
How to Get Started
Transitioning from lawn to meadow doesn’t mean letting your yard go wild overnight. Experts recommend:
Assess Your Space – Choose a sunny area and test soil quality.
Select Native Plants – Opt for species adapted to your region.
Phase Out Grass – Sheet mulching or solarization can help eliminate turf.
Plant Strategically – Scatter seeds in autumn or early spring for best growth.
Success Stories
In suburban Vermont, Sarah and Mark Reynolds replaced their half-acre lawn with a mix of milkweed, coneflowers, and clover.
“Within a year, we had butterflies, birds, and even fireflies returning,” says Sarah. “Plus, we spend less time mowing and more time enjoying nature.”
Cities are taking note too. From London to Austin, municipal programs now incentivize meadowscaping to combat urban heat islands and boost pollinator populations.
Challenges and Solutions
Some worry about neighbors’ reactions or local ordinances favoring short grass. Advocates suggest starting small—converting just a portion of the yard—and educating communities on meadowscaping’s benefits.
The Future of Landscaping
As climate concerns grow, meadowscaping offers a practical, beautiful solution. “It’s not just gardening,” says Carter. “It’s stewardship.”\
Autocrat’s Playbook Defies Supreme Court, Puts Rule of Law in Crisis
New York, N.Y. — One hundred days into Donald Trump’s presidency, the alarm bells for American democracy are ringing louder than ever.
Yet, however scared you might be, you are not scared enough. From the moment he reclaimed the White House, Trump has meticulously followed the autocrat’s playbook, dismantling checks and balances with chilling precision.
His actions—targeting universities, extorting law firms, prosecuting former aides, arresting a local judge, and attacking the press—reveal a leader unbound by the rule of law. Most alarmingly, he is now defying the United States Supreme Court, a move unprecedented since Marbury v. Madison established judicial authority over two centuries ago. Worse still, he is getting away with it.
The case at the heart of this crisis involves Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant in Maryland raising a family and training as a sheet metal worker.
Yet, Trump and his Department of Justice have brazenly disregarded these rulings, asserting that the court’s words don’t mean what they say.
This defiance is not just about one man—it’s about whether any institution can check Trump’s claim to near-limitless power under the guise of a national security “emergency.”
The look of a real invasion.
For years, Trump and his allies have labeled unauthorized migration an “invasion,” a term steeped in fearmongering rather than reality.
Migrants, like our ancestors, come seeking better lives, taking jobs—picking fruit, cleaning hotels, roofing houses—that native-born Americans often shun.
Contrast this with Russia’s actual invasion of Ukraine, where the goal is death and conquest, not employment.
Yet Trump has doubled down, issuing executive orders citing migration as an “emergency” to justify mass deportations to foreign prisons.
He’s also declared energy and economic “emergencies” to bypass environmental laws and impose tariffs, despite Congress’s constitutional authority over taxation.
The stakes are highest in Trump’s use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act, which grants extraordinary powers during a literal invasion.
By labeling MS-13 and Tren de Aragua as “terrorists” and “invaders,” Trump claims authority to act beyond judicial oversight.
The Supreme Court’s resistance in the Garcia case and the Venezuelan deportations marks a critical stand against his autocratic tendencies.
But what happens if the court explicitly orders Garcia’s return or rules the Alien Enemies Act inapplicable absent a declared war? If Trump refuses to comply, the future of our democracy hangs in the balance.
This is the terrifying reality: Chief Justice John Roberts commands no army, no police force. Neither does Congress. Our system relies on the executive—Trump and the military and law enforcement under his control—to honor the Constitution.
If he can unilaterally declare criminal gangs “invaders” to justify extrajudicial powers, what stops him from labeling protesters, journalists, or judges as “enemies of the people”? Why not imprison them or ship them to El Salvador’s torture prison?
These scenarios sound alarmist because America’s normalcy bias assures us such things ‘can’t happen here.’ But that same complacency failed to predict January 6, when Trump’s mob stormed the Capitol.
Lifelong conservative Judge Harvie Wilkinson, appointed by Reagan, warned in a recent opinion: “If today the executive claims the right to deport without due process and in disregard of court orders, what assurance will there be tomorrow that it will not deport American citizens?”
His chilling conclusion urged the executive to uphold the rule of law “while there is still time.” But time is running out. Trump’s first 100 days have exposed a republic teetering on the edge, with no fines, no jail time, and little public outcry to hold him accountable. Many Americans remain unaware of the crisis unfolding before us.
The question now is whether our institutions—and we, the people—can summon the courage to act. If Trump continues to defy the courts, sideline Congress, and weaponize “emergencies,” the America we know may not survive. We must shed our normalcy bias, recognize the autocrat’s playbook for what it is, and demand accountability before it’s too late. Our democracy depends on it.
Beacon of Hope in Darkness: His Absurdist Masterpieces Changed Literature
Dublin – Few writers have left as indelible a mark on modern literature as Samuel Beckett. Born in Dublin in 1906, Beckett’s works—ranging from plays to novels—challenged conventional storytelling, embracing existential themes with dark humor and profound humanity.
Though often associated with bleakness, his writing ultimately reveals resilience, making him one of the most uplifting figures in 20th-century literature.
Early Life and Influences
Beckett grew up in a middle-class Irish family, excelling in academics and sports. After studying at Trinity College Dublin, he moved to Paris, where he became an assistant to James Joyce, another literary giant. This mentorship deeply influenced Beckett’s experimental style.
His early works, like Murphy (1938), displayed his sharp wit and fascination with human futility. However, it was after World War II—during which he joined the French Resistance—that Beckett’s writing took its definitive shape, blending despair with unexpected warmth.
Waiting for Godot: A Masterpiece of Hope in Despair
Premiering in 1953, Waiting for Godot became Beckett’s most famous work. On the surface, it’s a play about two men waiting endlessly for someone named Godot, who never arrives. Yet, beneath its absurdity lies a powerful message: even in uncertainty, human connection and humor sustain us.
Critics initially debated whether the play was pessimistic or strangely hopeful. Beckett himself resisted interpretations, but audiences worldwide found solace in its honesty. The play’s success cemented Beckett’s reputation as a pioneer of the Theatre of the Absurd.
Later Works and Nobel Prize
Beckett’s later works, like Endgame and Krapp’s Last Tape, further explored isolation and memory. His sparse, poetic style made every word count, earning admiration from writers and philosophers alike.
In 1969, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for “his writing, which—in new forms for the novel and drama—in the destitution of modern man acquires its elevation.” Characteristically, Beckett avoided the ceremony, sending his publisher instead.
Legacy: Why Beckett Still Matters
Beckett passed away in 1989, but his influence endures. His works remind us that even in life’s uncertainties, there is beauty and laughter. Directors, actors, and writers continue to reinterpret his plays, proving their timeless relevance.
Far from being a prophet of doom, Beckett was a realist who found light in darkness. As his famous line from Worstward Ho goes: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
In an age of rapid change, Beckett’s message—of persistence amid chaos—resonates more than ever.
Tags: Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot, Nobel Prize in Literature, Absurdist Theatre, Modernist Literature, Irish Writers, 20th Century Theatre, Literary Genius, Existentialism
Dear Dr. Sami, I am reaching out because I’m struggling to process and move forward from a painful and confusing relationship. My ex-boyfriend threatened suicide multiple times during our relationship, especially when I tried to set boundaries or discuss ending things. He often used these threats to keep me from leaving, and I felt trapped by guilt and fear. Over time, his behavior escalated-he demanded constant access to my phone, pressured me into phone sex, and became physically violent during arguments. I now realize these were forms of control and abuse, but at the time, I was overwhelmed and unsure how to respond. Since ending the relationship, I’ve been haunted by guilt, anxiety, and self-doubt. I worry that I could have done more to help him, or that leaving made things worse for him. At the same time, I know I had to protect myself and that his actions were manipulative and harmful. I’m trying to rebuild my sense of self-worth, but I often feel isolated and ashamed for not recognizing the abuse sooner. How do I move past the guilt and fear that linger from this relationship? How can I trust myself again and build healthy boundaries in the future? I want to heal, but I’m not sure where to start. Any guidance you can offer would be deeply appreciated. Sincerely, Trying to Heal
Dear Trying to Heal,
Thank you for sharing your story and for trusting me with such a vulnerable and difficult experience. What you describe-suicide threats, controlling behavior, and violence-are all forms of emotional and physical abuse. It’s understandable that you feel guilt and fear, as abusers often manipulate their partners into believing they are responsible for the abuser’s well-being and actions.
First, please know that you are not to blame for your ex-boyfriend’s choices or threats. Using suicide as a means of control is a form of emotional manipulation and is never your responsibility to manage. It’s common for survivors to feel guilt or wonder if they could have done more, but your primary responsibility is to your own safety and well-being.
Rebuilding self-trust after abuse takes time and patience. Consider these steps:
Acknowledge the Abuse: Recognizing that what you experienced was abuse is a crucial first step. This clarity can help you separate your ex’s actions from your own responsibility.
Seek Support: Connecting with a therapist, support group, or trusted friends can provide validation and help process your emotions. Professional guidance is especially helpful in addressing trauma and rebuilding confidence.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that you did the best you could in a difficult situation. Healing is not linear, and it’s okay to have setbacks.
Educate Yourself: Learning about the dynamics of abuse can help you understand why you felt trapped and why leaving was so difficult. Knowledge can empower you to set healthier boundaries in the future.
Set Boundaries: Practice saying no and prioritizing your needs, even in small ways. Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships and self-respect.
Focus on Healing: Engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy. Journaling, mindfulness, or creative outlets can help process emotions and foster resilience.
Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination. You are not alone, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. With time, support, and self-care, you can move forward and build the healthy, fulfilling life you deserve.
Trump’s Executive Order Mandates Proof of Citizenship for Voters, Sparks Legal and Civil Rights Debate
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, igniting a nationwide debate over voting rights, federal authority, and the potential impact on millions of Americans.
The order, announced in late March, marks one of the most consequential election reforms of Trump’s current term, and is expected to face immediate court challenges from civil rights organizations and state officials.
A New Federal Standard for Voter Registration
The executive order mandates that all individuals seeking to register to vote in federal elections must provide documentary evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport. This directive modifies the federal voter registration form and compels state and local authorities to verify citizenship before allowing registration. The action also requires all ballots to be received by Election Day, eliminating postmarked ballots that arrive later.
Additionally, the order instructs states to purge noncitizens from their voter rolls, encourages data sharing between state and federal agencies to identify and prosecute election crimes, and authorizes federal agencies to provide states with immigration and Social Security data for voter eligibility checks.
Rationale and Political Context
The Trump administration argues that the order is necessary to “enforce basic and necessary election protections,” citing concerns about election integrity and alleged, though rare, instances of noncitizen voting. Trump has long criticized U.S. election processes, particularly mail-in voting, and has promoted the idea that stricter safeguards are needed to prevent fraud, despite a lack of evidence for widespread issues.
Voting rights advocates and legal experts argue that the executive order oversteps presidential authority and could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly naturalized citizens, minorities, and those lacking ready access to citizenship documents. States have traditionally held broad powers over election administration, with federal standards typically set through legislation rather than executive action.
Critics warn that reliance on outdated or incomplete databases could mistakenly flag naturalized citizens as noncitizens, leading to wrongful removal from voter rolls. Previous state-level efforts to purge noncitizens have resulted in eligible voters being excluded.
Civil rights groups are preparing to challenge the order in court, contending that it violates federal law and constitutional protections. They argue that the directive could disproportionately impact marginalized communities and suppress voter turnout.
Broader Immigration Policy Context
The executive order comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to tighten immigration enforcement and registration requirements. Recent policies have included efforts to register noncitizens and use that information to facilitate arrests, prosecutions, and deportations, further fueling concerns among immigrant communities and advocates.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that the administration is using all available tools to fulfill Trump’s campaign promises on immigration and election security. The registration process, they noted, is intended to encourage undocumented immigrants to self-identify and leave the country, with the threat of criminal charges and deportation for noncompliance.
State and Local Reactions
Many state election officials have expressed concern about the feasibility and legality of the new requirements. Some states, particularly those with large immigrant populations, have indicated they may resist implementing the order, setting up potential legal and political battles over federal funding and state autonomy.
What’s Next?
The executive order’s implementation timeline and legal fate remain uncertain. As lawsuits are filed and states weigh their options, the debate over voting rights, citizenship, and federal authority is expected to intensify in the lead-up to the next federal election.
Beijing – In a bold step for lunar exploration, China and Russia have announced plans to construct a nuclear-powered energy plant on the moon by the mid-2030s.
The project, a key part of their joint International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), aims to provide a sustainable power source for long-term lunar missions, potentially paving the way for human colonization.
Why Nuclear Power on the Moon?
Solar energy has been the primary power source for most lunar missions, but it has a critical limitation: the moon’s two-week-long night leaves solar panels useless for extended periods.
A nuclear reactor, however, could provide uninterrupted electricity, supporting habitats, research labs, and mining operations.
According to statements from the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and Roscosmos, the two nations will collaborate on developing, transporting, and installing the nuclear facility between 2033 and 2035.
Technical Challenges and Safety Concerns
Chinese leader Xi Jinping with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Building a nuclear reactor on the moon presents major hurdles:
Transportation: Safely launching nuclear materials from Earth without risking radiation leaks.
Automation: The reactor must operate autonomously or with minimal human oversight.
Heat Management: The moon’s extreme temperature swings could affect reactor efficiency.
Both countries have experience in space nuclear technology. Russia has used radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) in missions like Lunokhod, while China is developing kilopower-style reactors for lunar and Mars missions.
Geopolitical Implications: A New Space Race?
This collaboration strengthens the China-Russia space alliance, positioning them as key competitors to the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2026.
China’s Ambitions: After successful lunar rover missions (Chang’e) and its own space station (Tiangong), Beijing is pushing for a permanent moon presence.
Russia’s Role: Despite setbacks like the Luna-25 crash, Moscow remains a crucial partner in space nuclear tech.
The U.S. has also explored nuclear power for the moon under NASA’s Kilopower Project, but no firm timeline exists for deployment.
What’s Next?
If successful, the Sino-Russian lunar reactor could:
✔ Enable 24/7 energy for moon bases. ✔ Support future Mars missions using similar technology. ✔ Shift global space dominance away from Western-led initiatives.
However, experts warn of potential risks, including nuclear contamination and geopolitical tensions over lunar resource claims.
The China-Russia moon nuclear plant marks a major leap in space exploration. While challenges remain, the project could redefine humanity’s presence beyond Earth—ushering in a new era of interplanetary energy solutions.
Migrant Children Face Incarceration Again Under Trump’s Immigration Policy
New York, N.Y. — The Trump administration is once again detaining migrant families-including young children-at U.S. immigration centers, a move that has reignited fierce condemnation from lawmakers, medical experts, and human rights advocates.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is preparing to reopen family detention facilities in Texas, inviting private prison companies to bid for contracts to house thousands of parents and children.
Trump Revives Family Detention: A Disgusting Return to Cruelty
This policy reversal marks a return to one of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s first term: the incarceration of families as a deterrent to migration through the southern border. During the Biden administration, families were allowed to remain in the U.S. under monitoring programs while their cases proceeded, but Trump’s new directive abandons these humane alternatives in favor of mass detention.
The facilities at Karnes and Dilley, Texas-capable of holding over 3,800 people combined-are being reactivated to accommodate families once again. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already begun relocating families to the Karnes center, despite the well-documented psychological and physical toll such detention inflicts on children.
The disgust among experts and lawmakers is palpable. Senate Democrats have called on President Trump to abandon what they describe as a “cruel, ineffective, and costly practice” that inflicts lasting trauma on children and families. Medical and child welfare authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, have repeatedly warned that even short-term detention poses a “high risk of harm to children and families,” violating basic child welfare standards and leading to permanent damage.
Family detention is not just damaging to children and families; it is also costly and ineffective. It does not deter migration. It simply inflicts suffering while draining taxpayer funds at an exorbitant cost.
The Trump administration’s justification is a familiar one: upholding the rule of law and deterring unauthorized migration. A DHS spokesperson insisted, “The preferable course of action for undocumented individuals is to voluntarily depart. If they do so now, they may still have a chance to return and pursue the American dream.” But critics counter that such rhetoric cannot mask the reality: children are once again being locked in detention centers, with no evidence that this approach deters migration or improves border security.
The history of Trump’s family detention and separation policies is stained with reports of overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, minimal food, and children forced to care for each other in the absence of adult supervision7. The infamous “zero tolerance” policy of 2018 led to the separation of more than 5,500 children from their parents, many of whom suffered lasting psychological harm and, in some cases, were never reunited with their families.
Despite the public outcry and the clear scientific consensus on the dangers of family detention, the Trump administration is doubling down. ICE field offices have been ordered to ramp up arrests, with targets of at least 75 detentions per day, even as the agency struggles with staffing shortages and inadequate space. The administration is also seeking to expand detention capacity and eliminate legal protections that limit how long children can be held.
Alternatives to detention, such as community-based case management, have proven far more effective and humane, ensuring high compliance rates with immigration proceedings at a fraction of the cost. Yet, the administration persists with a policy that experts agree is a moral and humanitarian failure.
The return of family detention under Trump is not just a policy misstep-it is a national disgrace. It prioritizes cruelty and political theater over the welfare of children and families, squandering taxpayer money and America’s reputation as a nation of compassion and justice.
As the administration moves forward, the disgust and outrage among advocates, lawmakers, and the public only grow louder, demanding an end to this shameful chapter in U.S. immigration history.
Trump’s refusal to comply with the Supreme Court’s order risks a constitutional crisis, undermining rule of law and endangering Americans’ rights.
New York, N.Y. — It’s hard to overstate our disbelief and frustration as we watch President Donald Trump openly defy a direct order from the Supreme Court. The justices, including even his staunchest allies, have demanded that the administration attempt to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man wrongfully deported to a notorious Salvadoranprison. Yet, the White House response has been to stall, obfuscate, and-in the eyes of many-simply ignore the highest court in the land.
This is not just another episode of political theater. This is an extremely dangerous moment for our republic. The Supreme Court’s authority is not ceremonial; it is foundational. If a president can disregard its rulings with impunity, what remains of our checks and balances? What’s to stop any future leader from acting as an autocrat, unconstrained by law or precedent?
The Chilling Consequences
The consequences of Trump’s refusal to obey the Supreme Court’s order are not abstract. They are immediate and deeply personal for all Americans.
If the executive branch can flout the judiciary, then the rights of citizens-documented or not-become little more than “parchment barriers,” as James Madison warned.
Today, it’s an immigrant wrongfully deported. Tomorrow, it could be any one of us denied due process or protection under the law.
The administration’s actions have already set off alarm bells among legal scholars. Some warn we are teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis, with the executive branch openly daring the judiciary to enforce its will.
The courts can hold officials in contempt, threaten fines, or even disbar government lawyers involved in defiance. But with the president likely immune from criminal prosecution for official acts, and with Congress unwilling or unable to muster the votes for impeachment, accountability feels out of reach.
The Path Forward
Where do we go from here? The courts can only do so much if their orders are ignored. Congress could, in theory, act-but the political will is lacking. Ultimately, the responsibility falls to the American people to demand accountability, to insist that no one-not even the president-is above the law.
We must raise our voices, contact our representatives, and refuse to accept this erosion of constitutional norms. The future of American democracy depends on it.
Contact your senators and representatives. Demand they uphold the rule of law and protect the independence of our courts. Share this story, and talk to your neighbors. Democracy only survives when citizens refuse to be silent.
Tags: Supreme Court, constitutional crisis, rule of law, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Trump, democracy, Taiwan, physician-assisted death, public opinion
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Texas has emerged as a stronghold for conservative values, particularly on the issue of abortion.
Dallas, TX — In the heart of Dallas, Texas, a simple yet provocative phrase adorns countless front yards: “Abortion is Murder.” These yard signs, easily purchased on platforms like Amazon, have become a visible symbol of the state’s deep-rooted pro-life sentiment.
Under the leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas has emerged as a stronghold for conservative values, particularly on the issue of abortion. But what exactly do these three words mean to those who display them, and why do they resonate so strongly in the Longhorn State?
The phrase “Abortion is Murder” encapsulates a belief held by many in Texas and across Red America: that abortion is the moral equivalent of taking a human life.
For supporters, the statement is rooted in the conviction that life begins at conception. From this perspective, an embryo or fetus is a person with inherent rights, and terminating a pregnancy is akin to an unlawful act of killing. This view is often grounded in religious teachings, particularly among evangelical Christians, who make up a significant portion of Texas’ population.
Gov. Greg Abbott, a vocal advocate for pro-life policies, has signed some of the nation’s most restrictive abortion laws, including the Texas Heartbeat Act of 2021, which bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks. These laws have amplified the visibility of pro-life messaging, with yard signs serving as a grassroots expression of support. For many Texans, displaying such a sign is both a personal declaration of faith and a political statement aligned with the state’s conservative leadership.
The signs themselves are straightforward, often featuring bold red or black lettering on a white background. Their availability on e-commerce platforms like Amazon has made them an accessible tool for activism, allowing individuals to broadcast their views without crafting custom signage. In Dallas neighborhoods, from suburban enclaves to urban centers, these signs dot the landscape, sparking both solidarity and contention among residents.
To those who oppose the phrase, “Abortion is Murder” is not just a statement of belief but a loaded accusation. Critics argue it oversimplifies a complex issue, ignoring the nuances of reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and medical necessity. They contend the term “murder” is inflammatory, as it implies criminal intent and disregards the legal status of abortion in certain contexts, even in Texas’ restrictive environment. For pro-choice advocates, the phrase can feel like a judgment, alienating those who support abortion access or have undergone the procedure.
The debate over the phrase reflects broader national divisions. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll, 61% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most cases, while 37% believe it should be illegal in most cases. In Texas, however, public opinion leans more conservative, with a 2022 University of Texas poll showing 45% of residents opposing abortion in most circumstances. These statistics underscore why “Abortion is Murder” resonates in Dallas, where cultural and political conservatism often dominate.
Beyond the moral and legal arguments, the phrase also serves as a cultural marker. In Dallas, yard signs are more than decor; they’re a way to signal identity in a polarized climate. For some, displaying “Abortion is Murder” is an act of defiance against perceived liberal overreach, particularly following the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. For others, it’s a call to action, urging neighbors to reflect on the sanctity of life.
The prominence of these signs has not gone unnoticed. Local media outlets have reported on their prevalence, particularly during election cycles when abortion becomes a flashpoint issue. Community discussions, both online and in person, reveal a spectrum of reactions—from fervent support to outright dismay. Yet, regardless of one’s stance, the phrase is undeniably effective in its brevity, cutting through the noise to provoke thought and debate.
As Texas continues to navigate its role in the national abortion conversation, “Abortion is Murder” remains a potent symbol of the state’s values and divisions. In Dallas, under the shadow of Gov. Abbott’s policies, these yard signs are more than words—they’re a testament to the enduring power of belief in shaping public discourse.Whether viewed as a cry for justice or a divisive oversimplification, the phrase is unlikely to fade from the Texas landscape anytime soon.
Americans in Russia face an increased risk of arbitrary arrest and may be subject to harassment by Russian government security officials, including the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has reaffirmed its highest-level travel advisory for Russia, urging American citizens to avoid travel to the country due to significant security and safety risks. The advisory, classified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” highlights ongoing concerns such as arbitrary enforcement of local laws, wrongful detentions, harassment, and the impact of Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
According to the State Department, Americans in Russia face an increased risk of arbitrary arrest, particularly those involved in activities deemed sensitive by Russian authorities.
The advisory specifically warns that U.S. citizens may be subject to harassment by Russian government security officials, including the Federal Security Service (FSB).
There have been multiple reports of Americans being detained under ambiguous circumstances, sometimes accused of espionage or other serious charges.
The advisory also points to the unpredictable nature of Russian law enforcement and judicial processes. U.S. citizens have experienced prolonged detentions and limited access to consular assistance.
The State Department notes that its ability to provide emergency services to Americans in Russia is severely restricted due to the ongoing reduction of embassy staff and strained diplomatic relations.
With no ceasefire in Ukraine, is the bromance between Trump and Putin beginning to unravel?
In addition to legal and diplomatic challenges, the advisory warns of increased risks stemming from the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. government has noted that Russian military mobilizations and security operations can occur with little warning, potentially affecting foreign nationals.
The situation remains volatile, with periodic escalations in military activity and heightened security measures in major cities and border regions.
The advisory also cautions travelers about the possibility of limited commercial flight options and the potential for border closures. Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, several international airlines have suspended flights to and from Russia, complicating evacuation and travel plans for foreign nationals.
The State Department urges Americans currently in Russia to depart immediately using available commercial transportation.
U.S. citizens are further advised to avoid all public demonstrations and to exercise heightened caution in public places. The Russian government has implemented strict laws regarding public assembly and speech, and foreign nationals have been detained for participating in or observing protests. The advisory underscores that Americans may be subject to surveillance and monitoring by Russian authorities, especially in areas frequented by foreigners.
The State Department’s guidance reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its operations and staffing, limiting its ability to assist Americans in distress. Consular services, including passport renewals and emergency assistance, may be delayed or unavailable.
In light of these risks, the State Department encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and to maintain regular contact with family and friends. Americans are also advised to have contingency plans for emergencies, including alternative travel arrangements and access to funds.
The travel advisory is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad. The State Department regularly updates its guidance based on evolving security conditions and diplomatic developments. As the situation in Russia remains unpredictable, officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and caution for anyone considering travel to or residing in the country.
While the advisory does not prohibit travel, it serves as a strong warning of the potential dangers. The State Department continues to monitor the situation closely and will update its guidance as necessary to reflect changes on the ground.
Under Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the MID has faced scrutiny for its assertive policies, including the 2014 Crimea annexation and the 2022 Ukraine invasion
This institution plays a pivotal role in shaping Russia’s international relations, negotiating treaties, and representing the nation abroad. But what exactly happens inside this iconic building, and what is its historical significance?
What Is the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
The MID is the government body responsible for implementing Russia’s foreign policy. Led by the Foreign Minister—currently Sergey Lavrov—it manages diplomatic relations, issues visas, negotiates international agreements, and coordinates with embassies worldwide. The ministry advises the Kremlin on global affairs and represents Russia in organizations like the United Nations and BRICS.
What Occurs Inside the Building?
The Moscow headquarters is a hub of diplomatic activity. Key functions include:
Policy Formulation: Officials draft foreign policy strategies for presidential approval.
Diplomatic Communications: The ministry liaises with foreign embassies and handles crisis diplomacy.
International Negotiations:Treaties, trade deals, and security discussions are conducted here.
Consular Services: Though most public services are handled elsewhere, high-level consular decisions are made in the building.
Press Briefings: The MID regularly updates media on Russia’s diplomatic stance.
History of the Building
The ministry’s main building, one of Moscow’s Seven Sisters Stalinist skyscrapers, was completed in 1953. Designed by architects Vladimir Gelfreikh and Adolf Minkus, its imposing 27-story structure symbolizes Soviet-era grandeur.
Initially, it also housed the Ministry of Foreign Trade. During the Cold War, it was a nerve center for Soviet diplomacy, hosting critical negotiations with the U.S. and Europe. Post-USSR, it became the diplomatic headquarters of the Russian Federation.
The building’s interior features marble halls, historic meeting rooms, and Soviet-era décor, blending functionality with political symbolism. A 2016 renovation modernized infrastructure while preserving its heritage.
Modern Role and Controversies
Under Lavrov, the MID has faced scrutiny for its assertive policies, including the 2014 Crimea annexation and the 2022 Ukraine invasion. The ministry defends these actions as protecting national interests, while Western nations impose sanctions in response.
Despite tensions, the MID remains central to Russia’s global engagements, from Middle East diplomacy to energy partnerships with China. Its work—whether praised or criticized—continues to shape international dynamics.
I met Jean-Michel briefly at a party at Andy Warhol’s Factory. I found him to be aloof if not rude – the price of fame?
New York, N.Y. —Jean-Michel Basquiat, a defining figure of the 1980s New York art scene, used his neo-expressionist paintings to confront systemic racism with unflinching clarity. His work, characterized by raw energy, vibrant colors, and layered symbolism, served as both artistic expression and social critique. Basquiat’s art didn’t just reflect the world around him—it challenged it, exposing the deep-rooted racial inequalities that shaped American society.
New York Artists Keith Haring, Any Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in the East Village.
I lived in the East Village in the early 1980’s and met Jean-Michel briefly at a party at Andy Warhol‘s Factory. I found him to be aloof if not rude. I thought maybe because I was white, but then Andy–also white–was his mentor, so that didn’t make sense.
But when you are a famous genius, I guess you can be whatever you wish… Keith Haring and Madonna were around the East Village then as well.
I often saw Keith doodling on the walls of the Astor Place subway station, while Madona and her dancers would circle the neighborhood in a limousine.
Born in Brooklyn in 1960 to Haitian and Puerto Rican parents, Basquiat’s multicultural background informed his perspective. He rose from a graffiti artist, tagging New York City streets under the pseudonym SAMO, to an internationally celebrated painter.
His meteoric ascent in the predominantly white art world was both a triumph and a paradox, as he navigated spaces often hostile to Black voices. This tension fueled his work, which tackled themes of racial injustice, identity, and power dynamics.
One of Basquiat’s most poignant works, Irony of a Negro Policeman (1981), encapsulates his critique of systemic racism. The painting depicts a Black police officer in a stark, almost cartoonish style, surrounded by chaotic lines and fragmented imagery. The title alone underscores the contradiction: a Black man enforcing a system that historically oppressed his community. Basquiat’s use of text and symbols, like crowns and skeletal forms, further amplified the painting’s commentary on authority and marginalization.
His works often blended historical references with contemporary issues.
In Untitled (History of the Black People) (1983), Basquiat reimagined the African diaspora, drawing on Egyptian iconography and slave trade imagery to trace a narrative of exploitation and resilience. The painting’s fragmented composition mirrors the disjointed experience of Black identity in a racially divided society. By juxtaposing ancient motifs with modern struggles, Basquiat highlighted the enduring impact of systemic racism across centuries.
Basquiat’s style—rooted in graffiti’s spontaneity and neo-expressionism’s emotional intensity—gave his social critiques visceral power. His canvases, filled with scribbled text, distorted figures, and bold colors, demanded attention. Pieces like Defacement (The Death of Michael Stewart) (1983) directly addressed racial violence. Inspired by the death of a young Black artist at the hands of police, the painting features two officers looming over a skeletal figure, a raw indictment of police brutality and institutional racism.
The art world’s reception of Basquiat was complex. While collectors and galleries celebrated his talent, some critics dismissed his work as primitive or overly political. This criticism often reflected the very biases Basquiat sought to expose. His ability to infiltrate elite spaces while remaining an outsider gave his art a unique vantage point, amplifying its critique of systemic inequities.
Basquiat’s influence extended beyond the canvas.
His collaborations with Andy Warhol and his friendships with figures like Madonna and Debbie Harry bridged the art world and popular culture. Yet, he remained acutely aware of his position as a Black artist in a white-dominated industry. His paintings often included references to commodification, such as price tags or brand logos, critiquing how Black bodies and culture were exploited.
Today, Basquiat’s legacy resonates in museums, galleries, and public discourse.
Major exhibitions, like the 2017 retrospective at the Brooklyn Museum, have reframed his work as a vital contribution to conversations on race. His paintings fetch millions at auctions, with Untitled (1982) selling for $110.5 million in 2017, a testament to his enduring impact. Yet, his art’s value lies not in its price but in its ability to provoke and educate.
Scholars and curators continue to unpack Basquiat’s symbolism.
His use of crowns, for instance, is widely interpreted as a reclaiming of dignity for Black figures, from jazz musicians to everyday people. His work also draws parallels with contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter, which echo his calls for racial justice. As curator Dieter Buchhart noted, “Basquiat’s art is a mirror held up to society, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths.”
Basquiat’s life was tragically short—he died of a drug overdose in 1988 at age 27—but his impact endures. His paintings remain a powerful lens through which to view systemic racism, blending beauty with brutal honesty. From New York’s subway walls to the world’s most prestigious galleries, Basquiat’s voice continues to challenge, inspire, and demand change, cementing his place as one of the 20th century’s most visionary artists.
“If we turn our back, she will die.” – Sam Bassett
New York, N.Y. — Storme, a documentary by Sam Bassett based on the life and times of Stonewall VeteranStorme DeLarverie screened last week to a receptive audience in Manhattan.
The film ‘Storme’ screened this week in Manhattan. Photo: Linda Troller.
The Storme film is a triumphant tribute to a great American original. The screening featured a Tape Sculpture Monument dedicated to Storme along Eleventh Street in the East Village.
The film’s producer and director Sam Bassettdescribed the significance of the momentary Monument to me:
“The Tape Monument is dedicated to Storme, as well as the past, present, and future. United we stand for greatness, creativity, compassion, and follow through.
“It means to me ‘Rosa Parks equals Viva Storme DeLarverie equals Martin Luther King equals Barack Obama equals our united future.’ I say, ‘History makers step forward. Support and respect!’
From the documentary, ‘Storme.’ Photo: Linda Troller.
Sam had hoped to have Storme present, but she is not able to leave her new home in a senior center in Brooklyn, after recently vacating her decades-long home in the Hotel Chelsea. The director spoke with me after the screening, stating:
“I am feeling so drained from not being able to do more to get Storme out of that home. She is very sane. The people around her in the home in Brooklyn are ‘gone.’ I do not believe Storme has dementia. She is just a bit old, but there. NOT dementia.
“I think this diagnosis is shocking and wrong. They give that diagnosis in this case because Storme is just too cool to bother with certain memories. She is a true artist, and that’s how true great artists roll.”
Sam Bassett is a long-time friend of Storme’s. Photo: Linda Troller.
After the screening, Sam spoke to those gathered to reflect on Storme’s legacy about freedom. The Chelsea Hotel’s legendary Stanley and Phyllis Bard then spoke of the importance of protecting special people that through their sensitivity change, and shape the world.
Sam told me:
“I have directed, produced, and edited seven feature films. The Storme film I completed in 2008. Last week was the first time I screened it for the public which was very lovely to see the film on the big screen.
“My film work is all about thinking and understanding life to a higher degree. Because of this, the film work has been slow to be excepted. As I said, the Storme film I finished in 2008.
From the documentary, ‘Storme.’ Photo: Linda Troller.
“One man doing everything in his power to create history for the people by the people. Ahead of the curve”.
Sam has a vision for Storme’s future, which entails getting her out of the public nursing home and back to the Chelsea Hotel, surrounded by her community. He told me in his artistic style:
“We can do this. We will do this. Will require a meal service, nurse visiting. Possibly a nurse that’s stays with her at times.
I made a feature film of the poet, filmmaker, photographer Ira Cohen. He now has a full time nurse who takes care of him and is rock and roll. Life saving and elegant creating.
From the documentary, ‘Storme.’ Photo: Linda Troller.
“Storme returns to the Hotel Chelsea. We set her up proper. Allow her to sit in the lobby and have polite conversation. Meals delivered. Let people cherish her. Let her history spread to the people. We create history and our civil rights legend will live until 115 years old. Miracles happen. Let’s make as many beautiful miracles as possible.
“The Hotel Chelsea truthfully is very much like a nursing home. Very similar in truth to the nursing home she is in now. It’s just the rules and style of the Brooklyn nursing home are for death, not life. Not civil rights legend status characters.
“It is not dignified and its heart breaking. Storme would never complain in this moment. She is too selfless. Too elegant to complain. She is so rare, a beautiful butterfly. But like all beautiful butterflies they are delicate. If we turn our back, she will die.
“I believe it’s in our power to pull this off and then sit back and enjoy the golden years, properly supported and taken care of. Elegantly marching in dignity to our golden age.
Sam wrote me after my story in The Huffington Post, “Storme sends her love and thanks you for your efforts. Big moment in history. Torch holders step forward.”
The civil rights activist who probably threw the first punch in the Stonewall Riot that sparked Gay Rights.
New York, N.Y. — I know dementia. My father and grandmother both died with it. But they had both resources and families to protect them – and neither were living cultural and historical treasures.
None of which can be said for the civil rights activist who probably threw the first punch in the Stonewall Riot that sparked Gay Rights.
Storme DeLarverie lived at the Hotel Chelsea for decades. Photo by Sam Bassett.
It is sad for any elderly to be poor in New York City, with no family and few friends. It is especially sad to have historic figures languish with little support from their own communities, in this case my own community – the LGBTQ+ community.
I am particularly saddened by this situation and have reached out to leaders in the LGBTQ+ community to see how they can help Storme.
And how they can help protect others who have paved the way for Gay Rights.
I also reached out to gay and gay-friendly elected officials to hear their thoughts and ideas on safeguarding leaders like Storme when they become impoverished and incapacitated. Would declaring such aging leaders official “Living Treasurers” make a difference?
Storme DeLarverie thrived on the atmosphere created by the many writers,musicians, artists, and actors at the Hotel Chelsea. Photo by Sam Bassett.
The New York Timescovered Stormé’s plight in an article June 27, 2010 entitled, “A Stonewall Veteran, 89, Misses the Parade,” when she was not allowed out to ride in the lead car of the Pride parade last month. The Timesreported:
At noon on Sunday, thousands of marchers filled Fifth Avenue for New York City’s annual gay pride parade. Nearly six miles away, on the sixth floor of a nursing home in Brooklyn, the frail, white-haired woman in beige pajamas and brown slippers in Room 609 sat motionless at the edge of her bed, staring out her window.
…And many of those who marched down Fifth Avenue on Sunday would be hard pressed to realize that this little old lady — once the cross-dressing M.C. of a group of drag-queen performers, once a fiercely protective (and pistol-packing) bouncer in the city’s lesbian bars — was one of the reasons they were marching.
In 2009, a social services group, the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA), was appointed her legal guardian by a judge. In March, she was hospitalized after she was found disoriented and dehydrated at the Chelsea Hotel, her home for decades. No one occupies her room on the seventh floor of the hotel, but it remains unclear if she will ever return.
A small group of friends, including some of her neighbors at the Chelsea Hotel, visit her regularly. A social worker with the nonprofit group SAGE, which provides services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people, has been assisting Ms. DeLarverie since 1999, when she was at risk of eviction from the hotel.
One of her neighbors, photographer and documentarian Sam Bassett, asked to speak with me recently about Stormé.
As a gay man, I was shocked to learn that the woman who had committed her life so that one day I might marry my partner had completely lost her ability to care for herself.
Storme DeLarverie. Photo by Sam Bassett.
With no family and insufficient support from the LGBT community, the court granted her guardianship to the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA).
I spoke at length with JASA’s Director of Adult Protective and Guardian Programs, Cecille Hershkovitz, and one of their outside attorneys, Susan Robbins of Miller Canfield.
It is a challenge for any senior to grow older in New York City.
When there is no family, no money, and few friends, it becomes more difficult for any elderly person. When dementia is added, the situation becomes critical, and the City intervenes, hopefully for the best of the person.
Through appointment by the New York City courts, JASA was appointed the guardian for Storme – providing her with crisis intervention, financial management, intensive case management, and oversight of daily activities. This program is funded by the New York City Human Resources Administration.
Attorney Susan Robbins who works with JASA focuses primarily on guardianship work and knows her stuff. She represents all three not-for-profit community guardian programs in New York City which are funded by the city to provide guardianship services to elderly and incapacitated persons.
Storme needs more support, I believe. Where can it come from? SAGE?
Susan was court-appointed counsel for prominent New York City philanthropist Brooke Astor.
“My clients say that my background as a social worker allows me to understand the unique challenges of acting as a guardian.” What Susan cannot do is wave a wand to produce additional funds to give Storme more support.
Incorporated by lesbian and gay activists and aging service professionals in 1978 as Senior Action in a Gay Environment, SAGE (now Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is the world’s oldest and largest non-profit agency addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender elders.
Programs like Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders are an important safety net for LGBT elders.
SAGE works with LGBT elders to address and overcome the challenges of discrimination in senior service settings, while also being an essential component in the creation of informal care-giving support, and development of new “family” networks.
Storme DeLarverie is now in a nursing home in Brooklyn. Photo by Sam Bassett.
I reached out to SAGE’s very capable executive director Michael Adams, in Chicago for a SAGE event. Mike told me what SAGE was doing in regard to Stormé DeLarverie.
“Storme’s story is a powerful reminder of the difficulties of getting old in a county that too often fails to provide for our elders and in a system that, until recently, has consistently ignored the particular needs of LGBT older people.
“As in the cases of so many other LGBT elders, SAGE has been there for Stormé when there was nobody else. We have worked closely with Storme for many years, starting 11 years ago when we worked to ensure that she was not evicted from her home in the Chelsea Hotel.
“In the decade since, a SAGE social worker has provided many different forms of assistance to ensure that Storme could live at home for as long as possible. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible.
“While we have faith in the nursing care provided by our partners at JASA, we know from our work with thousands of LGBT elders over 32 years that the supports available for our community’s pioneers are woefully inadequate.
Storme DeLarverie. Photo by Sam Bassett.
“SAGE does the best that it can with limited resources and has made a huge difference in Stormé’s quality of life over the past decade.
But the real solution lies in a dramatic increase in the resources available to LGBT elders from our own community and from government. Only then will heroes like Stormé get the heroic treatment they deserve.”
“Storme’s plight is so sad. It highlights the reason why LGBT seniors have special needs. Having met Stormé on a number of occasions, I know how special she is.
“Her contributions to the movement are monumental. I worry that someday I might be in the same position. I’m sure however, that JASA will help her get through this difficult time.”
Then I reached out to an old acquaintance, Gay City News columnist David Noh. David said:
“The impassioned efforts of people like Stormé to effect lasting change stand in marked contrast to this country’s current attitude of passivity and unquestioning acceptance in the face of blatant government mendacity (the Bush era), corporate greed, and senseless war.
“The plight of a true hero like Storme is everyone’s worst nightmare come true, something that crosses the minds of many in our community, especially those who may be living outside the conventional framework of family (although the acquisition of children is no 100% guarantee, either, of loving care in one’s advanced years, as certain examples have shown me).
“It’s a horrendous scandal that this should happen to Stormé and an indictment of this ever more age-ist and elitist country’s attitude towards the elderly and disenfranchised. The idea of deeming people “National Treasures” is a laudable one, and something that has gone in, say, Japan, for years.”
I e-mailed my friends at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Law Association of Greater New York (LeGaL), an association of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) legal community in the New York metropolitan area. LeGaL Interim Executive Director Brad Snyder responded:
As an association of LGBT lawyers, we are always concerned when we hear about the challenges facing members of our community, especially the senior community and those who have given so much to the cause of equality. That is one of the reasons while we are currently working with our community partners to develop legal assistance projects specifically aimed at assisting LGBT seniors.
Last weekend the 2008 documentary by Sam Bassett on the life of Storme DeLarverie was screened for the first time, here in New York City.
Of course, the man better connected than anyone in the gay and lesbian community is my friend Dirk McCall, who I met as a poll watcher for Jessica Lappin ions ago. He now heads the Bronx Community Pride Center. Dirk told me:
“I am saddened to hear this sad news about Stormé, who has been a friend and inspiration for years. We must stand up for the pioneers of our movement and something must be done to ensure she is being treated with dignity and respect.
“Social isolation of LGBT seniors highlights why we need an LGBT retirement/assisted living facility in NYC and the need for intergenerational programs to make sure we are not left alone in our times of need.
“We need to organize now both for Storme as well as for our own sake. This should certainly be a call to arms.”
One friend suggested an effort be made to move Stormé to the Lillian Booth Actors’ Home of The Actors Fund in Englewood, New Jersey. This friend is approaching New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman and Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney for assistance.
Storme DeLarverie. Photo by Sam Bassett.
JASA’s Cecille Hershkovitz told me that she hoped as many friends from the GLBT as possible would visit Storme because human interaction is vital to mental and physical well being.
Attorney Susan Robbins suggested the possibility of the GLBT community creating a fund specifically to cover additional health aides for GLBT leaders so that they could get out of their facilities more frequently.
Perhaps SAGE would be the best vehicle for such a fund. I understand as little as $10,000 per year could make a significant impact in the life of someone such as Stormé.
I acknowledge the assistance SAGE has given, but I find it an outrage that our community cannot do more to support our leaders.
We need to make sure that our living cultural and historic treasures are not warehoused until they die. Alone and forgotten.
Warning for U.S. citizens: Do not travel to Russia due to the consequences of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces. U.S. citizens may face harassment or detention by Russian security officials, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and limited flights into and out of Russia.
New York, N.Y. – As Russia’s capital and largest city, Moscow stands as a symbol of national power, history, and cultural pride. Home to over 12 million people, it is the country’s political nerve center, economic engine, and a global hub for arts, education, and diplomacy.
But what defines this sprawling metropolis, and how has it shaped—and been shaped by—Russia’s turbulent past and present?
Political Powerhouse: The Kremlin and Beyond
Moscow’s political significance is anchored by the Kremlin, a fortified complex that has been the seat of Russian authority since the 15th century. Today, it houses the presidential administration, key government offices, and historic cathedrals. Nearby, the State Duma (Russia’s parliament) and the Russian White House (government headquarters) reinforce the city’s role as the nation’s decision-making core.
The city also hosts foreign embassies and international organizations, making it a focal point for global diplomacy. Events like the annual Moscow Conference on International Security highlight its geopolitical influence.
Economic Engine of Russia
Moscow contributes nearly 25% of Russia’s GDP, driven by finance, technology, and energy sectors. The Moscow Exchange is the country’s largest financial market, while corporate giants like Gazprom and Rosneft have headquarters here. Despite Western sanctions, the city remains a key player in global trade, with its skyscraper-filled Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) symbolizing its economic ambitions.
Yet, wealth disparity is visible—luxury boutiques in Tverskaya Street contrast with Soviet-era residential districts, reflecting economic divides.
Cultural and Historical Legacy
Moscow’s cultural identity is deeply tied to its landmarks:
Red Square & St. Basil’s Cathedral – Iconic symbols of Russia, blending medieval and imperial history.
Bolshoi Theatre – A world-renowned stage for ballet and opera.
Tretyakov Gallery & Pushkin Museum – Housing Russia’s finest art collections.
Moscow Metro – A subterranean palace of Soviet-era architecture.
The city has also nurtured literary giants like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, while modern Moscow thrives with theaters, film festivals, and a vibrant nightlife.
Urban Development & Challenges
Moscow has transformed dramatically since the Soviet era. Major projects like Zaryadye Park (a futuristic urban space near the Kremlin) and the Moscow Central Circle (a revitalized railway system) showcase modernization efforts. However, challenges persist:
Traffic congestion, despite an extensive metro system.
High cost of living, especially in elite districts.
Political tensions, with the city often at the center of protests and crackdowns.
Moscow in the 21st Century
Today, Moscow balances tradition with global ambitions. It hosts major events like the 2018 FIFA World Cup and competes with cities like London and New York in finance and culture. Yet, its identity remains unmistakably Russian—a city where golden domes stand beside glass towers, and where history weighs heavily on contemporary politics.
Taipei — A recent poll conducted by the National Taiwan University reveals a startling figure: nearly 90% of Taiwanese citizens support the right of terminally ill patients, for whom pain is untreatable, to seek physician-assisted death.
How can a society steeped in traditions that emphasize the sanctity of life embrace such a concept? Is this an enlightened step towards autonomy or a symptom of deeper societal suffering?
The figures are hard to ignore.
The poll, which surveyed a representative sample of the Taiwanese population, indicates a dramatic shift in public sentiment.
While cultural norms in Taiwan have traditionally emphasized preserving life at all costs, the poll suggests that the public is now more willing to consider individual suffering and personal choice.
“We’re seeing a significant number of people who believe that an individual should have the right to choose how they end their life, especially when faced with unbearable pain and a terminal illness.”
But where does this shift originate?
Some argue that increased awareness of patient rights and the desire for self-determination are driving forces. Others suggest that the rising rates of chronic illnesses and an aging population have brought the issue of end-of-life care to the forefront.
“We’re living longer, but not necessarily healthier,” says Ms. Chen, a social worker who specializes in geriatric care. “Many of my patients suffer from debilitating conditions that rob them of their quality of life. It’s not surprising that people are starting to question whether prolonging life at all costs is always the best option.”
Yet, the idea of euthanasia remains deeply controversial.
Religious organizations and some conservative groups have voiced strong opposition, arguing that it violates the sanctity of life and could lead to abuses. They warn that vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, could be pressured into ending their lives prematurely.
“We cannot open the door to euthanasia,” says Reverend Wang, a prominent religious leader. “Life is a sacred gift, and we must do everything in our power to protect it. There are alternatives, such as palliative care, that can alleviate suffering without resorting to ending a life.”
Indeed, the availability and quality of palliative care in Taiwan remain a concern.
While some hospitals offer excellent palliative care services, many patients, especially in rural areas, lack access to adequate pain management and psychological support. This raises questions about whether the push for euthanasia is, in part, a reflection of the failure to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for the dying.
“If we truly want to address the issue of end-of-life care, we need to invest in palliative care,” says Dr. Lee, a palliative care physician. “We need to ensure that all patients have access to the resources they need to live their final days with dignity and comfort.”
As Taiwan grapples with this complex issue, it is clear that there are no easy answers.
The poll results reflect a society struggling to reconcile traditional values with modern realities. The debate over euthanasia forces us to confront fundamental questions about life, death, and the limits of human autonomy.
CALL TO ACTION: Advocate for improved palliative care access and resources in your community.
Tags: euthanasia, end-of-life care, bioethics, healthcare, Taiwan, Taiwan policy, patient rights, palliative care
Social Media Blurbs
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Truth Social: Taiwan poll: High support for euthanasia in terminal cases. Euthanasia support soars in Taiwan. bit.ly/XYZ #Taiwan
Mastodon: Taiwan is grappling with a major shift in public opinion. A new poll shows nearly 90% support euthanasia for the terminally ill. What does this mean for patient rights and palliative care? Euthanasia support soars in Taiwan. bit.ly/XYZ #Taiwan #EuthanasiaDebate
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New York, N.Y. – Fueled by increasingly divergent state laws on issues such as abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and censorship, a new wave of internal migration is reshaping the American landscape.
Citizens feeling disenfranchised or threatened by policies in their home states are seeking refuge in states with more aligned values, creating what some are calling “political refugees.”
This phenomenon reflects a growing polarization within the U.S., where state governments are increasingly at odds on fundamental issues of personal freedom and civil rights. As a result, individuals and families are making the difficult decision to uproot their lives and relocate in search of a more welcoming and secure environment.
Fleeing Restrictions: Abortion and Reproductive Rights
The overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 has triggered a surge in migration related to abortion access. With many states enacting near-total bans or severe restrictions on abortion, individuals seeking reproductive healthcare are now forced to travel across state lines to access these services.
This has led to a situation where some states serve as safe havens, offering comprehensive reproductive care, while others have become “abortion deserts,” prompting women and families to relocate to ensure access to essential healthcare services.
The resulting migration has strained resources in some states and created new challenges for those seeking care.
LGBTQ+ Rights Under Attack: Seeking Inclusive Communities
In addition to abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights are also a major driver of interstate migration. As some states enact laws targeting transgender individuals, restricting gender-affirming care, and limiting LGBTQ+ protections, many members of the community are seeking refuge in states with more inclusive and supportive environments.
This migration is particularly pronounced among young people and families with transgender children, who are seeking communities where they can live openly and without fear of discrimination. The exodus of LGBTQ+ individuals and families from certain states underscores the growing divide in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights and the impact of state-level policies on individual lives.
Censorship and Free Speech: Finding Intellectual Freedom
Concerns over censorship and restrictions on free speech are also contributing to the trend of political migration.
As some states enact laws banning books from schools and libraries, limiting discussions of certain topics in the classroom, and restricting protests, individuals who value intellectual freedom are seeking refuge in states with stronger protections for free expression.
This migration is particularly relevant for educators, writers, and artists, who may feel stifled or threatened by censorship laws in their home states. The movement towards states with greater intellectual freedom highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and open dialogue in a democratic society.
The Future of Federalism: A Nation of Red and Blue Islands?
The trend of political migration raises questions about the future of federalism and the increasing polarization of American society. As individuals sort themselves into states with aligned values, the U.S. risks becoming a nation of red and blue islands, with limited interaction and understanding between different ideological groups.
This could lead to further political fragmentation and make it more difficult to find common ground on pressing national issues. Whether this trend will continue or whether there will be a renewed emphasis on national unity remains to be seen, but the experiences of those seeking refuge across state lines offer a sobering reminder of the challenges facing the country.
Doha, Qatar –Since its launch in 1996, Al Jazeera has played a pivotal role in transforming the media landscape of the Middle East, fostering open dialogue and providing a platform for diverse voices. Financed by the Qatari government, the Arabic-language channel quickly gained prominence by broadcasting uncensored news and a wide range of perspectives.
Al Jazeera has been instrumental in promoting freedom of expression and providing a voice to the voiceless.
By challenging traditional narratives and broadcasting stories that were previously ignored, it has empowered individuals and communities across the region. The network’s commitment to covering a wide range of issues, from human rights to social justice, has helped to raise awareness and promote positive change.
The launch of Al Jazeera English in 2006 marked a significant step in the network’s global expansion.
The new channel aimed to provide in-depth coverage of international events, with a focus on the Global South. It has since become a respected source of news and information, known for its high-quality journalism and its commitment to covering stories from a variety of perspectives.
During the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, Al Jazeera played a crucial role in broadcasting information and documenting events on the ground.
Its coverage helped to inform the world about the aspirations of the Arab people and the challenges they faced.
While the network’s coverage was not without its critics, it is undeniable that it helped to amplify the voices of those who were seeking change.
Despite facing numerous challenges and pressures, Al Jazeera remains committed to its mission of providing independent and objective news.
It has weathered political storms, cyberattacks, and smear campaigns, and continues to be a vital source of information for millions of people around the world. The network’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to journalistic principles are a testament to its enduring value.
Al Jazeera has undoubtedly made a significant contribution to promoting dialogue, understanding, and progress in the Middle East and beyond. Its commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and its unwavering dedication to journalistic excellence have earned it a place as a leading global media organization.
Has Al Jazeera been a positive force in the Middle East? Its commitment to diverse voices and journalistic integrity suggests that it has.
Tags: Al Jazeera, media, Middle East, Qatar, journalism, positive impact, news, politics, international relations
“Al Jazeera: A Decade of Impact” – A retrospective on Al Jazeera’s achievements.
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New York, N.Y. — Foot traffic at Target stores has declined for ten consecutive weeks, coinciding with the company’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies—a decision that has sparked nationwide boycotts, investor lawsuits, and broader questions about the future of corporate DEI commitments.
Target’s DEI Rollback Sparks Backlash
In January 2025, Target announced it would end its three-year DEI goals, discontinue external reporting to initiatives such as the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and conclude its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives. The company also restructured its supplier diversity program, moving away from its previous $2 billion commitment to Black-owned businesses.
The decision was framed as a strategic shift to align with a changing business environment. “Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy,” wrote Kiera Fernandez, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, in a memo to employees.
Target emphasized it remains committed to “creating a sense of belonging for our team, guests and communities through a commitment to inclusion,” but critics argue the rollback signals a retreat from meaningful DEI action.
Nationwide Boycott and Declining Foot Traffic
The rollback triggered immediate backlash. More than 200,000 people participated in a nationwide boycott, many inspired by a 40-day “Target Fast” led by Rev. Jamal Bryant, a prominent Atlanta pastor. The boycott coincided with Lent and called on shoppers to support Black-owned businesses instead.
Data from analytics firm Placer.ai shows that Target’s foot traffic fell by 9% year-over-year in February and 6.5% in March, marking ten straight weeks of decline. The slump began the week after the DEI rollback announcement and has continued despite the end of the Lenten boycott. Meanwhile, competitors like Costco, which have maintained their DEI programs, have seen steady increases in store visits.
Investor Lawsuits and Financial Impact
The fallout extends beyond customer visits. Target’s stock dropped 12% after the DEI rollback, with investors filing lawsuits alleging the company misrepresented the risks associated with cutting DEI initiatives. Plaintiffs claim Target failed to warn shareholders about potential backlash and legal exposure, leading to avoidable financial losses. Legal experts predict that settlement costs could further impact the company’s earnings in upcoming quarters.
Broader Corporate Implications
Target’s experience has become a case study in the risks and complexities of altering corporate DEI strategies. The company faces pressure from both political leaders advocating for reduced diversity efforts and customers demanding inclusive practices. While some companies, such as Walmart and McDonald’s, have also scaled back DEI programs, others like Costco have resisted, and are seeing positive results in customer engagement.
Meetings between Target executives and civil rights leaders, including Al Sharpton, signal ongoing dialogue, but as of late April, Target has not reversed its DEI rollback. The company’s future strategy remains under scrutiny from investors, customers, and advocacy groups alike.
Key Data and Trends
Retailer
DEI Policy Change
Foot Traffic Trend (Feb–Apr 2025)
Target
Rolled back DEI
Down 9% (Feb), 6.5% (Mar), 4.7% (Apr week)
Costco
Maintained DEI
Up 7.5% (Feb), 16 weeks of growth
Walmart
Reduced DEI
Up 2.7% (Apr week)
What’s Next for Target?
While Target’s leadership has reiterated a commitment to “belonging for all,” the company’s recent policy changes have led to sustained boycotts, negative publicity, and legal action. The coming months will test whether Target can regain consumer trust and stabilize its business, or if the backlash will have lasting effects on its brand and financial performance.
Target Faces 10-Week Decline in Store Visits After DEI Rollback (April 24, 2025)
Their vocal opposition to his policies, combined with strategic legislative maneuvers, has not only galvanized progressive voters but also positioned them as rising stars in a post-Trump political landscape.
Standing Firm Against Trump’s Agenda
Van Hollen, Booker, and AOC eachhave each taken high-profile stands against Trump, whether through Senate hearings, social media campaigns, or grassroots organizing. Van Hollen, a seasoned legislator, became a leading voice against Trump’s judicial appointments, while Booker’s impassioned speeches on racial justice and policing reform drew national attention. AOC, meanwhile, has everaged her massive online following to amplify critiques of Trump’s economic and immigration policies.
“These lawmakers didn’t just resist—they offered clear alternatives,” said Dr. Elena Martinez, a political science professor at Columbia University. “That distinction has helped them build credibility with both activists and moderate Democrats.”
Fundraising and Grassroots Momentum
Their confrontational approach has paid off financially. Van Hollen’s 2022 re-election campaign saw a 40% increase in small-dollar donations compared to 2016. Booker’s advocacy for criminal justice reform helped him raise over 20millioninthelastelectioncycle.AOC,alreadyafundraisingpowerhouse,shatteredrecordswithher20millioninthelastelectioncycle.AOC,alreadyafundraisingpowerhouse,shatteredrecordswithher18 million haul in 2022, much of it from progressives eager to counter Trump-aligned candidates.
“Small donors are looking for fighters,” said Democratic strategist Luis Rivera. “Van Hollen, Booker, and AOC have shown they’re willing to take on Trump directly, and that resonates with the base.”
Media Influence and National Recognition
Beyond fundraising, their visibility has skyrocketed. Booker’s viral moments during Supreme Court hearings made him a household name, while Van Hollen’s work on voting rights expanded his influence beyond Maryland. AOC’s mastery of digital media kept her at the forefront of political discourse, even as Trump frequently targeted her on social media.
“They’ve turned opposition into opportunity,” said media analyst Rachel Kim. “By being unapologetically progressive, they’ve carved out a lane that appeals to younger voters and activists.”
Future Implications for the Democratic Party
As the 2024 election approaches, their strategies may signal a broader shift in Democratic tactics. While some moderates urge caution in confronting Trump directly, Van Hollen, Booker, and AOC’s successes suggest that a more assertive approach could energize the party’s base.
“The lesson here is that Democrats don’t have to play defense,” said Martinez. “They can go on the offensive and win.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite their gains, challenges remain. Van Hollen and Booker must balance progressive appeals with broader electability concerns, particularly in swing states. AOC, while influential, faces ongoing scrutiny from conservatives and some centrist Democrats. Yet, their ability to turn Trump-era opposition into political capital suggests they’ll remain key players in shaping the party’s future.
Tags: Chris Van Hollen, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Donald Trump, progressive Democrats, political strategy, Cory Booker, 2024 election, congressional opposition
Capitulation that would strip Ukraine of territory, sovereignty, and security—while handing Russian President Vladimir Putin nearly everything he wants
New York, N.Y. — President Donald Trump’s much-touted plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, now revealed in detail, is drawing fierce criticism for effectively rewarding Russian aggression and forcing Ukraine into a corner.
Rather than offering a genuine path to peace, Trump’s proposal has been described by analysts and Ukrainian officials as a capitulation that would strip Ukraine of territory, sovereignty, and security—while handing Russian President Vladimir Putin nearly everything he wants.
A Plan That Favors Moscow
Trump, alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has put forward a proposal that would see the United States remove sanctions against Russia, agree to a cease-fire with Russian forces remaining on seized Ukrainian territories, and formally recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
The plan would also bar Ukraine from joining NATO, though it would allow for EU membership. In return, Ukraine would receive vague security assurances from the U.S. and promises of reconstruction aid—without clear mechanisms or guarantees.
This arrangement would force Ukraine to cede approximately 20% of its land and millions of its citizens, while relinquishing its right to determine its own foreign policy. The proposal also includes the return of confiscated Russian assets and the lifting of sanctions, giving Russia the financial means to rebuild its war-battered military and economy.
Ukraine’s Dilemma: Capitulation or Isolation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly rejected any deal that involves surrendering Crimea or other occupied territories, calling such concessions unacceptable. Trump, however, has publicly pressured Zelensky to accept the terms, declaring on his Truth Social platform that Ukraine’s leader has “no cards to play” and should “GET IT DONE.”
The Trump administration has warned that the U.S. might withdraw from negotiations if either party rejects the proposal, a threat seen as an attempt to coerce Kyiv into submission.
The plan leaves Ukraine with two grim choices: accept a deal that legitimizes Russia’s land grabs and undermines its sovereignty, or risk losing vital U.S. support and facing Russia alone. As one Ukrainian official put it, the proposal “says very clearly what tangible gains Russia gets, but only vaguely and generally says what Ukraine is going to get.”
A Precedent for Appeasement
Critics warn that Trump’s plan would not only devastate Ukraine but also set a dangerous precedent for international relations. By legitimizing Russia’s invasion and territorial annexations, the U.S. would be undermining the post-World War II order that prohibits changing borders by force. This could embolden Moscow to pursue further aggression against its neighbors and destabilize Europe for years to come.
The plan’s logic echoes the perils of appeasement, famously denounced by President Ronald Reagan. As Reagan said, “There’s only one guaranteed way you can have peace—and you can have it in the next second—surrender.” He warned that appeasement “gives no choice between peace and war, only between fight or surrender,” and that “life is not so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery.”
Ukraine’s Fight for Survival
For Ukraine, the stakes could not be higher. Accepting Trump’s terms would mean not just territorial loss but a future of insecurity, with Russia poised to strike again once it has regrouped. The plan offers no credible path to lasting peace or justice for the victims of war crimes committed during Russia’s invasion.
As the world watches, Ukraine’s struggle has become a test of whether international law and the principle of sovereignty still matter. Trump’s proposal, critics argue, is not a peace plan but a reward for aggression—a blueprint for surrender dressed up as diplomacy.
New York, N.Y. — Two centuries to the day after France imposed a crippling debt on Haiti in exchange for its independence, a U.N. forum has heard calls for the restitution of what has long been described as a “ransom” extorted under the threat of force from the Caribbean nation that still bears the scars of colonialism and slavery.
The first country ever to free itself from slavery through a successful uprising, Haiti gained independence from France in 1804.
The price for defying the colonial order was steep. On April 17, 1825, besieged by French warships, Haiti agreed to pay an indemnity of 150 million gold francs to the European power.
Officially, the payment was meant to compensate French plantation owners for “lost property” following independence, but the amount far exceeded actual losses.
“France forced the winners of Haiti’s independence – the former slaves – to compensate the losers, their former masters,” Monique Clesca, a journalist and activist of Haitian descent, said on Thursday at a meeting on the country’s independence debt.
The price of freedom: A double debt
This tax on liberty soon plunged world’s first Black republic into a spiral of debt. When Haiti was no longer able to pay, France pushed its banks to lend it money, what we call a “double debt,” Ms. Clesca explained.
By 1914, over three-quarters of the country’s national budget was still being drained to repay French banks. It was not until 1947 – more than 140 years after independence – that Haiti finally settled its debt.
“France committed an enormous injustice that still resonates today,” Ms. Clesca said.
An in-depth 2022 investigation by The New York Times found that Haiti’s payments to France amounted to the modern equivalent of roughly $560 million. Had that money been retained in Haiti and invested domestically, it could have added more than $20 billion to the country’s economy over time, according to some economists.
Haiti today: The legacy of debt
Though Haiti stands a milestone in the global fight for emancipation, today it today is mired in instability, with armed gangs controlling 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. According to the World Bank, it remains the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The entrenched human rights crises in the Republic of Haiti [are] rooted in legacies of enslavement, colonialism, debt payments, military threats and interventions,” said the advisory body to the U.N. Human Rights Council in a position paper last month.
A belated recognition
Responding to mounting calls for justice, French PresidentEmmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the creation of a joint commission of Haitian and French historians to examine the impact of the 1825 indemnity.
While welcoming the move, Martin Kimani, a member of the Permanent Forum, stressed that the commission’s effectiveness would depend on its willingness to fully acknowledge the harm caused.
“We call for restitution of the financial sums extracted through this cost arrangement along with broader reparative measures to address Haiti’s structural underdevelopment and international neglect,” Mr. Kimani said during the meeting, held on the final day of the Forum’s fourth session this week.
According to media reports, so far the French president has stopped short of committing to financial reparations.
Calls for restitution
“The colonial past creates responsibilities that must be assumed collectively by France and the international community,” said Pierre Ericq Pierre, Haiti’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., who took part in the discussion.
According to the Haitian ambassador, the country’s enduring inequalities are rooted in its colonial past and the burden of the “ransom.”
In his view, restitution would only be far. “This isn’t about revenge,” he said. “It’s about truth and justice.”
Restorative justice
The Haitian people deserve a future free from violence – one that meets basic standards of development, said Gaynel Curry, another member of the Permanent Forum.
In addition to returning the colonial debt, Ms. Curry called for the creation of an international reparations fund for Haiti and establishing an independent inquiry, under the Human Rights Council, to explore avenues of into restorative justice.
New York, N.Y. — Hundreds of thousands of guns are being used by gangs to exert control and spread terror in Haiti, according to the UN’s designated expert on the human rights situation in the Caribbean country.
The island nation has suffered from a series of humanitarian, economic, political and security crises in recent years and it is widely believed that gangs control up to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
U.N. independent expert on the human rights situation in Haiti, William O’Neill, (second left) talks to officials at a prison in Fort Liberté, Haiti. Photo credit: BINUH/Oldy Joel Auguste.
William O’Neill: The situation in Haiti regarding guns is absolutely catastrophic. The country is awash in guns, probably in the hundreds of thousands in a population of 11 million.
The gangs have access to an increasing number of high calibre weapons, and a seemingly endless supply of ammunition and some gangs have weapons that pierce armour. This is very dangerous because the Haitian National police and the multinational security support mission led by Kenya are really relying on their armoured vehicles to provide them protection.
There have been recent incidents in which a Kenyan police officer was injured by a projectile inside his vehicle and it is happened to some of the Haitian National Police officers as well.
The gangs have powerful automatic weapons that fire many rounds per minute as well as sniper rifles which some gang members have been trained on. People can be hit from a long distance, and you can imagine the terror that causes.
You are a frequent visitor to Haiti, especially to vulnerable communities there. What are people there telling you about the pervasiveness of guns?
The gangs have weapons that cause immense violence and the people I have met say that it is absolutely terrifying.
Gangs use these firearms, to take territory, to keep out other gangs and to battle with the police, but also to control and dominate people and commit many types of human rights violations simply because they have this power that that literally flows from their possession of firearms. We interviewed some victims, survivors of sexual violence, and it was clear from their testimony that the gangs flaunt their weapons as if to say “do this or else.”
People face the threat of death unless they comply with the gangs.
Haiti does not make firearms nor ammunition. How are they getting into the country?
They come in primarily from the United States, some directly on small ships that leave overwhelmingly from Florida. There i an increased number from the Dominican Republic, still originating in the US, that come over the border, which is very porous.
There was actually a quite active guns-for-drugs trade with Jamaica which predates the crisis, but even those guns mostly originate in the U.S. Relatively recently, guns have been flowing from Colombia some from FARC and other the Colombian armed groups that were turning a weapons or had the weapons confiscated.
The key is to stop the flow of ammunition, because if the gangs run out of ammunition, then it would not matter what kind of guns they have. They would be finished as they have no popular support.
What is being done to stop the trafficking of these weapons?
Not enough. The head of the Haitian frontier police told me they only have 350 officers to guard a 400 km border. They have one drone, insufficient vehicles and admit they cannot even control the official border crossings.
There is a failure at the ports; there is not a single scanner in the whole country. A large metal scanner could check what is coming in these containers. So that is a huge problem.
On the Haitian side, there is a lack of resources and some corruption. On the US side, there is been an ongoing lack of commitment in terms of inspecting outgoing shipments, although inspections have increased a bit lately under domestic pressure in the United States.
The people hate the gangs, so they would be in major trouble if they lost the source of their strength. So, the US needs to increase the inspections much more.
What more needs to be done?
There needs to be more investigation of the trafficking networks in Florida. Recently there have been several prosecutions and heavy sentences, one involving a former Haitian gang leader who had been extradited to the United States.
His trial testimony revealed how he was obtaining guns from the United States that led to others being arrested, including some Haitian nationals in the US. Heavy sentences would be a big deterrent. If traffickers could end up with 10/15/20 years in a federal penitentiary, they might recalculate their risk reward assessment and say, “you know, it is just not worth it.”
I think the U.S. has become more sensitive to this problem and how dealing with it would actually alleviate one of the administration’s major concerns which is Haitian migrants trying to get into the United States.
People recognize that if there is security in Haiti, then the incentive or desperation to get out of the country would diminish quite a bit.
Bringing stability to a neighbor, which is suffering greatly would allow that country to develop economically and in peace. At the same time, you would reduce this push factor of migration of desperate Haitians wanting to leave the country.
The Dominican Republic also has a huge interest in stability in Haiti, as there are concerns about the violence spilling over. I think the Dominican Republic is stepping up efforts to stop this illegal trafficking to Haiti of arms and ammunition.
It is also important to remember that there is a UN Security Council arms embargo.
There is a legal obligation on all countries to take steps to make sure their extraterritorial obligations on the human rights situation in Haiti are connected to following the arms embargo.
Haiti ‘Awash’ with Guns Leaving Population ‘Absolutely Terrified’ (April 23, 2025)
Each year, more than 21 million adolescent girls in low and middle-income countries become pregnant
New York, N.Y. —Teenage pregnancy remains the leading cause of death for girls aged 15 to 19, which countries could help prevent by allowing them to remain in school and ending child marriage, the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
Each year, more than 21 million adolescent girls in low and middle-income countries become pregnant. About half of these pregnancies are unintended. Nine in 10 adolescent births occur among girls who were married before turning 18.
“Early pregnancies can have serious physical and psychological consequences for girls and young women,” said Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO. “(They) often reflect fundamental inequalities that affect their ability to shape their relationships and their lives.”
Too young to give birth
Teen pregnancy carries serious health risks. These include higher rates of infection, complications, and premature birth. It also disrupts education and limits job opportunities later in life. Many young mothers end up trapped in poverty.
To help prevent teenage pregnancy, WHO is calling on governments to offer better alternatives to child marriage. These include improving access to education, financial services and jobs. If all girls finished secondary school, child marriage could be slashed by up to two-thirds, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Stolen childhood
There has been global progress. In 2021, one in 25 girls gave birth before age 20. Twenty years earlier, the rate was one in 15. However, big gaps remain. In some countries, nearly one in 10 girls aged 15 to 19 still give birth each year.
“Early marriage denies girls their childhood and has severe consequences for their health,” said Dr Sheri Bastien, Scientist for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health at WHO.
She emphasized the power of education in transforming girls’ futures. At the same time, both boys and girls need to understand the concept of consent “and challenge the major gender inequalities that continue to drive high rates of child marriage and early pregnancy in many parts of the world.”
The WHO guidelines update advice issued in 2011. They promote comprehensive sexuality education which the U.N. agency says is essential so that boys and girls know how to use different types of contraception and where to seek advice.
“It has been shown to reduce early pregnancies, delay the onset of sexual activity and improve adolescents’ knowledge about their bodies and reproductive health,” WHO said.
Tags: Child marriage, teen pregnancy, maternal health, U.N. health agency, gender inequality, education access, adolescent health, sexual and reproductive rights
