Legislation

Europe needs to do more to prevent human trafficking

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http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2015/10/europe-urged-to-do-more-to-prevent-trafficking/#.ViU0g36rSM9 This snippet highlights another consequence of the migration of refugees from the Middle East and Africa. According to the article, human traffickers are taking advantage of refugees’ vulnerable state, often smuggling them via “unseaworthy vessels.” UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, is urging Europe to help trafficked victims through not allowing … Read more

Hmong child bride lawsuit in Minnesota

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/09/28/the-open-secret-of-abused-hmong-child-brides-goes-public-in-minnesota-law-suit/?tid=hybrid_collaborative_3_na This article is about child brides ie human trafficking of child brides from Laos. In this case, a woman has chosen to speak out and is suing her perpetrator/abuser. There is apparently a population of Hmong people in St. Paul Minnesota and it is a common occurrence where young girls in Laos are lured … Read more

Federal Plan for addressing sex trafficking in the US

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The title of the report is: Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States 2013-2017. Although it is somewhat lengthy to read, it is worth at least skimming through. Most of our class readings and discussions focus on events in other countries. I believe it is important to keep … Read more

does Stand Your Ground protect battered women?

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Can Women Stand Their Ground? Depends On the Target. Marissa Alexander was a battered woman who was trained to use a weapon, had a concealed carry permit, and had a court injunction against her husband. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot at the ceiling – a shot that … Read more

It’s A Girl – Gendercide in India and China

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The film, It’s A Girl (available now on Netflix watch instantly), casts a light on the way girls in India and China are discriminated against because of their sex. According to the film’s website, the UN estimates as many as 200 million girls are missing because of female infanticide. The film also explores dowry and … Read more

Egypt’s Brotherhood Blasts UN Women’s Document

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Sarah El Deeb’s article discusses the opposition that a UN Women’s document has received from the Islamic Brotherhood in Egypt. The group has opposed this document because of clauses within it that they consider incompatible with the tenants of Islam. Actual details of the document have yet to be released pending negotiations. Officials are remaining … Read more

Violence Against Women Act 2013

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The senate today passed the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act. All of the women senators voted in favor, as did all of the democrats and not surprisingly those who were opposed were republican men. Some very important changes were that Native American women, GLBT women, and immigrant women were all included. I am … Read more

India Rape Ordinance Blasted by Female Activists

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    http://womensenews.org/story/rape/130205/india-rape-ordinance-blasted-female-activists#.URUdph0701I Based on the deadly gang rape the president added an anti-rape ordinance into law. Protesters are furious because they say it was crafted without any input and falls short of bringing perpetrators to justice. The outcry is also due to the perceived dismissal of the recommendations made by the Verma committee’s report. … Read more

Armenian Genocide update

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After reading Bastard of Istanbul, I thought you might find this update interesting:  http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=267286  It discusses how many countries and even states within the US have recognized the Armenian Genocide.

Kansas bill heats debate over rights of Mothers to be

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What happens if the ultrasound technician see something wrong and decides NOT to tell you:  http://www.aclu.org/blog/reproductive-freedom/kansas-pregnant-women-little-lie-your-doctor-wont-hurt-you  As someone who has felt that nervous glide of the ultrasound many times–wondering if all was OK, I understand the ramifications of this bill.