Ask Senators to Support the Security Contractor Accountability Act
Posted November 7th, 2007 by April | Allentown, Take Action
At their last meeting, the Allentown Amnesty International group discussed AI actions to support the Security Contractor Accountability Act (S.2147). This important bill would demand accountability for U.S. government and military contractors such as Blackwater.
“In this environment, serious allegations of contractor involvement in human rights violations–including the torture at Abu Ghraib and hundreds of shootings, sometimes lethal, of Iraqi civilians–have emerged, yet Bush administration officials have made virtually no effort to hold contractors accountable or compensate victims.”
Dan from the Allentown group notes that the bill “has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, of which our own Sen. Specter is Ranking Minority Member.”
Find out more about Amnesty’s position on the Security Contractor Accountability Act (S.2147). Then, take action!
You can also read the bill at the THOMAS website (Library of Congress).
AIUSA is supported in the effort to get this bill passed by Working Assests. You can also send a message using their website.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
7:00 pm
East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church
432 E. Chestnut St., Lancaster
This is not an Amnesty International event, but may be of interest to AI supporters. Sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee.
Speakers from Laos and Lebanon will talk about how cluster bombs have affected their lives, and provide information about the use of cluster bombs in their countries. The country of Laos represents one of the earliest uses of cluster bombs and Lebanon marks the most recent case of cluster bomb use. Traveling with the speaking tour will be a photo exhibit and resource materials about the impact of cluster bombs worldwide, as well as current international efforts to ban them.
Speakers include:
- Raed Mokaled, an optician from Nabatieh, Lebanon whose 5-year old son was killed by a cluster bomb in 1999.
- Bassam Chamoun, community development worker for Mennonite Central Committee in southern Lebanon.
- Phounsy Phasavaeng, community development worker for CARE in Sekong Province, Laos who lost her nephew in a cluster bomb accident.
- Lasee Phetsavong, an employee of World Education whose responsibility includes organizing immediate and long-term care for cluster bomb accident victims in Laos.
Contact:
Titus Peachey
tmp@mcc.org
Mennonite Central Committee
21 S. 12th St., Box 500
Akron, PA 17501
PH: (717) 859-1151
FAX: (717) 859-3875
US Resisting Ban on Cluster Bombs (IPS)
Posted October 31st, 2007 by April | News & Notes
“BRUSSELS - The U.S. is leading efforts to resist a complete ban on cluster bombs, human rights activists have complained.
“But a conference called by European governments in Brussels Tuesday is regarded as a step towards an international agreement on eliminating cluster weapons — in which hundreds of small ‘bomblets’ are packed together.
“Although an accord appears likely to be reached during 2008, activists are concerned over diplomatic manoeuvres by Washington to ensure that it will not be too stringent.”
– Read more: “US Resisting Ban on Cluster Bombs,” CommonDreams.org, October 30 2007
Please participate in Amnesty International’s call-in day next Monday, November 5:
Ask Senator Specter to help pass the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act
Pennsylvania Legislative Action Opportunity: Monday, November 5
Posted October 30th, 2007 by April | Take Action
On November 5, 2007, thousands of individuals from more than 20 countries will be participating in the Global Day of Action on Cluster Bombs. Activists in Pennsylvania can play a critical role in the Global Day of Action. Amnesty International USA is asking activists from Pennsylvania to call Senator Specter to urge him to co-sponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S.594). This legislation seeks to prevent any U.S. funds from being spent to use or export cluster munitions unless the sub-munitions have a 1 percent or lower dud rate and will not be used in civilian-populated areas.
As a strong supporter of U.S. action to ban landmines and senior member of the U.S. Senate, Senator Specter’s co-sponsorship of S.594 would greatly help its chance of passing.
To participate in the Global Day of Action or for more information about the call-in day, please visit the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Find out Amnesty’s concerns regarding the use and export of cluster munitions.
Monday, November 5, 2007
On November 5, 2007, thousands of individuals from more than 20 countries will be participating in the Global Day of Action on Cluster Bombs. Amnesty International USA is asking activists from Pennsylvania to call Senator Specter to urge him to co-sponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act (S.594). This legislation seeks to prevent any U.S. funds from being spent to use or export cluster munitions unless the sub-munitions have a 1 percent or lower dud rate and will not be used in civilian-populated areas.
As a strong supporter of U.S. action to ban landmines and senior member of the U.S. Senate, Senator Specter’s co-sponsorship of S.594 would greatly help its chance of passing.
To participate in the Global Day of Action or for more information about the call-in day, please visit the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Phone Numbers
- You can reach the Capitol Switchboard by calling FCNL’s special toll-free number: (800) 352-1897 You must then ask for Senator Specter by name.
- Or, call one of Senator Specter’s local offices:
- Philadelphia: (215) 597-7200
- Allentown: (610) 434-1444
- Other office locations
Find out Amnesty’s concerns regarding the use and export of cluster munitions.
UPDATE: If you’d like to send a letter as well, the Bethlehem group has drafted this sample letter: Specter Letter - Cluster Munitions (Word format)