English Blog http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/ en en Copyright 2009 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:06:29 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Pigs in Geneva! - Swine Flu petition delivery gets global coverage Thank you for participating in the Swine Flu campaign!

We stopped traffic in Geneva on May 27th as we descended on the World Health Organization (WHO) with a herd of cardboard pigs to deliver our petition! The 225 cardboard pigs represented the 225,000 Avaaz members that had signed the petition.

We certainly got our message across -- our campaign delivery went out around the world on ABC news, EFE TV, the Wall Street Journal, France 24, Kuwait News Agency, and Intellasia - as well as many other major news outlets.

When we handed over our petition, it became apparent how important our campaigning was and how valid our concerns were. Initially, the World Health Organization's Food Safety and Zoonoses director, Dr. Jørgen Schlundt, told us that the WHO and the FAO had not found a definitive link between the H1N1 virus and a factory farm and that the source was still under investigation. But he then admitted:
1) scientists have seen more disease breeding and mutating between animals and humans with the massive increase in industrial meat production;
2) he agreed that certain company's farming practices (Smithfields in this case) were dangerous;
3) he warned that new operations propagating in developing countries could make 'mistakes' in food safety that could be seriously risky to human health; and most importantly
4) he indicated that the political processes that determine the research and rules on factory farm biosafety are dominated by the industrial meat lobby. He said strong global regulations were essential, but, to date, unless there is a huge scare like BSE and people die, scientists are unable to push through the laws needed to prevent animal borne pandemics.

The message was clear - our public campaigning for investigation and regulation of factory farms is vital to ensure our food safety and counter the powerful meat industry. Our action showed the WHO that the world does not want to wait for another disaster - we want funding for scientists to investigate factory farms and we want preventive measures put in place that ensure public heath standards.

Click below to see the interview with Avaaz campaign director Alice Jay on Efe:

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/pascal/2009/06/pigs_in_geneva_swine_flu_petition_delivery_gets_global_coverage.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/pascal/2009/06/pigs_in_geneva_swine_flu_petition_delivery_gets_global_coverage.php Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:06:29 -0500 V Summit of the Americas in Trinidad & Tobago: mission impossible, mission accomplished. Avaaz sailed into the harbour at Port of Spain, Trinidad and delivered a message to President Obama to lift the Cuban embargo. The call came from more than 50,000 Avaaz members from the Americas. Despite tight security, Avaaz Campaigner Paula Brufman and Trinidadian Avaaz members sailed by the site where the regional Presidents were meeting and hoisted a 'End the Cuba Embargo' banner up the mast. Public protest was closed down on the island, but an extraoridnary group of Trinidadian members and volunteers made this peaceful action happen with the consent of the coast guard. Great work! The delivery of our message was quickly picked up by key news agencies and was reported around Latin America. See below for a video of the sailboat delivery and click here to see the media coverage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZPVMmOH6MY At the Americas Summit President Obama announced a shift in US policy on Cuba and since then small steps toward dialogue have been taken. It is exciting to be a part of this vital change in regional policy. We will continue to campaign for constructive engagement and for the US to end the almost 50 year failed policy.]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/paula/2009/05/v_summit_of_the_americas_in_trinidad_tobago_mission_impossible_mission_accomplished.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/paula/2009/05/v_summit_of_the_americas_in_trinidad_tobago_mission_impossible_mission_accomplished.php Lift the Cuba Embargo Cuba Embargo Fidel Castro Latin America Obama Port of Spain Summit of the Americas Trinidad & Tobago US Mon, 04 May 2009 11:20:40 -0500 Exxon responds to Avaaz spoof ad: "We don't understand" advertisement on Washington DC television spoofing ExxonMobil's hypnotically disingenuous ad campaign—you know, the ones where friendly, nerdy people tell you how their work at ExxonMobil will help the environment. The message of our ad was simple: while ExxonMobil and other fossil fuel companies now talk a good game on climate change, they're still lobbying full-force to prevent a strong global climate treaty. The kind of treaty Obama can help create—if the rest of us give him the political support to do it. Well, yesterday, ExxonMobil responded to the ad. Apparently, they were mystified.
"They seem to be critical of our desire to communicate our positions on climate change, which we don't understand," said Exxon spokesman Alan Jeffers.
Mr. Jeffers, sorry for confusing you! Perhaps we could be more clear. We have no problem with ExxonMobil's "desire to communicate." It's ExxonMobil's positions on climate change that we're critical of... and the fact that the communications in question don't actually communicate them. In fact, if ExxonMobil is really eager to communicate their positions on climate change, then they should be welcoming our ad! Take a look: The truth is, Exxon spent at least $29 million on lobbying in the US last year alone—and is on track to spend even more on a lobbying and advertising blitz this year. While ExxonMobil might not be funding climate denialists to distort science any longer (it lost that battle), it hasn't switched sides in the climate wars. Now, they're just wearing the other side's uniforms. ExxonMobil's strategy is to divert the growing momentum for effective global and national policies by greenwashing itself—and lobbying hard behind the scenes. Most of their ads showcase research projects or promote the virtues of personal energy efficiency. Unmentioned by the $400-billion-plus company is the fact that their entire business model relies on continually increasing the burning of carbon-based fuels. Watching the ads, a conscientious consumer could conclude that ExxonMobil is to clean energy what the Gates Foundation is to global health. The more appropriate analogy would be Phillip Morris. (Sometimes the ads are misleading—not just in their underlying message—but also in their particulars: Last year, Britain's Advertising Standards Authority banned an ExxonMobil ad for claiming, falsely, that liquefied natural gas was "one of the world's cleanest fuels.") ExxonMobil's feel-good ads showcasing hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and tire technology aren't about "communicating their positions on climate change." They're about calming down a public that has become rightly infuriated by fossil-fuel industry obstructionism of real climate action. And they're about distracting attention from ExxonMobil's own lobbying against the cap-and-trade legislation and binding global treaty that the world urgently needs. We suspect that, in fact, Mr. Jeffers understands this all too well.]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/benwikler/2009/04/exxon_responds_to_avaaz_spoof_ad_we_dont_understand.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/benwikler/2009/04/exxon_responds_to_avaaz_spoof_ad_we_dont_understand.php Climate Change Press Hits Videos advertising advocacy avaaz carbon emissions climate Climate Bill Climate change climate crisis exxon Exxon Mobil exxonmobil fossil fuels Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:29:15 -0500 Tibet: end the blackout
Tibetans fighting the Chinese government's blackout are cut off from the rest of the world.
As we mark 50 years since the Dalai Lama escaped to India, a dark curtain is being pulled across Tibet -- foreign media detained and expelled, armed troops patrolling the streets, citizens imprisoned for political purposes. And yet many of these violations will not reach the outside world because communications have been cut off.

Without our immediate support, those who are cutting vital holes in the censorship curtain won't be able to alert the global media or other Tibetans to disappearances and the denial of human rights. Open communication is the best insurance to prevent future infringements from taking place.

Donate today, and help ensure that the flow of information so critical to the Tibetan people isn't shut off completely:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/tibet_stop_the_blackout

A modest donation can have a major impact:
  • For $90 we can fund transmission of an entire hour of the Voices of Tibet radio network, which provides unbiased news across the Tibetan plateau
  • $25 each from just 100 of us will support a new technology program that allows Tibetans to avoid censorship and safely communicate their plight with the world and each other
  • For $100 from 100 of us, we can help upgrade a radio transmitter just over the border in India, so that it can broadcast deeper into Tibet and China for one month.
Only freedom of information and dialogue among Tibetans and Chinese can help bring a lasting and peaceful solution to the Tibet problem. Click below now to make a contribution:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/tibet_stop_the_blackout

The situation is dire, and some reports suggest it's getting worse. The Chinese government has even cut phone networks to hinder grassroots organizing efforts by Tibetans and blocked their contact to the outside world – including to Chinese progressives. If we don't help Tibetans access new technologies that can breach the communications blockade, their plight could be silenced behind an impenetrable firewall.

Radio stations, bloggers, censorship avoidance technologies are like fog-lights out of the dark - and vital to the survival of the Tibetan people. Here is what the Dalai Lama says about Voice of Tibet radio – which your support today can help keep on the air:

"This is the only radio service in [the] Tibetan language with a Tibetan editorial board in charge allowing us [Tibetans] to comment on events of Tibetan interest from our perspective.... I would appreciate [...] if sympathetic organizations and individuals could help Voice of Tibet continue functioning..."

Donate today and help keep critical programs like this one alive – they've never been more urgently needed:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/tibet_stop_the_blackout

Freedom of information is vital to the survival of Tibetan culture and a key ingredient in securing Tibetan autonomy. It is also a key way to reach out to progressive Chinese in China, many of whom are looking for alternative perspectives and information. As a global community, we can help ensure access to vital information for Tibetans, Chinese and those of us who are beyond the veil.

With hope,

Brett, Ricken, Alice, Paul, Graziela, Ben, Paula, Luis, Pascal, Veronique, Iain, Milena and the rest of the Avaaz team

P.S. Consider donating to support organizations like Voice of Tibet at this crucial time. They need our support now more than ever. Even a modest donation will go a long way: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/tibet_stop_the_blackout

A year of escalating violence:
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA17/011/2009/en
http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/china-amnesty-international-calls-chinese-authorities-open-tibet-2009030

UN Committee Against Torture Report covering the 2008 protests. Relevant section is pages 8-10:
www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cat/docs/CAT.C.CHN.CO.4.pdf

Human Rights Watch report detailing those unaccounted for:
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/09/china-hundreds-tibetan-detainees-and-prisoners-unaccounted

Reports of increased violence across Tibet to 2009:
http://www.savetibet.org/media-center/ict-press-releases/a-great-mountain-burned-fire-chinas-crackdown-tibet

---------------------------------

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/03/tibet_end_the_blackout.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/03/tibet_end_the_blackout.php Human Rights Tibet Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:16:36 -0500 Penguins descend on Brussels with Avaaz's petition Coldy 3000 took one step closer towards existence. In just 4 days, over 123,000 Avaaz members from around the world answered Coldy's call and signed a petition urging the European Union to adopt strong efficiency standards for energy-using products. Today, Avaaz Campaign Director, Luis Morago, along with partners from Friends of the Earth Europe, Natuur en Milieu and some penguins delivered the petition straight to European decision makers -- specifically the Head of Unit of Transparency and Relations with Stakeholders, Gerard Legris, on behalf of President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso. The delivery was a great success with plenty of interest from the press and many bystanders stayed, charmed by the penguins' music and dance. In the coming days, we will also be delivering the petition to high representatives of the Czech Presidency of the EU in Brussels. But above all else, we're having an impact! Sources tell us that the debate is getting hotter and much more political, thanks largely to increased pressure from campaigning organisations. Stay tuned to the Avaaz blog for more info! Here is a video of today's event, and check out the photos beneath! ]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/iain/2009/03/penguins_descend_on_brussels_with_avaazs_petition.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/iain/2009/03/penguins_descend_on_brussels_with_avaazs_petition.php Climate Change Dialogue with Power Videos avaaz Brussels climate energy efficiency European Union global warming petition delivery Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:32:39 -0500 A talking fridge?
This week, European regulators will start setting new efficiency standards for fridges, TVs, and other products. Strong rules could massively cut Europe's climate pollution, but industrial lobbyists are pushing to weaken the proposals.

We've received an unusual message: a video sent back in time from the future ... by a talking fridge named "Coldy." Click the picture to watch the video and take action now:

CLICK TO WATCH!


Green technology already exists that would dramatically improve the fridges, TVs, washing machines, and other products that each of us use. Strong green standards, according to expert studies, could have a huge climate impact--greater than taking two thirds of Europe's cars off the road. And these standards would reduce our energy bills by tens of billions of Euros per year.

But the most-polluting companies want to sell dirty products cheaply, and avoid green investment. It's up to us to make sure EU negotiators hear the clear voice of thousands of citizens across Europe -- and not just the voices of industry lobbyists. Click below to watch the video and sign the petition -- it will be delivered to negotiators this Thursday:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/refrigerator_revolution_video

With hope,

Ben, Luis, Iain, Graziela, Paula, Alice, Milena, Ricken, Brett, Pascal, Paul, Veronique, and the entire Avaaz team

FOOTNOTES

1. For more information, updates and policy briefs on the European Eco-design policy process (including the studies and draft legislation on the products covered by this policy, such as TVs, fridges, and lightbulbs), see this site by the NGO coalition ECOS, Greenpeace Europe, WWF-EPO and other leading environmental organizations:
http://www.env-ngo.eup-network.de

2. Last week, more than 100,000 Avaaz members joined the global call for a truth commission to investigate human rights abuses in Bush's war on terror. Avaaz hand-delivered the signatures to the Senate committee and spoke to key U.S. leaders. Click to see photos and a full report:
http://www.avaaz.org/delivery_to_truth_commission

3. Avaaz members will deliver this petition in Brussels with a stunt organized by Friends of the Earth Europe and Natuur en Milieu. For more information, check http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en later this week!

--------------------------

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/03/a_talking_fridge.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/03/a_talking_fridge.php Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:18:32 -0500 'War on Terror, Tell the Truth' petition delivered When 100,000 names from over 180 countries were officially tabled at the Senate hearing, the international message was clear: find out the truth about the War on Terror, and don't let it happen again. Here are some pictures from the day:
A real Commission of Inquiry would provide a powerful stop signal to further human rights abuses being committed by the US Administration. It would suggest a new era in human rights and a shift in how the US government intends to deal with conflict and terrorism.
Witnesses at the hearing in favour of the Commission made it clear that the best way to respond to terrorism is with justice, due process and human rights. Descending to torture, water-boarding, abductions and wire-tapping only fuels extremism.
As Avaaz Executive Director, Ricken Patel, said "Bush's war on terror tactics are both immoral and incompetent. They violate our fundamental values and stoke the anger and hatred that feed terrorism. Torture and disappearances are more of a gift than a threat to Al Qaeda."
The establishment of a Commission of Inquiry should not be about vengeance or a political witch-hunt. A thorough and honest investigation should be established to ensure accountability and an end to impunity for those who have committed wrongdoings -- created as a preventative measure to limit the possibility of recurrence.
Any Commission must be independent, bi-partisan, and able to investigate all the way up the chain of command. It should have the power to refer for prosecution, but not be a substitute for prosecution. It should be able to follow evidence where it may lead, without fear or favour. Ultimately, it should recommend legislative or policy changes that need to be implemented.
We need to move beyond the language of the War on Terror and start talking about a security framework centred on human rights. But there is still a long way to go. Bagram, the US prison in Afghanistan, contains hundreds of prisoners. The Obama Administration recently restated Bush's line that those detained there should not have the legal right to challenge their detention. Similarly, the state secrets privilege is still being used in cases before the US courts.
An end to the war on terror requires a movement, lawyers, policy makers and politicians. The global outcry, evidenced by the Avaaz petition, shows that to repair relations and restore respect for human rights, the truth must first be uncovered and wrongdoing publicly acknowledged.
Leahy and the Judiciary Committee will need all the support it can get, to get this Commission over the line. ]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/brett/2009/03/war_on_terror_tell_the_truth_petition_delivered.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/brett/2009/03/war_on_terror_tell_the_truth_petition_delivered.php Guantanamo Human Rights Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:31:36 -0500 Tell the truth about the War on Terror


Let's find out the truth! Sign the petition for an independent investigation into Bush’s War on Terror.
This week, the US Senate is taking its tentative first steps towards establishing an independent commission into Bush’s War on Terror -- an open investigation into torture, detention, wiretapping and illegal transfers to secret prisons across the globe. This is a major development, but as expected there are very nervous and powerful interests who want to bury it.

A Commission of Inquiry is essential to unravel the full extent of eight years of cover-ups, to hold those responsible to account and to prevent such injustice from happening again. It would send a powerful message that the US wants to repair the damage done to human rights by the Bush years, while strengthening the fight against terrorism.

But without a massive global and US show of support, champion US Senators may not rally the numbers needed to have this commission established. Sign the petition -- which will be presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee before they make their decision this week -- and help get an inquiry with real teeth over the line:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/end_the_war_on_terror

After 8 damaging years, this campaign for justice has a lot to unearth. The hearing this week will begin a process throughout 2009, and as this petition grows, our voices will be submitted to decision makers at every opportunity. But it all starts with a thorough and unflinching Commission of Inquiry - not just to end impunity, but to make sure that the abductions, deaths and disappearances of Guantanamo are never repeated.

Worryingly, the so-called War on Terror is not yet over. Last week the Obama’s Department of Justice argued, as they had under Bush, that detainees at the US facility in Bagram, Afghanistan have no legal right to challenge their detention. Conversely, in a major turnaround it was separately announced that the only remaining ‘enemy combatant’ on US soil is finally to be tried by a US civilian court.

These conflicting decisions reveal an Administration still making up its mind. Now is the time to draw a line in the sand with a bi-partisan Commission that puts the past behind us and empowers an Administration committed to human rights, definitively rejecting torture, refusing to arbitrarily detain and championing the rule of law in its fight against terrorism and in all its global dealings.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/end_the_war_on_terror

As long as the wrongdoing of the Bush years is kept secret and those practices unaccounted for or allowed to continue, mistrust and violence between nations will flourish. Let's plant a seed of hope, understanding a shared commitment by reading this dark page in history before we turn it.

With hope,

Brett, Alice, Pascal, Ricken, Paula, Ben, Graziela, Luis, Paul, Iain, Milena, Veronique - and the entire Avaaz team

More information on the Commission of Inquiry:
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-02-25-voa58.cfm

What Amnesty says about a Commission: Investigation, prosecution, remedy
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR51/151/2008/en

Some options for the Administration
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/weekinreview/22shane.html

More about the Senate Judiciary Committee
http://judiciary.senate.gov/

------------
]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/03/tell_the_truth_about_the_war_on_terror.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/03/tell_the_truth_about_the_war_on_terror.php Guantanamo Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:48:03 -0500 A green recovery
EU leaders meet this weekend to discuss the economic crisis. It's a huge opportunity to create jobs and save the planet -- click below to urge them to embrace a bold green recovery plan:

In the face of the global economic downturn and the climate crisis, a brilliant new idea is taking hold: green recovery. From China's Hu Jintao to Obama in the U.S., leaders are realizing that a green recovery -- investing in renewable fuels, efficiency, and new technology -- is the best way to create jobs and save the planet at the same time.

But at a summit this weekend, European leaders may miss their chance -- unless enough of us speak up now.

Some European politicians, influenced by special interests, are stuck in the discarded view that helping the economy must hurt the climate, and vice versa. If this mindset wins out, vast sums will be spent on ruinously dirty growth, putting the entire world in peril. But if we raise our voices now, we can help tip the balance towards a cleaner, greener economy that works for us all.

Click below to send a message to European leaders, urging them to commit to a green recovery plan:

http://cdn.avaaz.org/en/europe_green_recovery

Green recovery isn't a dream -- it's already begun. The U.S. has committed to invest almost 1% of its economic output in sustainable recovery programmes. China is racing ahead, putting over a third of its big stimulus package into green investments, while South Korea investing two-thirds of its package in energy efficiency, green jobs, public transport and renewable energy.

The global race to a greener, cleaner future could begin here. But if we fail to switch to clean energy now, any economic recovery risks ending up being crippled by a new oil price spike in a couple of years.

Much more than Europe is at stake. Next April, the 20 biggest economies will gather in London to hash global plans for a coordinated response to the economic downturn. By taking action now, we can put sustainable recovery at the heart of their economic agenda, and set world leaders on the road to a climate deal this December in Copenhagen.

If enough of us write to our leaders now, we can show them that the public rejects the false choice between today's economy and tomorrow's climate. Follow this link now to urge Europe to embrace a green New Deal that creates the jobs of the future, ends our addiction to climate-poisoning fossil fuels, and lays the foundations of a sustainable economic recovery:

http://cdn.avaaz.org/en/europe_green_recovery

With hope,

Ben, Luis, Iain, Ricken, Paul, Alice, Brett, Paula, Graziela, Milena, Pascal, Veronique -- and the rest of the Avaaz team

More information on green economic recoveries:

Great clean-up - can economic rescue plans also save planet? -- The Guardian, 24 Feb 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/24/obama-environment-economic-rescue

Nicholas Stern: An outline of the case for a 'green' Stimulus - London School of Economics, Feb 2009
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/granthamInstitute/publications/An%20outline%20of%20the%20case%20for%20a%20%27green%27%20stimulus.pdf

United Nations Environmental Programme special Green New Deal site:
http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy

Ban Ki Moon and Al Gore: Green Growth is Essential to any Stimulus - Financial Times, 16 Feb 2009
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0fa98852-fc45-11dd-aed8-000077b07658.html

Green or Mean -- graphic of comparing the green impact of national economic stimulus plans:
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2009/02/23/ENVIRONMENTweb.pdf

Visit here for the agenda of the meeting:
http://www.eu2009.cz/event/1/3153/

--------------------------------

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/a_green_recovery.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/a_green_recovery.php Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:40:38 -0500 A green recovery
EU leaders meet this weekend to discuss the economic crisis. It's a huge opportunity to create jobs and save the planet -- click below to urge them to embrace a bold green recovery plan:

In the face of the global economic downturn and the climate crisis, a brilliant new idea is taking hold: green recovery. From China's Hu Jintao to Obama in the U.S., leaders are realizing that a green recovery -- investing in renewable fuels, efficiency, and new technology -- is the best way to create jobs and save the planet at the same time.

But at a summit this weekend, European leaders may miss their chance -- unless enough of us speak up now.

Some European politicians, influenced by special interests, are stuck in the discarded view that helping the economy must hurt the climate, and vice versa. If this mindset wins out, vast sums will be spent on ruinously dirty growth, putting the entire world in peril. But if we raise our voices now, we can help tip the balance towards a cleaner, greener economy that works for us all.

Click below to send a message to European leaders, urging them to commit to a green recovery plan:

http://cdn.avaaz.org/en/green_recovery_europe

Green recovery isn't a dream -- it's already begun. The U.S. has committed to invest almost 1% of its economic output in sustainable recovery programmes. China is racing ahead, putting over a third of its big stimulus package into green investments, while South Korea investing two-thirds of its package in energy efficiency, green jobs, public transport and renewable energy.

The global race to a greener, cleaner future could begin here. But if we fail to switch to clean energy now, any economic recovery risks ending up being crippled by a new oil price spike in a couple of years.

Much more than Europe is at stake. Next April, the 20 biggest economies will gather in London to hash global plans for a coordinated response to the economic downturn. By taking action now, we can put sustainable recovery at the heart of their economic agenda, and set world leaders on the road to a climate deal this December in Copenhagen.

If enough of us write to our leaders now, we can show them that the public rejects the false choice between today's economy and tomorrow's climate. Follow this link now to urge Europe to embrace a green New Deal that creates the jobs of the future, ends our addiction to climate-poisoning fossil fuels, and lays the foundations of a sustainable economic recovery:

http://cdn.avaaz.org/en/green_recovery_europe

With hope,

Ben, Luis, Iain, Ricken, Paul, Alice, Brett, Paula, Graziela, Milena, Pascal, Veronique -- and the rest of the Avaaz team

More information on green economic recoveries:

Great clean-up - can economic rescue plans also save planet? -- The Guardian, 24 Feb 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/24/obama-environment-economic-rescue

Nicholas Stern: An outline of the case for a 'green' Stimulus - London School of Economics, Feb 2009
http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/granthamInstitute/publications/An%20outline%20of%20the%20case%20for%20a%20%27green%27%20stimulus.pdf

United Nations Environmental Programme special Green New Deal site:
http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy

Ban Ki Moon and Al Gore: Green Growth is Essential to any Stimulus - Financial Times, 16 Feb 2009
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0fa98852-fc45-11dd-aed8-000077b07658.html

Green or Mean -- graphic of comparing the green impact of national economic stimulus plans:
http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2009/02/23/ENVIRONMENTweb.pdf

Visit here for the agenda of the meeting:
http://www.eu2009.cz/event/1/3153/

--------------------------------

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/a_green_recovery.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/a_green_recovery.php Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:57:31 -0500 Our questions for Kofi Annan
Delegates from every country in the world have launched marathon negotiations to decide humanity's response to climate change, culminating in a landmark treaty this December. These negotiations will affect billions of lives -- they are simply too important to leave to bureaucrats and diplomats.

We need to build a public consensus for a strong, fair climate deal, and we’ll need strong allies to help us do that. This weekend, a group of international moral leaders, including Kofi Annan, Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson, Wangari Maathai and Rajendra Pachauri, are meeting to discuss the ethics of climate justice -- they've asked Avaaz members to send them questions to start this conversation.

These leaders have agreed to consider and discuss at least five of our questions -- follow this link now to propose your own question, or vote for your favourites which other Avaaz members have posted. We've only contacted a small group of active Avaaz members, so please do join in the discussion:

http://cdn.avaaz.org/en/climate_justice_forum/

You'll be able to watch the event, webcast live from South Africa, at the same link on Saturday, 28th February from [Noon GMT] -- or see a video of it thereafter. The principles discussed at this event could help to inform our climate campaigning over the next year, as well as the efforts of Kofi Annan and his fellow leaders.

Citizens around the world need to draw a line in the sand for our leaders before it’s too late -- ensuring that the world's response to climate change is grounded in basic principles which are strong and fair. There’s already a great debate gathering about climate justice: how rights and responsibilities can be fairly shared, whether and how poorer countries must reduce their emissions, what finance and technology the richer countries should provide, and how we can minimise the growing risk of catastrophe and ensure that everyone does their part.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, former Irish President Mary Robinson, Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, and Rajendra Pachauri (chair of the scientists’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) are globally respected voices and ambassadors for change. By engaging in debate with them, we can start to build a public consensus on the deal we need. Let’s ask our questions now at this link:

http://cdn.avaaz.org/en/climate_justice_forum/

Thanks for being part of the global climate conversation!

With warm regards,

Ben, Ricken, Luis, Iain, Milena, Paul, Veronique, Graziela, Pascal, Paula, Alice, Brett -- and the entire Avaaz team

More information about the forum can be found here:
www.ghf-geneva.org/index.cfm?uNewsID=151

------------------------------------

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/our_questions_for_kofi_annan.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/our_questions_for_kofi_annan.php Climate Change Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:03:25 -0500 Canucks tell Obama about Harper
As Obama visits Canada, help fund an ad campaign asking him to press Harper on climate change:
With George Bush out of office, Stephen Harper has lost his biggest ally in avoiding action on climate change. When Barack Obama visits Canada on Thursday, Harper will desperately try to push Obama to accept parts of his do-nothing climate plan.We need to make it clear to the American President that Canada's citizens do not support their Prime Minister on this issue, and support Obama to take a firm position in telling Mr. Harper that the bad old days are over, and its time for both the US and Canada to act responsibly.

The media will be eagerly following Obama's first international visit, so we're publishing a big ad in the Washington Post on Wednesday (see right) to attract attention, clearly telling President Obama and the US media where Canadians stand. The ad will also be delivered directly to Obama's climate advisor. We have just 36 hours to raise enough funds to place the ad. Since this is a message from Canadians, the more of us who donate and endorse it, the stronger its message will be. Click below to join in:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/canucks_to_obama/?CLICKTRACK

2009 is THE make or break year for the earth's climate. It will take every nation working at its best to mobilize fast enough to get a global treaty at the UN Copenhagen summit in December, and Canadians want to be part of the solution. But we're stuck with a Prime Minister and an Environment Minister who are in the pocket of the oil industry, despite all their public claims to be green. On Thursday, Harper will likely offer guaranteed oil supplies to the US in return for Obama agreeing to exempt Canada's tar sands oil (which pollutes 3-4 times as much as regular oil) from global regulation. Side deals like this will effectively kill the global climate treaty at Copenhagen that the world desperately needs.

Obama is facing an uphill fight to get a progressive climate plan through in his own country, so we need to make sure that he doesn't feel any need to make damaging deals with our Prime Minister. Most Canadians are not represented by our government, so on this most crucial issue and visit, we have to conduct our own diplomacy, and give President Obama the true message of Canadians for him on climate change.

With hope,

Ricken and the Avaaz Canada team

PS - here's a link to reports on past Avaaz campaigns -
http://www.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2/

and here's a link for background on Harper's lobbying strategy for the Obama visit:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081105.wclimate1106/BNStory/National/home

-------------------
]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/canucks_tell_obama_about_harper.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/canucks_tell_obama_about_harper.php Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:25:36 -0500 Israel's progressives need our help today

A shocking new far-right politics is taking hold in Israel and it threatens all we've worked for -- let's help progressives in Israel organise and build a fresh new voice for peace:

It's a dark day in the Middle East: the right-wing has won the most seats in Israel's elections, and racist extremist Avigdor Lieberman is now the kingmaker in forming the next government.[1] Lieberman and his fellow leaders are promising to bomb Iran, re-invade Gaza and abandon any ceasefire, stop negotiations and crack down on Israel's large Arab minority. This could kill all we've worked for in the Middle East. But many progressives in Israel (both Jews and Arabs) share our feelings -- and they desperately need our solidarity today.

Wherever extremists have triumphed, we have to organise to beat them. Many thought all hope was lost in the USA after the neo-conservatives' victory -- then progressives used the internet to come back from the wilderness, and achieved the unthinkable by putting Barack Obama in the White House.[2] In Israel today, the despair of the old peace camp opens up a powerful moment to build a fresh new voice against hatred and for peace.

Just $10,000 could help two young Israeli activists use the Avaaz model of internet organizing to reach and mobilise tens of thousands of other Israelis this year -- $5000 would buy billboards in Jerusalem to launch their first campaign with a splash. Follow this link to watch our shocking short video of Lieberman's extremist agenda -- and let's donate now to help a new generation in Israel urgently speak out for peace and change:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/change_in_israel

We have a strong network in Israel to work with already, with almost 10,000 Avaaz members and contacts with promising young organisers who are hungry for change. They just need our support to organise across divides, uniting Israel's scattered constituencies for peace and justice. Many Israelis supported our global campaign for a Gaza ceasefire and joined their voices with ours on climate change, Burma, Tibet and Zimbabwe -- now it's time for us to stand with them.

Even if they are in a minority at first, a strong progressive voice in Israel should make our efforts for the right kind of US and international diplomacy much more effective. We know the forces we're up against. But beneath the surface we often find Israeli majorities for peace, social justice and pragmatism. Before these elections, when Israel's government broke off talks and launched the Gaza offensive, a majority polled wanted to renew the ceasefire with Hamas instead, and we've seen broad support for a wider peace at many times.[3]

Lieberman's rise itself demonstrates how effective, targeted organising can shape Israel's path for ill -- now a new generation of Israelis need solidarity from us to mobilise against this extremism, and to advance the values and causes we share. Everyone who donates to help fund this Israeli organising effort will be kept informed with reports on its progress. Watch the short video of Lieberman's savage campaign now at the link below, and help support a new generation in Israel to organise for change:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/change_in_israel

With hope and determination,

Paul, Graziela, Ricken, Ben, Alice, Paula, Iain, Pascal, Milena, Brett and the whole Avaaz team

Sources:

1. "Key to who will govern Israel: Avigdor Lieberman", Christian Science Monitor (12 February 2009):
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0212/p01s04-wome.html

Ha'aretz: "Unite to block Lieberman's march on Jerusalem" (1 February 2009)
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1060124.html

2. See this report from MoveOn.org on the impact of the online organising efforts they pioneered: http://s3.moveon.org/pdfs/moveon_postelectionreport_ah14.pdf

3. See this Hebrew University poll published in December 2008:
http://www.bicom.org.uk/background/opinion-polls/truman-psr-poll--16-december-2008

--------------------------------------------------------------

]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/israels_progressives_need_our_help_today.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/israels_progressives_need_our_help_today.php Burma Tibet Zimbabwe Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:25:27 -0500 The forgotten conflict
250,000 desperate civilians are caught in the crossfire of Sri Lanka's civil war. U.S. Secretary of State Clinton will be briefed on the number of messages sent by Avaaz members urging protection for civilians -- click below to easily send one now:

In Sri Lanka, Asia's longest-running and often forgotten civil war is coming to a bloody climax, with 250,000 desperate civilians trapped in the crossfire.

The US government, Sri Lanka's biggest trade partner and one of its biggest development and military aid donors, has the most influence. The US has called for safe zones to protect civilians, but needs to use real diplomatic pressure to persuade both sides to agree to this, making clear that aid and trade deals as well as international legal consequences could be at stake.

Senior US diplomats have agreed to brief Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the number of messages sent by Avaaz members over the next few days -- and to respond to our messages in writing. This is a real chance to persuade the Obama team to play a constructive role in this serious crisis. Click here to easily send a pre-written or personalized message now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/sri_lanka_civilians

There have been atrocities and tragedies on both sides of Sri Lanka's long war -- most of them unrecorded and hidden from the world, due to the government's brutal campaign against independent journalism. The end of the fighting won't, by itself, resolve the injustices that ultimately caused it; after the guns are silenced, the legitimate concerns of the Tamil and other minority groups must be addressed throughout the political dialogue and reconstruction that will follow.

But right now, in these final weeks or days of fighting, the quarter-million trapped Tamil civilians must not become the war's final casualties.

Let's add our voices to those activists and human rights advocates who throughout the years have fought against the marginalisation of minority groups and the deterioration of basic rights across Sri Lanka.

Click here to urge U.S. Secretary of State Clinton -- Obama's top diplomat -- to support the threatened civilians in Sri Lanka:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/sri_lanka_civilians

With hope,

Luis, Ben, Graziela, Ricken, Paula, Alice, Iain, Pascal, Paul, Milena, and the rest of the Avaaz team

SOURCES:

Press Release by Human Rights Watch on appalling situation of civilians in Sri Lanka
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/02/03/sri-lanka-disregard-civilian-safety-appalling

United States and United Kingdom Joint Statement on the Humanitarian Situation in Sri Lanka, 3 February 2009
http://srilanka.usembassy.gov/sdpr-3feb09.html

"Sri Lanka Rebuffs Pleas for Truce, Says Rebellion Near End" - New York Times, 5 February 2009
http://www.avaaz.org/sri2b

Joint Statement by the so-called Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, US and EU) expressing great concern about the plight of Sri Lankan civilians
http://www.avaaz.org/sri1

News release by the International Committee of the Red Cross on repeated shelling and evacuation of hospital in the conflict zone
http://www.avaaz.org/sri2

Q&A: Sri Lanka crisis, by BBC News
http://www.avaaz.org/sri3

Global media rights groups condemn "culture of impunity and indifference" in Sri Lanka
http://www.avaaz.org/sri4

-----------------------------------------------------
]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/the_forgotten_conflict.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/02/the_forgotten_conflict.php Human Rights Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:54:15 -0500 A note about the Zimbabwe fast
Our fast has nearly begun. From sunrise to sunset on Sunday, February 1, more than 33,000 of us, from 190 countries, will eat no food as a demonstration of solidarity for the people of Zimbabwe. Thanks for pledging to be a part of this moment!

Here is a message from Kumi Naidoo, the South African activist who recorded the video appeal for the fast:
We are stunned by the response of Avaaz members around the world. I have not eaten a bite of food for eleven days, but when I speak to the African Union summit tomorrow, I will be fortified by your hope and energy. The press and leaders I address will know that they are contending with a serious global movement that will not settle for anything less than bold action. You are making a difference for millions of Zimbabweans. Thank you.
Yesterday, Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change signed on to a unity government with Mugabe in order to help resolve the crisis-with monitoring and safeguards from both sides and other Southern African governments. It was a risky and difficult decision. Now, other African and international leaders must commit to ensuring that Mugabe follows through on sharing power, releasing prisoners, and ending political violence. If this happens, and the unity government holds, then the urgent work of restoring Zimbabwe can begin. Our fast could not come at a more critical moment.

During the fast, we all can read messages from Avaaz members around the world and post them ourselves--as well as see a global map—at this link:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/zimbabwe_fast_map

Here are a few comments previously posted there by Avaaz members who have pledged to fast:
  • Ghandi used fasting as a peaceful way to win us our freedom. I do hope that our Zimbabwe brethren are able to overthrow a despot using the same method. This Sunday, I will join you in your protest. – Piu Lahiri, an Indian living in Cairo
  • With the hope that this will represent one of the steps to breathe truthful change into Zimbabwe. I pledge to fast as a peaceful way of protesting to the injustice that it is done to the people. – Teodora, Romania
  • This is a crusade of people around the world to condemn inequality and the neglect of governments to their people, we will turn it around! much strength Kumi Naidoo, you are not alone. – Féliz Rosales, Peru
While fasting, please be mindful of your health. Rest and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avaaz cannot accept any responsibility for injury or negative effects of fasting—so if you are pregnant, living with a serious illness, or have any other concerns, please consult your doctor before going without food.Avaaz members are fasting from Argentina to Albania, from Burkina Faso to Burma, from Palestine to Papua New Guineau. Here again is the link to the comments page and global map:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/zimbabwe_fast_map

In Zimbabwe, hope can be as hard to find as food and medicine. But today, through a simple action, each of us around the world is showing that the people of Zimbabwe are not alone.

With hope,

Ben, Alice, Iain, Paula, Ricken, Graziela, Pascal, Paul, Luis, Brett, Milena, Veronique, and the whole Avaaz.org team
_____
]]> http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/01/a_note_about_the_zimbabwe_fast.php http://www.avaaz.org/blog/en/w/yuri/2009/01/a_note_about_the_zimbabwe_fast.php Burma Zimbabwe Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:32:39 -0500