Human Rights

The entire nuclear fuel chain involves the release of radioactivity, contamination of the environment and damage to human health. Most often, communities of color, indigenous peoples or those of low-income are targeted to bear the brunt of these impacts, particularly the damaging health and environmental effects of uranium mining. The nuclear power industry inevitably violates human rights. While some of our human rights news can be found here, we also focus specifically on this area on out new platform, Beyond Nuclear International.

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Entries by admin (383)

Saturday
Nov122016

Obama admin: No decision yet on controversial oil pipeline

Saturday
Nov122016

FOE: Join the Day of Action to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline

Action alert from Friends of the Earth (FOE):

As you read this, thousands of Indigenous Peoples are camped along the banks of the Missouri River in North Dakota. They’re fighting to protect their land and water from the construction of the Dakota Access oil and gas pipeline. And it’s up to the President to decide.

These peaceful water protectors have been met with violence from militarized police forces. They’ve put their bodies and lives on the line in the face of pepper spray, rubber bullets, dogs, and arrests.

In January, this will be in Donald Trump’s hands. Donald Trump, who supports the militarization of the police. Donald Trump, who rode a wave of hatred and bigotry all the way to the White House. Donald Trump, who doesn’t believe in protecting our environment.

 

So all the more reason President Obama needs to take a stand right now. He could stop the violence. He could stop construction of the pipeline. And if he acts now, we’ll have even more power to fight back when Trump takes over.

The Standing Rock Sioux are asking for your help. Will you join them in the fight for their rights?

 

Join the demonstration to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline: RSVP now!

What: Day of Action to Stop the Dakota Access Pipeline

When: Tuesday, November 15th at 4:30 pm

Where: 441 G St NW, Washington, DC

Click here to RSVP!

The Dakota Access pipeline would carry fracked crude oil 1,168 miles through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. It would cut through communities, wildlife habitat, and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s ancestral lands – putting their drinking water at risk.

Last week, pipeline construction reached the Missouri River. Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the pipeline, has said that it plans to start digging under the river in less than two weeks.

The federal government has called on Energy Transfer Partners to slow down. President Obama has suggested rerouting the pipeline. But asking the company to do the right thing isn’t enough. The Obama administration must deny the final permit to construct the pipeline!

Indigenous leaders have asked for solidarity actions across the country in a National Day of Action to push the Administration to do just that. They need you with them! 

Please join us on Tuesday in Washington, DC to echo Indigenous leaders’ demands!

The Obama administration fast-tracked this project by waiving normal environmental reviews. And it failed to meaningfully consult with Indigenous peoples, violating the Standing Rock Sioux’s treaty rights. But now, it’s starting to signal that it could change course and do the right thing.

The Indigenous peoples’ centuries-long fight for cultural survival is at stake. As we contemplate four years of a Trump Administration, a few things are clear: we have to keep fighting. And we have to show up for each other. 

Our country has been stoked by the flames of fear, bigotry, and division. Now, it’s time to come together and support the Standing Rock Sioux in their fight for justice.

RSVP now and show up for the Standing Rock Sioux and water protectors.

Standing with you,
Michelle Chan,           
Vice president of programs,
Friends of the Earth
 

Friday
Nov112016

Corps requests Dakota Access to stand down for 30 days 

From Midwest Energy News:

PIPELINES: The Dakota Access pipeline developer is not cooperating as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asks the company to delay construction in a contested portion of the project to defuse tensions with protesters. (Bismarck Tribune)

Thursday
Nov102016

1851 treaty resonates in DAPL discussion 

Thursday
Nov102016

Dakota Access and other pipeline related news from Midwest Energy News

PIPELINES: TransCanada looks to revive its Keystone XL pipeline plan, which was rejected by President Obama, during Donald Trump’s presidency. (Washington Post)

ALSO:
• U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota says the Dakota Access issue will be moot by the time Trump takes office in January, as he expects final federal permits to be issued by then. (Bismarck Tribune)
• Trump’s election represents a new challenge to Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipeline opponents. (Reuters)
• North Dakota’s governor-elect is staying mum on what should happen next with the Dakota Access pipeline. (Bismarck Tribune)
• A pipeline safety expert hired by a Native American tribe says the Dakota Access pipeline is prone to spills and should be rerouted. (InsideClimate News)