FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE— March 29, 2017
[NEW YORK, NY] - Yesterday, Jordan welcomed Omar al-Bashir, Sudan’s President, for the Arab League’s annual summit. Bashir is attending despite two longstanding arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his actions in Darfur, including rape, murder, torture and extermination. He has been charged with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity and has been a fugitive from the ICC since 2009.
I’m back very recently from meetings in Brussels and London and we are not alone! The growing resistance to Trump’s actions to undermine women, including by censoring abortion-related speech globally, is real and growing.
I am convinced that the Trump debacle has opened up unforeseen opportunities to make radical advances to improve the rule of law, including women’s rights.
I was invited to meet with the EU officials to discuss ways the EU could fight the US abortion restrictions. I presented at a parliamentary briefing and we equipped European policy makers with charts and memos on the likely impact of the restrictions on EU humanitarian aid.
Sunday: Having women vote in elections and making their voices heard is important regardless of where they are from. The story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, first female President in Liberia and in Africa, is a miraculous tale of perseverance, power and unity of women in a war-torn country and the incredible power of peaceful negotiations and democratic norms.
Monday: Republicans announced their health plan that will replace the Affordable Care Act. It is a plan that eliminates many parts of Obamacare and introduces a system where Americans will buy health insurance on the open market. However, not all Republicans are on board with the replacement. Many people are concerned that they will be left without any coverage and that health benefits will become a more difficult to obtain than under Obamacare.
Monday: When it comes to international law and ratifying UN treaties, it seems the US prefers to take the back seat. From decisions ranging from children’s rights to protecting endangered species, the US, particularly the Republican Party, backs away from support citing fears that it will limit US sovereignty. Here’s a good overview of the complex relationship the US has with international law.
Tuesday: Still have any questions about President Trump’s expanded Global Gag Rule? You’re not the only one. This ‘Questions and Answers’ page provided by Human Rights Watch explains what the Gag Rule is in depth and is great if you have lingering questions or concerns.
Wednesday: In celebration of International Women’s Day, women all around the world have gathered in demonstrations celebrating womanhood, but also bringing to light the devastating issues regarding women’s rights, wage gaps, reproductive health and discrimination.
Friday: With the Trump Administration well underway, it seems that the US’s role in the realm of human rights is changing. As a Western power, the US has often played the role of defender of human rights, but now diplomats and advocates are noticing a shift in foreign diplomacy and the US’s commitment to upholding democratic values.
