RESPECTING OTHERS

CLOSE GUANTANAMO NOW

President Obama pledged to close the Guantanamo Bay prison three years ago. In the last presidential election, the major candidates all agreed that Guantanamo had undermined U.S. legitimacy and national security and endangered our troops abroad, and that the prison should be closed.

Guantanamo is still open and holds 171 prisoners, at a cost of $800,000 each year.

Please sign the petition strongly urging the U.S. government to close the Guantanamo Bay prison. If this petition receives 25,000 signatures, the White House has promised to respond.

Sign the petition here

TELL YOUR SENATORS TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

WHAT'S THE ISSUE?

Trafficking of people is a modern day scourge tht afflicts millions of people, particularly women and children, around the world resulting in extreme forms of sexual exploitation and forced labor. The "Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)" established the United States' efforts and leadership to combat the multi-billion dollar industry. Since then, the U.S. government has worked to prevent trafficking in persons; prosecute those who profit from it; and protect victims.

TVPA expires on September 30, 2011 and Congress must act to reauthorize it. If the bill does not pass, U.S. pressure on countries across the globe to combat modern-day slavery will suffer. In this precarious economic environment, more vulnerable and marginalized people may fall victim to those who would exploit them.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Contact your Senators and ask them to support S 1301, the TVPA and express strong support for the following:

1. The bill's increased authorization of funding for trafficking victim services.

2. Establishment of child protection compacts that would help specific countries to develop and implement comprehensive anti-trafficking plans to protect children, and urge them to preserve life-saving, poverty-focused international assistance in the upcoming deficit reduction negotiations and the FY 2012 appropriations process.

Call 702-577-2339 for talking points and to be connected to your Senator's office.