ReportWire

Tag: justice

  • Powerful New Book Offers a Refreshing Look on Autism, Co-Authored by Autistic, Typing and Not an Autism Mom

    Powerful New Book Offers a Refreshing Look on Autism, Co-Authored by Autistic, Typing and Not an Autism Mom

    [ad_1]

    ‘I Will Die On This Hill’ invites autistic adults, parents, care providers, and community members to work towards building a more accepting and inclusive community for disabled children; now and throughout the lifespan.

    Press Release
    –

    Jan 18, 2023 09:00 EST


    VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., January 18, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Meghan Ashburn (Not An Autism Mom) of VA and Jules Edwards (Autistic, Typing) of MN co-authored a book titled I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World, releasing Jan. 19 by Jessica Kingsley Publishing.

    Ashburn is a former teacher and works as an educational consultant. Edwards is an Indigenous disability justice advocate and consultant. Edwards is newly appointed to serve on the National Institutes of Health Autism Centers of Excellence advisory board.

    This bold new book promises a refreshing look at caring for autistic children, and provides dynamic insights into creating a better world for the estimated 1 in 44 children diagnosed with autism. With a focus on intersectionality, the book features eleven additional Autistic contributors throughout, including nonspeaking/AAC users and BIPOC Autistic advocates from around the world.

    “I Will Die On This Hill is such a gift for all of us who have been clueless and way too speculative and assuming about autism,” writes Marcie Alvis Walker, creator of Black Coffee with White Friends. “Ashburn and Edwards’ honest and unsentimental book will make you a better human being and, therefore, a better neighbor, better educator, better family member to Autistic adults, Autism parents, and the children who need us all to do better.”

    Ashburn and Edwards’ new release shares the authors’ collective wisdom gained through years of parenting and advocating for disability justice. The authors were inspired to write the book they wish had been given when their children were first diagnosed. I Will Die On This Hill challenges the dominant narratives surrounding autism and invites readers to take action. 

    Dr. Mona Delahooke, author of Beyond Behaviors, writes, “This is the book I’ve been waiting for to recommend to parents and all childhood providers.” Educators, professionals, physicians, and care workers will all gain new insights into supporting autistic children. 

    A book launch celebrating I Will Die On This Hill will be held Thursday evening, Jan. 19, 2022, at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

    Book Information and press kit:

    https://autistictyping.com/i-will-die-on-this-hill 

    Book Launch Event:

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-will-die-on-this-hill-book-launch-party-tickets-484816588467

    Scheduling for Interviews/Press Inquiries:

    https://calendly.com/i-will-die-on-this-hill

    Press copy available upon request.

    Source: Autistic, Typing

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • There Can Be No Peace In Ethiopia Without Justice And Accountability

    There Can Be No Peace In Ethiopia Without Justice And Accountability

    [ad_1]

    On November 2, 2022, the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a peace deal towards ending the brutal two year war in Ethiopia. On November 12, 2022, they further signed an agreement laying out the roadmap for implementation of the peace deal. The roadmap includes steps to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access, provide security to aid workers, and ensure the protection of civilians, among others. It does not include any provisions to ensure justice and accountability.

    The two years of war have seen atrocity crimes perpetrated by all actors to the conflict and humanitarian crisis reaching new levels, among others around 5.2 million in need of humanitarian assistance in Tigray, including 3.8 million who need healthcare. Understandably, the agreement does not change the fact that atrocity crimes have been perpetrated. They must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice. Among these crimes is conflict related sexual violence (CRSV).

    In early November 2022, the Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation published their new report “Understanding Conflict Related Sexual Violence in Ethiopia”, produced in cooperation with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Institute for Public Health at Washington University. The report found that “data suggest that Ethiopian and allied forces committed CRSV on a widespread and systemic basis in order to eliminate and/or forcibly displace the ethnic Tigrayan population.”

    The report cites numerous testimonies of survivors of CRSV in the region.

    Among them, 27-year-old woman who was raped in front of her children by a half-dozen Fano militiamen carrying out neighborhood searches targeting Tigrayans testified: “Two of them raped me and then I lost consciousness and don’t know how many more raped me, if all six [did], or not. They said: ‘You Tigrayans should disappear from the land west of Tekeze! You are evil and we are purifying your blood.’”

    30-year-old survivor testified that “four men raped me. […] They insulted me and they urinated on my head. They said: ‘You and your race are a foul, toilet-smelling race and should not be in our land.’”

    28-year-old mother of two, was apprehended by ten Amhara militia members and raped, as she was trying to flee to Sudan, testified that “they said: ‘If you were male we would kill you, but girls can make Amhara babies.’”

    The report further cited a testimony of a survivor who recalled that “Eritrean soldiers saying while raping her that they were ordered ‘to come after the women’, while another woman recall[ed] Eritrean soldiers saying that their actions were revenge against Tigray.”

    The report further identified that the use of CRSV in Ethiopia is widespread and perpetrated by all actors to the conflict, and affect many ethnic groups. The report indicates that “multiple sources suggesting that the [Eritrean Defense Forces] EDF perpetrated CRSV because they were ordered to and as a means of ethnically motivated revenge. (…) CRSV by the TPLF appears to have been ethnically motivated revenge in response to atrocities committed by federal forces and their allies in Tigray.”

    Furthermore, the report indicated that Eritrean refugees have been targeted by multiple actors to the conflict, including by the EDF, by Amhara forces and by Tigrayan forces.

    The response to the atrocities in Ethiopia, and specially to CRSV, is yet to follow. This also applies to healthcare services for survivors of CRSV which are still lacking.

    As we watch some progress with the peace agreement, the issue of justice and accountability cannot be delayed or left unaddressed. Lasting peace cannot be achieved if the atrocities in Ethiopia enjoy impunity and survivors are left without a voice.

    [ad_2]

    Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Contributor

    Source link

  • Animal Advocacy Group’s Investigation Leads to Historic Victory for Animals

    Animal Advocacy Group’s Investigation Leads to Historic Victory for Animals

    [ad_1]

    Lady Freethinker’s undercover footage helps score an unprecedented conviction for animal abuse in Chile

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Sep 9, 2019


    LOS ANGELES, September 9, 2019 (Newswire.com)
    –
    ​​​​​​​​An undercover investigation in Chile by Los Angeles-based animal rights organization Lady Freethinker resulted in a criminal court handing down the nation’s highest-ever sentence for animal cruelty last week.

    On Aug. 29, a historic first occurred when the defendant — an illegal dog breeder and known dogfighting organizer — received the maximum sentence of three years imprisonment, along with the maximum fine possible, and a lifelong ban on ever having an animal in his possession again.

    “It is the first conviction achieved here in the San Felipe Prosecutor’s Office regarding the crime of animal abuse resulting in death,” said Prosecutor Palacios Bobadilla, in a press release. “For animal groups, a precedent is set regarding animal abuse… it is the maximum penalty established by the law: the three years of imprisonment and…the maximum fine of three Monthly Tax Units.” 

    LONG ROAD TO VICTORY

    The case began in 2018 when in July, LFT sent an undercover reporter to the defendant’s property in the Chilean town of Llay Llay, and secretly filmed footage of nearly two dozen dogs living in deplorable conditions. All were sick, wounded and starving. 

    LFT’s findings were pretty gruesome: Dogs were kept on short, heavy chains, or in small, filthy kennels with no food or water. Their otherwise-empty bowls were coated in green slime. 

    One pit bull had scars and wounds on his neck consistent with those of dog fights. Many dogs had eye infections or other untreated ailments. Three dogs were already dead, their bodies decomposing in the dirt. Veterinary examiners believe they starved to death. 

    Additionally, more than 30 hens and cockfighting roosters were caged on the premises. Nobody appeared to live on the property to care for any of the animals. 

    The footage led to the defendant’s arrest by the Chilean police and in the seizure of 21 dogs from the property. The three deaths aggravated the animal cruelty charges, leading to an increased sentence. Meanwhile, the surviving dogs were placed in foster care and have since found loving homes.

    Following the investigation, Lady Freethinker submitted to the San Felipean court a petition with more than 22,000 signatures from people around the world calling for justice in this case, and urging prosecutors to start treating animal cruelty cases with the severity they deserve. 14 months later, their voices were heard and a historic ruling was made. 

    “This historic sentence is a tremendous win for the animals of Chile,” said Lady Freethinker President Nina Jackel. “Gone are the days when animal abusers can commit violent acts without fear of consequence. My sincerest thanks to the prosecutors and judge in this case for taking a strong stand against animal cruelty.” 

    Lady Freethinker’s recent investigations include exposing the deadly dogfighting trade on Facebook and a dog-meat farm in South Korea.

    ### 

    ABOUT LADY FREETHINKER (www.ladyfreethinker.org) 

    Founded in 2013, LFT is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit media organization dedicated to exposing and stopping the suffering of animals, humans and planet. Through its undercover investigations, news reporting, and petitions, LFT aims to end cruelty and promote humane treatment of all species, bringing to light suffering that may otherwise go ignored.

    Press contact: Zorianna Kit at zoriannakit@gmail.com or 323-697-5307

    Source: Lady Freethinker

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • NCJFCJ Recognizes UNLV Immigration Clinic as 2018 Innovator of the Year

    NCJFCJ Recognizes UNLV Immigration Clinic as 2018 Innovator of the Year

    [ad_1]

    For offering law students real-world experience providing pro bono deportation defense

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Aug 6, 2018


    RENO, Nev., August 6, 2018 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) announced the 2018 Innovator of the Year at the 4th annual Justice Innovation Awards: the UNLV Immigration Clinic, Edward M. Bernstein & Associates Children’s Rights Program, at the William S. Boyd School of Law in Las Vegas, Nev.

    The Innovator of the Year Award honors an active, in-good-standing NCJFCJ member who has inspired, sponsored, promoted or led an innovation or accomplishment of national significance in juvenile justice, child abuse and neglect, family law, and/or domestic violence.

    The UNLV Immigration Clinic is an example of the world-class education students receive at UNLV and demonstrates the commitment UNLV Law students have to standing up for others in Nevada.

    Catherine Cortez Masto, U.S. Senator

    “It is the NCJFCJ’s honor to recognize the work of the UNLV Immigration Clinic team at William S. Boyd Law,” said Judge John J. Romero, Jr., NCJFCJ president. “We recognize their tireless commitment to serving vulnerable populations – immigrant children and families – especially those who find themselves in our justice system. We hope to continue to raise awareness of these core issues affecting our nation’s families.”

    The William S. Boyd School of Law is an organizational member of the NCJFCJ, and its UNLV Immigration Clinic trains student attorneys to defend people in deportation proceedings, allowing them the opportunity to provide innovative ways to offer legal services to immigrants in Nevada. The clinic serves as a resource for undocumented and DACAmented students.

    Statistics show that only 37 percent of immigrants in deportation proceedings have lawyers, and immigrants who had a lawyer were 15 times more likely to avoid deportation. The UNLV Immigration Clinic offers direct representation to as many of these children as it can, and trains other pro bono lawyers to do the same. The clinic works closely with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to represent unaccompanied children in both family court and in their immigration cases.

    “The UNLV Immigration Clinic is a champion for those who might otherwise not have a voice or representation,” said U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). “Their work changes lives and strengthens our communities. I am thrilled to see this organization, and its mission recognized and celebrated for its groundbreaking work. The UNLV Immigration Clinic is an example of the world-class education students receive at UNLV and demonstrates the commitment UNLV Law students have to standing up for others in Nevada. The Immigration Clinic’s dedication to fighting for families and children with the toughest immigration cases remains incredibly important, especially now.”

    Dr. Rebecca Nathanson, Associate Dean for Experiential Legal Education, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law and Claudia Noriega-Bernstein, Marketing Director, Edward M. Bernstein & Associates accepted the award.

    About the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ):
    Founded in 1937, the Reno, Nev.-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, is the nation’s oldest judicial membership organization and focused on improving the effectiveness of our nation’s juvenile and family courts. A leader in continuing education opportunities, research, and policy development in the field of juvenile and family justice, the 2,000-member organization is unique in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide.
    ​
    Media Contact:
    Chrisie Yabu
    KPS3
    775-686-7437
    chrisie@kps3.com

    Source: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Vigilnet America LLC Announces Release of VERSA™

    Vigilnet America LLC Announces Release of VERSA™

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 18, 2016


    OMAHA, NE, August 18, 2016 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Vigilnet America LLC (Vigilnet), a provider of offender monitoring services to the United States criminal justice system, announced today the release of VERSA™, a cloud based criminal justice case management application designed to streamline and automate the way offender compliance information is monitored and disseminated to government personnel. VERSA Version 2016.1 is now available for purchase by the United States criminal justice marketplace.  

    VERSA empowers government agencies by automating both the reporting of compliance data to officers and communication with offenders. Offenders participating in VERSA benefit from a coordinated effort on behalf of community partners involved in their supervision. They are engaged in their supervision by smartphone communication including email and text message notifications and reminders. Officers, treatment providers, counselors, judges, and others can all participate and share data on the same software platform and drive higher compliance rates and better outcomes.  

    “VERSA will allow criminal justice departments to zoom in and focus their attention and resources on those offenders truly in need. VERSA compliments the justice reform initiatives underway in many states by freeing up highly trained officers to focus on their higher risk offenders.”

    Jake Dawes, Vigilnet Chief Operating Officer

    Vigilnet America LLC is one of the largest multi-state providers of offender monitoring programs in the country. Vigilnet currently has full-scale programs operating throughout Nebraska, Oregon, Washington and Pennsylvania. According to Jake Dawes, Vigilnet’s chief operating officer, his company will be delivering an important tool and service to the marketplace at a crucial time. “VERSA will allow criminal justice departments to zoom in and focus their attention and resources on those offenders truly in need. VERSA compliments the justice reform initiatives underway in many states by freeing up highly trained officers to focus on their higher risk offenders.”

    Vigilnet’s customer service-based business model will drive VERSA implementation. “We recognize that high-quality support is fundamental to the success of offender management programs,” says Dawes. “We look forward to partnering with parole and probation agencies, courts and communities across the United States and leveraging our existing service infrastructure to grow programs and our customer base,” he adds.

    The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with overcrowded prisons and corrections costs consuming local, state and federal budgets. According to Vigilnet’s National Director of Business Development, Michael Beckley, Vigilnet’s expansion into case management software is a testament to the role that technology-enabled services like cloud based applications and smartphones are playing as they help make criminal justice strategies more effective by reducing costs, protecting communities and supporting offender rehabilitation.

    About Vigilnet America LLC

    Vigilnet America LLC is a leading provider of alternative sentencing services to the correction industry. Since 2006, the company has helped courts, probation offices and other agencies implement effective programs for offender management that reduce costs, lower recidivism and protect communities. Vigilnet provides services to more than 120 agencies across the country.

    Contact Information

    Vigilnet
    11248 John Galt Blvd
    Omaha NE 68137   
    PH: 888-381-8881      
    FAX: 402-339-7382

    Source: Vigilnet America LLC

    [ad_2]

    Source link