December 2006

Dear Friends,

December is upon us. And Human Rights Day (commemorated each year on December 10th) often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. On this Human Rights Day—as we debate the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group recommendations on the war in Iraq and experts continue to discuss issues brought up on World AIDS Day—we'd like to revisit the core ideals from which we approach each of these challenges: the recognition of "the dignity and worth of the human person [...] and the equal rights of men and women" and the promotion of "social progress and better standards of life" for everyone. These are principles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; principles that have been agreed upon by each and every member of the United Nations.

You and each member of the MADRE family are making those words a reality. Thank you for standing with MADRE.

Sincerely,

Vivian Stromberg
Executive Director

P.S. Don't miss the December 13th deadline to reserve your space in MADRE's January delegation to Kenya! Contact Irene Schneeweis at (212) 627-0444 or travel@madre.org with any questions.

MADRE'S LATEST
The Iraq Debate: Looking for a Few Good Principles
MADRE addresses the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group released this week, and puts forth four principles that must guide US policy decisions regarding the war in Iraq.

Abstaining from Greed and Dogma: The AIDS Policy We Should Call for in 2007
For World AIDS Day, MADRE explores the ways that AIDS policy is fueled by financial greed, religious dogma, and hostility towards women's rights.

MADRE Responds to Recent Legislation and Elections in Nicaragua
Last month, during the heightened political tensions preceding the national elections, the Nicaraguan National Assembly banned all abortions under pressure from the Catholic Church; read MADRE's response. Two weeks later, voters in Nicaragua cast their votes against US intervention.

PROGRAM UPDATES
Combating Violence against Women and Girls
MADRE highlights new and ongoing programs that combat violence in the greater context of human rights abuses against women and girls worldwide, and shares a recent New York Times article on the topic.

MADRE AND OUR SISTERS IN THE NEWS
Nicaragua Passes Total Ban on Abortion
Mirna Cunningham of the Center for Indigenous People's Autonomy and Development, MADRE's sister organization in Nicaragua, speaks to the New York Times about the political context of the National Assembly's vote in November.

Baghdad Poets Find an Oasis from Violence
Yanar Mohammed, Director of the Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), speaks to NPR about the increasing sectarian violence in Iraq, and an OWFI cultural program that bridges the divide between Shia and Sunni communities.

Rebecca Lolosoli and the Community of Umoja Featured in Essence
Rebecca speaks about the daily life and history of Umoja in "It Takes a Village". Online version not available, see the October 2006 issue of Essence magazine to read the article.

HOLIDAY GIVING
Honor a Loved One with a Gift that Combats Violence against Women
Stand with women who are fighting rape in Haiti and Darfur, "honor killing" in Iraq, forced military recruitment of young people in Colombia, and all forms of violence against women around the world. Receive or send a beautiful card that describes the inspiring and empowering programs your gift makes possible.

Earn Money for MADRE by Shopping Online
GIVELINE offers great deals on millions of books, music, movies, and other gifts, and will donate a percentage of your purchase to MADRE, at no extra cost to you. Receive an extra 10% off their already reduced prices by using the coupon code "GIVE44", or use coupon code "SHIP25" for free shipping on certain products.

Helping Hands: Send Gifts to Children for the Holidays
MADRE is working to send a shipment of children's toys, school supplies, and health & hygiene items to our sisters in Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, and Kenya. Join our effort by contributing new, unused gifts, and give children hope this holiday season. Please check our Wish List for items that are needed.