In a win for AFSC, U.S. advances broad exemptions for humanitarian, peacebuilding, and other essential work in sanctioned countries: This week, the U.S. government announced new guidelines to ensure humanitarian-related activities can be carried out in areas under U.S. sanctions, building upon similar changes recently made by the U.N. AFSC has pushed for these changes for decades and applauded the decision. “From Iraq in the 1990s to Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea, and beyond, we have witnessed the terrible human cost of sanctions,” says AFSC’s Aura Kanegis. These steps will save countless lives by authorizing delivery of critical aid, peacebuilding engagement, and more.
Tell Congress: Defend the right to asylum: This week, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the termination of Title 42. This inhumane policy—which has used the pandemic as an excuse to turn away migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border—was scheduled to end on Dec. 21. Now many more people will continue to suffer under this policy. At the same time, some members of Congress are trying to extend the policy indefinitely. Tell Congress today: Oppose Title 42 and support the right to asylum!
Cutting the Patriarchy: In Tijuana, Mexico, a new initiative “Cortando el Patriarcado” helps migrant women learn haircutting skills to earn income for their families—and confront the systemic violence and injustice in their everyday lives. Read more from AFSC’s Daniela Cortés.
Want to make a gift and receive income for life? Good news—charitable gift annuity rates are going up on Jan. 1! A gift annuity pays you reliable income while supporting AFSC’s work for peace and justice. Learn more today.
New podcast episode: Advancing disability rights through art in Mauritania: Earlier this year, AFSC brought together activists and artists from the Middle East and North Africa to connect, share their experiences, and support each other in working for peace with justice. In our podcast “Assembly,” participants discuss how art can transform our everyday lives. In this episode, we hear from cinematographer Lalla Kaber, one of the few people in Mauritania working to address issues facing deaf people in her country.
From our Archives: The start of Civilian Public Service: This week in 1940, the U.S. established the first Civilian Public Service camps for conscientious objectors. Operated by the historic peace churches (Quaker, Brethren, and Mennonite), these camps placed CPS workers in a range of jobs—including working on public infrastructure projects and caring for people in mental health hospitals.
