Difference between revisions of "Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance"

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</div><span style="display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: center">Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance<span style="display: block; text-align: center">Dignity & Justice for All of us</span></span><span style="display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: center">''<span style="display: block; text-align: center">"Human rights don't trickle down...they RISE UP!"</span>''<br /> </span><br /> ''Please join our volunteer network of individuals and organizations around Pittsburgh working to promote human rights learning and to engage in activities that promote a human rights culture and advance programs and policies that will help us realize the vision of a true human rights city.''<br />  
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</div><span style="display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: center">Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance<span style="display: block; text-align: center">Dignity & Justice for All of Us</span></span><span style="display: block; font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: center">''<span style="display: block; text-align: center">"Human rights don't trickle down...they RISE UP!"</span>''<br /> </span>
  
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* '''[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights Join the Human Rights City Alliance email list for updates on events & action opportunities]'''
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=About Us=
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* '''New! [[:file:Annual_Report_2017.pdf|Annual Report 2017]]''' --See what we accomplished last year!
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<div style="text-align: left">
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'''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance''' works to bring together diverse groups and individuals to encourage the realization of our City Council's 2011 [https://pittsburgh.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=874003&GUID=EB31A893-F2F4-41DC-94FB-DAF1CB2DB0A2&Options=&Search= Proclamation declaring Pittsburgh a "human rights city"]. We strive to foster a human rights culture that maximizes human rights and dignity for all people who live in our region [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/6/6a/Human_Rights_City_Principles_October_2017.pdf (See Human Rights Cities Principles)]. We help network leading community organizations and concerned residents to advance [https://www.ajamubaraka.com/peoplecentered-human-rights-as-a-framework-for-social-transformation ''people-centered human rights''] in Pittsburgh.'' We cannot wait for leaders in Washington to protect our basic rights! It takes engaged and creative efforts of community residents to "bring human rights home"!
 
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==[[Forums on Amazon HQ2 and the Right to the City|Forged for All? the Amazon HQ2 Debate & the Future of Pittsburgh]]==
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*[[About the Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance]]
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*[[Coordinating Committee]]
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*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Steering_Committee Advisory Board].
  
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======Learn more about how Amazon's bid to move to Pittsburgh would affect human rights here. Resources, data, and recordings of community forums. View '''community forums''' on the question of how an Amazon HQ2 would impact us: '''"[https://www.facebook.com/publicsource/videos/1888885241131365/ Pittsburgh's Economic Revitalization: Technology, Corporate Power, and Democratic Accountability" ]''''''[https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fplugins%2Fvideo.php%3Fhref%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.facebook.com%252Fpublicsource%252Fvideos%252F1832226540130569%252F%26show_text%3D1%26width%3D560&data=01%7C01%7Cjgsmith%40pitt.edu%7C285d692e67d74ca6d38808d570e484ff%7C32794bf9854a4224a8c3408a105aeea1%7C1&sdata=K3KoWuvRO13YbyHrmYJ7bCXvakY2hWVRmgHffx%2BbrPI%3D&reserved=0 Human Rights, the Right to the City, and Amazon HQ2: Forged for all?]''' <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px"> </span>======
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=Ways to Get Involved=  
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<br /> '''
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<big>'''Subscribe'''</big><br>
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[[:file:Housing_as_a_Human_Right.pdf|Housing is a Human Right: Slideshow]]''' on international treaties and opportunities to promote the [[:file:Housing_as_a_Human_Right.pdf|human right to housing]]<br /> <span style="display: block; text-align: center"><br /> </span><span style="display: block; text-align: center">'''TAKE ACTION:'''</span><br />
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:'''[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights Subscribe to our newsletter]'''for updates on events & action opportunities!
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:'''[[University Human Rights Working Group]]''': Faculty members, staff and graduate students can [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights_university '''subscribe here'''].  
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:Follow us on [https://www.facebook.com/groups/pghrights '''Facebook'''] and [https://www.instagram.com/pghrights/ '''Instagram''']
  
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* <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">[https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-secret-corporate-giveaways?source=direct_link Stop Corporate Givaways--Sign the petition ]to city for transparency and accountability in deal offered to Amazon for its 2nd headquarters.</span>
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<big>'''Join a Working Group'''</big><br>--Working groups meet regularly to develop projects on specific issues. Everyone is welcome to attend & learn about local human rights issues and find ways to get involved! Current working groups include: <br>
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* '''[https://www.facebook.com/events/1498208200258725/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22ref_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22feed_story_type%22%3A%22361%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D  Stop Plan to Increase Policing on Public Transit]'''
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::*[[Housing Rights]]
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* [[Communication Justice Initiative]]
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::*[[Community Safety & Policing]]
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* [https://pghcommons.wikispaces.com/ Community Power Movement ]Among other work, the Community Power Movement is promoting a [https://pghcommons.wikispaces.com/People%27s%20Platform People's Platform ]and a petition campaign calling for greater transparency and community benefits in the City's bid to host the Amazon HQ2.
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::*[[Communications, Education and Outreach]]
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::*[[Policy, Legislation, & Governance (PLuG)]]
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:'''For more information, meeting times and links,''' please contact Maddy McGrady at madeline@theglobalswitchboard.org
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=Calendar=
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<big>'''Rally & Press Conference: International Human Rights Day'''</big> <br>
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'''Tuesday, 10 December''', Time TBD, Pittsburgh City-County Building, 414 Grant Street. Pittsburgh
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:''More details coming soon.'' December 10th, 2024 will mark 76 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which reflects the commitment of governments everywhere to protect and preserve the political and economic rights of all people. On this On this International Human Rights Day, Pittsburgh leaders and residents will join others around the world in renewing our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and committing to working both locally and at other levels of government to promote the protections of human rights for everyone – especially those who are most threatened.
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:'''Co-sponsored by:''' Human Rights City Alliance & Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations
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<big>'''National Webinar & Training: Leveraging Global Human Rights to Protect Human Rights in Our Cities'''</big> <br>
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'''Monday, 9 December''', 3:00PM EST/ 2:00PM CST/ 12:00 PST, '''Register at [https://uab.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqde6vrDojGdYmU25hPGmDfbcCpmizKWcA#/registration bit.ly/rightswebinar]'''
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| '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/3/34/International_Human_Rights_Day_Flyer_2024.png Flyer]'''<br>
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:'''About:''' As the United Nations begins a formal review of U.S. human rights policy, this webinar presents information on how advocates in cities can utilize international human rights as tools for addressing pressing problems like affordable housing, immigrant rights, racial equity, and reproductive health. Advocates and legal experts will speak about how international human rights law can be a resource for improving local conditions and increasing the visibility of human rights challenges in ways that support changes in national policies. Panelists will consider how international attention to the need for stronger human rights protections within the United States can help us increase cities’ capacities to protect and promote human rights for all residents.
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:'''Speakers:''' '''Amy Berquist''', The Advocates for Human Rights; '''Nicoletta Zappile''', UPR-Info; '''Joshua Cooper''', Human Rights Cities Alliance
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:'''Co-sponsored by''': Human Rights Cities Alliance & University of Alabama-Birmingham Institute for Human Rights
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:<big>'''Register at: [https://uab.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqde6vrDojGdYmU25hPGmDfbcCpmizKWcA#/registration bit.ly/rightswebinar]'''<big> <br>
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=Current Work=
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The Human Rights City Alliance helps build alliances among individuals and groups in our area supporting human rights for all. We support local engagement in national and international human rights advocacy, and participate in UN human rights reviews of U.S. policies.
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<big>'''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=UPR_Pittsburgh#2024-2025_Universal_Periodic_Review_.28UPR.29_Pittsburgh Universal Periodic Review 2025]'''</big>
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:We are currently involved in the '''[https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/upr/upr-home United Nations Universal Periodic Review of the U.S. government]''' and will be hosting a series of related community forums. See our [[Reports to UN Human Rights Bodies]], submitted as part of the global work to improve compliance with international human rights law.
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'''Working Groups'''
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Our current working groups focus on the following issue areas, and they are shaped by efforts of volunteers like you!
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<big>'''Housing Rights & Justice'''</big><br>
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:HRCA is an active member of the [https://pittsburghunited.org/housing/ '''Pittsburgh Housing Justice Table'''], a coalition of allied local organizations and independent advocates who believe that housing is a human right and that everyone should have access to the housing they need. Our Housing Rights Working Group supports the work of the Housing Justice Table through related events, education and advocacy efforts.
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:Through community engagement and conversations with Housing Justice Table coalition partners, HRCA developed '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/d/de/Human_Rights_Housing_Strategy_and_Action_Plan_Discussion_Draft_April_2023.pdf A Human Rights-based Housing Strategy and Action Plan for Pittsburgh, PA]''' which serves as a guiding document for our housing advocacy. We want our goals and strategy to reflect the needs and perspectives of our community, which is why we invite residents to review the document and share input with us so that we can strengthen it. Send your comments to hrca@theglobalswitchboard.org or join us for our next working group meeting!
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:You can learn more about the history behind our research and strategy conversations by reviewing our resource page, [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Pittsburgh_Human_Rights_Housing_Strategy '''Building Pittsburgh's Human Rights Housing Strategy''']
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[[Steel City Cooperative Housing]] Initiative
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'''Relevant Events & Actions'''
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:*(November 14, 2024), '''Student Housing & Tenant Rights Workshop''' at Carnegie Mellon University. Students are facing a housing crisis that is affecting them financially, physically, emotionally, and academically. Join Carnegie Mellon Health Promotion and the Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance as we team up to discuss student housing justice, tenant rights, organizing efforts in the broader community, and more. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/HousingRightsCMU
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:*(April 4-7, 2022), '''Leilani Farha, the former [https://www.ohchr.org/en/issues/housing/pages/housingindex.aspx UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Adequate Housing], visits Pittsburgh.''' Check out our [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/b6/Farha_visit_follow_up_recap.pdf visit summary] highlighting insights and recommendations from our discussions with Ms. Farha, who now leads global housing rights organization, [https://make-the-shift.org/ The Shift]. Here you’ll also find helpful links to learning resources and legal tools to help us advance housing as a human right. [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/b6/Farha_visit_follow_up_recap.pdf (Download report PDF)]
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<big>'''Racial Equity & Justice'''</big><br>
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:HRCA is active as part of a broad coalition of community members and organizations committed to ending and redressing long-standing racial inequalities, inequities, and discrimination in the Pittsburgh region and beyond, recognizing that [https://migrationnetwork.un.org/statements/freedom-racial-discrimination-right-not-privilege Freedom from Racial Discrimination is a Right, Not a Privilege].
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:This work includes raising awareness of the U.S. government's ''legal obligation'' to address racial discrimination under international law. For example, the U.S. ratified the [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-elimination-all-forms-racial International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)] in 1994 and has thus legally agreed to comply with and implement its requirements.
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'''Recent events & actions:'''<br>
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:* (November 2023) HRCA members prepared an '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/c/ce/EMLER_2023_Report_Executive_Summary_%281%29_%28002%29.pdf Executive Summary of the UN Expert Mechanism's Report on Racial Discrimination in Law Enforcement]''' for local elected officials to raise awareness of the UN's investigation, conclusions, and recommendations following its U.S. Country Visit in April & May 2023. 
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:*(October 2023) HRCA organized a panel discussion of UN recommendations to end racially discriminatory policing and uphold human rights in the context of law enforcement. ''Event Panelists:'' Brandi Fisher (Alliance for Police Accountability), Tanisha Long (Abolitionist Law Center), Muhammad Ali Nasir (MAN-E) (1Hood Media), Laura Perkins (Casa San Jose). Read the UN reports: '''[https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc54crp7-international-independent-expert-mechanism-advance-racial U.S. Country Visit 2023]''' & '''[https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc5469-promotion-and-protection-human-rights-and-fundamental-freedoms Reimagining Policing 2023]'''. Event recording: '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mln3pO5otIg UN Report Condemns Racial Discrimination in U.S. Law Enforcement: How does this relate to Southwest PA?]'''
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:*(April 2023) HRCA joined the Alliance for Police Accountability and other advocates in submitting a report on policing and racial discrimination in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to the UN's [https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrc-subsidiaries/expert-mechanism-racial-justice-law-enforcement International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement] (EMLER) ahead of its visit to the US from April 24 to May 5, 2023. (Full report: '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/e/ec/PGH_Report_on_Policing_to_UN_2023_BEST.pdf Treatment of People of African Descent by Law Enforcement Agencies in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County]''', Press release: '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/0/0e/Press_Release_Pittsburgh_EMLER_Submission_2023.pdf Local Advocates File Report on Police Discrimination in Allegheny County to UN Fact-Finding Body on Law Enforcement and Racial Justice]''')
  
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='''''<span class="wiki_link">SELECTED CALENDAR OF EVENTS</span>'''''=
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:*(November 2022) HRCA assisted to facilitate a listening session with Justin Hansford, Professor of Law at Howard University School of Law and an elected founding member of the [https://www.ohchr.org/en/permanent-forum-people-african-descent UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent]. For more details, review our summary [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/d/de/Summary_document_of_Taking_Back_Our_Human_Rights_Event_EDITED.pdf '''Taking Back Our Human Rights: Black Pittsburgh's Appeal to the World'''] and our '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Taking_Back_our_Human_Rights!_Building_a_Black_Regional_Agenda_for_Justice background page]''' for the event.
  
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* '''<span style="color: #222222; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 18px">Thursday April 26, 12:30 </span><span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">Amazon HQ2 action at the P4 conference</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 18px"> on the river-side of the Convention Center</span>'''<span style="color: #222222; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12.6667px"> “</span><span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">The goal is to emphasize the massive, catastrophic harm that our communities will experience if Amazon makes the decision to come here, setting aside even the massive multibillion dollar tax incentive package that they would receive. The P4 Conference is showcasing the City's P4 performance principles for the development of the city as expressed People, Planet, Place and Performance. See: [http://www.p4pittsburgh.org www.p4pittsburgh.org]. Remember that '''''A few hundred tech jobs in East Liberty created a crisis of housing speculation, gentrification and displacement. Imagine that 50 or 100 times over, and our city will have a housing crisis and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents in a matter of a few years.''''' </span>
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:*(July 2022) HRCA prepared and submitted a Shadow Report to the United Nations CERD Committee (Full report: '''[https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCERD%2fNGO%2fUSA%2f49212&Lang=en Racial Discrimination & Equity in the United States: Evidence from Pittsburgh]''', Summary report: [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/4/44/CERD_Pittsburgh_2_Page_Summary_2022.pdf '''Summary Document'''])
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* '''Tuesday May 1 6:00 PM''' [http://paimmigrant.org/event-calendar/#d2018-05-01 May Day March 2018: Celebrate Immigrants and Workers] 2923 Penn Ave. Salem's Market and Grill (Strip District). Organized by: APALA, LCLAA, Restaurant Opportunities Center, Friends of Farmworkers, Thomas Merton Center, PICC
 
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* '''Monday May 7''' 6:00PM Human Rights City General Meeting East Liberty Public Library130 S Whitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Get updates on key human rights struggles around housing, transit, immigrant rights, and corporate/Amazon development. Discuss ideas for future actions and education and movement-building work. All are welcome!
 
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<br /> '''''Regularly scheduled meetings'''''<br />
 
  
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** [http://apapgh.org/ Every first Wednesday of month: Alliance for Police Accountability ] 6:30-8:00PM Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave. Pgh 15206 (Childcare and food provided)
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<big>'''Creating a Human Rights City'''</big><br>
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** '''<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Cross Community (City-Wide) Tenant/Housing Rights Meeting </span>'''<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">1 Smithfield St. Downtown PGH (HHS Building). '''Regular''' </span>'''Meetings TBA''' ([[:file:Pittsburgh_Tenant_Union_Info.pdf|Learn more about Pittsburgh Tenants Union)]]
 
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** <span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">'''Every 3rd Thursday''' 7:00-8:30PM [http://pgh4cedaw.org/ Pittsburgh for CEDAW ](Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) meeting, Friends Meeting House, 4836 Ellsworth Ave. Everyone is welcome.</span>
 
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<br /> <br /> '''<u>Alerts & Updates</u>'''<br />  
 
  
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* '''[https://www.facebook.com/events/1498208200258725/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22ref_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22feed_story_type%22%3A%22361%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D Campaign to Stop Plan to Increase Policing on Public Transit]--''' This campaign led by the Alliance for Police Accountability, Casa San Jose, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, and the Thomas Merton Center warns that the Port Authority's planned fare enforcement policy will unfairly impact communities of color, increase the problematic trend of criminalizing young people, and threaten immigrant residents.The campaign is calling for civilian fare enforcers rather than armed Port Authority Police and a citation process rather than a criminal process to deal with fare evasion ([[:file:Policing_on_the_T_QA.pdf|See FAQs for more information]]). Community organizations and individuals are asked to write letters to the Port Authority in support of this campaign (see [[:file:POLICING_THE_T_PPT_and_others_letter_to_Port_Authority 4.28.17.pdf|sample letter]]).
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:In 2011, the City of Pittsburgh issued a [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/6/6e/Pittsburgh_Human_Rights_City_Resolution.pdf Proclamation] declaring Pittsburgh the 5th Human Rights City in the U.S.. While this represents a step in the right direction, much work remains to strengthen and actually realize the City's commitment and to create a City in which everyone can thrive. We’re drawing from examples in other cities such as Atlanta to bring stronger human rights commitments along with processes for monitoring and setting targets for advancing equity and protecting the rights of all residents.  
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* '''[http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2017/01/25/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-declares-itself-sanctuary-campus/stories/201701250214 PIttsburgh Public Schools Passes Sanctuary Resolution]'''
 
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* '''[http://www.pgh4cedaw.org Pittsburgh becomes 6th US City for CEDAW ]'''A broad coalition of human rights advocates helped advance a new ordinance enacting the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in our City, December 6, 2016. Stay involved in the work to carry out this commitment to better address needs of women and girls, families and communities in our city! <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Calibri&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px">[https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pgh4cedaw.org&data=01%7C01%7Cjgsmith%40pitt.edu%7C01ee08d58eb34901cf2408d427ad5b47%7C9ef9f489e0a04eeb87cc3a526112fd0d%7C1&sdata=Oc3A4G1M0HM6yjFoRkFliRnFnqW45wfHbTtzsfz0kyc%3D&reserved=0 www.pgh4cedaw.org] </span>
 
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<br /> '''University-Based Projects'''<br />
 
  
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* '''''Pittsburgh area university'' faculty, staff, and graduate students''' are invited to join the [[University Human Rights Network|University Human Rights Network. ]]We invite volunteers from different campuses to help support work on your campus and coordinate with other campuses.
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'''Relevant Documents'''<br>
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* [[University of Pittsburgh Human Rights Working Group and Community Advisory Council|Pitt Human Rights Initiative]]
 
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* '''Campus worker organizing:''' Pitt faculty, graduate student workers, and other workers are organizing for their rights and to support and protect the right to education. Keep informed about the campaign on their [http://www.pittfaculty.org/ website] and [https://www.facebook.com/PittFaculty/ Facebook page]
 
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==How to get involved==
 
  
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* '''[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights Join the Human Rights City Alliance email list for updates on events & action opportunities]'''
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:*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/5/5b/Draft_Resolution_Pittsburgh_2023_HR_City_Update_Discussion_ver.pdf Draft Resolution to Renew and Update Pittsburgh’s Human Rights City Status]
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''Please get in touch if you're interested in some of these ongoing projects or in efforts to follow-up some of these past initiatives. We are an all-volunteer group and are working to create spaces for residents to work together to envision and build a different kind of city and region. pghrights [at] riseup [dot] net.''<br />
 
  
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* [http://housingsummitpgh.org Housing Summit-Resources & Links]
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:*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/3/31/Gainey_Transition_Report_Response_Final.pdf Bringing a Human Rights Perspective to Mayor Gainey’s Transition Report 2022]
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* [[Teach-In|Uniting Against Hate: Immigrant Rights, Racial Justice and the U.S. Prison System]]
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:*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/7/7c/Human_Rights_Day_2021_Gainey_Letter.pdf Message to Mayor-Elect Gainey on International Human Rights Day 2021] (Dec. 10)
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* [[:file:Annual_Report_2016.pdf|Annual report 2016--See what we accomplished last year!]]
 
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* [http://www.un.org/en/events/africandescentdecade/ International Decade of People of African Descent 2015-2025--]''Recognition, Justice and Development''
 
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* <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">[http:///file/view/Discussion%20Guide%20Alexie%20Absolutely%20True%20Diary%20of%20Part%20Time%20Indian.pdf/618673381/Discussion%20Guide%20Alexie%20Absolutely%20True%20Diary%20of%20Part%20Time%20Indian.pdf Discussion Guide]</span>''to'' Sherman Alexie's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part-Time_Indian The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian] prepared for use around Indigenous Peoples Day 2017, but this resource can be used anytime to facilitate discussion and dialogue around themes of institutionalized racism, internalized oppression, and the historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous communities and other communities of color in the United States.
 
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* '''[[Teach-In|VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Teach-In: Uniting Against Hate: ]]''''''''How the prison industrial complex impacts our communities & what we can do to change it:''''' ''A working group is organizing an event to raise consciousness on this critical human rights issue.''
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:*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/d/d0/Pittsburgh_Press_release.pdf Pittsburgh Delegation Attends Human Rights Cities Leadership Summit in Atlanta, May 2023] - As part of our work with human rights cities and human rights advocates around the country and around the world, we brought a team of more than two dozen Pittsburgh activists, youth, and policy experts to Atlanta to learn, share, and network.
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<br /> <br /> '''NEW Research on Pittsburgh and Human Rights Organizing''':<br /> <span style="font-size: 16px">[https://brock.scholarsportal.info/journals/SSJ/article/view/1394 Responding to Globalization and Urban Conflict: Human Rights City Initiatives] ''Studies in Social Justice'' </span><br /> <br /> <u>'''Dangerous Times: Defending Human Rights'''</u><br /> ''<span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">Values are fragile. Because the values of human rights depend foremost on the ability to empathize with others”to recognize the importance of treating others the way we would want to be treated ”they are especially vulnerable to the demagogue's exclusionary appeal. '''A society's culture of respect for human rights needs regular tending''', lest the fears of the moment sweep away the wisdom that built democratic rule.</span>''<span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px"> Human Rights Watch </span>'''<span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">[https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/country-chapters/dangerous-rise-of-populism "World Report 2017: Demagogues Threaten Human Rights-Trump, European Populists Foster Bigotry, Discrimination."]</span>'''<br />
 
  
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* <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">'''Truth-Telling for Reconciliation: Remembering Victims of Slavery & the Slave''' Trade-March 25th is the International [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.un.org%2Fen%2Fevents%2Fslaveryremembranceday%2F&data=01%7C01%7Cjgsmith%40pitt.edu%7Ca8d5291136e246c4641a08d460c88bc7%7C9ef9f489e0a04eeb87cc3a526112fd0d%7C1&sdata=Fr%2B%2FHCQ%2BSqkdORWdmx8ACCPXPwwMxfdFHq2yw%2B8Hhf4%3D&reserved=0 Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade]--Ideas: convene a group to discuss an article or book such as The Case for Reparations, by Ta-Nehisi Coates or Michael Dyson's [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/12/books/review/tears-we-cannot-stop-michael-eric-dyson.html Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon for White America]. UN initiatives to fight racism and xenophobia: [http://together.un.org/ Together] (respect, safety and dignity for refugees and migrants) [http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/ Let's Fight Racism]", and "[http://www.standup4humanrights.org/en/highlights.html Stand Up for Someone's Rights Today]," in addition to the [http://www.un.org/en/events/africandescentdecade/ International Decade for People of African Descent.]</span>
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<big>'''Human Rights Education & Outreach'''</big><br>
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* '''[https://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/hrw_world_report_etr_final.pdf Human Rights in Danger (]'''Youth and public education resource) Human Rights Watch 2017 Report [https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2017/country-chapters/dangerous-rise-of-populism The Dangerous Rise of PopulismGlobal Attacks on Human Rights Values]
 
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* '''Local strategy working paper:''' [[:file:Moving_from_Shallow_to_Deep_Democracy_Strategy_Ideas.pdf|Moving from Shallow to Deep Democracy]]<br /> [http://www.hreusa.net/data/files/Human%20Rights%20Here%20and%20Now%20November%20issue.pdf Teaching Tolerance: Talking with kids and adults about human rights ]"Speak up for civility"--Human Rights Educators USA
 
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* [http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/38443-countering-trump-let-s-build-a-people-powered-democracy-and-economy Building a society that works for all: ]This election showed the urgency of people's need for major changes in the basic structure of our economy and government policies. Neither presidential candidate offered that. There is a need to build grassroots movements for economic and social transformation rather than allowing elites to determine what kind of society we live in. "Politicians from both parties lionize the entrepreneur, casting poverty ...as an individual shortcoming, a narrative that erases ...the [http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/28/books/review/when-affirmative-action-was-white-uncivil-rights.html?_r=0 structurally racist policies] that have continued to maintain [white privilege]."
 
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* See examples of legislation passed in Human Rights Cities of [[:file:DC_Human_Rights_City_Resolution_Reaffirmation_11_19_2016.pdf|Washington DC]] and [[:file:Eugene_Inclusive_Community_Resolution_2016.pdf|Eugene Oregon's Inclusive Community Resolution]].
 
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* '''Strategies for Improving Local Implementation of Human Rights'''--Lessons from around the World
 
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<br /> <u>'''Defend Pittsburghers' Right to Stay in ''their'' City! Housing Justice'''</u><br /> [http://housingsummit.wikispaces.com/ **Affordable Housing Initiative:** **Pittsburgh Housing Summit** (Resources and links to recordings of plenary sessions) ]''"Don't evict Pittsburgh!" Housing is a human right!'' ''The essence of our city is people and communities--not buildings, businesses, and tourist attractions.''[http://homesforallpgh.org/ Homes for All Pittsburgh]<br /> <br /> '''''*The Human Rights City Alliance works to promote and support activities of all human rights advocates around the region. Please contact us about relevant events/activities to share: pghrigts [at] riseup.net .'''''<br /> <br />
 
  
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=About the Human Rights City Alliance=
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:A key focus of HRCA is raising awareness among civil society and elected officials of the [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-and-mechanisms international human rights framework], and how we can (and should) use this framework to advocate for, monitor, and uphold "people-centered human rights" at home. This work includes building a movement of human rights enforcers and educating elected and government officials about their obligations under [https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-and-mechanisms/international-human-rights-law international human rights laws].
  
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* See the[[:file:Conference_summary_-General_Version_3_2.pdf| summary of our Human Rights Cities Conference,]] hosted at the University of Pittsburgh
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'''Relevant Documents'''<br>
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* [[:file:Annual_Report_2016.pdf| 2015 Annual Report]]: See what we've done in the past year as we look forward to strengthening Pittsburgh activism for human rights in the year ahead!
 
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* [[:file:Annual_Report_2015.pdf|2015 Annual Report]]
 
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* [[:file:Human_Rights_Day_2017_Press_Release_Final.pdf| International Human Rights Day 2017 Press Conference]] at the City County Building
 
  
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=How to Get Involved=
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:*[https://www.ohchr.org/en/universal-declaration-of-human-rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights]
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:*[https://www.ohchr.org/en/what-are-human-rights/international-bill-human-rights International Bill of Human Rights]
  
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* '''<span style="font-size: 120%">[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights Sign up for our email list to learn about upcoming events]</span>'''
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=Resources=
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* '''Community Outreach:''' Please invite groups you work with to be part of the Human Rights City Alliance's work! Help us invite groups around our city to link their work with the vision of building a human rights city. [[:file:Outreach_letter_to_groups_March_2015.pdf|This letter is addressed to community leaders ]]and invites them to reflect on actions they can take "because we're a human rights city." [[:file:Congregation_letter_with_logo.pdf|This letter invites congregations/church leaders]] to lift up human rights concerns in their churches-particularly around December 10/Human Rights Day.
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[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Resources '''Link to more resources'''--toolkits, reports, and organizations supporting local human rights work]
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* Are you a faculty or staff member or graduate student at an area university? Join our Pittsburgh Area University Human Rights Network
 
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* Share the word and help us carry out the [[Human Rights City Action Plan|Human Rights City Action Plan]]
 
  
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='''Resources'''=
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=Annual Reports=
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*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/bc/Annual_Report_2019.pdf 2019 Annual Report]
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* [[:file:Annual_Report_2017.pdf|2017 Annual Report]]
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* [[:file:Annual_Report_2016.pdf|2016 Annual Report]]: See what we've done in the past year as we look forward to strengthening Pittsburgh activism for human rights in the year ahead!
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* [[:file:Annual_Report_2015.pdf|2015 Annual Report]]
  
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==People-Centered Human Rights: Analyses from Around the Nation and World==
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*Official [[Reports to UN Human Rights Bodies]] (multiple years)
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* <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left">[[:file:UDHR_PGHedition_FOR_RELEASE.pdf|Pittsburgh edition of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] (Booklet format--PDF)</span>
 
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* <span style="font-size: 15.8px">[[Human Rights City Action Plan|Working Draft of An Action Plan ]]for building a Human Rights City ([[:file:Human_Rights_City_Action_Plan.pdf|PDF Version]])</span>
 
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* [http://web.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/microsites/human-rights-institute/desk_reference.pdf Human Rights Recommendations to the United States: A Desk Reference for State and Local Human Rights Agencies]
 
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* <span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">[http://web.law.columbia.edu/human-rights-institute/human-rights-us/state-and-local-implementation Resources for State and Local Human Rights Implementation]</span>
 
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* <span style="font-family: &#39;Times New Roman&#39;,serif; font-size: 16px">'''Sanctuary Cities''': [http://www.northeastern.edu/law/academics/institutes/phrge/publications/boston-principles.html Boston Principles on the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights of Noncitizens]</span>
 
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* Pitt Students work with Homewood residents on new resource website: [https://iamhomewood.com/ I Am Homewood]''--this project reflects what can happen when we create networks among the various residents in our city. The Human Rights City Alliance helped bring creative and energetic folks together to enhance local knowledge and advance human rights advocacy work.''
 
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* ''[https://skl.se/download/18.2625f9e6145ac763d07be224/1401096812446/Local_initiatives_to_counter_violence_SALAR.pdf Local Initiatives to Counter Violence-Promoting Political Extremism]--'' This document from the Swedish Association of Local and Regional Authorities was produced following violence at a 1995 white-supremacy concert organized by a growing right-wing movement. Examples of local initiatives can guide work in other communities to counter the exclusionary and hateful messages of such groups.
 
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* '''[[:file:Housing_as_a_Human_Right.pdf|Housing is a Human Right: Slideshow]]''' on international treaties and opportunities to promote the [[:file:Housing_as_a_Human_Right.pdf|human right to housing]]
 
  
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=Past events=
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=Archive=
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'''World Food Day 2015:''' [https://pitt.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=b28fcce4-a5a0-4796-9f2c-cc68316692fc Watch video recording of October 2015 panel on the Right to Food]<br />  International Workers Day March for Immigrant Rights '''2016''' '''[[:file:May_Day_March_HRCA_Statement.pdf|Statement of Unity and Solidarity ]]'''<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="display: block; text-align: center"><span style="display: block; text-align: center">''<span style="font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;; font-size: 18.6667px">Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.</span>'' <span style="display: block">--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</span></span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="display: block; text-align: center">'''<u><span style="font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">Website: pghrights.org</span></u>''' <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;">pghrights</span></span><br />
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*[[Archive]]
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----
 
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<br /> <span style="display: block; text-align: center">https://www.facebook.com/groups/pghrights/<br /> </span><span style="display: block; font-size: 130%; text-align: center">#pghrights</span><br /> <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19.2px; text-align: center"><span style="color: #0b0b24; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 19.2px">e-mail: pghrights [at] riseup.net</span></span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 140%">[[:file:UDHR_PGHedition_FOR_RELEASE.pdf|Universal Declaration of Human Rights booklet with Pittsburgh's Human Rights City Proclamation]]</span><br />
 
  
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[[:file:YWCA_Pledge_Stand_against_racism.pdf|YWCA Pledge Stand against racism]]<br />  
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<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="display: block; text-align: center"><span style="display: block; text-align: center">''<span style="font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,&#39;sans-serif&#39;; font-size: 18.6667px">Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.</span>'' <span style="display: block">--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.</span>
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* [[:file:YWCA_Pledge_Stand_against_racism.pdf|Download]]
 
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* 245 KB
 
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</div></div></div>
 
  
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=All Pages=
 
=All Pages=
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* [[Communication Justice Initiative]]
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* [[Forums on Amazon HQ2 and the Right to the City]]
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* [[Frequently Asked Questions]]
 
{{Special:AllPages}}
 
{{Special:AllPages}}

Latest revision as of 10:57, 22 November 2024

Human Rights City Alliance Logo -w TEXT- copy 4.png

Pittsburgh Human Rights City AllianceDignity & Justice for All of Us"Human rights don't trickle down...they RISE UP!"

About Us

Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance works to bring together diverse groups and individuals to encourage the realization of our City Council's 2011 Proclamation declaring Pittsburgh a "human rights city". We strive to foster a human rights culture that maximizes human rights and dignity for all people who live in our region (See Human Rights Cities Principles). We help network leading community organizations and concerned residents to advance people-centered human rights in Pittsburgh. We cannot wait for leaders in Washington to protect our basic rights! It takes engaged and creative efforts of community residents to "bring human rights home"!

Ways to Get Involved

Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletterfor updates on events & action opportunities!
University Human Rights Working Group: Faculty members, staff and graduate students can subscribe here.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Join a Working Group
--Working groups meet regularly to develop projects on specific issues. Everyone is welcome to attend & learn about local human rights issues and find ways to get involved! Current working groups include:

For more information, meeting times and links, please contact Maddy McGrady at madeline@theglobalswitchboard.org

Calendar

Rally & Press Conference: International Human Rights Day
Tuesday, 10 December, Time TBD, Pittsburgh City-County Building, 414 Grant Street. Pittsburgh

More details coming soon. December 10th, 2024 will mark 76 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which reflects the commitment of governments everywhere to protect and preserve the political and economic rights of all people. On this On this International Human Rights Day, Pittsburgh leaders and residents will join others around the world in renewing our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and committing to working both locally and at other levels of government to promote the protections of human rights for everyone – especially those who are most threatened.
Co-sponsored by: Human Rights City Alliance & Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations

National Webinar & Training: Leveraging Global Human Rights to Protect Human Rights in Our Cities
Monday, 9 December, 3:00PM EST/ 2:00PM CST/ 12:00 PST, Register at bit.ly/rightswebinar | Flyer

About: As the United Nations begins a formal review of U.S. human rights policy, this webinar presents information on how advocates in cities can utilize international human rights as tools for addressing pressing problems like affordable housing, immigrant rights, racial equity, and reproductive health. Advocates and legal experts will speak about how international human rights law can be a resource for improving local conditions and increasing the visibility of human rights challenges in ways that support changes in national policies. Panelists will consider how international attention to the need for stronger human rights protections within the United States can help us increase cities’ capacities to protect and promote human rights for all residents.
Speakers: Amy Berquist, The Advocates for Human Rights; Nicoletta Zappile, UPR-Info; Joshua Cooper, Human Rights Cities Alliance
Co-sponsored by: Human Rights Cities Alliance & University of Alabama-Birmingham Institute for Human Rights
Register at: bit.ly/rightswebinar

Current Work

The Human Rights City Alliance helps build alliances among individuals and groups in our area supporting human rights for all. We support local engagement in national and international human rights advocacy, and participate in UN human rights reviews of U.S. policies.

Universal Periodic Review 2025

We are currently involved in the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of the U.S. government and will be hosting a series of related community forums. See our Reports to UN Human Rights Bodies, submitted as part of the global work to improve compliance with international human rights law.

Working Groups Our current working groups focus on the following issue areas, and they are shaped by efforts of volunteers like you!

Housing Rights & Justice

HRCA is an active member of the Pittsburgh Housing Justice Table, a coalition of allied local organizations and independent advocates who believe that housing is a human right and that everyone should have access to the housing they need. Our Housing Rights Working Group supports the work of the Housing Justice Table through related events, education and advocacy efforts.
Through community engagement and conversations with Housing Justice Table coalition partners, HRCA developed A Human Rights-based Housing Strategy and Action Plan for Pittsburgh, PA which serves as a guiding document for our housing advocacy. We want our goals and strategy to reflect the needs and perspectives of our community, which is why we invite residents to review the document and share input with us so that we can strengthen it. Send your comments to hrca@theglobalswitchboard.org or join us for our next working group meeting!
You can learn more about the history behind our research and strategy conversations by reviewing our resource page, Building Pittsburgh's Human Rights Housing Strategy

Steel City Cooperative Housing Initiative

Relevant Events & Actions

  • (November 14, 2024), Student Housing & Tenant Rights Workshop at Carnegie Mellon University. Students are facing a housing crisis that is affecting them financially, physically, emotionally, and academically. Join Carnegie Mellon Health Promotion and the Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance as we team up to discuss student housing justice, tenant rights, organizing efforts in the broader community, and more. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/HousingRightsCMU

Racial Equity & Justice

HRCA is active as part of a broad coalition of community members and organizations committed to ending and redressing long-standing racial inequalities, inequities, and discrimination in the Pittsburgh region and beyond, recognizing that Freedom from Racial Discrimination is a Right, Not a Privilege.
This work includes raising awareness of the U.S. government's legal obligation to address racial discrimination under international law. For example, the U.S. ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) in 1994 and has thus legally agreed to comply with and implement its requirements.

Recent events & actions:

Creating a Human Rights City

In 2011, the City of Pittsburgh issued a Proclamation declaring Pittsburgh the 5th Human Rights City in the U.S.. While this represents a step in the right direction, much work remains to strengthen and actually realize the City's commitment and to create a City in which everyone can thrive. We’re drawing from examples in other cities such as Atlanta to bring stronger human rights commitments along with processes for monitoring and setting targets for advancing equity and protecting the rights of all residents.

Relevant Documents

Human Rights Education & Outreach

A key focus of HRCA is raising awareness among civil society and elected officials of the international human rights framework, and how we can (and should) use this framework to advocate for, monitor, and uphold "people-centered human rights" at home. This work includes building a movement of human rights enforcers and educating elected and government officials about their obligations under international human rights laws.

Relevant Documents

Resources

Link to more resources--toolkits, reports, and organizations supporting local human rights work

Annual Reports

Archive




Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

All Pages

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