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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 />  
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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>
 
<div style="text-align: center"><big>'''''Racism is a Health Emergency! And [[Health & Housing are Human Rights]]!'''''<br />
 
<div style="text-align: center"><big>'''''Racism is a Health Emergency! And [[Health & Housing are Human Rights]]!'''''<br />
 
===='''TAKE ACTION on FEDERAL COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDING'''====
 
'''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/f/f7/HRCA_Statement_ARPA_Funds_City_Council_July_2021.pdf Statement to City Council]: Human Rights City Alliance backs community organizations calling for pause in vote on ARP funds''': ''Our message to Council reminds them of past commitments and priorities that must be addressed in ARP allocations while calling for transparent and democratic process for deciding how funds will be used.''
 
 
*Local organizations are coming together to demand that the more than $350 million in COVID relief funding to the City and all other public funding to county and state governments for pandemic assistance be allocated through a process that is transparent and involves community engagement. '''[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnYRgc60tsPkcYyP2jwcvx91GFuJBnmQUneKC8ZHyHZgcWkQ/viewform Sign the petition for a more transparent, accountable, and democratic process for allocating public resources].'''
 
 
  
 
<div style="text-align: left">
 
<div style="text-align: left">
'''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance''' works to bring together diverse groups and individuals to help envision and realize a city 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 work with local struggles to implement [https://www.ajamubaraka.com/peoplecentered-human-rights-as-a-framework-for-social-transformation ''people-centered human rights''] in Pittsburgh.''<br />
+
'''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance''' works to bring together diverse groups and individuals to help envision and work towards a city 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 support local efforts to realize [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"! Our work is guided by the leadership of our [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Steering_Committee Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee].
 
<br />  
 
<br />  
*</big>'''April is Fair Housing Month!''': [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/6/6e/HRCA_City_Council_Fair_Housing_Proclamation_Support_April_20_2021.pdf Human Rights City Alliance statement supporting City Council Fair Housing Proclamation (April 20, 2021)]</big><br /> <br />
+
 
 
*[[About the Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance]]  
 
*[[About the Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance]]  
 
**[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Steering_Committee Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee]
 
**[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Steering_Committee Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee]
 +
 +
=='''Get involved'''==
 
* <big>'''[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights Join the Human Rights City Alliance email list for updates on events & action opportunities]'''</big>
 
* <big>'''[https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/pghrights Join the Human Rights City Alliance email list for updates on events & action opportunities]'''</big>
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/0/09/2020_Virtual_Cookout_Notes_and_Links.pdf 6th Annual Human Rights Cookout Goes Virtual!--Here are notes and updates from community organizations] inviting volunteers to help build our human rights city!
+
*'''Human Rights Student Network'''—Students from area universities and high/middle schools are all welcome! This network works to bring youth voices and energy into local human rights organizing and learn from community organizers working to transform policing, promote affordable housing, and advocate for racial and environmental justice. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at pghrights[at]riseup.net.
  
 +
 +
===='''Latest updates/ TAKE ACTION'''====
 
<div style="text-align: left">
 
<div style="text-align: left">
 
+
*'''[https://casasanjose.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Eradicate-Hate-statement-Sent-FINAL.pdf Casa San Jose joins Bend the Arc Jewish Action and allies to oppose white supremacist keynote speakers & Homeland security focus of Eradicate Hate Global Summit in Pittsburgh].''' The statement reads, '' "we need to acknowledge that the people targeted by the War on Terror and DHS are often themselves victims of hate. We need to acknowledge that elevating the voices of Bush, Ridge, and Mayorkas in a conference against hate instead whitewashes their roles in racially-based human rights abuses....[C]entering these men contradicts the conference’s goals shows just how deeply embedded white supremacy is in our nation. Denying uncomfortable truths does not help us in our efforts to eradicate hate." ''
==Current Projects==
 
<br /><br />
 
*<big>'''Community Forum:''' '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Learning_from_COVID-19:Shaping_a_Health_and_Human_Rights_Agenda_for_our_Region Learning from COVID-19: Shaping a Health and Human Rights Agenda for our Region]''' [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Learning_from_COVID-19:Shaping_a_Health_and_Human_Rights_Agenda_for_our_Region See recordings and resources]
 
*'''Housing, Health and Human Rights''':  '''''January 24-Feb. 6: Housing is Healthcare! Let's Demand the Human Right to Housing!''''': ''[https://www.pushthefilm.com/ Push]'' 
 
::*Watch the film online: January 24-February 6. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6tsjJJ8J6TBHe-y71CssyLWtKo6YoAHlloYS66mn3S8GTSw/viewform Sign up here to receive a link to view Push] [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/2/25/Push_Film_Flyer_Feb_1_2021.pdf (Download flier)]
 
::*'''Advancing the Human Right to Housing in our Cities''' Multi-city dialogue with organizers from Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and New York- [https://pitt.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10457780-58e5-4feb-85ba-acc3001a5588 '''View recording here''']
 
:Co-Sponsors: ''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance, Atlanta Housing Justice League, Organization for Human Rights & Democracy, University of Pittsburgh Global Studies Center & Urban Studies Program, Student Human Rights Task Force- Pitt & The New School (NYC) Collaboration.''
 
:Further background and recordings at:[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Zero_Evictions_Days_2020 Zero Evictions Days Resource page and webinar recordings] Featuring dialogues with Leilani Farha, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Adequate Housing.)
 
 
*'''Historical Truth-Telling: Key to Human Rights & Racial Healing Today''': Student human rights leaders compiled the following [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Indigenous_Peoples_Day_in_Pittsburgh list of films, podcasts, and short articles and reports] to inspire learning that acknowledges past harms and furthers a process of truth-telling and racial healing. [https://pitt.box.com/s/zr5zvj5gu66vfm3xillufevqhxfercnq Recording: '''Community Dialogue: Indigenous Peoples Day: Deconstructing white supremacy and celebrating Indigenous Peoples' history''']  [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Indigenous_Peoples_Day_in_Pittsburgh More Resources on Indigenous peoples and human rights]
 
 
 
<big>'''*The World is Watching! Global movements support human rights and anti-racism in the U.S.'''</big>
 
:*[https://ushrnetwork.org/uploads/images/sliders/Final%20adopted%20resolution%206.19.20.pdf?emci=9b4ca895-48b2-ea11-9b05-00155d039e74&emdi=1e7859ab-4bb2-ea11-9b05-00155d039e74&ceid=6687194 UN Human Rights Council Strongly Condemns US Racial Violence]: The United Nations responded to a call from Family members of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and Philando Castile to take action in response to racially-motivated violence in the U.S., in an unprecedented Urgent Debate in the UN Human Rights Council June 19.
 
:*'''New study shows [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/us-police-human-rights-standards-report US police fail to meet basic human rights standards]'''. Not one police department in the 20 largest American cities are compliant with international rights laws [https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=ihrc study from the University of Chicago] has found.
 
:* '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/b8/HRCA-Policing-Briefing-Seth-Kornbau_Fin.pdf Recommendations to Align Pittsburgh’s Policing Practices with International Human Rights Law & Standards]''' Pitt student, Seth Kornbau, worked this summer to review Pittsburgh's policing policies and relate them to this analysis of international legal obligations. He prepared this brief to inform the Mayor's task force on police reform.
 
  
 
=='''Calendar'''==   
 
=='''Calendar'''==   
*'''7th Annual Human Rights Cookout! Sunday August 29th, 1:00-4:00PM''' Mellon Park shelter (across from Bakery Square). Everyone of all ages is welcome! We'll have food to grill. Bring a side dish or dessert to share if you wish. Meet activists and groups from around the city &
+
*'''Thursday, October 28, 7pm- ''Human Rights Matter: Community Forum on how judicial elections impact human rights in our region'''''  
celebrate summer! Meet local activists and groups working for human rights in our region. Learn about ways to get involved in work to transform our community and "bring human rights home"! '''Co-sponsored by:''' '''Alliance for Police Accountability, Casa San Jose, Penn Plaza Support and Action Coalition, Pittsburgh for CEDAW, Pittsburghers for Public Transit, and the City of Pittsburgh's Commission on Human Relations & Gender Equity Commissions'''  
+
''Online Panel'' Voters face important choices in the upcoming local elections, and the Human Rights City Alliance and partners are convening an online community education forum aimed especially at reaching youth and all residents who want to learn how these less prominent elections affect the lives and well-being of people in our communities. Issues such as housing, racial justice, employment, and family security are all impacted by the decisions that those elected this November will make.
 +
Speakers from: Alliance for Police Accountability, Casa San Jose, Stop the Station, Gwen’s Girls/Black Girls Equity Alliance
 +
Join us on Thurs. October 28 at 7PM [https://pitt.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYpdu2ppzMsGNEysQuQhF3mFo1tJ4RUKJMW Registration link]
 +
''Hosted by the Student Human Rights Network''
 +
[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/b7/Judicial_Elections_Forum_Oct_28_2021.pdf Download flier]
  
 
 
====Other meetings==== [MOST NOW ONLINE DUE TO COVID19]
 
====Other meetings==== [MOST NOW ONLINE DUE TO COVID19]
 
*'''[https://pittsburghpa.gov/gec/index.html Pittsburgh's Gender Equity Commission]''' Monthly public meetings-3rd Tuesdays each month, 2:30-4:30PM [in the City-County building 414 Grant St., downtown Pittsburgh] [https://pittsburghpa.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2d1cea9d28ec87304eaf0e825&id=f2fbc5dba8 Subscribe to Gender Commission newsletter]
 
*'''[https://pittsburghpa.gov/gec/index.html Pittsburgh's Gender Equity Commission]''' Monthly public meetings-3rd Tuesdays each month, 2:30-4:30PM [in the City-County building 414 Grant St., downtown Pittsburgh] [https://pittsburghpa.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2d1cea9d28ec87304eaf0e825&id=f2fbc5dba8 Subscribe to Gender Commission newsletter]
Line 48: Line 34:
 
*'''[https://www.pittsburghforpublictransit.org/ Pittsburghers for Public Transit]''' second Wednesday of each month [at 7pm at 1 Smithfield Street (Pittsburgh Human Services Building) downtown].  
 
*'''[https://www.pittsburghforpublictransit.org/ Pittsburghers for Public Transit]''' second Wednesday of each month [at 7pm at 1 Smithfield Street (Pittsburgh Human Services Building) downtown].  
 
*'''[https://pennplaza.wordpress.com/ Penn Plaza Support and Action Coalition]''' every Monday, 6:00PM, Location [115 Beatty St. East Liberty]
 
*'''[https://pennplaza.wordpress.com/ Penn Plaza Support and Action Coalition]''' every Monday, 6:00PM, Location [115 Beatty St. East Liberty]
*'''[https://www.facebook.com/PghLandlessPeople/ Pittsburgh Union of Regional Renters]''', (412) 908-1603. TBD
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*'''[https://www.facebook.com/PghLandlessPeople/ Pittsburgh Union of Regional Renters]''', (412) 908-1603.
  
=Updates & Current Activities=  
+
===Human Rights & Anti-Racism Organizing===
'''<big>[[Learning from COVID-19:Shaping a Health and Human Rights Agenda for our Region]]</big>'''<br>
+
'''Historical Truth-Telling: Key to Human Rights & Racial Healing Today''':''Building a human rights city requires efforts to remedy past injustices and ensure that all residents have equitable opportunities to thrive. The [https://www.un.org/en/events/africandescentdecade/ International Decade on People of African Descent (2015-2024)] and the [http://www.400yearsofinequality.org/ 400th anniversary of the first auction of enslaved Africans in North America] provides an opportunity for renewing conversations about how we can address persistent inequities resulting from the United States's brutal history of slavery and genocide against people of African descent and indigenous peoples.''
We can’t return to status quo if we are to prevent the multiple breakdowns and failures we’re now seeing with COVID-19. Resilience and long-term, community well-being requires dramatic improvements to public infrastructure and support for housing, food, & health security. We're working with diverse groups in the community to host this forum series and build a strong people’s movement to help us realize a society that prioritizes equity and the human right to health, so that every member of our community can live dignified lives. [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Learning_from_COVID-19:Shaping_a_Health_and_Human_Rights_Agenda_for_our_Region  Click here for details, recordings and summaries of past discussions]
 
 
 
<big>'''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee Members named to Mayor’s [https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4064 Community Task Force on Police Reform]'''</big>
 
Community leaders '''Brandi Fisher''', President and CEO of the Alliance for Police Accountability and '''Monica Ruiz''', Executive Director of Casa San Jose, have been tasked with helping our city develop a plan to review existing policing practices and policies and make recommendations. Here is the outline of the [https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4016 City’s Agenda for Police Reform].
 
:*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/5/5a/Brandi_Fisher_Monica_Ruiz_Task_Force_Police_Reform.pdf See our letter of support from Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance]
 
  
 +
*'''[[Reparations Resource Guide]]'''
 +
*'''*The World is Watching! Global movements support human rights and anti-racism in the U.S.'''
 +
:*[https://ushrnetwork.org/uploads/images/sliders/Final%20adopted%20resolution%206.19.20.pdf?emci=9b4ca895-48b2-ea11-9b05-00155d039e74&emdi=1e7859ab-4bb2-ea11-9b05-00155d039e74&ceid=6687194 UN Human Rights Council Strongly Condemns US Racial Violence]: The United Nations responded to a call from Family members of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and Philando Castile to take action in response to racially-motivated violence in the U.S., in an unprecedented Urgent Debate in the UN Human Rights Council June 19.
 +
:*'''Study shows [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/22/us-police-human-rights-standards-report US police fail to meet basic human rights standards]'''. Not one police department in the 20 largest American cities are compliant with international rights laws [https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1014&context=ihrc study from the University of Chicago] has found.
 +
:* '''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/b8/HRCA-Policing-Briefing-Seth-Kornbau_Fin.pdf Recommendations to Align Pittsburgh’s Policing Practices with International Human Rights Law & Standards]''' Pitt student, Seth Kornbau, worked this summer to review Pittsburgh's policing policies and relate them to this analysis of international legal obligations. He prepared this brief to inform the Mayor's task force on police reform.
  
*<big>'''Campaign for Reparations & Racial Justice'''</big>: Building a human rights city requires efforts to remedy past injustices and ensure that all residents have equitable opportunities to thrive. The [https://www.un.org/en/events/africandescentdecade/ International Decade on People of African Descent (2015-2024)] and the [http://www.400yearsofinequality.org/ 400th anniversary of the first auction of enslaved Africans in North America] provides an opportunity for renewing conversations about how we can address persistent inequities resulting from the United States's brutal history of slavery and genocide against people of African descent and indigenous peoples. '''[[Reparations Resource Guide]]'''
+
*'''Indigenous People's Day & Anti-racism work'''
 +
: Student human rights leaders compiled the following [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Indigenous_Peoples_Day_in_Pittsburgh list of films, podcasts, and short articles and reports] to inspire learning that acknowledges past harms and furthers a process of truth-telling and racial healing. [https://pitt.box.com/s/zr5zvj5gu66vfm3xillufevqhxfercnq Recording: '''Community Dialogue: Indigenous Peoples Day: Deconstructing white supremacy and celebrating Indigenous Peoples' history'''] [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Indigenous_Peoples_Day_in_Pittsburgh More Resources on Indigenous peoples and human rights]
  
 +
==Past & Ongoing Projects==
 
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/bc/Annual_Report_2019.pdf See our latest '''Annual Report''' 2019]
 
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/b/bc/Annual_Report_2019.pdf See our latest '''Annual Report''' 2019]
 
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=UPR_Pittsburgh Pittsburgh joins national human rights review at the United Nations]
 
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=UPR_Pittsburgh Pittsburgh joins national human rights review at the United Nations]
 
*World Human Rights Day, December 10, 2019: [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/f/f2/Human_Rights_Day_2019_Media_advisory.pdf '''Media Advisory: Pittsburgh joins other cities recognizing International Human Rights Day & highlights persistent challenge of racial inequities''']
 
*World Human Rights Day, December 10, 2019: [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/f/f2/Human_Rights_Day_2019_Media_advisory.pdf '''Media Advisory: Pittsburgh joins other cities recognizing International Human Rights Day & highlights persistent challenge of racial inequities''']
 +
 +
'''[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/f/f7/HRCA_Statement_ARPA_Funds_City_Council_July_2021.pdf Statement to City Council]: Human Rights City Alliance backs community organizations calling for pause in vote on ARP funds''': ''Our message to Council reminds them of past commitments and priorities that must be addressed in ARP allocations while calling for transparent and democratic process for deciding how funds will be used.''
 +
:[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnYRgc60tsPkcYyP2jwcvx91GFuJBnmQUneKC8ZHyHZgcWkQ/viewform Sign the petition for a more transparent, accountable, and democratic process for allocating public resources].
 +
 +
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/6/6e/HRCA_City_Council_Fair_Housing_Proclamation_Support_April_20_2021.pdf Human Rights City Alliance statement supporting City Council Fair Housing Proclamation (April 20, 2021)]<br />
 +
 +
<div style="text-align: left">
 +
<br />
 +
'''[[Learning from COVID-19:Shaping a Health and Human Rights Agenda for our Region]]'''<br>
 +
We can’t return to status quo if we are to prevent the multiple breakdowns and failures we’re now seeing with COVID-19. Resilience and long-term, community well-being requires dramatic improvements to public infrastructure and support for housing, food, & health security. We're working with diverse groups in the community to host this forum series and build a strong people’s movement to help us realize a society that prioritizes equity and the human right to health, so that every member of our community can live dignified lives. [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Learning_from_COVID-19:Shaping_a_Health_and_Human_Rights_Agenda_for_our_Region  Click here for details, recordings and summaries of past discussions]
 +
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Learning_from_COVID-19:Shaping_a_Health_and_Human_Rights_Agenda_for_our_Region See recordings and resources]
 +
*'''Housing, Health and Human Rights''':  '''''January 24-Feb. 6: Housing is Healthcare! Let's Demand the Human Right to Housing!''''': ''[https://www.pushthefilm.com/ Push]'' 
 +
::*Watch the film online: January 24-February 6. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6tsjJJ8J6TBHe-y71CssyLWtKo6YoAHlloYS66mn3S8GTSw/viewform Sign up here to receive a link to view Push] [http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/2/25/Push_Film_Flyer_Feb_1_2021.pdf (Download flier)]
 +
::*'''Advancing the Human Right to Housing in our Cities''' Multi-city dialogue with organizers from Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and New York- [https://pitt.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10457780-58e5-4feb-85ba-acc3001a5588 '''View recording here''']
 +
:Co-Sponsors: ''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance, Atlanta Housing Justice League, Organization for Human Rights & Democracy, University of Pittsburgh Global Studies Center & Urban Studies Program, Student Human Rights Task Force- Pitt & The New School (NYC) Collaboration.'' 
 +
:Further background and recordings at:[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Zero_Evictions_Days_2020 Zero Evictions Days Resource page and webinar recordings] Featuring dialogues with Leilani Farha, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Adequate Housing.)
 +
 +
<big>'''Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee Members named to Mayor’s [https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4064 Community Task Force on Police Reform]'''</big>
 +
Community leaders '''Brandi Fisher''', President and CEO of the Alliance for Police Accountability and '''Monica Ruiz''', Executive Director of Casa San Jose, have been tasked with helping our city develop a plan to review existing policing practices and policies and make recommendations. Here is the outline of the [https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/4016 City’s Agenda for Police Reform].
 +
:*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/images/5/5a/Brandi_Fisher_Monica_Ruiz_Task_Force_Police_Reform.pdf See our letter of support from Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance]
  
 
=Bringing Human Rights Home=
 
=Bringing Human Rights Home=
Line 165: Line 173:
  
 
=About the Human Rights City Alliance=
 
=About the Human Rights City Alliance=
 
+
*[http://wiki.pghrights.mayfirst.org/index.php?title=Steering_Committee Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee]
 
* See the[[:file:Conference_summary_-General_Version_3_2.pdf| summary of our Human Rights Cities Conference,]] hosted at the University of Pittsburgh
 
* See the[[:file:Conference_summary_-General_Version_3_2.pdf| summary of our Human Rights Cities Conference,]] hosted at the University of Pittsburgh
 
* [[:file:Annual_Report_2017.pdf|2017 Annual Report]]
 
* [[:file:Annual_Report_2017.pdf|2017 Annual Report]]

Revision as of 09:26, 27 October 2021

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!"
Racism is a Health Emergency! And Health & Housing are Human Rights!

Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance works to bring together diverse groups and individuals to help envision and work towards a city 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 support local efforts to realize 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"! Our work is guided by the leadership of our Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee.

Get involved

  • Join the Human Rights City Alliance email list for updates on events & action opportunities
  • Human Rights Student Network—Students from area universities and high/middle schools are all welcome! This network works to bring youth voices and energy into local human rights organizing and learn from community organizers working to transform policing, promote affordable housing, and advocate for racial and environmental justice. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at pghrights[at]riseup.net.


Latest updates/ TAKE ACTION

Calendar

  • Thursday, October 28, 7pm- Human Rights Matter: Community Forum on how judicial elections impact human rights in our region

Online Panel Voters face important choices in the upcoming local elections, and the Human Rights City Alliance and partners are convening an online community education forum aimed especially at reaching youth and all residents who want to learn how these less prominent elections affect the lives and well-being of people in our communities. Issues such as housing, racial justice, employment, and family security are all impacted by the decisions that those elected this November will make. Speakers from: Alliance for Police Accountability, Casa San Jose, Stop the Station, Gwen’s Girls/Black Girls Equity Alliance Join us on Thurs. October 28 at 7PM Registration link Hosted by the Student Human Rights Network Download flier

====Other meetings==== [MOST NOW ONLINE DUE TO COVID19]

Human Rights & Anti-Racism Organizing

Historical Truth-Telling: Key to Human Rights & Racial Healing Today:Building a human rights city requires efforts to remedy past injustices and ensure that all residents have equitable opportunities to thrive. The International Decade on People of African Descent (2015-2024) and the 400th anniversary of the first auction of enslaved Africans in North America provides an opportunity for renewing conversations about how we can address persistent inequities resulting from the United States's brutal history of slavery and genocide against people of African descent and indigenous peoples.

  • Indigenous People's Day & Anti-racism work
Student human rights leaders compiled the following list of films, podcasts, and short articles and reports to inspire learning that acknowledges past harms and furthers a process of truth-telling and racial healing. Recording: Community Dialogue: Indigenous Peoples Day: Deconstructing white supremacy and celebrating Indigenous Peoples' history More Resources on Indigenous peoples and human rights

Past & Ongoing Projects

Statement to City Council: Human Rights City Alliance backs community organizations calling for pause in vote on ARP funds: Our message to Council reminds them of past commitments and priorities that must be addressed in ARP allocations while calling for transparent and democratic process for deciding how funds will be used.

Sign the petition for a more transparent, accountable, and democratic process for allocating public resources.


Learning from COVID-19:Shaping a Health and Human Rights Agenda for our Region
We can’t return to status quo if we are to prevent the multiple breakdowns and failures we’re now seeing with COVID-19. Resilience and long-term, community well-being requires dramatic improvements to public infrastructure and support for housing, food, & health security. We're working with diverse groups in the community to host this forum series and build a strong people’s movement to help us realize a society that prioritizes equity and the human right to health, so that every member of our community can live dignified lives. Click here for details, recordings and summaries of past discussions

Co-Sponsors: Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance, Atlanta Housing Justice League, Organization for Human Rights & Democracy, University of Pittsburgh Global Studies Center & Urban Studies Program, Student Human Rights Task Force- Pitt & The New School (NYC) Collaboration.
Further background and recordings at:Zero Evictions Days Resource page and webinar recordings Featuring dialogues with Leilani Farha, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Adequate Housing.)

Pittsburgh Human Rights City Alliance Steering Committee Members named to Mayor’s Community Task Force on Police Reform Community leaders Brandi Fisher, President and CEO of the Alliance for Police Accountability and Monica Ruiz, Executive Director of Casa San Jose, have been tasked with helping our city develop a plan to review existing policing practices and policies and make recommendations. Here is the outline of the City’s Agenda for Police Reform.

Bringing Human Rights Home

*UPR Pittsburgh Bringing Global Human Rights Home: Pittsburgh's Human Rights Assessment & the United Nations Together with human rights defenders around the country, Pittsburgh residents are working to bring the stories and accounts of human rights conditions in our region to the United Nations through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Over 2019-2020, the United States human rights record will be reviewed by international representatives and human rights experts, and the UN will issue a formal report with recommendations to the US government for improving respect for the country's international human rights obligations. A key to the UPR's effectiveness is engagement from civil society, and we're working to provide opportunities for residents to learn about human rights and the UPR process as we generate ideas for how we can make Pittsburgh and Southwest PA places where human rights thrive.


Pittsburgh Activists File Report to UN on State of Human Rights in Region

Pittsburgh City Council Passes Zero Evictions Proclamation in Solidarity with Global Movement for Housing Justice


Housing Justice

  • Housing is a Human Right-Letter to Officials The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing, Leilani Farha, recently directed letters to governments and corporate leaders around the world, pointing out how prevailing policies violate international human rights obligations. This page has details and a template for contacting your local leaders to remind them of their international legal obligations.
  • Housing Justice Pittsburgh Building community power to fight displacement and promote our "Right to the City."
  • Housing Summit 2018 Area organizations are working together to build a broad alliance for affordable housing in our region. Mark your calendars for our November 10, 2018 Housing Summit, and watch for a series of events and activities aimed to develop new strategies for addressing Pittsburgh's housing crisis.
  • Housing is a Human Right: Slideshow on international treaties and opportunities to promote the human right to housing

Learn more about how Amazon's bid to move to Pittsburgh would affect human rights here. Resources, data, and recordings of community forums.


International Human Rights Monitoring

This page links to work by national and international human rights organizers to use international treaties and United Nations human rights review processes to hold local and national officials in the United States accountable to our international human rights obligations.


News & Updates


Human Rights Budgeting-Ideas and Resources for transforming how our city plans: This page shares links and background resources about how activists around the world are working to change the scripts of local politics to prioritize human rights over economic measures of progress. We believe that urban planning and development should be explicit in its attention to human rights and equity. More democratic budgeting processes are key to making this happen, and that means we all need to learn more about how city budgeting works and how it could be re-organized to engage more of the people who live in our region.

Past Actions:

International Human Rights Day 2020 Public/Media Statement:
Pittsburgh Joins Global Efforts to Target Systemic Racism, Bring Human Rights Home [1]



Regularly scheduled meetings/ Local Human Rights Groups



Alerts & Updates

  • 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 (See FAQs for more information). Community organizations and individuals are asked to write letters to the Port Authority in support of this campaign (see sample letter).
  • PIttsburgh Public Schools Passes Sanctuary Resolution
  • 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! www.pgh4cedaw.org


University-Based Projects

  • Pittsburgh area university faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to join the University Human Rights Network. We invite volunteers from different campuses to help support work on your campus and coordinate with other campuses.
  • Pitt Human Rights Initiative
  • 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 website and Facebook page


How to get involved

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.




NEW Research on Pittsburgh and Human Rights Organizing:
Responding to Globalization and Urban Conflict: Human Rights City Initiatives Studies in Social Justice

Dangerous Times: Defending Human Rights
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. Human Rights Watch "World Report 2017: Demagogues Threaten Human Rights-Trump, European Populists Foster Bigotry, Discrimination."


Defend Pittsburghers' Right to Stay in their City! Housing Justice
**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.Homes for All Pittsburgh

*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 .

About the Human Rights City Alliance

How to Get Involved


Resources

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

People-Centered Human Rights: Analyses from Around the Nation and World


OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute-Human Rights in Pittsburgh and Beyond, Resource Page

Past events

World Food Day 2015: Watch video recording of October 2015 panel on the Right to Food
International Workers Day March for Immigrant Rights 2016 Statement of Unity and Solidarity


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

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e-mail: pghrights [at] riseup.net

Universal Declaration of Human Rights booklet with Pittsburgh's Human Rights City Proclamation

YWCA Pledge Stand against racism


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