Originally published on the CGS blog on September 15, 2007.
I just ran a pair of back to back workshops here at UWC-USA on international law and justice issues. The energy in each workshop was the thing that struck me the most. The participants want to do more; they want to be part of a broader movement against war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
It strikes me that there is an opportunity to start connected together communities that work on Uganda, Darfur, DRC, Zimbabwe etc. into a more cohesive movement. It will take time but the will and the tools are available.
One of the big challenges facing the human rights movement is how we link those passionate about dealing with, say, Darfur with those working on Zimbabwe. We have been thinking about that at CGS and I know our friends at other organizations such as ENOUGH are also working on this. We need to develop this network ? if these workshops are a good yardstick, our activists are demanding it. One additional piece of the puzzle is that they also want to look at human rights at home and the U.S. role in the world?.lots to consider.
After the final panel this evening, I will be preparing for further talks in New Mexico with Mike Otterman (our friend and author of American Torture) ? if you are here in NM come and find us at Wesbter Uni on Mon 17th at 1pm or Sante Fe the next day (3pm at Benildus Hall USF or 6pm at Collected Works Bookshop.
