News Archives » North America
ConocoPhillips Improves Corporate Human Rights Position August 12th, 2011
ConocoPhillips has amended its corporate Human Rights policy to include recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples as articulated in UN declarations and conventions. This action, approved by ConocoPhillips Chair/CEO Jim Mulva as well as the Board of Directors, is one result of ICCR member shareholder dialogs with the company led by Steven Heim at Boston Common Asset Management. The Oblates have been engaged in this dialog for several years and remain deeply concerned about the impacts of corporate activity – particularly oil and gas exploration – on indigenous peoples.
The company’s position on the rights of indigenous peoples now reads:
“The Company’s approach to engagement with indigenous communities, in locations where they are an important stakeholder group for our operations, is consistent with the principles of the International Labour Organization Convention 169, concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
In May of this year, the company announced it was pulling out of a controversial project slated for northern Peru. The project threatened two uncontacted tribes in the area.
Read the company’s Human Rights Position statement…
DREAM Act Immigration Sabbath August 12th, 2011
Communities of faith around the United States, interested in continuing to build support for undocumented immigrant students, are hosting DREAM Act Sabbath 2011, from September 16 to October 9. DREAM ACT Sabbath was launched by dozen religious leaders and Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Michael Bennet (D-CO). The United States Catholic Bishops Conference’s program, Justice for Immigrants, has just announced a PRAY FOR THE DREAM weekend to celebrate DREAM ACT 2011 Sabbath.
Click here to read more »
California Dream Act Signed into Law August 8th, 2011
California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the California Dream Act (AB 130) on July 25th. This measure allows undocumented immigrant students who have graduated high school to use private grants to go to college.
The Governor is now considering a more controversial companion bill, AB 131, which would give undocumented students access to public grants as well. The Catholic Church supports the federal version of the Dream Act, which also offers a path to citizenship for undocumented students, saying it is consistent with Catholic social doctrine that is based on the dignity of each human.
It’s a small step for a big goal: the chance for a bright future for undocumented students.
Thanks to the faith communities and community leaders who made this victory possible.
Churches Sue to Block State Immigration Law Enforcement August 2nd, 2011
In this June 25, 2011 photo, marchers leave a park in Birmingham, Alabama, during a protest against the state's new law cracking down on undocumented immigration. (AP photo)
Leaders of the Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches of Alabama filed suit in federal court on August 1st to stop the enforcement of Alabama’s new Anti-Immigration Law because it prevents the free exercise of religion. The bishops called the new law “the nation’s most merciless anti-immigration legislation.”
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, of the Mobile Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Alabama, Bishop Robert J. Baker, of the Birmingham Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in Alabama, Bishop Henry N. Parsley, Jr., of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama and Bishop William H. Willimon, of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church have joined together as plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit. Some 338,000 Alabama residents are members of Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches in the state.
Click here to read more »
Stop Trafficking: July Newsletter Issue Available August 2nd, 2011
The Stop Trafficking newsletter, hosted by the STOP ENSLAVEMENT web domain, serves as a forum for exchange among religious congregations and their collaborating organizations:
- to promote awareness about human trafficking
- to exchange best practices in advocacy for and empowerment of survivors of human trafficking
- to recommend actions to counter human trafficking
Read the July issue of Stop Trafficking at www.stopenslavement.org
Available in English and Spanish.
