Petition to PM of Thailand; World AIDS Orphan Day
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Mary Puttmann
May 7, 2008, 8:09:30 AM5/7/08
to internatio...@googlegroups.com, International Health
PETITION TO THAI PRIME MINISTER
Friends- if you are a student, or know any students, please ask
them to sign onto this important petition to the Thai Prime
Minister in response to the recently relaunched war on drugs. Up
to 50% of drug users in Thailand are HIV+ as a result of policies
like this that drive people underground instead of promoting
sound harm reduction and reducing HIV rates.
Thanks!
Kaytee
--
US Students: Please sign this petition to say The Thai Drug War
is Dead Wrong!
Sign the petition here:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html
<http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html>
Background information:
In 2003, the Thai government launched an effort to eradicate
drugs, which included extra-judicial killings, 'blacklisting' of
suspected drug users and dealers, and forced drug 'treatment' in
military-style facilities. The result was nearly 3,000 people
were murdered, and 1,400 had no connection to drugs. The
government has failed to identify or punish any of the
perpetrators of these crimes. The campaign caused irrevocable
damage to people's reputation, property and lives, and seriously
disrupted drug users' access to essential services, such as HIV
treatment, prevention information, counseling and equipment, by
driving drug users even further underground.
The Thai government has relaunched this drug war. On February 20,
the interior minister, Chalerm Yubamrung, told the Thai
parliament that: "for drug dealers, if they do not want to die,
they had better quit staying on that road. Drugs suppression in
my time as interior minister will follow the approach of Thaksin
[former Prime Minister of Thailand during the 2003 drug war]. If
that will lead to 3,000-4,000 deaths of those who break the law,
then so be it. That has to be done."
The recent escalation of the drug war, including the history of
extrajudicial killings, will lead to clear human rights abuses.
As American students, we must use our voices and wallets to take
action against the Thai government. This calls for a pledge to
not travel to Thailand, thus putting an economic boycott on one
of the country's biggest industries: tourism. This tourist
boycott will be used to pressure the Thai government to stop this
war on drug users.
Please take 30 seconds and sign this petition:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html
<http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html>
Here's the text of the petition:
To: Prime Minister Sundravej
We, as students in the United States, are appalled by the human
rights abuses targeting drug users in Thailand. The recently
escalated war on drugs, including the potential for extrajudicial
killing of drug users has not gone unnoticed. When this policy
was in existence in 2003, over 2,750 Thai citizens were murdered.
We will not stand by and allow this to happen again.
While we understand that your government is newly elected and
that you have verbally committed your government to protect human
rights, the history of similar policies tells us otherwise.
Therefore, until this policy is reversed and a public health
approach to drug use is implemented in Thailand, we are standing
on the side of protecting the lives of drug users and using our
buying power to send this message.
Thailand has long been an international destination for students
and young travelers. Thailand has also been a global leader in
the fight for affordable AIDS treatment. However, until the
crimes against drug users end, we pledge not to travel or study
abroad in the country of Thailand.
Sincerely,
[list in formation
cc: Mr. Chalerm Yoobumrung, Interior Minister of Thailand
Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports
Mr. Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn, Ambassador from Thailand to the
United States
Petition was written by the Student Global AIDS Campaign
(www.fightglobalaids.org) and Health GAP (www.healthgap.org) in
consultation with the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group
(www.ttag.info).
WORLD AIDS ORPHANS DAY
Dear Friends,
I want to commend you on some amazing work you have done over the
last week. First of all, the International Violence Against Women
Act
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/ktxHuu\
/VEsH/> (IVAWA) was introduced on the House floor on April 30 by
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA). We could not have gotten this bill
introduced if it weren't for all of your calls, emails, and
meetings. In related news, Senators Domenici (R-NM) and Collins
(R-ME) recently joined 16 Senators as co-sponsors of IVAWA in the
Senate. Again, thank you for all you did to reach out to your
Senators on this issue. We are still looking for a few more
co-sponsors, so if you are interested in meeting with your
Senators' staff on this issue, be sure to email
grass...@globalaidsalliance.org
<http://us.mc574.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=grassroots@globalai\
dsalliance.org> . Congratulations again to on this fantastic
work. We couldn't have done it without you!
In other news, thanks to your quick action, the Senate Global
Fund letter
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/E8k1Gh\
/VEsE/> received more signers than it did last year and this
makes it a strong signal of support to the Fund, which is a
crucial source of financing for life-saving health programs!
Thirty-six senators signed the letter circulated by Senators
Durbin (D-IL), Smith (R-OR), Brown (D-OH), and Dole (R-NC) to
Appropriations Committee leaders requesting $1.65 billion for the
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, which would be a
doubling of current spending. Thank you for your calls and emails
to your Senate offices.
I am constantly impressed at what you accomplish. Below are some
current actions that are really very urgent. Let's turn these
into reality as well!
The most crucial one is to ask your Senators to co-sponsor S.
2731, the bill that reauthorizes the US program on global AIDS
(plus TB and malaria) for another 5 years! With enough calls and
emails from you we can get this acted on. This week we will mark
WORLD AIDS ORPHANS DAY and what better way to mark that occasion
than to call your Senators!
Mary Peterson
Grassroots Coordinator
Global AIDS Alliance
(202) 789-0432 ext. 212
mpet...@globalaidsalliance.org
<http://us.mc574.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mpeterson@globalaid\
salliance.org>
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
Call Your Senators - Move the AIDS Bill Forward! Last month the
House of Representatives passed a terrific bill setting forward
policy and funding on global AIDS for the next FIVE YEARS. BUT,
the bill is stalled in the Senate. We need your help now to make
sure this bill, which ensures US programs will have a strong
focus on the needs of children, goes forward as soon as possible.
Go to our new action alert for the details on what you can do to
help
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/mqsYZY\
/VEsF/> !
Thailand Plans to re-Launch Repression of Injecting Drug Users -
Sign the Petition! What better way to mark Global AIDS Week of
Action than to join the groundswell of voices from across the
world during the week of May 18-24 to demand urgency,
accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
If you are a student, sign onto an important petition
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/ZqroHj\
/VEsC/> to the Prime Minister of Thailand opposing Thailand's
recently re-launched war on drugs. When this policy was in
existence in 2003, over 2,750 Thai citizens were murdered by the
government. Up to 50% of drug users in Thailand are HIV as a
result of policies like this, which drive people underground
instead of promoting sound harm reduction and HIV prevention. For
more ideas on how to participate in Global AIDS Week of Action
check out the official website
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/NLv5J7\
/VEsD/> or email grass...@globalaidsalliance.org.
Protect HIV/AIDS Funding: HIV/AIDS funding has been making the
news lately, because Congress is on course to authorize $50
billion for AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs over the
next five years. These programs include provisions to help
orphaned children and strengthen essential health systems.
President Bush recently said that he supports this legislation.
Of the $50 billion total, about $37 billion would go to AIDS
programs, which is crucial to reach the international goal of
universal access to all HIV/AIDS services. Please contact your
Representative to let him or her know that you support fully
funding the first year of the new, five-year program
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/goZQ37\
/VEsA/> !
Disturbing, yet Enlightening: Check out the trailer of Children
Rise for an insightful and authentic look at the lives of street
children in Durban, South Africa
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/2Ieubk\
/VEsB/> . Then head on over to GAA's YouTube channel to see both
Alicia Keyes and Angelina Jolie speak out to make change
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/4Z0Tht\
/VEsO/> .
--
Georgetown University Medical School M'10
Mary.M....@gmail.com
(513)505.7441
www.healthequitycampaign.org
"Paciencia es la ciencia de la paz."
"There is no true word that is not at the same time a praxis. Thus to speak a true word is to transform the world." Paulo Freire
Friends- if you are a student, or know any students, please ask
them to sign onto this important petition to the Thai Prime
Minister in response to the recently relaunched war on drugs. Up
to 50% of drug users in Thailand are HIV+ as a result of policies
like this that drive people underground instead of promoting
sound harm reduction and reducing HIV rates.
Thanks!
Kaytee
--
US Students: Please sign this petition to say The Thai Drug War
is Dead Wrong!
Sign the petition here:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html
<http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html>
Background information:
In 2003, the Thai government launched an effort to eradicate
drugs, which included extra-judicial killings, 'blacklisting' of
suspected drug users and dealers, and forced drug 'treatment' in
military-style facilities. The result was nearly 3,000 people
were murdered, and 1,400 had no connection to drugs. The
government has failed to identify or punish any of the
perpetrators of these crimes. The campaign caused irrevocable
damage to people's reputation, property and lives, and seriously
disrupted drug users' access to essential services, such as HIV
treatment, prevention information, counseling and equipment, by
driving drug users even further underground.
The Thai government has relaunched this drug war. On February 20,
the interior minister, Chalerm Yubamrung, told the Thai
parliament that: "for drug dealers, if they do not want to die,
they had better quit staying on that road. Drugs suppression in
my time as interior minister will follow the approach of Thaksin
[former Prime Minister of Thailand during the 2003 drug war]. If
that will lead to 3,000-4,000 deaths of those who break the law,
then so be it. That has to be done."
The recent escalation of the drug war, including the history of
extrajudicial killings, will lead to clear human rights abuses.
As American students, we must use our voices and wallets to take
action against the Thai government. This calls for a pledge to
not travel to Thailand, thus putting an economic boycott on one
of the country's biggest industries: tourism. This tourist
boycott will be used to pressure the Thai government to stop this
war on drug users.
Please take 30 seconds and sign this petition:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html
<http://www.PetitionOnline.com/SGACthai/petition.html>
Here's the text of the petition:
To: Prime Minister Sundravej
We, as students in the United States, are appalled by the human
rights abuses targeting drug users in Thailand. The recently
escalated war on drugs, including the potential for extrajudicial
killing of drug users has not gone unnoticed. When this policy
was in existence in 2003, over 2,750 Thai citizens were murdered.
We will not stand by and allow this to happen again.
While we understand that your government is newly elected and
that you have verbally committed your government to protect human
rights, the history of similar policies tells us otherwise.
Therefore, until this policy is reversed and a public health
approach to drug use is implemented in Thailand, we are standing
on the side of protecting the lives of drug users and using our
buying power to send this message.
Thailand has long been an international destination for students
and young travelers. Thailand has also been a global leader in
the fight for affordable AIDS treatment. However, until the
crimes against drug users end, we pledge not to travel or study
abroad in the country of Thailand.
Sincerely,
[list in formation
cc: Mr. Chalerm Yoobumrung, Interior Minister of Thailand
Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports
Mr. Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn, Ambassador from Thailand to the
United States
Petition was written by the Student Global AIDS Campaign
(www.fightglobalaids.org) and Health GAP (www.healthgap.org) in
consultation with the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group
(www.ttag.info).
WORLD AIDS ORPHANS DAY
Dear Friends,
I want to commend you on some amazing work you have done over the
last week. First of all, the International Violence Against Women
Act
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/ktxHuu\
/VEsH/> (IVAWA) was introduced on the House floor on April 30 by
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA). We could not have gotten this bill
introduced if it weren't for all of your calls, emails, and
meetings. In related news, Senators Domenici (R-NM) and Collins
(R-ME) recently joined 16 Senators as co-sponsors of IVAWA in the
Senate. Again, thank you for all you did to reach out to your
Senators on this issue. We are still looking for a few more
co-sponsors, so if you are interested in meeting with your
Senators' staff on this issue, be sure to email
grass...@globalaidsalliance.org
<http://us.mc574.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=grassroots@globalai\
dsalliance.org> . Congratulations again to on this fantastic
work. We couldn't have done it without you!
In other news, thanks to your quick action, the Senate Global
Fund letter
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/E8k1Gh\
/VEsE/> received more signers than it did last year and this
makes it a strong signal of support to the Fund, which is a
crucial source of financing for life-saving health programs!
Thirty-six senators signed the letter circulated by Senators
Durbin (D-IL), Smith (R-OR), Brown (D-OH), and Dole (R-NC) to
Appropriations Committee leaders requesting $1.65 billion for the
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, which would be a
doubling of current spending. Thank you for your calls and emails
to your Senate offices.
I am constantly impressed at what you accomplish. Below are some
current actions that are really very urgent. Let's turn these
into reality as well!
The most crucial one is to ask your Senators to co-sponsor S.
2731, the bill that reauthorizes the US program on global AIDS
(plus TB and malaria) for another 5 years! With enough calls and
emails from you we can get this acted on. This week we will mark
WORLD AIDS ORPHANS DAY and what better way to mark that occasion
than to call your Senators!
Mary Peterson
Grassroots Coordinator
Global AIDS Alliance
(202) 789-0432 ext. 212
mpet...@globalaidsalliance.org
<http://us.mc574.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mpeterson@globalaid\
salliance.org>
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
Call Your Senators - Move the AIDS Bill Forward! Last month the
House of Representatives passed a terrific bill setting forward
policy and funding on global AIDS for the next FIVE YEARS. BUT,
the bill is stalled in the Senate. We need your help now to make
sure this bill, which ensures US programs will have a strong
focus on the needs of children, goes forward as soon as possible.
Go to our new action alert for the details on what you can do to
help
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/mqsYZY\
/VEsF/> !
Thailand Plans to re-Launch Repression of Injecting Drug Users -
Sign the Petition! What better way to mark Global AIDS Week of
Action than to join the groundswell of voices from across the
world during the week of May 18-24 to demand urgency,
accountability and more resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
If you are a student, sign onto an important petition
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/ZqroHj\
/VEsC/> to the Prime Minister of Thailand opposing Thailand's
recently re-launched war on drugs. When this policy was in
existence in 2003, over 2,750 Thai citizens were murdered by the
government. Up to 50% of drug users in Thailand are HIV as a
result of policies like this, which drive people underground
instead of promoting sound harm reduction and HIV prevention. For
more ideas on how to participate in Global AIDS Week of Action
check out the official website
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/NLv5J7\
/VEsD/> or email grass...@globalaidsalliance.org.
Protect HIV/AIDS Funding: HIV/AIDS funding has been making the
news lately, because Congress is on course to authorize $50
billion for AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programs over the
next five years. These programs include provisions to help
orphaned children and strengthen essential health systems.
President Bush recently said that he supports this legislation.
Of the $50 billion total, about $37 billion would go to AIDS
programs, which is crucial to reach the international goal of
universal access to all HIV/AIDS services. Please contact your
Representative to let him or her know that you support fully
funding the first year of the new, five-year program
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/goZQ37\
/VEsA/> !
Disturbing, yet Enlightening: Check out the trailer of Children
Rise for an insightful and authentic look at the lives of street
children in Durban, South Africa
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/2Ieubk\
/VEsB/> . Then head on over to GAA's YouTube channel to see both
Alicia Keyes and Angelina Jolie speak out to make change
<http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/page/m/57b05c102e8b15d3/4Z0Tht\
/VEsO/> .
--
Georgetown University Medical School M'10
Mary.M....@gmail.com
(513)505.7441
www.healthequitycampaign.org
"Paciencia es la ciencia de la paz."
"There is no true word that is not at the same time a praxis. Thus to speak a true word is to transform the world." Paulo Freire
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