EAD 2022: Protect International Human Rights and Domestic Voting Rights with Fierce Urgency
All people have the God-given right to live with dignity, safe from war, abuse, and oppression, as well as the right to exercise self-determination. These sacred rights belong to every human being regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. However, they are threatened in many nations abroad, including the Philippines, Colombia, Israel, and Saudi Arabia to which the United States government provides military equipment and training that are used both directly and indirectly in exacerbating armed conflict and violating human rights. Also alarming at home, are the efforts in many states to make voting much more difficult and our elections less representative of the will of the people. We can protect against these threats to human and civil rights by urging Congress to support the Safeguarding Human Rights in Arms Exports Act of 2021 (SAFEGUARD Act; S. 1473/H.R.5629) and the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act (H.R. 5746).
The SAFEGUARD Act seeks to prevent arms exports from being used in violation of international humanitarian law or internationally recognized human rights; ensure that arms sales, exports, or transfers fully comply with those standards; and require accountability for violations. The bill includes a complete prohibition of arms sales to countries committing genocide or war crimes and empowers Congress and the President to review and/or recall arms sales if it becomes evident that the recipient is committing or enabling human rights abuses.
The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act (FTVA) addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, partisan redistricting, campaign finance, and voting rights protection. The provisions of the bill strengthen our democracy by lifting barriers to voting while also making our elections more secure.
As faithful citizens of not only the U.S. but the world, it is incumbent upon us that we use the power of our voices to ensure that all God’s children can live free of violence and oppression both within and outside of our borders.
Join together with hundreds of participants at Ecumenical Advocacy Days virtually this week, as we call on Congress to take immediate and clear action on international human rights and domestic voting rights. The United Church of Christ has a long history of engagement on these issues and joining this effort through Ecumenical Advocacy Days you help us continue the work. Take action today!