Human Rights

Why the U.S.-North Korea Summit Failed Before It Ever Started

Why the U.S.-North Korea Summit Failed Before It Ever Started

The media has built up the summit between he and Kim Jung Un as the greatest meeting ever between two people. It is, of course, significant. Rarely do we see two dictators come together on such a world stage. The handshake was staged perfectly for prime time while the news anchors whispered and analyzed every aspect like it was The Masters golf tournament. But this summit will fail not for what they will discuss, but for what they will completely ignore. 

Two Missing Words

Two Missing Words

Typically, the role the United States has played in the world, though admittedly without consistency or authenticity most of the time, is to remind nations of their responsibility to uphold human rights. This issue has been raised by all presidents since President Jimmy Carter, who was the first to make it a centerpiece of his foreign policy, until now. As I have watched donald trump on his two major trips abroad there are two words that he has yet to mention: human rights.

Journeying to Palestine

Journeying to Palestine

I am writing you with an invitation to partner with me as I join a delegation to Palestine and Israel this May. This unique delegation will focus on human rights issues surrounding incarceration and the political persecution of human rights defenders in the larger context of the ongoing and unjust occupation. Not only is this delegation unique because of its focus, but also because of the commitment required of participants to ongoing advocacy work together.