Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Protect Civilians from Explosive Weapons
NEW YORK, Nov. 17 [Category: International] -- Human Rights Watch posted the following news:
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Protect Civilians from Explosive Weapons
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* Governments should act on recent political commitments to protect civilians from the bombing and shelling that devastates cities and towns around the world.
* Civilians make up the vast majority of casualties caused by the use of explosive weaponssuch as aerial bombs, rockets, missiles, and artillery and mortar projectilesin populated areas.
* Governments should maximize civilian protection in practice by adopting strong measures to implement
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Nov. 17 [Category: International] -- Human Rights Watch posted the following news:
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Protect Civilians from Explosive Weapons
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* Governments should act on recent political commitments to protect civilians from the bombing and shelling that devastates cities and towns around the world.
* Civilians make up the vast majority of casualties caused by the use of explosive weaponssuch as aerial bombs, rockets, missiles, and artillery and mortar projectilesin populated areas.
* Governments should maximize civilian protection in practice by adopting strong measures to implementtheir commitments. They should set humanitarian standards that influence not only other countries that have endorsed the commitments, but also parties to armed conflict that have yet to do so.
(San Jose, November 17, 2025) - Governments should act on recent political commitments to protect civilians from the bombing and shelling that devastates cities and towns around the world, Human Rights Watch said today in a report issued with Harvard Law School's International Human Rights Clinic.
The 37-page report, " Strengthening Civilian Protection: Principles for Implementing the Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas," introduces seven guiding principles to help countries that have endorsed the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Area put their commitments into practice. Civilians make up the vast majority of casualties caused by the use of explosive weaponssuch as aerial bombs, rockets, missiles, and artillery and mortar projectilesin populated areas. Explosive weapons also turn urban areas into rubble, destroy infrastructure, and damage the environment and cultural heritage.
"Countries at war that use explosive weapons in populated areas kill, injure, and traumatize civilians, disrupt access to essential services, and cause mass displacement," said Bonnie Docherty, senior arms adviser at Human Rights Watch; lecturer on law at the Harvard Clinic; and lead author of the report. "The extensive harm recently documented in Ukraine, Gaza, Democratic Republic of Congo, and elsewhere shows that governments should intensify efforts to implement their expressed commitments to protect civilians from this method of warfare."
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The declaration, adopted in Dublin in 2022, is a nonbinding international instrument that seeks to prevent and remediate the devastating effects on civilians associated with using explosive weapons in cities, towns, and villages. Endorsing countries and other relevant stakeholders will meet in San Jose, Costa Rica, from November 18 to 20, 2025, for the declaration's second international conference to encourage broader endorsement, review and strengthen implementation efforts, and outline next steps.
The declaration says that countries that endorse it should take a variety of steps to better protect civilians, including "restricting or refraining from" the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and assisting victims of harm that has already occurred. Endorsing countries should also gather and publicly share data about the use and effects of explosive weapons that can be analyzed to learn lessons that improve civilian protection in the future.
Human Rights Watch and the Harvard Human Rights Clinic urge governments to follow seven guiding principles to effectively implement the declaration's commitments. These principles are applicable to all countries, no matter the structure of their government or size of their military.
Countries that have endorsed the declaration should (1) comprehensively address the humanitarian consequences of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, and (2) develop progressive civilian protection standards that go beyond existing international humanitarian law, Human Rights Watch and the Harvard clinic say in the report. Countries should also (3) collaborate with a wide range of actors; (4) ensure that all decisions are informed by relevant data; and (5) be transparent in implementation efforts. Finally, they should (6) internalize their commitments as part of their national laws and policies and (7) promote the declaration and its norms beyond the endorsing countries.
"Strengthening Civilian Protection" builds on the 2022 report " Safeguarding Civilians: A Humanitarian Interpretation of the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas," co-published by Human Rights Watch and the Harvard Human Rights Clinic, which focuses on interpreting the declaration's provisions.
Human Rights Watch is a co-founder of the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW), the coalition of civil society groups that helped drive creation of the declaration. The network and two civil society partnersFundacion para la paz y la democracia (Foundation for Peace and Democracy or FUNPADEM) and Seguridad Humana en America Latina y el Caribe (Latin American Human Security Network or SEHLAC)will host a Protection Forum, open to all delegates, on the first day of the San Jose conference.
"Governments that adopt strong measures based on shared principles can help maximize the declaration's potential as a tool for protecting civilians," Docherty said. "They can set standards that influence not only other countries that have endorsed the commitments, but also parties to armed conflict that have yet to do so."
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Original text here: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/17/protect-civilians-from-explosive-weapons
Sunrise Launches Historic Primary Program: "It's Time to Clear House"
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Sunrise Movement issued the following news release:
Sunrise Launches Historic Primary Program: "It's time to clear house"
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As outrage grows over Chuck Schumer and Establishment Democrats' refusal to stand up to Donald Trump's authoritarianism and right-wing extremism, Sunrise Movement announced the launch of the most ambitious primary programs in its history, seizing on the record-breaking number of open seats and challengers across the country.
"For far too long, Democratic leadership has failed to meet the moment; it's time to clear house," said Sunrise Movement
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Sunrise Movement issued the following news release:
Sunrise Launches Historic Primary Program: "It's time to clear house"
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As outrage grows over Chuck Schumer and Establishment Democrats' refusal to stand up to Donald Trump's authoritarianism and right-wing extremism, Sunrise Movement announced the launch of the most ambitious primary programs in its history, seizing on the record-breaking number of open seats and challengers across the country.
"For far too long, Democratic leadership has failed to meet the moment; it's time to clear house," said Sunrise MovementExecutive Director Aru Shiney-Ajay. "I'm extremely excited about the crop of candidates running in 2026. This year, we have an unprecedented opportunity to elect a new generation of leaders who are challenging our broken political system and fighting for a livable and affordable country."
The initiative will include a nationwide field, protest, and communications program targeting over a dozen congressional primaries. Sunrise organizers and volunteers will mobilize thousands of young people to knock on doors, make calls, and take direct action to elect progressive champions ready to challenge the Democratic Party's complacency and reimagine what Democratic leadership can look like.
In the 2026 general election, Sunrise will lead one of the largest youth electoral efforts in the country, organizing students on campuses across the country to ensure young voters turn out to reject authoritarianism at the ballot box and are prepared to mobilize in defense of election results if Trump or his allies attempt to subvert democracy.
The initiative marks a new phase in Sunrise's continued work to confront the threats Trump poses to democracy and to build a political system that works for working people. A central focus of the initiative will be campus organizing, empowering students to resist the Trump administration's attempts to control curricula and limit political expression.
Sunrise will continue to expand its training programs to help young people identify and resist authoritarianism through nonviolent direct action and grassroots organizing. These efforts aim to equip a new generation of activists with the skills and networks to protect democratic freedoms, hold elected officials accountable, and channel this into electoral victories.
During the 2024 general election, Sunrise led one of the largest youth voter programs nationwide, making over 4 million voter contacts to mobilize young voters. The 2026 electoral program will build on this work to pressure Democrats to back policies that mobilize young voters and encourage young people to turn out to vote.
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Original text here: https://us7.campaign-archive.com/?u=03c6bd2c940b3a70bc44f0b69&id=999667680a
[Category: Political]
SPP Forecasts Near Normal Temperatures, High Likelihood of Meeting Regional Demand for Electricity
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Nov. 15 -- Southwest Power Pool, a corporation mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure supplies of power, transmission infrastructure and wholesale electricity prices, issued the following news release:
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SPP forecasts near normal temperatures, high likelihood of meeting regional demand for electricity
Southwest Power Pool (SPP), responsible for coordinating electric reliability in a 14-state area in the central United States, expects to have enough generation to meet energy needs this winter.
"Reliability is a top priority for SPP," said Bruce
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Nov. 15 -- Southwest Power Pool, a corporation mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure supplies of power, transmission infrastructure and wholesale electricity prices, issued the following news release:
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SPP forecasts near normal temperatures, high likelihood of meeting regional demand for electricity
Southwest Power Pool (SPP), responsible for coordinating electric reliability in a 14-state area in the central United States, expects to have enough generation to meet energy needs this winter.
"Reliability is a top priority for SPP," said BruceRew, SPP senior vice president of operations. "Though we anticipate no major concerns this season, we are working proactively with our member utilities to monitor the grid and be prepared should significant winter storms cause power issues. We've collected and analyzed data from past grid events to apply lessons learned to help ensure uninterrupted energy flows for our members and their customers."
SPP conducts an assessment each year to identify and mitigate threats to energy reliability during the winter season lasting from December to February.
"Overall, colder temperatures are predicted in the northern part of the SPP footprint," said SPP meteorologist Jeff Baskin. "Warmer than normal are anticipated in the southern area and normal temperatures are expected in the central area."
More details regarding the winter forecast, reliability assessment, and general emergency preparedness will be shared during the Winter 2025/2026 Readiness Forecast and Emergency Communications Net Conference Monday at 2pm CST. The webinar is open to the public and requires registration.
If conditions threaten reliability, SPP will communicate with members, stakeholders and the public through the grid notice email distribution list and social media. Current grid conditions can be found at www.SPP.org/grid-conditions.
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Original text here: https://www.spp.org/news-list/spp-forecasts-near-normal-temperatures-high-likelihood-of-meeting-regional-demand-for-electricity/
[Category: Energy]
PETA Statement: Blockage of Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Is Only Temporary
NEW YORK, Nov. 15 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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PETA Statement: Blockage of Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Is Only Temporary
Today, at a City Council meeting attended by hundreds of constituents, New York City Council Health Committee members bowed to pressure from the horse-drawn carriage industry and killed Ryder's Law, the city's proposed horse-drawn carriage ban, without advancing it to the council floor for a full vote. Although Councilmember Robert Holden made a motion for a public hearing, the Committee violated procedural
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Nov. 15 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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PETA Statement: Blockage of Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Is Only Temporary
Today, at a City Council meeting attended by hundreds of constituents, New York City Council Health Committee members bowed to pressure from the horse-drawn carriage industry and killed Ryder's Law, the city's proposed horse-drawn carriage ban, without advancing it to the council floor for a full vote. Although Councilmember Robert Holden made a motion for a public hearing, the Committee violated proceduralrules by refusing his motion.
Please find a statement from PETA Director Ashley Byrne in response:
"More than 75% of New Yorkers want horse-drawn carriages off city streets, so the carriage industry is resorting to dirty tricks to prop up this dying trade and keep exhausted horses pounding the pavement through sweltering summers and windy winters. PETA is confident that with compassionate councilmembers already committed to reintroducing this bill next term, the question isn't if New York will ban horse-drawn carriages, it's when."
Ryder's Law was named after a horse who collapsed on New York City streets and later died. The proposal came after video footage of Ryder lying on Ninth Avenue went viral, and reports that his driver slapped him, whipped him, and screamed at him to get up sparked outrage.
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way"--points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/peta-statement-blockage-of-horse-drawn-carriage-ban-is-only-temporary/
[Category: Animals]
CAIR-NY Welcomes Columbia U. Statement Denouncing Hate Incident Targeting Muslim Woman
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NY Welcomes Columbia U. Statement Denouncing Hate Incident Targeting Muslim Woman
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The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed a statement by Columbia University denouncing a reported bias-motivated incident targeting a Muslim woman near the university.
Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman stated in part:
"Last week, outside of our gates, one of our students was involved in a deeply troubling
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR-NY Welcomes Columbia U. Statement Denouncing Hate Incident Targeting Muslim Woman
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The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today welcomed a statement by Columbia University denouncing a reported bias-motivated incident targeting a Muslim woman near the university.
Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman stated in part:
"Last week, outside of our gates, one of our students was involved in a deeply troublingand frightening situation. An individual, unaffiliated with our University, targeted our student based on her identity. The perpetrator made derogatory comments regarding our student's niqab and proceeded to harass and follow her down the street...The incident has been referred to the NYPD for investigation as an anti-Muslim hate crime.
"Although this happened outside of our gates, let me be clear: we have no room for this kind of hate at Columbia. Anti-Muslim hate, anti-Arab hate, on or off campus, is categorically unacceptable."
In a statement, Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, said:
"We fully agree with the strong message that anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hate have no place at Columbia University or anywhere in our city. We welcome Columbia University's unequivocal condemnation of the disturbing hate incident targeting a Muslim woman near campus. No student should be harassed or intimidated simply because of their faith or the way they choose to observe it.
"At the same time, we all must recognize that hate incidents like this do not occur in a vacuum. Columbia University as an institution has targeted Muslims and Arabs for peaceful protest activity relating to Palestine. When large institutions use their power to unjustly cause harm, individuals are emboldened to act with similar malice. We hope others, like this Muslim sister and the many targeted students of the past two years, do not continue to live such detestable experiences."
Nasher noted that last year, CAIR designated Columbia University as an "institutions of particular concern" due to its hostile treatment of anti-genocide protesters.
She added that earlier this month, CAIR-NY said the Islamophobic and xenophobic online attacks surrounding the New York City mayoral election, as documented in a new report released by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH), amounted to a "systemic and organized campaign of dehumanization."
Also this month, CA IR-NY condemned a reported Islamophobic and racist anti-Palestinian outburst against an Iranian and Palestinian couple riding the New York Subway.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, foster a deeper understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La mision de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprension del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Become a Fan of CAIR-NY on Facebook
Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Email List
Subscribe to CAIR-NY's Twitter Feed
Subscribe to CAIR-NY's YouTube Channel
Follow CAIR-NY on Instagram
Donate to CAIR-NY
Do you like reading CAIR-NY's press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR-NY's work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR-NY's advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR-NY.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, CAIR-NY, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com ; CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com ; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com ; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com ; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com ; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-welcomes-columbia-u-statement-denouncing-hate-incident-targeting-muslim-woman/
CAIR in the News, November 15, 2025
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR in the News, November 15, 2025
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CAIR: 'He turned into a Palestinian': Trump press secretary in hot water over comments on Dem leader - NJ.com
Earlier this year, Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Trump's "use of the term 'Palestinian' as a racial slur is offensive and beneath the dignity of his office," according to The Guardian.
CAIR-DFW: North Texas houses of worship lock doors, tighten security
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 [Category: Sociological] -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release:
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CAIR in the News, November 15, 2025
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CAIR: 'He turned into a Palestinian': Trump press secretary in hot water over comments on Dem leader - NJ.com
Earlier this year, Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Trump's "use of the term 'Palestinian' as a racial slur is offensive and beneath the dignity of his office," according to The Guardian.
CAIR-DFW: North Texas houses of worship lock doors, tighten securityamid surge in targeted violence - Dallas Morning News
Mustafaa Carroll, D-FW executive director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, said his organization in 2024 received the highest number of annual complaints 8,658 since its first civil rights report in 1996.
The organization in 2024 identified 40 incidents in the U.S. targeting spaces designated for Islamic worship.
Carroll said local politicians are contributing to high levels of Islamophobia. He condemned fear-mongering rhetoric about "Sharia law" or Muslims trying to "take over" the U.S. "I think it's fairly new that the administration, the political leadership in Texas, is now leading in the [anti-Muslim] rhetoric," he said.
CAIR: University of Maryland students say cut off contractors linked to 'Gaza genocide' - Washington Times
CAIR-MI: Civil rights group responds to Dearborn march - WDET
CAIR: US lawmakers introduce resolution declaring Gaza situation as genocide - Anadolu Agency
CAIR: Rashida Tlaib, 20 other US lawmakers urge Congress to recognise Israel's Gaza genocide - The New Arab
CAIR: I'm a Brit detained by ICE. Conditions were so poor I couldn't believe it was America - The i Paper
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-in-the-news-november-15-2025/
Alianza Americas: Shutdown Has Ended, But We are Still Left With No Real Solutions
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 15 -- Alianza Americas, a transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations, posted the following statement on Nov. 14, 2025:
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The shutdown has ended, but we are still left with no real solutions
After 42 days, the U.S. government has voted to officially reopen and resume operations following the approval of a continuing resolution that will fund the government through January 30, 2026. The resolution passed the Senate with a 60-40 vote, including seven Democrats and one independent joining Republicans in support, and afterwards in the House
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 15 -- Alianza Americas, a transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations, posted the following statement on Nov. 14, 2025:
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The shutdown has ended, but we are still left with no real solutions
After 42 days, the U.S. government has voted to officially reopen and resume operations following the approval of a continuing resolution that will fund the government through January 30, 2026. The resolution passed the Senate with a 60-40 vote, including seven Democrats and one independent joining Republicans in support, and afterwards in the Housewith a 222-209 vote, including 6 Democrats voting in favor and 2 Republicans voting in opposition.
The measure includes provisions to reverse reductions in federal workforce caused by the Trump administration during the shutdown, protections against further layoffs through the end of January, backpay for federal employees, and three appropriations bills, one of which fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 30, 2026.
While we commend the reopening of the government and the restoration of critical services, ranging from food and childcare support to ensuring safe air travel, let's not forget that the main reason for the shutdown was the lack of action on the high cost of healthcare. Over the 42 days, the President has done nothing to negotiate a real solution that address the high cost of healthcare; on the contrary, the shutdown was used as an excuse to terminate federal workers and to limit food assistance.
Starting November 1, millions of individuals and families began witnessing the real consequences of Congressional leaders' failure to negotiate a deal that would secure Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, as they see their healthcare premiums almost double next year. Furthermore, the resolution does not reverse harmful cuts to Medicaid programs scheduled to take effect next year under Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act - the budget reconciliation bill that also contributed to the skyrocketing costs of healthcare.
It's working-class families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and other vulnerable communities who are paying the price for the Trump administration's reckless economic agenda. The passage of this resolution couldn't come at a more critical time, just as election results reveal voters' deep frustration with the state of the nation and their demand for real, lasting solutions. Meanwhile, corporations remain the only winners, continuing to profit off the backs of communities trapped in unjust economic conditions.
The ACA was a step forward, but it fell short of confronting the root causes of America's healthcare crisis. Voters are paying attention. Now is the time for courageous action to build a healthcare system that truly honors the dignity, wellbeing, and needs of every person and family in this country.
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Original text here: https://www.alianzaamericas.org/post/the-shutdown-has-ended-but-we-are-still-left-with-no-real-solutions
[Category: Political]
