Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Will Jonathan Bailey Go Vegan After Wicked Good PETA UK Gift?
LONDON, Nov. 18 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Will Jonathan Bailey Go Vegan After Wicked Good PETA UK Gift?
With his Wickedco-stars--including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and, most recently, Jeff Goldblum--all embracing the magic of plant-powered eating, PETA UK has rushed a bottle of oat-based vegan liqueur (Baileys, naturally) to Jonathan Bailey to toast to his promising vegan future. In an accompanying letter, PETA UK challenges People's "Sexiest Man Alive" to join his castmates in giving animal- and planet-friendly
... Show Full Article
LONDON, Nov. 18 -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals issued the following news release on Nov. 17, 2025:
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Will Jonathan Bailey Go Vegan After Wicked Good PETA UK Gift?
With his Wickedco-stars--including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and, most recently, Jeff Goldblum--all embracing the magic of plant-powered eating, PETA UK has rushed a bottle of oat-based vegan liqueur (Baileys, naturally) to Jonathan Bailey to toast to his promising vegan future. In an accompanying letter, PETA UK challenges People's "Sexiest Man Alive" to join his castmates in giving animal- and planet-friendlyliving a try.
"Going vegan is popular for a reason, as more people than ever before are realizing that the meat, egg, and dairy industries are Something Bad for animals and the planet," says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. "PETA is encouraging Jonathan Bailey to make a change For Good and join his 'Wicked' family in going green."
Speaking about his experience on the Wicked set earlier this week, Jeff Goldblum told British talk show This Morning, "It's changed me. ... After doing this movie we talked about the animal cruelty. I stopped eating meat." He added, "We need the world to work for everybody on Earth and every creature, too."
PETA points out that vegan foods are cholesterol-free and that staples such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are rich in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Vegan foods also have a smaller carbon footprint, whereas the meat and dairy industries are top producers of greenhouse gases that contribute to the climate catastrophe. And, of course, they spare animals from a terrifying death at the slaughterhouse.
Every person who goes vegan saves the lives of nearly 200 animals each year. PETA's free vegan starter kit can help those looking to make the switch.
PETA--whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to eat"--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/will-jonathan-bailey-go-vegan-after-wicked-good-peta-uk-gift/
[Category: Animals]
Save the Sound: New Haven Youth Join Global Climate Mobilization, Call for Local and State Action on the Climate Emergency
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Nov. 18 -- Save the Sound issued the following news release:
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New Haven Youth Join Global Climate Mobilization, Call for Local and State Action on the Climate Emergency
As international climate decision-makers gather in Belem, Brazil this week for COP 30, young advocates took to the streets across the world for a global Fridays for Future mobilization. In New Haven, over 20 advocates came together with New Haven Climate Movement, Save the Sound, and Sunrise New Haven in front of New Haven City Hall for a climate rally titled "From Brazil to Our Backyards." They listened
... Show Full Article
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Nov. 18 -- Save the Sound issued the following news release:
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New Haven Youth Join Global Climate Mobilization, Call for Local and State Action on the Climate Emergency
As international climate decision-makers gather in Belem, Brazil this week for COP 30, young advocates took to the streets across the world for a global Fridays for Future mobilization. In New Haven, over 20 advocates came together with New Haven Climate Movement, Save the Sound, and Sunrise New Haven in front of New Haven City Hall for a climate rally titled "From Brazil to Our Backyards." They listenedto speeches, made art, chalked messages on the sidewalk, and rallied for strong action on the climate emergency.
Nine years ago, at the United Nation's 21st climate conference (COP 21), nearly 200 countries approved the Paris Agreement, and pledged to limit their respective nations' carbon emissions to limit "the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 C above pre-industrial levels." Now, at COP 30, world leaders face the reality that many nations have not fulfilled their commitments and must commit more resources to mitigating global emissions while building the resilience of nations to better adapt to future disasters.
Unfortunately, the United States did not send any delegates to COP 30, has once again withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, and has launched a series of rollbacks on foundational environmental protections like the Endangerment Finding, which enables the federal government to limit greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. In the face of national climate policy rollbacks and the news that while global emissions have slowed, they continue to rise, youth are turning to local action as a tangible way to combat environmental injustice.
"Save the Sound encourages young people to get involved in state legislative advocacy with us, and our youth partners in particular. Over recent years, youth involvement at the Connecticut State Capitol has supported the passage of legislation that enables greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy growth, climate change education, and more. Connecticut continues to move forward on climate, but we need more grassroots support to demand accountability on the climate crisis from lawmakers and regulators."
- Alex Rodriguez, Environmental Justice Specialist at Save the Sound
Fellow advocates shared examples of how they're fighting to mitigate climate-inducing greenhouse gas emissions, while sustaining and growing the capacity of community-based organizations with local and state government funds.
Adrian Huq, cofounder of the New Haven Climate Movement Youth Action Team, said, "I am excited about the passage of the Transportation Transformation Resolution and looking forward to its full implementation. It is critical for our city to move away from car dependency, better promote alternative transportation, and make New Haven safer and more welcoming for bus riders, pedestrians, and bikers. I am proud to be standing in solidarity with our partner groups today, but also with indigenous peoples raising their voices for climate justice and inclusion on a global level at COP30."
New Haven Climate Movement, (a youth led grassroots organization that promotes climate justice, green jobs, and healthy communities,) has led locally-focused climate policy and investment efforts with support from Save the Sound, over the last six years, including passing a Transportation Transformation Resolution by the Board of Alders last month, and the New Haven Climate Emergency Resolution in 2019. Friday's rally was a continuation of those efforts, pushing for accountability on greenhouse gas reductions; highlighting the state, national, and international climate policy landscape; and raising awareness about the financial burden that the effects of climate change is putting on young people and future generations, estimated at $500,000 in costs connected to higher food, health, insurance, adaptation costs plus lost work and displacement for a child born in 2024.
Andreina Barajas Novoa, a community organizer with Justice for Our Streets in Stratford, said: "Supporting community-based organizations through government funding for environmental education programs is necessary because we need to help the communities we serve correct misinformation about the role fossil fuel companies play in FUELING what is now a climate emergency. With sustained funding for our environmental education initiatives, we can support an informed and engaged public, while protecting our natural resources. Local and state leaders, environmental justice-focused organizations need your support now more than ever."
Advocates from Sunrise New Haven also called for the creation of a Climate Superfund to pay for climate adaptation.
"We must demand a Climate Superfund. This would make the biggest polluters in the state pay for their fair share of climate damages and support a fund that pays for necessary local climate adaptation resilience and repair," said Sydney Collins of Sunrise New Haven. "It is modeled after the federal Superfund Act for toxic waste (CERCLA) and the principles are basic: if you break something, you fix it. If you profit off decades of pollution, you contribute to cleaning it up."
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Original text here: https://www.savethesound.org/2025/11/17/press-release-new-haven-youth-join-global-climate-mobilization-call-for-local-and-state-action-on-the-climate-emergency/
[Category: Environment]
New Public Charge Policy is "Designed to Create Confusion and Uncertainty"
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 [Category: Health Care] -- The National Health Law Program issued the following news:
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New Public Charge Policy is "Designed to Create Confusion and Uncertainty"
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Today, the Trump administration proposed a rule that would end the Biden administration's public charge policy, a reversal that - if implemented - will reignite fear and confusion for immigrant families nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it wants to rely on the discretion of individual immigration officials.
This move is designed to create confusion and uncertainty
"This move is
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 [Category: Health Care] -- The National Health Law Program issued the following news:
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New Public Charge Policy is "Designed to Create Confusion and Uncertainty"
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Today, the Trump administration proposed a rule that would end the Biden administration's public charge policy, a reversal that - if implemented - will reignite fear and confusion for immigrant families nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it wants to rely on the discretion of individual immigration officials.
This move is designed to create confusion and uncertainty
"This move isdesigned to create confusion and uncertainty. The courts have determined that public charge has a very narrow meaning and that it does not apply to benefits like health care that everyone inevitably needs at some point in their life. But now, immigration officials are sure to make inconsistent and arbitrary decisions, forcing families to guess at what programs may or may not count," said Sarah Grusin, Senior Attorney at the National Health Law Program. "This is yet another breach of trust that will push families back into the shadows and deter them from seeking health care. NHeLP and our partners will fight to stop these harmful changes to public charge, just as we did during Trump's first term."
The current Biden-era rule's definition of "public charge" assures families that immigration officials will not count most public benefits. Under the current rule, only cash assistance for income maintenance and government-funded long-term institutional care are considered in public charge determinations, meaning use of programs like most Medicaid, nutrition assistance, and housing support do not threaten an individual's immigration status.
During the previous Trump administration, changes to the definition of public charge went well beyond the settled, historic understanding of public charge, causing widespread fear in immigrant communities and leading many to withdraw from or avoid enrolling in public programs, even when they or their children were fully eligible.
We urge government officials to act swiftly to provide clarity, and we encourage advocacy organizations to remain vigilant in combating misinformation. Immigrant families deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to access care without fear.
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Original text here: https://healthlaw.org/news/new-public-charge-policy-is-designed-to-create-confusion-and-uncertainty/
LCV Statement on Upcoming Dirty Energy House Votes
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 [Category: Environment] -- The League of Conservation Voters posted the following news release:
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LCV Statement on Upcoming Dirty Energy House Votes
In anticipation of the U. S. House voting on a slate of dirty energy and anti-democracy bills this week, including H.R.1949, S.J.Res.80, H.J.Res.131, H.J.Res 130, H.R. 5107, and H.R. 5214, and House Natural Resources Committee potentially marking up H.R. 4776, the League of Conservation Voters released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Policy, Matthew Davis:
"After seven weeks of doing nothing to deliver
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 [Category: Environment] -- The League of Conservation Voters posted the following news release:
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LCV Statement on Upcoming Dirty Energy House Votes
In anticipation of the U. S. House voting on a slate of dirty energy and anti-democracy bills this week, including H.R.1949, S.J.Res.80, H.J.Res.131, H.J.Res 130, H.R. 5107, and H.R. 5214, and House Natural Resources Committee potentially marking up H.R. 4776, the League of Conservation Voters released the following statement from Vice President of Federal Policy, Matthew Davis:
"After seven weeks of doing nothing to deliveraffordability for families, House Republicans are prioritizing votes this week that give handouts to polluters instead of addressing skyrocketing costs across the country and continued threats to our democracy. From selling off our public lands to oil, gas, and coal executives to approving projects without evaluating impacts and limiting public input, these bills are corrupt polluter handouts that will likely raise energy costs across the country.
"At the same time, Congressional Republicans are trying to take away people's voice and participation in our democracy. Taking away the Department of Energy's required public interest determination before allowing more liquid methane gas (LNG) exports, illegitimately cancelling protections for public lands that were set up through a public process with public input, and overruling DC laws that were passed by our elected representatives, only tramples on our democratic processes and self-government. Instead of advancing giveaways for polluters, Congress should be taking action to ensure polluters pay their fair share of rising costs from climate change and harming our health, the Trump administration stops its ban on affordable clean energy, and our democratic processes and institutions remain strong."
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Original text here: https://www.lcv.org/media-center/lcv-statement-on-upcoming-dirty-energy-house-votes/
FFRF Action Fund and Equality California Unite to Deliver Prop 50 Victory
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 18 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund and Equality California unite to deliver Prop 50 victory
The FFRF Action Fund is celebrating the success of California's Proposition 50, a major win that reinforces the separation of state and church and LGBTQ-plus rights.
This victory reflects the results of a strategic partnership between the FFRF Action Fund
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 18 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund and Equality California unite to deliver Prop 50 victory
The FFRF Action Fund is celebrating the success of California's Proposition 50, a major win that reinforces the separation of state and church and LGBTQ-plus rights.
This victory reflects the results of a strategic partnership between the FFRF Action Fundand Equality California that helped educate and mobilize secular and pro-equality voters throughout the state while building momentum for the 2026 midterm elections. Working together, the two organizations hosted a virtual town hall with Rep. Jared Huffman, co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, to discuss how redistricting affects secular governance and equality. Rep. Zoe Lofgren joined FFRF's podcast, Freethought Radio, to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process that shaped the measure and explained how Prop 50 strengthens California's democratic leadership in the face of growing national threats. FFRF Action Fund and Equality California also co-authored an op-ed outlining how Prop 50 protects fair representation and prevents Christian nationalist efforts to manipulate congressional districts.
"Secular voters and pro-equality allies stood together to defend democracy and push back against Christian nationalist overreach," says Annie Laurie Gaylor, FFRF Action Fund president. "Prop 50 demonstrates the growing strength of our movement -- and what's possible when we act with purpose and unity."
The strategic partnership helped reach and educate thousands of pro-equality and secular voters through mail, online outreach and in-person conversations across California, with a strong focus on competitive swing areas that will be essential to building a pro-secular and LGBTQ-plus majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.
"Equality California's partnership with the FFRF Action Fund strengthened our ability to connect with pro-equality and secular voters," says Tom Temprano, managing director of Equality California. "The groundwork we've built together will help us reach even more voters in the 2026 midterms, especially in competitive districts in the San Diego and Palm Springs areas where we can build on our Prop 50 support and enthusiasm."
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FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
Equality California brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people.
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/ffrf-action-fund-and-equality-california-unite-to-deliver-prop-50-victory/
[Category: Sociological]
Consumer Reports Releases New Carbon Monoxide Detector Ratings During CO Awareness Month
YONKERS, New York, Nov. 18 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release:
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Consumer Reports Releases New Carbon Monoxide Detector Ratings During CO Awareness Month
* Because CO detectors are lifesaving products, CR's ratings are available for free to everyone
* For the first time, CR also tested and rated portable CO detectors in 2025
* CR calls for passage of the Safe Stay Act, bipartisan legislation that would require CO detectors in all hotel, motel, and short-term rental rooms across the country
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Consumer Reports (CR) recently published its latest free ratings (https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors/carbon-monoxide-detectors/c33032/)
... Show Full Article
YONKERS, New York, Nov. 18 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release:
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Consumer Reports Releases New Carbon Monoxide Detector Ratings During CO Awareness Month
* Because CO detectors are lifesaving products, CR's ratings are available for free to everyone
* For the first time, CR also tested and rated portable CO detectors in 2025
* CR calls for passage of the Safe Stay Act, bipartisan legislation that would require CO detectors in all hotel, motel, and short-term rental rooms across the country
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Consumer Reports (CR) recently published its latest free ratings (https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors/carbon-monoxide-detectors/c33032/)and articles (https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/smoke-carbon-monoxide-detectors/best-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-detectors-of-the-year-a9237799621/) on carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to help consumers choose reliable lifesaving devices for their homes. For the first time, CR also tested and rated portable CO detectors, handy for travelers, which can be used almost anywhere. November is National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and CR is committed to helping prevent CO poisonings and deaths.
"Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it can't be detected by human senses, which is why it's so important to install and maintain high-quality CO detectors in your home," said Gabe Knight, senior policy analyst for Consumer Reports. "But carbon monoxide poisoning also happens in places you wouldn't expect, like daycares, boats, hotels, and restaurants. If you're traveling or unsure about whether there's a detector installed nearby, a portable CO detector can be a convenient tool to help keep you and your family safe."
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional CO poisonings kill more than 400 people in the U.S., and send over 100,000 to emergency departments, every year.
Most CO poisonings and deaths occur during cold weather months, when people increasingly rely on fuel-burning appliances that emit CO, like furnaces, non-electrical space heaters, and home and portable generators. The earliest signs of CO poisoning, including headache, dizziness, and nausea, resemble and could be mistaken for a variety of conditions, like the flu or common cold.
CR's testing exposed stationary CO detectors--and, for the first time, portable CO detectors--to higher CO levels (400 parts per million) and lower CO levels (100 ppm) to measure how quickly and accurately they detected CO. For models that display specific CO levels, we checked the accuracy of those readings. CR also ranked the models that performed the best.
CR's Advocates Push Measures to Prevent CO Deaths
Carbon monoxide safety has long been a priority for CR. In addition to testing and rating CO detectors, CR has pushed for stronger protections to reduce preventable deaths and injuries from CO poisoning.
This month, CR endorsed the Safe Stay Act (H.R. 3755), bipartisan federal legislation that would require CO detectors in all hotel, motel, and short-term rental rooms across the country. The bill was introduced by Reps. Angie Craig and Mike Levin, and is cosponsored by Rep. Young Kim. Currently, only 14 states require CO detectors in public accommodations, leaving countless travelers at risk. CR has also advocated for stronger CO safety standards for fuel-burning products such as portable generators and gas furnaces to reduce the risk of CO poisonings and fatalities.
"The Safe Stay Act would prevent carbon monoxide poisonings and save lives. Too many families have needlessly suffered the loss of a loved one from CO poisoning in a hotel room. This bill would help prevent future tragedies and give travelers peace of mind, knowing they would be protected," said Knight. "Consumer Reports thanks Reps. Angie Craig and Mike Levin for sponsoring this important bipartisan legislation, and urges every member of Congress to support its enactment."
How to Protect Yourself and Others from CO Poisoning:
If you suspect a CO leak or are experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 or your local fire department immediately. The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association (NCOAA) offers tips to prevent CO poisoning, and what to do if you suspect CO poisoning here (https://www.ncoaa.us/preventive-measures).
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Original text here: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/consumer-reports-releases-new-carbon-monoxide-detector-ratings-during-co-awareness-month/
[Category: Business]
CODEPINK's Statement on the U.S. 'International Stabilization Force' for Gaza
LOS ANGELES, California, Nov. 18 -- CodePink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, posted the following news release:
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CODEPINK's Statement on the U.S. "International Stabilization Force" for Gaza
CODEPINK condemns the recent UN Security Council resolution approving the United States' so-called "International Stabilization Force" for Gaza. The resolution, while disguised as a peaceful and humanitarian proposal, is in reality a blueprint for the internationalization of the Israeli occupation and
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Nov. 18 -- CodePink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end U.S.-funded wars and occupations, to challenge militarism globally, posted the following news release:
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CODEPINK's Statement on the U.S. "International Stabilization Force" for Gaza
CODEPINK condemns the recent UN Security Council resolution approving the United States' so-called "International Stabilization Force" for Gaza. The resolution, while disguised as a peaceful and humanitarian proposal, is in reality a blueprint for the internationalization of the Israeli occupation anda complete denial of Palestinian self-determination.
The resolution imposes a two-year mandate to "secure borders," "protect civilians," and "decommission weapons," with the stated goal of disarming Palestinian resistance. However, it does nothing to address and end the root cause of the violence: Israel's ongoing siege, occupation, and ethnic cleansing. The United States, which armed and shielded the Israeli government unconditionally as it killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, should not be considered a neutral actor of good faith. A military force that answers to a "board of peace" chaired by the U.S. President is an extension of U.S. and Israeli interests, plain and simple.
The establishment of a "technocratic Palestinian administration" that answers to a U.S.-led board will strip the Palestinian people of political agency. Essentially, it will leave Palestine in the hands of a puppet administration, assigning the United States, which shares complicity in the genocide, as the new manager of the open-air prison that Israel has already established.
The U.S. plan to create a "green zone" for reconstruction under military control, while leaving vast "red zones" in ruins, is simply a continuation of collective punishment; it rewards Israel with more control and condemns Palestinians to further, permanent displacement.
CODEPINK rejects this "Stabilization Force" as a solution for peace and justice. We reject any political arrangement imposed by those who have enabled the genocide for the past two years. We recognize that true peace and stability for Palestinians can only happen with an end to Israel's decades-long occupation, the full realization of Palestinian rights, and accountability for the genocide in Gaza.
For these reasons, we call on all states to reject this plan and insist instead on:
* a true ceasefire-one in which Israel actually stops killing Palestinians;
* the full, immediate withdrawal of occupying forces and dismantlement of siege conditions;
* the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid and reconstruction under Palestinian leadership;
* and the recognition of Palestinians' right to self-governance.
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Original text here: https://www.codepink.org/unisfvote
[Category: Sociological]
