CONTACT: Priya Doshi, (202) 296-2300 x125, pdoshi@rightsworkinggroup.org
Rights Working Group Convenes “Night of 1,000 Conversations” to Launch Grassroots Campaign Targeted at Department of Homeland Security
"Campaign will shine spotlight on un-American violations of human rights and civil liberties"
Washington, D.C. – Thousands of people-to-people exchanges in homes, coffee shops, school auditoriums, sanctuaries and living rooms will take place on June 19 in the "Night of 1,000 Conversations" addressing how the overreach of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is undermining the civil liberties and human rights of people living in the U.S. Hundreds of conversations have been organized across the country involving groups ranging from 10 to 300 people.
"The Night of 1,000 Conversations reminds us that the U.S. government should protect human rights and civil liberties for all people living in our country, citizens and residents alike," said Margaret Huang, executive director of the Rights Working Group. "Tonight, more than 2,000 people in 26 states across the U.S. will have the opportunity to talk to friends, neighbors and their community about what kind of country we want to live in."
The nationwide event is launched as part of a broader campaign to hold DHS accountable for practices that routinely violate the basic human rights of people living in this country. The Rights Working Group is demanding that DHS:
- Stop immigration raids that lock up people without due process;
- Ensure humane detention conditions; and
- Implement fair and efficient mechanisms to end the backlog in processing citizenship applications by September 2008.
Furthermore, DHS' practice of targeting people because of their race or religion for extra security checks has contributed to the huge backlog in citizenship applications. This delay will disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of people in the November 2008 elections.
Dozens of organizations and Rights Working Group members around the country are leading the effort. All of the participants will be asked to take action after the meetings. Activities include engaging local and national lawmakers, signing up for massive mobilizations to take place this summer and holding town hall-style meetings to gain broader public support.
"The Night of 1,000 Conversations is an important event for our community," said Pramila Jayapal, executive director of Hate Free Zone, a leading immigrants’ rights advocacy organization based in Seattle, Wash. "Our goal is to inspire community leaders and members to discuss the human rights and civil liberties violations that are taking place in this country and how to stop them. The number of people interested in participating in this event demonstrates how important it is for DHS to reform its policies immediately."
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The Rights Working Group is a national coalition of more than 250 community-based groups and national organizations dedicated to ensuring that the American commitment to liberty and justice for all is fulfilled. More information on the Night of 1,000 Conversations is available at www.nightof1000conversations.org.