UNITE campaign’s theme “Leave No One Behind” emphasizes the urgency of reaching the most marginalized first, as the 16 Days of Activism begins worldwide

NEW YORK (TIP): Starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November), hundreds of events worldwide, led by UN Women and partners, will bolster efforts to end a pandemic that impacts one in three women globally. From marches, flashmobs and concerts, to football and rugby games, events will be organized and iconic buildings lit up in orange to galvanize attention during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December).

This year’s commemoration comes at a unique moment, coinciding with the unprecedented mobilization of millions behind #MeToo and other movements in an escalating global protest against sexual harassment and assault. As the annual campaign kicks off, UN Women calls for seizing the opportunity created by the global outcry over sexual harassment and moving it towards solution-based implementation of laws and policies to end violence against women once and for all.

The 16 Days campaign, which mobilizes governments and public alike, is commemorated by the UN under the umbrella of the Secretary-General’s campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women by 2030. Orange has been designated as the color of the UNiTE campaign as it symbolizes hope and a violence-free world. The call is for everyone to “Orange the World” and play their part to end violence against women and girls, taking the outcry to action. In 2016, people in record 105 countries participated.

This year’s theme for the campaign is “Leave No One Behind: End Violence against Women and Girls”, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It underscores that while no group of women or girls is exempt, the risks and vulnerabilities for some are greater. Identifying the most marginalized women and girls is fundamental to being able to effectively respond and reach them.

For instance, migrants, refugees and internally displaced people are at greater risk of sexual violence and may lack formal recognition by the State, which prevents them from accessing health, police, justice or social services. Indigenous women and those from ethnic or racial minorities often face the highest levels of discrimination across social, political and economic dimensions. Women living with disabilities and those living in rural areas face physical and/or communication barriers.

“Everyone has the right to live their life without violence or the threat of violence. This holds for all people, no matter what their gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity or caste, and irrespective of their income level, sexual orientation, HIV status, citizenship, where they live, or any other characteristic of their identity,” said UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. “At the heart of today’s theme of ‘leaving no one behind’, is leaving no one out.  This means bringing women and girls as equals into everything that concerns them,” she added. [Read the full statement by the Executive Director on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women here.

Violence not only has negative consequences for those who suffer it, but also their families, the community and society at large, and it comes at a high economic cost for society. But it is not inevitable—violence against women and girls can be ended with a comprehensive approach that includes the passing and implementation of laws to protect women and girls and boosting efforts to prosecute offenders; prevention that starts at an early age to instill a culture of zero tolerance toward violence; and comprehensive services accessible to all survivors, including medical and psychological support, housing, legal advice, etc. The multilateral UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, managed by UN Women, has for 20 years awarded grants to over 460 organizations with results that show that violence against women and girls can be systematically addressed.

As part of global efforts to end all forms of violence against women and girls, the European Union and the United Nations launched earlier this year the Spotlight Initiative, with an initial investment of EUR 500 million by the EU. The Initiative will respond to all forms of violence, with a focus on domestic and family violence, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, femicide, human trafficking and sexual and economic (labor) exploitation.

At UN Headquarters in New York, an event with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and including Carey Mulligan, UK Global Dementia Friends and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Oscar-nominated actor, and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director, among others, will take place on 22 November to shine a light on the need to end violence against women. The event will also feature segments of the Emmy-award winning series, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, followed by a panel discussion with members of the cast and crew, including the producer, Bruce Miller and costume designer Ane Crabtree, as well as musical performances. Civil Society will be represented by two UN Trust Fund program participants, Dragana Ciric Milovanovic and Morgen Chinoona.

Around the world

As in previous years, iconic buildings and monuments will be ‘oranged’ to call for a violence-free future, including the parliaments in Bangladesh, Liberia, and Morocco, the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City, Mexico, the monuments in Gaziantep in Turkey, La Scala theatre in Milan, the City Hall in Bogota, the National Theatre of Algiers, and Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

Staff at the Cape Verde TACV and Binter Airlines will be wearing orange pins; metro cars in Santiago de Chile and buses in Da Nang (Vietnam) will be painted orange, and the Morocco national football championship games will also be decorated orange. Other events foreseen during the 16 Days include a ballet performance in Kosovo, a 5-km run in Ecuador, the unveiling of mural paintings in Guatemala, public lectures at universities of Kyrgyzstan, a cricket tournament in Indonesia, the launch of the Uganda Police Force Gender Policy.

On 25 November, the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women will host a fundraising gala event in London, United Kingdom. The event will celebrate the life-changing results and achievements of a wide range of UN Trust Fund-supported interventions that work to end the pandemic of violence against women globally. Hosted by UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the evening will bring together notable speakers including H.R.H. Princess Eugenie of York, Frances Corner, Head of London College of Fashion and Pro Vice-Chancellor Digital of University of the Arts London, women’s rights activists, UN officials and the private sector, highlighting the successes of beneficiaries and their life-changing work across the world. Emcee Zeinab Badawi, the International Broadcaster, will interview two UN Trust Fund grantee representatives live at the event—Marija Andjelkovic from ASTRA in Serbia on ending trafficking in human beings in the Balkan region, and Chinyere Eyoh, from SOAR in Nigeria working on protecting girls from sexual violence. Actors Gabriella Wright and Joanne Froggatt will narrate two inspirational stories of beneficiaries, one from Nepal and one from the Gambia.

Throughout the 16 Days, the UNITE Campaign’s Spotlight Days will focus on the far-reaching consequences of violence within some of the most marginalized and underserved groups of women and girls. For instance, 27 November will spotlight violence against Indigenous Women and Girls, and 29 November will Spotlight on Women Human Rights Defenders.

Orange your profile picture to show your support and spread the word on all social media platforms using the hashtags #orangetheworld and #16days. Orange graphics, infographics and sample messages are available here.

Bangladeshi immigrant Riaz Talukder scheduled for deportation gets 6 months reprieve due to community, media, legal, and elected representatives’ pressure

NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP):  Nearly 75 immigrants, elected officials, activists, family, and community members gathered in the cold weather outside Federal Plaza to show their support for Riaz Talukder, a Bangladeshi immigrant who was told by DHS that he would be deported, November 22.  They rallied and held a press conference outside Federal Plaza, and nearly 40 of them went inside to accompany Mr. Talukder to demonstrate the amount of community support behind his case.

Riaz Talukder was brought to this country as a minor and has lived and worked here for 36 years. He has two US born children, Radi, 11 and Rafi, 15, both of whom were present for the press conference today. Rafi, a Bronx Science High School student, spoke at the press conference and highlighted that no family should have to face such a situation of being torn apart as a result of detentions and deportations. Riaz’ younger son Radi, skipped school to accompany his father into Federal Plaza and waited anxiously in the waiting room for good news. Riaz’s wife suffers from thyroid cancer and is scheduled for surgery in December.

After two hours of waiting, including praying together, family and supporters received the good news that Mr. Talukder would be going home, and would have 6 months before the next check-in.

Mr. Talukder stated “I am happy to be going home with my family, and with all these people who are my family and my community who came to support me.”

Mr. Talukder’s attorney, Edward Cuccia, Esq: “ICE has exercised its discretion to grant a 6-month extension to allow for the processing of all the paperwork that we have filed and will continue to file to fight for Riaz Talukder to stay in the United States, where he belongs.  This was a great day today.  We’re very, very hopeful.

Lucy Herschel of Jackson Heights Immigrant Solidarity Network said: “We had a great victory today, but Riaz is just one of millions of people in this country living under the constant threat of deportation.  These are our family and friends, our neighbors, our coworkers.   We need to build a mass movement to defend our communities from this attack.

Kazi Fouzia, Director of Organizing at DRUM – Desis Rising Up & Moving said “He is not asking for a favor. He has spent 36 years building this country, this city, and his community. This is Riaz’s home. And our communities can come out to support and defend each other.”

Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, who does not represent Mr. Talukder’s district, came to the press conference and joined Mr. Talukder for the whole duration of the check-in. Elected officials  and representatives from the office of NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Councilmember Brad Lander, Council Speaker Mark-Viverito, Councilmember Menchaca, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer , were also present.

NEW YORK (TIP): The Society of Indo American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) has announced its Annual Scholarship Program for 2017. The program has been formulated to encourage students to pursue studies in the fields of Engineering or Architecture.

The Society will be offering, this year, 10 Scholarships of $2000 each, to be awarded to students of Indian origin, who are enrolled in under-graduate and graduate study programs in the fields of Engineering and Architecture. A special Grand Scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded in the memory of past president late Bansi Shah by Bansi Shah Memorial Trust Foundation. This award will be presented to the most deserving student.

 To be eligible for the scholarship, one needs to be a SIAEA Student member. Please website (http://siaeany.org/?page_id=3114) to enroll in SIAEA membership and to seek further information.

 

Mohammed Jaffer

NEW YORK (TIP): Authorities say several people were hurt, including responding police officers, when an emotionally disturbed person set fire to her apartment in Harlem.

Police say the woman had barricaded herself inside her 14th floor public housing apartment on Amsterdam Avenue when the fire broke out at about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 21. The fire was under control in less than an hour.

The woman was hospitalized and is expected to survive her injuries.

At least five police officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

Mohammed Jaffer

QUEENS, NEW YORK (TIP): Police are seeking a pair of armed crooks who held up a Kennedy Fried Chicken shop in Queens — with one waving his pistol in front of a worker, dramatic video released Tuesday, November 21 shows.

The thieves, wearing winter coats and hoods, casually entered the eatery on Hollis Ave. near 205th Place in Hollis just before 1 a.m. on Nov. 11, officials said.

Police released the video on Tuesday in the hope that someone recognizes either of the two men.

Police released the video on Tuesday in the hope that someone recognizes either of the two men. (NYPD)

After they order, one of the men pulls out money as if he’s about to pay, the video shows. Then, a second later, the man pulls a silver gun out of his pocket and aims it at a worker.

His partner jumps the counter and forces the man to empty the cash register.

Accused Queens jogger killer asked cop to tell ‘mother I’m sorry’

The two thieves then run off with about $1,500, cops said.

Police released the video on Tuesday in the hope that someone recognizes either of the two men.

 

 

EDISON, NJ (TIP): Santhigram Kerala Ayurvedic Co., USA, a leading provider of authentic Kerala specific Ayurveda therapies in the United States, having its presence at 12 locations spread all over US including New Jersey, New York, Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin, proudly announces a grand celebration on the occasion of completing 10 years since its inception in US on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Edison Hotel Banquet and Conference Center, 3050 Woodbridge Ave., Edison, New Jersey.

More than 500 esteemed guests are expected to attend the function on the said day from various walks of life including clients, stakeholders, friends and well-wishers from various parts of US and abroad. It is also expected that the occasion will be graced by the presence of distinguished guests from Elected officials, Media, Community associations, Chambers of Commerce, business and other forums.

Series of programs have been lined up as part of the event, including the launch of much awaited Ayurveda training School, Santhigram Herbal products and “Santhigram Foundation” – A charity wing of Santhigram for advocating and promoting health and wellness and making awareness of the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) based on “Ayurveda” principles that nurture the human mind, body and spirit and extending the benefit of cost-efficient Ayurveda treatments and medicinal herbs for chronic ailments to low income patients.

Theme of the celebration during the extravaganza evening would be “Celebrating the Spirit of Life and Good Health” which will entail walking the audience through various chores involved in daily life and focus on realizing the supreme importance of staying pristine healthy.

Some of the distinguished members of the community and employees who have supported and contributed immensely to the growth of the unique business model, Santhigram Wellness (Kerala Ayurveda) which has been successfully adopted in United States, will be accorded due recognition during the function.  It will be followed by variety of enthralling entertaining programs replete with a riveting dance and music programs and a sumptuous dinner evening.

For further details, please contact on email: info@santhigramusa.com or phone number 732-709-3347 or 888-537-2987.

 

 

 

NEW YORK (TIP): The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will host an exhibition on Indian culture The Namaste Express, in the summer of 2018, media reports here stated. The Namaste Express will be the latest exhibition in an ongoing series of the museum’s exhibitions devoted to world cultures which have already included Ancient Greece, China, Japan and Jazz in NYC, with America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far as their current cultural exploration.

An artifact in the America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Through these exhibitions, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is able to teach children the importance of different cultures around the world and they do this by providing interactive, hands-on activities that the children can participate in, at their will, so they are able to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and its people.

In their upcoming exhibition, The Namaste Express, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan wants to celebrate the beauty and diversity of India’s different cultures and languages along with its history and technological advancements.

The exhibition will be “conceptualized as an interactive train journey through the country. The exhibition layout will allow children and families to make multiple stops at states and cities in India and sample the variety of architectural styles, cultures and environments through colors, shapes, structures and landscapes,” said Lizzy Martin, the Director of Exhibition Development and Museum Planning, at a meet to launch the exhibition, on November 6.

A depiction of an Egyptian spice market in the America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Some of the activities that are already underway include a Rajasthani puppet show, a Bollywood stage, a Chaat Cart (wheeled street cart), rolling rickshaws, a yoga center and a majestic Indian architectural fort, but the Children’s Museum of Manhattan wants more.

“We want families to feel like they are in India, so that is why we are asking members of the Indian American community to help us bring this cultural experience to life,” said Andrew Ackerman, the Executive Director of the museum, speaking at the meet.

“As an Indian American and a mother of two boys, I would love for my kids to learn about India while living in New York,” said Anu Sehgal of Culture Tree, who also brought Diwali to the museum this year in their one day special.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan plans to run the scheduled three-month exhibition in the summer of 2018 and depending upon the response, may plan to extend The Namaste Express exhibit for four years, in a much bigger location.

 

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK (TIP): The NYC Commission on Human Rights announced charges today against 12 local and national businesses for violating the Fair Chance Act, including Estée Lauder, Family Dollar, Kroll Associates, Tavern on the Green, Serafina Restaurants, Resorts World Casino, Barilla Restaurants, Best Market, Goldfarb Properties, inVentiv Health, Safeguard Self Storage, and Aaron’s Rent-to-Own, which together employ more than 140,000 people nationwide according to a combination of online sources. The complaints are the result of evidence collected by Commission testers following tips and complaints. The businesses have been notified of the charges and the Commission awaits their response.

Under the Fair Chance Act, which amended the NYC Human Rights Law in October 2015, it is illegal in New York City for public and private employers with four or more employees to inquire or make statements about a job applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process, including on job applications and in employment ads, until a conditional offer of employment has been made. The Law gives individuals with a criminal history an equal opportunity to enter the workforce and a chance to move forward with their lives and support themselves and their families. There are more than 9.2 million individuals who have a criminal record in New York State, according to Department of Justice, disproportionately people of color.

The Commission also announced fines against Yelp totaling $30,000 in civil penalties and damages for violating the NYC Human Rights Law by discriminating against a job applicant with criminal history. As part of the settlement, Yelp has committed to not inquiring about applicants’ criminal histories during interviews or on applications nationwide.

“Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment, including those with a criminal record,” said Deputy Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Hollis V. Pfitsch. “The NYC Human Rights Law was specifically amended to prohibit employers from asking applicants about their criminal history before offering them a job, so people can be considered based on their skills and qualifications first, not their past. We hope these charges send a clear message to employers across the City that the Commission will not tolerate discrimination based on criminal history and that we will continue to vigorously test, investigate, and hold employers who violate the Law accountable so that every hardworking New Yorker who wants a job can find one.”

“Good laws are the first step, but they are only as good as our outreach and our enforcement,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I was proud to sponsor the Fair Chance Act with Council Member Jumaane Williams, but I’m prouder still to see the Human Rights Commission enforcing it and ensuring that employers end discrimination against applicants with criminal records.”

“Two years ago, we enacted the Fair Chance Act to provide more equity in hiring and give those with criminal records who have paid their debt to society an equal opportunity to compete for jobs as they reenter the workforce,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams. “Not only does employment strengthen communities and lower recidivism, but employers have access to a broader range of qualified candidates to consider. I’m pleased that the NYC Commission on Human Rights is forcefully pursuing those who, to their own detriment, are not providing this fair chance, and I am confident that, with the protection of this legislation, both policies and attitudes in hiring will have to change.”

“One of the most important stabilizing factors in a person’s life is a job. That is why the Fair Chance Act is so important for people on probation: knowing that they will not be discriminated against when they apply for a job removes a key barrier to their employment prospects,” said NYC Probation Commissioner, Ana M. Bermúdez. “I thank the NYC Commission on Human Rights for continuing to partner with us in increasing opportunity for people on probation and helping ensure that New York City is safe and fair for all of us.”

Today’s charges against the 12 local and national businesses are the result of the Commission’s testing program which uncovered questions about job applicants’ criminal history on online job applications, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law. The Commission has notified the businesses of the violations and awaits their response. Possible civil penalties in these and any discrimination cases depend on a range of factors, including the size and sophistication of the business, the willfulness of the violation, the extent to which the business cooperated with the Law Enforcement Bureau’s investigation, whether levying civil penalties is necessary to deter future violations, and the fine’s impact on the business.

The Commission also announced a settlement with Yelp following an investigation into a complaint by an individual who alleged that he was illegally denied employment because of his criminal record. New Yorker Tomas Ramos, who applied to work at Yelp in February 2016 as an Account Executive, was told by a recruiter that his professional “background really impressed [the] recruiting team.” After several successful interviews, Yelp told Mr. Ramos that he must authorize a criminal background check. One week later, the recruiter told him that his background check contained information that would prevent Yelp from hiring him and cancelled his final interview, in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law.

The Commission investigated and settled the case with Yelp, negotiating $20,000 in emotional distress damages for Mr. Ramos and a $10,000 fine for breaking the Law. Yelp immediately admitted liability, cooperated with the investigation, agreed to train all 800 plus New York City-based employees on the Fair Chance Act, post a Notice of Rights poster in their offices, and committed to not inquire about applicants’ criminal history during interviews or on applications nationwide.

“Employers should consider my skills and qualifications, not my past,” said Tomas Ramos, a victim of criminal history discrimination. “How is anyone supposed to get ahead when they stop you at the door? Thankfully, New York City has a strong law that protects people from this kind of discrimination and a venue that can help you fight it when it happens. No one should be defined by their past mistakes. Hopefully cases like mine will help more people realize that they have rights and that they deserve a fair chance at employment.”

Since the enactment of the Fair Chance Act, the Commission has been vigorously enforcing the Law, including:

Launching 190 Commission-initiated investigations into criminal history discrimination in 2016.

Conducting 235 tests for criminal history discrimination in 2016.

Receiving 200 reports of criminal history discrimination in employment in 2016.

Currently investigating more than 150 claims of criminal history discrimination.

Levying civil penalties and damages against employers who violate the Law, including $65,000 in fines and damages against an ad agency, $25,000 in damages against a construction company, and $14,650 in damages against residential service non-profit, among others.

Requiring training on the Fair Chance Act and the NYC Human Rights Law for managerial staff and employees as part of settlement agreements.

Publishing rules on the Fair Chance Act this year, the first in Commission history, to provide additional clarity to businesses on its enforcement of the Fair Chance Act.

The Commission also regularly educates New Yorkers about their rights and obligations under the Law, conducting 250 outreach events on this protection last year alone. The Commission also partners with the NYC Department of Probation to provide workshops for New Yorkers reentering the workforce, as well as workshops with the New York State Department of Corrections and at Commission Community Services Centers in all five boroughs. Additionally, the Commission partners with local Chambers of Commerce and business associations to educate them and their members on their responsibilities under the Law.

If you or someone you know believes they are the victim of criminal history discrimination, call 311 and ask for NYC Commission on Human Rights or call the Commission’s Infoline at 718-722-3131. Reports may also be filed anonymously. People may also report discrimination on the Commission’s website. Learn more about employment protections against discrimination in New York City at www.nyc.gov/humanrights.

“The Fair Chance Act ensures fairness for people who face discrimination when applying for jobs. However, without enforcement, many employers may believe they can disregard this crucial law,” said Nicole Salk, an attorney at Brooklyn Legal Services. “We applaud the NYC Human Rights Commission for their strong enforcement of the Fair Chance Act.”