Dear members of the NGO CCR and friends,
The Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United States: To ratify or not to ratify -- a Discussion

The most universally accepted human rights instrument in history - ratified by almost all the world's countries - the Convention spells out the basic human rights for children, including their right to grow up in a safe, supporting environment, have access to high quality education and health care and protection from violence and discrimination.

The United States signed the Convention in 1995, but it has not yet been presented to the Senate for ratification.

We will hear the US government's position on ratification of the CRC, and will get an update on efforts underway to move toward ratification from Tom Kennedy, member of the Steering Committee of the Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Date: Thursday, February 1, 2007
Time: 1:15-2:45
UNICEF HOUSE, 7th Floor Conference Room

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/012007Y.shtml
Americans angered by Bush's plans to escalate the Iraq war will flood the streets of Washington on Saturday, January 27, in a massive national peace march organized by United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ). Marchers will call on Congress to listen to the voters, not Bush, by using its power to end Bush's war and bring the troops home. The last three national marches organized by UFPJ each attracted between 300,000 and 500,000 people.

Darfur, the humanitarian disaster of rape and slaughter in the Sudan is continuing into the fourth year. Patrick Hayford, distinguished African diplomat, and Director of the UN's Special Adviser Office on Africa will speak on the topic:Darfur-Why Genocide? on Thursday, Feb 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Teaneck Presbyterian Church, 1 Church St, corner Teaneck Rd. He will be introduced by Jeffrey Laurenti, Senior Adviser on international security issues to the UN Foundation.

The outcry of the international public and the grassroots activism of the Save Darfur Coalition have had an impact on the Sudanese government. To quote from the New York times, "A clamor on Main Street, and Sudan is listening."

Mr Heyford's thirty-one years of diplomatic service includes the ambassadorship from Ghana to South Africa and posts in Egypt, the United Kingdom and the United Nations. He will help the audience to understand and respond to this complex international crisis and the UN's role in brokering peace.

The Bergen County Chapter of UNA-USA is hosting this event with the co-sponsorship of the Teaneck Presbyterian Church and St Mark's Episcopal Curch. Admission is free and all are welcome. Come with your questions. Refreshments will be served. For information call Phyllis Ehrenfeld President Bergen County Chapter UNA-USA. Tel 201: 836-1533