Daily Archives: May 9, 2022

Tom Morello, known for political activism as sharp and relentless as his guitar playing, will be among this years recipients of the Spirit of John Brown Freedom Award, along with choreographer Tiffany Rea-Fisher and visual artist Karen Davidson Seward, honoring the legacy of the 19th century abolitionist.

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The award will be presented May 14 at the John Brown Farm State Historic Site, in the town of North Elba, just outside the village of Lake Placid, in the Adirondack Mountains, some 300 miles north of New York City.

In 1849, Brown brought his family to the then-wilderness region to support fellow abolitionist Gerrit Smith, who had given grants of Adirondack land to freed Black men, which qualified them to vote in New York State.

A decade later, Brown led a raid on federal armory at Harpers Ferry, West Va., intending to spark an insurrection to end slavery. The failed raid, which took place two years before the outbreak of the U.S. Civil War, was a watershed in the fight for racial justice in America. Brown was hung and laid to rest, at his request, on his Adirondack farm.

The Spirit of John Brown Freedom Award was created by the freedom education and human rights project John Brown Lives! to honor individuals and organizations whose work invokes the passion and commitment of the 19th-century abolitionist who dedicated his life to the cause of liberation and full human equality, says Martha Swan, executive director of the friends group of the historic site.

Swan says Morello was chosen as an honoree this year as a troubadour and political activist who deploys his art and energy on behalf of freedom fighters everywhere, from striking nurses and teachers, to domestic workers and Black Lives Matter organizers, to veterans against war he extends his solidarity to every impulse toward peace and justice.

Rea-Fisher is the artistic director of EMERGE125, a modern dance company that has performed from Harlem to Lake Placid, whose work leads with compassion at the service of the voiceless, emerging artists and artists of color, and liberation, says Swan. Like the legions of artists, poets, writers, and cultural creatives who came before her, Tiffany has been inspired by the stories in the soil to create site specific dance and movement works at the John Brown Farm.

When Morello and others gather at the farm May 14, they will see a statue of John Brown standing beside a young Black man overlooking the expanse of the Adirondack Mountains with gravestone replicas surrounding the statue, fashioned by Seward, this years third honoree.

In pared-down epitaphs, she exposes persistent racism as evidenced by ongoing extrajudicial killings of unarmed Black Americans going about their daily lives, says Swan. First installed at the John Brown Farm in 2020 with 17 memorials, Karen expanded the field in year two to contain 100 memorials and dedicated it to Ida B. Wells, the journalist and civil rights activist.

Earlier this year, Swan notes that Seward added Spiraling Round the Promise, a sequence of markers focusing attention on the 15th Amendment which states, The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Sewards work highlights the long, unfinished struggle for the right to vote, says Swan.

Morellos career which has included work with Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Bruce Springsteen and Prophets of Rage has led most recently to a trilogy of collaborative albums, including The Atlas Underground Fire and The Atlas Underground Flood, both released last year. The artists performing with Morello on these most recent discs include Springsteen, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Chris Stapleton, Damian Marley, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Nathaniel Rateliff and more.

Morellos uncompromising stance is captured by the slogan on his T-shirts: Feed the Poor. Fight the Power. Rock the Fk Out. It is not surprising that Morello accepted The Spirit of John Brown Freedom Award.

John Browns work is still meaningful today because systemic anti-Black racism and violence continue, unabated, in our country, says Swan. Its especially important for White America to understand that Brown was not only anti-slavery. He was an anti-racist ally, friend, and neighbor to Black people who believed that it was his duty, as a White person, to take up the struggle of Black America to end slavery and secure the same liberties, rights and blessings of citizenship as his own.

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Tom Morello to Receive the Spirit of John Brown Freedom Award, Bestowed at Final Resting Place of Famed Abolitionist - Billboard

Letter to the editor| Northwest Florida Daily News

Just a little lesson on the Constitution for those who need it. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, specifically with respect to government retaliation. The government can't tell you what you can and can't say, and they can't punish you if you say something the government doesn't like.

Based on the Citizens United Decision by the Supreme Court, corporations are de facto citizens and have the same right to freedom of speech.

Since the State of Florida has passed a law that Gov. Ron DeSantis himself says is in retaliation to a public stance that Disney took on another law, and their right to withhold political contributions, another form of speech per Citizens United, the State of Florida, whose own constitution is subservient to the U.S. Constitution, and therefore bound by it, has by this legislation violated the First Amendment rights of Disney. Therefore, the law is illegal on its face.

David M. Hogg, Fort Walton Beach

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LETTER: Corporations have freedom of speech - The Northwest Florida Daily News

It appears that the Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) does not care about children. This a harsh statement, but it is undeniable.

From the mouth of the IFF Executive Director, Idaho public schools are grotesque, and public schools are the most virulent forms of socialism in our society. In fact, the IFF calls for the entire dismantling of our cherished public education system enshrined in the Idaho Constitution.

Who are these people?

It is one thing to want your children to attend private or parochial schools, but to entirely deny that opportunity to hundreds of thousands of children statewide whose parents work outside the home or simply cannot afford expensive private schools is clearly meanspirited.

The IFFs answer to their desired breakup of public schools is to send kids home and teach them online. COVID very clearly taught us that online learning comes with significant and often insurmountable hardships for parents and children. Online schooling is often too difficult for small children, and what could possibly go wrong with an unsupervised 15 year old teenager with a laptop?

The IFF shamefully wants our children to be divided into two categories; those who have opportunities for learning (wealthy and urban) and those who do not (poor and rural).

They dont care about kids who through no fault of their own come from poverty, speak a different language, or live in rural areas without the access to amenities enjoyed by the IFF preferred privileged class. The IFF worked hard to block funding for early childhood education services. Lets not forget the vast majority of Idahoans want these services for their children.

The IFF would yank all fiscal and medical support away from children with special needs or disabling conditions. They would deny these children an opportunity to learn important skills and become productive, educated members of society.

The IFF also attacks young adults who want to attend college. Year after year the IFF demands from their sycophantic legislators massive reductions in financial support to our local universities even as these institutions consistently provide excellent higher educational services for thousands of students.

The IFF is apparently against K-12 and all higher education.

But that is not all. They also scorn our teachers, support staff and administrators. They disrespect our Governor, disparage the State Board of Education, and endlessly ridicule the State Department of Education.

For years, the IFF has pushed their obsequious lawmakers to deny educators and support staff access to salaries, and desperately needed health care. This legislative session, they wanted to imprison librarians.

The IFF says that they want less government, and more parental involvement, but then stridently demand massive punitive governmental intrusion into the private lives of parents and their children, inserting themselves into the most sensitive private medical decisions best made by medical professional and families.

They say they are opposed to socialism, but then want to take your hard-earned tax dollars and frivolously redistribute your money with zero accountability to unaccredited parochial schools or private systems.

The IFF does not have a working plan for Idaho or Idahoans, they can only peddle their misguided accusations and slander. They have no solutions. They exist to tear down, never to build up.

The IFF militate against children, college students, K-16 educators, K-16 support staff, librarians and virtually everyone that does not slavishly adhere to their radical ideology. Their disdain for anyone outside their circle is alarming.

Their actions should serve as a wakeup call for us to sideline these conflict entrepreneurs and the legislators who support them for good by ignoring them and consigning their efforts to the ash heap of history.

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The Freedom Foundation exists to tear down, not build up - Idaho EdNews

Leading Digital Personal Finance Company Earns Spot for Sixth Time

SAN MATEO, Calif., May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Freedom Financial Network (FFN), a leading digital personal finance company,announced today it was named to the 2022 Best Places to Work in the Bay Area, an annual list presented by the San Francisco Business Timesand the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

The company rankings are based on the results of confidential surveys sent to each firm's Bay Area employees. The survey assesses various aspects of company culture, including communications, managerial effectiveness, team dynamics and trust in leadership, to gauge overall employee sentiment. FFN, which is headquartered in San Mateo, Calif. and employs more than 2,400 people nationwide, was recognized in the large company category of the rankings. This year marks the sixth time FFN has been named to the list.

"At Freedom Financial Network, our employees play a critical part in furthering our mission to help everyday people get on and stay on a path to a better financial future," said Brad Stroh, co-founder and co-CEO of Freedom Financial Network. "Together, we focus on our customers to understand what's working for them and what's not and we tailor personalized approaches to meet their personal needs and goals. We innovate to offer the best financial solutions, using data and AI to speed decisioning, improve transparency and give consumers choice. And finally, we build relationships so that we can help our customers on their first step, and every next step, on their journey."

Freedom Financial Network helps people make better financial decisions by managing expenses and debt, saving money, and planning. The company provides innovative technology and relationship-driven support for every step of a consumer's financial path, including personal loans, debt resolution and restructuring, home equity lines of credit and financial tools and education.

"This recognition is especially meaningful because it is based on the feedback of our employees. We strive to provide an environment where employees can have fulfilling careers and the opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally," said Linda Luman, executive vice president of human resources at FFN.

FFN recently surpassed $15 billion in consumer debt resolved and has served over 1 million customers since its founding in 2002. The company is continually innovating new solutions to expand the depth and breadth of its financial services offerings and is actively hiring for remote and hybrid roles in sales, engineering, technology and product development in California, Arizona and Texas.

Earlier this month, FFN was named to the Phoenix Business Journal's 2022 Healthiest Employers List in recognition of its efforts to motivate employees to achieve and maintain wellness through a strong emphasis on mental and physical health. FFN has also been named to the Phoenix Business Journal's annual "Best Places to Work" list 11 times, including winning first place in the extra-large company category in 2021. Last year, FFN was also named one of "Arizona's Most Admired Companies" by AZBigMedia and a "Top Workplace" by the Arizona Republic.

Full details of the 2022 Best Places to Work in the Bay Area can be found here.

About Freedom Financial NetworkFreedom Financial Network is a leading digital personal finance company. We do what traditional banks don't: Put people first. Our solutions help everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a brighter financial future, with innovative technology and personalized support. By leveraging proprietary data and analytics, our solutions are tailored for each step of a consumer's financial journey and include personal loans (FreedomPlus), home equity loans (Lendage), help with debt (Freedom Debt Relief), and even financial tools and education (Bills.com). Freedom Financial Network has more than 2,300 dedicated employees across California, Arizona and Texas and is recognized as a Best Place to Work.

For information on career opportunities at Freedom Financial Network, visit: https://jobs.freedomfinancialnetwork.com/

SOURCE Freedom Financial Network

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Freedom Financial Network Named a 'Best Place to Work in the Bay Area' by San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal - PR Newswire

USS Beloit prepared for launch (Rep. Mike Gallagher)

PublishedMay 8, 2022 10:42 PM by The Maritime Executive

Fincantieri Marinette Marine has launched the second-to-the-last Freedom-class LCS, USS Beloit. The ship is named after the Wisconsin city where Fairbanks-Morse has built engines for the U.S. Navy for generations.

Beloit native Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson (U.S. Army, ret'd) served as the ship's sponsor, and veterans from the city of Beloit were brought up by bus for the ceremony.

The future USS Beloit will be the first U.S. Navy ship honoring the proud naval contributions of Beloit, Wisconsin, said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro in a statement I have no doubt the sailors of USS Beloit will stand the watch with pride and be ready to respond to any mission, wherever, and whenever, there is a need.

It was the second-to-the-last time that Marinette sends out a Freedom-class hull with a dramatic side launch. For the follow-on hulls built for Saudi Arabia (the Royal Saudi Naval Forces' Multi-Mission Surface Combatant, or MMSC), the yard will use a Travelift to hoist and lower the vessels into the water. This allows more construction to be completed in the assembly hall before launch.

Beloit will deliver under unusual circumstances. If Congress allows, theNavy has proposed to decommission all Freedom-class LCS hulls through USS St. Louis, which was delivered less than two years ago. The service still plans to take delivery of six more that are currently in various stages of fitting-out or construction, including USS Beloit.

The Navy says that it sees less need for the Freedom-classbecause a related program for an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) equipment package has not delivered. The new AN/SQS-62 variable depth sonar system was to be the core of LCS' ASW capability, but the Navy suspendedthe system's development earlier this year due to persistent underperformance. Without a functioning ASW sonar for the Freedom-class, the service says that it has little need for the ship itself.

"LCS is as noisy as an aircraft carrier and so there are some big challenges there that we should have pick[ed] up on way earlier," Adm. Gilday told Naval News. "Ive been looking at the data on the ASW package for the last year-and-a-half to two years and it got to the point where a decision needed to be made and I wouldnt put more money against it, and that left the future of those ships open."

The Freedom-classdesign has also been scrutinized forits weapons capabilities, operating costs and survivability. Previously delivered hulls also have an expensive flaw in the combining gear, the sophisticated gearbox that integrates power from the ship's diesel and gas turbine engines. In future production, both LCS classes will be phased out in favor of the new Constellation-class, a conventional multirole frigate based on a European design. The Constellation-class will also built at Marinette.

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Video: Second-to-Last Freedom-Class LCS Launched at Marinette - The Maritime Executive

ON JUNE 9, 2011, when artist M F Husain passed away in London, he was miles away from his home, the land that he so fondly spoke about in all his conversations. Friends recall how much he had wanted to return home in the years before he passed away but the threat of violence that had driven him to a self-imposed exile in 2006, at the age of 90, also prevented him from returning.

Arguably, the most recognised modern Indian artist, the maverick faced the wrath of the right wing, which alleged that his depictions of Hindu deities had outraged the communitys religious sentiments. His home and exhibitions had been ransacked and he had received multiple death threats, apart from the numerous court cases registered against him.

The art community had stood by the nonagenarian but the state, perhaps, failed him. Since then, however, the limitations on artistic freedom of expression seem only to have grown.

Last week, when members of right-wing groups barged into Maharaja Sayajirao Universitys Faculty of Fine Arts in Vadodara, Gujarat, they were on a specific hunt. They were looking for artworks they had apparently viewed on social media and found distasteful and hurtful to religious sentiments. One series reportedly featured cut-outs of gods and goddesses with newspaper reports of crimes against women, while another was a collage with the Ashoka pillar positioned in an obscene manner.

Resisting the break-in, the faculty and staff of the department argued that the exhibition was still to be opened for the public to view and the display was being finalised. Speaking to the media, the dean, Jayaram Poduval, denied that the frames were part of the evaluation submissions and said that there could be a conspiracy against the faculty. It was also emphasised that the 2007 resolution would have been followed, according to which all works would have been checked and approved before the opening of the annual exhibition. The resolution itself was passed after a case was registered against then M S University post-graduate student Srilamanthula Chandramohan for his alleged objectionable artworks.

In the recent instance, some of the defenders argued that the punishment was being meted out before a crime was committed but others raised a larger and more pertinent question: Should it at all be punishable to depict gods and goddesses? Isnt all art open to interpretation and an artist entitled to conceptualise and create at free will?

Often, when this debate comes up, India is cited as the land of the Kamasutra and Khajuraho, associated with libidinous narratives in ancient India, and sceptics pronounce that it is unlikely that contemporary artists will have the same freedom as their ancestors. There can be no great art without experimentation but we are now restricting free thought and creativity when individuals are still learning the ropes. Art students are now being targeted within the confines of the university campus and even before letting them make an attempt, we are telling them they have failed. In 2019, Chennais Loyola College withdrew paintings that right-wing groups termed as anti-Hindu and anti-India and admitted to a lapse, regretting the insurmountable hurt caused.

The scare of a backlash is real. Inside closed doors, artists now admit to being over-cautious and fearful. In public spaces, meanwhile, they are wary of viewers who might deem their work offensive.

Artist Balbir Krishan, a double amputee, recalls being caught off-guard when in 2012, his exhibition celebrating homosexuality in Delhi was vandalised and he was beaten up. The art community, again, came together to support him but regrettably, that rarely has a definitive impact.

Public outrage does lead to conversations on the subject and an assertion of the need to protect artistic liberties, but the vandals often succeed in fulfilling their immediate endeavour of bringing down the work and the artist is left alone in the end.

Should artists then concede and accept overt censorship as fate? Though for a young artist it is difficult to match Husains might and courage, the veteran could be an inspiration. He defended his work for almost a decade before he left India.

For the sake of art and what it brings to society, it is integral to respect the fine line between freedom of expression and reasonable restrictions. Each artwork shares the vision of its creator and its purpose is beyond ornamental. Artists aspire to encourage conversations and seek to find unorthodox ways to question and provoke. Not everyone needs to be in agreement and differing opinions should be embraced, not condemned.

An artwork that appears to be problematic, might still be necessary.

vandana.kalra@expressindia.com

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Creative freedom of artists is in danger in India - The Indian Express

Freedom Heartsong is a Los Angeles based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and multimedia artist. In late 2019, he signed a global distribution deal with Dark Star Records, Sony Music, and The Orchard which released his first album Get A Heart On on May 23rd, 2020. That same year, he became the #1 artist on the entire record label, and also one of only two artists submitted for a Grammy consideration, with his song Ecstatic Magic. In 2021 he was again considered for a Grammy with his single Evil Grieves. Blues is the foundation of all of his music, and the heart and soul of his sound. His original music as well as his solo and power trio live performances bring bluesy, soulful, rockin' and rollin' tunes filled with positive energy. He has rocked a variety of notable venues, from The Mint and The Viper Room in Los Angeles, to The Cutting Room and Ottos Shrunken Head in NYC. He has garnered artist endorsements from Blackstar Amplification, Warm Audio, and Thimble Slide. His album Get A Heart On was produced, mixed, and engineered by Barry Pointer at Riott House Studio and mastered by Mike Wells Mastering. This summer, he will release his full length album entitled The Humane Experience, which he produced entirely, was mixed and engineered by Benjamin Cunill of Left Coast Label, and was mastered by twelve-time Grammy nominee and four-time Grammy winning mastering engineer Gavin Lurssen.

An all around self-taught creative, life experience and the learn by doing approach have been essential to Freedoms growth and development. In addition to music, throughout his entire life, he has made countless artistic creations in a wide variety of disciplines including design, sculpture, woodwork, ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and poetry. From the rainforests of Costa Rica, to the cultural art and music centers of Africa, to the legendary clubs of Los Angeles and NYC, a rich diversity of cultures have influenced him along the way. With an international presence in the music and art communities, his fans and artwork can be found in many countries around the world. His work is infused with socially aware messaging and poetic meaningful lyricism overflowing with good vibes. He creates music with the loving intention of inspiring all people to be their best selves and enjoy life to the fullest.

Freedom Heartsong will release his new album, The Humane Experience, on June 17th, 2022 via Dark Star Records / The Orchard.

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Freedom Heartsong released New Rock Single "Warrior of the Light" - Grateful Web

GENEVA (4 May 2022) - Following the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and the continuation of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, freedom of expression mandate holders* from the United Nations, the African Commission of Human Rights, the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights and the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe issue the following joint statement:

We collectively condemn the invasion of and continuous aggression against Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation. The actions of the Russian Federation violate international law and the common UN, OSCE, ItACHR and ACHR commitments and the very principles on which our organisations are based.

We are outraged about the continuous atrocities and the resulting grave human rights and humanitarian crises, which have a massive detrimental impact on civilians lives, safety and well-being. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in these difficult times.

We recall that it is precisely during times of war and armed conflict that the right to freedom of expression and free access to information must be vigorously defended, as it is instrumental for the promotion of lasting peace, understanding the nature of the conflict and ensuring accountability.

In this connection, we highlight the following:

First, we are profoundly concerned about the safety of journalists, media workers and associated personnel in Ukraine, who are carrying out their work under unprecedented conditions, and are now at a very high risk. There are numerous reports that journalists are being targeted, tortured, kidnapped, attacked and killed, or refused safe passage from the cities and regions under siege. Such actions are abhorrent and must be stopped immediately. We recall that under international humanitarian law, during armed conflict journalists are considered to be civilians and must be afforded protection as such. An attack to kill, wound or abduct a journalist constitutes a war crime. Those responsible for direct or indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including journalists, should be held accountable and brought to justice under national and international law. Measures must also be taken to trace missing journalists, ascertain their fate, provide appropriate assistance and facilitate their return to their families. States have the duty and obligation to protect and guarantee human rights, to conduct effective investigations and to guarantee effective remedies and reparations.

Second, we are alarmed by reports that Ukraines media and internet infrastructure may be intentionally targeted by the Russian forces in an effort to disrupt access to information, including by means of cyberattacks. We appreciate that access to Ukraine's internet infrastructure has remained largely resilient. It is crucial to ensure that people in Ukraine have continued access to the internet, broadcasting and other means of communication. We call for the adoption of all feasible measures to protect the media, media organisations, and internet infrastructure from attacks and hostile take overs. We also call for increased support in various forms by the international community to ensure media sustainability in Ukraine at a time when a number of national and local media outlets have lost their premises and equipment or have been damaged or destroyed. Initiatives that enable Ukrainian journalists and media in exile to continue their professional work should also be supported in a manner that is sustainable and adapted to the exceptional conditions they are facing.

Third, we underline that propaganda for war and national hatred which constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence are profoundly harmful and prohibited under article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We call on the Russian Federation to immediately refrain from these unlawful practices.

Fourth, we are concerned at the spread of disinformation concerning the conflict in Ukraine in Russian state-owned media. However, we believe that disinformation cannot be addressed by blocking or banning media outlets. Any restriction of freedom of expression should respect scrupulously the three-part test of legality, legitimate aim, and necessity and proportionality. We are concerned that the EUs decision to ban two Russian state-owned media outlets may have been a disproportionate response to disinformation. It has been used as a pretext for additional closure of independent media outlets in the Russian Federation. Promoting access to diverse and verifiable information, including ensuring access to free, independent and pluralistic media, is a more effective response to disinformation.

Fifth, we believe that the erosion of the right to freedom of expression and other human rights over a prolonged period of time and the silencing of critical voices in the Russian Federation have contributed to creating an environment that facilitates Russias war against Ukraine. We are alarmed at the further tightening of censorship and repression of dissent and pluralist sources of information and opinion in the Russian Federation, including the blocking of social media platforms and news websites, disruption of services from foreign content and service providers, massive labelling of independent journalists and media as foreign agents, introduction of criminal liability and imprisonment of up to fifteen years for spreading so-called fake information about the war in Ukraine or questioning Russian military action in Ukraine or simply standing for peace or even mentioning the word war. We deplore the systematic crackdown on political opponents, independent journalists and the media, human rights activists, protesters and many others opposing the Russian governments actions. All these measures amount to the creation of a state monopoly on information in blatant violation of Russias international obligations. They must stop. We call on the Russian government to fully implement its international human rights obligations, including by respecting, promoting and protecting the freedom to seek, receive and impart information regardless of frontiers, and by ensuring a safe working environment for independent media, journalists and civil society actors.

Six, we note that the war in Ukraine has further highlighted the risks of the proliferation of disinformation, misinformation and incitement to violence and hatred and restrictions of lawful speech on digital and social media platforms as a result of their business models, policies and practices. While we appreciate that dominant companies recently made some efforts to address these problems, we urge them to strengthen their human rights due diligence and impact assessment, accountability, transparency and equal and consistent application of policies to uphold the rights of all users.

ENDS

*The expert: Ms. Irene Khan was appointed as UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression in June 2020 and is the first woman to hold this mandate. An internationally recognized advocate for human rights, gender equality and social justice, she was Secretary-General of Amnesty International from 2001 to 2009 and Director-General of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) from 2010 to 2019. Ms. Khan is affiliated with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and has been Consulting Editor of the Daily Star, Bangladeshs largest English newspaper.

Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures' experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

The freedom of expression mandates issuing the Joint Declaration on freedom of expression and gender justice: Ms. Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Mrs.Teresa Ribeiro, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Mr. Pedro Pedro Vaca Villarreal, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, and Hon. Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo,African Commission Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.

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Ukraine: Joint statement on Russia's invasion and importance of freedom of expression and information - OHCHR

To All Those Who Dare Rob Us of Our Bodily Choice, I ask you:

What is it about our bodies that makes you so afraid, so insecure, so cruel and punishing?

Is it their singular autonomy or mere existence?

Is it their capacity for immense and unending pleasure orgasms that can multiply orgasms inside orgasms? Is it our skin? Is it our desire?

Is it our openness that rattles you and reminds you of where you are closed?

Is it the pure strength of our bodies that allows us to bleed and birth and bend and carry and continue on in spite of all the ways you have reduced us and objectified us, humiliated us and disrespected us and tried to shape us into baby-making machines? Our strength that is inherent and doesnt need to prove itself or show off or rely on weapons or violence to control and terrorise? Doesnt need to abolish laws, or lie to become supreme court judges or president or rig the decks when they get there.

Do you know this power? Can you imagine it? A power that comes from respecting life, caring for others before oneself, holding communities together?

Do you think we are naive enough to believe that you are motivated by your care for life when you have shown so little respect for it and us? Instead you spend your days unravelling and resisting all that makes life possible for those mothers and people with babies you claim to protect fighting against free universal healthcare, parental paid leave and child allowance. Wheres your outrage that the US has the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world?

Do you think we have forgotten that some of those (Brett Kavanaugh and Clarence Thomas) who are making the most crucial decisions about millions of our bodies and the one (Donald Trump) who chose three of the people on the court currently making these decisions, are men who have been accused of violating other womens bodies, harassing womens bodies, humiliating and proudly bragging about grabbing the genitals of womens bodies?

What is it about our bodies that make you think you have the right to invade them, determine them, control and legislate them, violate and force them to do anything against their will?

Perhaps you mistake our generosity for weakness, our patience for passivity, our vulnerability for fragility.

This might be why you are unable to see that there is no chance in hell that we are ever going back. This is not a law yet and we will never accept this ruling.

Perhaps because you have never known what it is like to have your body controlled by the vindictive anonymous state, to be raped and forced to keep your baby, to be so desperate that you destroy your uterus with a hanger or bleed to death in a back alley, you do not understand that once you have tasted the sweetness of freedom, of choice, once you have come to know your body as your own, once you have freed yourself and felt the expanse of your body, the aliveness in every pore that rises from autonomy, there is no way you will ever give that up. Ever.

And because you do not know this, you do not know how dangerous we are, how organised we are, how willing we are to go any lengths to preserve our freedom.

Its been 50 years. We have summoned our due. We actually have bank accounts now. We have credit cards and we can buy a house. We can serve on juries. We hold offices and are lawyers. We write for newspapers and we run them. We host TV shows and direct movies. We run hospitals and universities and non-profits and write plays about vaginas and books about fascists and fascism. We cant be tossed aside.

This is our world now. And these are our bodies. We know what you are up to this is just the beginning of your diabolical plan to rob us of contraception and marriage equality and civil rights and on and on. This is all part of your desperation to prevent the future that is on the verge of being born a future where we know our past and begin to reckon with it, a future where we teach critical race theory and the truth about white supremacy and sexism and transphobia.

A future where we care for our Earth and devote our lives to protecting air and water and forests and animals and all living things, a future where people have autonomy over their bodies and wombs and gender and marry who they want to, and dont get married if they dont want to, and have babies if they want to, and dont have babies if they dont want to. Despite all your lies, strategies and devious ways you are simply never going to stop us.

You have unleashed our fury, our solidarity, our unity.

We know that our future and everything we have fought for is at stake. I am willing to lay my body down for this freedom, for every freedom and I know there are multitudes who will do the same.

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a letter of up to 300 words to be considered for publication, email it to us at guardian.letters@theguardian.com

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Women know how choice and freedom feel and we will never give that up - The Guardian