July 18, 2019
Today, Humanity United announced that it is responding to the crisis on the U.S. southern border by supporting several organizations that are working to end this humanitarian crisis, advocate on behalf of its victims, and to protect the human dignity of migrants. HU already supports organizations that help advance common sense immigration reform, protect migrant workers, and work to address the root causes of forced migration.
This response comes following last week’s statement from Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stating that the detention of migrant children at the southern border of the United States “may constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment that is prohibited by international law.” Interviews with children and adults detained detail horrendous conditions, including: extreme overcrowding; lack of access to clothing, hygienic products, and clean water; allegations of sexual assault; threats by guards; and spreading illnesses.
Humanity United’s mission is to transform human exploitation and violent conflict into enduring freedom and peace. Over and over, in our work to support local peacebuilding and end human trafficking and forced labor, we see dehumanizing acts of physical, emotional, and social violence inflicted upon migrant communities. The documentation of these abuses is a reminder that these injustices must be confronted both domestically and around the world. We all have to stand up to protect human rights and basic dignity when we see them forcibly taken.