Category Archives: Post Human

UPDATE 4:25 p.m. EDT: A second body reportedly was pulled from the rubble Sunday of three buildings that collapsed following a suspected natural gas explosion and fire in New York City's East Village. WABC, New York, quoted city officials as saying two bodies have now been recovered, possibly the two men reported missing in Thursday's disaster.

Original post

Human remains have been discovered in the rubble of a building that caught fire following an apparent gas explosion in New York Citys East Village, the New York Post reported. The remains were discovered Sunday afternoon at the site of the fire that brought down the building at 121 Second Ave. and two adjacent buildings. It was unclear if the remains belonged to a male or female. The remains were moved to the city medical examiners office for identification.

Two men, Nicholas Figueroa and Moises Locon, were reported missing following the explosion and fire that brought down the structures. Figueroa, 23, was on a date at the Sushi Park restaurant that was at the heart of the disaster and Locon, 27, worked at the restaurant and is believed to have been standing nearby, the Post reported.

Authorities had previously suggested it was unlikely they would find anyone in the wreckage of the buildings. When asked about whether anyone in the buildings would have survived the explosion, New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito told the Associated Press: I would doubt that very seriously.

It was reportedlate Saturday utility workers inspecting the site found dangerous gas line connections that created what a Consolidated Edison spokesman called a "hazardous situation. Con Ed spokesman Allan Drury said workers inspecting the building on Aug. 6 found leaks in hoses that were part of the building's gas infrastructure, and the company shut off the building's gas for about 10 days, until it was determined to be safe,Reuters reported.

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said Friday the explosion -- which injured 22 people, four critically, and left two people missing -- could have been the result of someone having inappropriately accessed one of the building's gas lines.

Hyeonil Kim, the owner of Sushi Park told the New York TimesCon Ed employees told him gas intended for his premises was being siphoned off -- so-called illegal gas tapping -- for use in the newly renovated apartments upstairs in the five-story building.

View post:
New York Explosion: Body Found At Site Of East Village Fire: Report

The proposal of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with a new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia has drawn interest, support and encouragement from MPs from both BN and PR divide, former Ministers and public intellectuals.

For instance, this is one of the messages of support and encouragement which I have received for the idea of a new coalition government post-BN and post PR:

I read your five fundamental principles for a new government. I fully support them. You might also need an agenda to address inequalities and opportunities for all. All the best.

I fully agree.

I first broached the idea of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with a new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia at the Bukit Bintang DAP Branch anniversary dinner four days ago last Sunday.

This path-breaking political initiative can only come about if the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak deviated from the stand of the first five Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak, Tun Hussein, Tun Mahathir and Tun Abdullah and the bedrock UMNO/Barisan Nasional nation-building principle and policy that hudud law is against Malaysian Constitution, the 1963 Malaysia Agreement and not suitable for a multi-racial and multi-religious nation like Malaysia either by going against this principle or not daring to reiterate and reaffirm this core nation-building principle.

The ball as to whether Malaysians should seriously explore the idea of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with a new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia is now in Najibs court.

Apart from the five fundamental principles of such a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR which I have outlined, the new coalition government post-BN and post-PR must also fulfil two other criteria if it is to be a viable and sustainable government.

These two criteria are:

Firstly, it must be fully inclusive of all Malaysian races, religions and regions, in other words, a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-regional new Malaysian coalition government comprising Muslims and non-Muslims, Malays and non-Malays, and Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.

Link:
Comment on Proposal of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia has ...

The United Nations' top human rights body agreed on Thursday to appoint a special investigator to probe digital spying and violations of online privacy. Brazil and Germany spearheaded the resolution, which voiced deep concern over electronic surveillance and the interception of digital communications, as well as data collection by governments and private companies. Former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents two years ago that exposed mass surveillance of private emails and phone data across the world. Brazil's government fell out with Washington at the time over revelations that the NSA had eavesdropped on President Dilma Rousseff. Snowden has said the U.S. also carried out large-scale electronic espionage in Germany. "States must respect international human rights obligations regarding the right to privacy when they intercept digital communication of individuals and/or collect personal data," Brazil's ambassador Regina Dunlop told the U.N. Human Rights Council.

The Geneva forum, whose 47 members include the United States, adopted the text unanimously. U.S. ambassador Keith Harper said Washington had backed the call for an investigator because it has long championed human rights domestically and internationally. The U.N. council said the special rapporteur, who has not yet been selected, would have three years to document violations and urged all states to cooperate with the new mandate.

Eileen Donahoe, a former U.S. human rights ambassador now with Human Rights Watch, said the New York-based activist group hoped the move "marks the beginning of a serious global reckoning with mass surveillance and its effects." ACLU Human Rights Program Director Jamil Dakwar called the announcement "a big victory for privacy and human rights." He added: "It comes at critical time when people around the world are looking for robust safeguards against privacy abuses by governments."

First published March 26 2015, 3:06 PM

The rest is here:
New U.N. Investigator to Probe Digital Spying

Libyan human rights defenders under attack UN report

GENEVA (25 March 2015) A UN human rights report released on Wednesday reveals a catalogue of violent attacks and threats against Libyan rights defenders, across Libya and in some cases even after they are forced to leave the country.

Attacks, including killings, abductions, torture and other ill-treatment, unlawful deprivation of liberty and death threats by phone and on social media since the escalation of fighting in May 2014 have been documented in the joint report by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the UN Human Rights Office. Armed groups across the country have targeted human rights defenders seeking to shed light on and address human rights violations and abuses.

Most recently, prominent civil society activist Entissar al-Hassaeri was shot dead last month in Tripoli. Her body and that of her aunt were found in the trunk of her car on 23 February. Two members of the National Commission for Human Rights-Libya, a human rights NGO, were abducted on 13 and 14 February in central Tripoli. Both have since been released, but other human rights defenders and members of civil society remain missing or have gone into hiding.

Given the increasing risks, the killings of prominent human rights defenders and repeated threats, many have fled the country, fallen silent, or have been forced to work in secret at great risk to themselves and their loved ones, the report notes.

Those who managed to flee abroad face a plethora of problems linked to their residency status, expiration of passports with no possibility of extension at some local Libyan consulates, loss of income, and other financial difficulties. Some human rights defenders who have fled have explained that they continued to receive death threats on their mobile phones and social media pages. In at least two cases human rights defenders were physically assaulted in Tunisia, apparently by Libyans.

In one such case, a media professional and womens rights defender from Benghazi, left the country in late 2014 after numerous threats, including a text message threatening abduction of her son. Her car was struck, apparently deliberately, by another vehicle and a factory she owned was set on fire. She has continued to be outspoken and has continued to be threatened after moving abroad.

On 19 October 2014, as she was walking to the train station, she was stopped by a car with Libyan license plates, the report says. The passenger threw a cup of coffee at her warning: youactivist and journalistnext time it will be acid.

Another journalist and human rights defender received threats, including of sexual violence, on her Facebook page. We will come to your house and break your honour, read one post. After fleeing Libya in August 2014, she continued to receive threats via Viber and text messages.

Another human rights defender left Tripoli in September 2014 after being repeatedly subjected to physical assaults, short-term detentions and abduction threats directed at his family.

See more here:
Libyan human rights defenders under attack UN report

The proposal of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with a new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia has drawn interest, support and encouragement from MPs from both BN and PR divide, former Ministers and public intellectuals.

For instance, this is one of the messages of support and encouragement which I have received for the idea of a new coalition government post-BN and post PR:

I read your five fundamental principles for a new government. I fully support them. You might also need an agenda to address inequalities and opportunities for all. All the best.

I fully agree.

I first broached the idea of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with a new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia at the Bukit Bintang DAP Branch anniversary dinner four days ago last Sunday.

This path-breaking political initiative can only come about if the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak deviated from the stand of the first five Prime Ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Razak, Tun Hussein, Tun Mahathir and Tun Abdullah and the bedrock UMNO/Barisan Nasional nation-building principle and policy that hudud law is against Malaysian Constitution, the 1963 Malaysia Agreement and not suitable for a multi-racial and multi-religious nation like Malaysia either by going against this principle or not daring to reiterate and reaffirm this core nation-building principle.

The ball as to whether Malaysians should seriously explore the idea of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with a new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia is now in Najibs court.

Apart from the five fundamental principles of such a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR which I have outlined, the new coalition government post-BN and post-PR must also fulfil two other criteria if it is to be a viable and sustainable government.

These two criteria are:

Firstly, it must be fully inclusive of all Malaysian races, religions and regions, in other words, a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-regional new Malaysian coalition government comprising Muslims and non-Muslims, Malays and non-Malays, and Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.

Continue reading here:
Proposal of a new coalition government post-BN and post-PR with new Prime Minister to Save Malaysia has drawn ...

By Gintautas Dumcius

STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE

BOSTON -- Former state Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rachel Kaprielian has been appointed to a top federal health and human services post.

Kaprielian, a former state representative who went on to serve in Gov. Deval Patrick's administration, will serve as Health and Human Services regional director for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, President Obama's health chief said Wednesday.

"Rachel's work in state and local policy will surely be an asset to our Region I office," Sylvia Burwell, secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement. "We look forward to Rachel joining her fellow Regional Directors as they continue their work delivering impact in communities around the country."

Kaprielian, who is scheduled to start her new job on Monday, also served as registrar of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.

A Watertown Democrat, Kaprielian served six terms in the Legislature. Kaprielian also discussed with a recruiter the position of president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Christie Hager, the previous regional director, left in December and took a job with Beacon Health Options, a managed behavioral health care company.

Former state Reps. Phil Johnston and Brian Golden, who now heads the Boston Redevelopment Authority, have also held the regional directorship.

Former Sen. Richard Moore, an Uxbridge Democrat, applied for the regional directorship after losing his seat to Webster Republican Ryan Fattman in November 2014.

See the original post:
Kaprielian named regional HHS director

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has ruled Vancouver police must find better ways to deal with transgender people after officers called a trans woman by male pronouns and failed to provide post-surgery care in jail.

A decision released Tuesday ordered the Vancouver Police Board to pay Angela Dawson $15,000 for injuries to her dignity, feelings and self-respect.

Tribunal member Catherine McCreary also said the force committed "systemic discrimination" over how it identified transgender people and must now adopt new policies within a year.

"Ms. Dawson testified that, when the police refer to her as (her legal name) Jeffrey or use male gender pronouns, it makes her feel embarrassed and humiliated," wrote McCreary.

"She thinks that, when the police treat her as a male, it gives other people the right to treat her as a male, to pick on her, and to humiliate her."

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who is chair of the police board, said in a statement that he will be reviewing the decision with the department.

"The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department have the highest level of respect and appreciation for our city's remarkable diversity, and a firm commitment to protect the rights and freedoms of the LGBTTQ community and all Vancouver residents," he said.

Dawson filed the complaint after several run-ins with police in Vancouver, where she is known as "Rollergirl," as she likes to direct traffic while wearing rollerblades.

While McCreary dismissed several of her complaints, she found that police engaged in discrimination twice in 2010.

Excerpt from:
Vancouver Police Discriminated Against Transgender People: Human Rights Tribunal

WEDNESDAY

Talk: Jeffrey Deitch and Massimiliano Gioni at the New York Public Library

In a profile of Jeffrey Deitch published last year in New York, Massimiliano Gioni, the director of the New Museum, weighed in on a exhibiton Mr. Deitch curated in the 1990s called Post-Human by remarking, of Mr. Deitch, I think he has played the role of a post-human character himself. Perhaps well get an elaboration on that one when Mr. Gioni and Mr. Deitch meet onstage at the New York Public Library. Or, perhaps Mr. Deitch will use the opportunity to announce the new location for Deitch Projects. Were all waiting, Jeffrey!

The New York Public Library, Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, 7:00 p.m.

2015 Triennial Members Party

Meanwhile, over at Mr. Gionis museum, theres a party for members that features a performance by Us the Duo, two singers who, according to its website, are the first artists signed to a major label from Vine. Which, given the subject matter of the Triennial, makes them a rather appropriate choice of performance.

The New Museum, 235 Bowery, New York, 7-10 p.m., members only

THURSDAY

Opening: Les Lalanne at Paul Kasmin Gallery

Link:
10 Things to Do in New Yorks Art World Before March 30

Vanuatu: After devastation, UN experts call to protect human rights of all in disaster response

GENEVA (20 March 2015) A group of United Nations human rights experts* called on Vanuatu and the international community to adopt a human rights framework as the basis for recovery in the aftermath of cyclone Pam, while noting that the new global framework for Disaster Risk Reduction adopted this week includes human rights as a guiding principle in mitigating natural disasters.

The experts on the right to adequate housing, and on the human rights of internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities and on older persons expressed their solidarity with the people of Vanuatu and deep concern for the widespread devastation caused by the storm.

The destruction brought upon by cyclone Pam has left thousands of people displaced or insecurely housed. As one of the poorest countries in the world, residents of Vanuatu who already had very little, have now lost everything.

In the wake of such a disaster, and as emergency response and reconstruction plans are discussed, it is imperative that a human rights framework be the foundation for recovery and rebuilding efforts, which must be inclusive of all. Post-disaster recovery and rebuilding activities are essential to ensure the fulfillment of the human rights of all.

Current reports by the UN and international aid organizations note that approximately 4,000 people have found refuge in 39 evacuation centres in Efate. In the capital city, Port Vila, approximately 90% of housing has been seriously damaged.

Temporary housing is an essential aspect of an emergency response, however it must still meet human rights standards and it must not be the sole focus. Those who are staying with relatives or families should also be assisted appropriately. Longer-term housing needs must also be considered and planned for immediately.

Lessons learned from past natural disasters around the world shed light on the way forward. In all phases of disaster response the right to adequate housing should be respected and protected. This means ensuring security of tenure; availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure; affordability, habitability and accessibility of housing; an appropriate location for housing; and cultural adequacy.

We are concerned over the conditions in evacuation centres, which reportedly vary enormously, with overcrowding, privacy and security identified as serious issues. We are particularly concerned about the risk of sexual violence against women and girls, as lighting is lacking in most of the centres.

In the coming months as the rebuilding process evolves, access to housing, land or space will become an important part of rehabilitation. We are particularly concerned for the most marginalized groups. They will need special attention for example, womens privacy needs and the rights and needs of those with disabilities must be addressed. An age perspective has also to be included in all stages of disaster management and policies, from their elaboration to their execution.

Link:
Call to protect human rights of all in disaster response

If you look at the business world and the institutional world through the eyes of a little kid or a Martian, or anyone who wasnt raised with our traditional understanding of businesses and institutions, you notice something right away. The first thing you notice is that the business world and the institutional worlds run on a different fuel than normal human life.

They are sustained by and fueled by commands, policies, rules, structures and hierarchies that we dont find in everyday human existence down on the ground. In modern times weve exalted the corporate and institutional systems to nearly the status of religions.

We are adherents to the churches of data and money and organizational power. A lot of people pray to those gods and devote their lives to those religions. The Human Workplace idea is nothing more complex than making work a human place, which it is anyway!

People go to work, and like anything in nature they fight to stay human and plug into their own power sources at work. I sing at a church where the minister said in his sermon one day that the daffodil and lily bulbs in the church garden moved in the dirt ten feet over to poke their shoots out of the soil beyond the concrete patio. Ten feet!

Nature is powerful, and we are part of nature. People naturally bring their best to work unless there are man-made impediments that keep them from doing that. They want to do it. They want to be emotionally invested in their work.

It makes the work more fun and interesting. Work is a communal place. People look for community. It springs up like the daffodils even despite the harshness and grayness of the organizational structure of rules and budgets.

The Human Workplace movement is a global and enlarging conversation about reinventing work for people. As a practical matter, it is easy to build human energy from your own desk or place in the loading dock to other people and from there to larger and larger communities of people who desperately want to be able to be human at work.

Excerpt from:
Stepping Into The Human Workplace