Demand Human Rights Every Day

Today the international community observes Human Rights Day. This year's theme is human rights defenders who act to end discrimination. Today, Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo sits in a prison cell in China. After more than twenty years of championing human rights, in 2008 he was sentenced to 11 years in prison and two years of deprivation of political rights. While bureaucrats agreed to international agreements with their fingers crossed behind their backs, Liu was protesting at Tianamen Square. He was also a co-author of Charter 08; outlining the rights to which all Chinese citizens are entitled.

Join the chorus of people demanding basic human rights all over the world. Speak up and make every day Human Rights day!

A (Much Needed) Peace Treaty

Friends Farah Malik and Dana Arbib created A Peace Treaty using the juxtaposition of their differing backgrounds (Malik is a Pakistani Muslim and Arbib a Libyan Jew) and their shared interest in high-fashion and ancient craftsmanship. It is an evolving collection aimed at creating beautiful, ethically produced, artisan-level accessories and apparel.

We are so excited to have this exquisite stole shown above at our Charity Water Auction! It has red, green, clementine, purple, and blue stripes with silver tila yarn detail. It measures 80x42" and is hand-loomed in 100% cotton.

Caged Freedom

Photo by Jef Aerosol

Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist Aung San Suu Kyi, a key political figure in her native Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been under house arrest for the last 18 years. She entered into politics following the teachings of Buddhism and Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent protest, while seeking the establishment of a democratic government for Myanmar. In September of 1988 Suu Kyi founded the National League for Democracy and was placed on house arrest a year later. In 1990 she won the position of Prime Minister of Burma; however, she was unable to assume her role because of her detention by the military junta.

On Mahatma Gandhi's birthday; October 2nd, the Mirca Art Group will release Freedom & Art, their landmark collaboration of international artists to raise awareness of Suu Kyi's plight. The book will be released to the public through an event called “Set a Book Free"; all featured artists - including Ladies Lotto's Melissa Steckbauer - will place a copy donated by Internet-based publishing site Blurb.com in a public location to raise interest.

After the release to the public the book will be available at Amnesty International and Amazon.com. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Amnesty International to support efforts being made on behalf of Suu Kyi. A traveling exhibit featuring a selection of the art published in the book is also planned to open in 2009.