MOIRA BIRSS and ZIA KANDLER – International accompaniment was developed in Central America during the 1980s and ’90s in response to threats against human rights defenders, communities and activists at the height of the civil wars there. Recognizing the global power dynamics and unequal treatment across borders by state actors, international solidarity movements and accompaniment organizations emerged to provide a protective presence, using international volunteers to deter violence and support grassroots struggles for justice.
Real World Effects as Republicans Scuttle International Humanitarian Assistance
LAWRENCE WITTNER – Calling for aid “to help 114 million people facing life-threatening needs across the world,” the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs said that “this isn’t just an appeal for money―it’s a call for global responsibility, for human solidarity, for a commitment to end the suffering.” Thus far, there’s no indication that the Trump administration has that commitment.
If fear is the goal, then solidarity is the antidote
DANIEL HUNTER – We would do well to take refuge in each other. We can focus on the fear or we can focus on the acts of courage around us. We would do well to steel our wills and gird ourselves — for these times require great courage. And courage is contagious. So let this be our mantra: It outlaws me, and I outlaw it.
Activate climate’s ‘silent majority’ to supercharge action, experts say
DAMIAN CARRINGTON – “People deeply understand we are in a climate emergency,” said Cassie Flynn, at the UN Development Programme, whose People’s Climate Vote in 2024 found 80% of people wanted stronger climate action from their countries. “They want world leaders to be bold, because they are living it day to day. World leaders should look at this data as a resounding call for them to rise to the challenge.”
How Some Independent Radio Stations Avoid Sounding Like Corporate Drones
DAMON ORION – Local radio stations and digital networks of independents are keeping “human-driven, anti-algorithm expression” alive.
How Sanctuary Cities Protect All of Us
ROBERT KOEHLER – As George Cassidy Payne writes, “Sanctuary cities offer more than a geographical claim. They challenge us to look past a person’s nationality and recognize their humanity.”