Nigerian government needs to recognize the existence and rights of 'religious' minorities

Last week I submitted an article for editorial review on Political Cortex titled, "Rhetoric of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict." It spent about one week in the queue, was voted up and down, and then finally disappeared from the queue. I would like to open a discussion about this controversial article for the purpose of gathering people's thoughts about it, and to learn why it was not deemed suitable for publication on this website.

Early in this 21st century it has become pertinent that humanists get involved in the promotion and propagation of human rights in Africa

Humanism is an outlook that affirms the dignity and worth of all human beings.
And human rights stand for the inalienable entitlement of all individuals by the virtue of their being human. And they include the right to life, liberty and security of persons, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Having organized protests against the Republican Convention, I found I had a core of activists who were looking to me for support after Bush "won" re-"election". My carefully thought out suggestions as to where we could go from that defeat led to this more-or-less weekly newsletter.

This week I discuss fighting the Burmese dictators and making money by investing in alternative energy. I revisit from last week targeting one of the most horrible, corrupt, anti-science Republicans, Joe Barton, one of the Katrina 11. I also focus on local actions and events in New York State, New York City, Texas, Virginia, California and New Jersey. Don't forget to visit an advertiser or two and if you want more, please visit Culture Kitchen.

The case brought against Shehu Sani by Islamic jihadists over his book, Phantom Crescent, has a lot of implications for human rights, democracy and civilization in Nigeria.

On October 9 (yesterday) a court in Kaduna-Northern Nigeria heard a case brought against Shehu Sani- a well-known human rights activist, social critic and author.
Mr. Sani-a practicing Muslim- was sued by a group called Concerned Sharia Forum over a play- Phantom Crescent- he wrote exposing the abuses and double standards by those implementing Sharia law in 12 states in Northern Nigeria.

NGOs are critical to the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa

The emergence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is one of the greatest developments in the defense, protection and promotion of human rights in Africa I realized this in May when I traveled to represent the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) at the 41 st Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) in Accra Ghana. ACHPR meet twice every year to assess the state of human rights in Africa especially how state parties are fulfilling their obligations and commitments under the African Charter on Human and People's Rights.

Usually part of the Session is devoted to hearing reports and statements by state parties, human rights institutions, intergovernmental and non governmental organizations involved in human rights protection and promotion in the region.