In 2008, the American Friends Service Committee was critical in leading an effort to declare Washington, D.C. a Human Rights City. Last month marked the 10th anniversary of that effort. 

In honor of this milestone, AFSC's D.C. Peace and Economic Justice Program organized a Human Rights Week of Action from Dec. 10 to 14.

This week began on International Human Rights Day (Dec. 10) and concluded with a community open house at ONE D.C.'s Black Workers and Wellness Center on Dec. 14. 

Every day, AFSC works with communities around the globe to overcome violence and oppression and create the world we want to see.

None of this work is possible without supporters who share our belief in the dignity of all people and who understand the power of love to overcome injustice. Thank you for being part of our community.

As 2018 draws to a close, we wanted to share some photo highlights from the past year. Enjoy!

This bipartisan criminal justice reform bill will exacerbate racial disparities, fuel mass incarceration, and encourage prison privatization.

A bipartisan criminal justice reform bill known as the “First Step Act” (S.756) is advancing through Congress, with broad support from across the political spectrum. It’s tremendous to see the conversation on criminal justice reform take center stage, and the bill contains several provisions to reduce America’s prison population and improve conditions for those incarcerated.  

Faith leaders call for migrant justice and face arrest as part of AFSC week of action

On Dec. 10, dozens of faith leaders were arrested in an act of nonviolent civil disobedience at the U.S.-Mexico border. They were among the more than 400 people of faith and supporters who gathered in San Diego to stand with migrants seeking refuge in the U.S.

The action included people from numerous religious traditions, including those from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and indigenous communities, many expressing how their faith called them to take part.

Jody Mashek is director of legal services for AFSC’s Immigrant Rights Program in Iowa and is an accredited representative from the Department of Justice. She volunteered with the Kino Border Initiative and Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, with support from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) – an organization responding to the increasing need for legal assistance at the southern border.