Geneva, Day 2: Informal Briefings & Preparation for the Dep.

High Commissioner
By Nicole Robinson March 11, 2014 "Nobody ever achieved anything except in small steps, one after another. That stone mason who built the magnificent cathedral for others to enjoy, long after he's gone, did so exactly like his colleagues: by squaring off stones and moving them- again and again and again." -John-Paul Flintoff Today in Geneva, U.S. human rights working groups gathered in the beautiful Palais Wilson for an informal meeting with members of the Human Rights Committee. Among the participants was Dream Defender Ahmad Abuznaid. "Today we had the opportunity to have an informal breakfast meeting with several members of the Human Rights Committee. It was a chance for us to hit all the points we missed yesterday during the formal briefing," said Ahmad. Although the view from the second story of the Palais was tranquil - with sunlight shining on a calm lake at the foot of snow capped Alps - the meeting was tense and passionate. Everyone in that room was determined to have their issues heard by those who will be responsible for the review of the United State's compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Some members even offered personal testimony to help those on the Committee understand the real, every-day effects of discrimination or voter suppression. Afterwards, working groups split up to organize for important proceedings that take place later in the week. The big news for the Dream Defenders today is that Ahmad has been chosen to address the Human Rights Committee and the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights in a statement solely focused on Stand Your Ground. The Deputy High Commissioner, Flavia Pansieri, is one of the most powerful authorities on international human rights in the United Nations. This statement will be held at the Palais des Nations tomorrow Wednesday, March 12th. "We are extremely excited, said Ahmad. President Barack Obama and Eric Holder have both spoken out about Stand Your Ground (SYG). Well we're tired of people talking about SYG and we are going to ask the Human Rights Committee to actually take action." Ahmad also had an opinion piece published in the National Journal today that is worth a read. In lieu of that, this entry has been shortened. Rest assured the fireworks will start tomorrow. The U.S. governments official review process will begin Friday. Also, look out for more posts on the amazing people we are meeting and building with here in Geneva.