New rights agency launched in N. California

A new media and human rights agency has been launched in the San Francisco Bay Area. The RIGHTS RESEARCH PROJECT is being formally launched as a non-profit entity this Holiday Season after one year in existence, says the founder, journalist Michael Abraha. RRP which promotes and defends free media and human rights was initiated in December 2008. It started by providing discounted and free legal assistance to refugees and immigrants in Northern California. The agency also helps immigrants with job search and preparation as well as referrals to service providers in the Bay Area.

Over the past 12 months, RRP has assisted dozens of immigrants including asylum seekers and has provided free consultations to over a hundred individuals from many parts of the world about refugee and immigration problems and issues. There are plans to expand and improve immigration and human rights legal services at the local and international levels to include accredited court representation at discounted rates.

RRP’s other commitment is the building of a free but responsible media in Eritrea and the Horn of Africa. Aspiring for higher and better standards, RRP has published numerous articles and interviews on human and media rights violations in Eritrea and other parts of the Horn of Africa. Most of these can be found at the New York based Black Star News, American Chronicle, and African Path and in many independent Eritrean websites under the name Michael Abraha or Woldu Mikael. One of its new opinion programs, “Eritrea Media Watch”, regularly appears at Asmarino.com.

Freedom and justice driven, balanced and fair news reporting, and opinion writing are important in creating a peaceful and prosperous society. All this requires a great deal of time, energy, training and skill. We have many talented journalists and writers and our communities should support and encourage them, stresses Michael.

In early 2010, RRP plans to start Internet-based radio and video production programs focusing on Eritrean and Horn of African developments, US and EU policies on Africa, as well as international affairs. If funds allow, it also plans to give practical training in editing, feature writing and broadcasting to college level or other qualified Eritreans and other Africans aspiring to become professional journalists.

Michael is former lawyer, humanitarian services expert (Catholic Relief Services), journalist and once a US government employee. He brings a wealth of real life experience to this multipurpose organization. The need for RRP services is immense, as testimonials from beneficiaries would prove, according to Michael.

Irrespective of our ideological and political persuasion, says Michael, we have a common destiny, which depends on how hard we are willing to fight for the lofty ideals of democratic and human rights and free press.

RRP is calling on the public this Christmas Season for one time sacrificial donations to enable it to fully carry out its projects.

Donated funds will help in running non-profit media and human rights programs in which many of the services are already given at discounted rates or are being provided free.

Please donate generously - payable by check or money order to:

Rights Research Project

P.O. Box 612305

San Jose, CA 95161

Rights Research Wells Fargo Bank, None Profit Account: 3598480493 (Routing # 121042882 if needed)

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (408) 971 7672

          For RRP ad at Asmarino.com please see this page: http://asmarino.com/images/banners/rrp_fundraise.gif