Valentine's Day is around the corner, and we're pleased to announce that 19 jewelry retailers have made a commitment to responsible gold sourcing. This list includes QVC and Wal-Mart; a leading class rings company, Balfour; and the Canadian-based luxury jeweler, Birks & Mayors.
Unfortunately, Target, one of the largest retailers of gold jewelry, is not on this list -- despite our many efforts to convince them. We need your help to urge Target to step up to the plate.
You've sent thousands of e-mails and faxes to Target in the past. Now we're asking you to pick up the phone and deliver the message. Take action!
Mining Activists Need Your Help
In recent months, several members of the Peruvian organization GRUFIDES, including its president, Father Marco Arana, and its executive director, Dr. Mirtha Vasquez Chuquilin, have been targeted with death threats, defamation, and surveillance at home and at work.
GRUFIDES (El Grupo de Formación e Intervención para el Desarrollo Sostenible) is a human rights and environmental organization that works with communities impacted by mining in the Cajamarca region of northern Peru -- home to Newmont Mining's massive Yanacocha mine. There is strong opposition to the mine's expansion. Residents have held several large protests to voice their concerns about the mine's impact on the environment and local water resources.
Take Action. Ask Newmont Mining to publicly condemn the intimidation of mining activists and ensure that none of its employees are engaged in activities that violate human rights or contribute to violence and repression.
