N000741
Saturday, December 22, 2001 6:09 PM
Relatives eligible for compensation
Dear Sirs,
my name is . I am an Italian citizen and member of
Amnesty International, a worldwide human rights movement
committed to ensuring that the basic human rights of people are
respected without discrimination.
International human rights standards including the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights prohibit arbitrary discrimination and the US
government is obligated to respect these rights.
This is why I respectfully ask you to do all in your power in order
that the Justice Department, consistent with such international
human rights standards, and the general principle of equality,
include among relatives eligible for compensation those who lost
their life partners as well as de facto parents or children, without
regard to sexual orientation or marital status.
I also ask the Justice Department to follow the positive example of
New York state in granting compensation benefits "on a showing of
mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that anyone
who shared with the victim living expenses, day to day activities
and the emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of
need."
I am sure you understand that real justice is only served when all
families - and all types of families - impacted by the human rights
tragedy of September 11 are treated with dignity and equality.
While thankng you for your kind attention, I remain,
Sincerely yours
Individual Comment