We must act on behalf of hundreds of Syrian detainees who appear to have been subjected to enforced disappearance — including Mohamed Bashir Arab, the doctor whose
mother and sister continue to rise and fall at the hope of information
about his whereabouts. Amnesty International has been documenting cases
of enforced disappearance in Syria since the late 1970s. The number of
disappearances has increased notably since the beginning of the Syrian
uprising in 2011.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
International Day of the Disappeared - Mohamed Bashir Arab
We must act on behalf of hundreds of Syrian detainees who appear to have been subjected to enforced disappearance — including Mohamed Bashir Arab, the doctor whose
mother and sister continue to rise and fall at the hope of information
about his whereabouts. Amnesty International has been documenting cases
of enforced disappearance in Syria since the late 1970s. The number of
disappearances has increased notably since the beginning of the Syrian
uprising in 2011.
International Day of the Disappeared - Prageeth Eknaligoda
We must speak up on behalf of political cartoonist and journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda of Sri Lanka.
He went missing on January 24, 2010, shortly after leaving work at his
news office. He had told friends in the days leading up to his abduction
that he suspected he was being followed. When his wife tried to lodge a
complaint the day after he disappeared, she was detained for several
hours.
International Day of the Disappeared - Six Palestinian Men
We must speak out on behalf of six Palestinian men who were “disappeared” while in custody in
a Palestinian Authority detention center in on March 12, 2002.
Government officials have provided little information about the
whereabouts of the men, telling family members only that “they had
escaped prison and fled to Israel.” At no time were the men formally
charged.
International Day of the Disappeared - Sombath Somphone
We must take action on behalf of 62-year-old Laotian civil society leader Sombath Somphone,
who was abducted in December 2012. Laos authorities deny arresting him
or having anything to do with his disappearance, and have failed to
thoroughly investigate the case.
International Day of the Disappeared: August 30.
International Day of the Disappeared: August 30.
On August 30, Amnesty International observes the International Day of the Disappeared. Enforced
disappearance takes place when a person is arrested, detained, abducted
or otherwise deprived of their liberty by government officials or by
organized groups or private individuals whose actions are condoned by
the government in some way. We
call on governments around the world to disclose the status of
individuals or groups who have been "disappeared" or taken for
political, social or other reasons violating human rights. Those found
to be involved in their disappearance must be brought to justice. We ask
you to speak out and take action in defense of those who have
disappeared and are not here to defend themselves.
In every one of these cases, there is an answer. There is someone in these governments who knows where these people are or what happened to them. We implore these governments to cease the practice of enforced disappearance, and to thoroughly investigate the whereabouts of all people who have been disappeared.
On August 30, Amnesty International observes the International Day of the Disappeared. Enforced
disappearance takes place when a person is arrested, detained, abducted
or otherwise deprived of their liberty by government officials or by
organized groups or private individuals whose actions are condoned by
the government in some way. We
call on governments around the world to disclose the status of
individuals or groups who have been "disappeared" or taken for
political, social or other reasons violating human rights. Those found
to be involved in their disappearance must be brought to justice. We ask
you to speak out and take action in defense of those who have
disappeared and are not here to defend themselves.In every one of these cases, there is an answer. There is someone in these governments who knows where these people are or what happened to them. We implore these governments to cease the practice of enforced disappearance, and to thoroughly investigate the whereabouts of all people who have been disappeared.
Click on link for more information and photos of some disappeared individuals.
Syria: Demand an End to Enforced Disappearance for Ali Mahmoud Othman Deadline ASAP - Online Petition
Syria: Demand an End to Enforced Disappearance for Ali Mahmoud Othman Deadline ASAP
Amnesty
International has been documenting cases of enforced disappearance in
Syria since the late 1970s. However, the number of persons subjected to
enforced disappearance has sharply risen since the beginning of the
crisis in 2011. Syrian
"citizen journalist" Ali Mahmoud Othman hasn't been seen since he was
arrested by Syrian authorities in March 2014. Amnesty International
believe Othman was "disappeared" for his efforts in bringing the world's
attention to human rights abuses in Syria. Click here to sign a petition addressed to Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad to
express concern about reports that the Syrian state has subjected
individuals to enforced disappearance and to call on you to ensure that
the Syrian authorities immediately cease this practice and that all
those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to trial.
Amnesty
International has been documenting cases of enforced disappearance in
Syria since the late 1970s. However, the number of persons subjected to
enforced disappearance has sharply risen since the beginning of the
crisis in 2011. Syrian
"citizen journalist" Ali Mahmoud Othman hasn't been seen since he was
arrested by Syrian authorities in March 2014. Amnesty International
believe Othman was "disappeared" for his efforts in bringing the world's
attention to human rights abuses in Syria. Click here to sign a petition addressed to Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad to
express concern about reports that the Syrian state has subjected
individuals to enforced disappearance and to call on you to ensure that
the Syrian authorities immediately cease this practice and that all
those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to trial.
How many are missing from Syria? Video
"Tens of thousands of people like Khalil have 'disappeared' at the
hands of Syrian state forces in the last three years. For many years,
Syria has held detainees in secret locations, unable to communicate with
the outside world - and these disappearances have increased
dramatically since 2011.
When state forces hold people incommunicado like this they are violating many human rights. When they do so on a mass scale, as Syrian forces appear to be doing, it can constitute a crime against humanity."
When state forces hold people incommunicado like this they are violating many human rights. When they do so on a mass scale, as Syrian forces appear to be doing, it can constitute a crime against humanity."
Syria: Free Missing Human Rights Lawyer, Khalil Ma’touq Deadline ASAP
Syria: Free Missing Human Rights Lawyer, Khalil Ma’touq Deadline ASAP - Online Petition
On October 2012, Khalil
Ma'touq set off on his usual drive to work, from his home in the town
of Sahnaya to nearby Damascus. He was accompanied by his friend and
assistant Mohammed Thatha. Their route passed through many
government-controlled security checkpoints. At one of these checkpoints,
unofficial sources suggest that the men were arrested by members of the
security forces. Nearly two years later, Khalil and Mohammed are still
missing. Click here to watch a 6:34 mins video for missing Syrian citizens and click here to sign a petition addressed to Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad to
express concern about reports that the Syrian state has subjected
individuals to enforced disappearance and to call on you to ensure that
the Syrian authorities immediately cease this practice and that all
those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to trial.
On October 2012, Khalil
Ma'touq set off on his usual drive to work, from his home in the town
of Sahnaya to nearby Damascus. He was accompanied by his friend and
assistant Mohammed Thatha. Their route passed through many
government-controlled security checkpoints. At one of these checkpoints,
unofficial sources suggest that the men were arrested by members of the
security forces. Nearly two years later, Khalil and Mohammed are still
missing. Click here to watch a 6:34 mins video for missing Syrian citizens and click here to sign a petition addressed to Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad to
express concern about reports that the Syrian state has subjected
individuals to enforced disappearance and to call on you to ensure that
the Syrian authorities immediately cease this practice and that all
those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to trial.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Amnesty International Madison Group #139 Weekly Update - August 29, 2014
Greetings Everyone!
This week we have worked hard to clarify our policies
regarding our website, Facebook, and Twitter. Please note that we will
be posting information from Amnesty International and other Human Rights
organizations and, that as an Amnesty International Group, we do not
raise funds for other organizations. Our policy updates can be found on
our website (About Us/Join Us tab and our Welcome message). We have also
experienced some inappropriate comments on our Facebook page. That
policy can be found under Notes on our FB page. We ask that comments
made to our Facebook page be respectful and that issues regarding our
organization be discussed privately.
This week also brought a surge of new "likes" to our Facebook page. As of Thursday, August 28, we received 231 likes
which means we are getting our message out there. If you are on
Facebook, we encourage you to "like," "share," and "comment on" our
postings. This is another quick and easy way you can make a difference.
Finally, we would
like to encourage our members to share Amnesty International and Human
Rights information and links with us. Either reply to this email, which
is distributed to our group, or send your ideas to Azam (group139@aiusa.org) for consideration on our website, Facebook, or Twitter postings.
-Debbie, Webmistress
For entire Weekly Update, click here.
Human Rights Activists News Agency for Iran - News Updates
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA: hra-news.org/en/) for Iran - Click here for News Updates.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Urgent Actions for August 22; August 25-27
Urgent Actions from Amnesty International for
AUGUST 22; AUGUST 25 to AUGUST 27: Countries include: Israel/OPT, Sudan,
Bahrain, Colombia, Myanmar, Egypt, Iran, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. Most Urgent Actions require a written letter. We have guidelines for writing letters on our website. For a list of this week's Urgent Actions, click here .
Stop Torture. Urge Mexican Government to seek Justice for Claudia Medina Deadline - ASAP
Stop Torture. Urge Mexican Government to seek Justice for Claudia Medina
Deadline for Online Petition - ASAP
In 2012, Claudia Medina, mother-of-three and natural medicine worker, was abducted by Mexico's military (Marines) from her home in Veracruz, Mexico and took her to a local military base. She
was wrapped in plastic, beaten, kicked, and subjected to torture
including electric shocks and sexual assault. Marines forced a syringe
of chili sauce up her nose. To
make the torture stop, Claudia signed a statement she hadn't read,
later discovering it was a false confession that she belonged to a
criminal gang. Claudia maintained her innocence. Claudia reported her torture, prompting a federal judge to request an investigation. She is one of countless people tortured in Mexico that has increased by 600 per cent in the last decade, with most victims being the poor and the powerless.
Click here or here to sign the petition asking Mexican government to take urgent measures to stop torture and demand justice for Claudia Medina and others subjected to torture in Mexico.
Deadline for Online Petition - ASAP
In 2012, Claudia Medina, mother-of-three and natural medicine worker, was abducted by Mexico's military (Marines) from her home in Veracruz, Mexico and took her to a local military base. She
was wrapped in plastic, beaten, kicked, and subjected to torture
including electric shocks and sexual assault. Marines forced a syringe
of chili sauce up her nose. To
make the torture stop, Claudia signed a statement she hadn't read,
later discovering it was a false confession that she belonged to a
criminal gang. Claudia maintained her innocence. Claudia reported her torture, prompting a federal judge to request an investigation. She is one of countless people tortured in Mexico that has increased by 600 per cent in the last decade, with most victims being the poor and the powerless.Click here or here to sign the petition asking Mexican government to take urgent measures to stop torture and demand justice for Claudia Medina and others subjected to torture in Mexico.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Urgent Actions for August 18 to 22, 2014
ANOTHER SET OF URGENT ACTIONS!!! Here are the Urgent Actions from Amnesty International for AUGUST 18 to
AUGUST 22. Urgent Actions. They usually involve writing an actual letter but
may also be an online action. We provide guidelines for writing.
Countries for this week's Urgent Actions include: Mexico, Sudan, Kuwait,
Azerbaijan, Colombia, Mozambique, and Saudi Arabia. Click here for list of Urgent Actions.
Urgent Actions for the Week of August 11 to the 15th
Urgent Actions from Amnesty International for
AUGUST 11 to AUGUST 15: Countries include: Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia,
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Cambodia. Click here for more information about each case. Most
Urgent Actions require a letter. We have guidelines for writing letters
on our website.
Women's Equality Day in the U.S. - News Flash!
Happy
Women’s Equality Day! Today marks the day women were granted the right
to vote: the 19th Amendment was certified as law on August 26, 1920.
Learn more about the origins of the women’s rights movement in the
United States: http://bit.ly/
Monday, August 25, 2014
Thursday, August 21, 2014
AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update - August 21, 2014
Hi Everyone,
It has been a troubling week all over the world. More than ever your voice is needed. This week we have included links from our website, FB, and Twitter that will help us to be more informed and help us to take online action today. Thank you to our members who share their news and links with us.
We have also included two videos. One is from Amnesty International and answers some questions about Amnesty International and its position on Gaza. Click here. The second is a live poetry reading by a young 'desi' woman, "Looks like Beyonce just got owned by a desi girl." Click here.
On a personal note, I would like to share an article written by my son called, "No Justice, No Peace: Reflections on the Tragedy of Ferguson." Click here for the entire article.
Peace to All,
-Debbie, webmistress
(For entire Weekly Update click here.)
'Beheading' of Reporter in Syria is a War Crime that Highlights 'Chilling' Risk to Journalists - News Flash
'Beheading' of Reporter in Syria is a War Crime that Highlights 'Chilling' Risk to Journalists
"This shocking video, if genuine, is devastating for the loved ones
of James Foley and chilling for the family, friends and colleagues of
those journalists who are still missing in Syria and northern Iraq,
feared captured by IS militants," said Margaret Huang, Amnesty
International USA's Deputy Executive Director of Campaigns and Programs.
"It is a war crime and both those who carried out the killing and those who ordered it must face justice."
"It is imperative that all warring countries and others with interests in the region use all diplomatic means possible to ensure that no more journalists - or others carrying out their legitimate work in the area – are killed for doing their job," said Said Boumedouha, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Program.
"This shocking video, if genuine, is devastating for the loved ones
of James Foley and chilling for the family, friends and colleagues of
those journalists who are still missing in Syria and northern Iraq,
feared captured by IS militants," said Margaret Huang, Amnesty
International USA's Deputy Executive Director of Campaigns and Programs."It is a war crime and both those who carried out the killing and those who ordered it must face justice."
"It is imperative that all warring countries and others with interests in the region use all diplomatic means possible to ensure that no more journalists - or others carrying out their legitimate work in the area – are killed for doing their job," said Said Boumedouha, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Program.
Click here for full article by Amnesty International.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Japan: Support 78-year old Kakamada Iwao in his final chance at Justice Deadline: ASAP
Japan: Support 78-year old Kakamada Iwao in his final chance at Justice Online Petition Deadline: ASAP
The 78-year old Kakamada is the World’s longest-serving death row prisoner who was released in March 2014 and granted a retrial based on new DNA evidence that could prove his innocence. Kakamada was arrest
The 78-year old Kakamada is the World’s longest-serving death row prisoner who was released in March 2014 and granted a retrial based on new DNA evidence that could prove his innocence. Kakamada was arrest
Now prosecutors are appealing his retrial - they want to send him back to death row. Given Hakamada’s advanced age and ill health, it is important that his opportunity for retrial is not delayed. Click here to ask Japanese authorities to drop their appeal and allow Hakamada access to justice ASAP.
Ferguson Police: Respect the Rights of ALL Residents - Online Action!
Ferguson Police: Respect the Rights of ALL ResidentsIt started on August 9, 2014 when unarmed teenager Michael Brown was shot dead by a police officer in Ferguson, MO. The community took to the streets, but police responded with heavy-handed tactics - including tear gas and rubber bullets - to quell protests.
Whether someone is jaywalking or protesting, police cannot use unnecessary or excessive force - period.
Click here to tell Missouri officials to take immediate steps to investigate police conduct and avoid unnecessary force.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Morocco: Justice for Ali Aarrass, Tortured Victim Deadline: ASAP
Morocco: Justice for Ali Aarrass, Tortured Victim Deadline: ASAP
In December 2012, Ali Aarrass, a Belgian-Moroccan coffee shop owner was extradited to Morocco on terrorism charges. Held
for 12 days in a secret location, Ali suffered beatings to the soles of
his feet, electric shocks to his testicles and burns from cigarettes at
the hands of Moroccan intelligence. The
UN’s expert on torture visited Ali in jail, along with an independent
doctor. Both confirmed the gruesome signs of torture – yet Moroccan
authorities have completely failed to investigate. Ali
was convicted on no other evidence apart from a “ confession” extracted
under torture. He is now serving a 12-year sentence in the the
notorious Salé II prison, where other inmates were shocked by the
torture as well. Click here to demand Ali’s immediate release and that his torturer be brought to justice by Moroccan authorities.
In December 2012, Ali Aarrass, a Belgian-Moroccan coffee shop owner was extradited to Morocco on terrorism charges. Held
for 12 days in a secret location, Ali suffered beatings to the soles of
his feet, electric shocks to his testicles and burns from cigarettes at
the hands of Moroccan intelligence. The
UN’s expert on torture visited Ali in jail, along with an independent
doctor. Both confirmed the gruesome signs of torture – yet Moroccan
authorities have completely failed to investigate. Ali
was convicted on no other evidence apart from a “ confession” extracted
under torture. He is now serving a 12-year sentence in the the
notorious Salé II prison, where other inmates were shocked by the
torture as well. Click here to demand Ali’s immediate release and that his torturer be brought to justice by Moroccan authorities.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Israel-Gaza Conflict: How to Help
Agencies helping Gaza and Israel: Red Cross, Red Crescent, UNICEF,
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Jewish Federations of
North America, Doctors without Borders, Save the Children, Mercy Corps,
Seeds of Peace. Photo: A worker cleans up at Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza after it was shelled on July 21. Click here for entire article.
Gun Violence Article - News Flash
We encourage you to read this article, "Dangerous Play: Toy Guns and Police Don't Mix" by Thomas Gnau and Chris Stewart. The article states that
- "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 32,351 people are annually killed in the United States either by gun violence or mishaps."
- "At least 18 other people nationwide have been killed by police and another 13 injured during the past 15 years in situations where police confronted suspects armed with realistic-looking weapons found later to be toys, BB or pellet guns — and even cigarette lighters — according to cases compiled by the International Health & Epidemiology Research Center and research by the newspaper."
- "Dr. Farideh Kioumehr, an epidemiologist and founder of the Sherman
Oaks, Calif.-based International Health & Epidemiology Research
Center, has studied the tragic outcomes of gun misidentification and
violence for 20 years. She puts some of the blame on manufacturers.
“The manufacturers are making them look like the real ones and that’s
big trouble,” she said. “Even when you see both of them together it’s
very hard to realize which one is real, especially for police officers.
In a split second they have to decide whether to be killed or kill.”"
Friday, August 15, 2014
Human Rights News: Bahareh Hedayat, Omid Kokabi and Political Prisoners in Iran - News Flash
Human Rights News: Bahareh Hedayat, Omid Kokabi and Political Prisoners in Iran
Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), established in 2009 by Iranian human rights advocates [http://hra-news.
Click here for news on Amnesty Prisonor of Conscious, Bahareh Hedayate
Click here for news on Amnesty Prisoner of Conscious, Omid Kokabi
Click here for news related to sudden death (08/05/2014 - Turkey) of Seyed Jamal Hosseini (Esfandiar Baharmas), Editor and Founder of Iran Human Rights Activists including Mr. Mansour Ossanlou’s comments for him in a commemoration ceremony on August 10 , 2014 at George Washington University in DC.
United Nations World Humanitarian Day - August 19
“Humanitarian workers and their families are hit hardest by these crimes. But they are also felt by millions of others. [..] Let us honour the fallen by protecting those who carry on their work – and supporting humanitarian relief operations worldwide.”Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonFor more information about World Humanitarian Day, click here.
Carole Samaha - bi sabah el alf el talet (English Sub)
AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update
Hello Everyone!
This week we
have focused on Amnesty International and human rights news from Gaza
and Israel, Urgent Actions, Online Petitions, the passing of a gifted
comedian who lived his commitment to human rights, and the National
Moment of Silence for those victims of police brutality. As sad and
heart-wrenching as these events are, we can do something. We can sign
online petitions. We can write letters. We can stay informed about the
issues. To offer comfort and inspiration, we would like to share this
beautiful Carole Samaha video, http://youtu.be/5XVT_P3CZyU.
My brother, my sister in humanity,
-Debbie, webmistress
(Entire Weekly Update can be found here.)
(Entire Weekly Update can be found here.)
Indonesia: End the Torture and Imprisonment of Students No Deadline - Prefer ASAP
Indonesia: End the Torture and Imprisonment of Students No Deadline - Prefer ASAP
On
8 August, Robert Yelemaken, a 16-year-old high school student, and Oni
Wea, a 21-year old university student, were arrested for peaceful
political activism in Indonesia. The
boys, both activists with the pro-independence West Papua National
Committee, were allegedly caught painting pro-independence graffiti
calling for a referendum. The boys were beaten and tortured and have been detained in a cell at the Manokwari District Police Station. Click here (online urgent action) to urge Indonesian authorities to immediately release Robert and
Oni, enforce freedom of expression, and to bring those responsible for
their mistreatment to justice. More information about this case click here and here.
On
8 August, Robert Yelemaken, a 16-year-old high school student, and Oni
Wea, a 21-year old university student, were arrested for peaceful
political activism in Indonesia. The
boys, both activists with the pro-independence West Papua National
Committee, were allegedly caught painting pro-independence graffiti
calling for a referendum. The boys were beaten and tortured and have been detained in a cell at the Manokwari District Police Station. Click here (online urgent action) to urge Indonesian authorities to immediately release Robert and
Oni, enforce freedom of expression, and to bring those responsible for
their mistreatment to justice. More information about this case click here and here.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
A Moment of Silence... tonight, 7:20 pm (EST)
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Reflections on Non-Violence and Religious Activism by Sulak Svaraksa Sept 11, 2014
o An Event Date (09/11/14) by WN
Date: September 11, Thursday - 7 pm
A 9/11 EVENT: Reflections on Non-Violence and Religious Activism by Sulak Svaraksa, Thai Activist/Educator and Co-Founder of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists.
A 9/11 EVENT: Reflections on Non-Violence and Religious Activism by Sulak Svaraksa, Thai Activist/Educator and Co-Founder of the International Network of Engaged Buddhists.
Location: 1100 Grainger Hall, 975 University Ave., University of Wisconsin, Madison
As one of Asia's leading social thinkers, Ajarn Sulak Svaraksa has founded dozens of educational and political grassroots organizations, including the Sathirakoses-Nagapradeepa Foundation, and has authored over 100 books in Thai and English on issues related to the environment, economic justice, human rights and peace. He has also been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize and was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, known as the alternative Nobel Peace Prize, in 1995.
Sponsored by the The Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the Religious Studies Program - contact: cenorman@wisc.edu.
Free and open to all. Sent to WNPJ by Sheila Spear, sspear@wisc.edu
Israeli and Gaza Information and Actions
Israel/Gaza: Disentangling the Truth (Amnesty International video)
AI Actions:
Anna Baltzer and Miko Peled videos (Warning: specific political points of view)
Police Brutality: National Moment of Silence (NMOS) Thursday, August 14, 2014, 7 PM EST
Police Brutality: National Moment of Silence (NMOS) Thursday, August 14, 2014, 7 PM EST
In view of recent police brutality toward an 18 years old unarmed Black-American teenage, Michael Brown, who was killed in St. Louis suburb of Ferguson in Missouri
on Monday, August 11, 2014, Amnesty International-USA is calling for a
National Moment of Silence (NMOS) vigils occurring 20 minutes past the hour on Thursday, August 14, 2014, 7 PM EST to pay respect to all victims of police brutality.
In view of recent police brutality toward an 18 years old unarmed Black-American teenage, Michael Brown, who was killed in St. Louis suburb of Ferguson in Missouri
on Monday, August 11, 2014, Amnesty International-USA is calling for a
National Moment of Silence (NMOS) vigils occurring 20 minutes past the hour on Thursday, August 14, 2014, 7 PM EST to pay respect to all victims of police brutality.
All Eyes on Gaza by Noura Erakat - Article of Interest
We invite you to read this article, "All Eyes on Gaza: An Interview with Legal Expert Noura Erakat." Published on the Women's News Network, reporter, Bahar Mirhosseini, asks Erakat the following question. “... there seems to be a strong possibility that international
humanitarian law has been violated in a manner that could amount to war
crimes.” What is your response to this? Click here for the her analysis and the complete article.
Noura Erakat is a Palestinian-American professor and lecturer on international human rights law at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and is also co-editor for Jadaliyya. Thank you to our member, Dr. Farideh Kioumehr, who submitted this article of interest.
Noura Erakat is a Palestinian-American professor and lecturer on international human rights law at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and is also co-editor for Jadaliyya. Thank you to our member, Dr. Farideh Kioumehr, who submitted this article of interest.
United Nations shelter came under fire in Gaza.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Repeal Harmful Laws: No Loophole for Rapists and Sexual Violence No Deadline - prefer ASAP
Repeal Harmful Laws: No Loophole for Rapists and Sexual Violence: No Deadline - prefer ASAP
In Algeria and Tunisia, the law allows rapists to walk free if they marry their victim – if she's aged under 18. A
similar loophole in Moroccan law was unanimously abolished by
parliament on 22 January 2014, two years after 16-year-old Amina Filali
committed suicide having been forced to marry the man she said had raped
her. Other
discriminatory provisions in Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian
legislation fail to protect women and girl survivors of sexual violence,
routinely denying them justice. Click here to sign the petition and
call on the authorities in these countries to repeal these harmful laws
and end discrimination against survivors of sexual violence.
In Algeria and Tunisia, the law allows rapists to walk free if they marry their victim – if she's aged under 18. A
similar loophole in Moroccan law was unanimously abolished by
parliament on 22 January 2014, two years after 16-year-old Amina Filali
committed suicide having been forced to marry the man she said had raped
her. Other
discriminatory provisions in Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian
legislation fail to protect women and girl survivors of sexual violence,
routinely denying them justice. Click here to sign the petition and
call on the authorities in these countries to repeal these harmful laws
and end discrimination against survivors of sexual violence.
President Obama: Provide Protection for Children Fleeing Extreme Violence No Deadline - Prefer ASAP
President Obama: Provide Protection for Children Fleeing Extreme Violence No Deadline - Prefer ASAP Since October 2013, more than 57,000 children - many unaccompanied - have crossed the U.S. border with Mexico to escape crushing violence in Central America. Instead of providing protection for these children as obligated under international law, the Obama administration has treated them inhumanely, locking them up, denying them their rights, and even deporting them back to situations of extreme danger. Click here to urge President Obama to protect the human rights of these children.
President Obama: Hold Nigerian Authorities Accountable for War Crimes and Other Abuses No Deadline - Prefer ASAP
President Obama: Hold Nigerian Authorities Accountable for War Crimes and Other Abuses No Deadline - Prefer ASAP
Communities
that have been terrorized for several years by Boko Haram are facing
another threat at the hands of the very military whose duty it is to
protect them. Amnesty
International has gathered footage which depicts war crimes by
Nigeria's military, a state-sponsored militia called the Civilian Joint
Task Force and Boko Haram. The gruesome footage documents extrajudicial
executions, mass arbitrary arrests and torture - including the mass
execution of 16 young men whose throats were slit one by one before
being dumped into a mass grave. Click here to urge President Obama to
hold Nigerian authorities accountable for war crimes and other abuses.
Robin Willliams, Comedian, Actor, and Amnesty International Supporter Passed Away: News Flash!
So sad to hear that Robin Williams, age 63, has died. He was such an
important comedian, entertainer, and long time supporter of Amnesty International. Here is a 1993 commercial he made on behalf of Amnesty International. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Urgent Actions Weekly 31 July - 8 August
Thank you to Wayne, one of our Amnesty International Madison Group #139
members, for sending these Urgent Actions. Here is a
partial list. For the complete list of "12" Actions and Updates, click here.UA: 192/14
Issue Date: 4 August 2014
Country: Haiti
https://www.amnestyusa.org/
ACTIVISTS FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE THREATENED
Members of GADES, an organization of women human rights defenders in Haiti, have received threats following the recent sentencing of a police officer for the rape of an underage boy. The organization has been supporting the victim and his family throughout the legal process.
Name: Samia Salomon (f) and other members of GADES
Issues: Women’s rights, Fear for safety, Human rights defenders
UA 194/14
Issue Date: 04 August 2014
Country: Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories
https://www.amnestyusa.org/
DOCTORS, PATIENTS AND HOSPITALS UNDER ATTACK
Throughout Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip, which began on 8 July, and especially
since Israeli ground forces entered Gaza on 17 July, ambulances and medical facilities across
the Gaza Strip have been attacked. Scores of critically wounded patients will die unless they
are urgently transferred to hospitals outside Gaza for specialized treatment.
Name: Medical staff and patients (m/f)
Issues: Fear for safety, Health concern
Further information on UA 182/14
Issue date: 31 July 2014
Country: Azerbaijan
https://www.amnestyusa.org/
ACTIVIST ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH TREASON
Azerbaijani human rights defender Leyla Yunus and her husband, Arif Yunus, have been
charged with treason and other crimes. Leyla Yunus has been placed in pre-trial detention and
her husband has been placed under travel restrictions.
Name: Leyla Yunus (f), Arif Yunus (m)
Issues: Human rights defender, Prisoner of conscience, Freedom of expression, Unfair trial
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Defend Academic Freedom! Demand University Reinstate Palestinian-American Professor! Online Action Today
Defend Academic Freedom! Demand University Reinstate Palestinian-American Professor! Online Action Today
Dr. Steven Salaita, a Palestinian American and world-renowned scholar, was fired from his new position
at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) because of his
public criticism of the U.S.-sponsored Israeli massacres in Gaza. He was
also a prominent campaigner for the American Studies Association’s
decision to boycott Israeli academic institutions last December.
Take action, Click here for online action.
For more information, click here.
A Powerful Video by Chris Hedges, "Gaza, the Broken Hearted"
Video Uploaded on Dec 29, 2010
"The Gaza War: Its Characteristics & Long-Term Consequences" Presentation by Adam Schesch, Ph.D September 16, 2014
Adam Schesch, Ph.D in Comparative History of Guerilla Warfare and
Resistance Movements, will speak on "The Gaza War: Its Characteristics
& Long-Term Consequences" Tuesday Sept 16th, 7pm at the Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center 953 Jenifer St.
Sponsored by Social Action & Solidarity and the Peregrine Forum.
A voluntary donation will be appreciated to cover costs.
More info (608) 284-9082.
Sponsored by Social Action & Solidarity and the Peregrine Forum.
A voluntary donation will be appreciated to cover costs.
More info (608) 284-9082.
Friday, August 8, 2014
AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update: August 8, 2014
This week we are focusing on some local Madison events and initiatives. Please check our website for ongoing Amnesty International Actions. Thank you for your time and efforts for human rights.
- Prayer Vigil on Sunday August 10, 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 30 West Mifflin Street. Everyone is welcome.
Mark Your Calendar: Voices for Peace and Justice in the Holy Land Nov 7 and 8 in Madison, WI
A Facebook posting from UW-Madison Amnesty International Group: Help a Darfuri Refugee Study in the US Fundly
- Website video update: Friends of Sabeel North America 2013 Conference
Debbie, Webmistress (writing from Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Madison Amnesty International Group #139
Website: http://ai-madison139.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Amnesty International Madison, WI Group 139
Twitter: @AI139HR
Mark Your Calendar: Voices for Peace and Justice in the Holy Land Nov 7 and 8 in Madison, WI
Voices for Peace and Justice in the Holy Land: November 7 & 8 in Madison, WI
A conference presented by Friends of Sabeel North America
The purpose of this two-day conference is to examine the role of the United States in Palestine/Israel and to listen to voices not often heard in the quest for peace and justice for all the people of the Holy Land.It is sponsored by Friends of Sabeel-North America (FOSNA) and by Students for Justice in Palestine, Madison, WI. What is FOSNA? It is a non-profit, tax-exempt Christian ecumenical organization seeking justice and peace in the Holy Land through non-violence and education. Sabeel is an international peace movement initiated by Palestinian Christians, who seek a just peace as defined by international law and existing United Nations resolutions.
Friday, August 1, 2014
AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update
Hi Everyone,
This week we have had several posts to our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. So much is going on in the world! We hope that these posts will help to keep you informed and to take action. We
would especially like to thank Wayne, one of our members, for sharing
46 Urgent Actions and Updates from Amnesty International. These actions
are located on our website under today's post and under Urgent Actions. Each Action is described in detail with links for even more information. We have also posted sample letters and guidelines for writing on behalf of these Actions. Thank you, Wayne!
-Debbie, Webmistress
For the complete report, click here.
WIRE: Amnesty's global campaigning magazine - NEWSFLASH
From Amnesty International Facebook page
Have you read the latest issue of WIRE? Amnesty's global
campaigning magazine brings you stories about our work worldwide, our
amazing activists, and lots of opportunities to get involved: http://bit.ly/1sBWqwW
(You can also read WIRE in Arabic: http://bit.ly/1k5oULD and French: http://bit.ly/1nXiw8I)
Have you read the latest issue of WIRE? Amnesty's global
campaigning magazine brings you stories about our work worldwide, our
amazing activists, and lots of opportunities to get involved: http://bit.ly/1sBWqwW(You can also read WIRE in Arabic: http://bit.ly/1k5oULD and French: http://bit.ly/1nXiw8I)
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