Friday, November 18, 2016

Malawi: Demand that Malawi protect Annie Alfred and other people with albinism from murder - ONLINE PETITION

Amnesty International USA

     Annie Alfred is like any other child in Malawi, but some people believe her body has magic powers. Annie was born with albinism, an inherited condition that prevents her skin cells from producing enough color. And like other people with albinism in Malawi, Annie could be killed for her body parts because some think this will make them rich.

Click here for MORE information and ONLINE PETITION. 


Wisconsin, USA: Action Alert for Nov. 18, 2016 - EVENTS & ACTIONS

Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice
  • Action Alert 1: Peace Wreath Workshops - Madison 
  • Action Alert 2: An Evening with Laila El-Haddad - Madison 
  • Action Alert 3: Arrive Together: Building a 21st Century Transportation System for Wisconsin - Milwaukee 
  • Action Alert 4:  Faith and Solar Initiative - Milwaukee
 Click here for DETAILS.
 

Iran: Zeynab Jalalian... They took her freedom, now they’re taking her sight - #W4R2016

Amnesty International
      Zeynab Jalalian is enduring a life sentence, with the world around her growing darker by the day. Arrested for her political activities, she was tortured in custody, and may now go blind. In 2008, she was jailed for her supposed links to the military wing of a Kurdish opposition group. Today, the authorities are denying her the treatment that will save her sight.

Act Today. Write A Letter. Change A Life.
  •  Send her your drawings and messages of solidarity and hope: Zeynab Jalalian, Khoy Prison, Salmas Road (across Rah va Tarabari), Khoy County, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
  •  To Head of the Judiciary: Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, Head of the Judiciary, c/o Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, Chemin du Petit-Saconnex 28, 1209 Geneva, Tel: +41 22 332 21 00 Fax: +41 22 733 02 03, Email: mission.iran@ties.itu.int / iran@un.int / babaei77@yahoo.com and Twitter: @HassanRouhan

Amnesty International URGENT ACTIONS - November 18 to November 25, 2016

Click here for entire list of URGENT ACTION for the week of November 18 to November 25. (This post is updated daily.)  

Countries include:


Note: Most Urgent Actions require a written letter. See our guidelines for writing letters. Countries are added to this list during the week. The link contains all Urgent Actions for the week.

AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update - November 18, 2016

​Greetings Everyone!
     Many of us are coming to terms with the surprising results of the U.S. Presidential election. To emphasize once more... we are a nonpartisan organization. Amnesty has issued a public statement, a letter to President-Elect Trump, and a guide called, "Know Your Rights as a Human Rights Defender." Our group is dedicated to shedding a light on human rights and we are tackling the issues of racism, immigrant & refugee discrimination, women's rights, death penalty & prison reforms, religious respect, LGBTi rights, freedom of speech & press, and protecting our environment. There will be many petitions to sign such as this one from the Southern Poverty Law Center and letters to be written. If you choose to join a rally such as the "Women's March on Washington" on January 21, stay safe. Please share your stories, photos, and your activism with us. Send your emails to Azam at azamnrad@gmail.com.      
     Welcome to our newest members, Melody and Ali. We are so happy that you have decided to join us as we take action for human rights. If you have human rights news items, events, actions, or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them to Azam, our Group Leader, at azamnrad@gmail.com.
     IMPORTANT: We are looking for some volunteers to expand our social media outreach. Help us from the comfort of your home and work with Azam and Debbie. If you are interested, please contact Azam at azamnrad@gmail.com    
     Write for Rights 2016: This week's featured case is for Native American activist, Leonard Peltier, who has been imprisoned for more than four decades after an unfair legal process and trial. Please read his case file and consider writing on his behalf. Our Group #139 will mail your letters. Please send them to 350 South Hamilton Street, Unit 501, Madison, WI  53703 or send them electronically to Azamnrad@gmail.com. All of our Write for Rights cases can be found here.

Click here for Links to this week's Amnesty International and Human Rights Information and Actions

Washington DC, USA: Women Are Mobilizing for Massive March on Washington - January 21, 2017

Common Dreams
November 15, 2016

 Men and women from around the country will descend on Washington, D.C., on January 21, 2017 for a "Women's March on Washington" that organizers hope will see millions in the street, a day after President-elect Trump's inauguration.
The demonstrators repudiate the sexist, racist, and Islamophobic remarks that were a touchstone of Trump's presidential campaign.
Various Facebook pages about the march—organizers in each state are creating their own delegation—have all gone viral, a testament to the powerful opposition to a Trump presidency and what that will mean for women, among other marginalized groups. So far, over 83,000 people have signed up to take part.
Click here for ENTIRE article. 
 Also see: 
  • Women's March on Washington, Facebook page 
  • "Amid Division, a March in Washington Seeks to Bring Women Together," New York Times, Nov 18, 2016

U.S.: Tell Donald Trump to reject hate and bigotry - ONLINE PETITION

Southern Poverty Law Center

 "During your campaign, you denigrated people because of their race , their religion , their ethnicity , their gender , their disability , and more. You circulated racist  and anti-Semitic  tweets, and refused to immediately disavow the endorsement of a known neo-Nazi. Now, haters of all stripes – from white nationalists  to anti-Muslim,  and anti-LGBT  extremists – are celebrating your victory. You must distance yourself from them. You have pledged to be a president for “all Americans” and to “bind the wounds of division” in our country. If you mean what you say, you must do two things.

Click here for more INFO and ONLINE PETITION.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

U.S.A. Dear President-elect Trump: Your Proposals are an Attack on Human Rights - LETTER

Amnesty International USA
November 17, 2016

Dear President-elect Trump:
Amnesty International is deeply alarmed by recent reports that your transition team is considering proposals to establish a registry for immigrants from countries with primarily Muslim populations. We are likewise concerned by suggestions during your campaign that you would support a “total and complete ban” on Muslims entering the United States. We urge you to repudiate these proposals, and commit to human rights — including religious freedom and freedom of expression — as a cornerstone of your national security policy.

Click here for the LETTER.

Keeping You Connected - Email November 17, 2016

Angie Hougas

1  GOOD NEWS

  • Nigeria 
  • Venezuelan
2  AIUSA UPDATES:
3  REMINDERS
  • Iran - #FreeArtists Campaign 
  • AGM 2017 
  • Customize Your Actions (Link) 
  • Last 100 Days AIUSA’s Last 100 Days letter to President Obama 
  • Write For Rights 2016
4  MEDIA MENTIONS
      
5  REPORTS
Title:  Broadspectrum’s response
to Amnesty International
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa12/5108/2016/en/
Title:  Myanmar: Bring rights to prisons: Amnesty International's recommendations on the draft Prisons Law
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa16/4788/2016/en/     
Title:  South Korea: Freedom of peaceful assembly in South Korea and international human rights standards
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa25/5099/2016/en/      
Title:  Sri Lanka:
Making the rights choices
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa37/4902/2016/en/       
Title:  United Nations: Consultation seeking views on UN Women approach to sex work, the sex trade and prostitution
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/ior40/5123/2016/en/     
Title:  Combating torture and other ill-treatment: a manual for action
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/pol30/4036/2016/en/

Click here for MORE INFO.

We can take your name to the UN! - ONLINE PETITION

WalkFree
     We’re taking your signatures to the United Nations in New York!
This Monday we will be meeting with the Ambassador of Spain to the UN, D. Román Oyarzun Marchesi, to show our support for the upcoming Spanish presidency of the Security Council in December. We hope Spain will extend its success on issues of women, peace and security, to slavery in conflict.[1]
Add your name now and support the Ambassador’s efforts to help better protect people from slavery in conflict areas.

Click here for ENTIRE EMAIL. 
Click here for ONLINE PETITION.

Aleppo, Syria: The bombs are falling again - ONLINE PETITION

Change.Org
Nov 17, 2016

The bombs are falling again. Terror, falling from Russian and Syrian warplanes, has returned to the streets of Aleppo. At least 32 people including children have been killed since the start of this week.

Assad and Putin feel safe in the knowledge that the world will not hold them accountable for their war crimes.
Click here for MORE INFO and ONLINE PETITION.

Syria: Save the Children - ONLINE PETITION

Change.Org
     The situation continues to worsen across Syria. More than 8.4 million children are in need of urgent humanitarian aid and have witness unrelenting violence from the brutal conflict that began more than 5 years ago. As of September 2015 about 58% of public hospitals are partially functional or completely destroyed. The children in Syria are living under siege and in area hard to reach without access to aid due to air strikes and bombings.

Click here for ONLINE PETITION.

Iran: Prisoner on hunger strike against his detention: Ali Shariati - URGENT ACTION by Dec 28, 2016

Amnesty International
November 16, 2016
     The health of Iranian prisoner of conscience Ali Shariati is rapidly deteriorating. He has been on hunger strike since 31 October to demand his freedom. He is serving a five-year prison sentence imposed on him for his peaceful activism after an unfair trial, including his participation in a peaceful protest to condemn acid attacks against women.

Click here for ENTIRE URGENT ACTION. 

Charge for Humanity? - (2 minutes)

March 7, 2016

Indonesia: Teacher jailed for waving a flag ... add your voice - SEND A MESSAGE

Amnesty International Australia

     Johan Teterissa dedicated his life to teaching primary school kids, but he's now serving a 15-year prison sentence for simply raising a flag banned by the Indonesian Government.

 Click here for EMAIL FORM and MORE INFO.

Norway: The UiO Human Rights Award 2016 to Dr. Diana Kordon - NEWS

University of Oslo
November 14, 2016
     This year’s award goes to Argentinian psychiatrist, anti-torture activist and human rights defender Dr Diana Kordon.
     For more than 40 years Dr Kordon has provided psychological assistance and treatment for trauma in victims of torture and gross human rights violations in Argentina. Dr Kordon started her work as a psychiatrist for the mothers in the Plaza de Mayo, fighting for the recognition that justice includes rehabilitation of victims of crimes against humanity.
     In her field, she has been a pioneer in developing psychological help for victims of human rights violations, and she has developed an approach to health care and rehabilitation of victims of abuse by the military dictatorship, a number of whose representatives have now been convicted of crimes against humanity.
Click here for ENTIRE article. 

Madison, WI: Colombia Film Series coming! - EVENT Dec 1 to Dec 6, 2016

Colombia Support Network
Associated Students of Madison

Don't miss these films: Dec 1, Dec 2, Dec 4, Dec 6!
Click here for flyer. 

Iran: One Public Hanging And 5 Executions For Drug Charges - NEWS

Iran Human Rights
Nov 11, 2016

      Six prisoners were executed in Iran yesterday. One prisoner was hanged publicly in the village of Chelmeh near the city of Mashhad (northeastern Iran) reported the Iranian media. 
     According to the news website Rokna.ir, the prisoner was a 22 year old man who was charged with sexual assault and murder of an 8-year old girl. The public execution was carried out on Thursday November 10 in front of the people in Chelmeh village.
      According to unofficial reports five prisoners were hanged in the prison of Kerman (southeastern Iran) the same day (November 10). The Human Rights News Agency (HRANA) reported that the prisoners were charged with drug offences. Three of the prisoners are identified as "Gomshadzehi", "Ranjbar" and "Faramarzpour".
Click here for ENTIRE article. 

Iran: Flogging: An Injustice in the Name of Justice - NEWS ARTICLE

Journalism is Not a Crime
Dec 1, 2015

      In Iran, flogging is a common form of punishment. Iranian courts often sentence journalists, writers, artists and activists to lashes – on exaggerated charges to punish those who are considered too critical of the regime and its leaders.
More than 30 countries in the world use flogging as a legal punishment. In some Islamic countries, both men and women can be punished with lashes, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where Islamic lawyers in general acknowledge flogging as a legitimate penalty.
Click here for ENTIRE article.

Iran: 4 Arab Activists Released on the Bail - NEWS

HRANA News Agency – On October 29, four Arab civilians from Ahvaz including three brothers who had been previously detained by security forces, were released on the bail temporarily until their trial.
According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), on October 29, 2016, three brothers namely Malek Heidari, 38, Mohammad Heidari, 26, and Emad Heidari, 25, who had been previously detained by the intelligence ministry due to their religious activities, were released on the bail temporarily until their trial.
Click here for ENTIRE article.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

RISE Against Racist Patriarchy #RiseInSolidarity

Onebillionrising.org
     We are seeing the world occupied by racist, misogynistic, xenophobic leaders – fueled by the forces of neoliberal capitalism – and we must RISE against it.
We are fighting on every front. Escalations of Risings are taking place in direct response across the world from India to Poland to Texas, with artistic, creative, dance risings being planned daily and launches happening all over the globe.
     Let THIS be our radical, revolutionary uniting.
     THIS is the moment, be bold, be loud, be loving, BE BRAVE.
     Women will not be moved back. We will resist and push forward in a way that we’ve never done before.
Click here for more INFORMATION.

Excerpts from "Keeping you Connected" - November 12, 2016 Email/Newsletter

Angie Hougas

1  AI & AIUSA Press Release on USA Election, Nov 9, 2016, link

2  AIUSA UPDATES:

  • Tunisia:  
  • Tool:  Finding Groups & Volunteer Leaders in AIUSA
  • New Blog Post: Six Trump Proposals That Must Never Become Policy
  • Activists Resource Community
  • Closing the door on refugees
  • Ban on Muslims entering the U.S. 
  • The Wall
  • Reproductive Freedom
  • Torture
  • More Guns on our streets
3  REMINDERS
  • Iran - #FreeArtists Campaign 
  • AGM 2017 
  • Customize Your Actions (Link) 
  • AIUSA Goes Mobile Last 100 Days 
  • Last 100 Days Action Alert
  • Write for Rights 2016
4  MEDIA MENTIONS
      
5  REPORTS
Title:  Ethiopia:
Enable independent investigation into extra-judicial executions in Somali Regional State
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr25/5089/2016/en/
Title:  South Sudan: A Way Forward for the Hybrid Court for South Sudan
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr65/5084/2016/en/
Title:  Italy: Submission to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – 91st Session, 21 November – 9 December
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur30/5078/2016/en/    
Title:  Hotspot Italy: How EU’s flagship approach leads to violations of refugee and migrant rights
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur30/5004/2016/en/
Title:  Poland: Dismantling rule of law? Amnesty international submission for the UN Universal Periodic Review – 27th session of the UPR Working group, April/May 2017
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur37/5069/2016/en/
Title:  Iraq: ‘Where are we supposed to go?’ Destruction and forced displacement in Kirkuk
Website link: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde14/5094/2016/en/

Click here for more information from Angie's email.

AI Madison Group #139 Member List of "Other" Links & Petitions - November 11 to November 18, 2016

We have such a wonderful membership! Not only do we hold human rights dear to our hearts but there are also  other issues such as the environment, poverty, children's health, etc that can be related to human rights but may not be addressed by Amnesty International.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Iran: Day 223 #FreeNazanin - ONLINE PETITION

November 12, 2016
Richard Ratcliffe

It still continues – I’m sorry for the long silence (I am back at work). I have much to share.

It seems a long time ago given this week, but last month we went to the US – to New York and the UN. We went to raise out families’ cases with different diplomatic missions and UN offices, and to be there when President Rouhani and Prime Minister Theresa May met.

Since we went, the UN have issued a number of statements: Five UN Special Rapporteurs endorsed a statement calling Nazanin’s case a “mockery of justice.” The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled Nazanin’s detention arbitrary, and an unfair trial. They demanded she be released immediately, be compensated, and referred her case to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. They warned that systematically imprisoning dual nationals “may constitute a crime against humanity.”


Click here for ONLINE PETITION. 

Los Angeles, CA: Art for Rights - FREE EVENT December 10, 2016

Amnesty International USA

Art for Rights harnesses the creative powers of visual artists to shine light on and elevate the 12 cases of the Write for Rights Campaign. The 3-day art pop-up in the world famous Container Yard in downtown Los Angeles will see the creation of 12 original 5’ x 8’ murals, the curation of an installations on the current refugee crisis, a high profile visual arts competition hosted by Secret Walls, and a series of curated discussions around our human rights work and the arts.

This event is free and open to the public. See the full line up and take action: write.amnestyusa.org/art

Register here.

More information about Art for Rights here

Iran: New campaign to #FreeArtists jailed in Iran - MEDIA ADVISORY INFO & VIDEO (3 min)


Amnesty International

     Amnesty International and renowned Iranian music band Kiosk are calling on artists and members of the public around the world to join a #FreeArtists campaign to demand that Iran immediately and unconditionally release jailed artists, including a musician and a filmmaker who are on hunger strike in Tehran’s Evin Prison.
     The brothers, musician Mehdi Rajabian and filmmaker Hossein Rajabian, are currently serving three-year prison terms. They were convicted in 2015 after a blatantly unfair trial before a Revolutionary Court of charges that included “insulting Islamic sanctities” and “illegal audio-visual activities”. On 28 October 2016, they began their second hunger strike in protest against their imprisonment.
     A third artist Keywan Karimi has also been sentenced to six years’ in prison for “insulting Islamic sanctities”, also related to his artistic work and is at imminent risk of imprisonment.

For more information about Amnesty International’s #FreeArtists campaign see:
Amnesty International campaign to free jailed artists
Jailed Iranian artist brothers on hunger strike 
Iran: Free Artists! Amnesty International and KIOSK unite voices blog and video (3min)

Amnesty International URGENT ACTIONS - November 11 to November 18, 2016

Click here for entire list of URGENT ACTION for the week of November 11 to November 18. (This post is updated daily.)  

Countries include: Thailand, Argentina, Iran, Turkey, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Myanmar, Republic of Congo, and Venezuela.

Note: Most Urgent Actions require a written letter. See our guidelines for writing letters. Countries are added to this list during the week. The link contains all Urgent Actions for the week.

U.S.A.: Native American activist jailed over 40 years after an unfair legal process - #W4R2016

Amnesty International
      Native American activist Leonard Peltier has been imprisoned for more than four decades after an unfair legal process and trial. He was convicted of killing two FBI agents in 1975, and has remained behind bars despite concerns about political bias and injustice that have clouded his case. Now the 71 year-old’s health is failing, he has exhausted all appeals, and he is not up for parole until 2024. If the President doesn’t act, Leonard Peltier is likely to die in prison.

Act Today. Write A Letter. Change A Life.
  •  Send him a card and shine a light of hope: Leonard Peltier #89637-132, USP Coleman 1 US Penitentiary, PO Box 1033, Coleman, FL 33521
  •  To President Barack Obama: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20500, Fax: +1 202 456 2461,  Email: online form/online action, http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/amnestyusa.org/leonardpeltier, Twitter: @POTUS / @WhiteHouse

 

Friday, November 11, 2016

Dakota Access Pipeline: Stop Militarized Response to Standing Rock Water Protectors - ONLINE PETITION

Change.org
     Reports are pouring out from Standing Rock that the military are now moving in against the peaceful protectors who are camped to protect the water. Militarized police are macing peaceful men, women and children. Militarized police are rounding up protectors, charging them with trespassing, and subjecting them to strip search and overnight incarceration. This behavior is a flagrant abuse of civil liberties.
Click here for the ENTIRE article.

AI Madison Group #139 Weekly Update - November 11, 2016

Greetings Everyone!
     We would be remiss if we did not mention the recent U.S. Election. Although Amnesty International is a nonpartisan organization, it did release statements from our Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, Margaret Huang and the Secretary General of Amnesty International, Salil Shetty. Click here for their statements. They call on the U.S. government to "abide by the United States’ obligations on human rights, at home and abroad.”
     Check out this week's Write for Rights case about the indigenous people of Peace River Valley. Remember we will mail your letters for you, if you like. Please send them to: Amnesty International Group #139, 350 South Hamilton Street, Unit 501, Madison, WI  53703 or send them electronically to Azamnrad@gmail.com.     
     Amnesty International's global Human Rights MOOC course starts next week. Gain the knowledge to protect your rights, defend others’ and transform yourself into an agent of change and it's FREE.
     Thanks so much to our contributors. Remember, if you would like to contribute to our News, Online Petitions, Urgent Actions, Videos, or Events, just send an email to Azam at Azamnrad@gmail.com.
     Peace to All,
     -Debbie, Weekly Update Editor
 

Write for Rights 2016: This week's featured case is for the indigenous people of Peace River Valley, Canada, who are struggling to save their ancestral lands. Please read their case file and consider writing on their behalf. Our Group #139 will mail your letters. Please send them to 350 South Hamilton Street, Unit 501, Madison, WI  53703 or send them electronically to Azamnrad@gmail.com.
 

Click here for links to this week's Amnesty International and Human Rights Information and Actions.

Iran: Two Prisoners Executed- One Hanged In Public - NEWS

Iran Human Rights
November 9, 2016
     According to Mehr News Agency one man was hanged in the prison of Qazvin (western Iran) Monday morning November 7. The prisoner who was identified as "Hassan Kh." (24) was sentenced to qisas (retribution in kind) for murdering two people in two separate cases five years ago.
Iranian State Broadcasting (IRIB) reported on the execution of a prisoner early Wednesday morning (November 9). The prisoner was identified as "Mostafa K.", also known as "Saeed", charged with raping a person one year ago, said the report. The hanging was carried out publicly on Payam Square of Shiraz (Southern Iran).
 
Click here for ENTIRE article.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Support human rights this festive season - ACTIONS

Amnesty International UK

     The festive season is just around the corner – so what better time to organise a fundraising event for Amnesty!? You could host an AMNESTEA event, or come up with a fundraising idea of your own. Whatever you decide to do, we are always on hand to help.
2016 has been a fantastic year for Team Amnesty. Skydives, marathons, half marathons, international cycles; you braved them all, and thanks to your tireless efforts, you’ve raised £110,877! 

  • Amnestea/Write for Rights
  • Leeds to Liverpool
  • 2017 Brighton Marathon  
Click here for ENTIRE email.

Iran: Failed to improve its record on human rights - NEWS

Journalism is Not a Crime
October 21, 2016
  
     Iran has failed to improve its record on human rights, according to a new report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Iran. 
The report, Ahmed Shaheed’s sixth to the UN General Assembly, states “at least 14 journalists and 15 bloggers and social media activists were reportedly either in detention or sentenced for their peaceful activities as of July 2016.” It also said there is evidence to suggest that “many others are subjected to interrogations, surveillance and other forms of harassment and intimidation.” Authorities have ordered the closure of several newspapers and publications, and in May 2016, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace announced that companies offering foreign messaging services would be forced to transfer data about their Iranian clients to servers based in the Islamic Republic — posing a significant threat to citizens' right to privacy and security.

Click here for ENTIRE article.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

The America I Believe In - ACTIONS & VIDEO (2:08 min)

Amnesty International

Step 1: ONLINE PETITION

Step 2: Photo Action
Fill in the blank – what does the America you believe in look like?
Examples: The America I Believe In… would lead with human rights, would welcome refugees, would never torture, etc.
Take a picture of yourself holding your poster and tag it on social media with #AmericaIBelieveIn and @Amnesty

Step 3: TOOLKIT

Click here for MORE INFORMATION.

USA: Poisonous Rhetoric Must Not Become Government Policy - PRESS RELEASE

Amnesty International USA
November 8, 2016

WASHINGTON – In response to the election of Donald Trump to the United States presidency, Amnesty International released the following statements.
Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, said: “President-elect Trump has provoked grave consternation at many points throughout his election campaign, and raised serious concerns about the strength of commitment we can expect to see from the United States towards human rights in the future. He must now put this behind him and both reaffirm and abide by the United States’ obligations on human rights, at home and abroad.”
Margaret Huang, Executive Director of Amnesty International USA, said: “In the lead up to this week’s election, the United States has witnessed disturbing and, at times, poisonous rhetoric from President-elect Trump and others. This rhetoric cannot and must not become government policy. The xenophobic, sexist and other hateful remarks made by Trump have no place in government. President-elect Trump must publicly commit to upholding the human rights of all without discrimination. From concentration camps to the use of torture, we have seen disastrous results when those we elect to represent us flout the United States’ obligations to uphold human rights. All who have been elected today – from the executive office to city council – should bear these lessons in mind.”

Click here for ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE. 

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Snowden. Facing prison for protecting our privacy #W4R2016 - ONLINE PETITION & VIDEO (1 min)

Amnesty International Australia

He revealed the shocking extent of government mass surveillance and showed the world how governments were secretly using our private communications without consent. His work sparked a global debate, changing laws and helping to protect our privacy. He’s a human rights hero, yet he faces decades in prison for his work. With no guarantee of a fair trial in his home country, he’s living in limbo in Russia. Today, US citizens will be voting for a new President. President Obama has a chance to do something monumental before he leaves office. 
Click here for more information and ONLINE PETITION. 
 Edward Snowden - Write for Rights - VIDEO (1 min)

Monday, November 7, 2016

Keeping You Connected - November 6, 2016


Angie Hougas
Information from the International Campaign on Human Rights Defender which will launch in May of 2017.
1. Introduction
     Amnesty International’s global campaigns on Stop Torture and My Body, My Rights ended earlier this year. Their successors are the I Welcome campaign for refugees which launched in early October, and the global campaign on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) which will launch in May 2017.
2. Campaign context
     AI has worked alongside human rights defenders for decades, both campaigning for their protection and supporting their human rights claims. AI’s support for these activists has taken many forms and has included calling for the protection of women’s rights activists, LGBTI defenders, whistle-blowers, lawyers, journalists, relatives of victims of human rights violations, indigenous leaders, and those fighting racism or religious bigotry.
3. A 60-page factsheet about the declaration is at www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/FactSheet29en.pdf
4. Campaign outline:
     There will definitely be work on individuals as part of the campaign. These cases will be selected both because they are individually important, and also because they illustrate the wider difficulties that HRDs face. However, AI has not yet decided whether there should be a country or thematic focus to the campaign overall. Human rights defenders themselves will play an important part in defining the campaign strategy over the coming months.
5. Campaign objectives
     At the time of writing, AI has developed draft campaign objectives which it is now discussing internally and with partners, including human rights defenders. The overall object of the campaign is to ensurethat HRDs are more empowered to act because thousands of people have been inspired to take action with them, forcing governments to increase recognition and protection for all who defend human rights.
Click here for MORE INFORMATION.