Thursday, March 26, 2015

AIUSA: Statement from Amnesty International USA Board Chair Ann Burroughs and Executive Director Steven Hawkins following this weekend’s Annual General Meeting in Brooklyn

Amnesty International USA, March 24, 2015 

     “Inclusion is the promise of human rights. While Amnesty International has worked over the past 54 years to challenge discrimination and exclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, age, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, disability, immigration or other status, we welcome thought-provoking conversations.
We are encouraged by the discussions held over the past weekend. We know that a culture of honest dialogue is essential to creating a welcoming, empowering and respectful environment for all people and a truly powerful, inclusive and effective movement.
     Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) believes that dismantling all forms of oppression is fundamental to eliminating human rights abuses and promoting human dignity. We are committed to being an organization whose membership is drawn from a wide diversity of communities; who addresses issues of critical concern to diverse communities, consistent with its mission and obligation to advance human rights globally; and who ensures the full participation of diverse communities in the leadership structure and decision-making processes of the organization.
     AIUSA’s leadership is committed to having an open door policy for staff, member leaders, and activists as we work together to create an environment of equity and fairness for all.”

Click here for entire statement.