Amnesty International Australia
Defending Human Rights
Women activists around the world have been at the forefront of the battle for human rights in 2018, Amnesty International said today as it launched its review on the state of human rights over the past year. The human rights group also warns that the actions of “tough guy” world leaders pushing misogynistic, xenophobic and …
Continue reading “Oppressive, sexist policies galvanize bold fight for women’s rights in 2018”
Following the horrific killing of dozens of construction workers by armed men in Nduga, Papua, Amnesty International urges Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, on her trip to Indonesia tomorrow, to call for authorities to immediately and independently investigate the attack, and for that investigation not to lead to further rights violations. In response to the …
Responding to the news that Maria Ressa, executive editor of news outlet Rappler, has posted bail following charges of tax evasion, Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said: “The Duterte administration is singling out one of its most potent critics with politically motivated charges. Rappler’s fearless journalism …
Continue reading “Philippines must end harassment of Duterte critic Maria Ressa”
Tomorrow may be the first time Australians see action towards raising the age Australia locks up children, with the issue on the State and Territory Attorneys-General meeting agenda for the first time. WA Attorney General John Quigley will be moving a motion regarding a national approach to raise the age of criminal responsibility. In response, …
Continue reading “First time all States, Territories to discuss raising age Australia locks up kids”
After submitting to the Senate inquiry into legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers and staff ahead of the 26 November reporting deadline, Amnesty International Advocacy Manager Emma Bull said: “The government has said that it will remove religious schools’ ability to expel students on the basis of their sexuality …
Continue reading “Government opportunity to create ‘discrimination-free generation’ of LGBTQI kids”
The misery of indefinite detention on Manus Island is pushing increasing numbers of refugees and people seeking asylum to suicide attempts and self-harm, a new report by the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) and Amnesty International has found. In the report, Until when? The forgotten men on Manus Island, RCOA and Amnesty International paint a …
Continue reading “Manus Island: Australian and PNG leaders must act urgently to save lives”
Bangladesh and Myanmar authorities must immediately halt plans to send Rohingya refugees back to Rakhine State, and Australia must cease its training and support to the Myanmar military who are continuing to commit crimes against humanity today, Amnesty International has said. A first wave of organised returns could begin as soon as today (15 November), …
In response to an incident at Brisbane Youth Detention Centre earlier this week, and reports of a teenage boy being held in Mount Isa Police Watchhouse for 11 days, Amnesty International Australia Indigenous Rights Adviser, Rodney Dillon, said: “These incidents were a direct result of the overcrowding in Queensland’s youth prisons, which is creeping towards …
Continue reading “Overcrowding in Queensland children’s prisons becoming human rights crisis”
Responding to the escalation of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups in Gaza – the most serious fighting since the 2014 armed conflict – Saleh Higazi, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International said: “The alarming escalation in violence in Gaza raises fears we could witness another spike …
Area around main public hospital al-Thawra comes under sustained attack Medical worker describes hundreds of staff and patients fleeing in terror Australia must suspend arms and military assistance to Saudi Arabia, which may be used to commit these human rights abuses. Amnesty International has again called on the Australian Government to suspend all military exports …