Change is possible, especially when people come together and take action. From writing letters of support and campaigning outside corporate headquarters, to welcoming refugees into our homes and changing laws for the better, hope overcame fear time and time again in 2017 – and it was all thanks to you. Here are 30 incredible moments …
Author Archives: Amnesty International
Good news: Australia ratifies UN protocol against torture
In December 2017 Australia ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Australia must now establish an independent body to monitor all places of detention around the country. What happened? On 15 December, eight years after signing the treaty, the Government announced it had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture – agreeing …
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Australia-Saudi Arabia relationship opacity regarding Yemen ‘unacceptable’
In light of today’s Defence Estimates, Amnesty International is concerned that Defence Minister Marise Payne has not adequately explained the Royal Australian Navy’s recent training exercises with Saudi Arabia’s Navy and also what defence materiel has been sold to Saudi Arabia while it is imposing its devastating blockade on Yemen. Amnesty International Australia’s Crisis Campaigns …
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When smartphones are a lifeline, not a luxury
Images and video of refugees using smartphones sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with some arguing that being able to afford a (relatively cheap) piece of technology should disqualify them from receiving help. While anyone can point out the obvious flaw in this argument – that personal wealth or lack thereof has no …
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Five ways to change the world without leaving your city
At times the world seems so filled with devastation that it’s possible to lose faith in our own ability to make it a better place. But the reality is that we can. Change can happen. So, if you feel a bit powerless against the enormity of the world’s problems, here are five ways you can …
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Libya: European governments complicit in horrific abuse of refugees and migrants
European governments are knowingly complicit in the torture and abuse of tens of thousands of refugees and migrants detained by Libyan immigration authorities in appalling conditions in Libya, said Amnesty International in a report published today, in the wake of global outrage over the sale of migrants in Libya. ‘Libya’s Dark Web of Collusion‘ details how …
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Philippines: Political and human rights activists killed with impunity
Amnesty International is alarmed by the rising killings of human rights defenders and political activists in the Philippines. In recent weeks, a growing number of activists, community and religious leaders have been fatally shot by unknown gunmen. Fatalities include long-term activists Elisa Badayos, Eleuterio Moises, and religious leader Marcelito ‘Tito’ Paez in Neuva Ecija, Luzon. …
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Marriage Equality: Great result, horrendous process
In reaction to the Australian Parliament passing into law the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Amnesty International Australia’s NSW LGBTQI Network Convenor Lizzi Price said: “Marriage Equality is a human right and human rights should never be subject to popular vote. While we celebrate this amazing moment, we will continue to stand …
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USA: Recognition of unified Jerusalem ‘reckless’ and undermines Palestinians’ human rights
Australia’s bipartisan condemnation of President Trump’s move welcomed Condemning yesterday’s announcement by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, that the US is recognising unified Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and will move its embassy there, Amnesty International USA’s Middle East Advocacy Director, Raed Jarrar, said: “This is a reckless and provocative decision …
Campaign update: Community is Everything
Since we launched our Community is Everything campaign, more than 115,000 people in our Amnesty community have taken action to end the over-representation and abuse of Indigenous kids in prison. Together, we’ve achieved so much – with wins across the country. We know when people stand together and speak out, we can create change. So, …