Are you interested in helping us develop our grassroots? The Grassroots Working Group is seeking three new members: A current or recent convenor from a capital city-based Group; A current or recent convenor from a regional-based Group; and An activist who has stepped down from an Amnesty International Australia (AIA) leadership role in the past …
Author Archives: Amnesty International
November update from our Board
The Board held its 4th quarter meeting over the weekend of 26 and 27 November, and we have some exciting updates to share. As you know, in our 2020 Vision we have committed to protect and defend more lives. To meet this important goal, we approved key project plans for the upcoming year: Continue our …
Saudi Arabia: Death sentences a travesty of justice
The condemning of 15 people to death by the Specialized Criminal Court today after a grossly unfair trial is a travesty of justice and a serious violation of human rights. The men were among 32 people arrested across Saudi Arabia in 2013 and 2014 who were accused of spying for Iran. Fifteen others were sentenced …
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Standing Rock: a major victory for Indigenous people
In a major victory for Indigenous people who fought to protect the water and their rights, the Army Corps of Engineers has decided not to allow an oil pipeline to cross under a reservoir on land it controls in North Dakota. United States Assistant Secretary of the Army, Jo-Ellen Darcy, said they would “explore alternate routes” …
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Fiji: A darker side of paradise
Famed for white-sand beaches and sweeping views of turquoise water, Fiji is known as an idyllic holiday destination. However, under its picture-perfect exterior, the Pacific island contains an ingrained culture of torture. Read the report It’s been over a decade since the 2006 coup that brought Prime Minister Voreqe “Frank” Bainimarama to power. The military remains …
Myanmar: Rakhine investigation must be credible
Responding to the news that the President of Myanmar has established a commission to investigate violence in Rakhine state since the 9 October attacks on three border police posts, Amnesty International said: “An investigation into human rights violations in northern Rakhine state is long overdue. However, it will only be effective if it is independent, …
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Ai Weiwei joins call to pardon Snowden
World-renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is joining forces with Amnesty International to mobilize hundreds of thousands of supporters around the world to inundate the White House with messages in support of Edward Snowden, as part of the world’s biggest human rights campaign, launched today. The Write for Rights campaign in Australia, with local events taking place in November and December, …
UN: Inaction on Syria is not an option
Ahead of an urgent declaration being issued today by more than 200 civil society groups from around the world, urging the UN General Assembly to take action regarding the war in Syria, Sherine Tadros, Head of Amnesty International’s UN Office, said: “It is becoming clearer every day that the UN Security Council has failed the …
Children’s Commissioner urges Australia to ratify OPCAT and protect kids in detention
We welcome the Children’s Commissioner’s report tabled today, urging the Australian Government to protect children in detention by ratifying the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. In response to the report, Roxanne Moore, Indigenous Rights Campaigner at Amnesty International Australia, said: “Let’s see Australia’s leaders ratify OPCAT, and then commit to a national plan for protecting children …
10 anti-slavery activists released in Mauritania
On International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we celebrate the recent release of three anti-slavery activists, and the reduced sentence of 10 others in Mauritania who have been imprisoned since 30 June. The Appeal Court ruling in Mauritania acquitted and ordered the release of three anti-slavery activists, and reduced the sentence of 10 others – including …
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