This is the third blog post in a series looking at an array of issues in 2022 related to weapons use, the arms trade and security assistance, often offering recommendations. In mid-2021, as the Taliban ramped up their offensive against government forces across Afghanistan, the fighting grew especially fierce in Zakhail, just west of the city of Kunduz. The …
Author Archives: Amnesty International
Germany/Syria: Conviction of Syrian official for crimes against humanity a historic win for justice
Responding to a decision of the Higher Regional Court in Koblenz, Germany, which has convicted former Syrian intelligence officer Anwar Raslan to life in prison for crimes against humanity, including torture, murder and rape of detainees in Branch 251, an infamous military intelligence facility in Damascus city, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East …
China: World must use Winter Olympics to demand human rights improvements
The world must use the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics as an opportunity to push for human rights improvements in China, Amnesty International said ahead of next month’s Games. China’s capital will welcome athletes, officials and diplomats from around the world for the Games, which begin on 4 February. But the event will take place …
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Kazakhstan: Authorities must release arbitrarily detained protestors and respect human rights amid ongoing unrest
The Kazakhstani authorities must release journalists and activists who have been arbitrarily detained for their coverage of mass protests across the country over the past week, provide information on all protest-related arrests and ensure human rights of all detainees, said Amnesty International, as the number of individuals arrested since protests began on 2 January reached close to 10,000 according …
Jordan: Refugee arrested in Lebanon arrives in Australia
Following a concerted campaign by several human rights organisations, Alshaima Omama Alzubi (AOA) a 25-year-old human rights defender and refugee has arrived safely in Australia. Alzubi, who also identifies as non-binary was facing forced repatriation from Lebanon to Jordan on Christmas Eve after being in detention at the Lebanese General Security for five days in …
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You voted: The most impactful human rights moments in 2021
To look back on the year that was 2021 and celebrate the extraordinary impact we’ve had as a movement, we asked you to vote on the most memorable moment captured on camera. Here’s what you said:
Djokovic saga highlights Australia’s ‘shameful’ refugee policies
Responding to the judgement delivered in tennis star Novak Djokovic’s appeal against the Australian Government’s decision to cancel his visa, Amnesty International Australia refugee advisor Dr Graham Thom said: “Djokovic got a brief glimpse of what refugees have been experiencing for years because of the Australian Government’s shameful refugee policies. As Mehdi Ali, a 24-year-old refugee from Iran detained in the same Park Hotel, told Amnesty Australia, ‘the air inside my room is a jail, a misery that has …
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Afghanistan: The Taliban must immediately release Professor Faizullah Jalal
Responding to the arrest of Professor Faizullah Jalal, a Kabul University lecturer detained for exercising his right to freedom of expression while criticizing the Taliban on a news channel, Samira Hamidi, Amnesty International’s South Asia campaigner, said: “This arrest marks just the latest effort by the Taliban to stifle dissent. Since the takeover, Afghanistan’s leaders …
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Podcasts to listen to this summer
From the stealing habits of the British Empire, to digital welfare, environmental activism and First Nations resilience, here are the best podcasts we listened to this year (aka the soundtrack to our lockdown walks.) Anytime, Amnesty Okay maybe we’re a little biased, but put this super-easy and clever listen at the top of your catch-up …
Our summer reading list
What we read and loved this year, from the staff at Amnesty International Australia. Add these to your summer reading list (or at the very least, your summer reading list pile.) White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind – Koa Beck Koa Beck gives us a tough lesson on intersectionality, …