Myanmar: United Nations’ report adds to mountain of evidence of atrocities against Rohingya, other ethnic minorities

A blistering report released by the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar (FFM) today brought yet more damning evidence of the Myanmar security forces’ atrocity crimes against the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in northern Myanmar, Amnesty International said. The FFM – a body of independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council – …

Rohingya: Australia must act: shameful anniversary highlights lack of accountability for Myanmar’s atrocities

World leaders’ failure to act has allowed the Myanmar security forces’ perpetrators of crimes against humanity to remain at large for a year after their murderous campaign against the Rohingya prompted an exodus of epic proportions, Amnesty International said today. More than 700,000 Rohingya women, men, and children fled from northern Rakhine State to neighbouring …

Cambodia: Land rights activist Tep Vanny released from prison following royal pardon

Responding to the news that human rights defender Tep Vanny has been released from prison following a royal pardon after more than 700 days in detention, Minar Pimple, Amnesty International’s Senior Director of Global Operations, said: “After more than two years of being unjustly detained for her peaceful activism, the news that Tep Vanny is …

Good news: Taner Kilic freed after 14 months behind bars

On 15 August, Taner Kilic — the Honorary Chair of Amnesty International Turkey — was released from prison. Taner was thrown into prison on 9 June 2017 on the absurd charge of being a member of an “armed terrorist organisation”. İdil Eser,the Director of Amnesty Turkey, was detained one month later alongside and nine others while attending a …

Brave Success Stories

The end of July brought some amazing good new stories about human rights defenders across the globe. Check out the latest wins and updates that you helped make happen. Three great wins! Sadat I. was released from detention in Texas. His case for asylum has been reopened and he now has a chance to live in safety. Sadat …

Good news: Malaysian cartoonist Zunar acquitted of all charges

The Malaysian authorities have acquitted and dropped all charges against political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar “Zunar” Ulhaque, alongside lawmaker R. Sivarasa and civil rights lawyer N. Surendran. Zunar, a political cartoonist, has been targeted numerous times by the Malaysian authorities as a result of his political cartoons In 2015 Zunar was charged with nine sedition charges for …

Eskinder Nega: Defending human rights is the right thing to do

Renowned Ethiopian journalist, Eskinder Nega, has been imprisoned nine times simply for doing his job. He was released earlier this year after spending his longest stint in prison. In this letter to Amnesty International’s supporters, he reflects on his time in prison, how he survived and why the voice of human rights needs to continue… …

Malaysia: Acquittal of Zunar and others must lead to repeal of draconian sedition law

Responding to news that the Malaysian authorities have acquitted and dropped all sedition charges against political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar “Zunar” Ulhaque, lawmaker R. Sivarasa and civil rights lawyer N. Surendran, Rachel Chhoa-Howard, Amnesty International’s Malaysia Researcher, said: “Zunar, Sivarasa and Surendran have shown great courage in shining a spotlight on injustices such as corruption and …

Monash city council passes motion supporting community sponsorship for refugees

Monash City Council today stepped up Australia’s response to the global refugee situation by passing a motion in support of expanding and improving the Australian Government’s current refugee community sponsorship program. “This is a fantastic show of support for welcoming refugees and Amnesty International is so grateful to have Monash City Council getting behind expanding …