Thailand: Withdraw charges against human rights defenders

The Thai authorities must reverse their decision to charge three prominent human rights defenders with criminal defamation and computer crimes for documenting and publishing details of human rights violations in the country. “Instead of using broad and vague laws to target human rights defenders, the Thai authorities should be following up on the reports of …

EU’s reckless refugee returns to Turkey illegal

The European Union (EU) must immediately halt plans to return asylum-seekers to Turkey on the false pretence that it is a “safe country” for refugees. No safe refuge Amnesty International’s briefing on the issue, No safe refuge: Asylum-seekers and refugees denied effective protection in Turkey, details the short-comings in Turkey’s asylum system and the hardships …

World leaders have ‘shirked, not shared’ responsibility on refugee crisis

The abject failure of a United Nations summit to tackle the deepening global refugee crisis is a missed opportunity that will affect millions of the world’s most vulnerable people unless leaders find alternative solutions to help them reach safety.   UN member states are set to adopt an ineffective refugee deal on 19 September. On …

Myanmar at the UN: Keep pressure on human rights

As Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in the United States to meet with President Barack Obama and attend the United Nations General Assembly, the international community must maintain pressure on Myanmar’s authorities to improve the country’s human rights record. Aung San Suu Kyi’s trip to the US comes as the new civilian-led government enters its …

India: Global standards on police use of force violated in Kashmir

Security forces are using arbitrary and excessive force in response to protests in Jammu and Kashmir, violating international standards and worsening the human rights crisis in the state. At least 78 people, including two security force personnel, have been killed in the state since 8 July, following protests and violent clashes after the killing of …

Australia: It’s time for a Parliamentary vote, not plebiscite, on marriage equality

With multiple bills put forward this week in Parliament to legislate for marriage equality in Australia, now is the time for a free vote on the issue. “If a free vote were held today, Parliament would legalise same-sex marriage,” said Steph Cousins, Government Relations Manager with Amnesty International. “If a free vote were held today, …

Fiji: Release five men detained for discussing constitution

“Fiji must immediately and unconditionally release the five men detained today for holding a meeting to discuss Fiji’s Constitution on Constitution Day. This is a brazen crackdown on people for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression,” said Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty International’s Director for South East Asia and the Pacific. “The men appear to …

India: End of Irom Sharmila’s hunger strike an opportunity to repeal AFSPA

Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience Irom Chanu Sharmila ended her 16-year-long hunger strike against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) today. Amnesty International India calls on authorities to drop all charges against her, and take steps to repeal the AFSPA. At a hearing in a local court, Irom Sharmila said, “I have been fasting …

Cambodia: Campaign of political intimidation must end

Reacting to the conviction earlier today of Kem Sokha, the acting head of the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party, on charges under Article 538 of refusing to appear as a witness, Amnesty International said: “Cambodia is in crisis with the government engaging in a campaign of intimidation against peaceful political and civil society activists, using …

Uganda: Minister’s remarks against LGBTI people amount to advocacy of hatred

Reacting to threats by Uganda’s Minister of Ethics and Integrity Simon Lokodo that he will suppress the activities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights activists and “rehabilitate” LGBTI people, Amnesty International said: “The minister’s remarks coming only a few days after police assaulted peaceful attendees at a private LGBTI Pride event in …