Minister Payne must call on Indonesia to deliver justice after brutal killings in Papua

Following the horrific killing of dozens of construction workers by armed men in Nduga, Papua, Amnesty International urges Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne, on her trip to Indonesia tomorrow, to call for authorities to immediately and independently investigate the attack, and for that investigation not to lead to further rights violations. In response to the …

THAI AUTHORITIES MUST RETURN BAHRAINI REFUGEE TO AUSTRALIA

Amnesty International Australia  has today called on the Thai authorities to end the detention of Bahraini national and Australian resident Hakeem al-Araibi, which is ongoing despite the reported lifting of the INTERPOL Red Notice that led to him being detained. “Hakeem will not be safe until he is back on Australian soil, Diana Sayed, Campaigner …

Philippines must end harassment of Duterte critic Maria Ressa

Responding to the news that Maria Ressa, executive editor of news outlet Rappler, has posted bail following charges of tax evasion, Nicholas Bequelin, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said: “The Duterte administration is singling out one of its most potent critics with politically motivated charges. Rappler’s fearless journalism …

US GOVERNMENT ENDANGERS ASYLUM SEEKERS WITH UNLAWFUL POLICIES

Unlawful US border policies are leaving thousands of asylum seekers stranded in Mexico, where they are facing threats of deportation to their countries of origin, where they potentially face serious harm, Amnesty International said today following a research mission last week. Conditions could only worsen under a reported deal between both countries that, if agreed, …

AUSTRALIA MUST FOLLOW DENMARK AND END ARMS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA

Amnesty International has again called on the Australian Government to cease the transfer of all military exports to Saudi Arabia, as yet another country announces they will stop arms trade with the Kingdom. The announcement by the Danish government to suspend all exports of weapons and military equipment — including surveillance equipment — to Saudi …

First time all States, Territories to discuss raising age Australia locks up kids

Tomorrow may be the first time Australians see action towards raising the age Australia locks up children, with the issue on the State and Territory Attorneys-General meeting agenda for the first time. WA Attorney General John Quigley will be moving a motion regarding a national approach to raise the age of criminal responsibility. In response, …

Government opportunity to create ‘discrimination-free generation’ of LGBTQI kids

After submitting to the Senate inquiry into legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers and staff  ahead of the 26 November reporting deadline, Amnesty International Advocacy Manager Emma Bull said: “The government has said that it will remove religious schools’ ability to expel students on the basis of their sexuality …

Manus Island: Australian and PNG leaders must act urgently to save lives

The misery of indefinite detention on Manus Island is pushing increasing numbers of refugees and people seeking asylum to suicide attempts and self-harm, a new report by the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) and Amnesty International has found. In the report, Until when? The forgotten men on Manus Island, RCOA and Amnesty International paint a …

Myanmar: Australia must cease support as Rohingya returns plan puts thousands at risk

Bangladesh and Myanmar authorities must immediately halt plans to send Rohingya refugees back to Rakhine State, and Australia must cease its training and support to the Myanmar military who are continuing to commit crimes against humanity today, Amnesty International has said. A first wave of organised returns could begin as soon as today (15 November), …

Overcrowding in Queensland children’s prisons becoming human rights crisis

In response to an incident at Brisbane Youth Detention Centre earlier this week, and reports of a teenage boy being held in Mount Isa Police Watchhouse for 11 days, Amnesty International Australia Indigenous Rights Adviser, Rodney Dillon, said: “These incidents were a direct result of the overcrowding in Queensland’s youth prisons, which is creeping towards …