Support human rights in Iran
I'm sure you will be aware of the disturbing news coming out of Iran over the last week or so.
Getting this information is becoming increasingly difficult as the Iranian authorities are attempting to suppress information by blocking websites and severely restricting foreign media - but we can show them that the world is still watching.
After the disputed election results of 12 June, hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran and other cities to protest. But in Iran, expressing your opinions can be dangerous - dozens were arrested and by the end of last week Amnesty had recorded at least 10 deaths.
On Friday, the situation was further inflamed when, rather than appealing for the security forces to exercise restraint, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that further protest would not be tolerated - effectively condoning the violent actions of the security forces.
This did not deter more demonstrations on Saturday - defiant and courageous people are continuing to exercise their right to peacefully assemble and express their dissent. As we have seen, they are doing so despite great personal risk.
Amnesty has issued an Urgent Action appeal in support for the people of Iran and the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression - please email the Iranian Ambassador in the UK.
Published Date:
23/06/2009
Modified Date:
23/06/2009
Release Aung San Suu Kyi now!
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In 2006 imprisoned Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was given "Freeedom of The City Of Sheffield".
Friday 19 June, was Aung San Suu Kyi's 64th birthday. Just over a month ago she was charged with breaching the terms of her house arrest. She is now detained in Burma's notorious Insein Prison - and is one of more than 2,100 political prisoners in Burma.
Aung San Suu Kyi's trial is currently set for 26 June. Please send an appeal to the Burmese authorities calling for her release - and demand human rights for Burma.
You can also leave a birthday message at www.64forSuu.org
Thank you.
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MORE DETAILS
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's continued detention in Burma puts the human rights spotlight on a country that has denied both economic rights and freedom of expression to its people in the past year.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is one of more than 2,100 political prisoners in Burma. Many others were denied economic rights in 2008-- a key message in Amnesty International's 2009 Report, published on Thursday 28 May. This was no more apparent than in the wake of Cyclone Nargis.
On 25 May 2008, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was able to successfully negotiate an opening of the country to international aid and assistance during a donor's conference in Yangon.
This was almost a full month after the cyclone struck on 2-3 May, during which time tens of thousands of Burmese people suffered needlessly as a result of the Burmese government's refusal to allow foreign aid to enter the country, as well as its obstruction of domestic relief efforts.
Amnesty International documented cases of forced eviction and restrictions on movement and the obstruction and misuse of aid.
It is impossible to know how many of the 140,000 people who died or are missing were victims of the government's inaction, as opposed to the cyclone itself.
But the numbers would certainly have been far lower had the government not violated its own citizens' economic rights on such a widespread and systematic scale.
Adding insult to injury, in the year following the cyclone, at least 21 people were detained (and remain in detention) for their cyclone relief efforts; they are prisoners of conscience. They join Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in awaiting freedom and justice.
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Published Date:
22/06/2009
Modified Date:
22/06/2009
Amnesty report 2009
Launch of the 2009 Annual Report |
Around the world, billions are living without proper shelter, sanitation, or healthcare.
Two thirds of the world’s population are prisoners of poverty – casualties of a gap in government investment that favours business over people.
Amnesty International 2009 analyses the impact of the economic crisis on human rights in 157 countries.
“The world needs a new global deal on human rights – not paper promises but commitment and concrete action from governments to defuse the human rights time bomb.
World leaders must invest in human rights as purposefully as they are investing in the economy.”
said Ms. Khan
For more information, visit the 2009 Annual Report
http://report2009.amnesty.org/ |
(((Demand Dignity))) |
The human rights crisis has created a burning need for change. In response, Amnesty International has launched a new global (((Demand Dignity))) campaign to fight the human rights abuses that drive and deepen poverty.
Take Action at www.demanddignity.org
Or send an SMS to ++44 7786200220 and see your Voice at www.demanddignity.org
[Local operator charges will apply]
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Published Date:
29/05/2009
Modified Date:
29/05/2009
Sheffield Tainanmen Vigil
Tiananmen Square
20 Years On - What's Changed?
Sheffield Amnesty International group is holding a short (one hour) "lantern event" to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square events.
7.00pm on Saturday, 30th May
Meet in front of the Sheffield Town Hall
Please come along and show your support.
The Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989 killed hundreds of people.
Dozens of protesters are still languishing in Chinese prisons after unfair trials and many more activists have since been arrested for questioning the government's actions in 1989.
Amnesty International is calling for the Chinese authorities to:
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Grant an amnesty to those imprisoned in connection with the 1989 protests;
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Allow the Tiananmen Mothers to mourn their children publicly without harassing them;
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Respect the right to peaceful protest - whether it is in Tibet or mainland China ;
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Allow an independent investigation into what happened at Tiananmen Square in1989;
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Honour the promises made when bidding for the Olympic Games to improve human rights.
More information –
sheffield.amnesty@yahoo.co.uk
http://sheffield.amnesty.org.uk
Published Date:
25/05/2009
Modified Date:
25/05/2009
Barack and Binyam
Barack and Binyam
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Besides installing basketball hoops on the Whitehouse tennis court, and giving the Queen an iPod, Barack Obama has had a busy first 100 days as President.
While commentators were busy summarising his achievements so far, we were focused on his human rights record - specifically on how he matched up against our 100 days checklist. Read our analysis of Obama's first 100 days.
Overall there can be no question that significant positive steps were taken, including the promised closure of Guantánamo Bay and an end to torture. But other changes have been more symbolic than substantial, particularly on accountability for some of the human rights violations committed by the previous administration. So our conclusion is one of 'mixed messages' on human rights.
Another man who has had an eventful 100 days is Binyam Mohamed, the British resident who was allegedly seriously tortured in Morocco and detained for nearly four years without trial at Guantánamo. Binyam's case is back in the spotlight again, as he is alleging that the UK government were involved in his rendition and torture.
Email your MP now to call for a full investigation into UK involvement in rendition, secret detention and enforced disappearances.
Please continue to stand up for human rights, by joining our online community Protect the Human
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Published Date:
10/05/2009
Modified Date:
10/05/2009
Watch this film
Amnesty International has launched a hard-hitting online film about torture, showing activists intervening to prevent a torture victim being further abused.
The 90-second film, entitled 'Defy them' (available at www.amnesty.org.uk/defythem), initially depicts a person being subjected to a distressing form of partial-drowning torture similar to 'waterboarding'.
Then, in a clever twist, the torturers are shown losing control of their hands as they are forced to act against their will, allowing the victim to escape further suffering. The hidden 'power' behind the scenes is revealed to be a group of Amnesty International supporters and the film ends with the call to action 'Torturers: defy them, join Amnesty International.'
The film is fictional, though based on real-life situations documented by Amnesty International.
Amnesty International UK Campaigns Director Tim Hancock said:
'Torture is never justified. No cause ever 'justifies' torture. Torture inflicts pain and suffering on its victims, degrades any society that allows it to happen and actually often yields nothing of value to the torturers anyway.
'We want people to watch this brilliant new film and go away with the feeling that (a) torture is unquestionably wrong, and (b) they can do something to stamp it out.
'We can all do something to help stop torture, whether it's signing a petition, sending a letter to our MP or by joining Amnesty International.'
Amnesty's new film is part of a campaign to oppose torture globally, including in the 'war on terror'. The organisation recently called for the UK government to allow an independent inquiry into allegations that the UK has been complicit in the torture, rendition and illegal detention of people like Binyam Mohamed, recently released from Guantánamo Bay.
The 'Defy them' film was made for Amnesty International UK and Amnesty International Australia by a creative team at the advertising agency WCRS.
The film is one of several recently produced by Amnesty to highlight the reality of torture. Last year its 'Stuff Of Life' film on waterboarding was viewed millions of times worldwide.
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Published Date:
08/05/2009
Modified Date:
08/05/2009
Remember Tiananmen
Sheffield Amnesty International group is planning to hold a short (one hour)"lantern event" to commemmorate the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square events in front of the Sheffield Town Hall at 7.00pm on Saturday, 30th May.
You are very welcome to come along!
The Tiananmen crackdown in June 1989 killed hundreds of people. Dozens of protesters are still languishing in Chinese prisons after unfair trials and many more activists have since been arrested for questioning the government's actions in 1989. Amnesty International is calling for the Chinese authorities to:
Grant an amnesty to those imprisoned in connection with the 1989 protests, given the length of time they have spent in prison and the unfair nature of their trials;
- Allow the Tiananmen Mothers to mourn their children publicly without harassing them;
- Respect the right to peaceful protest - whether it is in Tibet or mainland China ;
- Allow an independent investigation into what happened at Tiananmen Square on this day in 1989;
- Honour the promises made when bidding for the Olympic Games, to improve human rights.
Published Date:
28/04/2009
Modified Date:
28/04/2009
2,390 people were executed in 2008
Did you know that at least 2,390 people were executed last year?
Amnetsy International's annual death penalty report was released earlier this month and the findings were saddening; executions are on the rise.
Act now to turn this around. We're calling on Belarus, the last executioner in Europe, to immediately halt executions.
Add your voice and send an email to the Belarus authorities now.
Belarus is not the only country that needs to do better, and if you head to our Death Penalty campaign centre you'll find actions that target China, Iraq, Japan and the US.
Together there's a lot we can do to make this world better. Calling for an end to this inhumane punishment is a great way to start.
Published Date:
26/04/2009
Modified Date:
26/04/2009