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Amnesty International Australia

Campaign newsletter February 08

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Dear friend,

Happy Chinese New Year!

We welcome the opportunity 2008 presents to the Chinese authorities to make a positive change for human rights. It's an exceptionally exciting year for China, with the Beijing Olympics starting on 8 August 2008.

At this time of celebration we wish Chinese people a positive year ahead and encourage you to take action to help improve human rights in China.

You can help China leave a positive legacy for the Beijing Olympic Games.

 

In this edition

China’s repression of human rights defenders revealed

Watch a news report to see Chinese authorities in disguise blocking media access to human rights defender Zeng Jinyan and her baby detained under house arrest. See the footage.

UK bill could define human rights

The UK Government's new Counter-Terrorism Bill proposes giving police the power to detain terrorism suspects for 42 days. Our UK members have urged MPs and the public to show their opposition to the proposals, in what could be a "defining moment" for human rights in the UK. More.

Prisoner of conscience sentenced to death

Journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh has been sentenced to death, after being convicted of downloading and distributing written materials examining the role of women in the Islamic faith. More.

Kenyan activists receive death threats

A group of Kenyan human rights defenders and activists - some of whom are prominent members of human rights organisations - have received serious death threats, and are in need of protection. More.

Chinese New Year events in your area

Come celebrate the Year of the Rat with us in the NSW action centre on 13 February from 6-8pm. This is one of our many exciting events over the next two weeks to help raise awareness about human rights in China. Take a look at our online calendar to find a party, stall or boat race near you.

On the blogs

China unexpectedly releases 'spy' and traps another blogger
Immigration Minister forced to decide on case of a people smuggler
Extradition: A License to Torture?
Controversial resettlement of Bhutanese refugees

 

Send a greeting to China

Send our postcard of goodwill to the Director of the State Council in China, Cai Wu. The postcard encourages Director Cai to make a difference by using his influence to provide full media freedom to ensure freedom of expression and information online. Chinese New Year is the biggest event in the Chinese calendar and presents a good opportunity for us to encourage the Chinese authorities to take action to improve human rights in the run up to the Beijing Olympics. In many countries this will be a time when people and the media will focus on China. Take our postcard action.

Youth activist freed

The Belarusian youth activist, Zmitser Dashkevich, has been released early from prison in Belarus. Thanks to all members, youth groups and supporters who sent over 10,000 origami cranes to help the release of the former prisoner of conscience. More about our successful campaign.

Arrests increase in Myanmar

Arrests are still increasing four months on from the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators in Myanmar.

The world may have moved on, but we will not forget the people of Myanmar. Help us continue to fight for their rights and other individuals worldwide who are denied their right to freedom. Help the Myanmarese people.

Citizenship test disadvantages refugees

Results of the Australian citizenship test introduced last year showed that refugees from some countries have a high failure rate. This is deterring certain groups, especially among the humanitarian intake, from applying for Australian citizenship. The new Immigration Minister has announced a review of the citizenship test to be completed this April. More.

Catch Rendition at the movies

Village Roadshow have partnered with us in recognition of our work on Torture and Terror. They have generously provided a premiere screening of the film Rendition, that centres on the controversial CIA practice of extraordinary rendition and stars Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Meryl Streep. In cinemas nationally from 14 February.

Grab a bargain in our sale

Save on some of our fantastic items including T-shirts, books and funky gifts. We are also giving away a copy of our 2008 calendar for purchases over $15. Shop now.

More about Amnesty International

Amnesty International is an international movement promoting and defending human rights. Your donations are vital to our work.

We do not accept funding from governments or political organisations for our campaigning work against human rights abuses, only from individuals like you. Please donate today.

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