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Human Rights and Security Campaign May 2007

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Dear friend,

Welcome to this month's Human Rights and Security Campaign newsletter. Last month we sent you an important update about Guantánamo Bay and this month we bring you information about human rights and security in Eqypt and Australia.

Have you visited the replica Guantánamo cell and added your voice to the worldwide calls to close Guantánamo? Visit www.closeguantanamo.com for more info.

 

In this newsletter

Update on David Hicks

Australian and US Government officials are continuing to finalise details of David Hicks' transfer but details remain confidential.

Under the plea agreement signed with the US, David Hicks must be transferred into the custody of Australia within 60 days of his nine month jail sentence being announced.

Read an opinion piece by former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.

Omar Khadr will be the next Guantánamo detainee to face the military commissions. Find out more about Amnesty International's response to charges against Omar Khadr.

Case for a review

Independent reviewer Lord Carlile has provided a detailed analysis of how laws in the UK have been implemented, referring extensively to the UK Human Rights Acts and European Human Rights Convention.

The report highlights both the merits of a similar review process in Australia – which is advocated by both Amnesty International Australia and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

Take action: Please contact your local Federal MP and ask them to adopt a Human Rights Act in Australia.

Systematic abuses in the name of security

A recent Amnesty International report urges the Egyptian Government to ensure that a new anti-terrorism law in Egypt will not entrench alleged human right violations.

 
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Take action with a click of your mouse!

Amnesty International Australia's new online Action Centre has just been launched and is ready for action!

Visit the Action Centre to write appeal letters and emails in support of Amnesty International's latest priority actions.

After registering you can take actions, monitor how many actions you and others have taken, personalise your account and communicate with other Amnesty International supporters.

Visit the new Action Centre.

Progress towards a Human Rights Act

The alliance of groups working toward a NSW Charter of Human Rights launched their campaign at Parliament House last month.

Professor George Williams spoke at the event and will launch his new book 'A Charter of Rights for Australia' at Gleebooks in Sydney on 24 May.

Revisions to counter-terror laws in Queensland

Following a recent review Queensland Premier Peter Beattie announced a series of changes to Queensland's anti-terrorism legislation.

The review coincided with the first anniversary of Queensland’s Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2005.

"My Government is committed to achieving the right balance between individual's rights and freedoms and the protection of the community from terrorism,” said Peter Beattie.

About Amnesty International

Amnesty International is an international movement working to promote and defend human rights. Your donations are vital. We do not accept funding from governments or political organisations for our campaigning work against human rights abuses. We only accept donations from individuals like you. Please donate today.

Thank you for your ongoing support. If you are interested please take a look at the archive of campaign newsletters.


Katie Wood and James Whelan
Human Rights and Security Campaign Coordinators
Amnesty International Australia

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