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Amnesty International Australia

Campaign newsletter September 2007

Forward to your friends

Dear friend,

World attention has focused on the human rights crisis in Myanmar in the past few days.

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is now experiencing mass demonstrations comparable in scale to those in 1988, when security forces broke up massive pro-democracy demonstrations with deadly violence and killing thousands.

We call on your immediate action to deter the Myanmar Government from using violence. Public rallies to help protect thousands of peaceful protesters in Myanmar will be held across Australia on Thursday, 27 September 2007.

Stand up for the people of Myanmar today.

 

In this edition

Time for a new beginning for Indigenous rights

We are disappointed Australia was one of 4 countries which did not support the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The adoption was passed by 143 votes in favour to only 4 negative votes. We now call on the Australian Government to work within the framework to address Indigenous human rights abuses. Find out more

Stand Up For Your Rights annual comedy gala

For the 5th year this great night of giggles will be held at Her Majesty's Theatre on 6 October in Melbourne and will feature some of Australia's greatest comedians. Along with the laughs, the night will campaign against the practice of arbitrary detention, which has recently been brought to the world's attention through the cases of David Hicks, Dr Haneef and Guantanamo Bay. Buy tickets

Help shape future activism

What's your vision for Amnesty International? It's time for you to tell us. We are currently conducting research to find out the overall picture of activism amongst our supporters. Fill out a quick online survey to help us do what we do better by discovering new ways to fight for human rights. Fill out the survey

On the blogs

Self-censorship, as well as online filters, discourages talk about banned topics in China. Find out more

Increased sexual assault conviction rates in NSW signifies the importance of preventing violence against women. Read more

Australia is breaching its international human rights obligations by leaving 72 Sri Lankan refugees detained on Nauru and wanting them resettled in a third country. More about Refugees' Human Rights

  

Imminent execution in Indonesia

In 2006, Indonesia ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states that "every human being has the inherent right to life". The 3 men convicted of involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings are reported to be facing executions by Indonesia's firing squad. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception. Appeal to the Indonesian Ambassador in Australia

Iraqi refugee crisis unfolds amid global apathy

Amnesty International estimates the humanitarian situation faced by more than 4 million Iraqi refugees is the fastest growing displacement crisis in the world. Without increased and long-term commitments from the international community, the lives of displaced Iraqis will become more desperate. Find out more

Dead Man Walking

This new Australian production will open at Sydney's State Theatre for 10 performances from September 27. The multimedia production challenges our perceptions of opera and the issues surrounding capital punishment. Join us on September 29 to hear a talk by Lex Lasry QC, the lawyer who fought to save Nguyen Tuong Van from the death penalty. Some of the proceeds from this night will go towards funding Amnesty International Australia. Buy tickets

Good news about your letter writing actions

Writing a letter may seem like a simple task but it can have an effect on another person's life. Chen Guangcheng, a blind human rights lawyer, has been sentenced to more than 4 years in prison for defending human rights in China. His wife, Yuan Weijing, has thanked Amnesty International supporters for sending over 700 personalised letters to her husband, and tells us the family is comforted in knowing there are people who care about his plight. Donate to help free Chen

Join us

We are currently looking for an Office Coordinator to join our team in Sydney.

Don't forget to let us know what you think and send us news or reviews of events and activities in your area.

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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