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Amnesty International Australia

Campaign newsletter May 08

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World Press Freedom Day on 3 May highlights the importance of freedom of the press, and reminds governments to uphold their citizens’ right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It’s also a chance for us to reflect on the damage caused to individuals when freedom of the press is denied.

So far China has failed to respect its promise of "free and unrestricted media access" in line with hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Instead, Chinese authorities have intensified their crackdown on Chinese journalists, routinely blocked local and foreign media, and have put in place the tightest controls over the internet seen anywhere in the world.

This year we're raising awareness of China's system of online censorship, the Chinese individuals imprisoned for peacefully expressing their opinion online, and of the role that internet companies play in maintaining the system of repression.

With less than 100 days left until the Games begin, it's time for China to respect its commitments to uphold freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and to guarantee the right of all people to access information.

Get the latest updates on our Uncensor campaign

 

In this edition

Amnesty peacefully protests at torch relay in Canberra

A group of Amnesty supporters exercised their fundamental human right of expression and assembly in Canberra last week as part of peaceful protests along the Beijing Olympic torch relay route. Our national director Claire Mallinson wrote an opinion piece which was published in The Canberra Times on 24 April 2008.

Read it

National Close The Gap Day

Federal, State and Territory governments have finally committed to Close the Gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous health in Australia. On 22 April, we celebrated National Close the Gap Day alongside over 40 Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations and took action to ensure that governments honour their commitments to ending the Indigenous health crisis.

Find out what happened

Got a project for human rights? We can help

Our Human Rights Innovation Fund recently awarded a total of $13,000 for an innovative series of human rights radio programs, a grass roots concept of building a human rights constituency in a diverse community, and political theatre workshops for young activists. Our next round is now open, but hurry, applications close on 31 May.

Find out how you can receive a grant

On the blogs

- Google’s cloth ears
- Yahoo: Triple the profit, triple the rights?
- So who is Sohu?
- Tibet, Zimbabwe and loving China
- Flame touches down in Australia

More China Campaign blogs

In other news

- At least 14 arrests in Viet Nam under the excuse of Olympic torch relay
- Hong Kong must protect freedom of expression during torch relay
- Police raid office of election observers in Zimbabwe
- Sudan should arrest war crimes suspects
- Secret video shows horror of beheading
- Somalia/Ethiopia: Deliberate killing of civilians is a war crime
- Restore judges deposed under emergency law in Pakistan

More news

  

Google, ‘don’t do evil’

Google is continuing to cooperate with Chinese authorities to censor the internet in China. By filtering material deemed 'sensitive' by the Chinese Government, Google is being complicit in violating the fundamental human rights of Chinese citizens to freedom of expression and information. Call on Google to end their part in human rights violations in China.

Act now

Tear down the wall in Hobart, Adelaide and Brisbane

On 30 April, we launched our major action in Melbourne which aims to tear down China's 'Great Firewall'. This marked the 100 days countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Come down and join us over the next few weeks as the 'Great Firewall' travels to Hobart (Saturday 3 May), Adelaide (Tuesday 6 May) and Brisbane (Tuesday 13 May).

Click on your city for more details on how you can be involved

Rights for South African women living with HIV

Women living with HIV in South Africa experience a multitude of human rights abuses related to gender based violence, poverty and lack of access to health care. Call on the Minister of Health to fulfill their obligations under national and international law to uphold the rights of the most vulnerable.

Send an urgent letter now

Become a Member today

In their bid for the Olympic Games, China promised to improve its appalling human rights record. But the situation is getting worse. Please become a Member of Amnesty International and help us send a powerful message to Chinese authorities that mass executions, forced labour camps, torture and censorship must stop.

Help us fight for the rights of Chinese people and others around the world

Be an Amnesty International leader, and other new positions

The Board of Amnesty International Australia has established a Governance Committee and an International Issues Committee. If you are an Amnesty International supporter and have the time and skills to invest in these aspects of our work, please express your interest to be a part of the Board Comittee.

Also, find out about the forthcoming elections for National Exectutive Committee Members.

We have new employment openings for a Fundraising Coordinator of Bequests, Fundraising Coordinator of Direct Marketing and IT Support Officer.

More jobs

More about Amnesty International

You have the power to stop injustice. By becoming a member of Amnesty International Australia for $55 a year, you strengthen our voice to speak out against human rights abuses. You'll also receive a copy of our quarterly Human Rights Defender magazine.

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

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