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Amnesty International Australia

Campaign newsletter September 2007

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Dear friend,

Welcome to another edition of our new fortnightly newsletter.

This week the United Nations is set to take a long overdue step when it votes on the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Australia is among a group of 7 states delaying the final adoption of this Declaration. We call on you to make it clear that we are prepared to join the world in recognising Indigenous peoples' rights to self-determination, education and cultural identity.

Amnesty International believes support for the adoption is a critical step toward ending the human rights violations faced by Indigenous peoples. Find out more

 

In this edition

Refugees' human rights deteriorate on Nauru

We are concerned about reports that all 82 Sri Lankan detainees in Nauru will be locked down in the detention centre. Asylum seekers taken to Nauru are the responsibility of the Australian Government but are not guaranteed their human rights. This situation highlights the need for an independent body to ensure transparency and accountability in the ongoing detention of those detained. Find out more

Women's rights activists in Iran face imprisonment

Women in Iran face widespread discrimination under the law. They are excluded from key areas of political participation and do not have equal rights with men in marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance. Activists campaigning for gender equality in Iran are unable to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association, as shown by a number of recent arrests. Find out more

Speak out against internet repression

Internet repression is spreading globally, with about 25 countries currently applying for strict internet censorship. In recent weeks, the Chinese Government launched virtual police to monitor and control what their citizens do online. This marks an appropriate time for people across the world to start blogging and commenting online to demonstrate their freedom of expression.

We encourage you to do this by signing up to participate in our open discussion and connect with all sides of human rights issues in our news, blogs and campaign features. Be part of the discussion

  

Take action to support Yang Chunlin

10,000 Chinese people signed a petition entitled "We Want Human Rights, not the Olympics". Yang Chunlin arranged this petition and has been detained since 6 July. He is charged with "subversion of state power" and may face torture in detention. We call on your help to pressure authorities to demand his protection and that he has access to a fair trial. Log in and take action now

Donate to help Abolish the Death Penalty

In 2006 at least 3,681 people were sentenced to death - a brutal and inhumane punishment that we are opposed to anywhere, for any reason. Delara Darabi from Iran, is at risk of execution for a murder that occurred when she was only 17 years old. With your donation we can continue speaking out for people like Delara. Please donate

2007 Freedom Art Union/Raffle

Each year Amnesty International Australia holds the Freedom Art Union/Raffle. In keeping with tradition, the 2007 Raffle has a fantastic selection of prizes. Tickets are only $3 each and prizes include a chic Citroen C3 manual car and a tropical escape for 2 people to Coconut Beach Resort in Cape Tribulation. Buy a ticket for freedom

Youth Conference on Human Rights

If you're a high school student in South Australia or Northern Territory and are interested in a career as a human rights defender, we invite you to our Youth Conference on Human Rights from 21-22 September, held at Adelaide University. This event provides a space for young people to come together to discuss and develop tools to take action. Register now

Join us

Check out our current vacancies. 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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