Good news about the Death Penalty!

A landmark resolution for a global abolition on executions was passed by the UN General Assembly on 15 November. We are extremely pleased with this development, which is a major step towards ending the death penalty worldwide. Find out about this landmark decision.

Chinese dissidents still in danger

Yahoo! has settled a lawsuit brought against them on behalf of Chinese dissidents imprisoned as a result of information Yahoo! provided to the authorities. While this is a positive result for the families of the jailed men, the problem of foreign-owned companies being implicated in human rights abuses in China remains. Find out more and what you can do.

NATO forces aid torture?

Despite consistent reports of torture and other ill-treatment by Afghanistan's intelligence service, members of the NATO-led forces continue to hand detainees over to their custody. Read our report.

Ongoing abuses in Myanmar

Amnesty International wrote to Myanmar's authorities with a briefing paper outlining grave and ongoing human rights violations committed since the start of September's crackdown. Read the brief.

On the blogs

'E-waste' is harming the health of women and children in China. More

An International Violence Against Women Act has been introduced in America. More

United action for Pakistan

People around the world took to the streets last Thursday to call for the restoration of human rights and justice in Pakistan. Watch the slideshow.

Rescued Indonesians must not be detained

The welfare of 16 Indonesians found off the West Australian coast on Wednesday is of concern. The group, including 10 children, could be held in detention in contradiction to the Australian Government's 2005/2006 commitment to not detain children. Get the full details.

We need your help to defend human rights

Recent military crackdown in Pakistan saw women protestors facing police batons, with reports stating that some were severely beaten. Your donation will help protect women from violence, and to defend other vulnerable or abused people around the world. Your donation is needed urgently.

In your area

While women are often subjected to violence, they are also at the forefront of defending human rights. Speaker Eileen Pittaway will share her experiences in activism at the Stop Violence Against Women Breakfast in Brisbane, 29 November. Find out details about this event and others around Australia.

Register your event

Get involved in 16 Days of Action for women in Australia and across the world by registering your own campaigning events in our '16 Days' calendar. Register your event now.