Amnesty International Australia

Support victims of torture

Following on from the International day of support for victims of torture on 26 June, we're continuing to demand the release of Abdusalam al-Hela, who has been subjected to secret detention, torture and denial of medical care since 2002. After being arrested in Egypt and held illegally and in secret in Afghanistan for two years he was moved to Guantanamo Bay in 2004, where he has been subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

Call on the US Government to release Abdusalam al-Hela

Support a National Plan of Action

Amnesty International has released a report that could provide a blueprint for an Australian National Plan of Action to eliminate violence against women.

Drawing on the findings of the United Nations and other international organisations as well as the experience of many countries, the report calls for a good practice, human rights approach to the National Plan. You can find out more about our research and findings here.

The Government is currently inviting submissions from organisations and individuals on what should be included in a national plan. We encourage you to take this unique opportunity to directly contribute to policy to eliminate violence against women.

Find out details of the submission process

Vision 2014: Activist consultation

We're in the process of setting our vision to 2014, looking at the areas in which we can make the greatest human rights impact.

We invite all activists and supporters to get involved and have a say in the future direction of the organisation. Have a look at our proposed vision then let us know your views - we value your contribution.

Fill in our survey

Latest news and blogs

- Success for Guantanamo detainees
- Athletes free to speak out?
- China is not a one-sided story

Catch up on the latest China blogs

- Timor Leste: Right to protest should be respected
- Concern over new rules for World Youth Day
- Campaign of Solidarity for Zimbabwe Launch

Catch up on the latest news

Do you do events like City2Surf?

You can now set up your own sponsorship webpage on everydayhero.com.au to promote your efforts and raise vital funds for Amnesty International.

Create your personal page

Call on Microsoft to allow online freedom

Microsoft is aiding the repression of freedom of expression and information in China by complying with Chinese Government requests that result in censorship of the internet.

It filters the results of politically-sensitive searches and removes blogs critical of the Chinese Government. This censorship contradicts the very principles and values that Microsoft was founded upon.

Celebrate leadership during NAIDOC

We're encouraging supporters to join in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and culture during NAIDOC week (6–13 July). It's also a time to urge the Australian Government to reduce the 17-year life expectancy gap by providing the health, education and housing services so many of us take for granted.

To find out what is happening in your area contact your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group or check the NAIDOC website.

Give a voice to 4.7 million Iraqi refugees

Post the US-led invasion, escalating violence has resulted in millions of innocent people fleeing their homes to avoid kidnapping, blackmail, rape, torture or death.

Help us demand that governments take responsibility for the crisis and tell the international community that inaction is no longer an option.

Letters of thanks

Amnesty International has received letters from two prisoners we have worked with to thank our members and activists for their support.

Recently-released Guantánamo Bay detainee Sami al-Hajj wrote to thank everyone who wrote letters to him. He received 10,000 letters while in detention and says he will never forget their help. Read his reply.

Chinese human rights defender Zeng Jinyan, wife of recently jailed activist Hu Jia, also wrote to express her deep thanks and gratitude for all the letters of support she has received since her husband’s imprisonment, which help her realise she is not alone through her ongoing house arrest.

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.

Campaign newsletter July 08

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