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Amnesty International Australia

Campaign newsletter December 07

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Dear friend,

On Monday 10 December we celebrate Human Rights Day.

This date commemorates the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948.

Australia is still the only Western democracy that does not have a Bill or Charter of Rights attached to its constitution.

Human Rights Day provides an oppportunity to highlight the need for overarching human rights protections for all Australians. Read more about Human Rights in Australia.

 

In this edition

US Supreme Court to hear about Guantanamo

Overnight the US Supreme Court heard an argument on whether Federal judges have jurisdiction to hear cases brought by detainees at Guantanamo Bay. This will be a crucial moment for human rights and the rule of international law. The questions presented will go beyond the rights of detainees through to the very concepts of accountable government. Find out more about the hearing.

China: Free to report, but we’re watching…

Criticisms of the supposedly 'free media' in China have resurfaced when authorities in China recently stated that its Government sincerely welcomes reporters from around the world to cover its 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in a fair and objective way. But what about the double standards that apply to their treatment of Chinese writers and journalists? Find out more internet repression in China.

Write for rights

Join thousands of Amnesty International supporters around the world for the annual Write-a-thon on Human Rights Day, 10 December. This year we will wield our pens to call for action on human rights violations in Cambodia, Saudi Arabia and Guantanamo Bay. Find out more about this event across Australia.

On the blogs

Former refugee keeps international focus on Sudan
Google don't be evil
Are private contractors immune from international law?
16 Days of campaigning to stop gender violence

  

Web editor jailed for defending womens’ rights

Maryam Hosseinkhah, a web editor and womens' rights defender, was arrested on 18 November 2007 for publishing articles online promoting womens' human and political rights in Iran. She is a prisoner of conscience, held solely as a result of her peaceful activities. We are calling on the Iranian authorities for her immediate and unconditional release and need your signature now. Take action to release Maryam immediately.

How many more have been wrongfully detained?

A 27-year-old asylum seeker from China was suddenly released from Villawood Detention Centre after 27 months. Now following his release, he faces the challenge of being out in the community with no financial support and lacking basic necessities such as a place to live, clothes and right to work. Read about his story.

16 Days in your area

There is still time to help stop violence against women! There are many exciting events left during our 16 Days of campaigning all around Australia. Find out how you can be involved in your local area in our online calender. Look up daily events near you.

Shop for Amnesty this Christmas

In 2008 we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Excerpts from the Declaration are featured in our new 2008 Amnesty International Australia calendar - a perfect Christmas present for only $17.50. This money will go towards defending and promoting human rights worldwide. Check out our great gifts.

Work with us!

We are looking for an enthusiastic Supporter Relations Coordinator to be one of the voices of Amnesty International Australia.

Also, our Board of Directors is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and interested members to fill a vacancy.

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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