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Amnesty International Australia

Campaign newsletter March 08

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Dear friend,

As we mark five years since the US-led invasion, Iraq is still in disarray.

The human rights situation is disastrous - a climate of impunity has prevailed, the economy is in tatters and the refugee crisis continues to escalate. Over 60,000 Iraqis are held in detention by the US-led Multi-National Force and Iraqi authorities. Most are detained without charge or trial and many have been subjected to torture or other ill-treatment. Women have experienced gender-based violence, such as physical attacks, sexual assaults and killings.

The Iraqi Government, the Multi-National Force and the international community must make a real commitment to protect and promote human rights for all Iraqis and others within Iraq. There is no justification for any forces to perpetrate these serious human rights violations.

Now is the time to make change.

 

In this edition

From Abu Ghraib to secret CIA custody

George Bush has blocked a tough anti-torture law that would have restricted the CIA from using waterboarding and other methods of "interrogation techniques". Former detainee Khaled al-Maqtari's story illustrates the global reach of the US secret detention network and reveals chilling allegations of their deliberate use of torture. Read the latest update on our Torture and Terror campaign.

Abolish the death penalty in the Asia-Pacific region

Recent reports that three of the Bali 9 have had their death sentences reduced to life imprisonment is welcome news. More.

Take action for other people in the Asia-Pacific region who are currently facing the death penalty:
- Man of mistaken identity facing execution
- Three imminent executions in Singapore
- Commute the death sentence of Tan Chor Jin

HIV’s devastating impact on women in rural South Africa

We have revealed the extent of the impact of HIV and AIDS on disadvantaged rural women in South Africa with a major new report about the overwhelming challenges facing rural women in the midst of the severe HIV epidemic affecting the country. Read our report.

Support Tibet in your area

Demonstrations are now taking place in Australia and around the world to support freedom of expression for the people of Tibet. Call your local action centre to find out details of a rally near you or visit your local website.

Appeal for Human Rights

Hundreds of thousands of Kenyans continue to suffer in the aftermath of widespread, ethnically-motivated violence. Many have lost their homes and their livelihoods. Help us stand up for their rights and the rights of others around the world. Make a tax-deductible donation.

In other news

- New Cuban Government must free dissidents
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza at its worst
- Palestinian homes demolished
- Pakistan's new leaders must repair damage
- Egypt’s fight against HIV/AIDS undermined

  

US must meet human rights obligations

The Iraqi people have faced five years of US-led invasion which has resulted in countless killings, detentions without charge or trial, torture, and gender-based violence against women. The number of civilians killed has been impossible to determine. The US-led Multi-National Force has been responsible for many of these killings. Email Condoleezza Rice demanding that the US meet their human rights obligations under international law. Log into the Action Centre to take action now.

UN must investigate Tibet crackdown

We call for an independent UN investigation into the recent events in Tibet. Chinese authorities must exercise restraint in responding to continuing protests by monks and other citizens in the Lhasa region and other parts of Tibet. More about the crisis.

One man’s experience of China’s detention laws

Bu Dongwei was assigned to two-and-a-half years' of China's Re-education Through Labour program in June 2006 in connection with his activities as a member of the Falun Gong movement. Call for his immediate release.

Refugees update

We've joined with other Australian organisations for consultations with Burmese Rohingyan refugees in camps in Bangladesh. Our mission was to work with the refugees, document human rights violation, and, where possible, to develop solutions addressing some of the appalling conditions facing those in the camps. Watch the video.

In other refugee news, we welcome Senator Chris Evans' statement that the Australian Government is committed to abolishing Temporary Protection Visas, along with other proposed changes. What do you think about the Government’s proposed changes?

You made a difference

Mokarrameh Ebrahimi was released from Choubin prison in Iran on 17 March 2008. She was sentenced to death by stoning after being convicted of adultery and had been imprisoned for 11 years. Thank you to everyone who took action! More.

On the blogs

- China, how about the truth on Tibet?
- Iraq: Five years on
- Slow death at Guantanamo
- Captured at 16 and detained for 6 years
- Torture will come home
- Beijing secrets no closer to being told
- Chinese human rights lawyer attacked
- Deny net access - EU might deny trade
- Arrests for trafficking and sexual slavery
- Bhutanese refugees finally resettle
- Government reviews long-term detentions
- Senator outlines changes in refugee policy

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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