Guantanamo to close - thank you

Dear friend,

Just hours ago, President Obama signed executive orders to close Guantanamo Bay and end the use of torture. This means an end to CIA secret detention centres around the world, an end to torture such as waterboarding, and an end to human rights abuse in the name of the "war on terror".

This is fantastic news which would never have happened without you and your hard work.

This victory is a result of seven years of tireless campaigning by millions of supporters around the world. Together we have sent a powerful message that the US has a responsibility to uphold human rights and the values we hold dear.

Thanks to you we have made change happen. However, it’s not yet time to rest.

The first 100 days of Mr Obama’s term in office is a unique opportunity for America to reclaim its role as a leader for human rights. In February Amnesty International will present a global petition to President Obama. It will urge the US Administration to establish an independent commission to investigate abuses committed by the US Government in its "war on terror".

Your name will stand alongside thousands of others from around the globe. Please sign your name to the petition now - and call on the President to achieve positive and lasting change.

This is your victory, and I hope you will join the millions of Amnesty International supporters around the world to celebrate it.

Thank you once again.

Claire Mallinson
National Director
Amnesty International Australia

PS. If you have signed our petition already, please pass on this fantastic news and inspire others to do the same by forwarding this email to at least two friends.

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