spotlight
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Tear down the Great Firewall of China
April 30 marked the 100 days countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. We marked the date with the launch of our national action which aims to dismantle China's 'Great Firewall'. The wall will go on tour around Australia in the following 90 days. We need you to help us reach our target of tearing down 20,000 bricks. Find out more and sign up to take action in your city.
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Government must ensure appropriate aid in Myanmar
Following the impact of Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar, which killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around a million more, we're urgently calling on the Government to open its borders to relief workers and ensure aid is provided on the basis of need without discrimination. more about the disaster
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Our Guantanamo cell launches in the USA
Amnesty International USA launches its national tour of our life-size Guantanamo prison cell replica this month in Miami, Florida. The cell, which gave us an idea of the shocking conditions David Hicks lived in for over five years, received great support when it toured here last year. We hope that with international attention, Guantanamo Bay will soon be closed permanently. more about the launch
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Get behind the Beijing Olympics
The slogan for the 2008 Beijing Olympics is "One World. One Dream" - but for many Chinese people it's a nightmare. Despite promises from Chinese officials that human rights would be improved by hosting the Games, things are in fact getting worse. Please support our work on this and other human rights issues by making a donation now.
Campaign blogs
The courageous and brave
In China those who dare to speak out against the approved line risk being intimidated, harassed and jailed – but still there are some who take the chance. These individuals probably don’t consider themselves brave or courageous, but in a country without true freedom of speech and expression that’s exactly what they are.
Australian mothers deserve equality
The human rights of mothers in Australia are not being properly respected. International Human Rights conventions require governments to take special measures to eliminate discrimination and respect the rights of mothers.
Appealing to Google
Google has just held its AGM at its corporate headquarters in California. And Amnesty International’s US section used the meeting to put forward a shareholder motion calling for the company to do more to fight censorship in China.
World headlines – 9 May 2008
In today’s wrap-up from news outlets and bloggers across the globe:
China can’t guarantee a completely unrestricted Internet during the Olympics, claims the torch was extinguished by protesters in Shenzhen, Mainland China and the Black Eyed Peas’ front man says a boycott is a mistake plus …
Binyam Mohammed Abandoned by British Government
Binyam Mohamed is the last British resident remaining in Guantanamo Bay. Like many Guantanamo detainees, he has been the victim of extraordinary rendition and torture and instead of being granted access to justice, Mr. Mohamed now faces a US Military Commission which could sentence him to death.
Continue reading Binyam Mohammed Abandoned by British Government
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Man of mistaken identity facing execution
A man who the Pakistani authorities believe to be Manjit Singh, but whose family claims is the victim of mistaken identity, is at risk of imminent execution. Public pressure resulted in another postponement in his execution, now scheduled for 21 May. Thank you to everyone who took action. Continue to call on the Pakistani authorities to commute his death sentence.
take action regarding “Man of mistaken identity facing execution”
Hu Jia silenced by imprisonment
The authorities appear to have jailed Hu Jia in order to prevent him from continuing with his peaceful human rights activities, and to silence his public criticism of China’s human rights record ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Call on the Chinese authorities to release him immediately.
take action regarding “Hu Jia silenced by imprisonment”
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News
Governments must insist on swift action
Leaders of Amnesty International in Asia Pacific, meeting in Hong Kong, called on their governments to use every means possible to pressure the Myanmar authorities to focus on disaster relief and facilitate international assistance to protect the rights to life, food and health of its citizens.
Myanmar: Referendum flouts human rights
Despite the devastating consequences of Cyclone Nargis, which killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly a million more, Myanmar's government has announced that it will proceed with its plans for holding a national referendum regarding a new constitution on May 10.
Government must ensure appropriate aid in Myanmar
Following the impact of Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar, which killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around a million more, Amnesty International is calling urgently on the government to open its borders to relief workers and ensure aid is provided on the basis of need without discrimination.
Support for devastated Myanmar
Amnesty International Australia expresses its solidarity and support for the people of Myanmar, after a devastating cyclone which killed tens of thousands of people.
Killing of civilians now routine in Somalia
Amnesty International released a groundbreaking report revealing the dire human rights and humanitarian crisis facing the people of Somalia on 6 May 2008.