The Great Firewall in Martin Place

• Published on 31/07/2008

An Amnesty team member explains the firewall campaign to passers-by © James Fehon

The Sydney Great Firewall Launch started with a bang when we erected a 20 metre yellow wall in Martin Place to mark the 10-day countdown to the Beijing Olympics. With blue skies and constant streams of people, the two day event could not have run more smoothly. Successful lunchtime events were held on both days, spurred on by inspiring commentary of MC Michelle Engelsman. As an Olympian speaking out about human rights, Michelle reaffirmed the positive message of the Firewall launch: to embrace the Olympics as an opportunity for China to improve its human rights record.

The first day kicked off with speeches from Amnesty International National Director Claire Malinson and China Campaign Coordinator Sophie Peer, who outlined the China Campaign and highlighted recent developments in the lead up to the games. On the second day we celebrated freedom of expression, hearing from representatives of groups denied a voice in China, including: Sam Grunhard, International Federation of Journalists; Paul Bourke, Australia Tibet Council; Xioagang Zhang, Independent Chinese PEN Centre; Nadira Ussef, East Turkistan Association; John Deller, Falun Dafa Association of NSW; and Chen Yonglin, Sydney Workshop for Democracy in China, who was joined by the outstanding Sophie Peer. The success of the Firewall launch spectacular was the result of the tireless efforts of our amazing volunteers. With a mixture of familiar faces, staff and new volunteers, the team assisted tirelessly throughout the event to generate an energy and human rights impact that could not have been achieved without their help. The launch was timely, with the issue hot in the media and high in the minds of Australians. With over 2,600 sign-ups over the two days and an amazing effort from over 45 volunteers, the Sydney Firewall was a huge success. Once again, thank you to those who helped on the day – we hope to catch you at the 'Thank You' party on Friday 8th August, 5-7pm at the Rose hotel, Cleveland Street, Chippendale.

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